A big breakfast fit for a King

A medium size lunch made for a Queen

A small servant’s size dinner, typically something light like a type of soup or open face sandwiches

We notice during our time in Europe this was a very common practice in several European countries. Usually dinner started later in the evening. Dinner would consist of healthy but simple opened faced sandwiches. Nothing hardy that we American typically think a dinner should be. Ever since learning about this we have tried to adopt this tradition as well. Anytime one of us wants to have soup and sandwiches we usually ask the other one, “Do you want to have a European style dinner this week?”

Last night while having soup and sandwiches for dinner, minus the soup, Jessica found something in her sandwich. There it was resting on the tip of her finger. She looked at me and said, “Look at this.” I responded, “What is it?” She answered and said, “This is how much faith you need to move a mountain.”

It was a mustard seed.

This made me think about some of the mountain(s) in my life. The 3,200 plus mile I will be riding during the Just+Hope Tour this summer and the many miles I will have to put in order to be ready for it. I think about the future ministry we feel lead to start in Europe and all the needs that come with it (the list is endless). I have tried to do it on my on my own strength, but all that has done is made me sick with worry and stress. It has caused me to “pick up” fear and anxiety instead of courage and faith. What I have found difficult doing on my own is easy for God with just a little bit of faith.

Whatever mountain you are facing in your life, big or small, put your faith in God and trust him. With Him all things are possible.

If you want more read on:

Jesus told his disciples, when they asked him to increase their faith, that they didn’t need a large amount of faith. A mustard seed size would do. What Jesus was trying to tell them in this parable is that it doesn’t take great faith to produce great results. That the results don’t depend on us; they depend on God. Have faith and God will give you what you need to move mountains and uproot trees.

 A mustard seed is a speck, one of the tiniest seeds in the whole world. And yet, look at what it can become if we only believe.

Pastor Choi and his wife

While in Korea we have built some very close relationships over the years. One of those relationships has been with Pastor Choi. Choi is training to be a pastor and has been given the responsibility to oversee the English service at the church. The English service is a tight-nit group of Koreans and Internationals that have shared in many special moments together.

Choi likes to tell his story about how he came to know the Lord. While growing up as a Buddhists he had aspirations of becoming a monk. One night his mother had a dream about Jesus. She began praying and eventually she asked Jesus into her heart. Soon after, the whole family came to know the Lord.

This picture was taken at the end of our Christmas Service

Not only have we built a deep friendship with Choi and his wife, but we have also become ministry partners. Choi has a huge heart for people and is very humble, asking for our advice from time to time. Jessica and I do our best to encourage him and serve him as best we can. We are very active in preaching and teaching on Sunday mornings. We also help plan/lead several events and outreaches through out the year.

We were both excited about this meal!

Mark (his english name) and I meet together often to fellowship and talk about ministry.The last time we met we ate at an “all you can eat” Korean BBQ place.  We spent time eating, laughing, talking about our God dreams, and encouraging one another.  We also spent time praying for one another for the ministry ahead.  Semi-jokingly, he kept saying that he doesn’t want us to leave and that he will pray that we will stay in Korea forever.

Last year Choi had the opportunity to go to America for the first time. We had the honor of introducing him to one of our spiritual mentors. Choi stayed at Jessica parent’s house and spent several days with Pastor Gary Grogan and his unbelievable staff from Stone Creek Church in Urbana, IL. Ever since Choi came back from that trip he hasn’t stopped talking about his time in Urbana.

Stone Creek Church is a very diverse church that ministers to a lot of international students that attend the University of Illinois. Every year they have a special service celebrating the Chinese New Year. Koreans also celebrate the Lunar New Year so we decided to make a short video wishing Stone Creek and Pastor Gary Grogan a Happy New Year!

It’s very common to find students going to public school during the day and private academies at night. We know of several students who start their day at 7am and are walking home at 1am or later. It has gotten so out of hand that the government is creating laws that will prevent private institutions from staying open past 11pm.

Kids don’t know what to do if they are not studying. I believe in education but this is a little much.  There is so much pressure on these students to succeed that the suicide rate has increased in recent years.

During the student’s, so called “Winter Vacation” many of them are still studying very hard. I have taught at the same country school for the past three years and one of my favorite parts about teaching is winter classes. Yes, you read that right!  What is cool about this is every year our school provides free classes for families/students who can’t afford private school. The hope is it will give these student an opportunity to compete with the families who can pay for private classes. One of the biggest reasons why these students want to come to school is not necessarily for learning as much as it is a place where they can stay warm and get a small meal during the day. The parents are away at work and most Korean homes in the countryside are in poor condition and not properly heated.

I love these classes because they have less students than normal and I can get to know each kid better. My whole goal is to keep things light and give these students the opportunity to be kids. We play fun English games and I like to bring in a little something extra like food and snacks.  Each year we invite the student over to our house for a special lunch.  Most of them have never been to a teachers house let alone a western style home.

The other day one of the students who never speaks during the school year actually felt comfortable to speak in class. When he got the answer right he had a smile on his face for the rest of the day! This is what teaching is all about.

 

Prayer Points:

• Pray that we finish our time in South Korea well as we accomplish the things we were sent here to accomplish
• Pray that we continue to find opportunities to share our faith with the students during these winter classes
• Pray that God will give Nicholas the strength as he train for the North Just+Hope Tour this summer
• Pray that God will send people our way who will support us as we start an International Discipleship  School in Northern Italy. Here is our last newsletter in PDF form: January2012Update
• Protection, Provision, and good Health for our family during this year of transition

Long time missionaries, Steve and Patti Gray have asked us to join them to pioneer an international school in Northern Italy. Our dream is that this discipleship school would be the spark that reaches the darkest places on earth with the gospel. We believe Italy is the prime location for leaders to be trained and sent out into Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East.  For more information on the church we will be serving in Italy click here.

With the Gray's during our visit in 2008

While we are in the process of completing all of the necessary details for approval with AGWM to begin this endeavor, we need people to partner with us to see this dream become a reality. Please pray about being one of those people that believe in us, who will cheer us on and give us the courage we need to step out in faith. Starting this January we are looking for individuals or families to faithfully support us with prayer, encouragement, and financial support each month. If you are one of those people/families please email us at njaroundtheworld@gmail.com.

Also, we want to end our time in Asia with a bang. We have ministered is several different countries in Asia over the past few years and have seen first-hand the pressing issues that haunt the people in this area. After much prayer, we have decided to join Venture Expeditions for the summer. Nicholas will be cycling a total of 3,200 miles with the North Just+Hope Tour to raise awareness and money for pressing issues in South Asia like poverty, human & sex trafficking, and child abductions.

If you would like to give a tax deductible donation toward Nicholas’ North Just+Hope Tour online you can follow this link:  http://www.ventureexpeditions.org/page/donate-online

If you would like to give by check please follow this link: http://www.ventureexpeditions.org/page/by-check

Thank you for your greatly needed prayers, financial support, and encouragement as we follow God.  Your relationship is important to us.  We are excited for what God is going to do as we join with others like you to reach the nations for Jesus.  Our hope is that this update will inspire you and your heart will burn with passion to reach the world!

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Thank you for your love and friendship throughout the years.  In the next few weeks, please be looking for our newsletter announcing our future endeavors.  Also check out the video below.

I woke up this morning with my wife telling me that North Korea has a possible 5 or more of nuclear missile that can reach South Korea, Japan and maybe even Hawaii. This is not a normal way to wake up but it is our reality at the moment.

If you have been watching the news you have probably heard a lot about North Korea and the situation at hand. Since moving to South Korea, life has never been boring. There has been several things that have happened over the past three years. Here are just a few:

• Rumors of N. Korea building and testing of nuclear weapons,

• Several failed missile launches,

• Off and on “Six Party” talks,

• The sinking of a South Korea naval ship, killing of 43 S.K. solders,

• A handful of threats from the North and High alerts

• A few US/South Korean military drill on the Yellow Sea and East Sea

• An attack on a South Korean Island near the North Korean boarder

• The death of North Korean Leader/Dictator Kim Jong Il

It seems every time the North Korean government feels threatened or insecure in any way, they try to show their so-called “power” by lash out. South Korea is usually the target of their actions. Unfortunately, the ones who suffer the most from these actions are the people of North Korea because of their government has isolated them and world sanctions.

Over the past few days, since Kim Jong Il’s death, I’ve been trying to getting a feel of what South Korean think of this current situation and what it means for their future. The students, of course, are very happy, but they don’t really know the complexity of the situation. All they know is that a very bad man died a few days ago. For the rest of the people, I have asked, they give me very similar responses of uncertainty and nervousness. It makes perfect sense why they would feel this way. The North and South are technically still at war with no peace treaty signed. The Demilitarize Zone (the border between the North and South) make the Berlin wall look like a nice white picket fence.

This uncertain transition has cause a strong contrast in the lives of S. Korean. For the most part, life is normal, at least at the moment, but that can all change in a split second. Since the day the announcement was made South Korea’s military has been high alert. North Korea’s leadership has proven to be unpredictable and could strike if they think they have something to prove to the world.

Although there is uncertainty, South Koreans are hopeful. If there is one thing I have learn while living here. South Koreans do care for those hungry, hurting, and living in poor condition in the North. If you ask any South Korean what their dream is for the Korean peninsula, they will all tell you, unification and peace.

Please keep this situation and the future of Korea in your prayers. Pray for peace. Especially pray for those being oppressed in North Korea. Pray that injustice will end and N. Koreans will experience freedom.

November and December is always a time of reflection for us. Every year we intentionally dedicate a special time to the Lord. This year we decided to fast from media, in our home, during the entire month of November.

If you have ever done a fast from anything, you will learn quickly how much those things have control over your life.

During the A.M., instead of turning on CNN during our morning coffee, we spent that time reading the Psalms and Proverbs. In the evenings we did our normal routine of eating dinner as a family, giving Gracelynn a bath, and reading to her before putting her to bed. After Gracelynn is a sleep we spent the rest of the evening reading the word to each other, praying, worshiping, reflecting, and giving space for God to speak to us. We always ended and started our day with reading and praying Deuteronomy 6:1-11.

Deuteronomy 6:1-11 has become the center piece, a life verse that our family lives by. I would encourage you to read and a pray that over your life each morning and evening. Let it center you and focus you on Jesus.

During that time God gave us clarity and confirmation of the ministry ahead.

A Few Highlights of November

• A month of prayer and fasting :: dedicating our dreams, hopes, and lives to the Lord
• We had our first Thanksgiving as a family
• Nicholas spoke at Sarang Community Church International Service for Thanksgiving
• Jessica found a mother group and has started play dates with other mothers and kids

Not only do we continue to serve and build relationship at our local church. God has opened opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel with student, families, and others outside the church. Recently, through facebook, Jessica has found other mothers and they started a mothers group. The group is made up of mothers from Korea, America, Canada, and Italy. They have met a few times so far and we have invited them and their spouse over for Christmas Eve Party along with some international from church.

Its always a sprint to the end of year starting after Thanksgiving.  Our weekends filled up quick with my 32nd birthday and numerous skype dates every week with family until Christmas. Last weekend I had another oppritunity to preach.  I spoke about “Emmanuel and How God’s promise to be with us no matter the circumstance.

Christmas weekend will be full of parties, church services, and family time. On top of all that Kim Jung Il, the North Korean leader just recently died and there is tension in this region of the world.

A Few December Highlights

• Nicholas Celebrated his 32nd Birthday
• The school year is ending and we a preparing for our first winter family mission trip to Southeast Asia
• Preparing a Huge Christmas Party for some of our international and local friends and family
• Celebrating our First Christmas as a family! Gracelynn presents are wrapped
• Tensions have arise as the North Korean Leader, Kim Jung il died this past Saturday

Merry Christmas Everyone!  Keep us and  Korea in your prayers.

CHERISH

EVERY

SINGLE

SECOND

OF

IT.

This is our fourth Thanksgiving  being thousands a miles away from “home” and apart from our family. Of course we have some wonderful friends here in Korea and we are thankful for all of our spiritual family we have met around the world, but nothing beats sitting around the table with our own biological family (at least for us anyways).

The longer we are gone the more we realize that the Holiday season is one of the toughest time of the year for anyone living overseas. It can be hard, but it has not stop us from making the most of each and every occasion. Being physically there is very important, but if that’s not an option, you can still have a special time with those you love, if you put some effort into it. Most of it comes down to attitude and being present. Yes we wish technology was more advanced and someone would hurry up and create a teleport like in the movie Star Trek.  Wouldn’t it be nice where you could just push a button and ZAP!!!!!!! you were there!  Unfortunately that hasn’t happen yet, so Skype will have to do for now.

We are very thankful that both of our families are strong believers in the Lord and they understands that this is the path God has put infront of us.  When we want to come home, because we miss them, they encourage us to stay the course and be  faithful to the call God has placed on our lives.

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  “Rejoice always, pray continually, and thank God in all circumstances.”

He also tells us in Philippians 4:6-9

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I want to encourage you take some time and make a list. Pull out a piece of paper and a pen, write down those things you are most thankful for and praise the One who provide all that you needed.  As you practice the act of Thanksgiving you will learn a number of thing::

1. GIVING THANKS is addictive.

2. GIVING THANKS will lead you to peace.

3. GIVING THANKS will give you perspective.

(You will see WHAT you have and WHO gave it to you.)

At the end of the day, you realize, no matter what your circumstances are there are so many things, big or small, to be Thankful for.

Feel free to respond:  What are you thankful for?  How are you spending your Thanksgiving?

 Isaiah 64:8 LORD, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Something warmed my heart, as I watched these kids work so meticulously on making their own unique piece of art. I couldn’t help but think about the illustration found in the Bible about God being the Potter and us being the clay(Jeremiah 18). It gives me a lot of  joy to I have been apart of these amazing kids lives for the past 3 years. Over those years, I have seen each one of them grow  as God has shaped them into wonderful people . I am blown away that I have the oppritunity to be used by God as a instrument during this  process of their lives. This is the time where these kids will be shaped and molded the most.  What an incredible influence I have! 

One thing I learned about making pottery was it is important to keep the clay soft enough to be molded, but hard enough that it doesn’t fall apart or break. It’s a process that takes patience, a certain amount of pressure, and a lot grace to make each work of art perfect.

What is cool about being hand made is

1. every thing is unque and nothing is ever made exactly the same

2. apart of the maker is in every product, creation, or work of art

We are not factory made. We are being shaped and molded by the hand of God. Don’t’ ever be afraid to step on God’s pottery wheel and be transformed into His likeness. You are unique and wonderfully made.

I was a very social kid growing up and didn’t care much about academics.

I was good at being relational, but never really good at studying in school.  I didn’t really pay a lot of attention in my classes either.  Now, I  laugh at the idea that I am  in South Korea teaching English. I really don’t consider myself a teacher as much as I do a communicator. If I was responsible to teach these kid’s grammar, I wouldn’t know where to start . My primary job is to give these kids confidence to speak in English. Korean Kids are very shy and very hard on themselves when it comes to anything.  I do my best to make it fun and light.   

Besides “teaching”, I do a lot of hanging out, encouraging them, and loving them. From time to time I have chance to share my faith with them. I do my best to incorporate as many spiritual and life lessons in every teaching as possible. It’s awesome.  I am grateful for this oppritunity God has given me.  Especially the part where I get to share my faith and impart wisdom to these kids.  What influence I have!

If you have read any of my blog , you have probably come across loads of errors. I am okay with error as long as my heart comes out in my writtings.  One of my biggest problems I have is that I never know where to put the commas. A friend recently told me,

“You put the commas wherever you want to take a pause.”

It is good to identify where we need to put the commas in our lives. “You put the commas wherever you want to take a pause.”  In life we don’t always want to take a pause or know where to take a pause, but the story of life is full of them.  It is usually God who puts the commas where you need them the most.  My mom always tells me, I started walking when I was nine months old and have never sat still since. My life sometimes feels like a very long run on sentence. I can get so busy going and going, I forget to pause, and take a moment to breath. We all need to put commas in our lives. We need a chance to reflect or a chance to just relax.

There are season in our lives where we need to take a break and pause. Life is a marathon. If you don’t take a moment to pause, rest, or reflex on your life, you  could miss out on the best parts of journey. Life is full of transitions and short pauses. Don’t become so busy you miss the still small voice,  the leaves changing colors, or the first snow fall of winter.

Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. ——> Usually what followed were miracles, spectular moments, healings, and salvations.