Serving the Lord in Italy

Those loving and serving the Lord in Korea




Kent, Tracy, Autumn (4) and Kelton (4 months)

Kent is originally from West Virginia and Tracy is from Alabama.

“We are in South Korea by Gods' Orders. We were sent here in January 2005 and we are command sponsored (the military pays for the whole family to be here). We consider this a great blessing and we will be here until December 2007. We truly believe that it was much more than military orders that brought us here and we have been blessed tremendously since our arrival. I have seen God at work in so many ways and can hardly wait to see what He has in store for us from day to day.”

“The Hospitality House has been a great blessing to our whole family this past year and we have really enjoyed worshipping with others on Friday nights. We have been mentored by some great Hospitality House Directors and we have already gotten attached to the Beers. If we could, we would just keep them with us for a while longer. (Hint). I truly believe that the Hospitality House is just another way for us to join God in His work around us. I have seen so many soldiers and locals touched by this ministry.”

“Our prayer request right now would be our sons' paperwork. We are in the process of trying to get Keltons' passport and Visa taken care of so that we can travel to the States when needed.”

What's happening around the HH

We said goodbye to Jim and Bev Feiker. They are now in Hong Kong meeting with a number of missionaries supporting that area of the world. It was nice to have them here and share in this experience with us. Pray for safety and stamina for them as they travel through so many time zones.

The Friday and Saturday functions are great but both Judy and I enjoy the Thursday night studies. It gives us more time in a small group environment to really get to know people and understand where they are at within their walk. Please pray for these nights. It's hard for the men's study because their schedule changes due to work load and field training. Pray that even though they miss a week they will be diligent in completing the study on their own.

Camp Humphreys is going to expand in the next several years. Some installations up north will be closing so many of those units will find a home here. The post expansion is already underway. They're expecting to triple in size. We're praying this will equate into many more people looking for Christian fellowship. Pray for Cadence as they plan to meet this need here at Humphreys.

As I mentioned before, the Army has classified a tour in Korea as a hardship tour. Many soldiers are here without spouses and/or children. These individuals cannot get enough of the fellowship that this house provides through studies, worship services and activity nights. Many dwellings here in Au Jung-Ri are very small so it is hard to get a group together if not for this facility. This house is a sight for sore eyes to many people, not just the soldiers. A big surprise for me has been watching relationships grow between Americans and Koreans. The young soldiers get to know more about the culture because of the events the Koreans plan for the house. Pray this house will meet the spiritual needs for many within the entire community.

As I'm sitting here writing this update (10:08 PM), there is much aircraft activity outside. The HH backs up to the post at the end where the aircraft approach the runway. When the larger Chinooks and Blackhawks come by, the office windows rattle. I do enjoy all the activity near the post.

The Chinook to the left is carrying a swing load unto post. The medivac Blackhawk to the right is about to set down. Please pray for our airmen. They are involved in a number of exercises for the next couple of weeks which means more activity and possible accidents.

We can't thank you all enough for allowing us to be here in Korea serving these wonderful people. Stay tuned for the next update.

May God's blessings be upon you.

Greetings to all!

Here we are approaching the halfway mark of our trip. It is going to fast. There is so much we want to do. So many people we want to get involved with deeper. Like so many other aspects of life there are time restrictions. We will continue to cherish the time we have left and use it to the best of our abilities to reach out and show attributes of Christ to all we encounter.

Those loving and serving the Lord in Korea


Frank and Mayra Revak.

Frank is from Miami, Florida (Coconut Grove...native Grovite) and Mayra is from Havana, Cuba (left Cuba when I was 3 years old; raised in Miami, FL)

Mayra is a Kindergarten teacher at Humphreys Elementary School which is on Post. Frank is a substitute teacher at the elementary and high schools, serves as pastor for the English worship services at two Korean churches, leads bible studies at their home and occasionally at the Hospitality House; they also teach English to the Korean children in their village as a form of outreach to their community.

“The Hospitality House (HH) has been a place where we have come to know many soldiers and their families and has made us more aware of their daily pressures and the sacrifices they make to serve our country. We have brought people here who have been tremendously blessed by the faithful servants the Lord has called here. It's been encouraging to see so many step up and serve as they are needed. It's a true house of worship.”

“Please pray for our ministry with the local Koreans; that the Lord can use us to help them come to know Him and to continue discipling those that are new believers. Pray for our families back home; 5 adult children and 2 baby grandchildren....that each one of them may surrender to Christ and live a life that glorifies Him."



Jim is from Detroit (can you tell?) & Jennie LaPorte, IN
Megan and Colin were both born at Ft Campbell, KY

Jim is in the Army. He works as an Armament Officer with the AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopters. This means that he is a Technical advisor as well as the Platoon Leader in charge of the 40 soldiers who work on the helicopter's Avionics, Electronics, and Weapon Systems of the 30MM Gun, Rocket and Missile Launchers. They also load and arm the helicopters when they fire the weapons.

Jim was stationed in Korea for a one year tour. "We prayed for God's guidance and then decided to sell our home and so our family could be together. After living here six months, we decided to extend Jim's tour for two more years. We will be in Korea until Dec 2007."

"The Hospitality House is a home away from home. It is a safe place to find like minded people. We have been greatly blessed by the many friendships that we have formed at the Hospitality House. God has allowed us to serve Him, mentor, and be mentored. It is a real blessing. "

"Our pray request would be for troop safety. The soldiers train hard here with frequent trips to the field. Our unit has been blessed to not have had too many incidents, but safety is always a major concern."

For our family, our prayer is that we continue to see before us the opportunities that God has granted us by being here. May we always be aware of His prompting and serve where He would have us.

Activities at the HH

This weekend was a highlight. Jim and Bev Feiker arrived from Colorado Friday night. They stayed up in Seoul that night and a bunch of us from the HH drove up to meet them and we all spent the weekend site seeing in the city. It was a long weekend (Presidents Day) for the soldiers so they wanted to do an overnighter. We had a caravan of 4 vehicles. Seoul is approximately 50 miles to the North. Even on a weekend, it takes just under 2 hours to get there. The population of South Korea is around 50 million. It's about the size of Indiana. Much of it is hilly. About half the population lives in Seoul and it's metropolitan area. Even on weekends the traffic is terrible.

Front and back view of the crowd in the HH van. Katie wasn't so sure of my (Brian) driving.

Group shot at the entrance to the Royal Palace in Downtown Seoul. We were in time to watch the changing of the guard.

Inside the temple on Palace grounds. The architecture was stunning. To the right, the older girls were not warm to the idea of getting to close to the Palace guard. Mary could care less. She wanted to get in the picture. After the Palace, we headed across town to a large shopping mall for food and shopping. In the evening we headed down to the Han River for a river cruise. The weather was actually mild (45 degrees) for this time of year. It seems the sun shines here more during winter than back in Michigan.

To the right, the kids were threatening mutiny if they did not get their hot chocolate. Over all it was a great weekend. Through outings such as these, relationships really develop and bond. We got back to the HH in time for Sunday evening chapel. It is very special for us to have Jim and Bev here. They stay until Wednesday and then they're off to Hong Kong.

Please continue to pray for the prayer items identified on the previous post. We'll keep you posted.

Those loving and serving the Lord in Korea


Elizabeth Liu is from China

She is studying Theology in Pyeongteak University which is located 15 miles west of Au Jung-Re in Pyeongteak City.

“The HH is one of the most precious provisions from God for me while I am studying in Korea. It is like my family as I can share the love of all the members, especially the host's family always offer their care, love and best treatment. It is like the Chinese House Church, helping people know God's love and knowledge, affecting my life and mind, improving my studies and enjoy the fellowships. It is also a shelter for me when I am tired, get hurt or feel lonesome. I can rest from my studies and works and enjoy the entertainment the host provided. People coming here communicate and care each other as a family, the family of God. I can see their sincerity and love that come out of their faith in God. The HH is like a bridge that connects the people who are far away from their countries and families. I feel I am not alone and my life in Korea is not tough and dull anymore. The other point I want to say is that through my experiences and fellowships of the people in HH, I get more and deeper understanding of U.S, which I did not know or realize before.”

“Please pray for my family back in China and for my health (her parents are believers but extended family is not.) Also pray for my current and future studies. Pray also for financial aid and support.”

(Note: Our family has been enjoying our time getting to know Elizabeth. She tells us what it is like growing up in China. About being an only child (as many people are in China) and worshipping the Lord in underground home churches. She wants to study Theology in America so that she can return home and help grow the church in China. If someone has a real heart for the growing church in China and is looking for a way to help someone in particular, we have someone for you!)

A typical week at the Hospitality House

Sunday: Brian attends 11:00 traditional chapel service. This is a good opportunity to meet new soldiers. Before each service, the Chaplin will ask for first time and last time attendees. People are always coming and going. It's hard to see people that you get to know and appreciate leave. That is a constant issue for military folks. You have to learn to say goodbye so often. On the flip side, you have new people showing up who you'll develop life long friendships with.

This Sunday (2nd and the 4th Sundays) we host a brunch at the HH for single and unaccompanied soldiers. Brian brought home 5 young men who appreciated a home cooked meal and some lively conversation.

The whole family attends the contemporary service at 6:00 pm. Many of the HH regulars attend this service so it feels like we're going to our home church. We stick around for dinner afterwards. This is a time of great fellowship. We also meet the new soldiers that like to worship in this type of setting and introduce the activities at the HH to them. We try to get the new soldiers plugged in to the HH before they are introduced to other less beneficial activities at night.

However, this Sunday was rather special. Two of the HH soldiers (Tom and Jenni) who had flight duty that afternoon invited us over to the flight line to check out their 'ride'. I don't know who was more excited, Johnny or me (Brian).

At one point Johnny took off running accross the tarmac with this helmet on. It was the funniest looking thing. He was so top heavy. I'm surprised he didn't wipe out sending him and the helmet skidding across the cement.

Tom and Jeff take a look under the 'hood'. The whole gang strikes a pose.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays are set aside for downtime, studying and lesson/teaching development. We also use these days for one-on-one time with individuals and or families over lunches or dinners. Last Wednesday, Jenni wanted to teach Elizabeth to bake cookies so she came over to use the kitchen. Once the word got out that cookies were being made, we soon had a dozen people mingling about. We sent someone out for subs and had a nice time together.

The girls are busy making cookies. Elizabeth shows off the first batch of cookies she has ever made.

Jennie, Judy, Tracy and baby Kelton discuss their plans. Tom is waiting with Johnny, Mary and Autumn.

Thursday: The house is cleaned and prepped for the weekend. Some of the ladies show up at 1:30 pm to start cooking for Friday's meal. Bible studies are in the evening. Judy is using Beth George's "Loving God with All Your Mind" book. She usually has 7 or 8 ladies attending with half being local Korean women. All are enjoying the fellowship and discussions. Brian has the same number of men attending. They are using "The Every Man Series" study on standing firm under pressure. There are certainly many pressure points on some of these guys;

• Wife/family back in states
• Long hours on duty
• Dangerous jobs
• Peer pressure to engage in unhealthy activities
• Night life in Au Jung-Re

Friday: Cooking resumes at 1:30 pm and decorating the house based on the theme for that night. This past Friday was Chinese. We'll feed between 50 to 60 people at this event. The teamwork in something to see.

Rebecca waits for the onslaught to begin. Folks enjoying their time together.

Jung and his beautiful daughter.

After supper, we join in the large living room next to the area we eat in. Jorge leads us in a time of worship music which is followed by a time of prayer. Please see the list below and remember these requests as you spend your time in prayer. After that, Brian brings a message and then it is time for snacks and more fellowship. We close the lights usually between 11:00 and 11:30 pm.

Saturday: We try to plan an outing during the day each Saturday. Some of our soldiers work long hours and sometimes 7 days a week. They don't get to see much of Korea, so we plan excursions around the area. Saturday night we head back to the HH for leftovers. It is kick back and relax time, game time or what ever. We danced the Virginia Reel last Saturday night during the western weekend. It was such a hit we did it again this Saturday night. Take a look.

A dice game called Farkle is a house favorite (I'll explain later). The individual with the largest farkle gets the honorary Farkle Crown. Here Jonathan is the lucky one.

Prayer Request:

Pray for John and Sue. Sue was pregnant with twins and lost both. Those of you who experienced a loss of a child, whether born or not, you know how to pray for them.

For the Wright Family. Jennie had to have an urgent surgery to remove her gallbladder last Thursday. She is home now but recovery is slow. Pray for healing and strength for Jim, Megan and Colin.

For Tom: You may recall Tom and his wife Beth are adopting a girl (Sophie) in India. Pray the orphanage will be diligent and send the passport application to the US embassy. Tom and Beth are looking to have this happen in the next 2 days. This would mean they could pick-up Sophie by March 6th.

Pray for the Hersman's. Kent and Tracy adopted a Korean boy (Kelton). They are working to get a birth certificate so a passport can be obtained. This is necessary for Kelton to travel to the U.S.

Pray for Julia that her family may come to faith.

Amanda is leaving our HH family soon. Pray for strength to move on.

Jorge lost a daughter 6 years ago after 3 months of life. It was her birthday today. He needs strength during this time. His wife and other daughter are in the states. He is a dear brother.

Mike's brother in the states has taken his first job. It will take him to the west coast (he lives in the east). Pray for courage and strength while he is separated.

Thank you all for your continued support of these fine men and women and the ministry the HH provides.

You can send prayer requests our way by selecting the comment field below this post and type in your requests. Thank you to those who have been sending encouraging messages through the use of this comment field.

Stay tuned.

Those loving and serving the Lord in Korea



Yung was born and raised in Seoul, Korea.

He later immigrated to the U.S. and became a U.S. citizen in 1984.

As a civilian engineer, he has been working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District since June 2003 in support of construction projects for Camp Humphrey’s expansion.

"The Hospitality House encourages me to study the Bible, letting me get to know other believers through fellowship, sharing prayer subjects and concerns, and enjoying good meals."

"Please pray for God’s gracious guidance to a right Christian woman spouse."

Answer to Prayer

Thank you all for praying for the time I spent with a Colonel and several of his staff. He was asked to place the HH under his Battalion's sponsorship in order to obtain Post passes for us. He first wanted to stop by and get familiar with the ministry. I was so thankful for the support of Matt and Sergio in constructing an informative presentation. We all enjoyed a nice visit and our passes were issued the next day. Thanks for your help and support Steve (this would not have happened without you).

A taste of Korea

Some of the folks from the HH spent a day away from Au Jung-Re and duty on Post for a day of exploring and fellowship. We headed south to a site named Independence Hall. This site documents the struggle Korea endured under many years of Japanese occupation and control. It was a somber reminder of the evils man can inflict on others when pursuing selfish ambitions. It's sad to think the people of Korea went through this only to be divided after the Korean conflict. Cherish freedom. Many people here can relate to not having it.

I admit, it is a bad representation of the sculpture on our part; but we tried. In the process we amused those walking by.

After Chapel on Sunday, we were invited along with others from the HH to join Greg and Gill (pictured below) as they celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary. We headed to a Korean buffet for many local delicacies. I (Brian) still can't get used to sitting on the floor.

When traveling to Korea, make sure you invest in 'slip-on' shoes if you plan on eating out. The food was delicious. You select your food from the buffet and cook it your self on hot plates installed in the tables.

I don't think Claire liked the fried silk worms

Please pray for:

• Jennie who is going in for urgent gallbladder surgery on 2/10
• Brian's Friday night message (for courage and clarity)
• The men and women who are flying around the clock and in bad weather conditions

Hello All,
Here is an update as to what is happening here in Au Jung-Re, Korea and Camp Humphreys Army Post.

Those loving and serving the Lord



Jorge is originally from Puerto Rico AKA:“La Isla del Encanto”, Borinquen. He is active duty Army but he would tell you God has brought him here to Korea to serve Him, not just the Army and Korea.

“The (Hospitality House) reminds me of back home and a place where I experience a
foretaste of heaven where people from different backgrounds join together and worship
Him.”

“Please pray for my daughter (my wife and I are concerned about her lack of desire to eat); My wife (we would love to have another child or more children); My paternal grandmother is very ill at this time (she is in her 80s); Salvation for my third sibling (Hector); healing in relationship with my youngest brother (Juan); I am strongly considering becoming a Chaplain (I want to be sure that this is the Lord’s will in my life); wisdom at work (I want to let his light shine); the Spanish service which recently was started (Chaplain Byrd); the contemporary P&W ministry; music in my life.

Answer to Prayer

We all were praying for Sergio to get his orders that would send him to the States for a training course. It would also put him close to his family. You see, a tour (1 year) here in Korea is designated 'hardship'. The Army will not pay for your family to be with you. There are a few exceptions to this and some soldiers that attend the home have their family here. But others do not and our hearts and prayers go out to them. There are some areas of Au Jung-Re that can be very tempting to lonely soldiers.

Regarding Sergio, he had to get his orders by 5:00 p.m. Thursday to make the flight leaving Friday. I saw him Thursday at noon when he stopped by the house, he still had not heard word. When he arrived for bible study later that evening, he was smiling and carrying two luggage tags (indicating he was traveling). He told us he received his orders at 4:45 that afternoon. Thank you all for praying for this to happen.





















Here Sergio and Claire share a smile. Pray Sergio and his family will have a blessed time while together.

This past Friday marked the first time we managed the night activities alone. The Roth's (who we replaced) returned home the previous Tuesday. Please pray for Brian as he prepares each Friday night's message. Pray for clarity and that the content strikes a cord with all attending. Pray for both Judy and Brian as we prepare for the Thursday night bible studies. We have a good group of men and women attending who are serious about growing and walking in the shadow of our Savior. Each Sunday at Chapel we meet new soldiers arriving on Post. Pray they would respond to our invitations and get involved with this wonderful group of folks that make up the HH ministry.
















Here the group enjoys the chili and corn bread during Friday night's festivities.
















Image to the right shows all those celebrating birthdays in February (from L to R, Kevin, Raquel, Stan (in red), Tom and Jeremy). We took time to recognize and celebrate the occasion with cake and ice cream.

Please pray for the following requests that where brought up during our prayer time on Friday night:

• Thad's aunt who is in a controlled coma. Pray for restoration of her health
• Amanda is working through the decision to see her biological father who she has not seen in a number of years. He is making efforts to see her. She is dealing with forgiveness toward him.
• CJ's wife is recovering from a surgery and in the process has been laid-off from her job. They are looking to move once he returns from Korea but restorations on their current home had to be placed on hold once he was ordered to Korea. You can see many things are happening in their life. Pray for God's strength and wisdom as they work through each issue.
• Jorge wife will be traveling this week. Pray for travel mercies.
• Jennie's Grandmother is wrestling with health issues. Pray for healing
• Adam is praying for his roommate to accept God's gift of salvation through Christ
• Continue to lift up Tom and the adoption process of Sophie

Happenings around Korea

Thanks to Gill, we and the Wrights had the opportunity to visit a Korean Folk Museum not far from Au Jung-Re

We are learning so much of the history and customs of Korea. If gives us a new appreciation and perspective of God's moving among different peoples throughout history.

Thank you all for your continued prayer. It is encouraging and wonderful to see God working in the lives of those living on the other side of the world from home. Stay tuned.

02/02
Hello all,

To place faces with the names of the people you are praying for, we will add pictures of the individuals along with specific information and prayer requests. We want you all to experience as much as possible, this wonderful home and the people who frequent it. We will also share with you all a taste of Korea as we get out and explore with the new members of our family.

Those loving and Serving the Lord


Tom Phillips is originally from South Carolina.

“I am from Clarksville, TN which is where my family is now. We will be going to FT Rucker, AL in May this year. I am active duty Army deployed here by answered prayer. I am a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the medivac unit.

The Hospitality House is the bar none #1 Blessing in Korea that has gotten me thru this last 9 months. It has truly been in every since of the words, my personal " Home away from Home"!!!! I praise and thank God for this place everyday.

My prayer request as has been mentioned... our child adoption process for a beautiful blessing and sweet baby girl in an orphanage in Bangalore, India. We are currently waiting for the final word before making travel plans to go there and pick her up. Her name is Sophie-Joy Pavithra Phillips 13 months old.”





Matt Partain is originally from California (Presidio, San Francisco), but moved around alot (dad was military).

Matt is in Korea serving his first duty assignment. He and Tom serve in the same unit and is also a Blackhawk Pilot.

“the Hospitality House is a place for fellowship with other believers, a modern-day "synagogue" where people can come to a non-threatening environment to learn about God. “

When Matt is off duty, he enjoys kicking back and engaging in a good play session with Buzz and Woody. Mary loves having a older brother for a playmate!




A taste of Au Jung-Re, Korea

When it comes to shopping, most Americans are
accustome to large indoor mega-stores where
everything in mass quantities can be found under one roof. Here in Au Jung-Re, an outdoor market opens on each day that contains a 3 or 8 in it (i.e. 3, 13, 18, etc..) The sights, sounds and smells differ widely from our experiences back home. The vendors here are most friendly and often give children free samples of the goods they are selling. The streets are narrow and can get very crowded. It takes some time to get used to seeing fish and meat sitting out. The weather this time of year helps. Although the weather has been very mild (35 to 45 highs and high 20's over night). We're hoping that trend continues.