2/13 Update
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.
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