Asia #7 - July 22

(from Nancy)

Nihao and Ahnyounghasehyoh to everyone!

Thanks so much for Pr_ying for us throughout our entire journey. Our whole team is very grateful for the brothers and sisters who are fighting alongside us around the world, and we know that G is listening to your pr_yers, so keep 'em coming -- especially in these last two weeks!

The two-weekers left on Saturday, and it was a bittersweet departure as we sent them off back home to tell the many test*monies of how G is working in China and NK. We really P that they will hold onto their convict*ons and that G will use their stories to encourage and ed*fy the ch*rch back home!

Since the last update that Michelle sent out, we have busied ourselves with a volleyball and badminton tournament (both of which English House dominated), a presentation by an M in NK about her work there and her life story, many hangouts with our roommates playing games or going out to Karaoke, watching the YUST dance team's showcase, and so much more. On Sunday, we had a joint s*rvice with the Korean professors, and it was really powerful worsh*pping with them, singing songs like "Sh*pherd of my soul / I give you full control / Wherever you lead I will follow" and knowing that these Ms have listened to G's voice and ob*yed and followed. Worsh*pping with them gave my heart a boost to genuinely desire those things for my own life. Also, on Sunday they announced that PUST (the YUST branch in NK) will officially open on Aug 27! All of us were so happy to hear that this dream is finally becoming a reality. After 13 years of pr_yer and preparation later, G has finally opened the door and is preparing His work in NK!!!!

Regarding the M from NK, I wish I could adequately tell you what an encourag*ment it was to hear her stories of G's fa*thfulness and how He is actively and powerfully moving in places like NK and Yanji. So many doors are opening, and so many K*ngdom workers are being raised up to be sent -- this truly is the time for the J*shua generation! Let us continue to P that G would send his workers into the field, for G has so much in store, if only we would respond to His calling.

On Monday night, one of the full-time staff invited all us volunteers to his house and his wife cooked us Mexican food, full with tortillas made from scratch and sour cream from scratch!! When I bit into the soft chocolate peanut butter cookie that she made, I almost teared because I was so happy! We all devoured the food like ravenous wolves and were immensely grateful for their hospitality and for a taste of home :) It was really awesome being able to fellowship with the other volunteers and the families, playing the Wii, DDR, and Settlers. Yesterday, Michelle and I gave a presentation about Australia and NZ. Karen helped us make costumes for different animals, such as the koala or the kangaroo. The students loved the costumes and are all now aching to visit Aus/NZ! Awesome! Or should I say, "AUSome". Puahaha. :D

We have our English House talent show on Thursday night, and on Saturday we are planning a trip to the China/NK border! I hope everything works out and that we are safe....

In terms of what I am learning, I think G is really challenging me to stand firm and give myself fully to the work of the L*rd, because I know that my labor in the L*rd is not in vain. (1 C*r 15:58) Sometimes I may get discouraged when my roommates are never in the room or that I haven't had B studies with my students like other volunteers have had the privilege of doing. But, G is telling me to be obed*ent and fa*thful with what He has entrusted to me. Even though the four of us are doing essentially the same things, we are going through completely different experiences and learning very different things. It's always cool hearing about what G is doing in their lives!

Please continue to P for our team that we will run hard these last few weeks. Time is so short and there seems like so much more work can be done. We are all growing to love our students more and more, so please really P for more opportunities to share our lives and our fa*th! Thanks!