Part one,
The following is what my parents said to me:
My parents said, “I understand your heart when you said,
‘Mom and Dad, I want to visit you once more in Korea when you are still alive’..” They also told me, “you know where we are going after we die… We will only be going to Jesus, and we will see you again someday… Hearing that Nashua Hanmaum Church is doing well is what delights us the most. There is no need to come to Korea; just focus on your ministry. “
I know these are not empty words. My parents believe that just hanging on like this is the last sacrifice that they offer God. Nevertheless, I know that they really miss us and want to spend time with us. However, they don't explicitly express this desire in fear that it might come to me as a burden. They miss us so much, but their heart is telling them to suppress their feelings. They want us to come back to Korea, but their heart is telling them not to make such a wish. What they want contradicts what their heart desires, but I believe that their sincerity lives in both.
My family and I have decided to visit Korea this summer because I feel like we will regret it if we don't. My parents spent their whole life taking care of others, but now they have become the “little one” mentioned in the Bible. They are currently in a situation where they cannot live without special assistance from others.
Actually, it has been a while since they lost their ability to live independently. If I don’t find a solution to this problem now, it would come to me as a heavy burden in my heart. I pray that I would be able to find an answer to this problem during my upcoming visit to Korea. My family and I will be in Korea from June 12 through July 3.
Part two,
Starting in May, I am planning to begin Bible study and consultation sessions for individuals or small groups who belong to the Next generation (From 11 years old to those who consider themselves as next generation). If interested, please let me know by the end of April. I will personally talk to each person, plan on what to talk about during upcoming sessions, and arrange dates and periods to meet. I will be focusing on this ministry for following two time spans:
5/1-6/12(Before my trip to Korea) ~ 7/17-8/31(After the Mokja Conference)
In order to put more time and energy into this ministry, I will try to reduce my weight on Sunday service sermons over the summer if possible. I believe that God will help me.
Following the shepherd…
Pastor Jiwon Choi