First story: during the church meetings, if there is someone who speaks language other than what the majority speaks, please volunteer yourself to translate. If you are not fluent, it is ok to have fun with body language as well. If the situation does not allow such options however, please help out so that they can at least follow the overall flow of the conversation. And if someone is translating in the meeting, please speak slowly to make it easier for the translator.
The New Testament's early Jerusalem churches became the church of both Hellenstic Jews and Hebrew Jews. And whenever there were conflicts between these two Jewish groups, they selected and raised seven deacons from the Hellenstic Jews who were a minority at the time. They united as one overcoming the barriers of cultural and language differences between these two groups. And eventually these Jerusalem churches became the root of the Antioch church where the gentiles were the majority. Knowing that the church is the body of the Lord, they did not mind the inconvenience to accomplish the will of the Lord. On the same token, Hanmaum church is also the church of the Lord so it follows and discerns the Lord’s will as well. I pray that Hanmaum church will be able to accept inconveniences to fulfill the need of the Lord.
Second story: last year, we gathered 1310 dollars during ‘Thanksgiving Gleaner Offering’. First of all, I am very grateful for your precious hearts and offerings. We have sent 3000 dollars to Nashua Rescue Mission for their homeless ministry. And the remaining 1010 dollars are being used to help out those who are in need in our church. Beside this Thanksgiving offering, our church has set aside a separate fund for charity and mission ministry as well and its contribution is getting bigger each year. Leviticus 19:9-10 says that when you reap the harvest, do not reap the very edges of your field and leave them for the poor. I am just so thankful that our church is following the will of the Lord step by step.
Following the shepherd…
Pastor JiWon Choi