L'Abri Newsletter, January 2011

January 11, 2011

Dear Praying Family,

Happy belated new year to you! I am glad to continue working with you this year. We have a few students at L’Abri this winter; but our work load is the same regardless of the number of students for we still lecture, prepare meals, wash clothes, and preach for even one person. When workers have few visitors, we easily get lost in taking time to pray, study or rest. While I am no stranger to this mistake, I have learned about how John the Baptist led his life from the gospel of Mark and would like to share it with you.

Firstly, John’s main stage was in the wilderness. (Mark 1:4,5) In the beginning, he must have spent time in the wilderness hardly seeing anyone. But gradually he had increasing number of visitors from Judea and Jerusalem. It does not matter where you are whether it be wilderness or city as long as God sends people to you. However, we often become weary in waiting for God’s chosen people because we yearn more for people in the wilderness. We should not forget to look heavenward than people for it was our main purpose to be where we are today in the first place. We shall not limit ourselves in befriending only cosmopolitans, try to reach out to the majority or be envious of mega churches.

Secondly, John’s main task was to prepare the way of the Lord. (Mark 1:2) As he was proclaiming “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, his major job was to open the way of spiritual revival to believe in Jesus and repent as he appeared. What his voice crying in the wilderness entails is stated in Luke 3:10-15, and this shall be a mission of L’Abri for the Lord; 1) Guide young adults to repent and to realize justice in life especially in financial area including relief for the needy, tax, and wages. 2) Help young adults take responsibility of their given work and domain and bring change than to escape from harsh reality. 3) Encourage young adults to establish God’s lordship and glory not only in worship room or on Sundays but also in everyday life.

Thirdly, John’s food and clothing seemed very simple. (Mark 1:6) As he was described to be clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt, and to eat locusts and wild honey, he must have lived on the minimum to survive from cold and hunger. None of L’Abri workers dares to compare himself to John. However, we should be happy for not being starved and being able to serve visitors. I am so glad to hear that some of you lead a simple life as John and support college students and new generation with your savings. I hope more of you would join the league.

Fourthly, John was a humble man for he stood where he was. (Mark 1:7,8) He confessed that the one after him was mightier than he, and he was not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandal straps. Because John knew it was the son of God following his prepared way. He said, “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”, knowing Holy Spirit sent by Jesus would set us free from law or tradition and guide us. L’Abri should not forget this attitude of humility and obedience for a single moment.

I have some good news to share with you. L’Abri Statements has been translated into Korean. The statement pertains to confession of faith, philosophy of L’Abri, and Chicago Statement on biblical inerrancy. First translation was done by Ms. HyeWon Yang a few years ago and second translation by Mr. OhIg Kwoun with the help of workers in proofreading. You may find it on our website under the library menu.

InSu Foundation informed us of its intention to support L’Abri Korea. InSu Foundation is the scholarship foundation to commemorate late Dr. InSu Kim who was a professor of Korea University, a President of Milal Missionary, and an Elder of NamSeoul Church. We ask you to pray for us to respect Elder Kim’s will in helping young leaders grow.

Here are some prayer requests. Please pray for SoHyun and JongHoon to be firm in searching for God and holding fast to Christian truth in the mist of coming and going of visitors.

There will be various lecture topics and lecturers this winter; “Suicide” by Dr. BokKi Kim (pediatrist) on January 11th, “Korean modern history” by Dr. JongChul Ahn (history professor of InHa University) on 14th-15th, “Dongeuibogam(a Korean traditional medical book)” by Dr. TaeHee Lee (Oriental medicine professor of KyungWon University) on 21st, “mental health” by Dr. GyeWon Bang (psychiatrist from Samcheok) on 23rd.

We are expecting visitors including 22 teachers from Christian Ethical Committee on 17-19th, 8 pastors from from Bucheon Yein Church on 18th, 30 young adults from Light and Salt Church 29th, and 12 African refugees and Korean missionaries on 28th-30th.

EunChol and EunHa are looking for a church to work full-time. Please continue to pray for them.

We hold Leadership meeting every Sunday to study various subjects in L’Abri with young leaders working in Gangneung, Sokcho, and Yangyang.

During the month of January, EunChol and I are hosting a bible class at Yangyang Central Methodist Church every Wednesday. We are leading a spiritual revival meeting by studying Psalm together.

Please continue to pray for workers; Mokyung’s prayer is for her parents’ salvation, EunChol and EunHa’s for EunChol’s brother to be reunited with his wife, ChunSung and SuYeon’s for ChunSung’s maternal grandmother’s health, ours for EuiJin’s college entrance exam and HeaJin’s health.

I pray that the God blesses you, your family and your work so that you will multiply in bearing fruits of spirit and life this year.

InKyung

From L’Abri, Yangyang

Translated by Mokyung Choi