How do we explain that? We certainly
do not know the answer, but allow us to share a bit of our understanding.
Korean society, like many developed societies, seems to be very
linear in their concept of success. It is linear in that people
are measured based on uniform criteria and often ranked on their
scores. Individuals, universities, and even churches are routinely
compared on “accomplishments.” This competitive environment
helps produce impressive results, but at large costs, we fear.
Reflecting on the past eight and half years in mission service
we described our mission as “being in community with the
people who are poor, in obedience to God with the Spirit of Christ.”
Anyone who is not able to enjoy the abundant life God intended
for us is “poor.” Lack of economic resources is certainly
a very important factor for being poor. But there are many other
factors; poor physical and mental health, voiceless and powerless
in the society, lack of education and often-ignored spiritual
poverty. We learned that maximizing any one factor does not bring
about an abundant life, but balanced sufficiency in many factors
do. The optimum measure of balance seems to be specific to individual
needs, not wants, and changes over the life cycle. I confess that
I don’t always know the right balance nor do I find it easy
to put the knowledge into practice. I am certain that there is
a way to explain this truth in a tightly argued in economic theory,
but is beyond my ability at this time.
Our work as “global missionaries” continues. Based
in our home in the woods of Brown County, Indiana, we respond
to calls for assistance from our partners. While the requests
are all in the area of management, the circumstances range from
disaster recovery to long-term organizational development. In
fact we spent much of last year in assisting partners as they
try to minister to people suffering from large scale devastations:
famine, earthquake, and hurricane. Simon’s work is to set
up administrative systems and train the local staff in competent
stewardship and clear communications. While these systems do not
directly save lives, they are necessary for long-term sustainability
of the ministries.
We do not know why God allows these disasters to happen, but
we do know that God is revealed in our interactions. In an earlier
letter we shared Simon’s experience in Niger, assisting
in famine relief efforts. At the end of a grueling work schedule
Simon was breaking bread with the local team, all Muslims. One
Nigérienne staff asked, “Simon, we are all Muslims
here, the beneficiaries and the staff, we are all Muslims. Why
are Christians working so hard to help us?” Not knowing
the proper answer, I replied. “That is a very good question.
I hope you pursue the question: you will find the truth in Jesus,
my Lord.” As lay missionaries, we know we have done our
duty when someone asks, “Who is this Jesus?” and we
have helped them on the path to a more abundant life.
These blessings do not flow only in one direction. Often we are
blessed by the faith and courage revealed in the lives of victims
of disasters. We shared in our past letters the stories of people
in the Gulf Coast and the staff at Taxila Hospital in Pakistan.
They are but few examples of ordinary people responding heroically
and blessed with abundant life. Perhaps the disasters forced them
to count the blessings that remain rather than mourn the losses.
Picking up pieces after a great loss allows us to see many needs
we are able to meet. Unfortunately, many of us are not able to
enjoy the abundance and instead are fixated on the loss and dwell
in their bitterness.
I would be disingenuous to insist that I never miss the creature
comforts I used to enjoy. Facing 30-hour flights in economy class,
I often think about the trips I used to take in business- and
first-class. But when I remember sick ladies yearning for a ride
in the back of a pick-up truck on their way to a distant hospital,
my discomfort seems very minor. We thank God for the blessings
we have and the more abundant life with less. May you all be blessed
with more abundant life today.
Grace and peace,
Haejung and Simon
P.S. Since we were not able to send our last letter to everyone,
you can read our February letter here.
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
261 |
