July 19, 2006
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Today I met this year's GEM group at the airport. I traveled with them into Seoul and had a late dinner with them. Praying for this group, and especially seeing them today, has caused me to reflect a lot on the past English mission camps I've served at here in Korea. There were so many struggles and so many times during the camps that I wanted to be anywhere but there. But through the struggles and pain, I learned more and more how to look to God. I would never trade that suffering for anything... those experiences I hold dear to my heart.
I gave the team two simple words of advice...
1) SMILE... I remember during my first two mission camps I was always so serious, or focused as I wanted to think. One of my friends, Scott, would always tell me, "Smile John-Michael, smile." In 2004 I finally decided that I would smile as much as I could, especially with the kids. The kids' reaction at that camp was so different from before... they would give me huge smiles and be really happy to see me, even when I didn't know their names. Even here at the orphanage, I try my best to smile as much as I can. Some of the kids here have even written notes to me in Korean telling me, "Keep smiling JM." A smile is powerful.
("You are the light of the world..." - Matthew 5:14).
2) DON'T COMPLAIN... in other words, "deny yourself." I've realized this is excellent advice for anyone who wants to serve the Lord with their life (probably since the Lord tells us directly to do this)... learn how to encourage others and deny yourself of selfishness/unnecessary complaints. ("If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself..." - Luke 9:23).
God is good. He continuing to teach me everyday...
Martin Layzell - I Stand In Awe
Comments (9)
hey John Michael~ I totally agree with you. Thank you for the encouragements you give to us through your entries. Its amazing how God truly blesses us with peace and joy as we continually seek after Him. May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy.
Love, Sara
hey JM
bychance... was the guys scott from GEM scott Kwak, from Texas?
here's a bit of korean...
GEM, 그리운 추억~
omg.. thats soo funny.. small world. we went to university together...
i just saw him in houston last november at my friends wedding...
coool
are the dates aug 7-9, mon - wed?
JM!! I just wanted to say hi and hope that all is well!!! God bless brother!
spoken like a true solider who has survived the GEM boot camps. oh and, keep smiling jm.
Hey JM! I'm coming to Korea to live and teach at GVS for a year. email me your contact so we can have din din, eh? kimberlykim77@yahoo
hey... johnmichael... you are not alone. umm.. i don't know why i feel like i need to say this, but... is there a heaviness in your heart.. ummm.. cast it out.. in Jesus' name. do not be overwhelmed.
bow down. do not stand. bow down...
bless you. bless you because you have been obedient.
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