April 9, 2012

• Announcement for Sweet Spring Benefit Concert and Seeds of Hope Scholarship

  My name is John-Michael Becker and I direct Jerusalem Ministry, a Christian NGO that has volunteers serving in different orphanages throughout the city of Seoul.  I would like to share with you about the Seeds of Hope Scholarship, a scholarship and mentoring program created on behalf of the orphans of Seoul who desire to study at university. 

  To give a brief background on the orphanages of Korea,almost all of the homes receive funding from the government and have decent facilities, food, clothing, and staff for the children.  The children enter the children homes because of abuse, abandonment, poverty, neglect, or other reasons.  The age of the children in the homes ranges from infant to high school senior. 

  When the children graduate from high school they are deemed adults and are no longer able to live in the children homes.  These children will then receive a small amount of money from the government and their orphanage will try to help them find work and a place for them to live.  But after that, the children are pretty much on their own and are very vulnerable.  And that is why I am here tonight.

  I have served full time in the orphanage ministry here in Seoul for over six years now, and it continues to pain me to watch the children I served struggle after they leave the home.  In Korea, when you apply fora job you have to write down the background information about your parents on your resume or on the job application.  And because of the background of these children, they are often discriminated against when they apply.  Often they will not receive jobs or will have to accept lesser pay compared to the other employees.  For many of them, particularly 18 year old girls, the only jobs they can get are at bars and clubs where they have to serve older men.  For those who desire to study at university, the road ahead is particularly difficult and many give up along their way.  They end up giving up on their dreams. 

  Finances are not just an issue, these children also lack emotional support.  For years they were raised under the covering of the orphanage where they were fed and provided for, but now they have to take care of themselves.  For many of these kids their first year outside of the home is the most vulnerable year of their life.  Many struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.  For the children desperate for financial income and for some sort of emotional support, the sex industry becomes a strong temptation for them.  There is such a need for helping these children!

  I’m going to show a short clip of an interview with a girl who grew up as an orphan in one of the homes in Seoul and attempted to study at university after graduating…

  Her story was similar to most kids when she first graduated from high school.  The only job she could find was working at a bar, which for a vulnerable, 18-year old girl is the one worst places possible to work at.  But thanks to the mentoring and faith of one of the full time volunteers with Jerusalem Ministry, the girl was challenged to turn down the bar job and believe God for something better.  And thankfully God soon provided a job for her at a kindergarten, which was much safer and healthier for her.  This past year she was able to finish university and become an inspiration to the other children at the orphanage she grew up in.  She actually agreed for us to video her because she hopes for more children with her background to receive the help and the hope they need to achieve their dreams. 

  Jerusalem Ministry desires to release more hope and inspiration into children like her.  For that reason, we are holding our second annual Sweet Spring Benefit Concert this Saturday (4/14) at 7pm at Jangcheon Art Hall in Apgujeong.  All proceeds will go towards the “Seeds of Hope Scholarship.”  The aim for this concert is to raise $18,000 so that three $500 a month scholarships can be offered to three seniors in high school.  Along with the scholarship fund there will also be a mentoring program for the recipients to further help them succeed, like the girl you saw in the video. 

  At the concert Korean pop star Hwayobi (화요비),talented singing group UJMC, and a choir from one of the orphanages will be performing.  They will be singing both English and Korean songs. Videos of the children will be shown at the concert along with more of the testimony of the girl you just saw in the video.  The cost is 50,000wonper ticket and all proceeds will go to the scholarship.  Please consider your ticket a love offering to the children. 

  For those of you who would like to attend to support the children, and to enjoy a great concert, please e-mail us at jerusalemministry@gmail.com for more information.  We can reserve a seat for you if you would like. We are also accepting donations toward the cause. 

  To Purchase Tickets Online
  English: http://ticket.interpark.com/Global/Play/Goods/GoodsInfo.asp?GoodsCode=12005575 
  Korean: http://ticket.interpark.com/Ticket/Goods/GoodsInfo.asp?GoodsCode=12005575 

  Donations are also welcome.  Here is the information for sending money…

  KOREA:  Shinhan Bank: 140-007-975940 (예루살렘 선교회). 

  PAYPAL:  comequickly@gmail.com(please follow up by e-mailing comequickly@gmail.comwho you are and that the donation is for the Seeds of Hope Scholarship)

  AMERICA:  Please make out a check to “Come Quickly Ministries” with“Seeds of Hope” on the memo line.  Then please mail your check to:

  Come Quickly Ministries
  6427 Franconia Road
  Springfield, VA  22150

  If you are from another country and cannot use paypal, then please e-mail usat Jerusalemministry@gmail.comfor more information.  Thank you!

  • 9:56 am
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