Christmas in Korea

SUCCESSFUL WINTER ENGLISH CAMP AT LTU
BY REV. PATRICK O’NEAL
LCMS MISSIONARY IN KOREA
Luther University’s ESL camp January 7–25, 2008 was a success! Rev. Mark and Lynelle Hansen and Jeremiah Dost were recruited by LCMS World Mission as short-term missionaries for 3 weeks in this first-of-its-kind program at LTU. They taught along with Robert Collin who is full time at LTU.
The work load was quite heavy, with six 40 minute classes each day and preparing the next days lessons. I know at times it was a struggle, but the team did wonderfully. They reported leaning on God’s strength and also coming to better appreciate some of the challenges that career missionaries face in the field.
Each day the teachers had the opportunity to lead a class on a Bible story. The ladies in Pastor Hansen’s congregations (Faith and St. John in Deloit & Kiron, Iowa) had prepared books on the Christmas story using old Christmas cards as the pictures. In the final week, the classes prepared a Bible-story skit for their parents. Pastor Hansen preached at the closing program (with translation by Dr. Roh, English Dept. Chairman) – an event in which he rejoiced in being able to proclaim Jesus’ power over death.
Not only was this event good for Luther University, but it was also good for the individual students. About half of the 45 student were not believers, so we rejoice in these children hearing the Good News of Jesus. We are also glad for the 30-40 parents who attended the closing service and had the opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Thanks to Mark, Lynelle, and Jeremiah for willingly serving and sacrificing so that these beloved children could not only learn more English, but also hear the Words of eternal life. That’s what Ablaze! is all about.