As you all know, Mokja Michael Son and Mokyeo Jimin Yeo have devoted themselves to the Tree of Life congregation. Their sacrifice for TOL was precious. While raising two little children who are a year apart, they cut down their sleep, let go of their own health concerns, and gave up their weekends for the ministry. God will remember their invaluable devotion. We thank them and will continue to be thankful.
Michael Son’s family is moving to Korea. May 15th will be their last Sunday with us. Their family in Korea is going through hardship and are in need of Michael’s help. Michael and Jimin have been praying for their families’ lost souls as well. Because of such reasons, Michael was in search of a job in Korea, and he has been offered a good position. Five weeks are left before his departure. I pray that the remainder of their days will be a time of thankful blessings.
Now you must be wondering what is ahead of the TOL congregation. Nothing has been decided yet as to who will take over after Michael. Please pray together with me. This is an important and urgent prayer request. Even if we find his successor, it seems that we have drifted far apart from the ‘vision of independent English Congregation’. Yes, that vision looks further away now. However, “we will not give it up”. We cannot give up because it is the vision to save our children. When the time comes, I pray that God will raise up someone for TOL. To bring His dream to this earth, God raises up people who share the same dream. We will just walk a little slower until that man of God is ready.
The situation has changed, but the TOL congregation still has to make progress step by step. It does not matter if it is the English congregation or its own independent congregation, if there is no spiritual vitality in them, this move is neither meaningful nor possible. So far the TOL congregation has been cultivating such spiritual vitality; we will still be responsible for the ministry and prayer to support this effort. Please continue your prayers for this Memorial Day Revival Retreat in order that the TOL congregation will rejoice in the grace of the Holy Spirit.
I know that our direction is correct. However, since we cannot see the path further away, we will just have to brace ourselves and move forward. What we see ahead is cloudy, but I think we are still on the right path. There could be delays, but as long as we are following the direction we will see our dream coming true someday. The bed of good soil Mokja Michael and Mokyeo Jimin have laid in their ministry will not go wasted.
TOL congregation, I pray that you continue to move forward to God. In essence, your future depends on you, not anyone else. What is in your own heart matters the most. There is only so much others can do to help you. You, yourself must open up your heart and come to God; no one else can do it for you. Yes, that is right, now that there is no one for you to rely on, you must pray harder and lift up your hands toward God. Come to God with an open heart and faith. God is waiting for you with even more desire.
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
(Luke 11:9-13)
Following the shepherd…
Pastor Jiwon Choi