Ministry in San Mateo
What an amazing start to 2015! It’s
already halfway through March and this is the first time I’ve had a chance to
sit at my laptop and report on the incredible things that have been happening
here at PCL and San Mateo.
More than a year after moving to San
Mateo, and more than six months after purchasing a lot (with the help of a kind
Korean sponsor), after months of visiting and getting to know the community,
and after countless hours of prayer, the ministry in San Mateo has begun. What
an incredible journey it has been so far!
When Juls and I arrived back at PCL
at the beginning of January, we were asked to guide the 4th year
students to begin evangelism in San Mateo, as part of their internship. The
program was to be every Friday until the students graduate at the end of March.
We brainstormed with a few of the
leaders and came up with a program. We had a budget, as we received a wonderful
and incredibly timely donation from DBC, which we were given permission to use
partly for feeding and evangelism purposes. We kept some aside for some things
we will need inside the church such as chairs and some very simple equipment.
By mid-January we had our first
event. We prepared a simple snack for about 100 people and went to the Divine
Mercy subdivision. (Yep, the name of the subdivision is Divine Mercy!) We had
almost 20 theology students, plus some 4th year Christian Education
students who also wanted to join. The students walked around and visited the
houses, inviting people to the event. We were overwhelmed with the response!
150 people came to our first event! As the weeks went by we got better at
planning the food, organizing the people into different age groups and reaching
different people in the community. We purchased a gas cooker, some pots and a
table which will belong to the church. We held a basketball competition and a
concert. In the final few weeks, now that we have the connection with the
people, we have been holding simpler events. Even though the internship will
end soon, we already have connections with people who want regular weekend
Bible-studies and want to be part of our church. We are so excited that the
work we have begun with the interns will be built upon by ourselves and some
key people who are willing to help long-term.
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| A cute baby in Diving Mercy, San Mateo |
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| With some of the 4th Year students |
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| Cooking for the feeding program using pots, cookers and a table bought for the new church |
Sportsfest and Foundation Day
One of the
highlights of the PCL calendar is our annual Sportsfest. This year, on the week
beginning February 2nd, our Sportsfest was to be combined with the
PCL Foundation Day and Pastor’s Appreciation Day.
Of course,
basketball and volleyball are always popular sports, and this year was no
different. The games were close and exciting. I even participated in one
basketball game (staff members were assigned to different teams this year) and
I actually did quite well, getting the 2nd top score in my team. It
was not really a good idea for me to play, and my poor knee (I’ve had two
rounds of serious surgery on my knee in the past) was quite sore for a couple
of weeks afterward. Next year I will have to demonstrate more self-control and
remain a spectator.
This year,
the Sportsfest Committee wanted to be really inclusive of all students.
Therefore, a lot of teamwork, problem solving and cooperation games were
included. Those students who were not particularly sporty could still
participate.
On the
Tuesday, students’ pastors were invited for a special day of appreciation and
to commemorate the opening of PCL. We had a special chapel service, with a
Korean guest, followed by a catered lunch fellowship. After lunch, the students
prepared their booths, including games, food and souvenirs. Everyone enjoyed
participating in the different activities. As the students started the sport
activities again, the pastors spent time meeting together with the PCL staff.
On the
Thursday night, the students had their talent show. Each team had to prepare a
performance. Some were very dramatic and moving, while others were funny. It
was a great event.
On the
Friday morning, results were announced and awards were presented. The proud
victors were the Blue Babylonians. It was an amazing event, during which the
students pulled together in unity.
More PCL Happenings
In January, I gained another Korean student. I have really
enjoyed teaching Yun Ju and Min Ji. They came here to learn English, but I have
no doubt that God also brought them here to grow their faith, and I have been
blessed as I’ve seen God moving in their lives. As we have been working through
their books, I have reflected on the complexities of English. I really admire
people who learn English as a second language! Our Korean students are a
blessing to our school in many ways. They are also a financial help and I know
that by teaching them, I am indirectly helping PCL students. I have had a
hectic schedule, but I am so happy to spend time with these great girls.
I have been enjoying teaching Biology and Indoor Games. Our
students had a great time running some crazy and enjoyable games this February.
However, I’m quite glad that I didn’t have to put my face in a bowl of flour.
Our students also enjoyed learning how to conduct weddings,
funerals and dedications, with students performing elaborate role-plays.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks
are set to be exciting a busy. We have a new batch of leaders coming through
PCL. In March, we will have our Baccalaureate Service and Graduation for our 4th
Year students. Final exams are just around the corner. The ministry in San
Mateo is growing with permanent weekend Bible-studies which have grown from the
internship and a core group of community members eager to join the church. In
April, we will begin Summer Classes and I will continue to teach Korean
students.
Personally, I am
trying to slow down my pace, as I struggled with my health in February. There
were so many things to do and my body couldn’t quite keep up with everything. I
have already spoken to the PCL staff and made some changes to my schedule which
should help me stay on top of my health. I would appreciate your prayer in this
matter.
Thank you for your prayers, friendship, encouragement and support. God bless!
