Chu-Seok WHATTTTT? and ELCA Hangout

Today in our class we got to celebrate" Chu-Seok" which is Korean Thanksgiving. It was very interesting to hear what they do to celebrate this Holiday. Traditionally this Holiday is a time to get together with family to be thankful for the harvest, very much like ours. However in their tradition they go and present offerings to the ancestors and bow down to them. It was cool to hear though that Christian Korean's see the wrong in this, so instead they gather together as a family and worship our Savior. This was also a great day because it marks the 2 months that I have been able to be in Jakarta. There are constantly things that God brings to mind to be thankful. God's blessings are there it is just sometimes hard for me to notice them. Today was a reminder that I have had parents heavily involved all five years of teaching. So thank you to all you parents over these past years that were willing to come and help in my sometimes crazy class. God has used you immensely to help this non artistic teacher in many ways.  

Song-pyun rice with something good wrapped around it

Jegi-chagi like hacky sack

A dad showing us how to do it. He did well, for wearing dress clothes.

The mom's presenting the power point.

 Another blessing that I go to be a part of this week was Google chatting with my past students from ELCA. It was so much fun to stay up late talking with them about all that God is doing in this country as well as sharing some of the silly things I have learned. I hope that I will be able to do another chapel soon.

Prayer:

Please continue to pray for the life group meeting in my apartment. That we would grow closer together and have a Gospel focused growth.

Pray for safe travels and good fellowship as I leave for Bali this Friday. (super excited this will be my first out of city/off Java trip)

This week I also get to lead chapel, so please pray that the message will focus on who Jesus is.

Things I miss:

outdoor playgrounds

As always thanks for praying and being a part of God's mission.

ACTS 2

Ten days from now will mark the fact that I have been out of the states for 2 months (twelve Timbers games). It does not seem like it has been that long. It really seems quite longer. During that time I have had to set up an apartment, a classroom, a routine, and knowledge base of Jakarta life (they each have many areas to grow, especially Jakarta know how). Not only have I had to set all that up, but also begin to build/grow new and old friendships.
Acts 2:42-47 discusses  what the fellowship of believers should be like

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day,attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47, ESV)

 The following are some of the many ways that God has brought this together for me here
PRAYER answered 1: Great people to fellowship, eat out, play games, and watch american sports (hand and foot with Phineas and Ferb cards). It has been great to be able discuss God's word with the people here.
PRAYER answered 2: A church to attend that teaches God's truth. It has been amazing to see how God has brought this about. Even after trying to do it my own way and getting lost and sweaty. God has it in His hands.
PRAYER answered 3: Have an apartment that can be used by God for His work. This was answered in at least one way so far. Today my Life Group began meeting in this small little living room.
PRAYER answered 4: God's continued Grace on close quarters. As I stated before that, I think 18, staff all live on the same floor. It can be crazy working together and living so close but I praise God that He allows us to have favor with each other.


PRAY:
That I would be bold in sharing the Gospel.
That I would constantly long to Love like Christ loved us
That my apartment would be a place devoted to God's work.

Thank you for continued prayer,

Things I Miss:

Doritos