(where Brother Choe has pastored for more than 25 years)
Even though we cannot understand the prayers or the messages, we are blessed to attend anointed services in the local church, where we can feel the Spirit and see the reverence and dedication of the people. We trust that you will be blessed as you share our worship through this post.
The local church has an attendance of 50 to 60 every Sunday morning. The choir begins practicing about 10 AM. At about 10:15 the song leader asks everyone to greet one another. The greeting is Sarang Hamnida - literally translated "Love to You". The congregational singing begins and lasts about 30 minutes. You will recognize many of the hymns.
Spirited clapping accompanies many of the songs.
This little lady (in her 90s) really blesses us during the
congregational singing. Her worship reminds us of the
old song "It is joy unspeakable, and full of glory."
Praise Him
Scripture Reading
How Great Thou Art
Blessed Be the Name
Until Then
After several songs the pastor opens the service by ringing a bell that is mounted on the pulpit and he rings it again after the benediction. Closing of the service is the choir singing a verse and chorus of "Search Me Oh Lord".
On each side of the pulpit are always nice live plants, orchids, azaleas, dish gardens, etc.
Sunday Lunch, Classes, and Fellowship
Immediately after the benedition the choir begins practicing. After a short period of choir practice, classes begin for the children and young people. During this time the ladies are preparing lunch. The lunch duty is rotated through the 6 or 8 bands of ladies of the church. The traditional Korean dishes are as good as we get in the best restaurants. Last Sunday one of the dishes was a good cold cucumber soup.
Lunch in the fellowship hall
Doing a little work before lunch is served.
After lunch, we, and the other young people, go to BongDong to the mission for our afternoon English service - in the next post we will cover the services at the mission.
Two Ladies in Traditional Korean Dresses
Pastor Choe's wife often wears traditional dresses to church. His sister does also, and brought this dress to church for these photos.
Brotherly Love (Pastor's grandchildren)
3 comments:
Love the post and the videos. Just wanted to let you guys know that we miss you and are praying for you. We know you are such a blessing in South Korea. And Sis. Powell, you look beautiful in your Korean dress. We Love you both, The Cox Family
It is so good to hear from you. The photos of your VBS setup look great. Can't wait to see the pictures of all the kids.
How did this post get by me? I just now realized you'd posted again. It's WONDERFUL! Sister Powell looks beautiful in the traditional dress. How pretty! All the video clips are great.
The bell mounted on the pulpit was a new one for us. We've never seen that anywhere else. It was . . . well, . . . unusual. :-) The fervency of the prayers is a blessing. It's so neat to see them in the aisles and up front. We got the impression, when we were there, that they didn't normally leave their seats to pray. Brother Smith gave an altar call and Brother Choe indicated they weren't sure what to do. I actually like the little shelf in front of each pew--it's a great Bible or songbook holder.
Thank you so much for sharing your life in Korea with us. I'm doing my best to pray for you each and every day; usually more than once a day. We love you guys and are so blessed by your willingness to follow the Lord. I pray your example will spur others to step out of their comfort zones and delve into new fields for Jesus Christ and His Church.
Post a Comment