May, 2022
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:18-20)
Dear supporting co-workers,
Matthew 28:18-20 is one of the most familiar Bible passages, especially for us missionaries. It is the Word of the Lord that makes us realize what our vocation is and continuously helps us to devote ourselves to this ministry. After going through a season when we could not meet with one another, talk, and even pray together, we are slowly returning to the ‘normal’ life just as it was before Covid-19. However, we are now facing many newly developed situations in this mission field. Nevertheless, the more we do not know how to react to those situations, the more we pray for the wisdom needed to continue with discipleship and sharing the Word. In these days it is a great comfort to know that the LORD is with us until the end of the world.
Zion Middle School
Now schools in Guatemala are able to have face-to-face classes, with parental consent of more than 50%. But Zion Middle School did not reach 50% consent, so they are still conducting online classes. The English classes, which were interrupted because of Debra’s dental treatment, also resumed in May. Here too, as regulations due to the coronavirus are gradually easing, we are looking into the possibility of conducting face-to-face English classes for graduates. Pray for this, please.
Due to various circumstances, it would seem that the setting up a technical school seems to be a long-term project. As we are waiting for God’s provision for everything needed in this project, we would like to select some of the middle school 3rd graders to start face-to-face computer class. There is no problem in conducting the class because the school is equipped with computers. But considering the present situation, we would like to start with selecting just a small number of students. We believe that with face-to-face classes there will be more opportunities for personal contact and more opportunities to share the Gospel. Please pray that everything goes smoothly in God’s provision.
It has been said that the vaccination rate in Guatemala City is about 30%, and in the provinces it is much lower. This, along with the fact that there are still various difficulties due to the attitude some have against outsiders, we ask you to pray for God’s protection for us when we travel.
Mission Center
In looking to the future, we believe that a mission center can become a place for evangelism, meetings, and educational space for a technical institute. It can also provide opportunities for self-reliance by accommodating mission teams. But this needs a lot of prayer. Yes, it seems impossible under the current financial situation. But we believe that if it is necessary, by the grace of God, it will be accomplished beyond all the impossible. We can experience the grace of God through responding to Him even in our difficult and impossible situation. Please pray with us for a suitable location and financial support for this project. For many of us, it is not a prosperous time; rather, it is a difficult time for all. Nevertheless, we humbly ask you to pray with us that the project of the mission center will become a reality.
Family News
Last March the two of us suffered with the coronavirus, but are thankful to God that we have completely recovered. We were careful, yet it seems that no one is safe and nothing can protect you 100%. However, what a comfort it is to know that God is with us even unto the end of the world.
Our son Joshua is finishing his studies and is looking for employment. Please pray that God’s grace will sustain Joshua as he passes through this unstable time in the world. We have faith that God will provide the right job for him, at the right time.
It was said that there is nothing new under the sun, but life with the coronavirus was a new world that we never experienced. Praise the Lord that His Hand is on His children, and will guide them. Dear brethren, always praise the LORD and give thanks to our God because we are His children.
In His endless love,
Mr. and Mrs. Il Kang