Donnie--YouTheologian

Wow, what an experience. Donnie and I attended the orientation session of YouTheology at Sqaint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. Donnie is one of 25 youth chosen to participate in the year long program which culminates in a Wesley Pilgrimage to England. Donnie really impressed the staff of the program by volunteering to preach on Saturday evening. The topic was "Serving God, Serving Neighbor". Donnie did an awesome job and had everyone's attention. He truly is gifted in sharing the word of God with others. Some said to me after the service that he is a natural when it comes to preaching. I look forward to mentoring Donnie over the course of the year and ask that the congregation pray for us as we embark on what I know will be a wonderful adventure. Pastor Loren

A Fabulous VBS

Can it be that it has already been a week since I returned from Korea? It was such a joy to be in worship on Sunday. Vacation Bible School has been a great success. It has worked well to share people and resources with Red Top Church this year for VBS. Each night we have had over 50 children come to the church to learn about the scriptures while singing, dancing, and just having fun. It is amazing to me that so many volunteers are involved to make VBS happen. I want to take this time to say THANKS to all of you who have worked so hard. Way to Go!! Pastor Loren

Last Entry from Korea

Well folks, today is my last day in South Korea. We fly out later today and will arrive in Chicago 2 hours before we leave! Then on to KC where I should arrive a little after 10:00pm tonight. It has been a great experience and I look forward to sharing with you what I have learned about spirituality and evangelism. Although it has been a great experience, I look forward to getting back home to familiar voices, voices, and food. Truly I have felt the Spirit of God on the trip and have been renewed by it. Thank you all again for caring enough to carry on in my absence. Pastor Loren

Prayer Mountain

Good evening from South Korea. Today was a much more relaxed pace. We spent the morning in a folk village that portrays a living history of Korea, complete with handcrafts, livestock, and the performing arts. It felt as though we could have spent all day there. The temperature was in the upper 70s to low 80s--perfect weather. The most inspiring portion of the trip so far was our visit today to the church's prayer mountain. The area is very beautiful with babbling streams and wonderful gardens. As you travel up the mountain on foot, you pass life-size sculptures illustrating the gospel message. The first sculpture portrays the little children coming to Jesus. For those of you who participate in the live Lord's supper, I have a very interesting portraying of this event in the photo section. The Walk to Emmaus folks will enjoy the illustration of that blessed event as well. In the sequence of events, the Walk to Emmaus is portrayed just after the crucifixion and just before the resurrection. It is difficult for me to express to you just how powerful an experience it was to walk up a mountain path and meditate on the gospel. Tommorow our group is singing at one of the 6 Sunday morning worship services. There average attendance for each service is about 3,000 people. It will be a very moving experience to share with them. We have only two days left on this trip. It is amazing to know that God is working throughout the world in a spirit of love. Pastor Loren