| This year we tried to have closer
fellowship with the students. After moving onto the campus we opened
our home to the students. Anyone with individual problems was welcome,
as were those who came for Christian fellowship. We invited my students
at the beginning and end of the semester for closer fellowship.
During the semester breaks, we held small get-togethers for the
students who lived in dormitories and could not go their far-away
homes. As the result of this sharing, some students came and talked
to us about their problems and anxieties. The most difficult thing
for them is the lack of spiritual joy that they feel. Many theological
schools here emphasize social participation over spiritual renewal.
Moreover, most of seminary students did not have a systematic Biblical
education. This makes it very difficult for them to grow spiritually
and enjoy God's abundant joy.
We are praying for our next mission field. The Worldwide Ministries
Division has not yet decided where to send us. We pray that we'll
be sent to a mission field where we can use our gifts to glorify
God and that our work will produce some fruits. We would like
to ask your prayer for this.
I would like to share with you a thought about Christmas season.
There were many Israelites who waited their entire lives for the
coming of the Messiah. However, only Simeon and Anna recognized
baby Jesus as the Messiah. The Messiah came to us in human flesh
to atone for our sins, but people could neither recognize nor
thank him because there was no sign of outward splendor. I pray
that we do not make this kind of mistake in our lives. Sometimes,
our attempts to measure our progress or our work alienates us
from God's grace. We'd best listen to God's voice with humility.
I hope that you are healthy during this cold winter and that
you experience the great love of God. May you have a blessed New
Year! Peace and grace be with you!
Truly yours,
John Eunsik Cho
The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page
180
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