December 2005

Dear Friends and Colleagues in the Mission of God:

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ who has come to save us from sin and eternal death, and best wishes for a happy New Year. I am very happy to be recovered from the stomach cancer, thanks to God, and to be able to continue my mission work without any difficulties or problems. And also I am so grateful to you for your sincere prayers and support for our Russian mission.

Teaching at Canaan Theological Seminary

During the fall semester, I taught a course in homiletics to the third-year students. Lectures were focused on how to prepare biblical messages, including the characteristics of three basic types of topical, textual, and expository sermons; selection and interpretation of texts; development of sermon structures; writing and delivery of a sermon. After the lectures, all eight students gave sermons, which were videotaped for mutual evaluation.

Serving a mission church, the light of Christ

Due to space problem, our church has been integrated into a Reformed church. I am a co-pastor with a Russian pastor, Mihail Bulubayarinov. He is a very talented minister and is doing a good job for a congregation, 60 people, including 7 children and 15 youth.

Planning for a new church development

Beginning in 2006, it is my intention to start a Bible study group and to open a church for the descendants of Koreans living in the city of Luga, about 150 kilometers from St. Petersburg. As an ethnic group in Russia, descendants of Koreans (called “Koryoin”) are recognized as intelligent and hard-working people. If Korean missionaries are first to evangelize “Koryoin,” then it would be easier for them to build up a self-sustaining church. I believe this approach should be expanded to “Korean diaspora” mission throughout Russia and eventually all over the world.

Opening a space called “Sarangbang”

I opened a part of my apartment, where is located in the center of the city, for our church officers’ meetings and women’s Bible studies as well as for Korean missionaries’ fellowship and discussions.

Playing tennis for exercise

Seven of us Korean missionaries are playing tennis once or twice per week at a tennis club here. There is nothing like tennis for physical exercise, especially during the winter season. After playing tennis we usually take a sauna (without any extra payment) and sometimes we have lunch together and then meet at my apartment, Sarangbang, for discussion and prayer.

Rev. Jin Eun Kim