Pray for South Korea on Sunday, April 13, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 21:1–11 | Matthew 26:14–27:66

Prayers for South Korea:
God of life, we are grateful that Jesus has taken the ways of the cross, peace, reconciliation, and true love for the world. We ask for your forgiveness regarding the people of South and North Korea who remain trapped amidst the military standoff. Please let them forgive and embrace one another as a family. God who knows the painful situation of the division between the two Koreas, in this year of 2014, the 61th anniversary of the armistice, transform the current armistice into a peace treaty and establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. God of peace, we pray for ‘han’(deep pain and sorrow) of separated families between South and North Korea. Let them become reunited with their families. Let two Koreas walk hand in hand with each other to see a beautiful history on the Korean Peninsula. God of justice, we pray for those who are struggling against construction of the massive military base in Ganjeong, Jeju Island. Let the South Korean government listen to the voice of the people of Jeju Island and come to a peaceful solution. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from South Korea:
When tropical storm Haiyan hit the Philippines last November, the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) immediately responded to the cries of the people suffering in the devastated region. PROK, in partnership with Global Ministries partner the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), organized a team of humanitarian aid among its church members and sent them to the Philippines several times so that they could provide necessary aid to the impacted areas. The volunteers cooked meals and built homes for the afflicted. They also took care of the prisoners in the neighboring prison damaged by the typhoon in the city of Tacloban. The volunteers of PROK worked hard to convey solidarity in Christ and to bring good news of God through acts of kindness.

Following the construction of a church that was destroyed by the storm, Reverend Hae-Sung Kim, the leader of the Korean volunteers, stated in his sermon, “although we are different from one another in terms of race, color, and nationality, we are one before God who created us as spiritual beings.” Reverend Jun Ugsad, the pastor of Varayong church, responded to Reverend Kim and said, “I believe that God sends people to help us and to rebuild the church in this devastated area. We love you as God loved us. I believe that we are one in God, one body, one nation, and one hope.” This was a great moment to fulfill God’s great mission through sharing human hands to help and love one another.

Thank you for your generous support and prayers that make this ministry and these programs possible.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Daniel Lee)

Mission Partners in South Korea:

More information on South Korea:
http://globalministries.org/eap/countries/korea/

Global Ministries Missionary in South Korea:
Daniel Lee, member of All People United Church, United Church of Christ, Belmont, Massachusetts, serves with the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK), South Korea. He serves as missionary in residence at Hanshin University Graduate School of Theology.