In the midst of this frustration, I sought counsel from my mentor, Larry Trammell. He suggested one simple thing. Start our own meeting in our apartment.
This had been on our hearts when we arrived in Korea, but we did not wish to conflict with other ministries, and at the time, local fellowships had something on every night of the week. So we just forgot about it.
Months later, when Larry suggested our own meeting, Thursday evening opened up. We quickly started a meeting that was a blessing to many for a year and a half. We fed people, loved on them and led them in freedom and worship. Becca and I learned so much during that time. God brought several special people in our lives, people we call friends to this day.
All at once our lives changed again. Fred Stock and family were moving on, and there was no one to take over a local ministry, the Hospitality House. God led us to walk through this open door, and God blessed us with another year and a half as leaders among a loving community of believers.
At the same time, Larry Trammell passed away, and Becca became pregnant with Micah. While we didn’t move to another country, our whole lives turned upside down. Again, God’s grace was evident and sifficient through every trial.
We traveled extensively over our four years. We went on three missions trips, to a wedding in Hawaii and spent half a summer in Germany. Micah alone went to 4 countries before his first birthday. I’ve seen the Great Wall and the sunset in Fiji. I swan under a waterfall in the Philippines. I heard the roar of worshp in India. I gained five or ten pounds eating at corner bakeries in Germany.
Becca and I also gave abundantly through this time, despite earning considerably less. We lived simply and gave more than we ever had before.
The House was an opportunity for me to put principles in place the Lord had taught me over the years. While it was a temptation to just perform according th the status quo, we boldly proclaimed the freedom in Christ available through corporate worship. We watched beautiful Body ministry happen on a level few have ever experienced. It was everything I ever wanted in a community.
Then God called us to return to Atlanta.
These entries make me miss you and Becca so much! Thank you for being who you were called to be here in Korea, and for the example that you set before us. I am so grateful for what the Lord taught me through my relationship with you both.
Becca
It is sometimes unbelievable to think back over my time in Korea and remember all the things I experierienced and learned there. So much of what I learned and experienced in Korea, even with ICS has prepared me for where I am now. Those Thursday nights were such a blessing and a source of growth for me. I love you guys and miss you lots.
Julia