Monday, June 28, 2010

Corn!

It all began when I was walking around Ulsan one day and I felt this pain in my foot. I had never had this pain before so later I looked at this hardened skin on the side of my left foot. I wondered what is this and why does it hurt when I walk. Several weeks went by and I would notice this same pain when I wore my tennis shoes. I wear slippers all day at school so there is usually no problem.

I told Karen, two Friday's ago, that I was going to get up the next day, Saturday, and walk over to the hospital near our house and ask my friend, the doctor, what this thing was on my foot. He actually speaks decent English. I feel at this point I should explain the medical system here and the mentality of Korean doctors in general. Most all doctors have offices in the hospital. You don't make appointments, you just show up, sign up and get your check up. We really don't have to wait but about 10 or 15 minutes each time. They don't waste time and they don't beat around the bush, yet they are extremely nice and good at what they do.

So, the next day I got up and walked to the doctor. When I arrived I went in to see my friend, showed him my foot and he said, "You know CORN?" I said, "Yes, I've heard of a corn." To which he replied, "This is corn." I said okay, what can you do about it. He said they can do two things. 1. Put something topical on it or 2. they can cut it out. I said, "Alright, how can I get this done." He said I should go see another doctor. I was led down the hallway by his nurse to another doctor. He saw it and said, "Corn...Go to the next doctor." I went outside his office and went in the room next door. This office had a sign over the door that said, "SURGERY." I talked to this doctor and he spoke pretty good English as well. He said that they should cut it out. I said, "When?" He said, Now!" I asked him if he meant right now and he told me yes. I can't believe the next question I asked but it will give you some indication of what was running through my mind. I asked, "Will it hurt? and he said, "Of course!" Wow! I thought to myself this is a perfect example of living in a different country and a different culture.

He proceeded to tell me to follow his nurse upstairs to the operating room and he would be right there. I went upstairs, took off my flip flops and put on slippers and went into the operating room. Let me tell you, this is the first time in my life I have ever been into an operating room and I was more than a little nervous. Two girls, who spoke no English, pointed to the operating table and I knew what they wanted. I laid down on my stomach and within two minutes the doctor was there. He cleaned my foot and said he was going to numb it. Here I go again with the same question, "Is it going to hurt?" He said, "YES." and boy was he right! The first two shots made me rising up off of the table in pain. After that, I just felt my foot being moved around, pulled and pushed. He was finished within a few minutes. The two girls stood by the bed as if to say, "Get up and follow me." I got up, changed back into my flip flops and went down stairs to see the surgeon in his office. He said I should be running within a few days.

I went out to the cashier and paid the 26,900 Won ($22.37) that the whole thing cost. I walked home and told Karen what I just told you. This is an experience I will never forget and it's actually funny looking back on it. This is just another one of the adventures from our time here in Korea. Perhaps you will remember this story the next time you have corn on your plate.

Monday, May 10, 2010

What a Trip!!!

A few weeks ago, we returned from a trip to Japan and China. First, we went to Japan. We landed at Kansai airport near Osaka. After a train ride into the city, we found our way to the subway and then the hotel. We spent four days in Japan and were able to see some amazing sites in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. The view of Osaka Castle from the hotel was cool. Japan was very clean and the people were pretty nice. They really seemed like they were trying to stay at the forefront of fashion and beyond. It was also very expensive. McDonald's for the family was around $18.00 just for the simple stuff. We could tell the people seemed content and were not in such a rush.

After Japan, we flew back to Seoul and caught another plane about an hour later headed for Beijing. Beijing was very different than Japan. We first noticed this in the airport when we bought train tickets to the city. The young lady seemed frustrated that we were even bothering her to buy tickets. It was like we had offended her in some way and we just asked for four tickets to the main subway station. Beijing is very crowded with a population of possibly 30 million. While there we saw more amazing and historical sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. The reception we received from the girl at the airport seemed to be the way it was in many parts of Beijing. It just seemed colder and like a lot of the people there; had nothing for which to live. They simply functioned.

On the last day, we decided to go check out a show and so we bought tickets at the hotel. The manager of the show picked us up at the hotel in his car. On the way we began to talk. We told him the places we had visited and one of those was Tiananmen Square. I told him I remembered seeing live coverage of the protests on the news and he said that he was part of those protests. He proceeded to tell us about how he was part of five protests against the government during that time. He and eleven others were sent out of the city for several weeks by their group leader because their pictures had been posted for arrest. He said when he returned he decided to forget protesting against the government because he knew it wasn't going to make any difference.

As Karen and I talked about the trip and the obvious differences between the countries we also realized some similarities. Japan is comfortable in its prosperity and way of life while China has accepted their way of life and seem only to exist. I was telling Karen that I'm sure the Chinese people have happy and exciting moments in life but feel shackled down deep inside.

Both of these ways of life are dangerous. To be content because of superficial things and to give up because of oppression leave you no better off tomorrow than you are today. In life and in Christ shouldn't we strive for something more than simply what this world has to offer, whether good or bad? Shouldn't we also not give up on life or Christ because we don't like the government and laws under which we live? Jesus, the disciples and the early church cared nothing for the things of this world and lived under a government which was at times hostile to Christians and the church. Look at how much they accomplished.

We should ask ourselves, "Am I content because I have enough stuff?" or "Have I given up on making a difference because I don't think I can make a difference." "Press toward the mark..."

Hard Rock Cafe - Osaka, Japan


Osaka Castle


Manager of the Theatre/Former Protester

The Great Wall


Sunday, March 28, 2010

Ha ji mah!

In January, I was contracted to teach three weeks in a Winter English Camp in Gyeongju. I would leave home on Monday mornings and arrive back home on Friday afternoons. I taught 4th graders for 11 hours a day. During the three weeks they taught me a few helpful things. One phrase they taught me, which I've used a lot since then, was "ha ji mah." It means, "don't do that."

When I break out this phrase in class the students are surprised that I know a little Korean. Occasionally, they will actually stop whatever wrong they are doing. My goal is to teach them as much as possible and to make their time in class the best it can be. Do they see things the same way I do? No. They want to play and do what THEY want to do. Do I blame them? Not really. If I remember correctly, I was "sometimes" the same way.

Adam and Eve were sinless and lived in a perfect environment. The two had everything they needed and they still wanted more. Even though God said, "Don't do that," they chose their ways above God's ways and He allowed them to get what they wanted.

Israel, basically, did the same thing when they asked God to give them a king. He who has perfect wisdom was their guide through life, yet they wanted what the world had. They wanted a leader that was imperfect and who did not have the wisdom of God. This doesn't make sense when you stand back and study this story. Again, God said, "Don't do that," and again they chose their ways above God's.

Many people gathered together as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. They praised Him and cried, "Hosanna in the Highest." They didn't need freedom from Caesar, they needed freedom from sin. The people were soon disappointed because they didn't realize that Jesus must rule their hearts before He could rule their lives. Soon they would cry "Crucify Him!" This time God didn't say, "Don't do that" to the people; He said "forgive them." He gave them what they wanted so He could make available what they needed...the Saviour.

As I look back on my childhood, I remember there were two ways to keep from making bad choices. One way was to think before I acted. The other way was not to think and discover I'd done wrong when a big paddle was quickly making it's way toward my fanny. Which way is better? I think you and I both know.

We should all listen carefully for those times when God says, "Ha ji mah." Why? Because He only wants what's best for you and me.








Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Something To Think About

What if I told you that you could travel the world and get paid to do it?
To most people, the thought of that seems exciting and too good to be true. It almost sounds "unbelievable". What if I told you that you could travel to Europe, Asia or the Middle East and get paid for teaching English. That may still sound exciting and like a great adventure, but now there are more details. Now, we're not talking about traveling the "world." What if I told you that you could travel to South Korea and teach English in Ulsan for one year. You would be working in an elementary school Monday through Friday from 9 to 5. You will still get paid well and your housing and airfare is free. This may still appeal to you but it's now really specific and the excitement seems to fade even more.
What happened to traveling the world?

Why do I start with this example? Think about this. We all remember dreaming of what we wanted to be or what we wanted to see happen when we "grew up." We dreamed of changing the world, making tons of money, marrying the perfect guy or girl and having the perfect house. When we enter the working world, we do so with high ideals and great expectations. As time goes by, the excitement of those dreams, sometimes, fades away.
Why is that?

It seems to me, the more specifics we know about our future the less excited we get about it. We focus more on the details than on the big picture. Generally, people are more comfortable dreaming than thinking about the details. The big dream is great, but it's not what gets things done...in life or in ministry. Don't get me wrong. Big dreams are necessary and will eventually give us motivation, then results. But really, it takes faithful people in big cities and small towns to see great things accomplished.

Let's look at a faithful man born in a small town. He grew up in that same area and learned along with all of the other Jewish kids. At the age of 30, He began to travel around His home town and preach to everyday people. The number of His followers would increase, then decrease. At times, He would be ridiculed, then praised, but never would He let ridicule or praise change His mission. He was finally killed by those He came to help, yet He accomplished His task and touched the lives of the entire world. What a great example of how not to let our position, our location or other people keep us from taking steps to fulfill our "Big Dream."

We may feel, at times, like we aren't making a difference or we aren't living up to the dreams of the past. We can't let those feeling change our mission. We don't know how many lives we will eventually touch by touching the life of one person. Jesus focused on twelve and changed the future for millions. I believe our dreams are ever changing. Changing as we are molded into the image of Christ through people, circumstances and God's work in our lives.

To me "traveling the world and getting paid to do it" and "teaching English at an elementary school in Ulsan, South Korea" are the same thing because we are faithfully spreading the Word to those in our town. It's all a matter of perspective. Maybe they will one day reach millions.

Keep on Dreaming...then Keep on Doing...and give God the burden of the details!

This is my Bible study group. We meet on
Sunday afternoons.


Monday, December 14, 2009

Giving and Receiving

As we are approaching Christmas here in Korea it has been really different for us. Just this week was the first time we went out and bought a few things. Christmas is really not a big deal here. If anything, it is a time to give and get presents and that is all. Just yesterday, I sat at a classroom computer with some 5th grade students and showed them some of our pictures of last year's Christmas. We saw family photos and some photos of our Christmas tree. When they saw all of the presents under the tree they said, "You're rich." My first thought and statement to them was, "No, I'm not." But in comparison to them, I am.

Giving
The Bible says that God loved mankind so much that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. To think that the God of this universe, the One who created you and me, agreed to die for His own creation. The Bible also says that Jesus loved the church and gave Himself for it. God has shown an amazing love for those who many times don't love Him back. When you love someone you usually show it by giving.

Receiving
The Bible also tells us, His children, if we give with the right heart and motivation to others or for the cause of Christ, an overflowing amount will be given to us by others. The point is that God is a giver. He gives to us through circumstances or others. "Give and it shall be given unto you..." This verse starts with the word "give." It's a call to you and to me. We are the ones who start this process and activate God's promise.

Before we came here to Korea, we had churches and individuals give to help us financially. Since being here, we have experienced this over and over from Korean Christians. I want to mention just a few of the amazing ways we have been on the receiving end of God's blessings.

The Teeth
Once we arrived, we went to church with my co-teacher. There we met a man who is a dentist, orthodontist and an oral surgeon. We went to his home for a violin concert and he started lifting up Kharis' lip and looking at her teeth. I thought, what is going on. Later, he said, "I want to fix her teeth." Wow! Our next question was, "How much?" He said, "For free." Wow again. Kharis has had two appliances made for her mouth and she is almost finished having her teeth straightened. The orthodontist said she will not need braces. Thank you Lord!

The Horses
That same night the same man said he wanted to teach me and Aaron how to ride horses. We thought we might just go horseback riding one day. We ended up meeting him at 6:20am each morning five days a week for two months. He and a professional trainer have worked with us and said we will be jumping hurdles on the horses before we are finished. All for free!


The Workouts
We have received a free gym membership and a ride to the gym three times a week now for about a month. We get plenty of exercise here since we don't have a car but this allows us to work on those difficult areas. Sorry no photo for this one : (

The Milk
The children at our school get a carton of milk every morning during homeroom. My co-teacher took me to the break room one day and handed me a bag full of half pints of milk. These were left over from students who were absent that day. I imagine we have received over 400 half pints of milk so far. We do love milk so what a blessing and a financial savings this has been for us.


Mi & More
One day, Karen was out walking with the kids and a lady approached her. She sat down and they began talking. Mi Kyong Seo is a Korean language teacher at the local high school. Every since that day, they meet five days a week and it has given Karen an opportunity to share Christ with her. She alway gives Karen and the kids something when they meet. Karen has received money, coats, shirts, gift cards, apples, bread, tangerines and more. Again, God's supplies for His children.

This is a short list and there are many more things I could mention. There is nothing wrong with receiving this Christmas and nothing wrong with giving. Just remember, the giving we are caught up in now is just for a Season, the Christmas Season. This giving is usually to show our love for others. As the Holy Spirit leads, we should look for opportunities to bless others throughout the entire year. God will keep His promise and bless you in return.
Matthew 22:36 - 40: "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Look Up!

A couple of weeks ago, a family took us to a remote valley and then to the highest mountain top in this area. This trip was neat because the leaves were changing colors. When we arrived at the valley, we walked for the first hour or so up a river. We truly saw the beauty of God's creation. Huge boulders and waterfalls were found all along the way. These things mixed with the colorful trees was awesome. After a while we hiked up the mountain side to a trail. We used this trail to make our way back towards the van.

It seemed like we walked for 20 or 30 minutes when the man who brought us stopped everyone and said, "Look." We turned to our right and there was an opening in the trees. We could see one mountain right in front of us and another mountain to our left. The sun was shining so brightly on the mountain that the colors in the leaves seemed to jump out at us. We stayed there for a minute or two and then went on our way.

As we continued down the trail, I began to think about what had just happened. We had been walking for 30 minutes with our heads down watching the trail. We hadn't noticed anything around us. It was only when someone said, "Look Up" that we saw the beauty that was there all along. How many beautiful things had we missed because we weren't "Looking Up?"

Today, I want to be the one who says to you, "Look Up."

Peter & John
In Acts 3:1-9, Peter and John were headed to the temple and the Bible says that they focused their eyes on a crippled man by the gate. This man was taken to the same gate every day by someone. I'm sure Peter had seen this man before, but today was different. The man wanted money, but Peter had something far greater for him. Peter said silver and gold I don't have, but I will give you what I do have. That day God used Peter to heal the man. Do we have the same attitude? Let me encourage you to use whatever God has given you to serve others. It may be an encouraging word, it may be money or it may be the Word of God. We pass so many people every day. Let us "Look Up" and see opportunities to serve them.

Stephen
In Acts 7, Stephen finishes preaching an awesome message to the council at Jerusalem that goes from Moses to Jesus. At the end of this message, the council was so convicted that they leaped on Stephen. The Bible says that the gnashed on him with their teeth. As this was happening, Stephen "Looked Up" and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of the Father in heaven. Let me encourage you that when life seems tough and when things look their worst, "Look Up." God is still on the throne, Jesus is still your Saviour and the Holy Spirit still lives within you. There is coming a day when we shall see Him face to face.

Jesus
Lastly, in John 4, Jesus goes through Samaria and meets a woman at the well of Jacob. This woman and Jesus have a conversation and Jesus tells her that he has "living water" to give her that will cause her to never thirst again. She asks Jesus to give her this water. The disciples had been to Samaria to buy food and they arrive back as Jesus finishes his conversation with this woman. She leaves to go back to town and bring back as many people as she can to meet Jesus. The disciples offer Jesus food and Jesus says that He has food to eat they they know nothing about. His food (nourishment, what gives Him strength) is to do the will of the Father. Jesus then tells the disciples to "Look Up." He says lift up your eyes and see that the fields are already white unto harvest. Many Samaritans came that day across that field to meet their Saviour. Let me encourage you to "Look Up" and see the lost souls in the fields around you. They need what you already have. Forgiveness of sins, salvation and an eternal home in heaven.

Don't let life pass us by as we walk with our heads down focusing on the trail; our own security and safety. Let's "Look Up" and see opportunities to serve, see that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us and see that there are lost souls in need of our Saviour.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Shoe Shine Anyone?

When we arrived in Korea we had around 10 days of orientation in Jeonju. We then headed for Ulsan where we live now. When we arrived in Ulsan, all 70 teachers teaching in the Ulsan area met their co-teacher. I met mine as well. His name is Mr. Sung. One of the first things I found out about him is that he's a Christian. He invited us to his church two days later so we accepted his invitation.

Mr. Sung picked us up at 10:30am and we were off. We went to a local town named Yangsan. We parked and went up to the 3rd floor of a building in the center of town. We were greeted by several Koreans, a Chinese pastor, a Filipino pastor and the Korean pastor. We sat down and we sang, we prayed, we sang, we prayed, we listened to preaching, we sang, we ate lunch, we sang and finally we prayed some more. We left for home around 3:30pm.

About four weeks ago at church, I was sitting at the table after lunch and a man came up to me and asked me to give him my shoes. At first, I didn't know what was going on but I said okay and away my shoes went. Thankfully, he gave me some sandals to wear while my shoes were gone. About ten minutes later he came back with my shoes and they had never looked so good. The church member had taken my shoes and shined them like nothing I'd ever seen before. They looked like a mirror.

This man has found a way to serve the members of the church. About once a month he will go around and take each persons shoes and shine them. You can tell he is doing the best job he can do as he works. As I thought about this the week after it happened, I could not help but think of Jesus going around the room after the passover feast and washing the feet of His disciples.

John 13:12-17 "So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

I believe humility and faithfullness are two of the keys to being a servant that pleases the Lord. As I write this a few people come to mind. One is my father, Lennie Gardner. I know he is someone who would give up anything for his family and friends. He thinks of himself last. When we eat dinner at their house, you either leave the house having turned down several offers to take something with you or you leave with a bag of food for later. It's easier to just take the food at the first offer. He also uses the blessings God has given him to serve others, whether it's through his knowledge of so many things or through his business. He will one day reap his rewards for his humble faithfulness to God.

Another person is Karen's father, Jerry Guin, who is now enjoying everlasting life in heaven. He was also a true servant of God. He never wanted recognition for what he did, he just did it and moved on. He would save every penny and use it for others. I know he is already reaping the rewards of his humble faithfulness to God.
May we all look for for opportunities to ask the question, "Shoe Shine Anyone?"