As I write this I am actually in route to South Korea, but over the
next 12 days, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. OK, I think I
can hear some all the way back in Tuscaloosa saying, “Yeah,
right”.

Well, I won’t spend a lot of time trying to convince you, but I
will simply say you are a big reason I am going to Korea. Maybe
you are wondering, what does Korea have to with Forest Lake?
You see, the study program of which I am a part – the Institute for
Clergy Excellence (ICE) is designed to enable pastors to
experience extraordinary means for learning. They challenge us to
think outside-the-box. And I think you’d agree … Korea is outside
most of the boxes we live with in T-Town. But it has
been surprising to find Korean connections popping-up at many
turns. Marvin & Beebe McKinley lived in Korea for a year. And I
believe Bill & Elizabeth Wallace have been there; and Sam Davis,
Jr. Works for a Korean who has knelt beside Jane and prayed for
her healing.

Now I know many of you have been praying for her
too… and I also know that answers to prayer aren’t always “happily
ever after” stories, but when something remarkable happens when
people are praying, there’s everything right with giving God the
credit and thanks. The doctor told Jane the news she received
couldn’t be much better. Her plasma cell count went from 98 to 2.
That’s dramatic!

Sam & Jane are such wonderful neighbors to
Rita, Ryan and myself, and it thrills my heart to see this
turn-around. So, you see, Korea does have a lot to do with Forest
Lake. The Korean Christian Churches have grown by leaps and
bounds. There is a fervor and spirit that reminds me of the early
Methodist movement. It’s not just about being big (though the
largest church in the world is in Korea). It’s really more about
people being discipled in small groups. It’s there that Jesus, John
Wesley, Rev. Hong at Bupyeong Methodist church, and many
others through history who have shown us how people truly grow
spiritually.

So, I am very excited to experience the Korean church
first-hand … To talk with many church leaders there … And to look
for ways this can be translated back to Forest Lake. I cherish that
many of you have promised that you would pray for us. Thanks! I
too am praying for you … Really!

With Love in Christ from your Pastor,
Chris