Coaching a YDAC Meeting While Sick & Almost Being Sent Home By My Own Students & Having a Late Christmas Dinner at Deacon Lee's House

A SHOUTOUT TO 유자차 (YUJA CHA) DURING WINTER

I no longer have classes, so my whole day today was free! However, my chronic cough has set in in full force and much of my free time is actually just spent indoors in pajamas and a robe. I wander from my bedroom to the kitchen and back, heating water in jibsanim's cute teapot and making 유자차 (yuja cha), lemon tea, for myself 4-5 times throughout the day. This hot cup of citrus-y goodness makes me feel as if good health is within my reach; however, in reality, the amount of sugar in this yuja cha is likely negatively affecting me in some way. 

YDAC MEETING A DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

I got out of bed and got dressed to go to school, doing my best not to step on the landmine of used tissue scattered across my floor. Even though it's the day after Christmas, my YDAC students and I had set up a meeting to smooth out our speech outline for the conference. (If they had had their way, we would have also had a meeting on Christmas Day. I, of course objected). We had a lot of work left to do, so, as much as I wanted to stay at home, I knew nothing would get done if I didn't do my part of coaching them through their ideas and editing their drafts. 

I arrived to find them lively and busily poring over their own drafts. It seemed I may have overestimated the importance of my role...

My team of 5 girls posing with some cute stuffed animal. I didn't have one as I was busy setting up the camera. My students nearly went mad searching for the perfect stuffed animal for me before we could take the next shot. Seriously, how cute are they?!?

Nevertheless, they were as honest and sweet as ever because, when I arrived, this exchange promptly took place, reenacted on my Facebook wall as follows: 

MEANWHILE, in Yeongdo Girls High School, I arrive at school for a YDAC meeting, coughing and sneezing:

Student 1: [with concern in her voice] Teacher, you better - err, you had better go to home

Me: Oh...Why? I just got here!

Student: Because you don't look well

Me: Really...? But I put on make-up today... :(

Students: No, no! Teacher, not your face. Face is okay

Me: ...but you said I don't look well...

Student: Face is okay. But your health is not well.

Me: Ahh...You are all so kind!

And then I gave each of them lollipops for their sweetness :)

GOING TO DEACON LEE'S HOUSE FOR DINNER

It must have been around 8:30 p.m. when we finished. Russel texted, inviting me to a dinner at Deacon Lee's house. I was very hungry, but was quite reluctant to accept because of how late I would be arriving (around 9:00 p.m.) and didn't want to hold them up.

I need not have worried.

When I finally accepted, and arrived there by taxi, the men were already fully immersed in their favorite pastime of eating. Jibsanim's sons were there, and his wife was bustling about making more food for them to eat. She also bustled my way and gave me food. Strangely enough, my intense hunger seemed to have shrunk my appetite because I could hardly finish the small bowl of rice and soup she gave me! It was nice to see their family, including Russel, together for the holidays.

I sat on the table using a chair while the men sat on the floor. I didn't want to break into the seeming spell they were in. I just sat back, did my own munching, blew my nose here and there, and enjoyed the atmosphere of...family.

Ah...I miss coming to this house

Gwan Jibsanim super busy cooking and serving her family! It is her habit to not eat until her family has eaten. Older Korean women really go above and beyond

Classic Shin Jae face

Jibsanims opening their gift. (They only got a Christmas card from me :/ - But, hey, it was personalized!). Personalized Christmas cards are pretty cool, too *cough*

The deacon and his wife admiring Russel's Christmas gift for them 

...like REALLY admiring

I think David Jibsanim likes it! He is touched...

I insisted on taking a family photo after dinner and before Russel and I left. Shin Yeong had already, apparently, fallen asleep though so this photo is not quite complete. 

THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF GOOD COMPANY
David and I had time to catch up a bit about how my family is doing back home. I shared some updates with him before leaving to go on a walk with Russel and calling it a night. Though I was more tired than ever after this interaction, I noticed I actually felt a lot better having been around people than other days when I would choose to stay at home and "get better" all by myself.

THANKFUL THAT CHRIST IS IN THE HEARTS OF MEN
I'm thankful for the blessing that is this family, and hope that God rewards them for the service and sacrifice they do at the church, especially on behalf of foreigners like Russel (whom they treat as a son) and me. When I think about the temporary nature of our stays in South Korea, I am even more amazed by the love people like David and his family show to us because they know from the very start that our stay is relatively short.

We will not be around in a year or two or three, but they still choose to invest in us. They still show us the best that their country, culture, and food has to offer. They pour their time and energy attending to our needs and fling the doors of their homes wide open so we would feel welcome. I love Korea most for the people who, like David, has shown me that, as a Christian, I have family anywhere I go.

Christmas is not so bad even when away from your own family when families like that of David's embrace you and remind you that family is anyone who shares your faith and love for Jesus Christ!

2014 Graduate School of World Missions and Ministry Commencement (aka Russel Graduates from Kosin University After Three Years of Study!)

THE GRADUATE

Russel smiling at Tsegi, one of the best friends he made while studying at Kosin,
 after she read a Thank You letter in front of their sponsors

Dear Russel, 

Now that you've graduated, may you continue on pursuing a life of study and ministry and service that will be a sweet aroma to your Father in heaven. He has had great things in store for you since day one, when you chose to attend school a year or two younger than your classmates in first grade, and then continued to walk yourself to school everyday after that despite the lacks and losses in your life. Today's great achievement is a mere stepping stone to more successes to come. We know this because He's taken you this far and will not leave you now! 

Approach your next adventures with confidence in your steps and certainty in your walk, knowing that the great pains and trials you've borne in your past were meant to condition you to bear greater responsibility and influence (Romans 5:3-4). Both of these you will draw on and struggle with as you come to realize your dream of influencing our current world into building God-glorifying cultures one changed man at a time. Men with passion and vision (to see this world redeemed and reconciled to its Creator) like you strengthen witnesses and passersby like me who have the privilege of seeing your life of leadership through service in action.

I have every confidence that whatever you pursue, you will do so fueled with a hope that does not disappoint - making, in the words of your commencement speaker, the right decisions out of your right standing with God.  

God Bless,

Your Friend

(Philippians 1:3)

THE 2014 GRADUATING CLASS

The graduates from both the English and the Chinese programs

Waiting to receive their diplomas and donning on translation devices during the mostly-Korean nearly 3-hour ceremony

GRADUATING AT THE TOP OF HIS CLASS

Russel graduated at the top of his class and was called first up the stage!

I scrambled 20 minutes late to the Son Yang Memorial Hall,
just in time to see Russel get called first and receive his diploma

Dr. Mark Kreitzer, Russel's thesis adviser, sitting up front.
The only part of the ceremony I understood was when he got up to speak

Allan, Russel's roommate, graduated Top 2 in the class. So much Filipino pride!

Attentive as Tsegi delivered a speech all in Korean.
I believe I heard Dr. Kreitzer say that she can speak 5 languages

EXPRESSING THEIR THANKS

Tsegi had to pause a couple of times during her speech, overcome with emotion

Russel enjoying Tsegi's plight on stage. So typical. Hahaha

Tsegi takes her seat

Blurry but I like the emotions I managed to capture last-minutely

SPECIAL SONG BY THE GRADUATES

The graduating class singing a special song for the audience

This was towards the end, so everyone carried a more comfortable and relaxed demeanor

Shuffling on stage for group photos at the end of the ceremony. And what a long ceremony it was...

RUSSEL'S BELOVED SPONSOR IN SOUTH KOREA

HOLY JOY CENTER AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

KODAK NIKON MOMENT

All of the good moments are blurry, but this one is a keeper. 

RUSSEL WITH PROFESSORS AND THEIR FAMILIES

With the Kreitzers, who both teach at Kosin University

Grateful to be a part of this day of celebration!

With one of their great mentors in Korea

Professor Gabriel who teaches at Kosin and ministers at Holy Joy

Professor Gabriel's family minus Kayla

Adorable family!

Russel with Swapan's family

The baby is very cute!

Amit, one of Russel's best friends in Korea who also serves at Holy Joy

Great friends. Two graduates minister at Holy Joy in various
capacities

Proud friends

Surrounded by some of his best and *ahem* most awesome friends

Congratulations, Russel! Bask in this moment. The next commencement won't be for a while :)

A Few Sundays in the Life of a Filipino Pastor Serving in South Korea

In honor of October being Pastor Appreciation Month, I'm posting a video to celebrate Russel, one of the many amazing pastors who have now graced my life! But, before that, here are a few things we have learned from Russel as a pastor, as a family member, as a brother, and as a friend.

A FEW THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED FROM RUSSEL

He has been always encouraging me in every way. I was very shy to share the Gospel in front of many people but, because of him, I dared to stand in front of many people. Even though he is older than me and more mature than I am but we always talk like friends. When he shares the Word of God, I enjoy his preaching very much. People call him pastor, preacher but I always call him brother. He has never excused about that. Spiritually, mentally always he is mentoring me as a leader, as a pastor, as a brother, moreover as a best friend. This is very short word to describe about him. You are an amazing person ever I met. Love you brother, Russel. - Amit

Pastor Ruzz is a one of a kind person. He is seldom to find. Pastor Ruzz, I wanna say thank you for being such a great spiritual adviser. You have taught me how to be brave in facing life's hardship. You have taught me that God is so big that we have to be hopeful when situations seem to be hopeless. Thank you for always keeping me and my family in your prayers. I also pray for your journey. - Amy

Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." And because of this He wants us to follow God's commands and to remain in His love...By surrendering everything to God and giving all of our faith to Him we, as children of God, will surely acquire a true and complete Joy in Christ. This made me realize how blessed my family and I are being loved and taken care of by God unconditionally! - Badeth 

Whatever you do work for it with all your heart as working for the Lord, and Jesus is Lord we are His slaves. These are the passages that struck me most through Pastor Russel sermon - Blessy 

I was totally blown away by the words and sermons every Sunday. By faith I received them in Jesus' name. God be the Glory...My life has been changed and is now emerging in what God spoke to me through you, Pastor Russel. Thank you. Your prophetic words are light for my path; the words help me to keep my focus on the Father. I thank God for speaking through you. It gives me courage to keep pressing into God and not to look to the left and right, but to have a singleness of heart. That is, to please the Father. God bless you and the ministry. I pray every need is met and every desire is fulfilled in Jesus' name. God is good! - Sheila

Dear Russel Jeondosanim! You are truly GOD's person! Your kindness and faith will be remembered. Whenever I hear your sermon, I can feel how much you put your time, sweat, and prayer as well. Thank you for being here for us at Ttanggeut Church. Best regards - Connie

I will always remember the day we had lunch at Febias. You shared your dreams and desires to us. I was so excited for you! I thanked God for bringing you close to Him. I can sense that God has great plans for your life. I hope that your love for God will continue to grow even through difficult times. Be faithful even in small things. May you experience the joy of loving and serving others. I praise God for your obedience and perseverance. Hope you can visit us soon. Please allow us to give you some financial help. Love, Tita Ellie

Russel has touched the lives of many people within our neighborhood even at his young age. He has shared the gospel to almost everyone of them. Even in our province, he would go even to the barracks of the army to proclaim the good news. He is a man of faith, and a generous giver, willing to make sacrifices for others. - Paul

Russell once said, You know what Ate? I Am A Millionaire, and I think Everyone is!" Then he showed me bundles of receipts he purposely kept and said, "If we only learn how to count our blessings, we'll see how rich we are and how God provides!" - one fine morning conversation. He collected all the receipts he bought, from books to even small things like pen or toothbrush and etc. After that, I started to collect receipts, too...hahaha just to prove if I'm a millionaire, too! I also often borrowed that memory to illustrate a point in preaching - Esther 

Being with Russel for many years, it taught me the value of empowering my hands and equipping my life so I can have faithful service to the Lord. The value of taking actions and addressing people's needs as Jesus did while doing His ministry. And not only the spirituality of the people. It turned me into a doer from being a spectator of those people in need - Julie 

God does everything for His Glory. It shows me that God has a plan and His plan is for His own desires, desires which include me - Kerry

I feel so glad that I met this guy as my friend. Every time I visit the Christian Service, I really feel happy and blessed that I have the chance to know the word of God. I think often about people who influenced my life. One of those influences for me is Ruzzle. I want to thank you our Dear Pastor Ruzzle Ocampo for preaching the word of the Lord. Thank you for the times we've shared, especially during our bonding moments (when we have our devotion). We didn't do it often but I still remember when we did. I watched you interact with others, share the Gospel with us, and pray for us. God bless you always Pastor Ruzzle. More power to you and I'm so proud of you! - Marjherie

God is the center of all creation. Everything is created for His glory. God is including us to take part in the restoration of His original plan for His creation by placing every aspect of our lives under the Lordship of Christ. Pastor Ruzz's sermon helps me examine my life, my relationships, and my future plans. It serves as an encouragement to bring it under the lordship of Christ! - Mark 

Through my conversations with Russel, I am becoming more and more convinced that, despite everything I see to the contrary, the world is actually becoming a better and better place! This new perspective has shot through my pessimistic view of creation and humanity and has challenged me to recalibrate the way I think about and treat the material/natural world, as well as how intentionally and joyfully I live my life. Russel keeps reminding me that, as a Christian, I am not only to be a passive witness to this upward trajectory towards glorification, but an active agent helping bring about heaven on earth - Mimi

In my view, my nephew Ruzz had a rough childhood. But God got a hold of his life and has turned it into a trophy of His grace. I am so thankful to God for what He has already accomplished in his life and what He is still building him to be. God has a special work for him to do and I am praying that he finds it and pursues it passionately - Tito Abe

I remember the time we had a trip to Jeju Island and he challenged me to read verses in the Bible. And the passage that struck me most was Jeremiah 29:11. And so true, God has a perfect plan for everything. You just have to wait and be faithful for God's purpose is greater than your heart desired. I am so proud of this man (Russel) for he is such a really, really good friend of mine, and all of his advice and encouragement really changed me a lot. I do believe as if he has a magic tongue (not magic tricks, ha...:)) that whenever he speaks, it really touches and awakens people's hearts and minds. I'm so proud of you, Ruzz! God bless you always, and thank you! :D - Irene

God is your happiness. Do not depend on something or someone to make you happy. Those are some lines that I remember during his sermons that has struck me most - Xymon

The very thing that I have learned from Pastor Russel's sermon is all about knowing how big our God is. God is bigger and greater than what a human mind could imagine. No wonder he always mentions that everything we do and how we live our lives should bring glory to the King of kings. Moreover, I am always moved by the introduction of his sermon (something I think is almost constant) and that is to pray for our loved ones who haven't known Jesus Christ or haven't heard the Gospel. I am moved by his heart's desire to reach out to our loved ones through prayer so that they could experience as well the gift of Salvation that we believers are enjoying through the grace of our Lord Jesus. This invitation of Pastor Russel to pray for our unsaved families and friends is already a message indeed! :) - Joan 


Russel, I am sure you will be a powerful man of God who is using you by His hand. Your sermon always have touched our hearts. Please work hard for the Kingdom of heaven so that it will make Him pleased, cool wherever you are, whatever you do. I hope everything may go well with you by His favor. God bless you! - David 

FILIPINO PASTOR IN SOUTH KOREA

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this post! If I missed a message from you, please send it to me and I will include it here. I hope you enjoyed the video, especially since I hazarded my life on multiple occasions just to get these few clips (he is extremely camera shy)!