In January 2020, Guam First Church of the Nazarene welcomed 51 members of a very special Work and Witness team from South Korea to their island in the Micronesia District. The Kwon Kwan Church of the Nazarene joined the Daekwang Church of the Nazarene for a ten-day project to repair and refurbish many places on the Guam campus. Janet Wilkins, who is the Work & Witness Coordinator of the Philippine/Micronesia Field with her husband, Kevin, said, “These churches ran a perfectly planned project/mission.”
The Korean churches organized their own transportation and brought several cooks to provide the meals. They wired the funds early so that everything they needed was ready for them when they arrived in Guam. “Every group that had a part in ministry (teaching music, calligraphy, VBS, youth events) was well organized and very prepared. They were fun and energetic,” said Janet.
The ten days in Guam was a multi-generational, multinational, and multicultural experience for all involved. Koreans, Chamorro, and Americans joined hands and hearts to work, witness, and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Oh Won Keun led the Korean team to join hands with many island nations represented in the Guam Nazarene church to do maintenance and repairs on the church campus. They installed new lights, refurbished the church sign, organized supplies, and hauled away much trash. They scrubbed, cleaned, scraped and painted many surfaces. Janet Wilkins said, “I was very blessed to work with Pastor Oh who is a servant leader.”
The Korean team was quick to say, however, that it was not all work. They enjoyed fun ministry with the Guam children and youth group. They offered music class, calligraphy class, did face painting and led in a Vacation Bible School. All ate together, worshiped together, learned together and then had fun at the beach together! Guam Nazarene Pastor David Ackerman said, “We will feel the effects of their wonderful ministry for many years to come.”
Ara Cho of the Daekwang Nazarene agreed with Pastor Ackerman, saying the Korean churches were equally blessed by the experience. “During the mission, I realized that God wants to work through each one of us no matter what type of person we are.” Nara Shin of Kwon Kwan Nazarene added, “During the VBS program, there was time to praise with youth and children in Guam. To see the youth and children praise so passionately and to see how big of a heart they have for God was so encouraging and brought me tears of joy. I am excited to see how God will use Guam Nazarene Church in the future!”
Wonbin Bae of Daekwang Nazarene said, “Coming back from this mission trip, I found I love the church more than ever and want to get more involved in my church and to fully worship God. I am deeply thankful and blessed for this experience.” Minji Lee who is also from Daekwang Nazarene said, “I am reminded once again of our father’s love and grace that we don’t deserve. I am so thankful that my faith has grown stronger through this mission trip.”
To Pastor Ackerman, the Koreans’ sentiments echo his own. He offered sincere thanks to Korean churches, saying, “Thank you, friends, for coming to our church, making new friends, and helping us with many projects. You have made a lasting impact.”
