Day 42 (2013.03.10) Day of Worship II in Korea – TOC & JSM
Today is another day of worship while in Korea. I planned to worship at two churches, TOC (The Overflowing Church) and JSM (Jesus Street Mission).
I met the pastor of TOC couple of years ago on my stop over in Korea on H.O.P.E. Church summer short-term mission team to China. I also heard of TOC’s worship service that it was a jumping, free and 8-hours long worship. I didn’t think that each Sunday’s service will be that long. Anyhow my day of worship begun late in the morning.
I stopped to buy Sen-bei cookies. Dozens each for 1200 won. They put in a brown bag for me. It was a good brunch for me
Worship started at 1:02 AM with at time of prayer for about 30 minutes. About 15 of us were in the front worship area. We were already fully stirred in God’s presence. Then more and more young people began to pack to the front and there was a declaration of freedom by the congregation from all curses, sins, condemnations and more. Praise begun at 1:35 PM and went on for about 90 minutes. Pastor Lee came out and told us that from today they are not to jump while worshiping due to Building owner’s request. He asked us to be creative in our worship and be free but just not jump.
Praise team’s final preparation before worship
A stirring time of prayer
We made corporate declaration of freedom!
praise was intense, fun, and uplifting.
Then, I found Korean version of Misty…
Praise was passionate!
Babies were dedicated to God
Each baby was up on tee screen
Time of prayer for each baby
Pastor Lee began his message at 3:45 PM (2:45 into the service) and spoke out of Joshua 1:1-18 with the title of the message as “Moses has died.” His message was powerful. The “generation of Moses” died and it is the time for the new generation to arise and prepare to enter the promised land. He tied the message for his own church’s context that it is time for them to prepare for their own place. It is time to prepare to enter into the promised land which also means it is time for the preparation for the spiritual warfare.
Pastor Lee preaching passionately
I had promised to join JSM at their 5 PM service and I had to leave TOC at 4:30 PM, and the message wasn’t done yet. I wished I could have stayed until the end of the service. Yes, TOC’s Sunday service is 6-8 hours long. All the ladies came in sneakers. Sunday truly was a day set aside for worship for them. This kind of worship surely weed out any lukewarm Christians or fakers of faith. One question. Would I still love this worship when I am 80? I remember seeing 80 something old gentleman hopping up and down the aisle of the Times Square Church worshiping in the Spirit.
I took Subway Line #2 to get to Shinchon and met up with Inae Park whom I have met couple of years ago. She was the translator to H.O.P.E. China mission team in 2011.
view from the subway train
As we walked into the church, the worship had already begun and I could see Louisa leading the worship with her guitar. I love Louisa’s “presence worship” and she does lead people into His nearness. Pastor David preached on Luke 18:1-8. When Jesus returns, will He find faith on the earth? Will we continue our trust in God persevering in our heavenward cry for justice even through suffering and persecution? Will we stay near Him who loves us close enough daily to withstand the dry and weary land?
Of course JSM does not end without the rich time of fellowship after the worship. Where would we go tonight to eat? Tonight we went to “Kongbul” (콩불) which is short for Kong-na-mul (beansprout) and Bulgogi (Korean grilled marinated beef). We ordered O-Sam Kongbul which also has squid along with marinated beef. When almost done, we can order rice to be mixed with the leftovers. The dish wasn’t too spicy. But I wished we ordered just the beef because the squid really smothered the flavor of the bulgogi. But it was still yummy and with the mixed rice it was enough eating for all of us (we ordered for 4).
attractive picture outside the restaurant
3 reasons to eat beansprouts
getting ready to eat
O-Sam KongBul… Yummy looking
getting ready to cook
cutting up the meat & squids
When we are almost done with the meat and beansprouts, we asked for rice to be prepared…
But the best part of eating food is eating with good people. I love the company of God’s people sharing food. There is nothing that brings people together than eating together.
all smiles with Inae
with Beckii
with Tommy
David with orange apron
Mijung and Paula
Seth and Sunmi. I haven’t seen Sunmi for 20 years since her UMBC days
another Kongbul sign outside
And then the coffee time at the Coffee Bean. Is there any other way? One of the main reasons God brought me to Korea was for me to spend time with some precious people: Lillian, my aunt, Juneyoung, Jinwoo, Louisa, David, Mijung, and also Jennifer. My heart comes alive when I am with God’s people.
Two beautiful ladies, Mijung and Jennifer
another picture with Jennifer
I love this pic with Louisa and Bella (Wonbin) taken on Friday night
It sure was a full day. Full and satisfied in spirit and in body. My soul longs for Him and my heart refreshed with fellowship and my stomach happy with good eating. It sure was a full day. Only thing missing is my Joy, my fam, and my H.O.P.E. Soon, in couple of days, I will be home.
PQ's Pursuits 