One thing I’ve really come to enjoy at Dongshin is the opportunity to interact with so many different kinds of people. Our community is a very unique mix of people from all over the world, and it’s eye opening to a Christian—like myself—who was raised in a more exclusive community of believers.

This past weekend was board game night and a great time to extend the hand of friendship to new faces.

I’m not too much into playing board games, but I know that they are a good way to connect with others. It’s also a really fun way to experience a different—and crazy—side of someone when they’re wrapped up in the tension of a game of Catch Phrase! Even if you don’t know someone very well, playing games together really breaks the ice well—more Ice Breakers please.

Coming into church this week I was feeling really sullen from the workweek, but I had a feeling God had something to tell me. Sure enough, the message easily thwarted my uncaring perspective and I began to relax. Sundays have really been a blessing to me, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. God is always able to blow away my defenses and then have me take a look in the mirror.

Living all the way out in Chilgok has given me a lot of time to reflect on myself, and while it’s been beneficial, it sometimes makes me apathetic to what God’s doing with me out here.  After a bad day of work I usually take out of anger on myself and place the blame squarely on my shoulders. I’m end up staring at the brick wall in my face instead of looking up and over at what God’s up to. It’s really sobering to realize that when I fail or feel discouraged, the Lord will strive after me to set me back on the right path.

I was very pleased with the board game gathering and thankful to know that God is still faithful to me. The reassurance of knowing that He is still bringing His plans to fruition helped me to relax that night, and to enjoy myself.

It’s comforting to know that even after the long hours and tested patience at work, the Lord is always leading me to a new challenge of growth and maturity.

Our resident blogger (Chris Whetsell) has the first contribution