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TitleMalaysia Jan. 20222022-01-12 12:13
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Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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Angry Dad, Smile Mom 

The Korean saying "the years flow like a river" is true. It has been almost nine years since I came out on the field. And now, we are living a life of worship at an unexpected place being called by random nicknames.

In early September of last year, when the Coronavirus was at its peak, thankfully, my husband and I were able to make a small investment with the help of groups and sponsors. We got a working visa through a local Korean restaurant franchise business and settled in Kuantan, Malaysia. My husband is called "Angry Daddy," he moves around between the tables with his wooden spatula in hand, and I am called "Smiley Mom," going back and forth busily between the kitchen and the tables in the hall.

We are experiencing new incidents and accidents every day. We have spent five months working with absurd customers and employees in their early 20s who are still immature. Sometimes, my husband and I look at each other's faces and ask, "why are we doing this at our age?" yet we are thankful and comforted by the co-workers who push our backs, telling us to go and take a break.

We are still not sure what the Lord's plan is in the land of Kuantan,  Malaysia, a place that has become a "creative access area" because it was imprinted as a difficult area to settle in. However, I pray that it will become a workplace where our diligent Muslim staff members feel like a family, find the joy of working and grow their hope. I pray that the Kingdom of God will be established in this workplace.

As a married couple who struggle with the limits of flesh every day, we constantly question whether the picture we dream of is in the Lord's plan. Nonetheless, on this earth, with His heart in us, we strive to live the life of a faithful steward looking forward to the joyous moment in which the Lord will be glorified.

>> Local life >>>>........

The new year is here, but it still doesn't feel real. The past four months have been so crazy that I couldn't even remember when I was locked up because of COVID. Running a restaurant business during the end of the year and the beginning of the new year was an experience beyond my imagination. It made me realize my physical limitations and the limits of my patience in relationships with people. I took out the box with the Christmas decorations but couldn't put up a tree, which I used to do every year. A little wreath hanging in the store became a joy and gratitude to my husband and me every morning this year.

We are grateful that although we are not on a long-term visa, we were able to enter Malaysia with a one-year working visa when the country was closed to foreigners due to the pandemic. Also, we can answer the questions such as, "what is your occupation?" or "how do you make a living?" from the locals. We no longer have to avoid these questions because of our new identity as business people.

We are not used to dealing with our young employees' emotional ups and downs in their early 20s. We still wrestle with the customers from rural areas who are unfamiliar with the family restaurant system because they are used to food courts. Nonetheless, we know that the Lord is training us in maturity and patience through these people.

>>> Please join us >>>>>........

• Pray that Malaysia's economic and social climate, which has been stagnant and unstable due to the Coronavirus, will find stability.

• Pray that as a disciple of Jesus, to live a life of sincerity and faithful stewardship so that we can respond maturely and persevere in every moment.

• Pray that we do our best in every circumstance and become true worshiper who understands and obeys the will of the Lord every moment.

 

>> Sponsorship Information: Kwon Tae-San/Shim Cheong-Soo

GP USA:10582 Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92804 USA/Tel: 714)774-9191

GP KOREA:(130-200) 서울시 송파구 문정동 새말로 8 1/Tel: 02)443-0883

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