Sowing Seeds of Faith

How can South Korea be so rich as a nation yet have so many who are poor, especially the elderly? Nearly 50% of South Korea’s elderly live in poverty. Centuries-old traditions of children looking after parents delayed the emergence of Medicare and Social Security options. Non-profits and churches often fill the gap between family and government to provide a helping hand for the poorest of the poor.

“And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.” – 1 Peter 5:5-6 (Good News Bible)

Wearing an apron is a practical symbol of service. Jesus wrapped a towel around him, similar to an apron, to wash the disciples’ feet. If you want to truly be humble, put on an apron and serve.

I learned something about aprons and service, volunteering for DAIL Community near Seoul. During the orientation we were given a bright orange apron by the founder, Rev. Choi. Full of energy and enthusiasm, Choi is known as the “Babfor” pastor which means “pastor who scoops rice.”

We soon had our own “scoop rice” experience as hundreds of hungry people gathered to receive a meal. Quickly, we took our stations and went to work. Every fifteen minutes, we shifted to another task, filling the tray with rice or soup, seating people, bringing food, cleaning tables or washing dishes. The work was tedious but gratifying. Very few knew English, but it didn’t stop them from smiling and bowing to express appreciation. This experience of serving others at DAIL was a highlight of my trip.

Serving others can seem tedious and frustrating but the joy of helping others, more than compensates. The spirit of DAIL Community motto is “to practice God’s commandment to love each other, spread the Good News to others and to live our lives like Jesus stretching out our hands to our abandoned neighbors, thus creating a more beautiful world. It starts with anything; it starts with me; it starts now.”