A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.Isaiah 11:1
I’m currently reading the book “The Jesus Way” by Eugene Peterson. In one chapter he mentions this verse from Isaiah.
The author pictures it like this:
The stump = what looks cut down, lifeless, and hopeless (Israel after judgment, or our lives when they feel ruined).
The seed/shoot = God’s hidden, surprising life that begins small, humble, and almost invisible—but grows into something strong and enduring.
The point = God’s way is not flashy all the time. Instead, it can be slow, hidden, and natural, like a seed growing out of a stump. This contrasts with human ways of power and control.
With the fall season coming into full swing, it brings with it new opportunities and new outlooks on the ministry in Korea. Since I got back I’ve been keeping busy with tutoring, starting new programs at church and seeking out new opportunities to connect with people.
Sometimes ministry can feel like nothing is happening…a stump…
Like no matter what I do to put myself out there and connect with people they just aren’t receptive. This is especially true in Korea where close personal relationships are hard to form. After coming back recharged and encouraged by my time in the US, I felt like a new season had started. The time of introduction is over and I have my feet planted firmly in Korea.
When I first arrived back I felt so grateful to be back. Seeing Korea from the airplane felt like seeing a friend after a long time. Meeting back up with my friends and church family gave me so much joy. After a few days of resting and waiting for the jet lag to wear off, I went on a new adventure.
I had booked some concert tickets while in the states to go see my favorite band play (a little birthday gift for myself hehe). I was a little nervous to go to a concert in Korea all by myself, but I wanted to face my fears and test my Korean knowledge. You’re also never sure where your next new friend will come from!
I was standing in line, waiting for the concert to start and I heard a girls voice say in Korean, “Excuse me..”
Don’t ask me why she chose the only foreigner in that crowd to ask, but she approached me(in Korean) and asked if I had any cash for the lockers at the venue. I never carry cash, but I just so happened to have a few bucks in my wallet. She was so grateful and kept thanking me. We became friends on KakaoTalk(Korean texting app) and keep in touch.
I don’t know where that friendship will lead, but it gave me a lot of hope. I can see how the Lord is working through the small, seemingly insignificant moments to bring about friendships and deep conversations.
So many beautiful moments have been happening lately. Conversations with coworkers about faith and why I believe in Christ. Starting a new English learning program at church on Thursday evenings in the hope of reaching more people around Seoul. I’ve been taking on a more involved role at the English lounge and I’m still tutoring the FCA students along with a few others. I’ve been busy but it’s a good busy! I praise God each day for this beautiful city and all the new opportunities he’s given me in this new season of ministry.
This is my seed in the stump. While life can feel slow and moments insignificant, God is still working here and growing me. The seed is growing and it’s so beautiful. Thank you all for all your prayers and support as I traveled back to Korea and settled back into life here.
I’d love to hear about the seeds you are are planting/seeing in the stump these days. We can encourage each other~
Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and partnership. I couldn’t do this without you.
Until next time!
