축복의 통로
지난 금요일에 기도요청이 들어왔습니다. “아버지 어머니, 내일 킹스턴 크리스천 스쿨에 면접을 하기로 했어요. 기도 부탁드립니다. “ “오우케이~~ 기도팀 가동할께^^” “감사합니다 ㅠㅠ 오랜만의 면접이라 감사한 마음으로 임하겠습니다.” ”정말 (면접할 수 있다는 게) 감사한 기회이지~~” 그동안 아들들에게 무심해 보여서 계모라는 별명을 가진 엄마도 한 마디합니다. “하나님께서 함께하시길 기도한다” “감사합니다” 1차 면접의 결과가 궁금했지만 묻기조차 부담스러웠습니다. 감사하게 뒷날 연락이 왔습니다. “기도해주신 덕분에 첫 면접은 잘 봤고요 다음 주 화요일에 최종 면접을 보게 됐어요. 감사합니다.” “고마워~ 궁금했단다^^.” 그래서 기도팀을 가동했습니다. “긴급기도부탁을 드립니다. 저희 둘 째 아들 은수가 어린 딸 셋을 데리고 3년 전에 캐나다에 가서 현지 교사가 되려고 공부를 마쳤고, 여기 시간으로 오늘 자정에 최종 면접을 합니다. 꼭 기도해 주세요~~ 선하신 하나님의 인도를 확인하고 세 딸의 좋은 아빠가 되도록~~”
기도제목 나누어 주셔서 감사드립니다. 캐나다에서 둘째 아드님의 교사 최종 면접을 위하여 함께 중보합니다. 현재 캐나다 어느 도시에 거주하시나요?” “킹스턴입니다. 토론토와 몬트리올 사이에 있습니다. 토론토에서 2시간 남짓 걸리더군요” “아 그러시군요. 아마도 백인 지역인 것 같습니다. 토론토의 경우는 다양한 소수민족/이주민들이 거주하는데 비해, 킹스턴은 백인들이 많을 것 같네요. 그 와중에 최종면접이 잘 통과되시길 중보합니다.” “네 우린 주인이 있습니다. 그래서 그분을 더욱 바라봅니다^^ “최종면접을 감사한 마음으로 잘 할 수 있도록 총장님의 둘째 아들을 주님께서 온전히 지켜주시기를 기도합니다.” “주님 그 입술에 주님의 지혜를 그 마음에 성령님 은혜 채우시는 정은수 성도 최종면접이 되게 하시기를 기도드립니다.” “우리 시간 자정에 있을 아드님의 최종면접을 위해 기도드립니다 우수한 성적으로 면접을 통과하여 킹스턴 크리스천 스쿨에서 귀한 사명 감당하기를 기도합니다” “이미 최고로 좋은 아빠인 은수형제가, 하나님의 은총을 입어, 그 분의 인도하심을 확인하고 더 좋은 아빠, 더 멋진 남편 되는 기회 갖기를 간절히 기도합니다!” “감사합니다 은수는 (선교사님과 같은) 무한지지자가 있어서 참 좋겠습니다”
몇 시간 뒤에 며느리의 카톡이 도착했습니다. “아버님 어머님 기도 감사합니다. 한국은 이른 시간이지만 빨리 기쁜 소식 알려드리고 싶네요^^ 합격했어요” “참 감사하다. 마가다락방의 숫자만큼 많은 분들이 기도했단다. 그런 생각을 했봤지^^ 혹 떨어진다고 해도, 대학도, 직장들도, 한국에서 떨어져 본 적이 없는 은수에겐, 번번히 떨어지는 사람들을 따뜻한 마음으로 이해하는 사람이 되는데 도움이 될 것이고, 결과에 상관없이 우리 하나님은 선하시고 은혜로우신 분이신 것은 조금도 변함이 없으시니까^^ (합격을) 축하한다. 가까이 있으면 은수가 좋아하는 빵이라도 구워줄 수 있는데~~ 뭘 좋아했지, 콘브레드였니 바나나브레드였니? 너희 둘이 선호하는 것이 늘 달랐으니까^^ 엄마는 아직도 기억하겠지만 아빠로서는 힘들어 ㅠㅠ 소식 빨리 전해줘서 고마워, 새벽 5시도 되기 전부터 깨어 있었단댜~~” “인터뷰 질문과 답을 (제가) 들으면서 하나님의 인도하심을 느낄 수 있어서 눈물나고 감사하더라고요. 생생한 합격자 이야기를 들려드리고 싶네요ㅎㅎ 남편하고 전화드릴게요
정말 많은 분들이 기도해주셔서 모두에게 감사 드립니다. 교장 선생님께서 꼭 필요한 사람을 보내주신 것을 감격하면서 1차 면접을 진행했었고 오늘도 기도로 면접을 시작하고 마칠 수 있어서 더욱 감사합니다 인도하심이 느껴지네요” “연락줘서 고맙다 기도를 들으시는 하나님의 인도하심을 감사하고 계속 기도할께” 엄마의 간결담백한 반응입니다. 이제부터는 다른 분들의 반응입니다. “ᆢ오늘은 두분에게 무지 기쁜 날, 행복한 날입니다. 우리의 기도에 신실하게 응답하시는 하나님을 찬양합니다” “은수 집사님에게 주신 좋은 성품들이 잘 드러날 수 있는 곳이리라 여깁니다. 아마 가장 좋은 때에 함께 주의 은혜를 누리도록 기도의 기회를 주신것 같아 너무 감사해요” “하나님은 역시 짱이십니다^^” “네 시원하게 비가 쏟아붓고 있습니다. 감사합니다 요셉으로 애굽이 복을 받듯이 은수네로 인해서 캐나다가 복을 받게 기도해 주십시오~~” “맞습니다. 우리는 복의 통로입니다.” “3년 전에 캐나다로 떠난 아들이 취업면접에 최종통과하고 내일부터 출근합니다. 요셉으로 인해 애굽이 복을 받듯이 은수네 가족으로 인해서 캐나다가 복을 받게 되길 기도해 주십시오
A Channel of Blessing
Last Friday, a prayer request arrived. “Father, Mother, I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow at Kingston Christian School. Please pray for me.” “Okay~~ I will mobilize the prayer team ^^” “Thank you ㅠㅠ Since it’s been a while since my last interview, I will approach it with a grateful heart.” “It truly is something to be thankful for—just having this opportunity~~” Even their mother, who earned the playful nickname 'stepmother' for seeming rather indifferent to her sons over the years, chimed in with a word: “I pray that God will be with you.” “Thank you.” Though I was curious about the outcome of that first interview, I felt hesitant to ask and add any pressure. Thankfully, he contacted us the very next day. “Thanks to your prayers, the first interview went well, and I have been called for the final interview next Tuesday. Thank you so much.” “Thank you~ I was indeed wondering ^^.”
And so, I mobilized the prayer team. “I ask for your urgent prayers. Three years ago, our second son, Unsoo, moved to Canada with his three young daughters and completed his studies to become a local teacher. At midnight tonight, Korean time, he has his final interview. Please keep him in your prayers~~ That he may witness the gracious guidance of our good God, and grow to be an even better father to his three daughters~~”
“Thank you for sharing this prayer request. We are joining you in intercession for your second son’s final teaching interview in Canada. Which city in Canada are they currently living in?” “Kingston. It’s situated between Toronto and Montreal. It takes a little over two hours from Toronto.” “Ah, I see. It’s likely a predominantly Caucasian community. While Toronto is home to diverse ethnic minorities and immigrants, Kingston tends to have a large Caucasian population. In the midst of that, we will pray earnestly that he passes the final interview.” “Yes, we have a Master. That is why we look to Him all the more ^^.” “We pray that the Lord will wholly protect the President’s second son so that he may undergo the final interview with a heart full of gratitude.” “Lord, fill the lips of brother Unsoo Jung with Your wisdom and his heart with the grace of the Holy Spirit during this final interview.” “We are praying for your son’s final interview taking place at midnight our time. We pray that he will pass with flying colors and faithfully carry out his precious calling at Kingston Christian School.” “Brother Unsoo is already the best father, and we earnestly pray that by God's grace, he will confirm His guidance and be granted the opportunity to become an even better father and a wonderful husband!” “Thank you so much. Unsoo is truly blessed to have such unwavering champions like you, missionary.”
A few hours later, a KakaoTalk message arrived from our daughter-in-law. “Father, Mother, thank you for your prayers. It must be very early in Korea, but I wanted to share the joyful news right away ^^ He got the job!” “We are so deeply grateful. As many people as gathered in Mark’s upper room were praying. That thought crossed my mind ^^ Even if he hadn't made it, for Unsoo—who has never failed an entrance exam or job interview in Korea—it would have been an experience helping him warmly empathize with those who face rejection repeatedly. And regardless of the outcome, our God remains unfailingly good and gracious ^^ Congratulations! If we were closer, I would have baked some bread that Unsoo loves~~ What was it he liked, cornbread or banana bread? The two of you always had different tastes ^^ Mom might still remember, but Dad finds it hard to recall ㅠㅠ Thank you for letting us know so quickly; I have been awake since before 5 a.m.~~”
“Listening to the interview questions and answers, I could vividly feel God’s guidance, which brought tears to my eyes and filled me with thanksgiving. I really want to share the vivid story of his success with you haha. I’ll call you together with my husband soon.”
“So many people prayed for us, and we are grateful to everyone. The principal was moved, remarking that God had sent the exact person they needed during the first interview. And today, being able to begin and conclude the interview with prayer made us even more grateful. His guidance was truly palpable.” “Thank you for letting us know. We thank God who hears our prayers and guides us, and we will continue to pray.” That was Mother’s brief and understated response.
From here on, here are the heartfelt responses of others: “...Today is an immensely joyful and happy day for both of you. Praise the Lord who answers our prayers so faithfully!” “I believe this is a place where the wonderful character God has bestowed upon Deacon Unsoo will shine brightly. I am so grateful for the opportunity to pray and partake in the Lord's grace at just the right time.” “God is truly amazing ^^” “Yes, a refreshing rain is pouring down here. Thank you. Just as Egypt was blessed through Joseph, please pray that Canada will be blessed through Unsoo’s family~~” “Indeed. We are channels of blessing.” “Our son, who left for Canada three years ago, has passed his final job interview and starts work tomorrow. Just as Egypt was blessed through Joseph, please pray that Canada will be blessed through Unsoo and his family.”
’n Kanaal van Seën
Verlede Vrydag het daar ’n gebedsversoek deurgekom. “Pa en Ma, ek het môre ’n onderhoud by Kingston Christian School. Bid asseblief vir my.” “Oukei~~ ek sal die gebedspan inspan ^^” “Baie dankie ㅠㅠ Aangesien dit ’n hele rukkie sedert my laaste onderhoud is, sal ek dit met ’n dankbare hart aanpak.” “Dit is werklik ’n kosbare geleentheid waarvoor ’n mens net dankbaar kan wees~~” Selfs hul ma, wat oor die jare die bynaam 'stiefma' gekry het omdat sy soms ongeërg teenoor haar seuns gelyk het, het haar stem laat hoor: “Ek bid dat die Here met jou sal wees.” “Dankie.” Hoewel ek baie nuuskierig was oor die uitslag van die eerste onderhoud, was ek huiwerig om te vra sodat ek hom nie onder druk plaas nie. Genadiglik het hy die volgende dag laat weet: “Danksy julle gebede het die eerste onderhoud baie goed afgeloop, en ek is genooi vir die finale onderhoud aanstaande Dinsdag. Baie dankie.” “Dankie~ ek het juis gewonder ^^.”
En so het ek die gebedspan gemobiliseer: “Ek vra om dringende voorbidding. Ons tweede seun, Unsoo, het drie jaar gelede saam met sy drie dogtertjies na Kanada verhuis en sy studies voltooi om ’n plaaslike onderwyser te word. Vanaand om middernag, ons tyd, het hy sy finale onderhoud. Bid asseblief ernstig saam~~ Dat hy die genadige leiding van ons goeie God mag beleef en ’n nóg beter pa vir sy drie dogtertjies kan wees~~”
“Baie dankie dat u hierdie gebedsversoek deel. Ons tree saam in vir u tweede seun se finale onderhoud vir ’n onderwyspos in Kanada. In watter Kanadese stad woon hulle tans?” “Kingston. Dit lê tussen Toronto en Montreal. Dit neem so ietsie meer as twee uur vanaf Toronto.” “A, ek verstaan. Dit is sekerlik ’n oorwegend blanke omgewing. Waar Toronto wemel van uiteenlopende minderhede en immigrante, het Kingston waarskynlik ’n oorwegend wit bevolking. Te midde daarvan bid ons dat hy die finale onderhoud met welslae sal slaag.” “Ja, ons het ’n Meester. Daarom rig ons ons oë des te meer op Hom ^^.” “Ons bid dat die Here die Rektor se tweede seun volkome sal bewaar, sodat hy die finale onderhoud met ’n dankbare gemoed sal kan aflê.” “Here, vul asseblief die lippe van broer Unsoo Jung met U wysheid en sy hart met die genade van die Heilige Gees tydens hierdie finale onderhoud.” “Ons bid vir u seun se finale onderhoud wat vanaand om middernag ons tyd plaasvind. Mag hy met vlieënde vaandels slaag en ’n kosbare roeping by Kingston Christian School vervul.” “Broer Unsoo is reeds die beste pa denkbaar, en ons bid vurig dat hy deur God se genade Sy leiding sal ervaar en die geleentheid kry om ’n nóg beter pa en ’n wonderlike eggenoot te wees!” “Baie dankie. Unsoo is waarlik geseënd met sulke onvoorwaardelike ondersteuners soos u, sendeling.”
’n Paar uur later het daar ’n KakaoTalk-boodskap van ons skoondogter gekom: “Pa en Ma, baie dankie vir die gebede. Dit is seker nog baie vroeg in Korea, maar ek wou dadelik die goeie nuus deel ^^ Hy is aangestel!” “Ons is so intens dankbaar. Soveel mense soos destyds in Markus se bovertrek het saamgebid. Daardie gedagte het sommer by my opgekom ^^ Selfs al sou hy dit nie gemaak het nie, sou dit vir Unsoo—wat nog nooit in Korea vir universiteit of werk afgekeur is nie—’n geleentheid gewees het om met ’n warm hart empatie te hê met diegene wat keer op keer teleurstelling beleef. En ongeag die uitslag, bly ons God onveranderlik goed en genadig ^^ Baie geluk! As ons maar nader was, sou ek van daardie brood gebak het waarvan Unsoo so baie hou~~ Waarvan het hy nou weer gehou, mieliebrood of piesangbrood? Julle twee se smaak het mos altyd verskil ^^ Ma sal dit seker nog onthou, maar vir Pa is dit maar moeilik ㅠㅠ Dankie dat julle so gou laat weet het; ek was al voor vyfuur vanoggend wakker~~”
“Terwyl ek na die onderhoudsvrae en sy antwoorde geluister het, kon ek God se leiding so duidelik voel dat trane van dankbaarheid in my oë opgewel het. Ek kan nie wag om die lewendige getuienis van sy sukses met julle te deel nie, haha. Ek en my man sal julle binnekort bel.”
“Soveel mense het vir ons gebid, en ons is elkeen van harte dankbaar. Die skoolhoof was diep bewoë en het tydens die eerste onderhoud gesê dat God presies die regte persoon gestuur het wat hulle nodig gehad het. En vandag kon ons die onderhoud weer met gebed begin en afsluit, wat ons net nog dankbaarder maak. ’n Mens kon Sy leiding waarlik tasbaar aanvoel.” “Dankie dat julle laat weet het. Ons dank God wat gebede verhoor en ons lei, en ons sal aanhou bid.” Dit was Ma se tipiese kort en bondige antwoord.
Hier volg die reaksies van ander vriende: “...Vandag is ’n buitengewoon blye en vreugdevolle dag vir julle albei. Ons loof die Here wat ons gebede so getrou beantwoord!” “Ek glo dit is ’n plek waar die goeie karakter wat die Here aan diaken Unsoo geskenk het, ten volle tot sy reg sal kom. Ek is so dankbaar vir die voorreg om op die regte tyd saam in die Here se genade te kon deel deur gebed.” “Die Here is waarlik wonderbaar ^^” “Ja, hier val ’n heerlike, verfrissende reën neer. Baie dankie. Net soos Egipte geseën is ter wille van Josef, bid asseblief dat Kanada geseën sal word deur Unsoo en sy gesin~~” “Beslis. Ons is kanale van seën.” “Ons seun, wat drie jaar gelede na Kanada vertrek het, het sy finale onderhoud geslaag en begin môre werk. Net soos Egipte deur Josef geseën is, bid asseblief dat Kanada geseën sal word deur Unsoo se gesin.”