This photo (and the idea of this photo) came from the creative mind of Victor Tchor as he, Mr. Wittman and I enjoyed lunch at Subway's next to Pohang's Megaline theatres. Please pray for Victor who left with a number of HILS students on outreach (for about a month) to the Philippines!!! May God anoint them, bless them and protect them as they are used by Him to advance the kingdom!

This is John 3:16 in ancient Korean writing style (read from right to left-like Hebrew!-and from top to bottom) found on one of the stairway walls of Bukbu Church in Pohang.

Write your own Bible?!?!

I have only seen these in Korea. Can you write your own Bible?! NO! of course not! It is just a special book designed for people to copy out sections of the Bible themselves. I think it's a pretty cool idea. This used to be a big thing in Korean Christian circles a few years ago but seems to have become less popular.

An example of how "The Self-Writing Bible" works. People write out verses of the Bible with the intention of helping them "chew on", meditate and memorize Scripture.

At Thursday's Bible Study, Seung-Hoon presented me with this AWESOME t-shirt he made himself!!! He designed it all himself based on one of my favorite Bible verses-John 15:5. I can't thank you enough for this incredible gift, Seung-Hoon!!!

Different patches found on my John 15:5 t-shirt made by Seung-Hoon: "I am the vine, ye are the brances" (left side of chest), Jesus' pierced hand (back), "Only by the Blood of Jesus, I Can Live" (left sleeve), grapes (right sleeve). What a gift!!

Well, Daniel is off to Afghanistan. Please pray that he has a SAFE and ENJOYABLE visit to see his family and fiancee! On his last evening here at Handong, Arman and I enjoyed his company over fried chicken. (Hey! The boys love their chicken!) Daniel was so kind to give me this photo of the 2 of us at "African Culture Night" about a year ago along with a touching card of thanks and a lovely t-shirt from New York (while there visiting his Dad). May the Lord bring Daniel back safely so that we enjoy his company here at Handong for another semester!!!

An awesome, early birthday gift from mom. Great DVD! Thanks so much, MOM! "Before you saw him Walk The Line, Johnny Cash walked The Gospel Road, telling the story of Jesus Christ as only Cash, the legendary Man in Black, could tell it! Cash stars in, sings in, and narrates this timeless tale of faith, courage, and one man's selfless acts of kindness and charity. Featuring original songs by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and Kris Kristofferson, and co-written and co-produced by Cash, The Gospel Road is his most passionate labor of love. Join country music's greatest star on an inspirational journey you'll never forget." I especially loved that it was filmed on location in Israel.

On the envelope of a recent letter from home: "Sealed With a Kiss!"

The Doctrine of Christ - Descent into Hell

"(Now that HE ASCENDED, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?...)(Ephesians 4:9)
Before the death of Christ, both the lost and the saved went to Hades (Hebrew: She'ol) although it was divided into the place of torments and the paradise of God (also called Abraham's bosum, Luke 16:19-31).
Illustration: When Jesus hung on the cross, He consoled the penitent thief that he would be in paradise with Christ on that day. One of the accomplishments of the Resurrection was to lead "captivity captive," that is, to remove Old Testament saints from Abraham's bosom (Hades) and lead them to heaven.
Application: When a Christian dies today, he goes immediately into the presence of God (Phil. 1:23).