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2 Tim 2:3, “Join me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

On October 4, we held late Dr. Samuel Lee’s memorial service at a chapel in the cemetery. 130 leaders in the Chicago area, including 15 outside guests attended. On the day before our memorial service, we learned that the weather would be cold and that it would rain. But our God is always good. The cemetery manager allowed us to hold our service indoors. We praise God for this.

The memorial service began with opening prayer by Jim Cook and James Rabchuck.  Then, a message was delivered by Joshua Lee (Korea UBF), translated by Kevin Albright, entitled, “A good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim 2:3)  S. Joshua Lee explained that we should join in Jesus’ suffering and training in order to be good soldiers of Christ Jesus. To do so, we should have soldier spirit by overcoming complacency.  We should practically restore the spirit of one to one Bible study. In UBF there are many one to one zealots who carry out 10-15 one to ones per week. S. Joshua introduced a few of them. He emphasized that we should restore a soldier spirit in order to be good soldiers of Christ Jesus and carry out our mission to send 100,000 missionaries to 233 nations.

Following the message was a poem dedication, entitled, “He was a soldier” written by Daniel Rhee and recited by Yvonne Lee.

Then a life testimony was delivered by M. Sarah Hwang (Mexico), translated by Dr. Helen Rarick.  From the beginning of pioneering, M. Sarah engaged in fishing and one to one. Despite her poor Spanish, many students responded. In 1985, there was an earthquake unprecedented in Mexican history and through it, 40,000 people were killed. But God blessed her to have 15 one to ones during the week. For financial independence, she used to go to the suburbs and pitch a tent to sell things. In this situation, however, she drove 4-5 hours in order to do one to ones every day. Then she had to drive back to the tent during the night despite the danger of robbers. In the midst of numerous trials, God blessed one person, Edith to keep her faith like Abraham. Through her influence, numerous leaders were raised. Later God blessed Mexico City UBF to pioneer 14 chapters and establish 25 families and 150 Sunday worshipers. 16 missionaries were sent out among native shepherds. Through this we could see God’s vision for Mexico to be a priestly nation and missionary sending nation.

Our memorial service was over with the ending prayers of John Park (NJ), Birgit Pierce, Ron Ward and Mother Barry.

By Paul Koh