“Dongdaemun is Land’s End": Second Act of Life for Retired Lay Believers as Missionaries

On February 5, the New Life Vision Center held a special service marking its recent expansion near Dongdaemun Market in Seoul. Most of the 80 participants are members of “New Life Mission (President: Elder Lee Jeong-wu),” established two years ago by Naseom Community (Representative: Rev. Rev. Yu Hae-geun). New Life Mission, also called New Life Dongdaemun Mission Society, is made up of retired lay Christians who are in their “new life” and carry out ministry and service in the Dongdaemun Market area.

Rev. Yu explained, “The daytime and nighttime population of Dongdaemun Market area is nearly 10,000, counting only foreigners. Tourists, merchant buyers, migrant workers at stores and restaurants… Here is indeed “land’s end” in terms of mission.

There were 20 members at the beginning of the New Life Mission. They taught Korean to 10 foreign residents on the third floor of their building. From time to time they also provided legal, medical, and job counselling. As the number of members increased to 80, they were able to provide services to 30 foreigners, and they needed a larger space for classes and meetings. The Mission decided to expand to the 4th floor.

“In just two years, we can rejoice at our revival. That is the reason for our service of thanks today,” said Center Director Rev. Han Sun-ok.

Most of the Mission members took a 10-week “New Life Vision School” program to gain the basic knowledge and training needed by missionaries, and they also go on a short-term mission trip in or outside Korea. So far, the program has trained six groups. The number of members will be more than 100 including the seventh group, to be started next month. The former careers of the members vary from teacher to CEO, to salaryman, housewife, and self-employed. Their rich life experiences are valuable assets. Some members learn new skills and get certified in Korean education, counselling, or acupuncture to use in their ministry and service.

The nationalities of the clients vary as well: They are from Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. The message board near the office entrance is filled with the names of students. It goes together well with the large signboard on the wall that reads, “Dongdaemun is Land’s End.” Rev. Yu Hae-geun, who established New Life Vision Center, has an eyesight disability that makes him virtually blind. His vision for the future of the mission, however, seems brighter than anyone’s.

Reporter Jaechan Park (jeep@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)

Photo by senior reporter Kang Min Seok


Click here for the original article in Korean

박여라 기자 yap@kmib.co.kr

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