Three Titus Trips Later

I was gone thirty-two days this summer to help chaperone three separate Project Titus trips. That might be a record! But even if it isn’t, it was a very rewarding experience nonetheless. I was able to see gospel work take place in three different special places around the world: China, Korea, and Milwaukee. I was able to spend time with wonderful students and fellow chaperones (two of whom are family), see some amazing sights, and take part in heartwarming worship. Oh yes, the thirteen hour plane rides and fifteen hour train ride provided some worthwhile time to reflect, and ponder, and plan, and…sleep.

I could write lots and lots about each of these three trips, but I’ll focus on just one particular moment instead that was especially meaningful. In Korea, my wife and I were invited to go with the local missionary, Pastor Kim, to a North Korean refugee camp. That’s not a typical stop for a Project Titus trip! At this “camp” there were about forty North Korean men who, like thousands of others, had risked their lives to escape from their homeland, go into hiding elsewhere (like China) for up to several years of their lives, and then finally arrive in the free land of South Korea. In their new “home” they now receive the basic necessities, be educated about many things they never knew before, and possibly will be granted citizenship and the chance to get jobs. They also will have the opportunity to hear about their Savior, thanks to the efforts of people like Pastor Kim and the congregation where he serves in nearby Seoul.

We didn’t know what to expect before arriving at the place where the refugees are kept (a school setting). I’ll admit that I was rather nervous about it, especially since most if not all of these men had never seen an American in their lives! On top of that, they came from a place where America is not considered a friendly place by any means. But as soon as we walked into the room, the men started to applaud! I was allowed to address them for about ten minutes (with Pastor Kim translating, of course). After he talked to them for about half an hour it was time for questions and answers. I was asked a few questions, including this one: “How do you for sure that there really is a God?”

What a privilege to be part of such a wonderful gospel opportunity. Humbling, besides.

Before we left we “chatted” with a few of the men some more, and shook the hand of every one of them (some of those handshakes were quite firm! One hug was also delivered). I haven’t stopped thinking about that visit… the ongoing story of those refugees and thousands like them… and the door that the Lord is opening to outreach with that particular group of people… ever since!

No, that’s not a typical Project Titus moment. But when you think about it, what we might consider “typical” is really very rewarding, uplifting, and important just the same. Whether it be in Korea, China, Colombia, Milwaukee, North Carolina, Georgia, or Texas (all places where Titus trips went this summer); at MLS or in your homes and congregations, this is always true: what a privilege to be part of such wonderful gospel opportunities!