[2019 Summer Newsletter]Nehemiah English Reunification Camp (July 26 - August 3)
1919/09/23 12:54 am
2019 NEHEMIAH ENGLISH REUNIFICATION CAMP (NERC)
“Let us rise up and build!”
Nehemiah 2:18b
Written by Joy Park
Because of your partnership, Nehemiah English Reunification Camp, held July 26th to Aug 3rd on Jeju Island, was a success for the third year in a row. The theme this year was "Let us rise up and build!". We had approximately 140 attendees at camp comprised of 34 youth and young adults from North Korea, 15 youth and young adults from South Korea, and about 80 volunteers and staff from around the world.
Joyful worship every night!
Each day, our students and volunteers were able to connect and learn about each other through various programs such as surfing, dance, music, and art, which were conducted in English so that they could improve their English language skills and continue to prepare themselves as global leaders for a unified Korea.
Small-Group sharing & fruitful fellowship
Each and every night our students and volunteers worshiped God together through songs, sermons, and times or prayer, growing closer together in fellowship and unity. During this time we witnessed eight young people accept Jesus as their personal savior. Several stated that, though they attend church regularly, they hadn’t ever known about Jesus or his unconditional love. Thanks be to God that they encountered him at camp and surrendered their lives to Jesus.
Powerful prayer ministry time & One on One
The volunteers, who came from all over the world, truly expressed Jesus love to these young people through one-on-one time and sincere, powerful prayer. Some participants said “Thank you for crying for me.”, “I came to know who God is by seeing the volunteers’ attitudes, actions, and hearts.”, “I want to experience God's love for the rest of my life.” Additionally, we witnessed physical healing through a prayer ministry conducted by six prayer warriors from Solomon's Porch from Hong Kong.
Volunteers from all over the world preparing to welcome students, Solomon's Porch Church intercessory prayer
This year we conducted English classes based on various levels of English proficiency. Each level worked to develop English communication skills, and saw great improvement among the students, as well as increased in interest in learning more English to help advance their futures.
English test, English class by category/level, Speaking class
We conducted all activities, including morning devotion, music, dance, art, and game workshop in English. We did this to help all participants learn and apply their English language skills practical ways. We had professional surfers from the U.S and Taiwan teach participants how to surf, and through our “Mission Possible” challenge each group worked to develop deeper friendships and trust while experiencing the beauty of Jeju.
"Mission Possible" to explore downtown Jeju in groups
The Game, Dance, Music, and Art Workshop in English, featuring self-portrait collages
Surfing lesson taught by professional surf teams from the United States and Taiwan
We spent our final night praying for one another and choosing to stand, hand-in-hand, on the large map of the Korean peninsula. Through this act we showed our commitment to stand together with North Korean refugees and people in North Korea.
This year we witnessed how volunteers and participants alike were changed through the camp experience. When camp began, many of the young students were apprehensive and slow to participate. However, through the love and care of our 140 International volunteers, exhibiting God’s love for his people, the students began to participate in the programs, dance and sing during worship, and build bonds.
We truly tasted what reunification will be like, and what the family of God is. As a result, many of our volunteers and students made a special commitment for reunification through the Gospel on the Korean peninsula. And, as they left camp, many proclaimed "see you next year!", looking forward to NERC 2020.
All Glory and thanksgiving to God!
As a follow-up program, Nehemiah Youth Club will be providing North Korean youth who attended NERC with English discipleship from this October onwards.