Ministry Update Oct 5, 2020 Reveille - Call to action
Soo, during her quarantine, doing facetime with Faith
In military bases around the world, reveille (or morning bugle call) occurs at dawn to mark the start of a new day. For Faith N Hope International Ministry, the sound of reveille was early this year as we recruited champions and board members for our orphan ministry. We, along with a few of our friends spent the better part of 2019 researching, seeking Lord's direction, and prayerfully asking God to open doors and bring the right leaders as we formed the ministry that will focus on creating a solution to the orphan crisis. We now have 11 exceptional board members who have given generously and continue to devote countless hours lending their expertise as we build our ministry together. We also have a wonderful ambassador/champion, countless supporters, donors, and prayer partners who allow us to continue our efforts. What is truly exciting is that we are now ready to launch our phase one pilot project. In preparation, Soo decided to travel to South Korea, knowing that she will be quarantined.
Currently, Soo passed the halfway mark of her 14 days quarantine that is required for foreign travelers entering South Korea. The purpose of Soo's journey is to identify orphan children who will participate in Faith N Hope's phase one pilot project, based on our PEERS model (see below). She is also in Korea to play reveille or to awaken Christians. We cannot do this alone. We must unite and develop a collaborative strategy to better equip, prepare, and provide tools necessary for these precious children to have a meaningful role as they enter adulthood.
Some have wondered why we decided to liquidate the condo we were living in and use the proceeds to start Faith N Hope International Ministry. Why another orphan ministry? Our initial goal was to support and volunteer at an organization that works with orphans from Korea. However, as we were considering this path, one thing became clear. Though there are a number of organizations, led by genuinely godly people, trying to "help" orphans, it was evident they needed additional support and a cohesive/united strategy. A strategic direction and collaboration that shifts the life trajectory of orphans that leads to a brighter future. A strategic initiative focused on building self-sustaining capacity (through education, job skills, spiritual/emotional growth) before these orphans age out of the system.
At the end of the orphans’ journey, as they prepare to enter adulthood/leave orphanage, the South Korean government provides U.S. equivalent of approximately $4500 USD. The expectation is that these teens will use that money to somehow build a life that is productive and meaningful. However, some estimate that up to 90% of these children are not prepared for adulthood. They are often victimized and preyed upon by human traffickers as they leave the only safety net or connection they had (i.e., the institution they grew up during their formative years).
Faith during her visit to Mango House (Chang Mai, Thailand)
Our focus is to disrupt the current system and build a better pathway for orphans through collaboration and partnerships. Though it would be wonderful to find loving homes for every child, the reality is that due to multiple legal and social barriers related to domestic and foreign adoptions, it is extremely difficult for these children to be placed in permanent homes. Our solution is to rescue those we can and link them up with loving sponsor families. However, most children will live out their childhood and teenage years in orphanages, and we want to ensure that they are well prepared by meeting their spiritual, emotional, social, educational, vocational, and experiential capacity needs.
The aim is to better prepare orphans and help them build confidence and capabilities as they prepare to launch into adulthood. Our PEERS model is geared towards addressing orphans spiritual, relational, educational, experiential, and career growth. As we move towards phase one of our operation, we are laying out the foundation on technologies used to deliver the highest quality of educational content so our mentors/missionaries can build academic competence while demonstrating Christ's love.
Even in the midst of quarantine, Soo is busy preparing and coordinating logistics for activities and meetings post. Once she completes her Korean government required quarantine in about a week, she will be spending time with:
Our Ambassador/#1 Champion (who also happens to be a top actress & advocate for orphans), Deacon Shin Aera (탤렌트, 신애라 집사님),
Meetings with potential collaborators and future partners,
Connecting with those who will serve as guardians/protectors/surrogate parents (i.e., our mentors/missionaries),
Meeting with orphanage administrators and staff,
Interviewing children who will participate in phase one pilot of the PEERS model.
Please continue to pray that God will prepare the hearts of those Soo is scheduled to meet, as well as children who will be part of the phase one pilot project, and the administrators of these orphanages. We cannot do this without your prayers and support. And, thank you for heeding to our bugle call.