"Hanjin Shipping...Dan Speaking, Can I help you?"

I've been working at Hanjin Shipping for the last couple of months. I've been working to save up for Tanzania. Well...this friday is my last day! Bwana Asi Fiwe Sana Sana Sana!!! (Praise the Lord very very much)

It was a difficult job at times but when I reflect on how God provided me with this opportunity, I am truly amazed. I interviewed on the Thursday of the week that I got back from my 2month trip and started the following Monday. God's provided me with an opportunity to work since the week after I returned. Now, I would have liked it so much better if money just fell out of the sky or some mysteriously millionaire knocked at my door...but reflecting back, I can testify that God has been paving the way for me and Africa.

God challenged me in tanzania with the passage from Matthew, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) I believe he was challenging me to have faith and to seek after His will first. Then he will provide and make the way. God's demonstrated His faithfulness through this job, through GCC, through my parents and family, and through so many of my generous friends. Things might not be all together in terms of finances or planning, but truly God is being gracious to His unbelieving servant.

It's still a daily, moment to moment wrestling match, against my anxiety, fear, temptation, etc. But I'm praying through these things and am set to go. I will bear witness to what God will do and I don't want to miss out on a single thing... not because of fear, not because of the flesh and comfort, not because of temptations to hold on to this illusion of control over my life.

Amen!

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
(Psalms 27:14 NIV)

AMEN!

Show me!

"We are in danger of getting into a bargaining spirit with God when we come to Him— we want the witness of the Spirit before we have done what God tells us to do."
(From My Utmost for His Highest)

All day today, waves of anxiety and doubt overwhelmed me. Things are working out and fitting into place but still I struggle with doubt. I pray that God will demonstrate His strength and provision but I need to take that step of faith first. God's stretching me to believe, to be humble, and to be bold with my words, thought, and action. Seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness... and all these things will be added unto you.

I wish this was an easier lesson to learn. Maybe a year from now, i'll read these entries and feel embarassed of all this hesitation and complaining. Hope so! I need your prayers and i need your words of encouragement.

God! I need you to speak. Rebuke me or encourage me. Just remind me that you're close.

Moving Along

Went to New York on friday... went to the Tanzania Embassy to get my visa. Praise God...it went smoothly. I was very worried that they wouldn't give me a traveler's visa for a year, I expected it to take at least a week...but got the visa on the spot!

Sitting in the office, hearing random words in swahili here and there, I realized just how much I missed Tanzania. 'Caribu'... WELCOME! ' ASANTE SANA'...Thank you! Even hearing english in a Tanzanian accent brought back fond memories of Pastor Rafael, Ayubu, Samweli, and even Benjamin.

Less then a month to go... getting more and more nervous, but excited too! God will make a way! Let me be faithful and witness what He has in store.

The Following is my information Packet. If you would like a hard copy, please email me your address: seonchoi@gmail.com:

PGM BIBLE COLLEGE
P.O. Box 324 Morogoro, Tanzania. East Africa

“...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8 ESV)

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Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ...
Grace Community Chapel, in partnership with PGM Bible College, has been sending a two week team and a one month team to Tanzania for the last two years. I have had the opportunity to participate in these two missions trips (last year for two weeks and this year for seven). On the more recent trip, God has given me the opportunity to serve in Tanzania for the next year teaching English and assisting Missionary Choi and Missionary Yang to tend to the daily needs of PGM Bible College. After several months of training, Missionary Choi and Missionary Yang will be taking a sabbatical, and I will continue serving the bible college. Giving Missionary Choi and Missionary Yang an opportunity to rest, so that they can continue on in their ministry for many years to come, is one of the major reasons I feel led to go.

I pray that you will find this packet informational and convicting, as you consider partnering with me and with the ministry at PGM Bible College. God Bless! - Dan Choi


Missionary Choi and Missionary Yang...
Having received his calling on a short term mission trip to Tanzania, Missionary Choi and his wife, Missionary Yang, began their ministry in Tanzania ten years ago. After several years, God called them to start a bible college to train Tanzanian pastors. Simply obeying, Missionary Choi and Missionary Yang bought land in Morogoro, Tanzania and built the seminary with their own hands, brick by brick. Now the seminary is nearing the end of its fourth academic year.

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PGM Bible College…
PGM Bible College is located in Morogoro, Tanzania. Modeled after Jesus’ three-year training of his disciples, each seminarian leaves home and family to be equipped for the work of the gospels and is trained for three years. They learn the Bible, world religion, church history, and even English. All of it is to be better-equipped for God’s work. With much of the cost subsidized from outside help and sometimes help from Missionary Choi, it cost a seminarian $50 a semester. However, what seem so little to you and I is still a major burden. Most of the students are already pastors and they come with a vision for church plantings, others want to become evangelists, but all of them and the people who send them toil and sacrifice for the work of the Gospel.




Last November was PGM’s first graduation ever, with all of the graduates working hard throughout Tanzania, many of them in rural parts of the country where foreign missionaries would have a hard time establishing a ministry.

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• Tanzania is located on the south eastern coast of Africa.
• Its neighboring countries include Brundi, Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
• Tanzania gained its independence from Britain in the early 1960’s and became a democratic nation in 1995.
• There are 160+ people groups living in Tanzania, most with their own dialect. Swahili is the uniting language. Cia.gov reports Tanzania to be one of the poorest nations in the world. The majority of Tanzania’s economy is based on agriculture, accounting for more that 40% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 85% of exports. Agriculture also employs 80% of the work force. However, because of its topography and climatic conditions, Tanzania is able to utilize only 4% of the land area.
• The average Tanzanian has an annual income of $1700 a year. That’s roughly a $142 a month and $4.66 a day. This ranks 170 out of 190 in CIA’s World Fact book. (The U.S ranks 8 on the same chart and each person is estimated to gross $45,800 each year)

Dar es Salaam vs. Villages…
Dar es Salaam, being the biggest and the richest city in Tanzania, is developing rather rapidly. You still won’t find the amenities you’d find in the U.S., but it’s not quite the Africa you’d imagine it to be. However, this is not the case for most of Africa. Most of Africa is undeveloped and rural villages. Many places do not have electricity, clean sources of water, and all the other luxuries that we take for granted.


Mission Work in Tanzania…
Going to more developed areas to establish a successful ministry is an enticing prospect for anyone. Most of the seminarians, however, will be going to the rural villages or returning homes to their villages. There, they will become not only pastors, but leaders in their communities. The church becomes not only a place of worship, but schools for their children and a community center. Missionary Choi purposely trains the seminarians at the college hard, knowing that life and ministry after the seminary will not be easy. The seminarians are not only equipped with the necessary academic knowledge, but, for three years, develop discipline in prayer and in faith.

There are great needs in the city, and there are missionaries working in the cities. However, the majority of Tanzanians in rural villages need Jesus’ love desperately and not many missionaries can go or are willing to go to reach them. This is why equipping native Tanzanians who are from these areas or are willing to go to these areas is such crucial work.

Islam in Tanzania…

Missionary Choi, Missionary Yang, Grace Na, and I were heading somewhere, driving through town. We passed an open field with a large crowd. There was a stage, speakers, and people up in the front singing or preaching... no different from a crusade we organized just a couple of weeks ago. This one, however, was a crusade for Islam...

He asked, as Grace and I watched the crusade... (roughly translated from Korean): "When you see something like this... do you think we can move slowly or we should move quickly?" (referring to the work of spreading the Gospel).

During our short-term trip, we went to a village called Gayaki. Missionary Choi told us that no foreign missionary had ever gone into that village. Muslims were already there. Islam is moving very aggressively. They are doing so all over the world. I've read about it and seen the figures in class, but I saw the reality of it first-hand in Tanzania. Please pray with me for 'victory', not only in Tanzania, but in the entire continent of Africa

One major method of spreading Islam is through education. Muslims build superior and attract parents to send their children. These children are indoctrinated with Islamic teachings from a very young age. In response, God has placed a vision in Missionary Choi’s heart to build a school for kindergarten teachers

The Growing Vision…
I believe God is preparing PGM, Missionary Choi, and Missionary Yang for another stage in the ministry He started 10 years ago. He’s stirring their hearts and opening their eyes to new visions. These visions include:
Kindergarten Teachers’ School: The new building being constructed is for this purpose. Women from rural parts of Tanzania will come to learn how to teach and work with children, and to instill in them foundational biblical truths.

• Youth Center/School: The vision is to build a center or a school that will teach subjects that would attract the youth. Computers, western instruments like guitar, English, etc. will be taught, and while they are taught relationships can be forged. Through these relationships, opportunity for ministry can be made. Revenue from this school will also fun other ministry work of PGM.
• Events and Conferences for the Country’s Youth: PGM can become a center for youth from various parts of the country to come and be discipled.
• Orphanage, Farm, and other visions in the works

"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest…" (Matthew 9:37, 38 ESV)

Walking on water...
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. (Matthew 14:27-29 ESV)

This was the passage God challenged me with as I was wrestling with whether or not I should go to Tanzania for a year. There were many doubts, questions, and unknowns. It would have made more sense, at least in my head, for me to settle down and find a church to serve.

I’m taking a plunge, whether it makes sense or not, because I know Christ is calling. I see that He’s moving there, and I’m beginning to see a glimpse of the Vision that He has for Tanzania and for Africa. I know it might be impossible to bear at times. However, I know Christ will be there to pull me out of the water.
I am terrified, anxious, and even reluctant at times… but I’m more afraid of missing out. Peter is the only one to have experienced walking on water hand-in-hand with Jesus...all because he took a step of faith. I want to experience and bear witness what God will do in me and through me!

I hope, as you read through this packet, that God stirs your heart and that you would consider partnering with me and with PGM Bible College. I pray that you would do this because of the convictions God has laid in your heart, not because you know me personally. By doing so, I believe you will be taking your part in missions as a sender and answering Christ’s Great Commission to the Church. Amen.


I’m Looking for Partners...
Again, I am sincere when I ask you to pray. Please, pray for Missionary Choi, Missionary Yang, pray for PGM, pray for the seminarians, and please pray for me. One-time donations are greatly appreciated, but please consider becoming a partner. Please consider committing to a year of intercessory prayer and financial support.

Lastly, please consider partnering with PGM, Missionary Choi, and Missionary Yang. The following are ongoing and recent needs of the seminary.

Wings...
Wings is not a charity organization. Wings is a partnership. The seminarians in Tanzania suffer from poverty, lack of education, and poor health care. When we give, we support them financially. Many Christians in the U.S. suffer from spiritual poverty. They support us with their prayers, a global vision, and their spiritual teachings during our summer visits.

You have the option of donating $15, $25, or $35 a month to PGM (Professionals for Global Missions). The seminarians are all suffering from poverty, but some need the money more than others. The money will be allocated each month to the neediest seminarians. For instance, one student might get malaria one month while a different student might have problems feeding his family of six the next month. Missionary Choi will allocate and directly give us a quarterly report of how your money was used.

Please contact Sora at: sora@gccnj.org.Also visit www.gccnj.org/WingsOfGrace.aspx to for more information and to watch the Wings’ promotional video. Some figures:$50 to provide for a seminarian's family per month$50 to cover tuition per semester$6 to buy a goat

Benjamin...
one of the seminarians, Benjamin passed away. He left behind a wife and 8 children. We are currently collecting money to help his family with funeral costs and living expenses.

Ongoing Building Project...
for those who would like to contribute toward the ongoing building project for the Kindergarten school/Chapel.

Estimated Budget…
The following is a roughly estimated budget. There are simply too many unknowns in Tanzania for me to give you anything definite. Monthly Costs:

I have set for myself a month ‘salary’ or budget of $700. This is to cover the following:

• Room & Board (though Missionary Choi tells me not to worry, I do not want to be a burden to the ministry)
• Swahili School (I will be attending an accelerated course. I do not know how much this will cost as of yet.)
• Phone (I will need to buy and use a cell phone in Tanzania)
• Gas and transportation
• Other misc. spending (Internet café for email, blog updates, visits to town, etc.)

Expenses Before Going:

• $150~$200-Books and curriculum (I will be teaching English at the seminary and therefore need books and curriculum.)
• Camping equipment (When we go into the villages, we camp for several days. It would be good to have a tent for myself and Missionary Choi, tarp, poles, etc.)
• $300 - Rain gear, climate-appropriate clothes, and equipment (Rainy season from November to January, also March to May.)
• $150- Immunization and Medication -
• $200- VISA Application - will be applying for Missionary VISA (Cost unknown) and Traveler’s VISA
• $100 - Scanner and External Drive
• $250 - Various needed things for Missionary Choi, Missionary Yang, and PGM
  
  *A more detailed budget and financial report will be provided at a later time.

Instructions on How to Make a Contribution:

For both one time contribution and monthly contributions, please make the check payable to GCC. Please specify on the Check “For Dan Choi” or “For…(ex: Wings)” any other causes you would like to contribute to. This way, your contributions are tax deductible. Please send the check to:

P.O. Box 1415 New Brunswick, NJ 08903
(732) 790-9254

Please email me at ‘seonchoi@gmail.com’ or call me (908-565-0697) with any questions

Pep Talk!

Days go by...we waste it with one foot stuck in the miry clay of the world and its daily routines, the other exhausting myself toward the Kingdom and the things unseen.

But God has already won the victory, he has already planted my feet firmly on the rock. I am to stand tall and fear only God and Heaven. God is my victory... and yet, why are my days a constant wrestling match with the will and the flesh.

I command you, my soul, as King David did, to place your fears at the feet of the cross and to worship Him, thank Him, and trust Him. To rejoice because God's will be done. He feeds the birds and clothes the grass, He will provide.

Sick...

"...When you are brought face to face with a difficult situation and nothing happens externally, you can still know that freedom and release will be given because of your continued concentration on Jesus Christ. Your duty in service and ministry is to see that there is nothing between Jesus and yourself. Is there anything between you and Jesus even now? If there is, you must get through it, not by ignoring it as an irritation, or by going up and over it, but by facing it and getting through it into the presence of Jesus Christ. Then that very problem itself, and all that you have been through in connection with it, will glorify Jesus Christ in a way that you will never know until you see Him face to face." (October 3rd entry, My Utmost for His Highest)

It's so easy to lose focus... and when we get distracted and lose focus, when we give our attention to anything other Christ... we lose Power.

This whole week I have been sick, I don't know with what but I have been coming down with fever, chills, body ache, etc. feeling powerless. wanting nothing more than to just crawl into bed after work.

In today's article from 'My Utmost for His Highest', it talks about concentrating on Christ and overcoming whatever that gets in between you and this task. Mark 28,29 describes a scene with Jesus and His disciples. His disciples could not cast out a demon and they asked why this was so.

...And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." (Mark 9:28,29 ESV)

Constant prayer and connection is necessary for power, power to cast out certain type of demons and power to have faith and peace. It's such a delicate thing... it's delicate because we are weak. I am weak.

Please pray for me, the seminarians, Missionary Choi, Missionary Yang, Tanzania, and Africa. Thank you