이성은 회장이 회원들에게 보내는 편지
“내게 능력 주시는 자 안에서 내가 모든 것을 할 수 있습니다” 인류에게 닥쳐온 여러 가지 재앙 중에 특별히 전염병은 수없이 인류의 생존을 위협해 왔습니다. 그런 가운데도 인류의 역사는 하나님의 인도하심 아래 지금까지 이어져 왔습니다. 지금 닥친 COVID-19 도 현재 우리에게 꽉 막힌 장벽 같지만, 이것 또한 역시 지나갈 것입니다. 전 세계가 혼란과 고통을 겪고 있는 이때 하나님을 믿고 의지하며 주님의 도와주심을 간절히 바라며 소망을 가지고 주님이 주실 새날을 기대해야 합니다. 이러한 위로와 소망을 우리 이웃들에게 전합시다. 그리고 어려움을 당하고 있는 이웃들을 위해서 나섭시다. 온전케 하시는 주님만 바라보면서 우리에게 주어진 사명을 감당해 나갑시다. 낙심하거나 좌절하지 말고 능력 주시는 하나님께 기도하며 모든 고난을 이겨내십시다. “내게 능력 주시는 자 안에서 내가 모든 것을 할 수 있습니다” (빌립보서 4장 13절). 전국에 계신 한인여선교회 회원들이 다 같이 한마음 한뜻으로 기도하기를 소망합니다. (글: 이성은 장로, 한인여선교회전국연합회 회장)
The letter from president There have been various disasters in the world threatening lives, among them being epidemics. Nonetheless, human life has continued under God’s master plan. We are now in difficult times due to COVID-19, feeling like there is no way out. Yet, this too will pass. We are worrying and praying inside the dark; God will lead us into the light of new history–His new story. Let’s give out comfort and hope to our neighbors. We will do our part in fulfilling the Lord’s work. Let us not be discouraged. “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13. |
기독교인들이 대처한 세계적인 전염병들
우리는 현재 전혀 경험해 보지못한 어려운 상황을 맞이하였다. 코로나 바이러스는 우리들의 일상의 생활을 너무도 크게 바꾸어 놓았고 정치, 경제, 문화적, 종교적으로도 큰 영향을 끼치고 있다. 이런 현실은 사순절을 보내고 있는 기독교인들에게도 하나님앞에서 인간이 얼마나 무기력한 존재인지를 인정하며 지금까지 삶을 돌아보며 속죄하는 시간이 되어야 할 것 같다.
지금 코로나 바이러스로 인해 내 자신이 병을 옮기는 당사자가 될수있기에 사회적 거리두기를 해야 하는 현실 속에서 지난 역사에서 교회와 믿음의 선배들이 보여준 행동하는 신앙과 지혜가 지금 우리에게도 절실히 필요하다.
4. 런던의 찰스 스펄전 목사 (Rev. Charles Spurgeon)
* 현재 우리는 무엇을 할 수 있을까? (편집: 김명래 총무, 한인여선교회 전국연합회) ( 본 글은 www.thegospelcoalition.org TGC 코리아와 아멘넷 신문에서 내용을 발췌, 요약하였다.)
Past Pandemics Dealt by Christians / Christians’ Response to Pandemics in the Past Today we face a difficult, unprecedented situation. COVID-19 has changed our lives in drastic ways, affecting our politics, economy, culture, and religion. As Christians going through Lent, this reality must become a time of repentance, reflecting on our lives and realizing the weakness of man in the face of God. Throughout the history of mankind, there have been four pandemics. This article seeks to explore how the church had acted to those calamities through faith in Christ. Examining the instances from each period, Christians’ brazen and courageous sacrifice for the needy–even risking death–truly reflects the image of a Christ-like disciple. In today’s reality, in which practicing social distancing is required to avoid spreading the virus to others, we desperately need the faith and wisdom shown by past churches and seniors of faith. Rodney Stark, author of “The Rise of Christianity: How Did the Obscure, Marginal, Jesus Movement Become the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries?” examined the factors behind the rise of Christianity from various perspectives, and one of the factors was a pandemic. Early Christianity arose in the midst of abandoned and poor peoples, but to know how it got recognized and revived later on, we need to know the church’s response to pandemics. Thus, the following presents a summary of past pandemic experiences through the lens of 4 individuals. 1. Alexandria’s bishop, Dionysius In 160 A.D. (2nd century) during Marcus Aurelius’ reign of the Roman Empire, a smallpox disease outbreak killed 25-35% of the population for about 15 years. The number of Christians then was 45,000, only comprising 0.08% of the total population. Despite such a small proportion, the church’s response to the outbreak received great acclamation and response from the rest of the world. Dionysius, who was then the bishop of Alexandria, left a report as follows: “Most of our fellow brothers who became Christians followed Christ’s example, risking themselves in great danger for the sake of others with endless love and diligence, taking care of the various needs of their neighbors. And many brothers contracted the disease and died while treating and caring for the sick. Their act of ‘embracing death to save others’ resemble Christ, and this was in stark contrast with those outside of the church. With the heathens, it was quite otherwise. They deserted those who got sick and ran away even from their dearest friends. They did not take any part in interactions and stayed away from any chance of dying as far as possible. Yet, despite all their efforts and cautionary measures, it was not easy for them to escape death” (Source: Eusebius Book 7 Chapter 22). Pandemics tell us that death is unavoidable for everyone, and that humans are mere weak, powerless beings. Such situations provide us an opportunity to reveal Christ’s unconditional love, reaching beyond culture or religion. Churches in the 2nd Century demonstrated this, was complemented by the world as well as brought people to receive Jesus Christ. 2. Cyprian, Carthage’s Bishop In 251 A.D., Christians were numbered a little less than 1.2 million, accounting for 1.9% of the empire population. The measles outbreak caused a disruption to the church. The high mortality rate led to the abandonment of many Italian towns, and the Roman armies and facilities to a decline. Christians stood up again and shine their light again in the midst of this struggle. Cyprian wrote, “This scary and lethal viral disease searches out people of justice and reveals the human heart…how timely and needed. As seen from the healthy taking care of the sick, faithfully loving one another, and doctors not giving up on their patients.” A pandemic disclosed our innermost selves, whether there is a worldly heart wanting self-protection or heart of the Spirit willing to self-sacrifice. This 3rd century pandemic revealed Christians–led by the Spirit in the church, willing to walk the path of Christ–to the outside world. The lethal rate then was 10%, but Christians suffered a much lesser rate than others. Christians had higher exposure as they showed love for neighbors and took care of the sick but ended up bearing higher survival rates for the patients. Because Christians gave themselves in, unafraid of death in the midst of the sweeping pandemic, they became part of the society’s influential members and more people survived as a result. Also, Christians saw higher restoration levels from the disease, since they had a strong hope at the face of death. The church community got stronger, uniting in care and love for another through each one’s struggles, and gave hope to others. As a result, at around 300 A.D., the number of Christians rose to 6 million. 3. Martin Luther of Wittenberg Starting the 14th century, a great plague a.k.a. ‘Black Death’ swept across Europe, swallowing half of the European population in just 5 years. Cities especially went through serious infections. This plague recurred and hit Wittenberg in 1527. Many people escaped the town, but Luther and his then-pregnant wife remained and looked after the sick people. This was because Luther abided in Matthew 25:41-46. “We have to follow Christ’s word. ‘I was sick, but you did not look after me.’ According to this passage, we are interconnected and we cannot desert someone in pain; in fact we have the responsibility to help that person when he or she is willing to receive aid.” Luther left a letter describing his belief in regard to those who deserted the sick: “Now we and a few deacons remain, but since Jesus Christ is with us, we cannot say we are left to ourselves. Christ will definitely win in the battles against Satan, the Serpent, Murderer, and source of evil. He will break its heel. Only pray for us…” (Letter from August 19, 1527). Luther puts Satan and Christ in stark opposites, describing Satan as Murderer (Genesis 3:15) and the agent behind the pandemic. Yet Christ is a much more powerful one, being in midst of the sick and those looking after them, amidst the final victory when the church wins in the final battle against Satan. Luther and his wife Katharina survived through the pandemic’s difficult times and showed Christ’s example. 4. Rev. Charles Spurgeon, London London, with more than 2 million population, was the wealthiest and most influential city in the world, up to the 1850s. In 1854, the cholera outbreak plagued the city and people of London. Spurgeon was then 20 years old, called to serve New Park Street Chapel and moved to the country’s capital. He later reflected that the pandemic was an important moment getting to know himself and the city. “There is a time when our hearts become most sensitive and committed; it is when death is around the corner. I remember when I first came to London, how people listened to the gospel in deep desperation due to the scary cholera. At that time, no one listened to the gospel lighthearted.” Spurgeon thought that the pandemic was a storm sweeping people to run in search for Jesus Christ, the only Rock. *What can we do today? (1) Though it was regarded in the past that looking after patients in-person is the way to practice love, in current times practicing self-quarantine and social distancing may be the best way instead of contracting the disease to loved ones. (Edited by: Myungrae Lee, Executive Director of NNKUMw) (The following article content was extracted & summarized from www.thegospelcoalition.org , TGC Korea, and Amen.net News). |
책 소개
식사에 대한 생각 (글:김메리안 사모, 북조지아연합회, 전국연합회 독서프로그램위원장)
The Way We Eat Now Frequent starving periods in the winter cold, white dry patches on children’s faces due to lack of nutrition… These things are unheard of in today’s generation. People research ‘what to eat to get better’ for their health, ‘Mukbang’ entertainers on TV and internet compete for the most mouthwatering way to eat and eat the most amounts possible, as their top secrets for success. People today make their best efforts on diet and meals for their health; yet, why do we never feel like we’re eating well, and instead feel like something’s lacking? Perhaps the growth of food production companies up to the mid-1990s only focused on profit and market expansion–rather than their consumers’ health. With tips like “don’t drink anything ‘like-water’ unless it is water,” “put new food on colorful old plates,” “acquire a non-trendy taste,” author Bee Wilson stresses that people need to escape from modern foods through a wiser consumption plan and eating habits. (Written by Marian Kim, Reading Program Coordinator, NNKUMw) |
뼈 건강에 대해서
건강한 뼈를 유지하기
골밀도가 낮은 사람들이 피해야 할 것들 (글: 조인나 권사, 전국연합회 문화부장, 비전교회)
To build strong and healthy bones To build strong and healthy bones—and to keep them strong and healthy as you get older—you need to feed them well. The additional physical activity stimulates remodeling, and your bones need proper nutrition to support that process. 1) Vitamins and minerals: Calcium, vitamin D and magnesium are the key nutrients for bone health that require special attention to ensure you meet your daily requirement. Premenopausal women-500 mg is probably enough to get her into a reasonable range. The easiest way to get vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight — but we don’t recommend that method due to the risk of skin cancer. Remember it’s better to get nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D from food instead of supplements. However, for those people who don’t normally get enough from their food, a supplement might be appropriate. • Benefits of exercise 2) Weight-bearing aerobic activities • Movements to avoid (Reference) (Written by Inna Cho, Cultural Affairs Coordinator of NNKUMw, Vision KUMC) |
지난달 기사 중에 정정합니다
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“함께하면 쉽습니다: $1,000 모금운동”
1884년, 오하이오 연회 리벤나 지방의 제일연합감리교회의 여선교회 회원이었던 루시디아 볼드윈은 어둠 속에 살던 한국 여성들에게 복음을 전하기 위해 $88을 지정헌금하였습니다. 가족을 잃고 슬픔과 절망에 빠져 있던 볼드윈은 소망을 잃은 한국여성들의 삶에 대한 이야기를 듣고 남편의 재산을 정리하여 헌금하였습니다. 성경의 밀가루 반죽에 넣어진 누룩처럼, 한국여성을 향한 볼드윈의 헌신은 커다란 사랑이 되어 한국에 전해졌습니다. 1885년, 한국으로 파송을 받은 감리교 여선교사 매리 스크랜튼은 이 헌금으로 이화학당을 시작하였습니다. 한국여성들이 중심이 되어 절망 뿐인 한국이 소망을 회복할 수 있도록 여성들을 교육하였으며 현재의 이화여자대학교로 발전하여 여전히 영향력 있는 수많은 여성리더를 길러내고 있습니다. 루시디아 볼드윈과 메리 스크랜튼의 선교열매인 우리 한인여선교회 회원들, 한인여선교회는 우리가 받은 사랑을 다시 전하고 있습니다. 1993년, 시작된 한인여선교회는 지난 23년간 여선교회원을 세상을 변화시키는 지도자로 양육해 왔으며 2세 여성지도자 양성을 위해서도 힘써왔습니다. 그 결과 여러 여성 목회자, 미국 여선교회 본부 회장 및 이사, 연회 및 지방회 임원 등을 배출해 내었습니다. 또한 국내에서는 전국지도자훈련, 국외에서는 아시아 전도부인 사역을 실시하며 또 다른 선교의 열매를 맺어가고 있습니다. 한인여선교회는 여러분과 함께 또 다른 선교의 열매를 맺어가기를 소망합니다! 2016년, 2년마다 실시되는 전국지도자훈련을 통해 한인여선교회 회원과 2세 여성들은 함께 모여 나누고 배우며 이 땅의 빛과 소금이 될 지도자로 성장합니다. 전국지도자훈련을 위해서는 매번 6만불의 비용이 필요합니다. 이 비용은 한인여선교회 회원 한 사람이 2년 동안 $1,000불을 헌금해준다면 가능합니다. 평신도 지도자로 훈련받은 여선교회 회원은, 1884년도의 우리처럼 어둠속에 살고 있는 전세계 여성과 아동, 청소년들에게 희망을 되찾아 주는 제 2의 볼드윈, 메리 스크랜튼이 될 것입니다. 한인여선교회와 함께 우리의 헌신이 커다란 사랑으로 전해지는 선교의 새역사를 써보지 않으시겠습니까?
. 매달 $45 또는 1년에 $500을 2년동안 전국연합회에 우편으로 보내시면 됩니다.
자세한 문의는 김명래 총무 (mrkim81@gmail.com / 914-473-7401 )에게 해 주시기 바랍니다.
(글:김명래 전도사, 한인여선교회 전국연합회 총무) * 2020년도 후원자 명단; 박연옥 권사 (북가주연합회, 전국연합회 사회부장)
“Easier if we do it together: $1,000 fund raising for NNKUMw”
We can become another Mrs. Baldwin in spreading the good news of Christ to women, children and youth who are still living in the dark. We ask you to write a new chapter of mission history by enabling the national leadership training to be the tool to develop future leaders for Christ.
2020 $ 1,000 Fund Campaign supporters: Yeon Ok Park (Cal-Nevada Conference KUMw Network, Social Action coordinator for NNKUMw)
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2020.04.12 03:32