What a blessing it has been to serve the Lord in Korea! Having homeschooled our children their whole lives, we found that our focus tended to be inward. Years ago the Lord put an interest in our hearts for those in Asia, and we began seeking Him for an opportunity to “get outside of ourselves” by serving there together. Tied to our burden for missions was a growing concern for the family. Knowing that the breakdown of home life causes the breakdown of the nation, we believe that “turning the heart of fathers back to children and the heart of children back to their fathers” is essential to any mission’s effort. Surely without this, the Gospel message will be lost in the next generation. Thus, our prayer became that we could go as a family to serve families.

Our time in Korea has been an answer to those prayers. Being fully involved in the ministry, Elizabeth and Stephen are given opportunities every week to speak, to share learning projects, and to present skits to the families. Already, we see growth in the areas of communication and loving and serving others. Their Biblical focus is being strengthened as they hear Julie and I share what the Lord has put on our hearts, encouraging men in their roles as husbands and leaders of their families and women in their roles as wives, mothers, and keepers of their homes. We have been blessed by the open hearts and willing minds of the Koreans. Truly God has gone before us and prepared the ground. Families are changing in ways that are powerful and far-reaching. As parents are encouraged to diligently teach God’s ways to their children, they are establishing principles and guidelines for future generations. Time after time these precious families have thanked us for coming to Korea, and each time we respond, “No, thank you for having us; it is an answer to our prayers!”

—Randy and Julie Sumrall