A Great Lakes Regional meeting was held on March 19, 2011 at Pittsburgh UBF. This is a meeting usually attended by regional directors and some leaders. We have been doing this for the last few years, on average twice a year, for the purpose of building relationships and coworking in our region. In attendance this time were Missionary Isaac and M. Rebekah Kim (Akron), Dr. Tom and M. Maria Kalapos (Pittsburgh), Dr. Henry Park and Dr. Andrew Kim (Columbus), M. Abraham Kim (Erie), Dr. David and M. Mary Lee (Buffalo), M. Whit Cha and M. Justin Park (Cleveland), M. Peter and M. Joan Park, Dr. Paul and M. Sarah Hong, S. Greg Lewis and M. Caleb Park (Toledo).
We had a Bible study, continuing in 2 Kings, now chapter 5 (Naaman and Elisha) led by Dr. Tom Kalapos. We appreciated the richness of the word of God as we studied together. We were encouraged by the Israelite servant girl who shared her hope in her difficult situation. In Christ, we have so much more hope to share! We were humbled by the unbelieving Naaman who listened to and obeyed the word of the prophet Elisha. As believers, we should be all the more careful to listen to and obey the word of our Lord and God. We had a delicious lunch prepared by M. Maria Kalapos and M. Sarah Lee. After eating and fellowship, we gathered for announcements, a brief Russian report from Dr. Paul, and discussed regional issues. We decided to have official, semi-annual (twice a year) meetings with all GLR chapters participating to continue to feed and expand a regional grassroots network. We also opened the door for smaller house churches to meet more regularly as desired. This will help for mutual support, fellowship, and edification. We shared prayer topics and prayed, including for God’s mercy on Abraham Kim and Caleb Park to solve their visa and job issues.
We then had a visit of the University of Pittsburgh campus, taking a view of the city and neighboring Carnegie Mellon University from the 36th floor of the U. of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning building. We gathered in a lecture room where we put some of the doctoral candidates to the test as to how they would interview for a faculty position. We prayed again, specifically for the work of God in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Tom and M. Maria pray to raise one Abraham and one Sarah of faith, for their children (Joshua 13, Isaac 11, Grace 8, Lydia 4) to grow well in the Lord, and for coworkers to join the pioneering work in Pittsburgh.
