Seyoung Oh
I
have never said “God
loves you.”
It always
felt unnatural and forced. I
assumed everyone else was
already aware and I was
better off showing them
God’s love by being compassionate. Actions speak
louder than words, right?
Wrong.
love looked like.
Furthermore, our mission trip did not end there and we
were called to serve in South Korea and teach English
camp to children in Goesan for one week. At first, I
thought to myself, “Why did God call us to serve in such a
blessed nation?” I soon began to realize Korea had places
where God was not prevalent in people’s lives. Thankfully, our team was invited to Iris Blooming Center, and
was allowed to teach English to the children at the lo-
Words are powerful and sometimes, a person needs to be
reminded that they are loved by God for they are worth
loving.
This summer, I met children who were loved by God, but
unaware of it. I wanted to scoop them up and tell them,
“You are loved. God loves you. He will help you when
cal church. However, when we began to plan the English
camp, we were unsure as to how we were to approach the
children here. We knew that the background the children
grew up in was going to be different to the children in
Cambodia. Even so, our team realized that even though
we came here to teach English to the children, we realized
that our top priority was to love these children just like
how we did in Cambodia. Our team also created a lot of
memories with the children here that will always be a part
of our lives. Overall, I would like to say that even though
there were a lot of struggles that I faced in Cambodia
and Korea, the moments and memories that were made
with the children and people of Cambodia and Korea will
you are suffering and in pain. You are loved so much.”
never be forgotten. I truly believe that God has shown me
But I didn’t say it. I could barely whisper “God loves you.”
these experiences to test my obedience to Him and to help
And I wasn’t able to declare His love for them because
me be more aware of how He will use me for His plan.
I still struggle to look at myself and say, “You are worth
Also, I am very grateful for my team for the support they
loving, Seyoung. You are loved by Him. You may be bro-
provided me every single day and most importantly, to
ken, but He still loves you.” I struggle because I am afraid.
God for giving me this life changing opportunity to serve
The past hardened my heart and instilled fear in every
Him in the country of Cambodia and South Korea.
crevice. When I think of love, I ca