Sunday, September 22, 2013

They Call Me Mister Tibbs

In 1970, Sidney Poitier starred in the movie, "They Call Me Mister Tibbs."  That title/line is one of the most famous and remembered lines of Poitier as he played a San Francisco policeman.   I was reminded of that line over the past week or so, b/c of the many names/ways I have been introduced or called by those in our command.  Treum eun Joe Ip Nida (sp)...which means my name is Joe, as I was told by a Korean family.  It's quite funny the names the Chaplain is called - there are the traditional ones: chaplain, chappy, chaps, or padre.  Although I was blessed by one Navy Officer in our command who introduced me as "Battle Chaps."  That one was new for me.  I rather like it.  We talk a lot about battle buddies in the military - those people who are quasi "Accountability Partners" for us.  I hope that I can live up to the title "Battle Chaps", one who is dependable and trustworthy.  Another Air Force Officer who is about to PCS in October calls me the "Rappin' Chaplain."  I like that too.

There have been many things happening since I last wrote.  I had the opportunity to spend the day with a Korean family, whom I had never met before.  Mr. Jae Seoung, his wife, Na Woon, and their 2 kids, Minji & Minsu blessed me by allowing me to spend 8 hours one Saturday with them as part of the Korean Home Visitation Program.  We ate a ton of traditional Korean food, which I loved.  We toured 2 Korean Imperial Palaces.  Additionally, I was able to see how they lived, ask questions about their culture, and work on my very limited Korean language skills.  They are truly a wonderful, young Korean family that I hope to spend some more time getting to know.

This morning I had my first opportunity to preach at the South Post Chapel in the 1100 service.  This is a blended Protestant service that lends itself to a somewhat high church feel.  I'm not sure they were ready for this South Louisiana via East Texas fiery Baptist preacher, but they got both barrels this morning.  I was blessed to be able to share the inerrant, infallible Word of God with them.  I had many after the service tell me that they were glad to have a traditional Baptist preacher bring the Word this morning - I assume that meant the change of pace was good.  Better than anything else though, I believe the Lord moved to touch hearts this morning.  I'm just glad I was able to be a part of His larger work of grace.  This upcoming Sunday I have been invited to preach at the Gospel service.  This is a traditional Southern Gospel type service, complete with strong (long) preaching, a Gospel choir (that sways as they sing), and ushers dressed to the nines with white gloves on.  I really am looking forward to that service.  As always I count it a privilege to share the Word of life whenever and wherever I am asked to share.

I continue to be grateful for the prayerful support and encouragement I receive from you.  People have asked what they can send.  Let me begin and say that if you send something in a box, please ensure the box has either no product markings on it or they are blacked out, so as to not delay shipment or have it returned.  Second, this past week I went as we delivered food baskets to a Catholic Korean orphanage. There are approximately 20 children ranging in age from grade school to high school living there.  It would be a great blessing to provide them some throw blankets for Christmas with their names on them.  I will gather the names and provide them via my next blog for those interested.  I was thinking those fleece tie blankets would be an excellent treat.  If interested, please e-mail me at srevjds@gmail.com.

I finally received my permanent orders this week, which means I can now go to housing & work on getting my villa.  I have begun to acquire household goods that I will need to set up house...dishes, silverware, etc...  I anxiously await the opportunity to move out of the Dragon Hill Lodge and into my permanent home for the next year.  Still have to decide whether to buy an old junker (cheap car).  My mountain bike is being shipped over, but during the monsoon and winter season it may not be the most practical form of transportation.  Additionally, not very efficient for grocery shopping or late night calls to the Base Hospital.  Pray that God would grant me wisdom in these areas.

As always, please continue to pray for my family, my church (New Hebron), and myself.  Love & miss y'all! (I have included 2 pictures of the Korean family I spent the day with)


Sunday, September 8, 2013

Limited or Limitless???

It's been a good week here in the ROK (Republic of Korea).  I am getting more acclimated to the ministry the Lord has called me to here at Yongsan.  I finally got my office Friday and starting tomorrow I will begin making it look more like my home.  I don't have computer access yet, but it is in the works.  I am still living in the Dragon Hill Lodge (DHL) awaiting my 365 days order which should come out hopefully this week (I am currently on a 43 day TDY order through the end of the fiscal year (2013)).  Once that order is issued I can begin moving into my own apartment.

You know its funny, you travel 1/2 way around the world to meet someone who has family in Hughes Springs, TX and graduated from ULM.  She & her husband, Eugene, are new to this command also.  Eugene is an awesome Marine officer.  They are committed Christians who love Awana and are very involved in ministry at the South Post Chapel where I have been attending.  I really enjoyed visiting with about some of the areas we have in common.

This week the Lord spoke to me in a moment of personal struggle (i.e., missing my family), and this is the question that He posed:  limited or limitless?  It's very convenient to speak of our faith in a very passive manner, but it was never intended to be such.  As Christians our faith is to be an active, living, breathing part of our Christian life.  I am thankful that the Lord is gentle and firm to remind me of the truth of His Word and His promises.  My God is not limited by my fear or frustrations, struggles or setbacks, trials or tribulations...  I am here to testify that my God is limitless!

I have always loved Ephesians 3:20 that states, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..." That's my God!  And that power comes from the Holy Spirit who lives inside of me as a Christian.  Tonight as I write this I am assured of the unlimited, unmatched power of my God to accomplish His purpose and His will for my life and yours.  So friends, as you face those times of fears and uncertainty, know that the Lord Himself has an unlimited ability and power to see you through whatever it is you are facing.

Chapel services today were awesome.  It is so awesome to witness the all amazing colors from the palette that the Lord paints with among His creation.  Truly a canvas of great beauty and majesty as I looked out upon the congregation.  Please pray for me, b/c I will be preaching to this service at the South Post Chapel on 9/22.  Additionally I have been asked to consider taking over the Gospel service on a regular basis.  I covet your prayers in these areas.

For those who were wanting my USPS mail address, please find it below:

CH (CPT) Joe Sherwin
PSC 303 Box 97
APO, AP 96204

You must address any USPS mail to me in that exact fashion.  I do not know how long it will take for it to get to me, but I appreciate your letters, messages, and e-mails of encouragement.  I have also enclosed a picture of the DHL where I am living temporarily.

I miss you all and love you.  I ask that you continue to pray for our military.  I am blessed with a wonderful wife and kids - I love and miss them more than words!

A Fellow Pilgrim,


Joe