Back in China (中国）

nǐ hǎo from Yanji, China,

I arrived about a week ago after coming into China through Shanghai. The 2 day trip went well with a only few unexpected turns.
On a 12 hour lay-over in Qing-Dao I was brushed outside of the airport into the -20 degree night with the homeless people who were coming into the airport looking for somewhere to sleep. I managed to find the airport hotel and caught my connecting flight the next morning and all was well.
My Grandfather met me at my destination with Mr Chen, who has been my grandparents driver for the last few years on such occasions.
It was a strange feeling to finally arrive. After going through the experience of moving to a foreign country before and going through the process of learning the language and fitting in, it was as if I were starting that process all over again here in China. I can't say that I'm not looking forward to the challenge. I can't wait for the start of the semester and to be back in classes studying what I love. G*d has certainly given me a hunger for language.
My first week fell on the Chinese new year, this year being the year of the Dragon. It's a hugely important time here. Everything closes for a week and during that time it's a big celebration with a lot of food and A LOT of fireworks! Even late at night I could lie in my bed and watch a firework display out of the window. Today things went back to normal. My Grandfather has re-opened the coffee shop, the Woman who rides around selling Tofu is doing just that, and the streets are back to the usual hustle and bustle until next Chinese new year, at least.
My classes officially start during the first week of March which is just a short month away. Until then I will be devouring as much Chinese as I can and also preparing paperwork for Visa applications and the sorts. There will be a placement test on the first day which will decide which level I will be placed in. Although I know many Chinese Characters already through studying Korean, I think that I would benefit from starting at the beginning and grounding my Grammar and pronunciation well, which is something they really focus on in level-1. We shall see……
I hope that this finds you well and growing in love and passion for the L*rd.
Thank you for all that you have done and that you do. Please continue to p*ay for N.K*rea. P*ray for the practical needs of the people as this is the coldest time of year,
and without electricity I can't image that it is a joyful time for anyone. Of course pray that the G*spel would reach their ears and that they would accept our L*rd.
Also, please p*ay for me. P*ay that my heart continues to be challenged as I seek and worship Him. That I wouldn't be satisfied with the bare minimum, but that I would seek Him with a fervent heart. P*ray for my language abilities also with strength of mind to take in all of the information that will be thrown at me over the rest of the coming year.

In His name,

Danny O'Rourke
延边，吉林， 中国，



2011年 1月 30日

How much can change in a year?

As I looked over my last post it seems like a lifetime has passed since I blogged here.
It really is amazing how much can happen in such a short period of time.
In February of 2011 I left south Korea after having spent over a year and a half at Yonsei University's Korean Language Institute and headed back to Tumen, Jilin, China where I had visited for the Christmas holiday in 2009, just a year or so after my Grandparents moved out there to serve. I worked within TVRS which is a school that is focused on helping and equiping the Chosun-Jok who are ethnic Koreans living in China with the necessary qualifications to move on to higher education.
I worked at the school as an English Conversation and listening teacher for a semester with the plan of teaching for a further semester after the summer holiday of 2011. However, there were complications during my Summer vacation. Due to some urgent issues that I had neglected to solve before the move to China I became unable to leave South Korea for the following 4 months.
That time in Korea proved to be the hardest in my life to date. I can only say that I came close to losing my faith as well as losing a lot of other ground that I had gained over the previous years in my spiritual walk. I believe with all of my heart that God knew what I was walking into when I stepped onto the Aeroplane heading for Seoul in 2009 when I was just 18 years old. He knew the hardships that I would face and the decisions I would make. Though now I am not fully recovered from the result of my actions (my sin) I can say with an honest heart that I am thankful for that time. As Indian missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh said "A newborn child must cry, for only in this way will his lungs expand. God strikes us in love. Then our lungs expand allowing us to breathe and pray. Placing us in that place of hardship is the most loving thing a father could do." In the same way our Heavenly Father refines us so that we will be able to stand, we will be able to breath spiritually, we will become Men and Women who he can use to fulfil the plans that he has. If we were to be a people who fell at the first sign of hardship what use would we be? I am learning a lot in these coming and passing days on the subject of suffering and of trials. Still my reaction to it is human and not as it should be. But slowly I am learning.
Now for the future. The problems that arose in South Korea were solved after a very arduous few months that pushed me to my limits. Now here I find myself sitting once again in the lounge of the Kessell family's home in Cornwall after a year and a half since my last visit to the Great Island that we call Britain. Since I moved to China in February I've had the desire and the doors have been opening for me to study at University in China. Originally I had no plan to Study a bachelors degree but as time went by I realised that the way forward in Asia seems to be through education and with that my desire to study grew also. I applied for courses at a couple of Universities over the following months and was accepted and preparing to attend Yanbian University of Science and Education. I planned to study Architecture as a four year degree with a %50 scholarship that I had been given by the University. My second choice was to continue my Korean studies but after thinking hard decided that I could further my Korean abilities outside of University and in my own time. After more thought and the desire to take my Korean studies deeper not getting any less prominent I decided to switch my Major to Korean Literature and Language and to attend Yanbian University rather than the University of Science and technology. It is a four year course taught in a mix of both Korean and Mandarin, Chinese. As I don't speak Mandarin I will be attending the University's Chinese language institute for six months starting from March of 2012 and then beginning the 4 year degree in Korean literature the following September. This leaves me little time to become acquainted with the Chinese language but I am looking forward to the challenge and am ready to give it my best.
As I look forward to this coming year I get so excited. Excited for all that our Glorious Father has in store and for all that may arise during that time.
God, Bless us, your people, I pray.

Amen.



A quote by Charles Gutzlaff. 1803 - 1861

"Are the bowels of mercy of a compassionate God shut against these millions? Before Him, China is not shut! He, the Almighty Conqueror of death and hell, will open the gates of heaven for these millions. He has opened them. Neither the Apostles nor the reformers waited until governments were favourable to the Gospel, but went on boldly in the strength of the Lord. We want no gentlemen Missionaries here but men who are at all times ready to lay down their lives
for the Saviour and can wander around forgotten and despised, without human assistance but only the help of God."

October 31.2010

Moving closer and closer toward a cold winter which means less Mosquitos more snow and hot Christmas specials at starbucks.
This summer semester at Yonsei is going good dispite the immense work load. The real linguists will laugh at me, but these days we're getting around 40 new words a day with 2 new grammar rules in which we will be tested on during our mid term exams next week. This semester my class consists of Chinese (As always), Hong Kong (person!) Mongolian, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and one English man....Me. Im loving and taking Joy as I use this language. Today I met with my language exchange partner and talked about some things that have been bothering me, and after the conversation I just couldnt believe that I had been saying those things in Korean. I came here around 400 days ago not being able to count. It was encouraging.
Now I am looking at the future again and where my path is leading. It's looking like my next stop will be China.....Possibly a long stop. I will write more about the work there If I make a decision to go. At the moment it's looking like that Is where I will be in 4 months or so. Please be praying for that If you remember.
So at the moment I am living....studying....dreaming and trying to seek for now...future and everythng in between.
God bless and Take care

Danny

28th Sept 2010

It's been a while, 5 months almost, since my last update.
It feels like a lot has happened, occurred, came about.......my English has gotten progressively confusing! But I'll do my best.
I passed level 3 last month after a great 2 week break in Indonesia, courtesy of Mr Aldi Fraudier. That was a great experience, being in a Muslim culture. All I've ever know of Muslims is what you see on a TV screen. Meeting people from this religion, lifestyle, back ground, up bringing (whatever you want to call it) showed me just how normal they are. Broken people looking for meaning to this life along with some people who don't care and just practice because they must. (Sounds familiar to alot we see of Christianity around the world...the faithful and the lukewarm). So yeah, conclusion: Broken people looking for meaning in wrong places. I grew alot of love for the people I was with for those two weeks and still keep in touch with them. I hope to go back some day. Anyone looking for a mission, give ure life to Indonesia. It needs followers of Jesus Christ to lead a way.
Then I went back to London and Cornwall for the summer break. Another encouraging time, as always. I realised what I'm missing after going back into a "Christian" community after a year in Secular....whatever you want to Call it. University life. It was like eating spiritual food 24/7. I miss that but I have to believe that I can have that here too. That has been a struggle. Just hearing the advice and words of the world all week and then going to Church on a Sunday. It's been a fight to keep what it truth as truth and keeping the worlds words clearly separate. Please pray for that. When you hear something over and over you tart to believe it. I want to be found faithful and true before Jesus, and I'm not doing the best job of it.
So this Thursday ill start level 4 at Yonsei Korean language Institute. The course has always been full immersion (Completely Korean) but there used to be text book English, explaining grammar and vocabulary. They decided that level 4 is the time to kick that out too. So from now it will be fully in Korean. Exciting but scary at the same time.
As for the future, its still not clear as to what I'll be doing a year from now China is still heavy on my heart since I went there and has been growing since my visit there last December. My father has an apartment over there that will be un occupied, right next to the school where I would be working, if I went. It's a Korean speaking area, so its an opportunity to put into practice what I've been learning this last year, and by the time I go it will have been 2 years. To disciple, be discipled, teach, learn. I Could maintain my Korean language there and also learn Chinese whilst working at the school. It sounds great. As always there are obstacles and un-surities, holdback and what not. Right now I just need a big dose of direction. We shall see.
Keep in touch.

25th April 2010

It's been a while since I wrote an update. For that I'm sorry.
To write an update It feels like there needs to be something big to write about. Some revelation or miracle. Nothing like that.

So I'm in my 7th month here. Korean study is going well and I'm learning fast and Loving using this language. When I speak I feel Joy. Which is an amazing thing.
I recently went back to England for a week to see old friends and family and also to kind of wrap things up in my heart towards a few different issues and to be honest...to say goodbye. I feel at home in Asia, and right now It seems Its where Ill stay. I spent the week with Jake and Beth Gillespie and worked with Jake during the week. It was so good to do something physical again. I've just been sat at desks for the last 6 months so It was good to hold paintbrushes and hammers!!
God is still overwhelming with opportunity to share Him with people here. I don't believe it Glorifies God to say "I'm a sinner" but when We say "He is our Saviour". But after being in a situation where I have obviously been used to share His heart with a person, I cant help but think....wow, why would you use me!But I remember that God uses who he has to further his Kingdom. He has me, and I hope he has you too.
North K, China have both been on my heart and I am seeking for what is next. How to use the language. It looks like one of the above is my next destination. But we shall see. Things never work out the way you think.
Making great friends here still. I'm loving hearing the minds and hearts of other cultures that I have never met. My best friends these days are Indonesian and Russian. Such good hearts. I Love! ^^
Still doing work in an English Institute in Incheon, but should be finishing with the coming of the new semester. Its a long travel everytime and takes away time from study, which I desperately need with exams coming every month and a half.
Anyway, life is Study, Kimchi and God. The last months have been the struggle of my life, not going into detail. But trusting for my Savior as I seek refuge in Him.
May He be Glorified with this time here, through failure and triumph.

Amen

Month in China December/January 09/10

I'm sitting in bed at my Grandparents home after arriving at about 4 Oclock into "the Peoples Republic of China".
I wont be able to post any updates untill I get back to Korea, so this will be a months-worth of Update when you are reading.
I'm excited for this month. I want it to be a time of deepening in my relationship with our God. I want my trust and vision
to deepen. I want my confidence and surity to radically refresh and to be moved to a new level of desperation for the
souls of men as I spend time with the Chinese here.
It's been amazing to see my Grandparents. As I look back over the last 10 years since I lived with them in Wales, Uk, my mind is blown by how surreal it is that we're here, sat in a random part of China, sharing hearts and looking at how life has changed and of His goodness and encouragement in struggle. He has taken us beyond what we could imagine and I know He has bigger plans for the good of all. It's an exciting time to be a part of this......Let's see what this month brings. I'm ready for an awakening and a refreshed river of righteous living that will never run dry, only by Grace.
07th December 2009 (00:37AM)

9th December 2009 (00:23)
I feel like I'm waking up and breathing the fresh winter morning as reality seems that bit realer.
Being here already for this short time, spending time with people and being in a place where to Love Christ is a risk to more than your pride, but to your life, is moving my heart and soul. It sounds so poetic, but its painful. I'm seeing my selfishness and Apethy and my complete sinful self in the light of a Holy God and a people who I know are just like me, but who are seeking God for their every breathe as they face the difficulty of each day, and in that smiling with the Joy of Salvation that Only Jesus Christ can give. I long for a deep repentance in my heart and a river of righteous living to come of it. O God, help me.
I'm ready for a freshness and a revival of vision. "God, I am yours, do what you would in me to bring me to a place of selflesness and a place where you are more Glorified."

11th December 2009 (23:52) Love demands a Love of it's kind.

15th December 2009 (9:33)
Looking out into the Chinese streets , Bycicle Taxis and cold looking Chinese people walking past and snow & Ice in Abundance. The last couple of days the Lord has put in my mind "No Compromise". This time is laying my heart bare and I'm seeing what I have yet to overcome through Him who strengthens me. I am confident in the power of God to deliver, but I have never been so afraid of my potental to fail. Jesus Christ is the answer for this world. This has been made known and we see it everyday. But more than ever before, I believe this and I testify to this and I would lay my life down for this truth. We need Jesus Christ or we have no hope here or for eternity. There is forgiveness with Him, free to those who would admit that they need it and delcare Him Lord. For those who would take up their cross and follow him, even unto the edge of doom and even then defying it til the last breath. New life starts here........I said, New life starts here. No Compromise.

25th of December 2009 (1:29PM)
Merry Christmas.
Sat in the "Korean Room" with my Grandparents.
Had a great few days since my last writing.
Yesterday we traveled to Yanji, the nearest City and had a Christmas meal with other "Kingdom Workers" who have moved to China to serve. It was weird to see so many Western faces. Felt slightly out of place in a strange way but also felt reminded of my own culture.
My Dad has been here for the past week. Its been good to see Him. This is the most time we've spent together in Years. Trusting for a Miracle in his life. I pray that seeing God in the lives of people here, and in our lives, would move his heart to repentance and communion with our Lord.
Spending time with the Korean people here and the "Chosun-Jok" (half Korean/Chinese) has warmed my heart and inspired me to learn this language with Passion and Purpose. I could definatly see myself here in 16 months time. There is so much need. So options are appearing for when I finish at Yonsei. But you never know what will happen.
Yonsei: I had my first semester Final exams and Successfully passed Korean Language Level.1. and will start Level 2 on January 7th. It's going to be a real challenge. So I'm trying to spend a good chunk of time every day in revising the last 3 months and learning as many new vocabularies as possible. It's bringing me so much Joy to speak this language more. I feel excited every time I order Coffee or tell someone about why I'm learning this language or when I've memorised something new. I've also been trying to learn Korean Bible Vocabulary. Sitting in a Korean Church, I've always been scared by how little I understand, as the language in Church is quite different. But as I've been studying these vocabularies more, It's started to slot together. So it's an exciting time, but taking alot of energy.
I'm a little anxious about going back to Seoul. It has been tiresome to be in a totaly secular environment after years in Cornwall with such a great base of Christian fellowship. But despite that it's been the best time ever for sharing the Gospel and what He has done in my life. But I want to go back strong and with Vision and Energy.

2nd January 2010
Happy New Year. I hope you all had a great turning of year. I spent mine in bed with Flu!! But am on the mend.
My month here is coming to an end. Tomorrow evening I head to Seoul for my 2nd semester at Yonsei. I feel refreshed and ready for the next step. This place will be in my Prayers for what to do in 16 months. His will be done.
Anyway....Have a great first month of 2010.
HE IS ABLE.



North Korean Mountains in the background

2009/11/18

So it's been a while since my last update. Time has been going so fast here.
The Korean study is going well. My mind is slowly becoming more Korean!
The grammar is a constant struggle, but again, over time my mind is adjusting
and it's beginning to make sense. Only 2 weeks until our final exams
for this semester. I can't believe how fast time is going.
In two weeks I will head to Yanji (China) to spend the Christmas Holdiday with My
Grandparents, who moved there about a year and a half ago.
It sounds like there will be alot of opportunity to help there. The School
that they are running has run out of teachers, so Ill be doing an hour a day for a class of
about 20! Help!!!!! It'll be priceless experience I'm sure. Also, I'm looking forward to a relaxed
month to seek God and learn Korean!!!! The last couple of months have
been a rough ride, but I'm trusting for Breakthrough. I guess just the Shock of such a big move
mixed with my own heart issues. I would appreciate prayers for my spiritual
life and wisdom for how to use my opportunity here.
Again, despite my feeling, God is using me here. I never realised the extent of brokeness in this
Generation. Some of the people here are already so close to my heart and I realy hope that I can
bring something good to them over these coming months and.....years! Wow, 17 months left!!!!!!
Anyway, a quick update.

Danny