Reflection and Gratitude

A letter from Myoungho Yang and Jiyeon Yoo, serving in Hong Kong

January 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,

Peace be with you in Christ!

The year 2018 was a very special year for us. We thank God. We would not have been able to walk this far if God did not provide us with strength to live. We also thank you for your loving support and prayers. Because our minds were occupied by what happened to us this year (as you know, Jiyeon had a stroke, was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease and had surgery), we haven’t had a chance to say thank you for all your words of encouragement, big hugs, pats on the back and smiles when we met you in the U.S. this past summer. We met many friends in the U.S. and shared our ministry in Hong Kong as we traveled on our interpretation assignment. Each time we met with our supporters in the U.S. to share our ministry story, we were encouraged by your loving care. This fellowship gave us strength to keep going in this ministry. We greatly appreciate your partnership with us.

Teaching a class.

In the fall, a few days after Jiyeon was discharged from the hospital, I was sent to the hospital because my blood pressure suddenly went up. It seems I was exhausted by what had happened to Jiyeon in the summer. I was able to go back home after two days of observation and testing. Thankfully, all the test results were normal, and my condition returned to normal too. I am doing well now and thank God that I was able to teach this semester. Jiyeon and I were even able to prepare a fellowship meal for students. She was very happy when we prepared it — she had been praying to God to give her strength so that she would be able to cook for the students as she had in past semesters. She began this tradition the first semester we came to the Divinity School of Chung Chi College in 2014. In the past, she completed all parts of the preparation, but this time I did most of it, following her instructions. Nevertheless, we did it, and students enjoyed this meal of fellowship very much.

The last time we saw Jiyeon’s doctor for follow-up, he suggested another surgery (this time on the left side) to prevent another infarction. But we hope she will not need to undergo another surgery, for the surgery itself is risky. Moreover, she hasn’t fully recovered from the previous surgery and is still doing physiotherapy and occupational therapy. We wanted to get a second opinion from another doctor and decided to visit Korea to consult with doctors there. The decision to fly to Korea was difficult, as flying might have caused more health problems. Thankfully, the flight was smooth, and we arrived in Korea safely. We were able to see two neurosurgeons, and Jiyeon underwent a couple of tests. All three doctors’ diagnoses are the same. But the two doctors in Korea want to avoid another surgery. Instead, they suggest further testing in a year. All three doctors are experts in this area and are mindful of Jiyeon’s particular circumstances. We have decided not to proceed with surgery now but to wait and see.

We have been praying for Jiyeon to be healed by the mighty hands of God, the true doctor. Her Moyamoya disease and kidney impairment cannot be healed by the hands of human doctors. We ask you to join us in our prayers as we see together what God is doing and what God will do. We are waiting in hope with the peace Jesus gives when he says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27). “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). I hope all of you will also enjoy this peace. I wish all of you the taste of God’s goodness and the presence of God in the year 2019. My desire is that all of you will walk with God and that God’s mercy will flow into the world through you.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are very grateful to you, for your loving prayers and generous financial support have made our ministry in Hong Kong possible. We have 101 graduates and 100 new students this year. Please continue to walk with us by praying for the students, teachers and the school so that all the students will be well-equipped with the words of God. Please also remember in your prayers Chinese Christians who are under persecution. We thank you for your love.

Blessings in Christ our Lord,

Myoungho and Jiyeon