Shukuranbaba

재단소개

Praise Jesus!

 

Many blessings to my dear brothers and sisters!

Congratulations on your inaugural meeting for the Charity Foundation for African Catholic Mission, and also thank you for your many love and sacrifices which made this day possible. Though I can’t help feeling regretful for not being able to attend the meeting personally, I could feel your passion even from Korea. Although I can’t remember all your names, as I recall each faces, I feel warmth of your affections, and miss you a lot as if you are my own brothers and sisters.

Last summer, when I arrived in Los Angeles Airport, all I could think of was to share my stories of Africa and leave immediately. I didn’t even dream about any ‘support’ or ‘support committee’ for Africa.

However, as I witnessed the preparation process and the birth of the Charity Foundation of African Catholic Mission, I finally understood that it was God’s plan through the works of the Holy Spirit. I am currently undergoing cancer treatment. I am fighting well without much of difficulties. I also have a quite big appetite for a cancer patient as to compensate for not having eaten enough during my stay in Africa. I have no doubt that I am well because of your many tearful prayers, and I am thankful to you for that. If there’s an obstacle in your path, would you stop and turn back? Or would you move the obstacle and continue forward on your path? I believe this little suffering of mine is one of those obstacles that suddenly appeared in my path. I am forced to stop physically to move the obstacle, but I know my heart is still moving forward on my path, the path to missionary life. My mind wonders off to Tonj, Africa, where many children, brothers and sisters await for my return. In my meditation, I thought maybe not only the ‘glory’ from God is a privilege, but also is the ‘suffering’. Of course, I would not deny that it is hard and painful. But in pain, besides I become closer to God and better understand the passion of the Christ on the cross, with this opportunity, I become more like Jesus. Thus, I’ve been giving thanks to God for granting me this ‘suffering privilege’. Although we as men cannot foresee even a day ahead in the future of the Charity Foundation for African Catholic Mission, I have no worries because I believe this foundation was set sailed in accordance to God’s plan. Once again, I’d like to give deepest gratitude to those who have planned, helped, prayed and lead both physically and spiritually.

Lastly, I ask for your prayer so I can be renewed again as a ‘spiritual priest’.

Fr. John Lee from Korea