Continuing my life journey and how I was led, this section deals with God’s leading to KNU as we were seeking work upon our return from Europe to Australia. It is another part of an upcoming book or website section entitled Divinely Led.
Part 5: Back to Australia and Onto Asia
God’s Leading to KNU
We were back in Australia job hunting. Looking at the various options, we began to realize that getting into the job market in our 50s was not that easy. We also saw that jobs that we were the most qualified for, namely teaching (though we didn’t want to teach in Australia because of the discipline problems), were in Asia. Somewhat reluctantly, since we had just bought a home, we started looking at jobs in Korea and China. Some looked like good possibilities, but it was good that we waited before committing to any of them, because the best and right one was yet ahead.
Here is how it came about. When we were in Europe, Alex had a strong desire to do further post-graduate study, possibly in theology. There was nothing viable for him there, but we were beginning to plan our return to Australia where our parents and Alex’s brothers and their families lived. Part of the plan was a study program at a Christian college on the Gold Coast there.
As time was getting closer to our departure, it became clear that the study plan was flawed. Different options had to be considered. At the same time, we learnt that my mother had died. It seemed therefore that we should settle near my widowed father to be available to him during the difficult time of grief and as he was getting older.
We couldn’t stay at his house, but friends from the past lived nearby and offered us a room at their home. Their place was within walking distance to the Nazarene Theological College (NTC) on the outskirts of Brisbane. Alex was still thinking about taking a study course, and since NTC was within walking distance, he thought why not explore what it had to offer.
So we visited the campus, talked to the Registrar and met a few other people – among them Mr. and Mrs J. who assisted on a voluntary basis. We also met a couple of Koreans who were studying there. Alex was told that the courses offered at NTC would not be the best decision for him, as he had already done a similar program in the past. We also learnt that Mr. and Mrs. J. had a daughter Joanne and son-in-law Matthew working at Korea Nazarene University (KNU) in Cheonan.
As we were looking at various Asian teaching possibilities and receiving job offers – among them a university in China and a hakwon (after-school language academy) in Taejon, Korea – we heard that Joanne and Matt were coming to Australia with a group of children and that there might be a possibility of teaching at KNU. With it being a Christian school, that sounded more appealing than all the other options.
We met with Matt and Joanne on their last day and in their last hour before they left for the airport to fly back to Korea. That was long enough to get acquainted and realize that perhaps this was indeed God’s leading for us.
The application process was relatively smooth, except for a few glitches and delays. These together with the shocking September 11 events caused us to feel that perhaps we shouldn’t go after all. Yet the Spirit working on Alex within together with the supervisor Gail’s late evening phone call convinced us that our going was God’s will for us despite any doubts we may have had. God had been working in it all and even overrode our concerns and hesitations. We could be confident that things would work out all right.
We ended up spending almost four years in Korea. Though not without its challenges, it was a positive and special experience. It made us realize that:
- God indeed goes before us and has a place/work prepared for us.
- While we have a considerable degree of free will, God will gently get us where He wants us, even when we occasionally “dig our heels in” along the way.
- He will provide the resources, help and strength needed, thus enabling us to follow where He leads.
- He will lead and guide us where we can be of the most service and use our gifts and talents.
- Even in trials and difficulties, He will be there as He guides us in learning lessons.
For other information on divine leading, see Spirit Helpers and Guides
Here is a short reflection on being divinely led.