A Week at the BI in Korea

This week I’ve been teaching the book of Ezra at Word of Life Bible Institute on Jeju Island in South Korea. That’s 15 time zones (and 7000 miles) from Dallas.

Jeju Island is located just off the southern coast of South Korea, not that far from Japan, Taiwan and Mainland China. It’s one of the most popular vacation spots in Asia.

Each year I spend a few weeks teaching at various Bible Institutes. Most often I teach Galatians in New York or James and Daniel in Florida, but this week I’m on the other side of the Pacific Ocean teaching 29 students the story of Ezra. It’s a diverse group, with students from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, and the US.

Adar portrays Cyrus, King of Persia

Word of Life bases its Bible Institute program on a simple premise: give us a year and we’ll give you the whole Bible. That’s an attractive option for young people who want to spend a year getting grounded in the Christian faith.

Zerubbabel (played by Soon) leads the first return from Babylon.

Generally there are several resident professors along with a rotating group of visiting instructors who come in for one or two weeks. This week I’m teaching 10 hours on Ezra, giving two quizzes, and then leaving behind a final exam for the students to take next Tuesday.

Steve and Rhonda Nicholes

I came at the invitation of Steve Nicholes, dean of the BI on Jeju Island. Five years Marlene and I came for the first year when there were only two buildings and we ate our meals in a large tent. Now there are four dorms along with a beautiful cafetorium that serves as a classroom, rec area, and dining hall. I have no doubt that in a few years there will be 250 students here from all across Asia.

We had a great feast!

Yesterday Steve and Rhonda took me to a Korean BBQ where we grilled the pork at our table, then placed it in lettuce leaves, added condiments, rolled it up, and ate it. It was a true feast.

Ruth helps the class remember 931 B.C.

On Saturday I fly home to Dallas for five days, then I’m off to teach Galatians at the new BI in Kampala, Uganda. More about that later.

But if you ask me why I come so far to teach 29 students, it’s because the future belongs to the young. These students are bright, enthusiastic, and very motivated. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than teaching the Word of God to the rising leaders of the next generation.