Job 23:10
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Amen
Arriving in Guinea-Bissau, the Land God Goes Before
I arrived in Guinea-Bissau on October 17th, after praying and waiting for God’s guidance.
Guinea-Bissau gained independence from Portugal in 1974, relatively later than many other countries in the region. Even today, traces of the Portuguese colonial era are evident, and the people speak both Portuguese and various local languages.
Because of its colonial history, much of Guinea-Bissau still appears underdeveloped by 21st-century standards. Even in the capital, buildings taller than five stories are rare.
At first glance, it might seem like a country with little to boast about, but here I could truly sense God’s love for this nation.
Most West African countries surrounding Guinea-Bissau have already become predominantly Islamic, and Christians often face severe persecution. Yet Guinea-Bissau has not been fully Islamized, and it is still possible to openly share the Gospel through street evangelism and outdoor gatherings.
Seeing people share the Gospel publicly, fasting without water for a week in prayer, and coming from Islamic nations to spread the Gospel here, I could feel how God continues to demonstrate His love for this country through His people.
Kungpa Village
Before coming to Guinea-Bissau, I discussed future ministry with a missionary, hoping and expecting to see what God would do in this land.
Upon arrival, the missionary was preparing for a new ministry and had to meet with lawyers daily due to land issues. About a week after I arrived, I learned that the missionary would be traveling to the U.S. in mid December. Since I could not stay alone, I began looking for another ministry opportunity.
Through this process, I learned about a Korean missionary working in a village called Kungpa, and I was able to visit for two weeks, for which I am very grateful.
Visiting Kungpa was a profound experience. It was one of the most natural, untouched places I’ve been to. At night, gorillas would roam near the village, and it was common to see people living without shirts.
What struck me deeply was hearing that even in such a remote village, a plane from Saudi Arabia had transported the village chief to Mecca. This highlighted the spiritual realities at play in this region.
Kungpa was a place where one could rely on God alone. I spent time there meditating on Psalm 63. Through this reflection, I realized that the wilderness is not only a place of hardship and loneliness but also a place to seek, meet, rely on, and learn from the Lord. Like David, it becomes a sanctuary.
Although my visit to Kungpa was sudden, the warm hospitality of the Korean missionary and local people allowed me to spend a joyful and meaningful time, deepening my understanding of God. However, since the missionary had personal matters to attend to in Korea from December until next summer, I could not remain in Kungpa and had to return to the capital.
Learning Through Hunger and Sharing
The journey back from Kungpa to the capital was not easy. Our vehicle broke down, forcing us to repair it for 11 hours. A trip that usually takes about 10 hours ended up taking more than 20 hours.
In Guinea-Bissau, it is common to bring in cars from European scrapyards and repair them while traveling. Through this experience, I deeply felt hunger and gratitude.
One of the most common experiences in Africa is hunger. I saw that before meals, locals would pray for those who had nothing to eat and share food with anyone in need. When I was unable to eat due to the vehicle breakdown, locals shared coconuts, peanuts, bananas, and water with me. This generosity allowed me to reach the capital safely and left a deep sense of gratitude in my heart.
A Time of Learning
During my stay in Guinea-Bissau, God revealed many things to me.
First, there was an attempt to seize the missionary’s land through the city hall. Such events often occur before elections. Those in power exploit their positions to take citizens’ land. While the missionary could protect the land with a law firm, local people who lack resources often lose their property. According to one local, the city had sold nearly all the land except for the presidential palace, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Second, a coup took place. The election in November ended unexpectedly with the opposition winning, and the ruling party allegedly staged a manipulated coup. Soldiers in masks patrolled the streets with guns, creating a tense and unstable atmosphere, and protesters were arrested. Experiencing life under a coup reminded me to cherish the blessings of everyday life.
Lastly, I accompanied the missionary to an island for three days to baptize students. The stories I had heard before visiting weighed heavily on me. Women are subjected to experimental implants that prevent childbirth, and girls as young as 13-14 are still facing early marriage. Thankfully, the island now has a church led by a local missionary, and I could see bright energy and life firsthand.
Seeing the dedication of the missionary on the island, I witnessed how one person’s obedience can bear much fruit and bring souls to God, a glimpse of what God is doing at the ends of the earth.
Through these experiences, I met journalists, lawyers, lawmakers, judges, mayors, and ambassadors, learning how to respond wisely in difficult situations. I realized how a single leader can change a country and how God can work through one person to produce many fruits. I pray that I, and the souls in Guinea-Bissau, may become such people sought by God.
Closing Chapter
Due to political instability and the missionary preparing for new work, my time in Guinea-Bissau came to an end. I trust that God sent me to this land to train me. Although I considered staying longer, the absence of Korean missionaries at this time made it impossible.
This unusual situation taught me to focus on God’s will and timing over my own plans. The experiences I had, though not smooth or comfortable, were invaluable, providing profound training in knowing God.
Opening a New Path: Gambia
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
On December 9th, I arrived in Gambia (Soma region).
This was a country I had never considered before, so my presence here is entirely by God’s guidance. When I realized my time in Guinea-Bissau was limited, I was introduced to a missionary in Gambia through the internet, and despite the sudden request, I was welcomed here.
Compared to Guinea-Bissau, little preparation had been made, and I had minimal knowledge about the field, yet I have adapted as if I had been here for a long time.
The Gambian missionary cares for students from elementary to high school and runs a communal living program. I have been living, eating, and learning with the children, gradually understanding Gambia and Africa.
Above all, I am grateful that God provided me with a community in an unexpected country. Sharing daily life from early morning worship to meals has been a profound blessing.
Feeling God’s Care Amid Hunger
Living in Africa has taught me to value food deeply. Ingredients are limited, spices are cheap, and meals are often of low quality. Children eat chicken bones, hunt wild rodents, or even catch birds with stones.
When local meals became tiring or challenging, God comforted me through Zephaniah 3:17. Simply being alive and writing this now feels like a gift. Meeting and living with these precious children has been a tremendous blessing and comfort.
Personal Reflection
One of the deepest lessons from Guinea-Bissau and Gambia is gratitude for everyday life.
In Africa, I have witnessed many who are physically or mentally suffering people born without proper care or unable to access hospitals. Seeing this, I realize that being able to serve and share God’s message in good health is not something to take for granted. Daily life, which I once considered ordinary, is truly a great blessing.
At the same time, I have seen real challenges: lack of jobs leading to extreme poverty, young children forced into early marriage, and survival struggles. I remember seeing a frail young girl in Guinea-Bissau sitting exhausted by the roadside a memory I cannot forget, regretting that I could not offer her a word of comfort.
Facing these realities makes me consider not only evangelism but also sustainable ways for locals to support themselves. I sense God guiding me step by step and confirming His direction through various missionaries.
Prayer Requests
1 Though I am grateful, there are practical challenges with food, water, and other necessities. Recently, my health has also shown signs of strain. Please pray that I can endure and rely fully on God’s guidance.
2 God continues to show unexpected ministries and visions. Pray that I can walk faithfully with Him as He opens each path.
3 Pray that this mission deepens my knowledge of God.
4 Pray that many souls in Gambia and across West Africa may return to the Lord through this work.
의견을 남겨주세요