There is a Korean proverb that I learned as a child.  Roughly translated, it says, “A tiger leaves its skin behind while a man leaves his name behind.”   A tiger skin was very expensive and rare (and it still is) and served as a nice coat for winter.  Thus, a tiger’s skin was considered its contribution to society.  This saying was often quoted to challenge young people to live as a beneficial member of society, leaving a good reputation and legacy behind through achievements and successes.
Gone are the days, however, when a man could only leave his name behind!   A few weeks ago, around the time of the 2nd anniversary of my brother James’ passing from a heart attack, our family received a letter from the Washington Regional Transplant Community.  At the time of his death, we did not have to agonize over what to do with his body because James had already registered himself as an Organ Donor (as indicated by ’     Organ Donor’ on his driver’s license).  Knowing what a caring person James was, we would have all agreed that he would gladly donate as much usable organs and tissue as possible anyway; nonetheless, we were thankful that we didn’t have to make the decision on his behalf and that we were able to honor his wish.
The letter from WRTC stated that James’ donation consisted of orthopedic tissues that were used for patients suffering from bone or spine disease/injuries and heart valves that benefited individuals with severe heart defects or heart disease.  His gift of skin has enabled surgeons to perform reconstructive surgeries for severe burn victims.  His donations have been distributed to 15 states including Maryland and Virginia.  Though my beloved brother is no longer with us on this earth, it is somewhat comforting to know that parts of him are still ‘living.’   It is indeed bittersweet! 
James lived a rather ordinary life. He’d been sick with diabetes for much of his adult life and did not achieve much success or fame by the standards of this world.  He did not have much to leave behind for his family and friends.  James’ gift of life, however, meant the world to the recipients of his organs and tissue.   James certainly left more than his name behind. He literally left his skin and more so others could have another chance at life. 
We as followers of Jesus Christ have already received the gift of eternal life and have been commissioned to live as salt and light of the world.  One day God will call us home to live with Him in heaven forever with glorious new heavenly bodies.   Thus in my opinion, we Christians should be the first ones to become organ donors for thousands of people whose only hope for life is to receive an organ or tissue transplant.  How awesome it is to be able to practice “Love your neighbor as yourself” even at death!  I understand this kind of matter is a personal decision and needs to be discussed with one’s family.  I do encourage all of you, however, to talk about this important topic of organ donation with your loved ones.  And as you share about life, death, and beyond, I pray you will each be overcome with incredible gratitude for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. He showed by example what it means to give the gift of life to others.  Let us imitate Jesus Christ.  Would you consider becoming an Organ Donor next time you apply for a driver’s license or a leaner’s permit? 

From Pastor Sara’s Heart
September 8, 2013

During one of my seminary classes, I was asked whether I am a people person or a goal oriented person. It was clear, at least in my own opinion, that I was a people person because I like people, I get along well with people and I also work well in a group setting. Apparently, that wasn’t the case. My professor who asked me that question looked at me and said that I am more of a goal oriented person. His response was very shocking to me but it was a well needed assessment of my life and the way I do ministry. I realized that my life was primarily driven by goals and the love of people has been pushed aside for the sake of reaching certain goals in life and ministry. To this day, I still struggle to be more mindful and caring for the people that I serve. There are many pastors and church leaders who deal with the same issue as I do because we are called to be shepherds who tend and care for their sheep rather than just getting our jobs done.
For the last few weeks, God has reminded me of the importance of shepherding through various oikos ministry trainings. As I was going through the oikos leaders’ training sessions, God convicted me of my role as a shepherd, not a hired hand. The heart of a shepherd that goes after one lost sheep is what I need to develop more in my life. God has already given me the heart of a shepherd but it’s been pushed out and covered up by the eagerness to achieve goals. Not only am I struggling with caring for the people, but I also need to let go of my selfish mindset and learn to work together with people even at the cost of my “desired” outcome. There is an old saying in Korean that comes to my mind, “it’s better to go one mile together than ten miles alone.” Yes, it is true that the process of accomplishing the goal might be delayed or may not even be reached at all, but that’s the way God wants us to live our lives. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes chapter 3:8-12, 
This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I hope to practice more of being patient and caring with my own kids at home. How often do we ignore our kids’ needs or wants in the name of work, ministry and even for the sake of our personal space? I pray that God will open up our ears to hear, to respond, to treasure the people that He has blessed us with in our daily lives. That will be the very first step of becoming the shepherds God called us to be.   

From Pastor Brian’s Heart
September 15, 2013