Volunteer teachers are uniquely positioned to directly interact with, and make a lasting impact on, the children living in the orphanages. Although the opportunity has great potential for success, it carries with it a heavy responsibility for which JM holds its volunteers strictly accountable.
How to Get InvolvedIf you are a practicing Christian in the Seoul area please join us at our monthly prayer meetings on the last Saturday of each month at New Philadelphia Church - Itaewon Campus. There you can meet with the JM staff, share with current volunteers, and gain a clearer understanding of the dynamics of the ministry.
A volunteer application, which includes a Statement of Faith, is required before attending the training/information session. A minimum of six months commitment is required. These two are prerequisite for placement at an orphanage. Click here for further explanation of requirements.
As a faith community, JM's volunteer staff intentionally draw strength and unity from their common commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and from their communion of prayer. JM is legally accountable for all of its volunteers and therefore reserves the right to allow participation along lines of shared religious convictions. JM requires all volunteers to practice a mature Orthodox Christian faith as defined by the Apostles' Creed.
*Most orphanages require at least a six month commitment from volunteers. This is because their children have all faced abandonment in different measures and are in need of longer-term, faithful relationships.
I first started teaching Han Woul in January 2010. A small-for-his-age, 10-year-old boy, Han Woul could speak zero English beyond, "I am fine, how are you?" Three and a half years of weekly English lessons later and his English level has not changed dramatically. What has changed? Over a year ago, Han Woul initiated a hug for the first time. As he wrapped his arms around me, tears pricked my eyes and I hugged him back fiercely. Instead of communicating everything through a common language, we share laughter, body language, and of course, the language of card games. We celebrate holidays and birthdays, and when I leave for extended trips back to the USA, Han Woul knows that I am coming back.
A few weeks ago Han Woul was leaving school when he got hit by a taxi cab. When I showed up for our weekly lesson (on the same day) he was wearing a massive cast on his leg. The Children's Home explained to me what happened and I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, "You are constantly praying for his protection, he is safe because of those prayers."
After praying for a quick recover over Han Woul, we played a new card game and laughed together for the next hour. When I came back to the Children's Home for the next lesson I saw a note written in the paperwork I fill out after every lesson. The note explained how Han Woul had been sad and upset after getting hit by a taxi (which makes sense!) but when I came for the lesson he lit up and was in a better mood for the rest of the night.
Three months ago, when I told Han Woul that I love him (as I do every week), for the first time, instead of nodding his head--- he said it back.