Is 2020 over yet? That seems to be a popular idea on social media these days. It seems that this year has been nothing but bad news and hardship on a global scale. BUT Despite challenges and difficulties, we are not just surviving in Korea, we are THRIVING! Korea has been fighting COVID-19 since January, but Korea has handled this crisis extremely well. After several weeks of concerted effort, the number of new cases is now at a manageable level for Korea's health system. For most people?including us?life has not stopped, only changed. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, God has given us 3 new opportunities to make Him known! 1. As the virus began to escalate here, we began leading an English Bible study at a local Korean church. Our first Sunday leading the Bible study was also the first day of "virtual church"! Although we have yet to meet in person, we've enjoyed getting to know some of the members of this class during this unique season. 2. Nations Baptist Church in Jeju has been affected by the social distancing measures as well. Even though we've been limited to virtual meetings since early March, this church plant reached two milestones! First, affirming four men to lead the congregation through an official organization process this year (Sam was one of the men approved). Second, celebrating the first anniversary of the church on Easter Sunday! During this time of online meetings, we encouraged our people to host small groups or watch parties in their homes on Sunday. People invited friends and coworkers to come and participate in the online service in their homes this past Sunday morning. 3. As a direct result of this pandemic, Sam had the chance to teach two theology courses at the Word of Life Bible Institute on Jeju in April. The professors who were originally scheduled couldn't travel internationally, but since we are already in Korea Sam was able to fill in on short notice. The students at this Bible institute are part of the next generation of ministry leaders in Asia, and Sam was privileged to be a small part of the process of equipping them for ministry. Prayer and Praise We know that you all have been praying for us since before the outbreak of the virus in Korea. Our life and ministry has not slowed down or stopped, it has only grown more over the past few weeks! We are thankful that God has allowed us to be here during this time. Also, please know that we are praying for you. These are uncertain and scary times, but we know that God is still in control. We are praying for your ministries, for your health, for your jobs, for the economy, for your testimonies and that God will bless you with opportunity to make Jesus known in this season! Looking Up Stamina to complete the final month of Korean language study Official chartering of Nations Baptist Church English Bible Study in Seoul Direction as we search for a home on the island this month and prepare to move. Thank you for your partnership to engage the nations with the gospel from Jeju, South Korea! Sam & Megan Copyright © 2020 Sam & Megan Beard, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you agreed to receive email updates about God's work in Asia. Our mailing address is: Sam & Megan Beard P.O. Box 191 Springfield, MO 65801-0191