Counsels on Stewardship -- Study Guide

The Pioneer Spirit In Korea

Two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, were traveling in Korea. Before they started, their minister asked them to observe and remember any unusual and interesting things they might see in mission areas through which they traveled. CS-SG 47.5

In a field they saw a boy pulling a crude plow, while an old man pushed and directed it. The lawyer was impressed and took a picture of the scene. “That’s curious. I suppose they are very poor,” he said to the missionary who was their guide and interpreter. CS-SG 47.6

“Yes” was the quiet reply. “That is the family of Chi Num. When the church was being built they wanted to give something to help build it, but they had no money. So they sold their only ox and gave the money to the church. This spring they are pulling the plow themselves.” CS-SG 47.7

The lawyer and the merchant were silent for some time. Then the merchant said, “That must have been a real sacrifice.” CS-SG 47.8

“They did not so call it,” replied the missionary. “They thought it was fortunate that they had the ox to sell.” CS-SG 47.9

The lawyer and the merchant did not have much more to say. When they reached home the lawyer took the picture to his minister and told him the story. CS-SG 47.10

“I want to double my support to the Lord’s cause,” he said, “and please give me some ‘plow’ work to do. I am ashamed to say I have never yet given anything to my church that cost me that much. I have never known what sacrifice for the church meant. A converted Korean boy and his father taught me.” CS-SG 47.11