32. The Language of Network!

32. The Language of Network! After completing all the preparations to open the “Happy Tree Shop” in “Molisha” and returning to Korea, I began researching the characteristics of each country to connect their special products. First, I identified the specialties of each region through the application forms of missionaries who had already applied for cooperation. I also promoted this project to missionaries in various countries who had not yet applied but could be important partners, through newsletters. To create opportunities to connect good products from each region, I first contacted a missionary working in Bulgaria and encouraged them to join the foundation. After joining, I asked them to look into the local cheese, which is known for its good taste and affordable price compared to other countries. As a result, we were able to import Bulgarian cheese at a low cost, allowing us to provide cheese to various countries at a reasonable price. To store and sort all the items, a logistics warehouse was absolutely necessary. However, despite considering various solutions, it was not easy to resolve this issue. Therefore, I decided to tackle the problem head-on. I sent a cooperation letter to the Kukmin Ilbo, requesting coverage of the “Barnabas Foundation.” The Kukmin Ilbo, having previously introduced the foundation along with most Christian media, agreed to a more in-depth coverage. They informed us of their visit schedule, and when the time came, a reporter and a photographer visited our office. Welcoming the reporter for the third time, following our previous meetings at the airport and during the foundation’s introduction, I provided detailed explanations about the foundation and our projects. The reporter also expressed interest in a personal interview with the Secretary-General, which I agreed to. During the interview, I requested that the article include a mention of our need for a logistics warehouse and contact information for anyone willing to provide one for free. The reporter agreed to include this at the end of the article. After the coverage, the article about the “Barnabas Foundation” and the “Happy Sharing Shop” was published in the Kukmin Ilbo, highlighting our need for a logistics warehouse. This increased public interest in the foundation, leading to many inquiries about membership and board positions. We also received offers from individuals willing to provide the necessary warehouse space. Among them, an elder who owns a Christian business offered a large warehouse. Upon visiting the site, we found it to be spacious and conveniently located, making it ideal for our use. We expressed our gratitude and invited the elder to join our board, which he gladly accepted. Soon, items from various countries began arriving, including some food products that needed to be supplied to domestic branches. We divided the warehouse and installed a freezing facility to store these items, gradually equipping the warehouse with everything necessary for our operations. Requests to collaborate with the “Barnabas Foundation” continued to pour in from churches and missionaries. To support more missionaries and help them become self-sufficient, we decided to strengthen the “Happy Sharing Shop” in Korea first. We divided our team into domestic and international business teams, increasing the number of domestic team members and training them in basic operations. Realizing the necessity of this training, we planned a two-week training program called “Barnabas Foundation’s Partnership Training!” with a one-week first phase and a one-week second phase. We promoted the training schedule and began accepting applications for the first phase of the “Barnabas Foundation’s Partnership Training!” from all applicants and new applicants. After the first phase, applicants would undergo an interview with the board to identify any issues, and those who passed would proceed to the second phase. Upon completion, they would become partners of the “Barnabas Foundation,” starting their partnership work based on the manual. Despite the significant training fees of 700,000 KRW for the first phase and 800,000 KRW for the second phase, we received about 500 applications from domestic pastors and overseas missionaries. We selected 250 domestic pastors and 100 overseas missionaries based on basic criteria, and after interviews, we finalized 150 domestic pastors and 50 overseas missionaries for the training. The first phase of training, consisting of seven main courses, began as scheduled:1. Strengthening Basic Spirituality - Enhancing faith through spiritual exercises2. Restoring the Identity of the Worker - Reflecting on identity3. Relationships and Commitment - Confirm‎ing relationships and commitment with partners4. Attitude of Truth and Honesty - Understanding the importance and consequences of truth and honesty5. Skills for Ministry - How to conduct responsible ministry6. Basic Ministry Manual - Learning the established manual7. Correcting Perspectives and Views - Developing a broad and far-reaching perspective Through this process, as a ministry partner of the “Barnabas Foundation,” I have developed comprehensive character, passion, methods, and practical skills, enabling me to handle any situation and task. This growth has equipped me with the purpose and attitude necessary to fulfill my responsibilities. After completing this process, the board members of the “Barnabas Foundation” conducted interviews to ensure there were no health or ministry attitude issues and to confirm‎ readiness for practical ministry. Those who were found lacking were disqualified, but if they wished, they could undergo an interview with the foundation’s executives and be allowed to retake the training in the next session. Those who passed the interview proceeded to the second phase of training, where they received training on the specific “manual and practical work” related to their roles. This training provided the foundational knowledge for carrying out the ministry of the “Barnabas Foundation” and taught the procedures and methods for effective communication while working together. Missionary Lee Ye-hoon, who opened and operated the first “Happy Sharing Shop” overseas, shared his experiences through a research presentation, allowing participants to indirectly experience various practical aspects of fieldwork. Upon completing the second phase of training and receiving their certificates, participants were officially recognized as partners of the “Barnabas Foundation” and began their ministry work in collaboration with the headquarters. Those who excelled in their ministry were later selected as trainers for future training sessions, sharing their extensive field experience and principles with new partners. Trainers also received increased ministry funds according to the manual, enabling them to invest more in their local ministry and carry out more extensive work. Additional training sessions were organized as needed to address any deficiencies or provide further training. As ministry work began, local staff were hired and continuously spiritually transformed. Besides work, they participated in internal training, worship, and training programs held at the headquarters in Korea, starting with basic faith training and progressing to practical work responsibilities. This process helped them grow into effective ministry workers who could train and transform other locals. Those with exceptional language skills and ministry attitude and passion were appointed as national leaders, training other staff or employees from other countries, and received necessary support for all their activities. Furthermore, through the partners, they were taught Korean, and once they became proficient in their native language, they gradually received Korean language education. This progressed to Bible study in Korean, and eventually, they began teaching Korean and the Bible to locals, helping them grow and transform, ultimately establishing them as local leaders.