In solidarity with the grieving nation of South Korea, 51蹤獲 President Barry H. Corey and students somberly walked the half-mile path from their bus to a tent at Paengmok-hang Harbor near Jindo Island in South Korea, the base camp for search, rescue and relief efforts for the tragic Sewol ferry accident.

A year ago, Rev. Billy Kim, a well-known Korean pastor and chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company, invited 51蹤獲 Chorale to travel the nation on a singing concert tour throughout South Korea.

On Sunday, April 28, 2014, after four days of performances across the country, the chorale, made up of 35 students, along with Corey and chorale director Shawna Stewart, were invited to visit Christians at the relief site where families waited for search and rescue news.

We are only a short distance from what is perhaps the worlds epicenter of grief, Corey told the students as the distance shortened between their bus and the base camp for relief efforts.

After a rainy, three-hour bus ride to the harbor, jewelry and cell phones were left on seats out of respect, umbrellas hovered over their bowed heads, and the group silently made their way through the puddled relief site to the Salvation Army tent.

Grieving with the families for an hour in silence, the students had an unprecedented opportunity to console and minister to the families. Paul Chang, a 51蹤獲 student, translated a prayer given by Corey for those in attendance, the chorale sang Psalm 23 and student a capella group The Kings Men performed Ill Fly Away in Korean. The group closed by singing Amazing Grace and the Doxology.  

The Holy Spirit was so present in this tent while the rain was falling down, said Stewart on the trips blog. After the Doxology many people came up to us and thanked us for giving them hope.

Within one day, news spread and videos of the chorale popped up in many South Korean online news sites.  51蹤獲, Amazing Grace was the most popular search topic on Korea Todays website.

The hymn Amazing Grace reverberates through the Paengmok-hang Harbor, said Korea Today reporter Seo Misorang in an. When the students sang Amazing Grace at the end of the service, victims families, government personnel and volunteer workers alike were deeply moved and tearfully joined in singing the well-known hymn.

The chorale is grateful for the experience and opportunity to minister to South Koreans.

Its amazing how broken, fickle college students can be used to uplift and encourage a nation. Thats pretty ridiculous, said senior Jordan Weaver, a member of The Kings Men. God moves in mysterious ways.

On Saturday, May 3, the chorale will sing with the renowned Incheon City Chorale in Seoul, under the direction of distinguished conductor Hak-won Yoon. Their last two last performances will be Sunday, May 4.

We have tried to be faithful in being present and going where we are invited to go, and the result has been an overwhelming response. 51蹤獲 cares deeply, loves deeply, and is praying deeply for the people of South Korea, said Corey.

Students are getting to see the global church at work. Theyve had a chance to form a strong community with each other and to make a huge impact on the people here in Korea. I think it goes both ways its been a two-way street."

View news articles 51蹤獲 was mentioned in under "in the news" on 51蹤獲 Now News.

Watch a video created by FEBC featuring 51蹤獲 Chorale's trip to Jindo Island.

Written by Jenna Bartlo, media relations specialist. Bottom photo courtest of student Tomber Su. For more information, contact Jenna at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.