Running to Create Positive Change for Orphans in South Korea
The last few months were packed with exciting community gatherings. It is our prayer that these times together would allow the orphaned young adults and children we serve to experience what it’s like to be part of a family who loves them. We held our annual Oak Tree Run, traveled as a group, celebrated Christmas and New Years, and were blessed by alumni testimonies.
Our hearts are full as we wrap up 2024 and begin 2025. As always, don’t forget to check out the encouraging story and prayer requests below.
—South Korea Team
The Oak Tree Run is something we look forward to every year.
Hundreds of people join together to run and raise money to support orphaned and vulnerable young adults in South Korea.
This October, 990 people joined the fun and raised enough funds to provide an additional eight orphaned young adults with mentorship, community, and Gospel-centered, holistic care while they attend college.
But the event isn’t just about raising money.
It’s also a chance to change how people in South Korea view orphaned children.
When orphans age out of an orphanage, they are given a small stipend and often struggle to find employment. This is because being an orphan in South Korea is highly stigmatized, making it difficult to secure a job.
But the Oak Tree Run is creating space for change.
This year, there was even an up-and-coming Korean celebrity in attendance. The students were giddy with excitement to see someone famous participating in “their” event.
A ministry leader shares—
“Our students and alumni are always encouraged, seeing so many people come out in support of them.”
Top: Students we serve in South Korea prepare for the Oak Tree Run.
Many current students and alumni happily volunteered, helping with registration and passing out t-shirts. And when the run was finally finished, the students went to lunch with their mentors to keep the encouragement going.
At Lifesong, we stand by a 4-part pledge to the children we serve. The fourth part of the pledge affirms our commitment to providing orphaned young adults with continued love and support as they transition into adult living.
Oak Tree Run was just one part of a wonderful 2024, the first full calendar year with all the blessings of the Healing House.
A first-year student shares it best—
“2024 has been the best year of my life, thanks to the team in South Korea and the Healing House. I have never experienced a community like this before.”
Pray for South Korea
- Pray that God will guide students and give them clarity regarding their plans for the future.
- Praise God that the children and alumni we serve felt a deep sense of love and joy this Christmas.
- Pray for many volunteers for the 15th-annual arts and crafts camp this January. Pray that the 25 orphaned girls who will be attending will feel seen, known, and loved.
- Pray for more orphaned young adults and mentors to apply to be part of the 2025 class.
- Pray that during the Lunar New Year at the end of January, one of South Korea’s biggest holidays, the time our team hosts together would give the orphans we serve a chance to experience the love of family.
Join our prayer team to receive monthly prayer requests & praises from across our ministry.
Will you help orphaned children and young adults in South Korea experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.