by Joni Wilkinson, Iowa WMU Coordinator
On Saturday, April 28, All Nations Baptist Church, Iowa City, hosted their annual Korean Food Bazaar. In all but 2 years since 1991, the church has invited friends, family and their community into the church for a traditional Korean meal. The Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) coordinate the event, but the whole church participates including Brotherhood, Youth and the college group.
The All Nations congregation reflects its name. There are about 80-90 English speaking members and about 90-100 Korean members. They also allow diverse ethnic congregations (Russian, Congolese, and Hispanic) to use their building for worship. The church’s emphasis for 2018 is “Be a Disciple, Make a Disciple” from Matthew 28:18-20.
Any funds raised from the Food Bazaar is used to support missions. All Nations church supports the Southern Baptist mission organizations International Mission Board (IMB), and North American Mission Board (NAMB), as well as Baptist Convention of Iowa (BCI), Compassion International, and some specific missionaries across the world.
The church’s WMU is made up of about 35-45 married women in the church and they serve in many roles. On Fridays they take turns cooking for Youth and college group worship and Bible study. On Sundays they serve lunch for the congregation providing a time for fellowship together. They also visit local rehabilitation centers. All Nations also provides a weekly AWANA ministry for any children around the community.
In 2017, Pastor Jong Koo Lee retired, and the church called a new pastor in August, Pastor Seung Jin Park. His wife is Ho Sun, and they have two children Esther and David.