Global training for ministry in all contexts: how VBC is partnering with Voice of the Martyrs Korea

An unlikely but exciting opportunity for partnership has opened up for the Vocational Bible College. Not long ago, a married couple in ministry in Korea, Pastor Eric Foley and Dr Foley, were exploring the question of how they could access and provide practical ministry to the people serving in their organisation, Voice of the Martyrs Korea. 

Voice of the Martyrs partners with persecuted Christians in more than seventy countries around the world, supporting them, learning from them, and helping share their testimonies with the global church. In their search for ways to continue to train and develop these Christians, Eric Foley came across the website for VBC. 

“It was pretty random from our perspective but not from God's,” explains Andrew Beddoe, VBC Principal. “He watched the video of our 10 year thanksgiving dinner and then reached out to me to talk about how a partnership could be formed to help them train people.”

One student now studying with VBC through VOMK is Song-Mi, who is incredibly enthusiastic about the partnership. “I believe VBC can be an excellent training partner for organisations like VOM. Its goal is not merely to transfer information, but to equip people to make disciples and serve effectively in God's kingdom.” 

Song-Mi Park was raised by faithful Christian parents, who went into pastoral ministry when she was in the fifth grade. Faith was always a natural part of her life, and for many years she assumed she was a Christian. However, during a church retreat in the winter break of her first year of high school, God opened her eyes to a deeper understanding of herself as a sinner that had rejected God, and needed Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. From that moment on, her faith was no longer just something inherited from her parents - it had become her own. 

One Easter many years later, Song-Mi was watching a film called Tortured for Christ. It told the story of pastor Richard Wurmbrand and his suffering for the gospel under a communist regime. “This film deeply impacted me and reminded me of the commitment I made when I first came to know Christ,” Song-Mi shares. She began reading more about the underground church, and started following the Voice of the Martyrs Korea newsletter. She was inspired by how believers were remaining faithful to Christ regardless of their circumstances. 

At the time, Song-Mi had been serving in Christian education ministry for teenagers for about twelve years. But then the educational community she was leading faced significant challenges and had to close. “During that transition, I was mentored by Pastor Foley and Dr Foley. Through their invitation and God's leading, I joined VOMK,” Song-Mi explains. 

VOM Korea serves Christians who faithfully testify to Christ in the midst of persecution and helps share their stories with churches that enjoy religious freedom. “I believe this is work that pleases God.” Song-Mi says. “At the same time, the testimonies of persecuted believers remind us of the heart of the gospel and what it truly means to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.”

On any given day, her work can range from meal preparation and cleaning to assisting with Bible translations alongside North Korean defectors. At first, Song-Mi was surprised by how varied the work could be. “But I am learning that ministry is not only about the tasks that seem important,” she explains. “It is also about faithfully serving people in ordinary ways. I am learning what it means to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and serve wherever God places me.” 

Song-Mi knew academic qualifications would be important to continue working in ministry in Korea. But she was also looking for more than just a degree. “I wanted training that would help me effectively disciple others and serve in real ministry settings. What attracted me to VBC was its emphasis on real-life discipleship and ministry, not just academic study. Because of that focus, I decided to join the program.”

One of the highlights of studying with VBC for Song-Mi has been the faculty, and how they genuinely care about their students and help them to succeed. “They respond thoughtfully to our questions and communicate with great kindness. I have also been impressed by their honesty. When students ask questions that go beyond what Scripture clearly teaches, they are willing to say, "I don't know," rather than pretend to have all the answers,” Song-Mi explains. 

Song-Mi has also enjoyed learning alongside Christians from different parts of the world. Her classes include students from Zambia, Myanmar, South Korea, Australia and beyond. She has found it an encouraging reminder of the global nature of God’s kingdom.

Song-Mi asks for prayer for herself, that she would continue to grow in faithfulness and obedience to God. She also asks for prayer for VOMK, that their efforts would bear good fruit in Korea. She hopes that in the future, the VBC model of theological training can be introduced more broadly in Korea. VOM Korea’s partnership with VBC has the potential to equip many like Song-Mi for faithful and effective ministry.