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The first week of October is Week for the Homeless. The NCCK Committee for the Homeless has decided to join the United Nations in their declaration of October 10th as World Homeless Day and observed the entire week in a number of ways.
On the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 4, a joint worship service was held in Hanseong Full Gospel Church with the theme, “Who are our Neighbours?” The leader of the worship was Rev. Park Nam Soo, the vice-chair of the Committee for the Homeless. The story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37, was read by Mr. Jeong You Cheol, a participant in last year’s Homeless Culture Arts Festival. The sermon, preached by Bishop Jeon Yong Jae of the Korean Methodist Church, was entitled, “Salvation Comes from Loving Our Neighbour.”The service of communion was led by liturgist Father You Si Kyong of the Anglican Church of Korea.
Week for the Homeless wound up with the Second ‘Fathers of the Streets Culture and Arts Festival’ with the theme, ‘Proclamation of Hope’. The festival was held at the Meeting Hall of the Assembly Members’ building on the grounds of the National Assembly.
In the lobby, tables displayed the many of the products available from Neulpum Craft, a Social Enterprise which employs the homeless. The website of this craft shop is www.ddghope.or.kr.
Inside the hall, the participantswere treated to a fine variety show. As they gathered, they were well entertained by comedian Lee JeongSoo. Preparing for the event, Lee JeongSoo wrote,“It would be wonderful if this culture and arts festival would be a time of deep significance and give strength to the fathers of the streets.”
The first number was performed by a joint choir from NCCin Busan, who sang “We are Sharing Love.” Next was award winning pianist Shin ByungJuk who played “Minuet” and then “Blue Bossa.” Then he was joined by singer, Miss Lee Na Hyun and they performed “Misty” and “Goose’s Dream.”
This was followed by a traditional theatre and music group. They performed a skit of four bees who had been made homeless (one because of the failure of his hive from fallout from the High Frequency Transmission Towers at Milyang, one because of soil contamination, etc.) These four decided to join and work together. They collect honey, but then their honey is raided by the police. One of the bees is killed, and as he is dying, he dreams of becoming a pumpkin flower, which in fact happens. The Pumpkin Flower was the name of the skit.
Folksinger Cha Bit La was the next act. She sang “The Wind Is Blowing,” “The Song of the Sea,” and “Anbu” (How Are You) then she was joined by a quartet of the Fathers of the Streets to sing with her for the song, “Autumn for the Fathers of the Streets.” She wrote that she hoped those who have no place to rest and no place to live may still find happiness.”
The finale of the program was the joint choir of the Fathers of the Streets, a group of homeless men and women, along with others standing in solidarity with them, under the capable and enthusiastic directorship of Ju Woo Hyun. They sang “Song of My Heart,”“2015 Arirang,” and a medley. All the audience were stirred and delighted at the heartfelt singing. On working alongside the choir, Director Jusaid, “How precious and how beautiful are the fathers of the streets, singing their songs with dignity before the entire world.”
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