Jesus Family (Wildflower Blooming)
South Korea The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) was established in 1953. It is the only Presbyterian Church in Korea which ordains women as elders and ministers. Actively participating in social and political programs, the church proclaims and upholds the causes of social justice, human rights, and freedom. PROK and Global Ministries formally became partners in 1983, and Global Ministries supports many of its programs. Of the 48 million people in South Korea, 30 percent are children, and 10 percent of these are labeled "problem children:" kids who have been involved in crimes, who have developmental problems, and who have dropped out of school. Jesus Family (Wildflowers Blooming) is a program located in South Korea designed to address the problems of this population. Founded in 1994, it is a juvenile welfare facility for children and youth who have run away from home because of the stress of their parents' divorce, death, negligence, and/or physical and sexual abuse. The children were housed in an area church until 2004 when the program received a new building. There are now a total of 60 children living together in small-group "families." Through the work of its house parents and teachers, the facility aims to protect, heal, and rehabilitate the youngsters so that they can lead fruitful lives as sound members of society. In addition, the facility provides outreach for adults on how to deal with troubled children, as well as internships and free medical service cards. Jesus Family's slogan says: "When teenagers are happy, then society will be brighter. This is everyone's responsibility." Jesus Family is in need of funds to provide salaries for its house parents and teachers, as well as support for the construction of new living spaces.
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