“Give me people and give me the words to say.”

Doug Tabor prayed that prayer when he landed in Seoul, South Korea, to serve as a lay missionary with Friends Network. God has certainly answered his prayer.

Tabor was a happily retired salesman living in his hometown of Lansing, Mich. An active member at Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing, Tabor also regularly volunteered at the local WELS campus ministry center. In his life and ministry, Tabor had opportunities to interact with a lot of international graduate students and professionals. He had even been fortunate to visit some of his friends in South Korea on a couple occasions. But moving overseas was not on his radar—not even close.

Then he met Neil Birkholz (WELS North American Asian ministry consultant), who was visiting on a ministry trip. Birkholz told Tabor about Friends Network and asked if he had considered doing mission work on a more full-time basis. Tabor was intrigued but didn’t think it would be possible. He contacted Friends Network to learn more. Six months later, he was boarding a plane to Seoul.

He says, “I got to use the skills that I have—meeting people, making friends, and telling them about Jesus.”

In his ministry, Tabor spends time visiting with people at coffee shops, restaurants, and various events. He helps lead English clubs and Bible studies. And he keeps praying, “Give me the words to say.”

“If people are with me, they’re going to hear about God!” Although Tabor is laughing as he shares this, his conviction is undeniable.

Tabor partners with Pastors Samuel Choi and David Choi at Seoul Lutheran Church, a mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Tabor says he plays only a small part in the work, but God has blessed it. He and David Choi recently planted a new church, Great Light Lutheran Church, in the center of town. Tabor told David Choi, “You keep leading this church, and I’ll keep bringing more people!”

The members at Shepherd of the Hills have been instrumental in allowing Tabor to do what he does. They provide donations that fund most of his ministry and living expenses. Tabor thanks the Lord when he thinks of his friends and family back home who are supporting the Great Commission work even though they can’t all move to a different part of the world.

When asked how long he might stay, Tabor laughs again. “I really don’t know. I’m having the time of my life. I never imagined that I would be here, and I can’t imagine that I would ever do anything else as rewarding as this.”

Aaron Wakeman

Learn more about Friends Network at friendsnet.org.

Author: Aaron Wakeman
Volume 112, Number 01
Issue: January 2025