A more substantial and organised quest for ways to spread joy by sharing blessings with the world in need, particularly with the poor countries in Asia Pacific, began to bear fruit in Korea. On March 2 , Joy of Sharing Foundation became a registered NGO with the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Republic of Korea.

This allows the Foundation to work in collaboration with the government. According to its executive director, Fr Lorenzo Yom (KOR), who used to work in Myanmar, a key focus of the Foundation is to provide “assistance in improving educational, medical and living environments in East Asian countries in need.” The Foundation is housed in the curial building of Korean Province and expected to play a crucial role as a development office in supporting foreign missions under the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific.

To support projects in Cambodia, two official fund-raising events were coordinated by the Foundation. It organised a charity music concert on April 7 and 9 at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul, featuring Ms. Ji-won Oh, pianist, and her husband, Mr. Mark Kosower, cellist. Ms. Oh is a sister of Fr In-don Oh (KOR), who has been working at Banteay Prieb, Cambodia. On April 2 – 15 a photo exhibit of the works of Mr. Jong-jin Lim was on show at the Kumho Gallery, Seoul. The events enjoyed great support, as shown by the big audiences. The proceeds from both events will go to the technology school for the handicapped in Banteay Prieb with a view to improving its educational facilities.

Contributor: Fr. John Che-Chon Chong