WWW.THELEAVEN.COM | NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS | VOL. 31, NO. 3 JULY 31, 2009
Two hearts for Timor With God’s helping hand leading the way, a Tonganoxie couple has decided to become lay missioners in East Timor By Jill Ragar Esfeld TONGANOXIE — At a time in life when most people retire to a world of leisure, Sacred Heart parishioners John and Cindy Korb are moving halfway around the world to a new challenge. Instead of taking up golf, the Korbs will be immersing themselves in a new culture, a new language, and a very different lifestyle. They will be lay missioners in East Timor — a tiny, struggling new country located on an island in the Indonesian archipelago. “Things have just worked out too perfectly for this not to be meant to be,” said Cindy, shortly after she and her husband sold the home they’ve owned for more than 20 years, and possessions they’ve treasured even longer. As the Korbs tell their story, it’s easy to see that, indeed, God’s hand has been clearing a path for them all along the way.
OF ONE MIND Cindy and John met at Emporia State University where they both earned degrees in elementary education. Both went on to get their master’s degrees and taught in Tonganoxie where they raised their two daughters. The Korbs shared a spirit of charity and considered joining the Peace Corps when they first married, but instead devoted their energies to serving others through their work, their church and involvement in their children’s activities. In 2005, their oldest daughter, Katrina, graduated from college and moved to Kenya, East Africa. They went to visit her and were introduced to an organization called Homeless Children International. The Korbs worked with Kenyan children that summer and were so moved by the experience that they returned in the summer of 2007. “It’s just a great feeling to have kids hold on to your hand with gratitude,” said John. “They realize education is their only hope of getting out of poverty. “We dearly loved working there and that’s when we started our plans to retire early. We weren’t sure of [which] organization yet, but we knew this is what we wanted to do.” At the time, the couple figured they had two years until they could retire. They began searching the Internet for possible opportunities to serve overseas. Their search almost always brought up the Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM). “And then, last summer,” recalled Turn to ALL ROADS on page 7
Leaven photo by Jill Ragar Esfeld
John and Cindy Korb, members of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie, stand in a favorite spot in the yard of the home they’ve lived in for 20-plus years — one they just sold. The Korbs are becoming lay missioners in the tiny island nation of East Timor.
Learn more and donate Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM) is a Catholic organization inspired by the mission of Jesus to live and serve in economically poor communities in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, responding to basic needs and helping to create a more just and compassionate world. The three distinct branches of Maryknoll Missioners — Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters, and Maryknoll Lay Missioners — are each separately funded and depend on unique donors for support. To find out more about the Maryknoll Lay Missioners or to make a donation, visit the Web site at: www.mklay missioners.org.
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