Perhaps it is because I am getting older, but I miss Korea. During my 16 years in England, I have visited my home country four times. Firstly, the price was never easy to handle due to our large family but also it was not easy to be absent from church. I am sure it is the same for everyone, but I missed Korea so much as my family struggled to settle here and as I concentrated on my pastoral work. It was after 6 years when I made my first visit back as my father was in a critical condition. Thereafter, I went again to be a wedding officiant and then for my niece’s wedding and finally the fourth visit was for my eldest daughter’s wedding. Visiting Korea was only possible when there was a special event, but I have also foolishly not even visited many places in England or Europe.

This week, I am planning to go to Korea alone for three weeks while every visit I have had so far was never more than 2 weeks. This is because pastors from Americas or Korea associated with missionary in India through GAP (Global Assistance Partner) have been invited to a conference. I believe it is the first time that pastors working with Indian missionaries are meeting altogether like this including Pastor Lim Heon-soo, Poastor Han Hong, and Pastor Song Tae-geun who will be speakers at the conference.

For the first week however, I will be going for medical check-ups to take care of my health. I will then spend another week visiting family in Geoje-Island whom I have not met for more than 20 years. Since I lived with my grandmother from the age of one, my aunt who was only 10 years old at that time used to carry me on her back which she was teased for. Due to my short trips before, I was not able to see them but now I feel that I need to visit them as I do not know when I will get the chance again.

As it’s been a while since my last visit, there are many people I need to meet. However, with a tight schedule, I am having to make plans with people who are available only on the days that I am free. My wife suggested I should stay a week longer as I do not go often, but leaving my family and church for a long time is not easy.

Having five children means there are a lot of things to care about. Similarly having many hopes and visions for the church also mean that I am constantly thinking about what I want to do through the ministry. Although my trip is mainly for the conference, I hope I can also use the time away to take a break and have some rest.

I am visiting Korea after our successful Bible & Worship night and before the many important church events we have in June. As always, I hope and believe our church members and leaders will do well in their respective parts while I am away. I also hope you will pray for me and my plans, particularly for the sermon requests I have received for Samil Church, Grangmyeong Seogwang Church so that I can deliver the words of God.

My loving church members, I will see you after my trip to Korea! Please pray for me.