I came to the UK in the autumn of 2024 to pursue my master’s degree, and in January of last year I began serving as an associate pastor at God’s Vision Church. It was at GVC that I first came to believe in Jesus and began my life of faith. Returning to the very first church of my life after 15 years, and being able to serve there as a pastor filled me with deep gratitude. Being able to worship again and share the gospel once more in the UK, where I first encountered Jesus, was such a great grace and joy to me. In particular, the experience of having deep spiritual fellowship with the students at the youth retreat is something I will never forget for the rest of my life.

While I was serving, the senior pastor invited me to join the ministry full-time. At that time, I believed it was a clear sign that God was calling me to the UK. However, I did not have a visa, so I had to return to Korea for the time being. I planned to obtain a religious worker visa and come back.

But what I expected to take about a month turned out to be much longer. The process dragged on, and, before I knew it, seven months had passed. Both the church and I reached a point where it was difficult to continue waiting indefinitely without any certainty. The senior pastor encouraged me to pray and wait for one more month, but in truth, I had already begun to give up. I even started to think that it might be better for me to remain in Korea.

Being away from my church for such a long time made it difficult to maintain my spiritual discipline, and I felt as though my relationship with God had grown distant. I became increasingly aware of my own weakness and inadequacy, and I began to question whether I would be able to serve faithfully as a missionary or pastor even if I returned to the UK.

At the moment when I was beginning to let go of my desire to return, God opened a way. I received news that my visa had been approved, and after that, everything proceeded smoothly. Before long, I was able to return to GVC and resume my ministry as a pastor.

The first time I attended worship after returning was deeply moving. I came to realize how great a grace it is to worship in the church I belong to and serve. Seeing the congregation welcome me back with such warmth, I experienced God’s great love once again. I felt assured that this church is where I belong, the place God has called me to.

I still feel that I am lacking in many ways. But I believe that if God has called someone, no matter how weak or unworthy they may be, He has a wonderful plan and purpose at work in them. I want to continue to obey His calling and live held in His mighty hands. I hope to experience the God who lifts up the weak, strengthens them, and uses them for His purposes.