Today I visited the Demilitarised zone, the border between South and North Korea with Pastor Kim. This isn't too far from Seoul and gave me more of an insight into the real tension between North and South Korea. We went on a bus tour to visit some of the sites. Firstly, we had to go through the gates where the South Korean military checked our identity. Then we drove to the furthest station point at South Korea, passing lots of farm land, but not many houses. We then went to the farthest point north of South Korea, and was able to see the zone between North and South. The line was established after the Korean War in 1953 and it was agreed that both parties would retreat 2 km from the line. There is a space that you can see through the high trees, into and an empty space. No humans, no buildings, just wildlife live there. In the distance you can see mountains, and buildings, into the unknown territory of North Korea. The area is 970 km long. It seemed strange peering into a country we can't go into.
We then visited another place, watched a film, and went on a small shuttle train down into one of the tunnels that was made by the North Korean's for a surprise attack on South Korea. There are four tunnels in total that were discovered in the 1970's and then one in 1990. As we went into the tunnel, wearing hard hats, it was then that it hit me how very real all this was. These were made for the purpose of attacking the country I had spent time in. How very long these tunnels must be. We then walked deeper into the tunnel, and came to the end where we could see barbed wire, and a big metal door with a padlock. It felt strange to think behind that behind that door was North Korea. Not a pleasant feeling. We were that close, but yet so far away. It all felt quite strange, and slightly concerning. I feel I can understand a bit more now of that fear and tension that South Korea faces. Though in one respect I was glad to get out of the tunnel, I am glad I did it. I pray tensions will soon cease and this country can be unified once again, it must feel strange to know that North Korea could attack at any time. So I pray peace for this land.
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
More food, and conversations on preaching.
Yes this post refers to more food! (I'm sure I am gaining weight). This time a Chinese meal, and a really good conversation about preaching. Yesterday I met up with Pastor Yoon, who is a friend of Pastor Abraham (pastor of Korean church that meets on the premises at WPBC) and he introduced me to another Korean Pastor; Pastor Kim. Pastor Kim is ministering in Seoul at a Presbyterian church. He is completing a years course in preaching, and is attending the classes two days a week. Now when I say a day, I mean 12 hour days! I was quite interested what this course was about. Pastor Kim explained to me this course gives him a tool to apply to preaching. One of those tools was a grid with 60 sentence structures, which helps to explain the main subject of a text to the congregation, rather than the secondary subject. For example a text may be describing the life of Paul, but Paul isn't the main subject of the, text God is. What is important is what God is doing through Paul. What God is doing in and through Paul needs to be emphasised when preaching, so that it can be applied to the congregation. He explained that this concept was particularly hard for Korean Pastors and so he was learning a technique to help him. I was quite intrigued by this; it hadn't occurred to me that God was not the main subject of the bible passage. I can recall now my tutors saying to me we always need to think about where is God for you in this passage, and where is God's good news for us? As we talked it seemed that Korean Pastors (at least when he studied 20 years ago) did not have this kind of training.
We both agreed there is a challenge for ministers to make sure that God speaks to us first through the text, before even thinking about sharing it with the congregation. We also shared the need for confidence in the Word as transformative to people lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is good to be reminded of this, and the seriousness of preaching prep. Sometimes other demands seem to take priority but our first call as ministers is to preach and teach God's word and so we need to take this seriously; I think God might be trying to remind me something there. Also good to remember
what a privilege and responsibility it is. These are very similar conversations to ones I had with Pastor Kong and Dr Dongwan Kim. I don't think this just an issue in Korea, but one for us in the UK as well. Perhaps there is a need for more learning together.
We both agreed there is a challenge for ministers to make sure that God speaks to us first through the text, before even thinking about sharing it with the congregation. We also shared the need for confidence in the Word as transformative to people lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is good to be reminded of this, and the seriousness of preaching prep. Sometimes other demands seem to take priority but our first call as ministers is to preach and teach God's word and so we need to take this seriously; I think God might be trying to remind me something there. Also good to remember
what a privilege and responsibility it is. These are very similar conversations to ones I had with Pastor Kong and Dr Dongwan Kim. I don't think this just an issue in Korea, but one for us in the UK as well. Perhaps there is a need for more learning together.
Monday, 27 June 2016
Cultural experience and a good lesson.
Today I met up with another past student of Trinity college in Bristol who is now a pastor in Incheon (city near the airport). Pastor Han spent time in both Bristol and London. We were to meet at a central place in Seoul next to a bus stop. My host had written down the bus stop name for me, and told me where it was, but I got a bit confused and ended up having to ask someone. There was only two others on the bus and they didn't speak English but pointed to me that I had missed the stop, and to go back. The problem was I wasn't sure by how many stops I had missed. So I got off and phoned Pastor Han. I tried to explain where I was and tried pronouncing the name of the bus stop but he didn't understand. So I made the suggestion that I text the name to him. He then phoned back and knew where I was and found me. What a relief when we finally met!
I realised how difficult it is for me to pronounce the names properly not knowing where to put the emphasis in the words. How my accent might be preventing good communication, and also how traffic and other surrounding noises distract. All these things are out of my control, and it made me feel a little stressed and confused. I also realised how much easier things are when we write them down. It has made me realise how much do I assume I'm communicating well, especially to others when English is their second language, but really we are miscommunicating. How it is easier when we try to keep it simple. It was when we met that I explained it all to him and he understood what happened. I need to try and remember this lesson and to reassure people when they feel stressed and confused that we can sort it out.
Pastor Han showed me around the city. We went to the Anglican Church (it was built in 1920's), we went to a large bookshop called Kyobo, and then walked to Insadong. Insadong has a number of craft shops, and souvenirs, and is very popular with tourists. We had lunch there, and I had various types of dumplings, and it was really good food. It was also good to get his perspective on the differences
between Korea and England. So far people have said the generation gap is bigger in Korea then in
Britain; but he didn't seem to agree, and thought both countries have a generation gap. He felt Korean culture was quite Americanised and could learn lessons from British society as well. Lots more to think about and assimilate.
Edit- one other interesting observation is how English speaking nations have the upper hand when they visit other places around the world. Most people's second language is English, but that isn't the
case for other countries like Korea. Of course I can only travel here because enough people and signs are in English. This has only been made possible because of a Western influence. Does that mean the West has the upper hand?
Another interesting observation. When our mutual friend put us in touch with each other we didn't recognise each other's name but when we saw each other we remembered. When we were recalling students from our time at college it was people from our own culture we remembered. Was that because we kept mostly in our own cultural groups, and so we didn't have as much exposure to each other and therefore we were unable to remember? Or was it our names were so familiar in our culture that we remembered them but couldn't remember them from a different culture because they were so different from our own. Is that why some people take on biblical names in church life when they are from different cultural so help find a common language? Yet I remember some Korean names, and is that only through constant rehearsal that we remember? Lots to think about!
I realised how difficult it is for me to pronounce the names properly not knowing where to put the emphasis in the words. How my accent might be preventing good communication, and also how traffic and other surrounding noises distract. All these things are out of my control, and it made me feel a little stressed and confused. I also realised how much easier things are when we write them down. It has made me realise how much do I assume I'm communicating well, especially to others when English is their second language, but really we are miscommunicating. How it is easier when we try to keep it simple. It was when we met that I explained it all to him and he understood what happened. I need to try and remember this lesson and to reassure people when they feel stressed and confused that we can sort it out.
Pastor Han showed me around the city. We went to the Anglican Church (it was built in 1920's), we went to a large bookshop called Kyobo, and then walked to Insadong. Insadong has a number of craft shops, and souvenirs, and is very popular with tourists. We had lunch there, and I had various types of dumplings, and it was really good food. It was also good to get his perspective on the differences
between Korea and England. So far people have said the generation gap is bigger in Korea then in
Britain; but he didn't seem to agree, and thought both countries have a generation gap. He felt Korean culture was quite Americanised and could learn lessons from British society as well. Lots more to think about and assimilate.
Edit- one other interesting observation is how English speaking nations have the upper hand when they visit other places around the world. Most people's second language is English, but that isn't the
case for other countries like Korea. Of course I can only travel here because enough people and signs are in English. This has only been made possible because of a Western influence. Does that mean the West has the upper hand?
Another interesting observation. When our mutual friend put us in touch with each other we didn't recognise each other's name but when we saw each other we remembered. When we were recalling students from our time at college it was people from our own culture we remembered. Was that because we kept mostly in our own cultural groups, and so we didn't have as much exposure to each other and therefore we were unable to remember? Or was it our names were so familiar in our culture that we remembered them but couldn't remember them from a different culture because they were so different from our own. Is that why some people take on biblical names in church life when they are from different cultural so help find a common language? Yet I remember some Korean names, and is that only through constant rehearsal that we remember? Lots to think about!
Sunday, 26 June 2016
Preaching at Woncheon Presbyterian Church
Today I worshipped at Woncheon Presbyterian Church. The church is not that far from where I'm staying. The invitation to preach there came via Pastor Abraham Ahn. Pastor Abraham has close connections with this church. Woncheon Church is quite close to Yonsei University, which is a very good Christian University. The church holds five services on a Sunday, and I preached at the afternoon service for young people. I also attended the 11:30 service. The church has about 1,500 members and has three ministers.
When I arrived Deacon Park (friend of Pastor Abraham who spent sometime at the Korean speaking church in Worcester Park Baptist) greeted me and showed me to a seat that had earphones so I could listen to a translation of the service. At about 11.15 the worship leader started leading some singing. Accompanying him was a robed choir of about 40 members, a stringed orchestra, guitar, piano, and drums. It was a wonderful, stirring sound. They sang hymns in a lively style. Hymns like All the way my Saviour leads me, and Standing on the promises of Christ my King. By the time it came to 11.30 everyone was singing along and clapping before the service started. At 11.30 one of the co-pastors opened the service with a hymn, and then a confession of faith. He then led us in prayer. We then had the bible reading from Acts 16: 6-10. After this the choir sang a piece, and then the offering was taken. We then watched a video about a mission that was taking place by the church, and it was very professionally made. There was then some more notices including a welcome from the senior pastor to me. The choir then sang one more piece before the senior minister spoke for about 30 mins on the passage in Acts 16:6-10. Through the translation I could tell that he was talking about the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, and the need to rely on it, just as Paul did through his missionary journey. We then sung another hymn and the service finished.
Afterwards I had lunch at a Japanese restaurant. There was lots of dishes, including raw fish, it was very good. I then met the senior pastor, who was very friendly; although he didn't speak much English, we were able to hold a little conversation. He couldn't get over how young I was! I then went to join the 100 young people at their afternoon service. A similar format of worship songs, prayers, welcome, notices, bible reading, and then I was invited to preach. I was asked to preach in English, but to speak slowly, and to have simple sentences. I was told about 70% would have understood, and the 30% who didn't speak English, a Korean American pastor summarised the sermon. It became clear to me that my English accent is something of a novelty, and some of the younger lads found it a bit amusing, I think they are used to American's. I don't think they are used to women either. However, it was good to share with them and I could tell some of them were with me in what I was saying. They seemed to be interested in the 'British style of preaching', don't think I've been aware of that I have a 'British style' before (but then again I am British!), but I was also told I was easy to understand which was good.
I think I'm now getting used to the 'Korean' style of worship, and interestingly there isn't much difference between Baptist's, Presbyterian's and Methodists in terms of worship style; all seem to be broadly quite similar. The churches I have been in have been quite big, ready to welcome and guide me through, and especially help me with some of the language difficulties; and hospitable and generous. I think we have something to learn from the 'Korean style' in our ' British churches.'
When I arrived Deacon Park (friend of Pastor Abraham who spent sometime at the Korean speaking church in Worcester Park Baptist) greeted me and showed me to a seat that had earphones so I could listen to a translation of the service. At about 11.15 the worship leader started leading some singing. Accompanying him was a robed choir of about 40 members, a stringed orchestra, guitar, piano, and drums. It was a wonderful, stirring sound. They sang hymns in a lively style. Hymns like All the way my Saviour leads me, and Standing on the promises of Christ my King. By the time it came to 11.30 everyone was singing along and clapping before the service started. At 11.30 one of the co-pastors opened the service with a hymn, and then a confession of faith. He then led us in prayer. We then had the bible reading from Acts 16: 6-10. After this the choir sang a piece, and then the offering was taken. We then watched a video about a mission that was taking place by the church, and it was very professionally made. There was then some more notices including a welcome from the senior pastor to me. The choir then sang one more piece before the senior minister spoke for about 30 mins on the passage in Acts 16:6-10. Through the translation I could tell that he was talking about the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, and the need to rely on it, just as Paul did through his missionary journey. We then sung another hymn and the service finished.
Afterwards I had lunch at a Japanese restaurant. There was lots of dishes, including raw fish, it was very good. I then met the senior pastor, who was very friendly; although he didn't speak much English, we were able to hold a little conversation. He couldn't get over how young I was! I then went to join the 100 young people at their afternoon service. A similar format of worship songs, prayers, welcome, notices, bible reading, and then I was invited to preach. I was asked to preach in English, but to speak slowly, and to have simple sentences. I was told about 70% would have understood, and the 30% who didn't speak English, a Korean American pastor summarised the sermon. It became clear to me that my English accent is something of a novelty, and some of the younger lads found it a bit amusing, I think they are used to American's. I don't think they are used to women either. However, it was good to share with them and I could tell some of them were with me in what I was saying. They seemed to be interested in the 'British style of preaching', don't think I've been aware of that I have a 'British style' before (but then again I am British!), but I was also told I was easy to understand which was good.
I think I'm now getting used to the 'Korean' style of worship, and interestingly there isn't much difference between Baptist's, Presbyterian's and Methodists in terms of worship style; all seem to be broadly quite similar. The churches I have been in have been quite big, ready to welcome and guide me through, and especially help me with some of the language difficulties; and hospitable and generous. I think we have something to learn from the 'Korean style' in our ' British churches.'
Friday, 24 June 2016
Military service and another prayer mountain
Today my hosts took me to a service marking the anniversary of the end of the Korean War for those in military service. Every young man in South Korea is called to do military service; most of them are about 21 years old when they are called up. They usually serve for just over two years. Although South Korea is not at war there is always the threat that North Korea could invade the country, and so the country is ready with young men on military service. This is an important part of Korean culture especially for the men. My hosts have been part of a church that supports events and services that are about sharing Jesus' love with these young men. The service we attended was at a prayer mountain.
We arrived early and I looked around the prayer mountain site. The site is North of Seoul and is the largest and most famous prayer mountain established by Yonggi Cho of the Full Gospel church ( the biggest church in the world). It has a big auditorium, and my hosts say that during the 70's and 80's people came for events and they couldn't all sit but they would bring blankets to sit on and the services were relayed onto screens in the chapels. People would stay over night and sleep in heir cars as there was nowhere to sleep. People still flood here to pray and fast. There are small huts (a bit smaller than a beach hut) where you can pray. As I walked past today there were people praying, as they prayed they cried, and some were wailing. They were on their kneels fervently praying. I can now see why people say the heart of the Korean faith is based on prayer.
After being quite amazed at what I was seeing, we then sat down for the service. I expected a formal service, like you would have in the UK, but this was lively and energetic. To help you get the size and the feel of the service. Here is a picture.
We arrived early and I looked around the prayer mountain site. The site is North of Seoul and is the largest and most famous prayer mountain established by Yonggi Cho of the Full Gospel church ( the biggest church in the world). It has a big auditorium, and my hosts say that during the 70's and 80's people came for events and they couldn't all sit but they would bring blankets to sit on and the services were relayed onto screens in the chapels. People would stay over night and sleep in heir cars as there was nowhere to sleep. People still flood here to pray and fast. There are small huts (a bit smaller than a beach hut) where you can pray. As I walked past today there were people praying, as they prayed they cried, and some were wailing. They were on their kneels fervently praying. I can now see why people say the heart of the Korean faith is based on prayer.
After being quite amazed at what I was seeing, we then sat down for the service. I expected a formal service, like you would have in the UK, but this was lively and energetic. To help you get the size and the feel of the service. Here is a picture.
The afternoon service was quite different from previous years. To help you get a perspective on this. The morning service was about an hour and half, the afternoon service was two hours, and the evening service was three hours. A lot of services! The afternoon service was more like a concert. Some famous Korean Christian artists sang, there was some messages from all kinds of people including MP's and famous singers sharing with them how important their faith was to them, and some who accepted Jesus when they were in the military. A special moment for me was when we all sang 'How great thou art' the energy and volume was quite spectacular. I felt I was at some big youth rally and now can imagine what some of the Billy Graham crusades must have felt like.
More cultural experiences
I have had some more cultural experiences this week. Whilst up in the mountain region we drove to Samtan art mine in Jeongseon, and stayed over night. It was a disused coal mine that has now some wonderful art treasurers that has been collected from all over the world. It has been beautifully done keeping the original features of the mine as well as displaying the art. This is a picture of the outside. You can see the mountains in the distance.
Then we drove and saw the East Sea. The water was very blue and clear. The sand was also white and clean. We didn't have much time there but enough to see it and smell the fish. Korean's enjoy eating fish, and it was good to see the many fishing boats in the harbour ready to catch them. Here is a picture of the coast line.
Then we drove and saw the East Sea. The water was very blue and clear. The sand was also white and clean. We didn't have much time there but enough to see it and smell the fish. Korean's enjoy eating fish, and it was good to see the many fishing boats in the harbour ready to catch them. Here is a picture of the coast line.
Whilst travelling we stopped at one restaurant and had grey noodles, they were very cold, and quite refreshing; although quite strange to be eating something that is grey in colour!
We returned back to Seoul on Wednesday evening. Had a bit quieter day Thursday and prepared for Sunday's preach. Then in the evening I went to a concert at the National Theatre of Korea to hear some traditional Korean music and singing. The style is quite different to Western music. It was similar to folk music in the way it told a story and the musicians join in with wails, but there the similarities end. The singer has a much more high pitched voice, and the notes were quite sharp, and she had a wonderful range to be able to sing like that. The instruments are more akin to the Indian drum and sitar. They follow a strong beat. It is quite hard to describe it it in words, but it is something you feel and experience. They even dressed in traditional costume which was fun. She also sang some western music as well, one piece was from France, and she sang it so well. They then fused East and West together using piano, sax, guitars as well as traditional instruments it sounded wondeful
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Prayer Mountain
On Tuesday I visited a prayer mountain that is located outside of Seoul. It was good to see some countryside, and an important part of Korean faith.
In the valleys of the mountains are small farms and villages. The villages have mainly single storey houses, I guess we would call them Bunglows, with a mixture of older style and modern style houses. When I asked about the modern style of houses I was told that these houses are bought by people in Seoul who want either a weekend get away pad or want to rent it out for those wanting a weekend break to the country. Climbing the mountains are quite a popular pass time. Most of the mountains are covered with trees. The mountain we went to had quite a few houses and other buildings. As we drove up the mountain (I had in mind we were walking up there, but so glad we didn't as it was quite hot!) we passed a leadership centre which was established by Peter Wagner (a Pentecostal) from the US. At the very top stood this modern, impressive building.
We went inside and watched a film that described the vision of this centre. The Pastor had a vision of creating provision for retired Korean missionaries who often had no where to go after finishing their time on the mission field. He also wanted to create a mission centre and chapel which encouraged people to come and pray. Another man had a vision from his Mother about also providing a place of prayer and mission, he was a business man, and decided to give money to this project. Then an architect also had a vision to create a church for prayer and mission. They came together and came up with a design of using cedar trees and natural light to create a beautiful space for people to come and pray. We then went up to the top of the building, and I don't think I was quite expecting what was waiting at the top of the building. You could smell the wonderful fragrance of the trees that acted like an incense. It was one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring places of worship I have been into.
Here are two pictures, although I don't think the photos do it justice.
In the valleys of the mountains are small farms and villages. The villages have mainly single storey houses, I guess we would call them Bunglows, with a mixture of older style and modern style houses. When I asked about the modern style of houses I was told that these houses are bought by people in Seoul who want either a weekend get away pad or want to rent it out for those wanting a weekend break to the country. Climbing the mountains are quite a popular pass time. Most of the mountains are covered with trees. The mountain we went to had quite a few houses and other buildings. As we drove up the mountain (I had in mind we were walking up there, but so glad we didn't as it was quite hot!) we passed a leadership centre which was established by Peter Wagner (a Pentecostal) from the US. At the very top stood this modern, impressive building.
We went inside and watched a film that described the vision of this centre. The Pastor had a vision of creating provision for retired Korean missionaries who often had no where to go after finishing their time on the mission field. He also wanted to create a mission centre and chapel which encouraged people to come and pray. Another man had a vision from his Mother about also providing a place of prayer and mission, he was a business man, and decided to give money to this project. Then an architect also had a vision to create a church for prayer and mission. They came together and came up with a design of using cedar trees and natural light to create a beautiful space for people to come and pray. We then went up to the top of the building, and I don't think I was quite expecting what was waiting at the top of the building. You could smell the wonderful fragrance of the trees that acted like an incense. It was one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring places of worship I have been into.
Here are two pictures, although I don't think the photos do it justice.
I very much felt an inner peace and warmth of God's presence in this place, and spent sometime praying in this wonderful place. I felt God speak to me about this place being a place of prayer for all nations, and sensed God has something to say to us at WPBC of our new premises being a place of prayer and also of us, as the church being a people of prayer. I felt God had something for me personally as well as the church. This is something I need to spend time praying into a bit more. So glad I got the opportunity to go, and see an important part of Korean faith. Thanks again to my hosts for taking me and explaining about it.
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