During my visit to Korea last month, I had several new experiences I’d never had before. Even though Korea has changed so much over the past few years, I could feel—without needing a detailed explanation—just how much it has transformed and how much the vibrant energy of its citizens and the social environment have improved.
The lush forests covering the blue mountains and fields naturally evoked a sense of freshness and gave the impression that the entire city was enveloped in woods. Traffic discipline has improved significantly compared to the past, and taxi drivers seemed much friendlier as well.
On the other hand, there were some disappointments. As I arrived at Incheon Airport at night and took a bus into the city, it was clear that the number of red cross lights visible through the bus window had noticeably decreased, and I could hardly see any spires.
I’ve heard reports from various sources that the number of churchgoers has dropped significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and even large churches have seen a corresponding decline in offerings. Consequently, reports indicate that overseas missionaries sent out are facing significant financial hardship due to church budget cuts, and many pastors are unable to devote themselves solely to ministry and must take on other jobs to make ends meet.
Given that the General Assembly is now in a situation where it must permit pastors to hold dual jobs—something previously considered taboo—it is expected that this issue will inevitably be brought before the General Assembly for deliberation. It is truly regrettable that while society at large is improving, the church is growing weaker.
Meanwhile, the purpose of my visit to Korea was to consult with relevant organizations regarding the establishment of a Korean-style health screening center in the U.S., a project currently being pursued by our mission society.
First, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a leading university hospital in Seoul and held discussions with key officials. With the hospital’s president and several other executives in attendance as representatives, the MOU with our organization was signed with the mutual consent of both parties.
Although consultations with relevant government agencies are still pending, the working-level teams from both sides have begun actively pursuing practical tasks and have also started the process of selecting medical and operational staff. Specifically, we ensured that the medical team would consist of a team from that university hospital—composed of doctors who actually hold U.S. medical licenses—rather than just a superficial arrangement. We are actively exploring various options for a location, with a focus on Orange County, California, where many Koreans reside.
On my way back from my visit to Korea, as I reflected on the events that had unfolded in Seoul, I felt strongly that this ministry was being guided by something beyond mere human will, and I could not shake the thought that this must be the work of the Holy Spirit.
I am convinced that, up to this point, Logos Mission has been nurtured by God, not by human effort. When viewed as a general social organization, it is by no means an easy task for a small mission like ours to engage in exchanges and sign an MOU with a university hospital that represents Korea—a fact evident from the astonished reactions of acquaintances who learned of this development.
In truth, this was an impossible feat for me personally. I had no relevant external connections, nor did I have any acquaintances through whom I could pull strings. That said, I have no experience or knowledge in the medical field; frankly, I am a person who is far, far removed from the university hospital in question.
Nevertheless, the initiative to establish a Korean-style health screening center for the health of Korean Americans is a project that is highly anticipated not only by our headquarters but also by the Korean American community in the U.S. We will devote ourselves wholeheartedly and do our very best in terms of medical staff and facilities so as not to bring disgrace to God’s name or to the Korean hospital.
At the same time, we will facilitate mutual arrangements so that CMM members who wish to undergo surgery or treatment in Korea can be admitted to the hospital or undergo surgery promptly.
I emphasize once again that reaching this point was by no means solely the result of human will, but rather the guidance of the Holy Spirit; this will become a heavenly inheritance for both the present and future generations—one that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
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