Monday – March 14 in Seoul, Korea

After a 13 hour direct flight from Detroit, two hours in immigration, and an hour bus ride, I arrived at MLV Hotel on Sunday night for the 2016 Global Meeting of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI). It’s a 13 hour time difference, so when it’s day in Korea it’s night in Michigan. Reminds me of doing overnighters as a youth pastor.

Being in a foreign country takes some adjusting. Everyone bows down to you. It’s kind of like when Americans wave their hands. At first it was kind of odd, but it is a sign of respect. Maybe my church will do this when I get back? Not! Also, when anyone prays, the Korean congregation participates by collectively saying “Amen” at any break, not just at the end. They say “Amen” all the time. I also ate authentic Korean food for breakfast & lunch. Pictures tomorrow.

Opening ceremonies in Kintex Center was packed with about 3,000 people. The majority are from Korea, but about 500 are international guests, including about 100 from the U.S. The theme is: Lift Up Your Eyes And Look! 

Each night is a different Korean cultural presentation. Tonight was a Gayageum instrumental performance. Authentic dress, dance and music were inspiring. There was also a ‘parade of flags’ of all the countries that the BBFI has sent missionaries to – 161 different countries. They lined the width of the room. We also heard from a 300 voice all-Korean choir. Beautiful!

The music was unique. We sang very familiar hymns and praise songs. But we sang them in 2 languages at the same time. I was sitting between two very accomplished music men, John Reilly and Glenn Tatterson. Hearing their voices in unison with the Korean songleader became very emotional for me. For a few moments it made me think what Heaven will be like. People from every nation, language and people group singing praises at the same time. It was beautiful!

Missions Director Jon Konnerup challenged us to ask ourselves 4 questions: Do I see the Lord in His holiness? Do I see myself helpless without the Lord? Do I see the lost world without hope? Do I see where I can help?

Pastor Moo-Chul Moon, Korean BBF President welcomed the crowd. BBFI missionaries brought the gospel of Jesus Christ following the Korean War. The land and people were devastated. Pastor Moon said, “Those of us who heard and believed the Gospel found salvation and the way to live. So let me sincerely thank the pastors of those churches and missionaries who brought the Gospel to Korea….. You brought the Gospel. We are grateful.” Pastor Moon, when inviting U.S. pastors to come to Korea, said Korea used to be a mission field but now it is sending missionaries.

Pastor Eddie Lyons challenged us. Eddie is the President of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International and a dear friend of mine. 50 years ago, his parents and their five children arrived in the Philippines with a few hundred dollars, some supporting churches, and dreams to reach a nation for Christ. God blessed them with a very fruitful ministry.

Eddie spoke from Acts 1:8-11, where the disciples continued to look up after Jesus ascended into Heaven. As they did, two men (angels) told them to get going. We discover 3 things in this passage.

1. The Power. The Holy Spirit would empower the church to reach the world. Jesus commanded them to wait for the Spirit. While waiting, they were forced to forge unity. God loves diversity but loves when we unify in spite of our differences. When the Spirit came, He brought conviction, understanding, and salvation.
2. The Purpose. We are to be a witness and show what God has done for us. We go because people need to meet and see people changed by Jesus. It’s not just words; it’s changed lives.
3. The Plan. The disciples were to start close (Jerusalem), go into neighboring areas (Judea & Samaria) and into the entire world. Each church is to accept this responsibility: reach neighbors, plant churches, and go to the world.

God is at work as He promised. Like hot coals, when we come together it makes us burn hotter and brighter! I can’t wait for the rest of the week!

You can read daily blogs of my missions trip to Korea and Cambodia at: Asia Adventure – My Missions Trip 2016