21st MISSIONARIES' SPIRITUAL RETREAT

After a long awaited moment, stresses in preparing the program, from small details to some financial strains and busy schedules  - God is really so good, the 21st Missionaries' Spiritual Retreat was a big success.

Friday, May 15, at around five o'clock in the afternoon, the missionaries from different mission fields all throughout Korea arrived at Madalpy Youth Training Center.  Everyone seemed to be excited to see each other.  You can hardly hear someone's loudest voice calling over a friend's name amidst the loud chatters, boisterous laughs, tight huggings and tearful reunions.  Missing each other for a while, made each missionary to eagerly come - be refreshed spiritually and socially as well.  

After being separated on their arrival at Incheon Airport during their dispatching, most missionaries had no chance to see each other for a while.  Some seldom communicate and even had no chance to know where their friends are assigned.   Thus, this event isn't just a common occasion but a very special moment for everyone.
After the registration, dinner was served, and still not getting over with their excitements, hearts were burning with joy - the euphoria each felt was encompassing.  All faces glowed, smiles inevitably faded their stresses, loneliness and nostalgia.

Vespers worship was heart-inspiring.  Korean Union Conference Youth Director, Pastor Kim Nak Young delivered the message - inspiring everyone to never give up.   Everyone was listening intently to every word Pastor Kim was saying because every one was thirsty enough to hear an English sermon and be refreshed spiritually.

The next day, Sabbath morning devotional was a 100% attendance.  Missionaries woke up at 5:30 a.m. with ardent hearts to hear another inspiration from Pastor Kwon Johng Haeng - Adventist Mission Director.  The Chopstick Theology formulated by Pastor Kwon was a real mind-opening and heart warming message.  Holding a chopstick during meal-time can be a real reminder for each one with regards to our differences in cultures but oneness in Christ.

Sabbath School was depicted as a media presentation.  Some missionaries here and abroad, new missionaries, some juniors and seniors gave their media clip reports with regards to their accomplishments and activities in their mission fields.  Other missionaries who are already pursuing some other endeavors in life after their few years in Korea, gave inspiring words to those who were present during the meeting.  With this, lost hopes and dying spirit due to difficulties and frustrations in their mission fields, were again revived and the zest to go on and get going started to spark their souls again.

The Divine Service was wholesomely an inspiration.  Pastor Kwon reminded us deliberately of our real mission.  Matthew 28:18-20 was simplified, broken into pieces as the bread of our souls to strengthen us and gives us all the vigor to go in all parts of the world to teach to all about the love of Jesus because He promised He will be with each one always.  Missionaries were so nourished - filled with the Word of God through the message of Pastor Kwon.

In the afternoon, the AY program gave another awe-inspiring moment for everyone, hearing testimonies from senior missionaries who are still serving diligently inspite of the many challenges, obstacles, failures and extreme disappointments.  They shared the joy and success they have achieved after steadfastly holding on to God's promises and claiming His abiding love and forgiveness.  To echo one's word, it says, "We were created with a purpose, a reason and a mission."

At sundown, an open forum with Pastor Shin Moo Young, 1000MM Associate Director here in Korea, was done.  He listened and gave his words to everyone especially to those missionaries who are having a hard time in their mission fields.  Trusting in the Lord and keeping the missionary spirit and trying to live a missionary life - filled with understanding and prayer, patience and perseverance like Jesus was the core of his words.

The awaited social night - a moment to enjoy the camaraderie and foster a closer relationship with each other and exchanging of acquaintances graced the night.  The first set of marching was a sensation.  Parlor games gave everyone a chance to sweat out, - and team work was the essence.  Everyone enjoyed the snack  before bedtime - a common practice especially for Filipinos to keep them awake so as to lengthen the day for more reminiscing.

Sunday, March 17 was the moment of tears again.  To separate ways was a hard practice for each one who were brought up in a culture with tight family ties.  Promises were tied and locked on fingers to see each other again the next meeting.  Time started to drag by.  No one wants to leave if possible.  For some, the meeting gave them an impact to change for the better if not for the best, the moment they would be back in their mission fields.  But to others, where challenges are great - they wish the day won't end.

But as we were commissioned - we have no choice but to 'go, in all power and authority from heaven, to teach all nations, to observe in all things' -for we believe, the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Strength and Savior will be with us always even unto the end of the earth. 
God bless everyone.

You can watch 1000 missionaries' chanting at http://www.egw.org/zboard/29388#2