“Forty Days in Korea”

“Forty Days in Korea”

 

40 days.

 

Long enough to slow down,

short enough to leave me

longing for one more sunrise.

 

I visited many places,

met many people,

and enjoyed the rich flavors of Korean food.

 

If these forty days have a single name,

it is this: “Roots.”

 

I had been running for so long

that I hardly noticed

I had crossed the midpoint of life.

 

I reconnected with old friends,

who became mirrors.

 

In some ways they were the same;

in other ways, they had changed.

In them, I caught a glimpse of the child I once was

and the person I am becoming.

 

After twenty years,

I returned to my alma mater,

a place that felt both so familiar and so different,

the place where my journey turned:

from darkness to light,

from ambition to calling,

from heartbreak to love.

 

I lingered with my family of origin.

In my parents' voices,

I heard echoes of my own.

In conversations with my in-laws’ family,

I discovered another piece of myself.

 

I thought I knew who I was.

Instead,

I discovered how much of myself

remained to be known.

 

Today I opened a book about Korea,

and in its pages,

I found myself reading my own story as well.

 

These forty days

have taught me to see my roots with new eyes:

to tend my own wounds,

to make peace with my past,

to thank God,

who created me to be uniquely me.

 

And to look at every person beside me

as someone with deep roots,

a sacred story worth listening to.

 

As I leave Korea,

I carry more than memories.

 

I carry deeper roots,

a renewed gratitude,

and a fresh desire

to become a wounded healer,

still being healed,

yet ready to help another heal.

---

“40 Days in Korea” 

 

어느덧 40일이 지났다.

돌아보면 참으로 길고도 짧은 시간이었다.

 

많은 곳을 방문했고,

여러 사람들을 만났고,

다양한 음식들을 맛보았다.

 

그 가운데에서

지난 40일의 시간을 한 단어로 말하면 “뿌리”다.

나의 뿌리를 찾아가는 시간이었다.

 

열심히 달려오다 보니,

어느새 나도 모르게

인생의 반환점을 지나치고 있었다.

 

옛 친구들을 다시 찾았다.

초등학교 죽마고우들, 중고등부 시절 교회 친구들,

그대로 이기도 했고, 그간 많이 변하기도 했다.

나의 어릴 때 모습을 보았고, 오늘의 나를 보기도 했다.

 

모교를 방문했다.

꼭 20년 만이다.

어두움에서 빛으로,

야망에서 소명으로,

실연에서 사랑을 만났던 곳.

 

원가족과 데이트를 했다.

부모님과 대화하면서

부모님을 발견하고 또 나를 발견했다.  

누나 가족과 시간을 보내면서도

처갓집에 머물면서도 나자신을 보았다.  

 

나를 안다고 생각했는데,

그동안 나를 잘 몰랐다는 사실을 알게 되었다.

 

오늘 “Inside Korea”라는 책을 샀다.

“대한민국 대통령실록”을 읽기 시작했다.

더 깊은 뿌리를 알고 싶은 갈망이 생겼다.

 

지난 40일을 통해

나의 뿌리를 새로운 눈으로 보게 되었다.

나를 나로 창조하신 하나님께 감사하게 되었고,

내 옆에 있는 사람을 다시 보게 되었다.

넓고 깊은 뿌리, 고유한 이야기가 있는

한 사람으로. 

 

“40 Days”

*Family Reunion at the Airport (June 9, 2026)

 

“I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out--

plans to take care of you, not abandon you, 

plans to give you the future you hope for.” 

(Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)

 

12

I didn't know.

 

Until I attended a Manna clergy renewal retreat, I didn't realize how much I needed it.

 

The theme was Flourish. I thought I was doing okay. I thought my ministry was going well. But as I reflected on that word, one question began to surface:

 

"Is it time to replace or renew?"

 

I was completing eleven years of ministry in Aroostook County. Overall, everything was going well. Yet it didn't feel like I was moving forward. It felt more like I was maintaining the status quo. Deep inside, I was thirsty for more. I needed renewal for a longer, more sustainable ministry. Or perhaps my time had come to move on.

 

I prayed alone. I prayed with Joyce. I prayed with our church leaders.

 

Together, we leaned toward the path of renewal rather than replacement. The three churches I was serving graciously granted me a three-month renewal leave as I was finishing my twelfth year of ministry there. I applied for a Lilly grant with the theme, Following the Steps of Methodism: From Jerusalem to England to Georgia to Korea. My proposal was not selected.

 

Plan B was to spend three months in Korea exploring the rich spiritual traditions of various monasteries and retreat centers.

 

But God had a different plan.

 

100

One phone call on a day in late February changed everything.

 

It was about a new appointment. Since then, it has been an emotional roller coaster of one hundred days. We packed. We moved. We unpacked. We cried. We laughed. We felt sadness, gratitude, excitement, uncertainty, and joy. All at the same time.

 

There were moments when it was hard to keep up with all the emotions, let alone process them. Through it all, so many people – church members from both our former and new congregations, along with dear friends – rode this roller coaster with us in love.

 

Two worship services stand out.

 

On May 31, the four churches – Hodgdon, Houlton, Mars Hill, and Stetson Memorial – gathered together one final time for a farewell celebration. Every part of the service – the hymns, the messages, the communion – felt like a panoramic picture of twelve years of ministry.

 

Then, on June 7, thanks to Pastor John, he and I shared the privilege of co-officiating communion at South Yarmouth UMC. After worship, Pastor John, Joyce, and I greeted the congregation. They welcomed us with warm smiles, but then they hugged John and wept.

 

I knew exactly how they felt.

 

In those moments, I learned again that loss and gratitude, sadness and joy, often coexist. One does not cancel out the other.

 

40

Now the time has come for Korea.

 

Scott and Jeanne, members of our new church family, kindly offered to drive us to the airport bus terminal. It was a welcome surprise, especially as we were still trying to work out the travel logistics.

 

But another surprise was waiting for us.

 

As soon as we arrived, Air Canada notified us that our flight had been canceled. Then, within thirty minutes, another message arrived with a revised itinerary: a direct Korean Air flight, meal vouchers at the airport, and seats arranged so our whole family could sit together. What a gift.

 

I just realized that the time I would spend in Korea would be about forty days. What timing. Immediately, I thought of Jesus spending forty days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. What grace. I receive this gift with a grateful heart and open hand.

 

Of course, I will enjoy visiting family and friends. But for these forty days, I also intend to pray. To run. To listen. To read. To journal. To repent. Every day.

 

I do not know exactly what God has planned for this next season. But I know this:

The God who led us through twelve years, carried us through one hundred days, and has now given us forty days, is faithful.

 

And by God's grace, I will be ready.

“12 Years, 12 Lessons”

 

*Farewell Service (May 31, 2026)

There is a time for everything – a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. I guess my time has come. So many emotions and memories flood my heart like waves of the ocean. Though it feels overwhelming to summarize twelve years, I wanted to share some of what I have learned from this beloved community as a way to express my gratitude and love. 

1. Being Is More Important Than Doing

As someone who grew up in big cities like Seoul and Boston, I became accustomed to evaluating everything by numbers. When the church did not grow numerically as much as I had hoped, my self-esteem diminished. But through the years, I learned that one soul is more precious than the whole world. I learned to love one person at a time.

 

2. Being Loving Is More Important Than Being Right

These have been turbulent years – political polarization, the pandemic, and the Methodist church schism. There has always been something to argue about. But Jesus is beyond our narrow categories. He is neither/nor and both/and. I used to ask the wrong question: “What is right?” Instead, I learned to ask, “How can I love like Jesus in this situation?”

 

3. Abide

I tried to fix problems and change people. I thought that was revival. It took me five years to realize that true revival begins with me. I realized I was enduring in this community, but not abiding in it. I was far from what Jesus did: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” That realization changed everything. I learned to take root, to be present, and to love people as they are.

 

4. The 100% Mindset

There are cycles in both church life and marriage. First comes the honeymoon season. Then comes stagnation. As we get to know one another, disappointment and frustration naturally appear. My problem was a 50/50 mindset. I learned that the secret of joy is a 100% mindset – loving first, loving anyway, and loving wholeheartedly.

 

5. COVID

This crisis taught me gratitude. I had taken many things for granted: Sunday worship gatherings, shaking hands, sharing meals, visiting friends, even buying groceries and toilet paper. Then suddenly everything stopped. Everything required intentional effort and caution. I learned that life is fragile and temporary, but relationships endure.

 

6. Calling

There was a season when I felt stuck. When I was ready to throw in the towel, what sustained me was my calling. At rock bottom, I sensed this clearly: “I am called to serve these people and this community.” It was a tested and proven calling. No turning back. I learned that calling is both functional and ontological. We can do many kinds of work, but what gives deep satisfaction is living out our calling.

 

7. Who Am I?

Last year, after living in the United States for nineteen years, I became a U.S. citizen. It was a significant decision, especially since South Korea does not allow dual citizenship. Through that process, I realized there are many layers to identity: citizen, father, husband, son, pastor, and more. But I learned that every identity eventually changes or fades. Only one remains: I am a child of God.

 

8. Houlton

From my very first day, my prayer for the church was simple: that it would become the most loving place in town. I learned that the church is family. We do not get to choose who becomes part of it. We are given to one another, and we stay together through thick and thin. Looking back today, I believe God has answered that prayer.

 

9. Hodgdon

The phrase “small but mighty” truly describes the Hodgdon church. Here, I learned what it means to love God and love others faithfully. Though small in number, each person is deeply committed to caring for one another and for the community.

 

10. Mars Hill

In this place, everyone becomes friends. Everyone is welcomed. Everyone gets along. There is no Republican or Democrat, no white or person of color, no rich or poor. Here, I learned that hospitality is an essential mark of discipleship.

 

11. Patten

Pastors come and go, but Christ’s Church remains. I learned that the church is a living organism, like the human body. Each member serves, functions, and leads according to their gifts. Without a pastor, the church continues. With a pastor, it flourishes.

 

12. Life Together

I thought I knew Christ. But I encountered Christ in ways I never knew before as I sat down and listened to people’s life stories. My understanding of Christ had been only one small piece of a much larger picture. Through the Life Review Project — interviewing fifty people and hearing their stories — I encountered Christ from many different angles. Now I know that Christ is present in community, and that every person is precious, made in the image of God. 

One hundred and forty years ago, American missionaries stepped onto Korean soil. They shared the love of Christ with my ancestors. Because of their faithfulness, I became a third-generation Christian and part of a pastor’s family. 

When I arrived in Houlton twelve years ago, I came as a debtor of love. I carried a vision for revival in this community. Looking back, I may not see revival in terms of numbers. But I do see more love – deeper, wider, richer love – within this community. And for that, I am deeply grateful. This beloved community will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you. 

Life Together: Call to Worship

*Houlton Community Handbell Choir (May 28, 2026)

 

Peace to you. I hope you are doing well.

I am writing to personally invite you to this Sunday’s service. This will be our final farewell service with the Hans family, but also a joyful celebration of a new season for the church. All four congregations will gather together at Houlton at 10:00 AM. (Please note the time: not 9:00 AM, not 11:00 AM!)

It will be a time of praise and thanksgiving, celebrating what God has done among us through the years, based on Psalm 150 and Revelation 19. 

A Love Feast potluck fellowship will follow the service. Everyone is warmly welcome.

There will also be a pick-up choir, singing “Standing on the Promises.” Rehearsal will begin at 9:30 AM. Please come and join us.

For offering, please use an envelope (available on the welcome table) and write the church’s name on it.

The service will also be livestreamed here: https://youtube.com/live/zqwUmfAGrSw?feature=share

I am grateful for each of you and thankful to be part of this beloved community. Have a peaceful weekend. See you Sunday at 10!

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor 

Life Together: Building Community

 

Peace to you, church family,

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter. It was the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. It was also the day the church was born.

Among the many works of the Holy Spirit, one of the most beautiful is community building. Wherever the Spirit is at work, Christ’s community is formed, strengthened, and spread like wildfire.

The Holy Spirit is still at work today. Personally, I experience the Spirit especially through our small groups, our Life-Together Groups. Small group ministry has truly been the backbone of our church family. Over the past 12 years, we have journeyed through many books of the Bible together, along with topical studies and devotional books. Through these groups, new members become family, and church members are equipped to grow and serve as leaders.

Currently, four Life-Together Groups (including WOW) are still going strong. Hodgdon, Houlton, and WOW recently completed our New Testament Survey, while Mars Hill has just one final session remaining.

Some members have been with me for all 12 years. Others joined only this year. Yet what amazes me is how deeply connected we have become. It feels as though we have known one another for a very long time because we have shared life together in honest and meaningful ways. One member recently shared that, at first, she was afraid to open up about her life. But now, she feels safe. She feels known and loved. I believe that is the work of the Holy Spirit.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Pentecost in special ways across our churches:

• At Hodgdon, Rob will share how the Holy Spirit enables us to seek God’s wisdom (James 1:2–6), while Paula will offer her wonderful Pentecost children’s message for all of us.

• At Mars Hill, we will taste and see God’s beloved community as we celebrate Holy Communion together.

• At Houlton, we will celebrate Children and Youth Sunday, recognizing our Sunday School children, youth, teachers, and graduating seniors, followed by a church picnic on the lawn. You are warmly invited!

If you would like, you are also invited to wear something red, a reminder of the fire and presence of the Holy Spirit.

I have attached the service bulletins and the Houlton worship service link for your reference: Houlton Worship Service Link

Have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Love you all,
Pastor Victor

Life Together: "Making Much of Christ Together"

 

“Special Music by the Laurence, Lee, and Han Families for Rev. Lee’s Service”

(Photo credit: Nell Strecker)

August 30, 2006.

That was the first day I arrived on the soil of the United States to study theology. I can still vividly remember my devotion time in my dormitory room on that first morning. It was John’s final witness to his disciples: “[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Since that day, my life motto has become: “Making much of Christ.”

This Friday was Rev. Kwan Lee’s memorial service. As we celebrated his life, we saw a man who faithfully kept pointing to Christ and making much of Him throughout his life. All those who attended the service could see that God indeed honors those who honor Him. (1 Samuel 2:30) You can read the message at this link: "Thursdays with Kwan." 

One day, Susan Laurence, our musician at Houlton, said that an accompanist’s main job is to make the soloist look good, no matter what. It’s not about the accompanist; it’s about the soloist. As I listened, I realized: that is also the pastor’s calling. In fact, that is the Christian calling - making Christ look good. Making much of Christ.

We can make much of Christ when we are on the mountaintop, and especially when we are in the valley or in a season of waiting. This Sunday, we will learn how Christ made much of the Father and how we can follow His example. So come and worship with us. 

May all of our lives make much of Christ together. Love you all.

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor 

Abide: "A Heartfelt Thank You"

 

Dear Church Family,

What a beautiful Mother’s Day Sunday we shared together. My heart is full of gratitude for all who helped make it so meaningful.

Thank you to Angie Wotton and the Sunday School children for the lovely Mother’s Day Tea Party. It was such a warm and thoughtful expression of love and appreciation.

Thank you as well to Pastor Mary, Angie, and Stacy for their meaningful messages for all of us that touched our hearts.

We are also grateful to Gabriel, Jessica, and the Together Tuesday children, who prepared willow-tree plant gifts for all women. It's such a beautiful symbol of life and resilience. 

And we give thanks for the publication of our Life Story Book, Life Together: Experiencing Christ in Community. We are deeply grateful to the Lee and Laurence families for their generous support and kindness in helping make this possible. May these stories continue to encourage and bless many people.

You may watch this week’s worship services and message here:

• Houlton Service: YouTube Worship Service
• Mars Hill Service: Facebook Worship Service
• Message: “What Is a Flourishing Life?”

Thank you, church family, for the spirit of togetherness that we continue to experience in our congregations. I am deeply grateful to be part of this beloved community. 

Have a blessed week ahead. I love you all. 

In Christ's Love, 
Pastor Victor