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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.
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