“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.