From the Pastor’s Desk (302)
(This is a letter I wrote to all the participants of the House Church Pastors Conference on Friday night.)
“Whenever I traveled to lead a revival meeting or attend a conference, I used to head straight home like clockwork as soon as the schedule ended. The reason was simple: I couldn’t justify staying an extra day or two for sightseeing after the work was done, and I always had duties waiting for me starting Monday. In addition, when attending non-House Church conferences where accommodations were not pre-arranged by the hosting churches, I intentionally chose budget hotels to steward the church’s finances responsibly. I strive to live by the motto: “Sparing toward oneself, generous toward others.” Consequently, staying at modest locations such as Motel 6 was not unusual.
I lived this way at least until the year before last, but after turning 60, my perspective began to shift. I thought, “I’m 60 now; I’ve lived this way for decades. Perhaps I should start being a bit more generous toward myself,” and I’ve been trying to put that into practice.
Six months ago, while preparing for this conference, I made a decision. After finishing the conference and the regional shepherds’ meeting, I would spend a full Friday resting and enjoying the beautiful city of Vancouver with my wife before returning on Saturday. I didn’t even tell her which hotel I chose; I simply booked two nights at a place within walking distance of English Bay with a view of the water. (My wife isn’t the type to worry much about which hotel we stay in.)
On Thursday night, Pastor Kim Sung-eun and his wife kindly drove us to the Sylvia Hotel. After checking in, we walked along the night streets of English Bay. It was wonderful and surreal to walk along streets where people were still out, shops were still open, and the air was cool enough that I didn’t break a sweat.
On Friday morning, we spent time at the Capilano Suspension Bridge with Pastor Lee Kyung-tae and his wife, along with Pastor Tim Yu. We grabbed breakfast at McDonald’s and had a marvelous time looking at the incredible bridges and the coniferous trees soaring toward the sky. If I lived in Vancouver, I think I’d visit a place like this once a week. Over lunch at a Chinese restaurant, Pastor Lee Kyung-tae and I had a deep conversation about the House Church Ministries International and leadership.
After parting ways around 2:00 or 3:00 PM, my wife and I took a walk around Stanley Park. I think it took us about two and a half hours. We took photos, talked, and had a lovely time.
For dinner, we went to a restaurant near the hotel. To set the mood, we sat outside and ate while watching the sunset. It was such a grateful moment. Also—since I hadn’t seen a single mussel, let alone crab legs, during this conference—I ordered the mussels. They were plump, tender, and absolutely delicious. 😊
After dinner, we walked to the Burrard Street Bridge. It was a stunning spot where you could see the city lights on one side and the ocean on the other.
I have one more night here before I leave tomorrow. The reason I was able to rest so well in such a beautiful place is that the wonderful house churches here joined forces to host this conference. To Pastor Lee Eun-jin, Pastor Ahn Dae-seon, Pastor Oh Eun-seok, and Pastor Bae Se-won—I am truly grateful to you all.
Every time I attend a conference, I am reminded of one thing: the pastors and their spouses dedicated to the House Church ministry are truly beautiful people. As the years go by and I learn more about your individual circumstances, my heart is filled with gratitude and compassion. And there are moments when I feel a holy frustration toward God for those whose ministry has brought them nothing but prolonged suffering; in those moments, I find myself crying out to Him in protest.
Now, it is my hope that the beautiful pastoral couples in our House Church family become strong and courageous. I hope you don’t shrink back but instead press forward. While one could say ministry is difficult due to COVID-19 or immigration circumstances, I hope you will rely on the God who is greater and higher than those things. Don’t forget that there are still many VIPs to harvest, and keep moving forward with the steady, honest perseverance of an ox.
I was so happy and delighted to spend these four days and three nights with you all once again.
The afterglow of English Bay that I saw tonight was beautiful, but those of you building up the House Church are even more beautiful.
Good night! Love you all!”
Your pastor,
Pastor Eric
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