A Journey Seeking Peace, Preparing to Return to Northern Ireland. Missionary SeungJin Kim in Northern Ireland
A Journey Seeking Peace, Preparing to Return to Northern Ireland
I recently visited the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan. Listening to the guide’s stories, I thought of the 40,000 young souls who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. Standing before the records of those who were precious sons, husbands, and fathers, I deeply felt how the tragedy of war destroys not only individual lives but the entire worlds of their families.
UN Memorial Cemetery – The final resting place of British soldiers who served in the Korean War.
Whenever I hear news of the conflicts and strife occurring worldwide today, my heart aches. Watching the endless cycle where violence breeds more violence—leaving everyone a victim—can be emotionally exhausting. Yet, I hold onto the hope of Jesus Christ, who overcame the power of death, and I pray for waves of peace and reconciliation to spread like wildfire across this land.
It has been three months since I left my home in Northern Ireland last December. In February, I underwent tests at Seoul National University Hospital regarding the atrophy of my cerebellum. However, we will not know the exact cause or whether it is progressive until further testing in July. While there has been some progress with treatment, the dizziness, unfortunately, remains a significant struggle.
Daffodils – Spring flowers that remind me of Northern Ireland and sign post symbolising the road home.
After earnestly seeking God's will for my next steps, I have decided to return to Northern Ireland on March 25th. Since I will be flying with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, I plan to proceed as scheduled, provided the military conflicts involving Iran and neighboring countries do not escalate to affect Turkey or our travel safety.
Upon returning, we must complete our move by the end of May. Our current house came fully furnished, so we own very little furniture of our own. This means we not only need to move but also purchase new furniture. Since "full-service moving" (like in Korea) is not an option there, the process is expected to take quite some time. Moreover, our youngest, Ruah, begins entrance exams in early May, so I am praying we can finish the move before even May.
Once Ruah’s exams are over in late June, we plan to visit Korea again as a family. I have made it a point to visit every two years to see my mother while she is with us, and this year marks that visit. When we return this summer, I will undergo further testing at Seoul National University in July and explore additional treatment options.
I humbly ask for your prayers:
- For Healing: That a miracle of healing occurs and the dizziness subsides before our departure on March 25th.
- For Peace in the Middle East: That peace swiftly comes to the warring regions and that our journey home remains safe and unobstructed.
- For a New Home: That we find a suitable house to move into, and that both the relocation and Lua’s exam preparations proceed smoothly and peacefully.
Thank you once again for standing with us in prayer.
I humbly ask for your prayers:
- For Healing: That a miracle of healing occurs and the dizziness subsides before our departure on March 25th.
- For Peace in the Middle East: That peace swiftly comes to the warring regions and that our journey home remains safe and unobstructed.
- For a New Home: That we find a suitable house to move into, and that both the relocation and Lua’s exam preparations proceed smoothly and peacefully.
