I took a two-day trip to Gwangju-si with Pastor Barnabas Moon. The purpose was to visit a Korean Village (Koryo-in Village). This village has about 7,000 residents who are Koreans who were forced to relocate to Central Asia by the former Soviet Union. Hundreds of Koreans who were living in the northern region above the Korean peninsula in fear of them potentially posing a threat to the Soviet Union in their fight against Japan. They returned to their fatherland after 150 years, but they are not familiar with Korean culture, including language, and have to learn to adjust to a new life in their fatherland. What an irony!
The first place we visited was a museum of the history of their journeys. It was an enlightening experience. The place had a model yurt that was their housing as a nomad.
In this village, I could find many stores catering to these people. We found a radio station and an art gallery, also.
At a park, we found a statue of a general of the Korean Resistance Army against the Japanese ruling. His name was General Bumdo Hong, who was included in the migrants forcibly relocated to Central Asia.
We had a small gathering with ministers who serve these people, including a Korean born in Central Asia and now a pastor of a local church. The discussion was constructive and presented an opportunity to serve together. NK represented New Korea, dreaming of a unified Korea someday in the future.
We had a separate gathering with two professors who are now serving the returned Koreans. One of them was a Rwandan. We had a joyous discussion about Rwanda and Korea.
We also met with an Indian professor who is serving in the area. His heart was authentic in serving them.
The cafe and bakery was called LeeLeeNam, an artist whose visual arts were displayed throughout the cafe.
The following day, we visited HamPyung, a nearby town, where we met with a retired professor's family, the Kangs. They had a big library and provided assistance to migrants who lived in Korea for their rural village experiences. The professor's son signed up for the SfK's BMT 2025 class to learn about biblical business management. Barbabas Moon will collaborate with them to explore new business opportunities.
On the way back to Seoul, we made a visit with the Head of Cheongju Immigration Office, who is serving on the board of WiThee Mission where Barbanas Moon is serving as the CEO.
I was meditating on what God's plan may be for us in serving them as they settle down in their fatherland. They are Koreans who are not familiar with Korean culture.
Oh Lord, please open the eyes to see what You may have in mind for them. - Jeffrey
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