From October 21 to 29, 2012, 20 pastors from the East Japan Conference, along with four pastor’s wives, participated in a special spiritual training in Korea. This retreat consisted of a lecture from the Bible early every morning and every evening by Pastor Kwang Eui Hong, and personal communication through prayer and meditation.
We spent from Monday morning until noon on Friday in silence, though some participants could not keep silent sometimes, including me. However, each participant had the precious experience of listening to the voice of God through prayer and meditation. We meditated about the last stages of Jesus Christ life. I found myself to be like Peter who denied Jesus three times, Judas Iscariot, and also Pilate.
I noticed that I myself am wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. I am a sinner crazy about self-love, yet Jesus my Savior loves me, died for me, and His love for me is unchanging. I am very moved by how deeply He loves me. I have decided to dedicate myself to Him.
Some pastors found that they were not accustomed to prayer and meditation taking so much time. I think this is also an important lesson they learned, and precious self-discovery.
Each participant received many blessings from God through the spoken Word presented by Pastor Hong. They were also greatly blessed through personal prayer, and meditation. I felt the Holy Spirit was our teacher and comforter. We enjoyed fellowship with one another after the time of silence.
I appreciate the financial support of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) and help from the Korean Union Conference (KUC) for our spiritual training. I want to say thank you also to Pastor Kwan Eui Hong. Most of all I want to praise our loving, gracious, and merciful God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Article by Shinsaku Meichi, President of East Japan Conference