Manila Philippines:  More than 60 people from across the Asia-Pacific Region and from points as far away as Southern Africa and India, came to Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) October 21-24, along with church leaders from the United States for the first-of-its-kind Korean National District Mission Conference.

Korean Missionaries gave reports presenting their victories, challenges, vision and strategy for reaching the lost in their respective areas of service.   Our hearts were heavy as we heard the stories of persecution experienced by many.  We also celebrated with our brothers and sisters as we heard of lives changed because of the power of our Lord.  The entire conference was encouraged as special messages were brought by several of the visiting Korean Nazarene District leaders.

Dr. Verne Ward, Global Mission Director, gave challenging devotions and lead the conference in a special time of communion, challenging us that together as a global mission entity, we can accomplish much for the Kingdom.

On Thursday, as the conference came to a close, Korean District Superintendent  Rev. Gi Dong Han gave a powerful message and challenged all of those present to make a difference in their world, to live fully committed lives of service to Christ, and to put all else aside in pursuit of the goal of making Christlike disciples.

This was truly a time of bridge building between mission leaders across the region and the Global Church.  Together we are much stronger than any one individually.

“The Korean Church was not ready for this in the past, but now is the time and we are ready,” stated Dr. Yang, Young Ho, Korean National Mission Director. 

Those of us here on the Asia-Pacific Region are very excited about the bright future ahead for missions!