Before the war between Ukraine and Russia has even ended, conflict in the Middle East—between Iran, the United States, and Israel—is spreading. The war between Ukraine and Russia has already gone on for over four years. Despite indiscriminate bombings that destroy civilian facilities and take innocent lives, Ukraine continues to resist and fight against Russia. What enables them to keep fighting without fear of death?
Israeli historian Yuval Harari once said, “Strong nations are built on stories.” While I do not agree with all of his historical theories, I do agree that nations and peoples are formed not merely by ethnic distinctions, but by the stories they share. Ukraine, even now under attack, is writing a proud story that will shape it into a strong nation. The countless stories of people fighting in the face of life and death will remain as records of pride—remembered and passed on for generations.
All strong communities have stories. They share common goals and values. They are built on trust, voluntary participation, and a sense of shared responsibility. They continually recall and pass down stories of their achievements, fulfillment, pride, and identity so that future generations will not forget them.
In our time, the church is facing difficulties in the midst of an invisible war. Churches, believers, and their families are being relentlessly attacked. Yet even in this challenging season, I believe our church is also writing its own story. This story is being written line by line through the devotion and sacrifice of shepherds and shepherds’ partners, who pour themselves out to embrace souls and make disciples. From a worldly perspective, such wholehearted service toward even one soul may seem foolish or like a meaningless sacrifice. But without sacrifice, no story can be born—and a community without a story has no future. The tears we shed today and the stories of our labour and service will become a legacy of faith and pride for the next generation.
If you are going through difficulties right now, remember: this is a precious time to build a faith community with a strong story.
Word of the week
Coal and diamonds are made of the same carbon. If you simply burn it, it becomes ashes, but if it endures immense pressure, it becomes a diamond. The hardships you are facing now are part of God’s process of refining you into a precious gem like a diamond. Do not lose hope—let us pray.
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이동주 2026.03.21 19:11
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Before the war between Ukraine and Russia has even ended, conflict in the Middle East—between Iran, the United States, and Israel—is spreading. The war between Ukraine and Russia has already gone on for over four years. Despite indiscriminate bombings that destroy civilian facilities and take innocent lives, Ukraine continues to resist and fight against Russia. What enables them to keep fighting without fear of death?
Israeli historian Yuval Harari once said, “Strong nations are built on stories.” While I do not agree with all of his historical theories, I do agree that nations and peoples are formed not merely by ethnic distinctions, but by the stories they share. Ukraine, even now under attack, is writing a proud story that will shape it into a strong nation. The countless stories of people fighting in the face of life and death will remain as records of pride—remembered and passed on for generations.
All strong communities have stories. They share common goals and values. They are built on trust, voluntary participation, and a sense of shared responsibility. They continually recall and pass down stories of their achievements, fulfillment, pride, and identity so that future generations will not forget them.
In our time, the church is facing difficulties in the midst of an invisible war. Churches, believers, and their families are being relentlessly attacked. Yet even in this challenging season, I believe our church is also writing its own story. This story is being written line by line through the devotion and sacrifice of shepherds and shepherds’ partners, who pour themselves out to embrace souls and make disciples. From a worldly perspective, such wholehearted service toward even one soul may seem foolish or like a meaningless sacrifice. But without sacrifice, no story can be born—and a community without a story has no future. The tears we shed today and the stories of our labour and service will become a legacy of faith and pride for the next generation.
If you are going through difficulties right now, remember: this is a precious time to build a faith community with a strong story.
Word of the week
Coal and diamonds are made of the same carbon. If you simply burn it, it becomes ashes, but if it endures immense pressure, it becomes a diamond. The hardships you are facing now are part of God’s process of refining you into a precious gem like a diamond. Do not lose hope—let us pray.