KNCC

[February 2013] Greetings from GS Dear brothers and sisters of the global church,  On Feb. 10 we in Asia celebrated our Lunar New Year Festival.  So once again this month, I wish New Year’s Blessings to each and every one.   As I have said before, 2013 is the 60th anniversary of the armistice which brought the active fighting of the Korean War to an end, but did not solve the issues of division of our Peninsula.  For Koreans, 60 years is a very significant milestone, pointing to the opportunities of new life.  So in this 60th year we seek to make a change in the situation of our national division, especially through a Peace Treaty and true negotiation between governments.   With the WCC 10th General Assembly in Busan this year, we see an enormous opportunity for change in our Korean Peninsula, brought about by the power of prayer and international support.  The Peace Train will be a tremendous chance to share the reality of the situation with interested people, in a way that promises to change their lives, and enrich the experience of the General Assembly for all the participants.    Our hope is very strong that we have the opportunity to physically visit in Pyongyang on the way to Busan.  We ask your prayers that the political climate will permit it.  Also it is our ardent wish that the KCF will attend the General Assembly.  We long to share a Korean Plenary on Unification of the Korean Peninsula with them.   This week a NCCK team visited the Russian Orthodox church in Moscow.  We discussed with them ways to enrich the Assembly.  Members of the Orthodox family of churches will be very visible in Busan.  We of the Korean Protestant churches very much wanted to learn from the long history of the Orthodox and from their unique spirituality, and to nurture a friendly relationship in the Family of God.   So let us continuously pray the prayer of the Assembly, “God of Life, Lead us to Justice and Peace”.  Let us prepare our hearts for the lessons God will share through this gathering of God’s people.   Kim Young Ju  General Secretary