In the winter of January 2025, we met in Kuşadası, a beautiful coastal city in Turkey.
The theme of the year was "Revival," and we headed to the family retreat with a yearning to be spiritually reborn in the new year.
Everyone welcomed last year's retreat, so I think we were able to hold the retreat for two consecutive years, even though it was originally a biennial event.
Meeting precious faces filled me with anticipation, but on the other hand, I also felt worried. This is because we felt that we were experiencing a severe spiritual battle in the process of preparing for all this and arriving there.
There was a time when I wondered if I could have done the same as someone who dedicated themselves to a schedule of spending several days abroad even though their family was sick.
Kuşadası, Izmir, has a port, and because of this, some refugee units were denied relocation to this destination. Among those who were trying to serve at the retreat, there were some who, despite having no other business in Turkey, received notice that they were unable to enter the country for reasons unknown.
The incident came as a considerable shock to us. Since last year, numerous missionary units have been unable to obtain residence permits and have had to leave the country, and some have even had to be deported.
I later heard from Pastor Michael that Ali (originally from Azerbaijan), who was helping with the earthquake relief efforts, was originally scheduled to be deported on the day of his wedding to a Turkish bride, but that it did not proceed because of their marital relationship.
Deportation is a truly cruel process for them. If you have a home, and belongings left behind here, you are not given a chance to return and retrieve them, and even if you were carrying out construction or other projects, you cannot complete them. Not to mention for refugees who have nowhere to go.
The first day of the retreat began with participants arriving one by one. Perhaps because everyone needed time to recover from their long journey and adjust to a new place, I felt a slight sense of unease and tension in the air. Even the process of presenting refugee certificates or identification cards, which is a natural process for entering a hotel, may have been a burden for some.
In the afternoon, there were group meetings by language, and in particular, booth ministry, where Lakeview Church, ANC Onnuri Church, and Community Church of Seattle served a great deal.
I especially remember the scene where they prepared for the children's ministry, transforming the room into a lively atmosphere, and carefully preparing snacks and props for the venue where the main gathering was held!
I am so glad that all of SWM's ministries are carried out by the joyful service of the churches. The booth ministry was so diverse, with nail art, balloons, hair, massage, Korean medicine, medical consultations, and even family photo shoots prepared by David Park!
There was a language barrier in communicating with the locals in sharing everything that the church had prepared, and I think I paid close attention to the activities of the next generation of CPs(church planters) this time, as well as the missionaries from the M Center who were especially good at both English and Turkish and served as a bridge.
This is because SWM can expect the revival of the church to continue without ceasing in this land of Turkey for the past twenty years, continuing from generation to generation, in a new flow. This time, Naomi, who completed the 3rd HWM training and joined as a strong supporter to serve the retreat, also joined us.
On the first day, after the booth ministry, the graduation ceremony of the BTS (Bible and Theological Studies) Course with Kairos University was held. Seeing the graduates wearing their academic caps and sitting around a long table, my heart seemed to be burning with anticipation of what kind of fire could be kindled by the Word in the land of Turkey.
The worship at the evening session here was all special, but one in particular remains vivid in my memory. It was when we sang "How Great Is Our God" together in different languages.
At that time, I was ashamed of my own inadequate preparation, and I was losing focus, struggling in my head to find my place because there were many cameras in the venue, but at that moment, the prayers and praises offered in each language were like threads of various colors woven together to form a beautiful tapestry, and I put down the camera for a while and completely lost myself in worship.
Among the words shared in the daily morning devotions, I remember that even in the situation of fear and anxiety of the refugee workers gathered here, everyone should do their best to worship, serve, and preach the Word according to God's will.
In fact, we were all fighting individual battles. The sorrow of those who are continuing a fierce struggle in their respective places is felt so poignantly that they shed tears, but as an individual, I am so weak and small that I cannot find a sharp solution to what I can do or how I should serve.
After talking with everyone and looking back now, is it that what we needed was unity? The saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to reach your destination, go together," will remain in my heart for a long time.
On the third day of our schedule, we visited Ephesus. It was a huge ancient city ruins, mostly covered in white marble.
As I walked around, I suddenly found something familiar and wondered, "Huh? Why is this here?" I was also surprised. It was the SWM logo, which looked like a round cake divided into eight equal parts.
It was engraved on the floor of the streets of Ephesus. Looking closely, it was not just one place, but several places. Pastor Peter explained it to me. It is called Fish, or ICHTHUS, and the meaning is as follows: "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior." Inside it, the center of the hearts of the prayer warriors who gathered in Ephesus twenty years ago was planted.
I was happy and glad to find it, rather than any detailed explanation from a skilled guide. How long has it been since I stood here again, and I respect those who have still been holding that fire and praying, and are still praying.
On the last day, before everyone dispersed, there was a time to share warm hugs and for AGS to declare their vision (I also got some delicious pistachio lokum here).
More and more difficult and dark times are coming, and the world may be closing in on us, but even so, we continue to find new and creative ways.
Where there is a will, there is a way. I conclude this article with anticipation of more and more amazing companionship.
