I am writing you as a colleague who is a native of South Korea, a country which is not just a longstanding U.S. ally, but more importantly for which American missionaries planted and watered the seeds of evangelism with Christ-like love and dedication.
The past PyeongChang Winter Olympic and the recent two inter-Korean summits moved the hearts of Korean people, cultivated a peace momentum, and showed to the world what the two Koreas want. It’s declared by the leaders of North and South Korea that there will be no more war on the Korean peninsula and that they will work, with a sense of responsibility, for a permanent and solid peace settlement and a comprehensive denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
Now, you and I, the same as the people in the Korean peninsula, here in the U.S., and around the world, are waiting with bated breath to see where the world will go after the historic summit between the U.S. and North Korea which will take place in Singapore next week on June 12.
Along with all who love peace and whoact for peace-building, I welcome the meeting and dialogue between the two leaders who not too long ago seemed to lead their countries to the brink of war.
It is humbly that I ask you to pray with me for the success of the summit.
The prayer below is crafted with mainly two documents: a prayer of the National Council of Churches in Korea which was recently forwarded by Mark Harrison, and the Statement of Unity by Korean Americans and Allies.
“Lord of Life, we trust that you hear our prayers and
that you work in the midst of us to bring peace and reconciliation.
We pray that the scheduled U.S. – North Korea summit
will end seven decades of hostile relation between the United States and North Korea and usher in a new era of peace–on the Korean peninsula, in Northeast Asia as well as for the rest of the world. Bless the leaders that they may not covet glory but act responsibly
for the welfare and peace of humankind.
O God, Light of the World, as small candles gather
and eliminate the darkness, may our candle of prayer meet with all those who wish for peace and grow into a great beam of light that expels our fears and gives us courage. Do not let our candle of prayer blow out by any troubling winds.
May we, vulnerable yet resilient by your Holy Spirit,
look to you for guidance, reflect your light of love, and proclaim your message of peace for the sake of your beloved children on earth.
May the Korean peninsula — for long a land of peace,
then became a land of strife, brutalized by over a century of colonization, division and war — become an inspiration for all who strive for a just and peaceful world.
We pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince
of Peace, Amen.”
Thank you for taking time to read this
email and pray with me. Please invite congregations in your conference to pray for peace on the Korean peninsula and here on the land of the United States.
Your brother in Christ,
PyungAhn “Peace” Kim
Wisconsin Annual Conference
United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay