No. 482 – Upcoming Travel Plans and a New Season of Morning Worship 2026 05 10

No. 482 – Upcoming Travel Plans and a New Season of Morning Worship 2026 05 10 I would like to share a few upcoming ministry updates and ask for your prayers as I prepare for two trips over the next several weeks. First, I will be leaving early tomorrow morning and will be away for about a week. From May 11 through May 13, I will be attending the Second 3040 Pastors Forum at New Life Church in San Jose, California. The theme of this year's gathering is “The Future of the Church Through Partnership Across Generations.” This forum brings together younger pastors to share ministry experiences, encourage one another, and discuss the future of the church. This year's gathering will be especially meaningful because several Korean military chaplains will also be participating. Many of us became acquainted through the military baptism service held last year at the Korea Army Training Center, where 3,876 soldiers publicly professed their faith through baptism. Although the forum is relatively small, it promises to be a significant time of fellowship and encouragement. Following the forum, I will travel to New Orleans to attend the graduation ceremonies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). On Thursday, May 14, there will be a graduation rehearsal, and on Friday, May 15, I will participate in the commencement ceremony for the Doctor of Ministry degree. This event marks the completion of a five-year journey of study, reflection, and ministry development. If you would like to learn more about this milestone, please see Column No. 478, “A Personal Note of Gratitude.” After the ceremonies conclude, I plan to return home on Saturday evening and look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday. Your prayers for safe travel and a fruitful time away would be greatly appreciated. June will also be a busy month. From June 8 through June 13, I will attend the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. This year's meeting will be especially meaningful because Pastor Jaehong Kim of Sungkwang Church in Korea will be visiting the United States during his sabbatical season. Earlier this year, Pastor Kim graciously served as the guest speaker for our New Year's revival meetings. During his visit, we will attend the SBC Annual Meeting together and spend additional time visiting churches, meeting pastors, preaching, and enjoying fellowship. Following that season, I will join our church's short-term mission team in Chiapas, Mexico, from June 20 through June 27. Each summer, our church partners with the Ichthus Mission Center, where we help lead an English camp and encourage local students and families. The mission team will depart earlier, but I will join them on June 20 after Pastor Kim returns to Korea. Even though I will arrive later than the rest of the team, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this important ministry. As summer approaches, I would also like to share an exciting new development. While many of our Life Bible Studies take a summer break due to travel schedules and family vacations, our spiritual growth does not take a vacation. In fact, we hope to devote even more attention to prayer and God's Word during these months. Our church will continue to remain open each morning for personal prayer, and we are also planning a special ten-day prayer emphasis for our children, along with a New Testament Bible reading initiative. In addition, beginning May 18, we will launch a weekday morning worship service. From Monday through Saturday, we will gather each morning at 6:00 a.m. for a brief worship service lasting approximately 15–20 minutes. Since many of our regular classes and small-group ministries pause during the summer, this will provide a meaningful opportunity for us to begin each day together in God's presence through prayer, worship, and Scripture. When our fall ministries resume, we expect to return to our normal schedule. Wednesday evenings will once again include meals and Bible study with our English-speaking congregation, and morning worship services will return to Saturdays only. During the rest of the week, the church building will remain open in the early mornings for personal prayer, as it is now. I will share more details about the format and vision for these morning worship services in the coming weeks. Even while I am away, I will continue praying for our church family. When I return, I look forward to gathering with you on May 18 at 6:00 a.m. as we begin this new season together. As Scripture reminds us: "Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18) That is how I hope we will walk through this summer—together in prayer, gratitude, and faithful service to our Lord. In Christ, Pastor Choi