Abundant blessings of thanksgiving to you, your family, your cell group, your ministry team and your workplace.

There were some unusual happenings during last Sunday service.  I wanted no mention of this because I did not want to alarm or worry you, but many of you have heard already and have contacted me about it so I write this to properly apologize about last Sunday worship and to share the grace of God during my hardship.

I had a hard time preaching even during the 8 am worship service, but after the worship, my physical condition worsened and it became hard for me to enter the 11 am worship service. Some were urging me to go to the emergency room and let the other pastors handle the worship service but I insisted that I do the baptism and the sermon and went into the worship service late. I am worried that there may have been some of you uneasy with the pastor entering the worship service late and I ask for forgiveness. During the baptismal dialogue, I was afraid that my body might collapse so I tearfully appealed to God for help to finish the baptism - to graciously complete the baptism of God’s precious people...

After the baptism, I clung to God more and more pleading that our church should be able to have Thanksgiving worship filled with happiness and that I should not stand in the way of that. I prayed earnestly for strength to preach the sermon. I prayed that I would do my utmost as if it were my last sermon. I began to gain strength while praying for the offering, and thanks to your laughters and reactions to the sermon, I was able to complete it well. I was able to experience the grace of God who listens to prayers and the extraordinary strength that comes from preaching. I felt disheartened that I could not stay until the end of the worship but I was not able. I apologize for my shortcomings. I apologize for not being able to respond to your calls. I am sorry for not being able to pray for the choir and I really wanted to cheer for the Golden Bell bible quiz, but I am sorry I could not. I am really sorry I could not greet the elderlies who did such a special offering praise. I am sorry for not greeting you in the cafeteria. And to our associate pastors who are working so hard, I am really sorry for making it harder.  I will recover quickly during my sick leave and be back to see you. I will do my best to prevent this from happening again until the day I finish my ministry at our church.

I am deeply grateful for our God who is with us in all circumstances and for His grace that answers our prayers, and I am happy to be with you all.  "Thanksgiving is unconditional." "Thanksgiving is a blessing." I pray that these words will ring true for all of us on this Thanksgiving day. Happy Thanksgiving !! I love you ~~ I thank you ~~