On Sunday, February 1, OTM KR kicked off its first Korea regional mission trip at Bethel Church in Pohang. The OTM mission team traveled to Pohang early in the morning to prepare for the Sunday service, reflecting on the significance of their mission work. Pastor Seonkyung Oh shared his personal mission experience in Pohang, saying, “Pohang is where I first began my mission work and encountered the God of Bethel. Starting our first Korean regional mission trip here feels like a moment to restore our first love, and I am truly excited and grateful.”
During his sermon, Pastor Oh emphasized the essence and mindset of mission work. “A mission trip is a time to experience God’s ongoing work to seek the lost sheep since the beginning of time. We are merely vessels used in His work. As seen in Acts 10, in the encounter between Peter and Cornelius, the important thing is not outward appearances but the heart’s true intent. Let us set aside human judgments and biases and approach others with God’s perspective, recognizing the souls He has prepared. Today, may we be instruments through which God’s heart reaches the people of Pohang,” he said.
After the service, OTM students shared their reflections. One student said, “I was afraid to evangelize in Korea, worried about being ignored or rejected, but hearing that we are seeking the souls God has prepared made my heart feel much lighter.” Another added, “I am grateful that the act of evangelism allows us to understand God’s heart. I hope to grow in this understanding through this experience.” They then shared a meal together, fostering fellowship.
The students paired up with local OTM members from Pohang to go out and share the gospel. Moving energetically to meet as many people as possible, they engaged in friendly competition. Afterward, one student said, “Evangelizing and meeting strangers was challenging, but doing it together made it joyful and rewarding.” Another shared, “Someone encouraged and blessed us during evangelism, which gave us great strength.”
Following their outreach, the OTM students enjoyed various fellowship activities, including an escape room game and a nighttime walk to the Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju. Through this mission trip, the students experienced the joy of sharing the gospel, deepened their understanding of God’s heart, and strengthened bonds among OTM members, writing the first page in a lasting album of cherished memories.
