Seventeen years ago, I embarked on a life-altering journey. I departed from my homeland, leaving behind my family and friends in South Korea, where I was born, raised, and spent the most significant portion of my life.

Europeans generally think of Americans as very religious. They see things like a public swearing-in with a hand on the Bible and read a lot into that—even as it is somewhat of a formality that may have no obvious religious significance for those taking an oath.

My wife and I live in a small village—a hamlet—in rural France, and as in all the villages around us, we have an ancient parish church, with its strong bells regulating life. The painting “The Angelus” shows peasants with heads lowered in a field. They are our neighbours.

My wife and I were in the United States over the holidays, to see my mother who is aging, wider family, and just enjoy some warmer weather.

During recent months we have been busy discerning how best to spread Messy Church across Canada, making it accessible to all for all. We are pleased to announce ‘The Messy Church Course’, an online course that we are planning to launch through Wycliffe College in September 2019. 

Romero House is home to a vibrant community, made up of refugees, staff, volunteers, and neighbours. The photo at left depicts members of the Romero House community at their Easter Sunrise Service.

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