By now most people in the tri-cities have heard of retired Pastor, Shin No. Shin was last seen 10 days ago by his family. He has Alzheimer's and left his family's house to go for a walk and never returned. Like most residents of the tri-cities, my friends and I have been praying and searching.
Today I went to visit my lovely stylist who is Korean. I got to speak my 10 Korean words with her since she doesn't speak much English. Upon entering the salon, I started with the usual, "anyeung haseo" (hello). She answered, then I said "camsamnida" (thank you). We laughed and smiled. I asked her if she had heard about the Korean "moxanim" (Pastor), Shin who is missing. She said yes and then I said we praying to "Hananim" (God) that he is found. She asked me where I think he is. I paused then I said I don't know, but "Hananim" (God) knows. She smiled. She asked me if I go to church. I said yes, I "Sarange Hananim" (I love God). She smiled and started singing to me a Korean Hymn. So then I sang her Amazing grace which is Shin's favourite song and she hummed along.
Searching for Shin has brought together our communities and beyond. In fact, Shin has created community even while missing. Other people have stepped up and built community during this time. These communities have crossed ages, nations, languages etc. A moment that brought me joy was when a women approached a group of us one night who were searching and she said "are you that Christian group?" She said "I'd like to join but I don't know Christian songs". We said, please join us, it doesn't matter about the songs (or background). We are working together. Through this time, we've been able to meet new friends and build relationships.
I realized today that Shin is not lost in the eternal sense. God knows exactly where he is. Since Shin gave His life to God many years ago, He is not lost, He has been found for all of eternity.
It is so moving that his favourite song contains the lyrics:
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind but now I see.
Shin was found many years when he met Jesus. Singing that song as we search for him on earth is a reminder that he is only temporarily missing but ultimately has been found for all of eternity.
Praying for you Shin to be found on earth and so thankful that he is eternally found, safe and secure with God.
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