Last week, I traveled to Sydney, Australia, in connection with the General Assembly's Mission Board. I had to board a plane for a 3-hour and 10-minute flight. This was my first flight since having an ICD device implanted in my heart. When I went to the screening area and mentioned that I had the device, they sent me to another location for a physical search. Fortunately, it was a male officer who searched me thoroughly. I passed through safely and boarded the plane.

  Another surprising fact was that while flying with the device, I did not experience symptoms like panic attacks as I had before. Instead, I filmed the takeoff and landing from the window side. It felt like seeing the sky again from my younger days. What caused this change? I reflected and meditated on it. The only thing that had changed was the ICD device. Perhaps that brought mental stability, I thought.

  However, during this journey, I realized that there was something else. The first reason is that it may have been an escape from the somewhat complicated reality I was facing. The second reason is that my attitude toward death and the mission given to me have been redefined.  

  Almost every time I board a plane, I leave a final letter—not a will—under the premise that “if one of the many plane crashes were to happen to me.” So far, there has been no accident. In some cases, a single person can make an entire plane a target, leading to the unjust deaths of innocent people. But I also wondered if there might be cases where someone with a mission overcomes the crisis of death.

  Many people think, judge, decide, and act within their worldviews. In such cases, what would be the wise way to think? I asked myself this question. The Lord’s inspiration tells me, “You have a mission, a path you must run.” But the “you” in question—“me”—is so unclear about that mission that it feels like a dark cloud. This leaves me spiritually frustrated.

  I wonder if there is a spiritual ICD device for one's mission, similar to an ICD device for the heart. With these concerns in mind, I have made a decision. In August, I will set aside a specific time each day to engage in deep prayer with the Lord. Through this time, I hope to attach a spiritual ICD device and walk the path ahead, fulfilling my mission.

  “However, I do not consider my life precious. If only I could complete the mission I received from Jesus—to preach the gospel of God’s grace to people.”

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)