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Listening to the “Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott…” being sung in Korean or watching the film “Yesterday’s hero’s” [Korean War and the positive role played by US and UN soldiers to stop the communists taking over S.Korea and helping thousands of orphans survive etc] or having Koreans praying for the upcoming referendum in Sudan, the ongoing crisis in DR Congo, today’s election in Tanzania or the danger of zenophobia in South Africa made this day special in my memory. However meeting new friends from New Zealand [Rev. Dr. Stuart Vogel]; Hong Kong [Prof. Jiang Pisheng] or Botswana [Prof. James Amanze]; Sudan [Prof. Joshua Akol]; Tanzania [Prof. Dr. George Fihavango] – never mind the old ones from South Africa: Bishop Ivan Abrahams; Marion Counsell; Madoda Gcwadi; Michael Lapsley; Puleng Bula; Edward Matuvhunye was very impressive and memorable too.

Going to church with the Koreans was like being in a typical Durch Reformed Service in South Africa.  Emphasized  the truth in Werner Elert’s “Morphologie des Luthertums”, because it quite obviously holds true for the reformed world too. Starting off from the architecture, to the lacklustre liturgy, to the fervent prayer, outstreched sermon and well structured organization, timing and disipline of all participants to the underlying code of conduct, but also the ethical admonition, friendly hospitality and genuine friendship extended to all visitors. The people even look similar – except that they don’t speak Afrikaans. At least I didn’t meet any!

The Korean food is exotic, plentous and delicious. We got lovely, warm coats as presents for tomorrows tour of the miliary zone. They continue to shower us with attention, warmth and hearty welcome. I could get used to this atmosphere very quickly – and it goes a long way to make us very eager for “Peace and Reconciliation”.

The day was a long one. Starting off at 6:30 with the wake-up call, right up to 21:30, when we were finally dropped off [dead] at the hotel. Just had time to call my wife, download the pictures and write a few notes on the day.