There is a moment in the Book of Revelation that has always touched my heart. John lifts his eyes and sees a vision of heaven, a countless crowd from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne (Revelation 7:9). It depicts worship that feels like a worldwide family reunion. No one is left out. No culture is ignored. No language is silent. Yet, this heavenly vision isn’t just a prophecy of what’s coming. It reflects God’s desire for His church today, a community where people who might never meet elsewhere stand together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Over the years, I’ve met families from many different nations, Pakistan, Korea, the Philippines, India, Nepal, Ghana, Kenya, Indonesia, China, America, and more, each carrying their own stories, hopes, and wounds. Some come to Korea seeking opportunities. Some arrive wounded by life. Some carry dreams for their children that they never could pursue themselves. All have a story only God fully understands. Many churches worldwide have people sitting next to others who share similar backgrounds, appearances, and perspectives.
But the gospel was never meant to be confined to one culture. From the very beginning of the church in Acts 2, God intentionally chose a multicultural gathering. Parthians, Medes, Egyptians, Arabs, Romans, Asians, they all heard the gospel in their own language. The first church was not monocultural; it was a mosaic. That’s why in this church (choongjung/lifecem), we embrace this heavenly pattern. We believe every nation deserves a seat at the table, not as guests, but as family, not as visitors, but as co-heirs of the same grace. This doesn’t mean ignoring cultural differences; it means honoring them. We don’t erase our backgrounds; we allow Christ to weave them into something more beautiful than any single culture could produce on its own. When a
Filipino mother sings beside a Pakistani brother, heaven smiles. When a Korean student prays with an African father, the gospel shines. When a child from a multicultural home hears “Jesus loves you” in words they understand, something eternal is planted in their heart. Diversity is not a challenge to overcome; it is a blessing to celebrate. It’s a foretaste of heaven, a sign of God’s kingdom breaking into our world. If you’re seeking a community where your culture isn’t a barrier, where your accent isn’t an issue, and where your story is valued and embraced, I want you to know this: there is a seat for you at this table. Bring your language. Bring your traditions. Bring your questions. Bring your children.
We will make room for you not out of politeness, but out of obedience to the heart of God.
May every nation that walks through our doors feel the warmth of His welcome. May every family find belonging. May every voice find a place in the song God is writing through our church. You are invited. You are wanted. And there is a place at God’s table with your name on it.
By Rev. Yaqub Kashif
