They travel from afar to share their love, knowledge and culture. They become part of our communities across the country and, although their stay is temporary, their impact is lasting. They are honorary members of our communities. This week’s Members’ Spotlight shines a light on the four missionaries serving in London and the experiences that have shaped their time in the UK.
Lisa: Discovering the Beauty of Diversity
Having spent the past 15 months as a missionary in London, one of the things that has surprised me most is just how multicultural the city is.
Before coming to the UK, I spent much of my life in Korea and Japan. Compared to London, both countries are relatively homogeneous, so I had fewer opportunities to experience such a wide range of cultures firsthand. Here, people from all over the world live side by side, bringing their own food, music, traditions and perspectives. Through missionary work, I have met people from many different countries and learned about their cultures without ever leaving London.
I have also been impressed by the way people engage in discussion. Even when opinions differ, there is often a genuine willingness to listen and learn from one another. Seeing people make an effort to respect different viewpoints has left a strong impression on me.
These experiences have reminded me why London is such an attractive city for people from all over the world.
Munhee: Learning Through Respect
The thing that has touched me most during my time in London is the culture of respect.
No matter how someone dresses or what they believe, people generally try not to judge them. Instead, there is an attitude of accepting and respecting people for who they are. I feel this is a valuable culture that everyone can learn from.
Another refreshing experience has been the way people of different ages interact. In Korea, age often plays a significant role in conversations and relationships, which can sometimes make interactions feel formal or difficult. In the UK, however, people are more likely to speak to one another as equals regardless of age. This gave me a real sense of freedom.
I was also surprised by how easy it is to talk with strangers. Whether on the street or in everyday life, people are often friendly and open to conversation. Even when meeting for the first time, they can make you feel as though you’ve known them for much longer.
After more than a year serving in the UK, I am grateful for all the love and kindness I have received from the British community. I hope to carry that gratitude with me and continue giving my best until the end of my mission.
Insung: Lessons from 14 Months in Britain
After spending more than 14 months in the UK, I have collected countless memories, surprises and lessons.
Many things caught my attention at first: strong British accents, unfamiliar English expressions, expensive transport costs, enormous parks and the incredible diversity of society. Each experience helped me understand what it really means to embrace differences.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that accepting differences is not always easy. Whether it is culture, lifestyle or ways of thinking, understanding people from different backgrounds requires humility and openness.
One of my most memorable experiences was attending last year’s Annual Gathering Festival. I knew members lived all around the UK, but seeing more than 300 people gathered together was truly inspiring. What moved me most was seeing three generations worshipping and singing together. As a second-generation member, it was a moment I will never forget.
I was also fascinated by the way Europeans travel between countries. In Asia, travelling abroad often feels like a major event, but here people think nothing of crossing borders to attend a workshop, visit friends or go on holiday. It gave me a new appreciation for how connected Europe is.
Finally, I was inspired by the importance many people place on wellbeing. Although London can feel as busy as Seoul, I noticed that many people actively try to balance work, personal growth and health. Seeing people make time for exercise and mental wellbeing encouraged me to do the same.
Looking back, these experiences have strengthened my belief that there was a purpose behind my being sent here. I hope to continue learning, growing and making the most of every opportunity during the remainder of my mission.
Seirei: A Familiar Feeling in a New Place
One of the most fascinating things about living in the UK has been experiencing such a multicultural society. People from different races, religions and backgrounds live together in ways that I had never experienced in Japan or Korea.
I have also noticed how much the weather affects people! Whenever the sun comes out, everyone seems noticeably happier.
Interestingly, I found some aspects of British culture surprisingly familiar. The way people show consideration for others reminds me of Japan, so rather than experiencing a great deal of culture shock, many things felt quite natural to me.
One final observation is the strong sense of pride many British people have in their country. Seeing the Union Jack displayed so often has given me the impression that people genuinely value and appreciate their national identity.
Reading these reflections, it is clear that missionary work is more than travelling to a new country. They have had the opportunity to experience an exchange of hearts, cultures and experiences. As Lisa, Munhee, Insung and Seirei continue their journey, we hope they know that they have left their mark on the communities they have served. The lessons they have learned, the friendships they have formed and the love they have shared will continue to enrich our movement long after their time in the UK comes to an end.
