Korea 1 - Thursday 2 May

Arrived at 8.15 this morning (Korean time) after a good flight with BA. Got a nice surprise at London when told I had been upgraded to World Traveller plus! Reckon it must have been the result of the early morning prayer meeting! Ahead of UK by 8 hours. Got some sleep early afternoon.

The conference opened tonight at 6pm, after which we enjoyed a wonderful garden dinner in the grounds of Chongshin university. Fabulous buffet dishes with 15 main courses and other stuff that I had no time to sample. Did not see mashed potatoes with butter though!

The food was provided by the Marriott hotel where I am staying along with the other guests from outwith Korea. Today was misty and thundery in the afternoon but brightened beautifully for the dinner. The opening worship was led by an old friend who preached memorably in Knock Free Church a few years ago, Rev Changwon Shu. Here he is with his wife Myoung Ya. It was so good meeting up with them again.

Afterwards three more speakers gave addresses. The Chairman of the Board of Chongshin University Rev Youngwood Kim spoke about the Presbyterian Church in Korea and thee President of the university Prof Dr Ilung Chung spoke on "What we believe." Below is the chairman in his traditional Korean outfit.

One of the highlights tomorrow evening will be a performance by the Chongshin Choir and Orchestra. Really looking forward to that. I'll try and get some video footage of it along with photos. Must now get some sleep.