Joo Han Hwang (Stuttgart, Germany)
From July 24 to 27, 2025, the CMI international summer bible conference (ISBC) took place at the Bible and Retreat Center Hohegrete in Pracht. Under the main theme “Heart of Flesh” from Ezekiel 36:26, 255 participants from 18 countries gathered – both OGs (Old Generation / Original Gangsters) and NGs (Next Generation / New Gangsters). It was deeply moving to see people from different backgrounds and generations come together like one big family to praise God, listen to His Word, and honor Him – all for the glory of God.
The retreat was organized by six NGs from CMI Europe and CMI Germany. Thanks be to God for His faithful guidance throughout the entire process and the conference itself. Many participants also helped energetically in the background and on-site – heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported!
In the opening message on Isaiah 6:1–7, Pastor Mike Lee from Germany powerfully spoke about God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Isaiah’s vision showed how God’s presence leads to self-awareness, repentance, and cleansing – ultimately through the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This encounter with God’s holiness inspires dedication and a willingness to be sent by Him.
In the morning devotion, Daniel Kim from Argentina spoke on God’s call to repentance from Isaiah 1:10–18. He emphasized that religious rituals without genuine repentance displease God, who desires a pure heart and a righteous life. With the invitation “Come now, let us settle the matter”, God offers reconciliation and promises to make even the deepest sins white as snow.
San Lee from Korea preached on the encounter between Jesus and Peter in John 21:15-19, where Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”. The message highlighted how Jesus does not condemn Peter for his failure but lovingly restores him through grace and resurrection. Peter’s limited, human love is embraced by Jesus’ perfect love—and it is precisely in weakness that true discipleship begins, along with the calling to shepherd God’s people.
In his evening sermon, Pastor Mike Lee preached on Colossians 3:1–17 about living a life “hidden with Christ in God”. He explained how our new identity in Christ is lived out through three Gospel movements: Contemplation (fixing our eyes on Christ), Mortification (putting sin to death through the power of the cross), and Manifestation (putting on Christ-like character and building loving, diverse communities). Holiness, he emphasized, is the process of becoming who we already are in Christ – chosen, holy, and beloved.
In his morning devotion, Himang Choi from Bulgaria spoke on God’s work in Ezekiel 36:21–27 and the story of Jacob in Genesis 32. Jacob tried to achieve his goals by his own strength and cunning, but only when God weakened him could he truly be blessed. In the same way, God wants to replace our heart of stone with a heart of flesh – not through our effort, but by His grace. The devotion called to repentance and encouraged us to receive God’s Spirit and be transformed by Him.
In his third sermon, Pastor Mike Lee spoke about the encounter with the resurrected Christ and our calling to mission (John 20:19–29). He showed that mission flows out of the love of the Triune God and follows the path of the crucified and risen Christ – marked by sacrifice, compassion, and hope. Mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit, proclaims the gospel of forgiveness, and builds open, welcoming communities where even doubters like Thomas can meet Jesus.
On the final evening, Pastor Jeung-Gon Kim from Korea preached on Acts 1:4-5 under the title “The Holy Spirit and His Witnesses.” With great passion, he encouraged everyone to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be witnesses of Christ in the world.
Afterwards, a moving prayer night followed, led by M. Abraham Lee, which gave space for personal encounters with God and powerful times of prayer together.
In his morning devotion, Scott Würschum spoke on Psalm 51 and the power of true repentance. He emphasized that God doesn’t seek our performance, but our broken heart. When we acknowledge our sin and surrender to God, we receive forgiveness, healing, and a real relationship with Him—through the Holy Spirit and the new heart He gives.
In the closing sermon, Joshua Kim spoke on Matthew 28:18–20 and the meaning of the Great Commission. He emphasized that Jesus sends us with His love and authority to make disciples of all nations. The mission begins with a personal relationship with Jesus, grows through spiritual maturity, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is always with us. The Great Commission is not only our calling—it is also our source of strength and encouragement in daily life.
The CMI ISCB 2025 was not only marked by deep sermons and devotions but also by a colorful variety of programs that encouraged fellowship, joy, and spiritual growth. A special blessing was the worship led by four different NG bands from Germany, Korea, and around the world. With beautiful songs and heartfelt devotion, we sang with all our strength and one heart to our holy God. The worship bands led us into God’s presence and helped us open our hearts to His work. It was a time of worship where heaven and earth seemed to touch.
In small groups – mixed across ages and nationalities – participants shared openly, prayed together, and studied two Bible passages in depth: Hosea 11:1–11 and Galatians 2:15–21. These times were marked by honest conversations, spiritual depth, and mutual encouragement.
There were also many opportunities for fun and connection – through games, coffee breaks, and diverse workshops covering both practical and spiritual topics. The retreat was filled with God’s Spirit, present both in quiet moments and in laughter and fellowship.
Especially moving were the six testimonies of young people from around the world who openly shared how God’s love and sovereign work had transformed their lives. Each story was a powerful witness to God’s grace.
Another highlight was the celebration of the Holy Communion on the second evening, led by M. Stephan Kang. In an atmosphere of reverence and gratitude, all participants came together to share bread and wine in communion with our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a gracious and blessed time of remembering His sacrifice, receiving His love anew, and standing before God as one spiritual family.
Two more highlights were the baptism of three young people, who publicly dedicated their lives to Jesus, and eight inspiring mission reports from different countries. These reports made it clear how God is powerfully working around the world –across cultures, in difficult circumstances, and with great power. It was deeply encouraging to hear how lives are being transformed by God’s love. Hallelujah!
We are profoundly grateful for this blessed conference. Grateful for God’s mighty and loving work among us – in the sermons, in the worship, in the fellowship, and in every single heart.
Grateful for all the helping hands, both visible and behind the scenes, that made this conference possible. Our special thanks go to the leaders of CMI Europe and CMI Germany, who have supported the organizing team with prayer, advice and action.
We are especially thankful for the time spent together across generations – NG and OG – who gathered as one big family of God. It was wonderful to see how among the NGs a solid community is forming, and deep friendships are growing.
God’s blessing to everyone who participated – and maybe we’ll meet again at the next ISBC! That one will take place in 2027 in Australia.
Soli Deo Gloria!
