Being a Christian in Seoul

During my six months in Seoul I have been around the least amount of Christians ever in my life. This fact alone is really not that concerning or alarming to me, but I have also never felt so personally attacked because I am a Christian. I have a good amount of people in my life who I love and respect a great deal, who do not share in my beliefs, yet we both share a mutual respect for each other and it has never once got in the way of our relationships. In fact, quite a few of these people have said on numerous occasions how they admire me more for this belief. During my six months here I have met numerous people who are atheist. This does not bother or make me uncomfortable. However, the outspoken opinions and views of those who are non believers of any faith does bother me. I do not go around saying I think people who don’t believe the way I do is wrong and that they are “irrational” or “unintelligent”. However, I am called both these things. I understand people not respecting organized religion or complaining about how people use religion in a negative way to harm others or to promote their own agendas. However, I don’t do either of those things, yet, I am placed in the same bracket as those who are. Also, most people who get to know me see I am not like this and thus can respect me and my beliefs. My family and friends don’t see my time of pray or at church as a waste of time, they instead respect me and I in turn respect them.
This year so far has taught me a great deal about myself and my own personal relationship with God. I have struggled a lot in my life with maintaining a strong relationship with Christ, and it has faltered a lot over the years. I am surprised with myself that in the face of so much opposition and doubt that is surrounding me, I am actually doing really well and feel a stronger connection to God than I have in a while. Considering I just went to church for the first time since I got here, this is saying a lot for me. I have found in the past I have used and needed church to keep this connection strong, and with the lack of church in my life I thought I would be distance. This first six months has reminded me just how fortunate I am to have the amazing friends and family I have in my life, Christian or not.