Rev. Foster Speaks on Acceptance of God
By Kim Jae-won
Staff Reporter
A million-selling Christian author and spiritual leader preached on the acceptance of God at a seminar in Seoul, Tuesday, asking participants to learn from children about how to pray.
At Yangjae Onnuri Church in the south of the city, Richard J. Foster, from near Denver, Colo., told the gathering, "A child knows how to pray for little things. We need to learn from them."
About 3,000 participants were emotionally stirred by the spiritual maestro's speech ― sometimes laughing, sometimes with tears welling in their eyes.
He stressed the importance of forgiveness and love, introducing one story of Church Father Abba Abraham and his niece St. Mary the Harlot.
It is a story about a famous monk who gave up his fame and monastic regulation to save his niece who became a prostitute after being raped in her early days.
"Abba Abraham forbade his monastic life to save his niece from prostitution. She found God's love and acceptance through her uncle," said Foster, a Quaker pastor.
At the end of the meeting, Foster asked participants to pray for people in need and who are stricken with sadness.
"I want to pray for those who are broken in their hearts, broken with their families."
Most participants said his speech was so spiritual and inspirational.
"It was so impressive. I enjoyed him a lot. I want to read his books now," said a participant who identified himself only as Kim, aged in his 30s.
The seminar continues on Thursday.
Foster is well-known for his works, such as "Celebration of Discipline," "Freedom of Simplicity" and "Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home."
"Celebration of Discipline" was selected as one of the top 10 books in the 20th century by Christianity Today. The book sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
He has recently engaged himself in renewing Christian spirituality with his foundation Renovare, which means renewal in Latin.