0:00:05 > 0:00:06- Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- Each of us has a story to tell.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- As an author and reporter, - I've travelled the world...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- ..writing all kinds of stories.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- Recently, - whilst visiting South Korea...
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- ..I came across one which awoke - something deep and personal in me.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- This was a story full of tragedy...
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- ..conflict, adventure and love.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- Its hero - was a young missionary from Wales...
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- ..who came to this country in 1865.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- With nothing - but a Bible in his hand...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- ..he sacrificed his young life, - and as a result...
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- ..the religion - of an entire nation was transformed.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- It's unlikely that you've heard - of this passionate man.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- But today, in South Korea...
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- ..almost everyone knows his name.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- This is the story and influence...
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- ..of the missionary - Robert Jermain Thomas.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- When I first began researching - Robert Jermain Thomas' story...
0:02:10 > 0:02:15- ..it became obvious that - it was a story about true faith.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- In order to better understand - what propelled this young man...
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- ..I had to study - my own relationship...
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- ..with religion and faith...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- ..and take not only a - geographical and cultural journey...
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- ..but also a spiritual one.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- I began the journey - in Libanus Chapel.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- Like Robert, I attended chapel three - times on a Sunday with my mother.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- This is where my mother sat.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17- She hadn't received - much of an education.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- She'd come here and be completely - happy sitting in this seat.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- I remember people asking her - about her faith...
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- ..and she'd say, "I believe."
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- It was a simple response.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- It was as if a candle - had been lit inside her.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- Although it was something - beyond my comprehension...
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- ..I'd still come and sit beside her.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- That's why Robert Jermain, - who'd found God years ago...
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- ..had discovered faith and kept it.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- What I've failed to do is keep it.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- When I was his age, - a 10-year-old boy...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..I'd say, "Yes, I have faith. - I believe in Jesus Christ."
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- Later on, - other things get in the way.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Life gets in the way.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- The hustle and bustle of life.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- Few attend this chapel nowadays.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- The same is true of chapels - all over Wales.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- Robert Jermain's - first experience of worship...
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- ..was at this small, simple chapel - in the village of Llanover...
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- ..in Monmouthshire.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- It's remarkable to think - that a country...
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- ..that was at one time - predominantly Christian...
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- ..and exported missionaries - as frequently as we exported coal...
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- ..has lost its faith so quickly.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Robert wasn't raised - in a world of television and cinema.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- This was the cinema back then.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- This was cinemascope.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- If you widened the imagination...
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- ..you saw the desert, you saw - the Tabernacle and the prophets.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- You saw all these things.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- The man up there, his father, - was a formidable storyteller...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- ..as were other lay preachers...
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- ..and he narrated - these incredible stories.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- He also did more than that.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- Not only did he convey a message - but he opened up the world.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- He started imagining the world as - somewhere bigger than just Llanover.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- The seed of religion was planted...
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- ..and his faith became deep rooted.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- In the end, it was that - which flourished and bore fruit...
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- ..thousands of miles away in Korea.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- There was no way of evading - God's influence or his father's.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- Even his home was a stone's throw - away from the pulpit.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- Its current owners, - Dr Steven Price...
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- ..and his wife, Dr Stella Price, - were led to the chapel...
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- ..and this house by sheer luck.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- Robert Jermain's - inspirational story...
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- ..became an obsession for them.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- What was it that made him...
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- ..such a missionary spirit?
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- What gave him that missionary zeal?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- If you look at his father's life.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- His father - had been really touched by...
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- ..if you like, the revivals - of the mid-19th century.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- If you look at his life, - he was steeped in a sense of...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- ..what the Christian gospel - was doing to Wales.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- His first sermon at 17 - was Hebrews 13, verse eight.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- "Jesus Christ, - the same yesterday, today, forever."
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- His dad welcomed him - into the ministry.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- He induction was at that age, then - he went off to New College London.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- He was a very bright guy, - gifted in language.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- He said to the people there, "I want - to be a missionary to the Far East."
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- His young wife, who he met while - teaching in Northamptonshire...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- ..was from a very wealthy family.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35- Passionately in love...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- ..with this feisty, - ambitious-for-the-gospel Welshman.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- They set off - on this journey to China.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- For us, to sit in his home, - to have renovated the home...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- ..to welcome hundreds - of the fruit of his mission...
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- ..the Koreans that come, - now a Korean in the church here...
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- ..it's a cycle where - they're coming back and saying...
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- .."You brought us light, - you brought us the gospel.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- "You brought us hope." It's a - tremendous exciting walk, really...
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- ..to follow - in these footsteps of Thomas.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- Not far from Libanus Chapel...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..are a group of - enthusiastic young missionaries...
0:08:25 > 0:08:31- ..who have come to Wales as a direct - result of Robert Jermain's story.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- One of them is Cheol Joong Kim...
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- ..who has the same spiritual fire - as Robert Jermain had in his youth.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- He arrived in Korea in 1866.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- There's a difference of opinion - amongst historians about Thomas.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- For Christians, he's a great hero.
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- He's the most important missionary - and is central to our history.
0:09:00 > 0:09:07- It's worth studying more about - the life of Thomas the missionary.
0:09:14 > 0:09:20- I believe Robert Jermain Thomas - is one of my ancestors.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- I obviously don't belong to him...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..but we share - the same faith in Jesus Christ.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- It is through him - that I've come to know God better.
0:09:33 > 0:09:40- For me, - Thomas is like a spiritual father.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- Do you feel it?
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- He was too young - to face such a tragic situation.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- How could he - keep his faith as a Christian?
0:10:04 > 0:10:10- I admire - Robert Jermain Thomas' faith.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Even now, I'm emotional - when I think about his story.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- Though Thomas died - more than 100 years ago...
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- ..we can still learn from him.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- One day I was praying...
0:10:31 > 0:10:37- ..and something - very strange happened to me.
0:10:38 > 0:10:44- I'm not someone - who sees things like ghosts...
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- ..but that day, - Thomas appeared before me.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- He stared at me. - There was sadness in his eyes.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Even now, when I think about it, - it brings a tear to my eye.
0:11:03 > 0:11:12- He said, "Would you work - in the name of Christ for me?"
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- He looked so heartbroken.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- I couldn't refuse...
0:11:19 > 0:11:25- ..because he looked so sad.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- I remember Robert Jermain Thomas.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- He is our hero - and we all want to be like him.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Thank you.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- APPLAUSE
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- THEY SING HYMN IN KOREAN
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- Why has the life of one man, - who died a century and a half ago...
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- ..had such an influence...
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- ..on so many people - on the other side of the world?
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- .
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- The population of South Korea - is approximately 50 million.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- It is a country - half the size of England.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- Approximately 25 million people...
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- ..live in Seoul, the capital city.
0:12:47 > 0:12:53- This is home to technological - giants like Samsung and LG...
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- ..and car manufacturers - Hyundai and Kia.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- It's a country full of contrasts.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Some cultural, some social...
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- ..and some religious.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- The people are open and welcoming.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- However, a century and a half ago...
0:13:23 > 0:13:29- ..it was a closed country that posed - many dangers for outsiders.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- MUSIC AND DRUMBEAT
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- This was the world - that awaited Robert Jermain.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- As I walk towards the king's palace - in the heart of Seoul...
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- ..I begin to understand the kind - of place Korea was in Thomas' day.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- This was - the monarchy's stronghold...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- ..and a symbol - of its power over its subjects.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- When the palace was built...
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- ..the Korean people - knew the world was changing.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- France and Britain - were spreading eastwards...
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- ..and Japan - was making friends with the West.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Korea didn't want that - because King Wang Geon...
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- ..was a follower of Confucius...
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- ..who believed business - and borrowing money was anathema.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- He prohibited business...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- ..and forbade - anyone in this kingdom...
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- ..from having any ties - with the outside world.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- It was a time when people - were describing Korea...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- ..as a hermit kingdom...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..where the outside world - was forbidden.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Anyone who had contact with it - was executed.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- That's how serious they were...
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- ..about keeping - the outside world separate.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- This new world - emerging from the West...
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- ..had nothing to do with - agriculture, it was about industry.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Hand in hand - with the missionaries...
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- ..who came here - with a new ideology...
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- ..and the message that this new - faith was better than the old one...
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- ..came other things - such as the railways.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Every new empire...
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- ..spread not only - the message of the gospel...
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- ..but a business message too.
0:15:53 > 0:15:59- One tour guide showing visitors like - me around the palace is Choonsun Yi.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- She appreciates the old culture - and understands why people...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- ..were so cautious - of the new religion.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- When Roberts Jermain Thomas - was arriving in Korea...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- ..Korea - didn't want to talk to the world.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- If you spoke to a foreigner, - you could be executed.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- There were new ideas from outside.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Things like Christianity - and new forms of doing trade.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Was Korea scared - of the outside world?
0:16:28 > 0:16:35- At the time, Korea - was suspicious of any outsiders.
0:16:35 > 0:16:44- Of course, some wanted to know more - about these new foreign customs...
0:16:44 > 0:16:50- ..but on the whole, the majority - feared this foreign culture.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- This period was - also about respecting ancestors.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Some people on the outside...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- ..thought this was almost like - worshipping ancestors.
0:17:04 > 0:17:10- Some Catholic missionaries accepted - the religion of the local people...
0:17:10 > 0:17:17- ..but others were intent on - converting them to Christianity.
0:17:17 > 0:17:24- For the most extreme among them, the - Koreans believed in the wrong God.
0:17:25 > 0:17:31- Supported by the Vatican, the aim - was to change the country's faith.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- Many objected to this - and missionaries were persecuted.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- Religion and politics - often go hand in hand.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- Introducing Christianity - was the first step...
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- ..in order - to pave the way for the dictators.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- When the old regime - clashed with the new one...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- ..bloodshed was inevitable.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- Where religion is introduced, - suffering is sure to follow.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- The country's early Christians - were widely persecuted.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- 900 Catholics were executed - in one day by the king's soldiers.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- THEY PRAY IN KOREAN
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- A massacre - that is still remembered today...
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- ..by Korea's Catholic community.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- Robert Jermain and his young wife, - Caroline Godfrey...
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- ..arrived - in Shanghai Harbour in 1863.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- They were both - in their early twenties...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..in a country whose capital - was foreign and dangerous.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- But life was full of excitement - and expectation.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- Soon, Caroline fell pregnant - and Robert went in search...
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- ..of a new home for his family - in the Chefoo region...
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- ..more than 600 miles away.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- Suddenly, - Caroline fell seriously ill.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- She, - along with her unborn baby, died.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- He was heartbroken.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- But he continued - his missionary work...
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- ..burying the tragedy - deep in his soul.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- He sailed to Korea - with a Bible in his hand.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- I went to meet someone who had - a direct link with the story.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Author Heisik Oh.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Her grandfather - had met Robert Jermain Thomas.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- She grew up, having heard all about - the young man from Llanover.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54- Lovely to meet you.
0:20:55 > 0:20:56- You were just a little girl...
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- ..when you heard the story - of Robert Jermain Thomas.
0:21:05 > 0:21:11- My father had written several books - about Robert Jermain Thomas.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- Aged seven, I read a children's book - about the missionary from Wales.
0:21:24 > 0:21:33- Thomas learnt the Korean language - before arriving in September 1865.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- It would've been - a long and dangerous journey...
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- ..to the front line - of the Christian war.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- The SS Sherman was a warship - which also carried goods...
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- ..to a country - where trading was illegal.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Undoubtedly - the Koreans would've thought...
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- ..that soldiers were on board, - ready to attack.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- On board were 17 passengers, - 16 of whom were Chinese merchants.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- It's believed Thomas carried out - missionary work on board.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- But there was - no welcome for him in Korea.
0:22:18 > 0:22:25- King Gojong had forbidden - any ideas from overseas.
0:22:25 > 0:22:30- As Thomas' vessel approached the - Taedong, the Korean Army attacked.
0:22:30 > 0:22:37- The ship ran aground on the - sandbanks due to the low tide...
0:22:37 > 0:22:44- ..and the Korean soldiers placed - straw around it and set it alight.
0:22:44 > 0:22:50- The Chinese merchants tried to - escape but each of them was killed.
0:22:50 > 0:23:01- The ship was burnt to a cinder, - leaving only Thomas and his gospel.
0:23:09 > 0:23:23- On the riverbank, Thomas came - face to face with the soldiers.
0:23:25 > 0:23:32- On bended knee, he prayed to God - and handed his Bible to a soldier...
0:23:32 > 0:23:44- ..and said, "Believe in Christ - and you will be saved."
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- That day, it's believed - the soldier was converted.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54- However, Thomas was killed - when he was beheaded.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- Imagine how many people - witnessed this.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- One of them was my grandfather.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- On hearing Thomas preach the gospel - that day, many were converted.
0:24:14 > 0:24:22- Thomas died at the tender age of 27, - which was far too young.
0:24:24 > 0:24:32- But imagine it, even the soldier - who killed Thomas turned to Christ.
0:24:32 > 0:24:40- I'm grateful to Thomas for - sacrificing himself for the gospel.
0:24:45 > 0:24:46- .
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- The religion of an entire nation - was transformed...
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- ..as the direct result...
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- ..of a young missionary from Wales - being executed.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- The story of - Robert Jermain Thomas' sacrifice...
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- ..was heard throughout Korea.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- Shortly afterwards, - a church was established...
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- ..at the site where he died.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- Thousands of Koreans...
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- ..were converted to Christianity.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- These days, there are millions - of Christians in South Korea...
0:25:39 > 0:25:44- ..who worship in thousands of large - churches known as megachurches.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- One of them is SaRang Church...
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- ..in the Gangnam district of Seoul.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03- The building looks more like - the headquarters of Samsung or LG...
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- ..than a place of worship.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- The person responsible - for this huge corporation...
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- ..is Pastor Oh.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- Thank you very much - for agreeing to this interview.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Could you tell me - about the history of the church?
0:26:22 > 0:26:31- The church was established 36 - years ago by nine people in Gangnam.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36- Nowadays, the church - has more than 100,000 members.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Almost half of those - attend services on a Sunday.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- So it was essential - to buy this church.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- This church - cost 200 million to build.
0:26:49 > 0:27:00- There are 300 full-time staff, - including 40 ministers.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- What is your role in the church?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- I'm a senior pastor.
0:27:06 > 0:27:15- Of course, Jesus Christ - is the head of the Church.
0:27:15 > 0:27:23- By doing the Church's - admin work, HR and finance...
0:27:23 > 0:27:33- ..I'm helping people - to become Christ's disciples.
0:27:34 > 0:27:42- The church's main hall has - the capacity to hold 7,000 people.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- This church - is the only one in the world...
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- ..with an underground - train station.
0:27:50 > 0:28:03- Our building is saying that Jesus - Christ's love embraces everyone.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- The first thing you notice...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- ..is the statistics, if you like.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19- This place is twice the size of the - Millennium Centre's main theatre.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- 4,000 people at a time attend - services five or six times a day.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- An entire town turns up to worship.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- We're also in the home - of companies like Samsung...
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- ..so technology is widely used.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- You could say - it's a faith factory with a stage.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- The set has been adeptly designed.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- But the actors haven't arrived yet.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- I don't know - what the play will be about.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- The place lends itself well...
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- ..to a dramatic production.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- THEY SING IN KOREAN
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- THEY PRAY IN UNISON
0:29:27 > 0:29:32- The service will be broadcast - not only to people in North Korea...
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- ..but worldwide.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- The leading man - has reached the stage.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- HE SPEAKS KOREAN
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- His gentle, soothing voice...
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- ..is like a hypnotic drug...
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- ..which gives him a unique power...
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- ..over the congregation.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- THEY SING IN UNISON
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- Like a 21st-century - John the Baptist...
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- ..hundreds come to him every week...
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- ..to be baptized - and accepted into the Church.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- As thousands - leave the day's first service...
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- ..we must bear in mind - that this began...
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- ..not with Pastor Oh...
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- ..but with the passion and vision...
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- ..of one young missionary - from rural Wales.
0:32:04 > 0:32:11- Robert Jermain Thomas was the first - missionary martyr in Korea.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- This fact is crucial.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- It is - because of Thomas' sacrifice...
0:32:20 > 0:32:25- ..that there are - 50,000 churches in Korea today.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- I heard about his story - when I was a young boy.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36- Now I'm a pastor, ready to offer - myself as a sacrifice to God...
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- ..by learning about Thomas' life.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- For Korea's Christians, - Wales is a holy country.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- In the bowels - of this enormous building...
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- ..is a small chapel - dedicated to Robert Jermain...
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- ..with a pulpit which has come - all the way from Wales.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- There is also - a room of Welsh artefacts...
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- ..including - the novels of T Llew Jones...
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- ..a miner's lamp, love spoons...
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- ..and a print of Salem, of course.
0:33:11 > 0:33:17- We've a closer affinity with Wales - than with England and Scotland.
0:33:18 > 0:33:24- Wales was famous for its steel - and ship-building industries.
0:33:24 > 0:33:32- But now, it's Korea which is - world famous for those industries.
0:33:32 > 0:33:46- In that sense, - we have much to thank Wales for.
0:33:46 > 0:33:54- I visited Wales four times - between 1994 and 2012.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59- It hasn't changed much - in comparison with our country.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04- Because of that, - I've been praying for Wales.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10- As several churches around the world - work together to help Wales...
0:34:10 > 0:34:20- ..I believe the nation - is destined for a new revival.
0:34:20 > 0:34:29- I've always believed material - wealth follows spiritual wealth.
0:34:29 > 0:34:37- That is to say, if the churches - of Wales were developed...
0:34:37 > 0:34:42- ..then the country's economy - would prosper too.
0:34:43 > 0:34:53- By sharing our wealth with others, - I believe we receive God's blessing.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- # Is our God
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- Name above all names!
0:35:02 > 0:35:08- # Name above all names
0:35:08 > 0:35:14- # Worthy of all praise
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- # My heart will sing
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- # How great is our God #
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- CONTINUES IN KOREAN
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- I'm not sure how I feel about - my experiences at SaRang Church.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- It was a world away...
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- ..from the worship - I experienced as a child.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- The Church is growing in Korea...
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- ..rather than dying, - as it is in Wales.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- But for me, - there's something missing.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- I'm not sure what exactly.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- I'll have to follow - a different path.
0:36:43 > 0:36:43- .
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- After experiencing - SaRang Church...
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- ..I started thinking about - the impact Robert Jermain had...
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- ..along with other Christian - missionaries, on the country.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17- Today, South Korea is one of the - world's most prosperous countries.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24- Within the past decade, business - and the economy have soared...
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- ..to an astonishing level here.
0:37:32 > 0:37:38- The country and its population have - accepted capitalism unconditionally.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- Similar to the United States...
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- ..the influence - of Evangelical Christianity...
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- ..has increased in recent years.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- Nowadays, - there's a cosy relationship...
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- ..between business and religion.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- It's difficult - to differentiate between them.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- Money rules.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- Christianity - can be sold like cheap jewellery.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- But despite its power - and influence...
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- ..Christians are in the minority.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22- In the mountains above Seoul...
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- ..is a Buddhist temple...
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- ..which is more than 600 years old.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Buddhism - is the country's main religion...
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- ..and it still plays an important - part in the lives of ordinary folk.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- The principal monk - is Ven Seonwoo.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- She chants twice a day in the simple - luxury of the temple's main hall.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- When did Buddhism arrive in Korea?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- Buddhism reached Korea - a long time ago.
0:39:16 > 0:39:23- When it arrived, it was combined - with local religion - Shamanism.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- Because Buddhism - is such an open religion...
0:39:28 > 0:39:39- ..naturally it was welcomed - and accepted here in Korea.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- What is the relationship...
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- ..between Buddhism and Christianity - in this country?
0:39:50 > 0:39:57- Nowadays, there is a mutual respect - between Christians and Buddhists.
0:39:57 > 0:40:03- We help each other - and jointly attend important events.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- We acknowledge Jesus Christ - as Bodhisattva...
0:40:08 > 0:40:14- ..which is someone who's reached the - highest of state of enlightenment.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- THEY CHANT
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- In my opinion, missionaries were - sent to conquer other countries.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- It has always been the case.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Countries attacking each other to - spread their religion and culture.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40- That's why wars happen.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- For example, Christianity - was used as the reason...
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- ..for the Wars of the Cross - - the Crusades.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55- Religion was used as an excuse - for countries to win power.
0:40:56 > 0:41:02- Historically, Buddhism is the only - religion not to have started a war.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- BELL TOLLS
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- At half past four every morning...
0:41:19 > 0:41:23- ..one must get up to listen - to the big bell's chimes.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- It must chime 108 times.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37- This is the equivalent - of the number of human sins...
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- ..on earth.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- I feel that this place of worship - closer resembles...
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- ..my experience of worship - back in Wales...
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- ..than the showmanship - of SaRang Church.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- THEY CHANT
0:42:25 > 0:42:30- One of the most important things - about the temple is this place.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- It's a temple next to the main - temple that's been erected...
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- ..to acknowledge the presence - of other faiths.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- That respect...
0:42:42 > 0:42:46- ..is very different from - other brands of Christianity...
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- ..where you get people saying, "This - is the gospel. This is Christ."
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- Missionaries were sent...
0:42:54 > 0:42:59- ..and they had to believe - that what they were doing was just.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03- When your self-belief - is that certain...
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- ..sometimes you don't care...
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- ..about what - and who you're treading on...
0:43:10 > 0:43:14- ..in order to convey your message.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- There are hymns which, - to some extent, sully those...
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- ..who live in the Far East.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- "Little yellow children all around.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32- "And no-one to talk about God."
0:43:32 > 0:43:36- It suggests a wilderness of faith...
0:43:36 > 0:43:41- ..where they arrive and leave some - sort of vineyard to blossom there.
0:43:41 > 0:43:47- But there was a vineyard, full of - colour and flowers, here already.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49- THEY CHANT
0:44:07 > 0:44:09- It was time to leave Seoul...
0:44:09 > 0:44:13- ..and South Korea - and return to Llanover...
0:44:13 > 0:44:16- ..to the simple Welsh chapel.
0:44:30 > 0:44:35- # Jesus Christ
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- # His son... #
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- SINGING CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY
0:44:44 > 0:44:47- Reverend Daniel Yoo - came to Hanover Chapel...
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- ..to rekindle the flames of faith - in Welsh people.
0:45:06 > 0:45:13- This chapel is sacred to Korean - Christians, just like Jerusalem.
0:45:14 > 0:45:19- For many people around the world, - Jerusalem is the holy land...
0:45:19 > 0:45:25- ..but to me, - Hanover Chapel is also holy land.
0:45:26 > 0:45:33- Many people say that they have - had incredible experiences...
0:45:33 > 0:45:37- ..after visiting this sacred place.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40- How is the mission working?
0:45:40 > 0:45:44- How are things going - in terms of your mission here...
0:45:44 > 0:45:47- ..and how long - do you expect to be here?
0:45:47 > 0:45:54- Our mission is to make - this chapel the focus...
0:45:54 > 0:46:01- ..for reviving the Church - throughout Wales.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- We will spread the word...
0:46:04 > 0:46:09- ..in order to encourage missionaries - to come to this place...
0:46:10 > 0:46:15- ..and follow the path - of Robert Jermain Thomas.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- Will the new missionaries - from Korea...
0:46:41 > 0:46:43- ..spark another revival in Wales...
0:46:43 > 0:46:47- ..by spreading the good news?
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- The certainty of their faith - makes me think.
0:46:54 > 0:46:58- Maybe we need - something deeper in our lives.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01- Lifelong values - rather than capitalist ones...
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- ..like those possessed - by Robert Jermain Thomas...
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- ..over a century and a half ago.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:44 > 0:47:45- .