January 2025
Oxford
A few weeks ago, I was back in Oxford! I had the privilege of speaking to a group of students and faculty at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, where I shared the journey that led me to Global Training Network. It was a joy to reflect on this path and to connect with so many like-minded individuals passionate about faith and leadership.
For those unfamiliar with Wycliffe Hall, it is one of the 43 colleges and Permanent Private Halls that make up the University of Oxford. As their website describes, Wycliffe is a unique community—deeply rooted in the historic Christian faith while being an integral part of one of the world’s most prestigious universities. My wife, Lisa, and I have attended their Summer Schools in the past, but this visit was my first time experiencing it during a full academic term. Seeing the city and campus bustling with students was truly inspiring!
Beyond my time at Wycliffe, the week was filled with meaningful conversations and meetings with Christian business and ministry leaders. Oxford is a place where remarkable connections happen, and this trip was no exception.
Here are a few photos and captions from my time in Oxford—I hope they inspire you as much as this experience inspired me!
Speaking at ‘Leadership over Lunch’ at Wycliffe Hall. Wonderful to share the space with Justyn Terry, Vice Principle and Academic Dean of Wycliffe Hall, and Jonathan Brant, Dean for Research and Cultural Development and Director of the New Renaissance Project.
A short walk away from Wycliffe Hall, is the Eagle and Child pub, currently under refurbishment. The historic pub, which first opened in 1684, was a firm favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, members of the famous Inklings writers’ group, who would regularly meet to discuss their literary works. The pub was forced to close its doors in March 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and has remained empty and closed for over three years. Larry Ellison, Chief Technology Officer of Oracle, purchased this famous Oxford pub in 2023. Looking forward to seeing this place re-opened!
I got to walk around the beautiful city of Oxford, and to see some sights. My favorite moment was seeing the chapel at Exeter College, University of Oxford. If you do visit, you must also go into the ‘Fellows Garden’tucked away in the back – it has one of the most beautiful views of the Radcliffe Camera.
We then hopped over to Exeter’s neighbouring college, Jesus College, where we were kindly shown around by Hosung Ahn, who is currently doing his DPhil in Law at Oxford.
With Pastor Gyesang Jeon and his wife Anne, who are also fellow church planters. They founded their church, Oxford Mission Church, in 2001 in their home, and they continue to serve the Korean community here in Oxford. Now the church mainly comprises of University students, young professionals and families.
I spent a few hours with Anne and Gyesang in the Cotswolds – having lunch in Upper Slaughter and a walk in the rain in Bourton-on-the-Water. Looking forward to coming back here again in the future (with Lisa!)
The 29th January was Lunar New Year, which many countries in East Asia celebrate, including South Korea! I was invited over to join in a celebratory Korean dinner (cooked by Anne!) with Gyesang and his church family.
I was also introduced to ‘yoot-nori’, a traditional Korean board game which was a lot of fun!
Here with Professor John Lennox at Yarnton Manor for lunch and a seminar. The staff observe this here every Friday, and it is a wonderful opportunity for prayer, fellowship and academic encouragement.
In case you are not aware of who Prof. Lennox is, he is one of the pre-eminent thinkers in Christianity – specifically in the areas of science, philosophy, and Christian apologetics. Originally from Ireland, he is a mathematician, philosopher of science, and Christian apologist who is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He holds a PhD from Cambridge, a DSc from the University of Wales in Cardiff, and a DPhil from Oxford. Enjoyed talking to him about his upcoming autobiography and his past trips to Phoenix Arizona!
Listening to a seminar at Yarnton Manor from Dr. George Guthrie, Professor and New Testament Scholar at Regent University in Vancouver, BC. Dr. Guthrie’s specialty is the book of Hebrews. This felt like having a bible study at ‘Downtown Abby.’ Dr. Guthrie taught, and we discussed and prayed together. It was a truly beautiful, enriching experience.
Last, but not least – early one morning, on a rare sunny day, my new friend Jeff invited me to go for a 7-mile run on the grounds of Blenheim Palace. This was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the home he grew up in; it was the most perfectly crisp day (30 degrees) to run in!
Jeff is a Christian and a businessman, and he also loves to go running! What a gift to discover people around the world who have the same hobbies and interests as yourself! Looking forward to how our paths will crossover in the future!
Oxford, until next time!
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