From the Superintendent's DESK

The Camp meeting in South Korea continued into the weekend, with God’s blessings on the meetings, before concluding on Sunday, August 8.

The Friday evening service began with a prelude of four young children singing. There were many hearty “amens” as the children glorified God with lovely voices. One sister from our Daegu church testified of God’s goodness through the years to save her, provide her deeper Christian experiences, and heal her adult daughter miraculously. She also thanked God for saving her husband—she had prayed for him for many years, and now he was sitting next to her in the service.

The sermon was given by Kang Kyun Yoon, the pastor of our Okpo congregation. She preached from Hebrews 4 on entering into God’s rest. Afterward, many stayed long at the altar of prayer seeking that rest and enjoying the refreshing of the Holy Spirit.

On Saturday morning, the teaching was given by our Busan church pastor, Ra Young Do, on the topic of “Obedience.” He emphasized that those who simply and wholly follow Christ, will have God’s blessing in every area of their lives. Using examples from throughout the Scriptures, he gave a reminder that obedience to God’s instructions ultimately and always will bring His blessing in one’s spiritual life. 

The Saturday evening service was opened with the largest attendance of the camp to that point. The combined choir sang a lovely sacred Korean anthem during the service. The song service was led by Ahn Bong Aye, who has led the choir throughout the services. She has served as music director for the Korean Camp meeting for many years and as a pastor’s wife as well. After the opening prayer, she and her husband, Choi Ik Jin, were asked to stand before the congregation as their retirement from pastoral ministry was recognized. He served as an assisting minister in Seoul, then as a pastor in Daegu for many years, and most recently as the pastor in Daejeon. In their retirement, they have moved back to Seoul to worship with the saints there and be near their son’s family. They were presented with flowers from the congregation as well as from their son. Brother Choi then opened the testimony service outlining God’s faithfulness to him when he was first saved and throughout his life. He also thanked each congregation where he served as well as his wife for faithfully serving with him.

The message for the evening was given by Kim Jeong Min, the Korean District Superintendent, with initial text from Mark 5. He spoke about the healing of Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter and of the woman who was ill for twelve years before pushing through the crowd to touch Jesus. He reminded all that Jesus was still available to heal and be touched to solve every problem and need in one’s life. A spirited prayer service followed which continued into the late evening.

Sunday morning began with Sunday school for all ages. The church was filled to overflowing for the morning service. The Youth choir and orchestra sang and played for the prelude. After prayer, the adult choir sang a medley titled “I Love You Lord” with over thirty choir members. Each branch church was then recognized as their members stood. The last special was a mixed duet from our Daegu church. For the message, Director of Asia Work, Bill McKibben, used a familiar text from Jude 3, which charges to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” He made note of Jude’s words just prior, saying that is the Gospel message—mercy, peace, and love, multiplied to believers in and through Christ. He encouraged everyone to contend for this faith in the days which are ahead while awaiting the Lord’s soon return. After a wonderful prayer meeting, many gathered for one final meal and then a group photo before departing for home.

At the close of the camp meeting, Brother Bill reported, “The Spirit of the Lord has called, inspired, and challenged us through these meetings and now has promised to go with us to our various places of duty. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s work in South Korea.” The McKibben’s depart for home on Monday afternoon.