The Goodnews - May, 2016 by Good News Mission

MAY 2016

DELIVERING THE GOSPEL & THE TESTIMONIES OF GRACE

Special Article 2016 Bible Crusade & Christian Leaders Symposium

Special Article 2015 World Christian Leaders Workshop in Dallas, Texas

Salvation Testimony

Having Received The Biggest Gift of Grace, I Am the Most Blessed Person Alive

Memoirs of a Missionary

Myanmar Wedding Story

GOOD NEWS MAGAZINE

Contents

04 08 12

Monthly Sermon Only Those Who Wait Upon the Lord

Salvation Testimony Having Received The Biggest Gift of Grace, I Am the Most Blessed Person Alive Special Article Part 1: Welcome to the Bible Crusade! Part 2: 2016 Christian Leaders Symposium at Bible Crusade

About the Cover The 2016 NY Bible Crusade was held at the Riverside Cathedral Church in Manhattan, NY. People from all over the world came to attend the three day event to hear the Word of God and share fellowship. We are grateful that many received salvation and renewed their faith in God.

30 40

Memoirs of a Missionary Myanmar Wedding Story

New York Times The Faith of the Raven and the Faith of the Dove

Gospel Lesson Faith and Realization

Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth Heaven Answers My Needs

Church Directory

Sermon of the Month

Only Those Who

Wait Upon the LORD Pastor Ock Soo Park | Good News Gangnam Church

As we live a spiritual life, we think about what we have to do for God? Many people fall into this thought. Pour your heart into praying, reading the Bible, give offering and witnessing… there are many things to do. But when we read the Bible, we can see that God does not say these things to us. In Genesis chapter 1, God created the heaven and the earth. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1~2) Within this word, there is God and man. The earth signifies man. The Earth that was without form, void and in darkness, what can it do? It cannot do anything. When we look at the earth, we think, “The earth is trapped in darkness, in formlessness and void. It is good for nothing.” God spoke to that earth. It is not that the useless earth should do something to change itself, but God worked upon the earth. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light and the darkness went away. But the earth was still immersed under water. Then God divided the waters which were above the firmament with the waters below and as the waters that had engulfed the land had moved and stayed above the firmament, the ground appeared. Even after the earth appeared, there was nothing that the earth could do on its own. God made the earth bloom flowers and bring forth fruits: “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit WhAT Do WE hAvE To Do For GoD?

God spoke to that earth. It is not that the useless earth should do something to change itself, but God worked upon the earth.

tree yielding fruit after his kind.” The waters above the firmament came down as rain and as the sun shined, sprouts budded, plants grew through photosynthesis, and the flowers bloomed and produced fruit. What did the earth do? It had to wait for God. Many people have fallen into darkness, despair, emptiness, and they struggle to escape from it. But the Bible does not require that of man. It wants us to wait upon God: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) These are words that are difficult to believe in. It is because when we run a little we become short of breath and if we walk for a long time we become tired. But God wants to work upon us according to this word. The Bible Wants Us to Wait Upon God

The start of the Book of Exodus is similar to the start of the Book of Genesis. In Exodus chapter 1, the Israelites live as slaves in Egypt. As they continued to mix the soil and bake bricks, they were living a weary life. Even then, God did not want man to do anything. What could they have done to escape from the authority of the King Pharaoh? It is impossible. God sent Moses and saved the Israelites from Egypt. Through this, what did God accomplish in the end? When we read the last part of Exodus, there is the appearance of the tabernacle. God, placed the temple which is in heaven on earth for man. This allows man to come to the tabernacle and wash all their sins to live together with God and dwell at the place that is full of the Holy Spirit. When the Israelites were under slavery in Egypt, there was suffering that came from labor and oppression, but what was more tormenting was the fact that when they gave birth to a son, they had to cast him into the Nile River. When the Israelites increased abundantly, the Pharaoh ordered, “Every son that is born, ye shall cast into the Nile River.” Moses was born during that time. Moses’ parents did not cast him into the river, but instead they raised him for three months then placed him inside an ark of bulrushes, daubed it with slime and with pitch and placed it between the reeds by the riverbank. God saved Moses. God, Who Saved Moses, Saved 603,550 People

Sermon of the Month

After the end of Exodus, we can see in the Book of Deuteronomy that the Israelites came out of Egypt, and there was a great number of 603,550 strong men. It was ordered that all baby boys be thrown into the Nile River, but then where did these many men come from? We saw how God saved Moses and we didn’t see Him save the other children, but He saved the 603,550 men. There was a command of King Pharaoh to cast the baby boys into the Nile River, but we can see how God protected them and that as they grew we can see them head towards the Land of Canaan that flows with milk and honey. The difficult environment that we face is like having to cast the sons into the Nile River, and God who lives inside us is the one that saves the sons from the Nile River and instead He is making them head toward Canaan. God works upon us: “If you are in darkness, I will give you light; if you are under water, I will cause the water to depart you; and even though you cannot do anything, I will bloom flowers and bear fruit.” “When you are tired from the labor of mixing soil and baking bricks, I will save you from there; when you are told to throw your child into the Nile River, I will protect them and lead them out of Egypt and guide them to Canaan.” It is because God works in this way, he does not tell us to diligently witness and try to do something. He says, “I will work upon you, so wait upon me.” We try to work because we do not think that God will work in us. We try to serve God and when we bear our burdens and worry these things cause us to suffer. But as God works inside us, the world that is manifested through His work is endlessly beautiful, precious, and amazing. In reading the Bible, the time when God is working and man is working is clearly separated. God, as he promised in the Book of Genesis and Exodus, is working among us. Because He loves us, He changes us one by one into His pleasing image. i WiLL GivE LiGhT AND i WiLL MAkE iT BEAr FrUiT

As I have worked for the Gospel, at times I looked toward myself. I often said, “How can a person like me do the work of the Gospel? I am so worthless. I am so evil. Dirty. I can’t do it!” But when I look back at the 54 years I lived inside of Jesus, even though I am a person who can never do this work, when I see how God has worked through me, it is so amazing and precious. As I preach the Gospel and people receive salvation, it is amazing beyond words. When I read 2 Kings chapter 4, a wife of the sons of the prophets comes to WoULD YoU ALSo Work UPoN A PErSoN LikE ME?

God, as he promised in the Book of Genesis and Exodus, is working among us. Because He loves us, He changes us one by one into His pleasing image. Elisha after she is completely ruined. Elisha says to her, “What shall I do for thee?” He did not say, “What shall thou do for me,” but he said, “What shall I do for thee?” The wife of the sons of the prophets says, “Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.” Then the man of God says, “Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all they neighbours and pour the oil out into all those vessles.” If it is just one pot of oil, then one vessel should be enough, but she was told to borrow all the neighbours vessels and this doesn’t make sense. But the wife of the sons of the prophets followed those words exactly. After she borrowed many vessels, she began to pour the oil into them. When one vessel was filled, she would bring another and fill it and when it was filled she would pour into another… she poured the oil until all the vessels were filled. I looked into the heart of the wife of the sons of prophets to see what it was like. “God! I was a woman who had fallen into despair because my two sons were to become bondman, and would you also work upon a person like me?” God did not only work to fill the vessels with oil, but He also changed the woman’s heart. “God, you also worked upon me when I’m so fleshly, evil, and dirty.” The woman thought that God would not work upon her, but she saw Him working for the first time. Afterward, if the woman faced any problems, she would turn to and rely on God and wait for God to work. It states that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. God does not tell us “Do this and don’t do this,” but God says that he will work upon us. Today, aren’t you trying to do something for God? Anticipate that God will work and wait upon Him. Then surely God will renew your strength and bestow grace and mercy and work inside us. Today, Are You Trying to Work For God?

Pastor Ock Soo Park

Pastor Park is currently the senior pastor of the Good News Gangnam Church. He is the founder of the Mahanaim Cyber Theology School and International Youth Fellowship. Annually he is the guest speaker for Bible Crusades domestically and internationally and serves as a guest lecturer to university students. He is the author of several titles such as: The Secret of Forgiveness of Sin and Being Born Again, Repentance and Faith, Navigating the Heart. These books have been translated in 17 different languages, and in addition he is the author of 40 other books on spiritual life.

Salvation Testimony

Having Received The Biggest Gift of Grace, I Am Now the Most

Blessed

Person

Alive

Nicolette Brown Good News Manhattan Church 8

was born in Harlem, New York on March 18, 1992. From a young age, I loved hip hop and how it made me feel; it made me feel free. My best friend Olivia and I both shared a passion for hip hop, and through hip hop, we became very close. She was 2 years older than me, but we were kindred spirits. Rather than rap about the bad things in the world, we rapped about cheerful and happy things. We rapped about a hope for a brighter future and better days in our neighborhood. Although I had never professionally studied music, I loved producing and practicing rap. Later, I met five other people who shared my passion for positive-minded music and we started producing music together. We performed in the streets and the subways together and eventually worked our way up to making our own CDs. At the age of 16, I was featured in a hip hop legend’s single album named “Cool J.” In all my experience, I performed on stage many times and I loved it! But, I had the heart to want to study my own music independently. I didn’t renew my contract and I immersed myself in my music. I attended Celia Cruz High School for four years and during that time, I learned the basic theories of music and created my own music video. At times, I would becomd sad looking back at the times I spent performing on stage when I was younger but I don’t regret the decision I made to go independent with my music. It has been economically hard for me these past seven years, but my love for music has helped me persevere. In 2013, my one and only sister, Olivia, was killed by a drug addict/dealer. Our relationship was very close, and I shared everything with her. Hearing about her death was the worst day of my life. The man who shot her was a person we knew in our youth. He also produced positive music like us in the past. As we were growing up and becoming busy with our own lives, we had completely forgot about him. My sister was with a friend that night and they ran into him. My sister’s friend got into a fight with him and he pulled his gun and shot it. My sister was trying to stop the fight and the bullet hit her. 9

Salvation Testimony

I was so shocked when I got the news of her death. Why did my sister have to die like that? She was the one I freely shared my heart with more than anyone else. There are so many evil people in the world, why did she have to die? I was filled with so many emotions during her funeral. I thought I was going to lose my mind. Although my sister opposed gay relationships, I still became involved with a girl. I fought with my sister a lot about this. The woman I was living with at the time of my sister’s death would not attend my her funeral with me. I thought after sharing a home with this woman for a year, she would be the closest person to me that I could confide in and would comfort me during this bleak time in my life; but, I was wrong. This situation made me fall into an even deeper despair. After this, it was very difficult for me to trust people and open up to them. My heart became very empty and dark. Sometimes, religious groups would knock on my door and pray for me. I would welcome them, receiving countless prayers, but the emptiness in my heart could not be filled. I was so frustrated and I prayed to God. Not long afterwards, I saw a flier posted in various parts of my apartment for a Bible Seminar. I was quite amused to see several students, wearing blue Bible Crusade shirts, going about near my apartment. I thought, “What could they be doing here? Is God listening to my prayers?” One day, two students wearing those blue shirts knocked on my door. When I opened the door, they handed me a flier, and told me to make sure I attend tomorrow. I posted that flier on my door, and attended the first day of the Bible Seminar with a bit of a fluttery heart. As I attended the Bible Seminar and had fellowship that day, I was able to receive the Gospel in my

Through the Word, I discovered that the emptiness and loss I felt could only be filled through the Gospel.

Nicolette during one of her hip hop performances

heart. I had vaguely read the Bible before, and I had even prayed, but God’s existence was vague in my heart. However, through the Word, I discovered that the emptiness and loss I felt could only be filled through the Gospel. God had allowed such pain and loss to allow me to realize this. For me, who had never lived righteously, Jesus’ blood allowed me to gain true righteousness and holiness. The Lord’s blood was more than enough to wash away all my darkness, wounds, and sin. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12) “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” (Ephesians 1:17) “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12-14) I cannot fully express with words how happy and thankful I was that day after finishing my fellowship. I felt as if I was alone in this world after my sister’s death, but such pain and loss was the turning point for me to accept the eternal blood of Jesus, which brought me true peace. As I continually listened to how much God loves my spirit, and how he prepared such big grace for me, I continually shouted in my heart, “Thank you, God! Thank you. Thank you. I love you!” Now, I know. God had loved me and had planned out my life way before I loved Him. Having received the biggest gift of grace after experiencing the biggest pain in my life, I am now the most blessed person alive. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) As I listened to how much God loves my spirit, I continually shouted in my heart, "Thank you, God! Thank you. Thank you!"

1. Nicolette giving a testimony at the Good News Manhattan Church 2. Pastor Ock Soo Park walks through the audience delivering the message at the 2016 NY Bible Crusade

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Bible Crusade In New York & Christian Leaders Symposium

WELCOME TO THE

BIBLE CRUSADE! 12

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Bible Crusade In New York & Christian Leaders Symposium

▲ Seats were filled with those who listened to the gospel ◀The faces full of anticipation before each program ▼ Pastor Park preaching the word

April 13th marked the first day of the Bible Crusade. The warm, sunny morning of Spring seemed as if it was welcoming our Bible Crusade. The Bible Crusade ran from April 13th to the 15th. It was the 11th year of the Bible Crusade since the first one was held at Madison Square Garden in 2006. “Repentance, Faith and Change” was the theme of this year’s Bible Crusade. It was held at 10 in the morning, and at 7 in the evening at the Riverside Church in Manhattan. It was not an easy journey to secure this venue. Contracts to rent a venue fell through multiple times, and we were unable to decide on a venue even up until several weeks before the event. Normally, a venue would already have been decided months before and we would have already been promoting the event and handing out flyers. But without a venue, we were unable to even make flyers. However, God was leading us to an unexpected direction for this conference. Many pastors from outside churches received salvation during the World Leaders Christians Workshop that was held last December. That led to the Easter Cantata Tour that was held at these churches. We received invitations to hold Bible Seminars there as well. That burning fervor lasted well into the Bible Crusade. Maybe it was because of all these things that happened, despite the fact that there was not enough time to properly promote the event, many people came to attend the Bible Crusade. During the evening sessions, almost all of the 2,500 seats were filled. The people who stood out the most were the pastors who were invited to the event. We had so much trouble securing a venue for the event, but the Riverside Church was so famous and beautiful, everyone knew of it. It was clearly God’s will to give us such a place. Anyone who listens to the Gracias Choir cannot help but to open their hearts. After their performance, Pastor Ock Soo Park, who ministers at the Good News Gangnam Church, gave his sermon. Pastor Park preached the gospel through the words of John 2, the story of the Cana Wedding Feast that lacked wine.

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Bible Crusade In New York & Christian Leaders Symposium

“Folks, when Jesus told the servants to draw water from the waterpots and take it to the master of the feast, for sure many thoughts crossed their mind. But in their hearts was the voice of Mary that told them, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Because of these words, they were able to do exactly what Jesus told them to. It was then that works were manifested. Many people try to wash their own sins. But true change only happens when the words of God enter our hearts. If so, then what is the Word saying? When we look at Isaiah 44:22, it states that “I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins.” Also, in Hebrews 9:11-12, it states with His own blood, Jesus had obtained “eternal redemption” in the tabernacle of Heaven. Folks, we can’t stop time that passes in this world, but Heaven is an eternal place. Jesus placed His blood in the eternal tabernacle of Heaven. The effects of Jesus’ blood are eternal.” The people shouted “Amen” and were overjoyed; it was unbelievable that it was only the first day of the Bible Crusade. Pastor Park continued to preach fervently as he told us to have faith in the words of God, regardless of our own thoughts. Even after the sermon ended, many people stayed behind to continue to listen to the gospel through personal counseling. They were filled with the words late into the evening.

“Before the Manhattan Church moved into their new building, they held “At-Home” Bible Seminars in Harlem. I lived right next door to one of the meetings that was going on. Someone knocked on my door and was promoting the Bible Crusade. They invited me to the Bible Seminar so I went. I attended church before but the way the spoke of the Bible was new. We think we are sinners for all the wrong we do daily, but what the Bible says is completely different. The Bible says that Jesus already washed away all our sins so we are no longer bound to the law. If we believe in Jesus, then we are washed in His blood and have become righteous. I am no longer a sinner. Forever! When I attended the second day of the bible seminar, it became more clear to me. I continued to have personal counseling afterwards. The music and words here are amazing! I’ve come to the right place for me. I attended church all of last week. My friends think it’s weird that I don’t hang out anymore and only go to church. I am so happy to finally be able to listen to the words of Pastor Park here at the Bible Crusade. The words are amazing.” - Nicolette Brown

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Bible Crusade In New York & Christian Leaders Symposium

“Through personal counseling, I was able to learn in more depth about “eternal redemption” and “receiving the words” that was spoken about during Pastor Park’s sermon. We shouldn’t believe in our own thoughts but believe in what God thinks. It is because God’s ▲ Olivia (right) thoughts are greater than ours. We should listen to God's words, which are the words of the Scripture. Christ died for us. Jesus was the eternal sacrifice that washed away all our sins. We no longer need to call ourselves sinners. Even if we are to sin again later on, those sins have also been forgiven. Jesus has already paid for it all.” – Olivia “I no longer have sin in my heart! Why is that? It is because Jesus has resurrected. Jesus has already washed away all our sins. We are forever righteous regardless of our deeds. We no longer need to ask for forgiveness of sins.” – Nicole and Doris ▲ Nicole and Doris, mother and daughter

“Honestly, last week we argued about this fact last week with 15 other pastors from the Good News Mission. I wanted to believe in these words but I kept having doubts. After hearing today’s sermon, I have finally realized that I am righteous for sure. That is what Jesus said. We have to believe what Jesus said. I am righteous. I am truly happy! I have become righteous. I have been ministering for the past 30 years but I can say without a doubt that today is the happiest day of my life. I have been struggling with this aspect for a long time but after hearing today’s sermon, it all became clear to me. I am righteous. I am righteous.” – Pastor Michael Latham of the Renaissance Baptist Church in Fort Wayne 18

Pastor Park spoke about the eternal offering, which were the same words spoken during the Easter Cantata. All these works are evidence of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earnest heart that wants to spread the gospel to everyone in New York. The flame of the gospel has ignited in the United States. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to establish 500 churches in the United States is close to being fulfilled.

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Bible Crusade In New York & Christian Leaders Symposium

2016 CHRISTIAN

LEADERS SYMPOSIUM

AT BIBLE CRUSADE

On the 15th of April (Fri), the final morning of the New York Bible Crusade had finally arrived. During this Bible Crusade, the main seminar was held both in the morning and the afternoon. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Christian Leaders Syposiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; program was also running alongside it. Through the invitations of hundreds of churches, many ministers came to listen to the word from Pastor Ock Soo Park.

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Christian Leaders Symposium at Bible Crusade

During the Christian Leaders Symposium on the 15th of April, Pastor Ock Soo Park preached the Word of the Gospel through 1 Corinthians 6:11-12. Pastor spoke about how the only way to the eternal forgiveness of sin is through the blood of Jesus Christ and that we have already become cleansed, holy and righteous inside of Jesus Christ. The Ministers who had had their hearts filled with the Gospel through the three days of the Bible Crusade, were full of hope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, it is our turn to preach the Gospel.â&#x20AC;? Like this, they returned to their respective churches to prepare for preaching the Gospel.

“I was able to learn about Good News Mission through the World Camp in New York, last year. At the time, Pastor Ock Soo Park preached about salvation and it was really new for me. That was because, throughout my nine years of ministry, I had understood salvation with only my own thoughts. Afterwards, hearing about the heart of God through the Word of Pastor Ock Soo Park made me realize that I am righteous. That I have become eternally, forever holy! After I returned to Atlanta, I read a book written by Pastor Ock Soo Park called, “Repentance and Faith” and through it I was able to have the assurance of salvation without a single doubt. The more I read, the more I became fascinated and I began to read his other books as well. Through this symposium, I was able to hear the word of Pastor Ock Soo Park and have personal fellowship with him. For me, it was such an amazing and graceful time. One thing that I am certain about is the work that is happening inside of me. I will preach this Word of salvation at my church. I hope that this clear salvation can be delivered to everyone. We will even have a Bible Seminar at my church, in Atlanta, in two weeks with Pastor Yeong Kook Park. This Word of Salvation will also be preached at my church. I am so thankful and happy.” –Senior Pastor of Atlanta Winut Church, Pastor Miguel Montoya.

SPECIAL ARTICLE_God Closes One Door to Open a New Door

GOD CLOSES ONE DOOR TO OPEN A NEW DOOR A Testimony by the Good News Manhattan Church Pastor

“Previously, our church was located at the hub of all subway lines. But one day, Pastor Yeong Kook Park came and told me that the location was not good enough. Although I was unable to accept it at first, the more I thought about it something was lacking, especially because we were unable to put up signage with our name which could be used to invite new people. So, I began to look for a new chapel. I was able to hear about the word in Joshua 14. Through the story of Caleb, I had the heart that God was telling me to ‘Go to Hebron.’ Despite the fact that Hebron was a very good place to go to, people without faith could not travel there because of the presence of the descendants of Anakim. Therefore, although it was burdensome, we began to search for a place that was spacious and functional. We eventually found a five-story building with rent that was very expensive. This is the chapel we are in today. Although it is so amazing to think that we have such a building in Manhattan, I had my doubts. But when I saw the brothers and sisters who wanted to rent this building despite the price, I felt embarrassed. Despite having difficulties in acquiring the building, we were able to accept the heart of pastor and rent the whole building. We were preparing for the fast-approaching Bible Crusade, but strangely God continually did not allow us to receive the keys for the building even after we acquired it. After asking pastor about what to do, he told us to forget our traditional method of witnessing and told us to find a new strategy. So, we began to hold “At-Home” Bible seminars in eight different regions in Manhattan. At first, it started off as small meetings, but as time passed, more and more people from respective areas, apartments and regions were invited and received salvation. Moreover, we witnessed door-to-door every day. Each team was able to have fellowship with around four people every day, and at least two of those people would receive salvation. One man said, “I was about to commit suicide but you came.” He was a man with severe depression who stayed home all day long but he was able to receive salvation

The Good News Manhattan Church, which had recently acquired a new building only a few weeks ago, was filled with testimonies.

through us. Later on, through the door-to-door witnessing and “At Home” Bible Seminars, many people were able to receive salvation. To be honest, we could have promoted this by setting up a book stand or by simply handing out flyers, like we always did. However, because God had blocked the way, we could not do any of the things that we traditionally did. Previously, we had never thought of witnessing at apartments that reeked of urine and drugs. But because we had no other choice, we began to witness in these crime-ridden areas and eventually found that God had already prepare many people for us. These people were yearning for the Word of God. I didn’t know that the simple advice of pastor could change all of these things. I thought that it wouldn’t work out and it would be difficult, but pastor led us to the end. We finally moved into the new building. Our banner was now 500 times bigger. It used to be the size of a thumbnail. The promise has been accomplished. We were also able to create a big banner to promote Pastor Ock Soo Park’s Bible Seminar. I truly thank God.” -Pastor Chung Hwan Song, Manhattan Church

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Gracias Easter Cantata at United Palace

LAST DAY OF THE CRUSADE GRACIAS EASTER CANTATA

▲ Audience members fill the seats before the start of the performance. ▲The finale of the Gracias Easter Cantata ◀ New York Senator Ruben Diaz and Pastor Ock Soo Park meet for the first time

The final evening of the Bible Seminar ended with the Easter Cantata. The event took place at the United Palace Theatre. Before the start of the performance, the New York State Senator Ruben Diaz came to deliver the Appreciation Plaque for the Gracias Choir and Pastor Ock Soo Park who have been working for the people of New York. All 3,500 seats of the big theatre were filled. The audience clapped and reacted so enthusiastically during every scene. When Jesus came up to the stage after his resurrection, the sheer volume of the applause was astounding. The Cantata was followed by the word of Pastor Ock Soo Park. “Folks, God has perfectly handed over all of your sins to Jesus. That is why Jesus received the ultimate punishment on the cross. That is why Jesus had to wear the crown of thorns; that is why He had to be whipped and that is why He had to pass away on the cross. If the President of Hyundai announces someone as manager, then automatically that person becomes a manager. Jesus Christ, the king of the whole universe, is telling us that we are righteous. Folks, if Jesus tells us that we are righteous, then we are righteous. This is the reason why Jesus Christ had to pass away on the cross and resurrect.” - Excerpt from Pastor Park’s sermon

SPECIAL ARTICLE_2016 Gracias Easter Cantata at United Palace

“The Easter performance today was amazing. It has inspired me and the Word was so great as well. I am actually a Pastor at the “Christian Community Neighborhood Church,” and when I invited Pastor Yeong Kook Park to come and preach at my church last Sunday, it was the best. After hearing the work that you have been doing, I thought that it is my responsibility as the senator to deliver the Appreciation Plaque to the choir and Pastor Ock Soo Park.” – New York State Senator Ruben Diaz The audience was cheering enthusiastically and were overjoyed. The reason why these many people are applauding and happy was neither because of the greatness of the choir’s music, nor was it because the Easter performance was so great. It is because their hearts were engraved with Jesus Christ, who had died on the cross for our sins. During the months of March and April, New York received the many blessings that God had already prepared. There was the Easter Cantata Tour, invitations to hold Bible Seminars from several outside churches, and even the Bible Crusade. If anything, the one thing that is certain is that all these things could not have been prepared by humans. The will of God had led us little by little without us even noticing it. Glory is given to God who has accomplished all of these works. 28

‘Myanmar Wedding Story’ Pastor Dae in kim | Myanmar Missionary

Wedding ceremony of Brother Soo Bok Lee and Sister Nansomo

I hear people talking about “giving up” here and there. Giving up on: getting a job, getting married, having a baby. However, in the world of Christians, the exact opposite is happening. “Though I am lacking, I got married!” People who almost gave up on getting married happily got married through God’s preparation. They also were able to preach the Gospel to their family members through their marriage. Let us hear about a thankful “Myanmar Wedding Story” from Missionary Dae In Kim.

Missionary Dae In Kim was saved on February of 1989. While working as an elementary school teacher and serving the Gospel, he joined the missionary school by the calling from God. After gaining faith by discovering the will of God who called him by grace and regardless of my lacking image, he was dispatched to Seoul Dobong Church and currently is ministering in Myanmar as a missionary. Throughout 12 issues, we will see God who powerfully worked in his life and ministry.

God worked in many different ways in the Myanmar church, but we cannot forget the “wedding story.” In this issue, I would like to introduce a thankful testimony about a marriage. In Myanmar, most of teachers are women from elementary school to university. A wage of a middle school teacher is about $150 per month. Ladies who work in a sewing factory receive less than $100 per month. Since their incomes are low, a whole family has to work to pay the rent and make ends meet. Because of these situations, there were more and more unmarried sisters. “God was not happy with Adam living alone…. How good it would be if the sisters get married and serve the Gospel with their husbands?” I prayed whenever I thought about them. One day, I found something amazing as I was reading the Bible. All animals that entered Noah’s ark were in pairs! “Then, all of unmarried sisters in our church also have a matching pair. They all have their own pairs. Amen!” The burden of getting them married had disappeared and the hope that God would work gushed into my heart. i’m thankful to the church which opens the way to get married even for a person like me.

One day, I got a call from Pastor Tae San Lim in Korea. Pastor Lim visited Myanmar in 2006. He asked, “Pastor Kim, Myanmar sisters are pure and good. What do you think about arranging a marriage with a brother in the Gimcheon Church?” “Yes, it’s good. It would be good if they meet during the upcoming World Camp in Korea.” Not all Myanmar people like to get married in Korea. At first, most of them say, “No.” It is because they have big burdens about marriage. However, I was able to see the sister gaining faith as she was listening to the sermons. Sister Nansomo was the same. She finally got her visa from Korea and attended the World Camp in Korea. At that time, Brother Soo Bok Lee from Gimcheon Good News Church was 40 years old. He was involved in the union’s campaign and failed. Then, he became an alcoholic, got divorced, and was living as a homeless. Meanwhile, he met the church and received salvation. Sister Nansomo was 39 years old and was a high school teacher. Brother Soo Bok Lee testified, “I’m thankful to the church which opens the way to get married even for a terrible person like me.” Sister Nansomo was also overwhelmed and said,

“I’m thankful for calling a lacking person like me.” God humbled both of their hearts. Finally, on July 22, 2006, there was a happy wedding ceremony. After they got married, they had a beautiful daughter, got a nice apartment, and Brother Lee became a factory manager for Woo Sung Company. He also became a regional group leader serving the Gospel and was ordained as a deacon. Brother Lee occasionally visited his in-law’s house. He held a Bible conference and preached the Gospel which helped to establish the church more firmly. ‘how come she likes his voice the most?’

Sister Amy also got married with a Korean brother. Sister Amy got to know about the church through her hometown friend, Sister Kingningwoo. One Sunday morning in 2003, I got up early and was praying. Suddenly, this heart arose, “It would be good to go to a different church to attend service and witness to someone there.” I talked about the heart that I had in the early morning to my wife. “Honey, you should go instead of me. Just for today, go to a different church and witness to see if there’s anyone who comes towards our church. If you come back soon, we could have service together.” The expression on my wife’s face was stiffened. “Today, is Sunday service. I’m going to stay here with our brothers and sisters. I’m not going anywhere!” My wife was stubborn, but I could not back down. I said, “Then, I will go. You lead the service for me.” I asked my wife to lead the service and was looking for my bag to go out. My wife, then, left the room slamming the door and almost breaking it. Towards the end of the service, my wife came to the chapel with a young lady named, Kingningwoo. Until then, there was no Christians no matter how much we looked. That lady was living very close by. It was amazing. She soon received salvation and her family members also became saved not too long after. Sister Kingningwoo brought a lady named Amy who she knew from her hometown. Amy was looking for a job in Yangon after getting her college degree. Amy too received salvation and came to the church. In 2007, Pastor Seong Gyun Oh from the Good News Incheon Church called me. He talked about introducing a Myanmar sister because there was a good brother in his church. A few months later, the brother that Pastor Oh mentioned came to Myanmar to meet the sister. I was shocked when I talked to him because his voice sounded

like a girl from elementary school. He looked smart wearing golden frame glasses and a suit, but his voice was a major blemish. It seemed like the brother was also stressed out because of his voice. He said that when he answers the phone, people asked him to put his father on the phone. He thought about getting surgery on his vocal cords but he gave up on it because the doctor said it was better to leave it alone. I was conflicted because I thought it would be difficult to arrange this marriage. I told the brother to have a tour around Yangon. After three days passed, I suddenly had this heart. “Dae In, you are so evil. Why do you decide everything? At least, give them a chance to meet each other and let them decide. You never know how God is going to work!” I called Sister Amy and said, “Sister, just because the church is arranging the marriage, it doesn’t mean that you have to get married. God has to give you a comfortable heart. Meet him without any burden. If you don’t like him, you don’t have to meet him again.” They went to a coffee shop and talked for a while. When they came back, the brother’s face was so bright. Sister Amy’s face was even brighter. “Sister Amy, do you like the brother?” “Yes.” “What do you like about him?” “His voice.” I almost fell backward. ‘Why does she like his voice the most?’ Truly, it was the work of God. Finally, the wedding date was decided. Sister Amy’s family members were happy and around 35 relatives rented a bus to come to Yangon for the wedding. The wedding ceremony was a mixture of Korean and Myanmar wedding styles. It was very joyful. All of the participants were happy and opened their hearts wide open. After the wedding, they had a tour around Yangon in the afternoon. On the next day in the morning, we had a Gospel Class and preached the Word. Sister Amy’s family stayed in Yangon for a week and listened to the Gospel and many of them were saved. We are receiving the guidance from the holy Spirit Through Amy’s wedding, a church was established in her hometown, Kyeintali. We wanted to hold a conference and to celebrate the marriage at the same time. So, we requested permission to hold the conference in Kyeintali. However, the government declined the request because it would be difficult for them to keep the order and safety. They said that it would be more dangerous for foreigners. The situation did not allow us to have a conference. Yet, we coincidently our church’s elder who

is a chief of police was a friend of the chief of police who oversees the Kyeintali region. Thankfully, through the elder’s friend assuring the safety, we were able to receive the permission. We packed a 12-ton-truck with luggage for the conference and we were getting ready for a 16 hour trip on unpaved roads. We also rented a bus in addition to the truck. The bus was made in the 1980’s and was from Hyundai. When I looked at how the brothers and sisters were dressed, I was confused because they were wearing long sleeves shirts and masks regardless of the hot weather. They also covered their bags with rice sacks. I did not pay much attention and got on the bus. When we departed from Yangon, we started to drive on the unpaved roads. Sand and wind was starting to blow in the bus. Soon, everything was covered with dirt. I discovered windshield wipers were not only for rainy days. The car in front of us was shooting dirt and sand at the windshield. Whenever we passed through different cities, we had to get in and out of the bus for inspection. I even had to get off the bus in a village that was on top of a mountain. As I was getting on the bus, I saw the stars in the sky. They were so beautiful like jewels. I felt as if I was in the bosom of God. “That’s father’s star, that’s mother’s star, that’s baby’s star…” It was amazing because it was the same moon and stars that I used to see as a child back in my hometown. This indescribable feeling gushed into my heart. Just how we do not know where the wind is from and where it is going, we were receiving the guidance from the Holy Spirit. At that time, thankfulness rushed into my heart and I got goose bumps. My wife and I looked at each other and smiled. It was because both of our hair was white. Not only our hair but our whole bodies and bags were completely covered with dirt. kyeintali conference: the most awaited festival

It was early in the morning when we arrived in Kyeintali. I was so thankful to see the brothers and sisters coming out and welcoming us with flowers. A field with some grass was the venue for the conference. I could feel that the brothers and sisters poured their hearts preparing. There was a stage that was made with bamboo, plywood, and reeds. The brothers who were fishermen caught many kinds of shrimp before the conference. We almost only ate shrimp for a whole week. Shrimp soup, fried shrimp,

1. Jin Won Lee, Aeaemon Couple 2. Kyung Sik Lee, Amy Couple 3. Ki Chul Park, Timonpu Couple 4. Conference in Kyeintali

boiled shrimp, baked shrimp, lobsters…. We ate as many lobsters as we wanted. We also had some fresh dung beetle larva for snacks. In the morning, we played soccer under the shade of palm trees and surfed. I could not forget the taste of the fresh squid. Kyeitali was paradise - clean air, uncontaminated waters, and a vast beach. We arrived in Kyeitali and held the conference from the second night. Many people came to the conference on ox carts, tractors, motorcycles, and bicycles. Some people came from the next village. More than 2,000 people came, so the fences that we prepared were too small. The conference had finally started. The brothers and sisters who are professional singers came out and sang. Everyone enjoyed it. However, after the performances, when I was about to preach the sermon, two third of participants started to leave. I did not know what to do. These people in Kyeintali did not know about God, Adam and Eve, so they would only come back when we danced and sang again. We changed our strategy. We danced and preached for 10 minutes. We sang again and preached for 10 minutes. That was how we preached until the last day. We also preached the Gospel through plays every evening. Everyone enjoyed it. After the conference, I walked along with the participants going back to their homes with flashlights. What they were talking about really touched my heart. “It is Jesus who died on the cross.” “Wow! That Korean pastor spoke better Myanmar than us.” “Jesus died for our sins. So, we no longer have sins.” I got teary eyes. “God, thank you!” Because I was driving on unpaved roads for long time, I was suffering from hemorrhoids when I arrived in Kyeintali. When I came back after finishing the conference, Brother Somu, a doctor who I preached the Gospel to in Yangon, performed surgery for no charge, and now I am completely healed. The Kyeintali conference, which was held in March, became an annual event that everyone looks forward to. Merchants would gather and it got really loud and crowded because it was the best festival that everyone in the village enjoyed.

how could something this amazing happen?

In February 2006, Brother Sang Gu Lee came to Myanmar as a member of the 5th Good News Corps, an oversees volunteering organization. Brother Lee’s parents were against oversees volunteering because of financial issues. However, Brother Lee came to Myanmar and established a dance team called the Righteous Stars. Brother Sang Gu Lee finished his 1-year-term of volunteering and returned back to Korea. Soon later, he went to Japan because the churches in Japan needed an interpreter since many Myanmar people received salvation. Brother Lee lived in Japan for four years and went back to Korea because he had to enlist in the army. After he was discharged from army, he was preparing to go back to college. Around that time, I got an email from a sister from the Good News Gangnam Church. This sister asked me to recommend a person who was good at Myanmar because she wanted to start a sewing factory in Myanmar. I recommended Brother Lee. The president of the sister’s company was also happy about it, so he hired the brother right away. His salary was competitive like many big companies. This was how Brother Lee came back to Myanmar and he eventually got married to Myanmar sister. It was a big celebration in his family. The family members of the brother came to Myanmar for the wedding and they opened their hearts wide open. Also, his parents received salvation. Brother Sang Gu Lee had been persecuted because he was learning Myanmar which seemed to be not useful, but now it was completely different. Just how Ruth followed Naomi, I was happy to see Brother Sang Gu Lee receiving a huge blessing while he followed the will of the church. During the “2007 Christmas Welcoming Event,” two old bachelors from Good News Gangnam Church came along with Pastor Ock Soo Park, and they were suddenly arranged to get married. In the following year, they all got married. The brothers were so happy saying that they received blessings as they were following the servant of God. Two sisters: Aeaemon and Timonpu moved to the Good News Gangnam Church. The two sisters now

1. The wedding ceremony of Brother Sang Gu Lee and Sister Sachilin 2. With Young Hyun Beak as an elementary teacher 3. A happy family of Brother Young Hyun Beak and Sister Asae

volunteer in the kitchen receiving much love from the church and live for the Gospel. When I occasionally go to the cafeteria in the Gangnam Church, they prepare the best dishes for me. I was thankful to see the brothers staying with the church more faithfully after their marriage. “How could something this amazing happen?” The only answer was that only God could do this. God give “happiness” as a gift

In 2012, I got a call from Korea. “Teacher, it’s me Young Hyun.” “Young Hyun? Young Hyun Beak?” Young Hyun was one of students who I taught as a homeroom teacher from the school that I first taught at. I preached the Gospel to Young Hyun and he became my first saved student. At that time, he was in the 5th grade, but when he called me he was now a married man. As 10

years passed by, Young Hyun was in difficulty suffering from as unknown pain in his heart. While he was suffering, he called me because he thought about me. “Teacher, my life is so painful. Could I visit you?” Young Hyun was married and had two beautiful daughters, but he was in pain from a divorce. He was spending his time smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). “God prepared everything from the beginning. God knew about today before Young Hyun became my student. Then, God should have already prepared a wife for Young Hyun.” Soon after, Young Hyun got married to a pretty and cute Sister Asae. Now, he is serving the Lord in the Good News Goseong Church. I was so happy to hear that he became the regional group leader while serving the Gospel. He also told me about having a beautiful daughter. The third princess was born in that family. He sent me a family picture. They looked so happy. Young Hyun boasts about having a precious son in a few months. There are many other happy “wedding stories” besides this and more are still happening. As I see how God gives happiness as a gift to each of the brothers and sisters, I am happy and thankful.

New York Times: Notes on Genesis I

The Faith of the Raven and the Faith of the Dove Pastor Ock Soo Park | Good News Gangnam Church

And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. (Genesis 8:6~9)

“Of all these other birds, why is he sending me? It must be because of my greatness. I have strong wings and I can fly for long periods of time. That’s why. The dove and the other birds cannot fly that long, but I can fly for a long time.” With the pride to believe that it was better than other birds, the raven began to fly with this heart to exalt itself. “I have awesome wings. That’s why I can fly for a long time.” Even so, if the raven had to fly to and fro until the waters abated, how painful would that have been? In the beginning, the raven could fly well, but wouldn’t it become tired and pained? Later on it would think, “My wings hurt so much. I can’t take it. When will the waters dry up and the land appear?” and would go on exhaustedly. However, what did the dove do? The dove could not see the ground even though it flew to and fro, and thought, “My only place of rest is the ark,” and returned quickly. Upon receiving the dove, Noah thought, “The dove coming back must mean that there is still much water out there. There was no land the dove could dwell upon.” It seemed that dove could not fly well, but the dove pleased Noah’s heart. It seemed that the raven flew well, but it did not accomplish what Noah intended. When i Fully realized My True image I went to church ever since I was young, but spiritual life was extremely difficult and painful until I met Jesus 41

New York Times

The raven That Flew Till the Waters Dried Genesis chapter 8 talks about the raven and the dove from the flood of Noah. This story is teaching us something extremely deep about our spiritual life. Have you ever felt that your spiritual life was difficult and hard? Most people, when asked, say, “Spiritual life is difficult and hard, and I have no confidence.” When they are asked about golf, they enjoy golf, and they are confident. They are also joyful when they are about to play soccer or some other sport, but when speaking about their spiritual lives, they have no confidence, their faces darken, and they feel extremely uneasy. Why is this so? Is spiritual life truly difficult and painful? We can find the answer to this through the dove and the raven. When the flood ended and the waters began to retreat, Noah sent the raven out to see how much the water had retreated. And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were abated from the face of the ground. (Genesis 8:7) We do not know how much time had passed after the raven went out from the ark and when the waters were abated, but the raven flew around for a long time because there was no dry ground on which it could land. How difficult and painful that must have been! It could rest peacefully if it returned to the ark, but it did not do that. The raven must have thought on its own as it left the ark.

New York Times: Notes on Genesis I

and became born again. There were so many things I had to do as I lived my spiritual life. I had to go to church on Sundays, tithe, not commit sins, do good things, fast and pray. . . . There were so many things that had to be done and I began to do them thinking that I had to. But just as the raven had confidence in the beginning and began to wear out and could not go on any longer, my spiritual life, too, wore out. “But I am a little more proper than other people. I went to church zealously. I almost never skipped a Sunday service and I tried to keep the Ten Commandments.” At the time, it seemed in some ways that my faith was better than those around me. At first, my spiritual life went well and was good, but it began to grow tiring after some time. It was not going so well. I had to keep the Ten Commandments, but I could not. At first I thought, “I can keep the Ten Commandments. I don’t drink; I don’t smoke; and I don’t commit any special sins. I am good and can keep them,” and I tried to keep the Ten Commandments. I tried to live according to the words of the Bible, but that was something so tremendous I could not achieve it. Think about it. If the whole world were covered in water and the only place not under water was the ark and you had to fly around to and fro

until the waters were abated, how tiring and difficult it would be! That was my spiritual life. One day, I realized, “I cannot do it!” Before, I thought that if I tried not to sin and desired to live a godly life, I could. Then, I had looked only to my will and determination. I did not have the eyes to see how filthy and dirty my being was. Thus, when it was just me trying, it seemed that I was doing well, but I later saw that I could not keep the Ten Commandments when I tried to completely keep them. I have never murdered anyone as the Commandments tell us not to, but the heart to hate people endlessly arose inside of me. When I met people, I smiled and greeted them happily, but inside of me, the heart of hatefulness endlessly arose in me. The Bible says that those who hate commit murder in their heart. I had never actually committed adultery, but in my heart I had a lustful heart many, many times. I had actually stolen several times, but in my heart, I coveted other people’s property many, many times. I had also lied, etc. Objectively put, it was not that I had broken one commandment among the ten, but I came to realize that there was not a single one I had kept. It seemed that I was keeping them when I was trying 42

Spiritual Life Is Not Making an Airplane but Riding It I meet with many people and give them spiritual counseling. Most people say that spiritual life is difficult and boring. They are living

the spiritual life like that of the raven. Spiritual life is truly easy. Your view of spiritual life is wrong if you think that it is difficult. Think about it. When we go long distances, is it easier to walk or ride an airplane? It is extremely comfortable if we take the plane. But if you had to build the airplane yourself, put fuel in it, and then fly it, would it be easy or difficult? If you had to do that, you would not even think of taking the airplane. If you had to do this, you could not live. We cannot make an airplane. That is why we do not even think of building an airplane, but pay for seats on an airplane that has already been built. Then it’s very easy and comfortable. Spiritual life is not you laboring to make an airplane yourself, but it is riding on an airplane that has already been made since you cannot make the airplane. On the other hand, the wrong spiritual life is like you trying to build your own airplane. When God made us, God wanted us to live a life of faith. God knew that it was impossible for us to do well in becoming perfect. God gave 43

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half-heartedly to do so, but when I checked closely one by one, I saw that I had committed so many sins. I committed murder, adultery, and theft in my heart along with lying. Only then did I realize that was the kind of person I was. How happy the raven would have been if it realized that it could not fly any longer. Then it would have immediately returned to the ark. But it had to fly around until the waters abated if it did not realize this. How tiring that must have been. But the dove was not that way. When Noah sent it outside the ark, the dove said, “There is no end to this. My wings will break, and I’ll die if I keep flying,” and returned to the ark. It was truly peaceful in the ark. This story is not just a story about the raven and the dove, but a story about our spiritual lives.

New York Times: Notes on Genesis I

us the law not so that we would keep the law to gain perfect righteousness, but since man was acting so proudly, God said, “Fine, let me give you the law and see how well you keep it,” and gave the law. Thus, you quickly realize that you cannot do it when you try to keep the law. Then you should give up. However, you go on, saying, “But I can still keep it.” Then it becomes a spiritual life like that of the raven, difficult and painful. Although I am a pastor, this is how I often pray. “Lord, I cannot pray well. I cannot fast well. I cannot keep the commandments of God well.” No matter how much we try to keep God’s commandments, filthy and evil things fill us completely and flow out from us, making the keeping of God’s commandments impossible. Therefore, trying to do well in order to be recognized and go to heaven is like the raven and is not true spiritual life. I too, at first, tried to be loyal myself and keep the law to please God and go to heaven. With such a thought, I lived my spiritual life. But God bestowed His grace upon me and I fell into true despair. Nothing went well; I fell into sin. Through this, I experienced my efforts to serve God falling apart. “Ah, I am truly an evil human being! I am dirty! I should be cursed!”

Then, for the first time, the thought to believe in myself and the thought that I could do well completely crumbled down in my heart. “God, I cannot keep the law! I can only go to hell! God, please have compassion on me!” What Jesus, the representative of Mankind, has Done is What We have Done When God told Abraham, “I will greatly multiply thee,” blessing him, God did not say, “I will bless you if you do well.” God could not say to Abraham, “I will bless you if you do not sin.” It was because God wanted to bless Abraham. If God had spoken to Abraham that way, then God could not bless Abraham if he ever lied. Thus, God, who knew Abraham’s weakness, did not say, “I will bless you if you do well,” but simply said that He would bless him. Spiritual life is also the same. If you try to be loyal, keep the law, and work at spiritual life, it is so difficult and tiring. That is the spiritual life of the raven. The dove flew a few circles, knew that it could not fly any longer, and returned to the ark. It realized that it was not perfect and re-entered the ark. This was pleasing to Noah. When the dove came back the first time, Noah knew, “Ah, the waters are not yet abated.” The 44

An aged grandmother with an aching back says, “Oh, my aching back!” but also says, “My country has won the World Cup.” Is it because this grandmother is a good soccer player? Since the representing players are doing well, it is the same as the citizens of that country doing well. What the representing players have done is accepted as what the citizens have done. That is why the citizens cheer for the representing players. That is the relationship between Jesus and us. Our going to heaven is not through our good, righteousness, effort, or will, but through Jesus who is our representative. God made Jesus our representative. Just as the dove could not fly any longer and returned to the ark, we, too, enter Jesus and say, “God, I cannot do it. So God, accept me upon seeing Jesus, who is my representative.” This is how we go to heaven. People without a spiritual life try to do well on their own in order to go to heaven. They do not accept what Jesus has done. But people of true spiritual life deny what they have done and accept what Jesus has done as their own. We can go to heaven not through our righteousness, but through the righteousness of Jesus. The death of Jesus on the cross is the same as your death. Jesus died for you, and thus, the righteousness of Jesus has become your righteousness. The holiness of Jesus is your holiness. Therefore, we become one with Jesus and become strengthened by Him to go to heaven. However, people who 45

New York Times

second time, the dove came back with an olive leaf, Noah then felt, “Now the trees are emerging.” And when the dove did not return the third time it was sent out, Noah knew, “Ah, now it is habitable out there.” Spiritual life is not done through you trying to do well. If you could be good, keep the law, and please God, then why did Jesus have to die on the cross? If you could do well, there is no need for Jesus to die on the cross. You can live spiritual life because you are unable. “God, I cannot wash away the sins I have committed. If you wash them, I will be clean. God, I cannot defeat sin. I sin every day and can only commit evil, but if you cleanse me, I can lead a clean life. God, I will be holy if you sanctify me.” Going to heaven does not depend upon your effort, labor, or works. Although you are completely unable to do anything, it can be done through relying on Jesus. Countries participating in the World Cup tournament hope to win the tournament. For this, who is it that must do well? It is not that all citizens of a country must be good at soccer to win. If the representing players win, then that country wins. Soccer matches are not played by every citizen of the country, but only the representatives play. If the representatives play well and win, then the whole country wins, even if the rest of its citizens are all lame. If the representatives lose, then that country has lost even though its citizens may be excellent soccer players.

New York Times: Notes on Genesis I

“Spiritual life is not done through you trying to do well. If you could be good,

keep the law, and please God, then why did Jesus have to die on the cross? If you could do well, there is no need for Jesus to die on the cross. You can live spiritual life because you are unable.”

live their spiritual lives the wrong way try to go to heaven through their doing well. They live spiritual life like that of the raven. What kind of a Spiritual Life Are You Living? At one time, as I went to church, I felt that spiritual life was extremely difficult. Later on, I found out that it was not a true spiritual life. Spiritual life is believing in Jesus because you cannot do it. Since I went to church, I thought I believed in Jesus, but I tried to do everything myself. Jesus came to this world because we cannot do it. But if you try to do that which you cannot, how tiring that is. I often say before God, “Lord, I cannot keep the law. I cannot pray well. I cannot read the Scriptures well. I often commit sins. I make mistakes. Therefore, do not look to me, but look to Jesus Christ. Do not look to me, but look to Jesus Christ who was crucified for my sins and accept me.” That is spiritual life. Therefore, I became one with Jesus at heart. Loving folks, what kind of spiritual life are you living? Even today, are you trying to do well yourself and keep the Ten Commandments and go to heaven through those efforts? Then it will be extremely difficult, wearisome, and

painful. However, if you do not rely on your works but have the faith to believe in Jesus, your spiritual life will be very peaceful and joyful. Receive what Jesus has done as your own. Jesus has given all the good He has done unto us, so accept them as your own. Jesus lived holy for 33 years on this earth without sinning, was crucified, and resurrected. He gave this entire life of His to us. The sinless life He lived, His holiness, His goodness. . . . All that God is pleased of, Jesus gave unto us. It is as though we had accomplished all of that. On the other hand, all the sins we committed were taken by Jesus to the cross where He was crucified. Again, spiritual life is not you being loyal and good. It is leaving yourself completely to Jesus. It is receiving what Jesus has done as your own and accepting the goodness of Jesus as your own goodness. Therefore, although you are weak and have sinned and have broken the Commandments, it is not a problem when you go to heaven. It is because you are not going forth with your own righteousness, but the righteousness of Jesus. Even if we cannot fly well, when we have the spiritual life of the dove, resting peacefully in the ark, true rest comes to us, making us overflow with freedom and joy.

Gospel Lesson

Faith and Realization Pastor Sung Hoon Kim Good News Daegu Church

The Worship with the Holy Spirit

“Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” (John 4:20) As the woman of Samaria spoke with Jesus, the confusion in her heart was revealed. “Where can I communicate with God? Is it here, is it there? I do not know.” Jesus tells her, “You did not know God and you looked for Him and you are calling upon Him vaguely, but now is the time to worship to God. You must go out to God at that time” and He said worship is done with the spirit and truth.

The Holy Spirit

For the large majority of Christians, The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost, from Old English gast, "spirit") is the third divine person of The Trinity: The "Triune God" manifested as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; each aspect itself being God. Two symbols from the New Testament canon are associated with the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography: a winged dove, and tongues of fire.

“Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:21-23) “Spirit” refers to the “holy spirit” and “truth” refers to the “heart.” Worship is done in the heart by the Holy Spirit. In order for us to now worship in the heart by the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit must come into our heart. However, because the Holy Spirit is a holy spirit, it cannot enter the heart that has sin. When our sins our washed is when the Holy Spirit enters our heart. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) It is written in this verse that “ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. The Holy Spirit does not enter our hearts because we give effort. Some people say that you receive the Holy Spirit by prayer but that is a lie. In the Bible, Acts chapter 2 is a very important chapter. Since the Holy Spirit descended on the earth in Acts chapter 2, they call Acts chapter 2 the “chapter of the Holy Spirit.” Acts chapter 2 is the only chapter that precisely tells us how we can receive the Holy Spirit. Peter said in Acts chapter 2, “Receive the remission of sins. Then you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” You don’t receive a gift by effort or by labor; you receive it

Gospel Lesson

without payment and for free. If someone receives the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit is given to that person as a gift for free. If that is so, should we be trying to receive the Holy Spirit or should we be trying to receive the forgiveness of sins. We should receive the forgiveness of sins. Then we can receive the Holy Spirit naturally as a gift. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Acts 2:39) This is the unchanging promise given to us by God, “If you receive the remission of sins, then I will give you the Holy Spirit. If you have received the forgiveness of sins, then the Holy Spirit has entered your heart. This is never referring to an emotional change. Regardless of our feeling or emotion, it is that the spirit of God enters our spirit. And so, the master that has grasped our spirit is now the Holy Spirit.

When He Comes…

The woman of Samaria did not know how to worship God. Jesus told her that true worship was done by the Holy Spirit and truth. Now, for the woman of Samaria do worship like that, the problem of sin in her heart must be resolved. The amazing truth was that this woman was searching for the Messiah. This woman surely heard the promise of Christ in the Old Testament, she knew it for sure, and she was waiting for that promise. “When the Christ comes on this earth, He will solve the problem of sin in my heart. When the Christ comes, He will tear down the wall of sin between God and I and He will lead me to become one with God.” That is why the woman of Samaria told Jesus, “When He comes…” This phrase has multiple implicit meanings. The person who says this does not have any way. Because there is now a way for her, she waits for the Messiah. Who is the person in front of this woman right now? It is Christ, the Messiah. The problem is that the woman does not have the eyes to see this. The Christ has already come but she does not know. “Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” (John 4:26) Jesus told the woman that he is the Christ. As soon as she heard that, she changed. Now, the woman sees Christ in her heart. In Daniel chapter 9, the phenomena that will happen when the Christ comes to the earth has been recorded. “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city,

Today, many people go to church and say that they are Christians. But, they have never met Christ in their hearts.

to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” (Daniel 9:24) As “Christ” means “the anointed one,” a long time ago kings were anointed when they were crowned. The anointment of the most Holy represents Christ coming to this world. What will happen when He arrives? First, transgression will be finished; second, sins will be put to end; and third, iniquity will be reconciled. Reconciliation means to be washed forever. Fourth, everlasting righteousness will be brought, and fifth, vision and prophecy will be sealed. These five events will happen simultaneously when the Christ comes. When the Christ comes to the earth, sin will end and we will be clothed with eternal righteousness. Today, many people go to church and say that they are Christians. But, they have never met Christ in their hearts. Sin has never been ended in their hearts before. Those whose sins have not ended have never met Christ. When Christ comes, sin will end and we wear eternal righteousness. As I said before, the original priest is John the Baptist. Because there is the weakness of being the priest established amongst humans, he could not accomplish the duty of the priest, the perfect atonement between God and man. However, when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the duty of the priest was passed over to Jesus. Afterwards, Jesus conducted the duty of the priest while He was on the earth. He perfectly accomplished the work of making harmony between man and God, something man could not do. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” (Hebrews 9:11) The tabernacle on the earth, the place where the work of washing man from sin and making peace between God and man was done, is a replica of the tabernacle in heaven. The priest on the earth carried the blood of goats and calves to enter the tabernacle on earth, but Jesus took his own blood to the tabernacle in heaven. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12)

Gospel Lesson

The Bible tells us that through Him, the eternal sin offering was completed. How amazing is this? Now, the sin in the woman of Samaria’s heart has been put to end. All doubt is finished. It is because Jesus came on this earth. At first, this woman did not realize that the Christ had already come on the earth. He really did come but He did not come into her heart. Though the words of Jesus, the heart of the woman was lead, and she realized Jesus in her heart.

The Way to Die While Surrounded by Food

Our sins have already been washed but Satan unceasingly works inside the thoughts of man, making man unable to realize the truth. There is this story in Second Kings chapter 7. The capital of Israel, Samaria, was besieged by the Syrian army. The Syrian army blocked all the channels for food and the Israelites were starving to death. The city of Samaria slowly turned gruesome and even came to the point where mothers were boiling their own children and eating them. At that time, the prophet of God, Elisha said, “tomorrow by this time, the city of Samaria will be free from famine.” The king and the officer said how could such of things happen and they despised the words of Elisha. However, God fulfilled His words through the four lepers outside of the city of Samaria. Originally, lepers cannot live inside of the city and they live in a valley outside of the city Four Lepers The four lepers looting and they would eat the food that was put down from the camp of the Syrians. 2 the city in a basket. However, the city of Samaria Chronicles 20 : 17, 'Ye shall not need to fight in this batis about to starve to death, as it had been a long tle: set yourselves, stand ye time since the lepers stopped receiving food. To still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah the lepers who lived putting their hopes in the and Jerusalem: fear not, nor city of Samaria, the truth became crystal clear that be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the the city had no hope to them any longer. All the LORD will be with you.' The things that they hoped for and relied on ended. At Lord raised a great commotion and clamour which that moment, what kind of heart did they have? convinced the Syrians that “Let us go to the camp of the Syrians. Let us go a great army was about to attack them, so they fled for to the land that we have never been to, away from their lives. the city, the land of fear.”

What was there? Food.

“If they give us food, then we can eat to our fill, and if they kill us, let us die. We are going to die here anyways…” The four lepers received this heart and they went to the Syrian camp. Because they were lepers, their legs were rotten and not whole, they went to the camp of the Syrians as they limped, fell, and put their arms on each other’s shoulders. God accomplished an amazing work through their footsteps. Through the sound of the lepers’ footsteps, He made the noise of a great army. He made the Syrians feel that a large and great army was heading toward them. The Syrians become frightened to death so they left everything and ran away. When the lepers reached the Syrian camp, there was not a single soldier and there was an abundant amount of food, gold and silver. Treasures piled up like mountains. After eating and hiding the treasures in posterity, they became full and thought about the people in the city. “My family and my relatives are starving to death inside of the city…” The lepers ran like crazy back to the city and cried out that there were no soldiers in the Syrian camp. “There are no Syrian soldiers. The army that you were fearing are no longer there.” The problem was that the people of Samaria did not believe that those were the words of the lepers. God had chased out all of the Syrian Army according to the words of his prophet, Elisha. The promise of God led the steps of the four lepers to the Syrian camp, made them see how the Syrian army disappeared, and made them cry out the truth to the people of Samaria. However, the people of Samaria did not believe them. Now, the Syrian army remains only in their thoughts. As long as the Syrian army remains in their thoughts, they have to starve to death. They can never be connected with the food that God has prepared for them. Two thousand years ago, Jesus perfectly washed all of our sin on the cross. However, Satan had deceived people as he makes them consider that they have sin in their hearts. They feel the sin inside of their thoughts. God sent the four lepers to testify that the Syrian army had already gone. As the people of Samaria continued to hear the words of the lepers, they feel, “Oh, the Syrian army is really gone” and they are able to go stepby-step to the place they feared. The words of the lepers lead them to the place where God had prepared so much food for them. The abundant amount of food prepared by God at the Syrian camp… When you look at it, it is the cross. God has prepared an abundance of food for us outside of the city. The reason why people starve to death is

Gospel Lesson

because they try to solve the problem inside of the city. The city of Samaria represents our thoughts and also represents ourselves. People try to solve problems within themselves. Many people think that they have to pray to wash away their sins, and that they have to work hard for their sins to be resolved. As people try to resolve sin inside of themselves, they will find that it doesn’t work and they’ll live an empty life. God has not prepared food inside of us. The things of God are prepared outside of our thoughts. If we come out of the city, then we will immediately discover the food. As soon as you leave the city, there is food. Look here, the people of Samaria are surrounded by food. Despite that, they are starving to death. It is because of this city. If you make an American embassy in South Korea and you set up the American flag, American laws apply to the building, not South Korean laws. Likewise, the entire world was made by God, however, humans formed a world inside of “themselves.” Inside, they are trying to exercise their sovereignty. As they try to play the role as master, they starve to death inside, because they try to solve problems with their own wisdom, there is emptiness and difficulties that arise in their heart. When people receive the word of God, they judge first and then try to receive the word of God. Those people will starve to death. If the city crumbles down, if the doors of the city open, then there is food. There is no need to go find something, they are able to realize themselves, who have no food.

Faith and Realization

Faith is realization. God illuminates our eyes so we can realize Christ. You have lived relying on your feelings and trusting in your thoughts, if you hear the Word of God and open the gates of your heart, then the eyes of your heart opens. “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” (Luke 24:15-16). After Jesus died and resurrected, his disciples were going to the village of Emmaus broken-hearted. Although Jesus walked with them, the eyes of the disciples were closed so they could not see Jesus. Although Jesus is really there, He is not in their hearts. What did Jesus say to them? “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things,

Faith is realization. God illuminates our eyes so we can realize Christ.

and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:25-27) Jesus explained the Bible to them. He told them all the words that referred to Him. He told them precisely that the Christ had suffered, wash away all the sins of man, and resurrected in three days. At that time, the eyes of the disciples were opened. At last, they saw that the person next to them was Jesus. “And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.” (Luke 24:32) “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 25:32) As the disciples heard the Word, Jesus came alive in their hearts. As Jesus became alive in their hearts, they were able to see the living Jesus. If we follow the Word, then the eyes to see God will open.

Pastor Sung Hoon Kim is currently the senior pastor at Good News Daejon Church. This is the sermon that he preached at the 29th Summer Retreat, titled, “For the Lost Souls.”

Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

Heaven Answers My Needs

Testimony of Pastor Ock Soo Park

hile back when it was possible to purchase a nice house in Gimcheon with only 350,000 won, I leased a house for 200,000 won. Having just been discharged from the army, I knew nothing about how the world was running. I used the rest of my 150,000 won for witnessing and holding Bible seminars. However, the owner of the house who was addicted to gambling ran away when the house was repossessed by the bank. Just because I was a righteous child of God didn’t mean that I didn’t face any difficulties. A month later, the branch manager of the bank came to meet me. He wanted me to move out as soon as possible. Having nowhere to go, I was dumbfounded, and I fell prostrate, praying to God. “Father God, because I know nothing about the going-ons of the world, I made a mistake. What should I do? Surely, you can’t be happy, having your servant sleep under a bridge. Please give me a house.” There was no answer. After praying for a day, God gave me the heart to go out and look for a home. Walking around the city, I found a nice second story building with a spacious hall and several rooms. The advertisement said that the place was available for 200,000 won. More time passed. I was told that the bank’s branch manager had come by several times while I was at Bible Seminars. One early morning, as I was setting out to go to another seminar, the branch manager came by to meet me. 56

“Why is it so hard to meet you?” “I’m busy. I’m on my way to hold a Bible Seminar.” “You don’t have time to talk?” “I’m really busy right now.” “Oh well. Then I’ll go with you.” The branch manager followed me onto the bus. “Mr. Park, being a branch manager is not an easy job. I leased the building to your landlord without even knowing his circumstances.” If I told him that I believed in God, I thought he would pick on me, saying, “How could a person who believes in God be like this…” So I thought it would be better to not to beat around the bushes. But while praying, God spoke to my heart, “Can you take care of this on your own?” “Lord, how could I solve this problem on my own? You must solve it for me.” “Then testify so.” So I said to the branch manager, “Mister branch manager, I’m not saying that I won’t move out, nor am I trying to get back money that I deposited. I simply have nowhere to go at the moment. I’ve reported my situation to my master, but he has yet to give me any orders. So please just bear with me until my owner gives me an order.” “Mr. Park, you had a master?” “Yes.” “Who is your master?” “My master is very good. He is Jesus Christ.” The branch manager’s eyes widened and he said, “Mr. Park, you’re that kind of a person?” I spoke to him about the many times that God helped me. He then grabbed my hand and said, “Mr. Park, I am not a religious person, but hearing your stories makes me feel something. Anyhow, please pray more so this problem can be resolved quickly.” I could forget all of my worries when leading a Bible Seminar, but once I got home, I would start to worry. Many times, I went up to the attic in my home to pray. I unconsciously cried and shouted as I prayed. One day, while I was praying God gave me the heart to go back to the second-story house that I previously visited. I imagined the house to have been taken since it was a nice place with cheap rent, but the sign still said, “For rent.” I thought, “God is trying to give me a house,” so I decided to move there without a penny in my pocket. The owner was not home, so I told the children of the house to tell their father that someone wants to rent out the second floor, and I visited them again that night. “I came for the second floor rent.” 57

Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

“Oh, you’re the one that came by earlier?” “Yes.” I explained to the landlord, “I am a servant of God. I came to this city to preach the Gospel, but the owner of the house I am currently living in has issues, so I must move out. It’s been a month since I’ve prayed to God about this problem, and I feel that God wants to give me this house. I have no money. If you would like, please let me live here. But please don’t pity me. I have no doubts that God has prepared another home for me, if this isn’t the place He wants me to be.” After listening to my story, the landlord thought long and hard with his eyes closed and finally opened his mouth. “I’m the elder of the Jijwa Church in the town of Jijwa. God has given me such a nice building by the national highway, so how can I deny renting this place out to a servant of God who needs it? Use it.” Was this a dream? The elder’s daughter was playing hymns on the piano, and it made me unable to distinguish whether what just happened was a dream or reality. Tears began to fall from my eyes. I was so thankful! As I turned to leave, the elder grabbed my hand and said, “But if you come completely empty handed, it’ll be uncomfortable for the both of us, so I’d like for you to bring some money, regardless of the amount.” I said, “Then I’ll give you 80,000 won.” I covered my mouth with my hands, but it was too late. 80,000 won was such a large amount of money. The elder said, “Very well.” I decided to move in a week later. Once again, I knelt down and prayed. “Lord, I blurted out that I would bring 80,000 won. Please take responsibility for it.” Even at the slightest sound of the front gates, I would imagine someone had come to give me some money. A day, two days, three days passed, but I still had no way to pay the rent. On the fifth day, a lady came by saying, “I’m pretty sure it’s this house…” She turned out to be someone I knew. Before I began living in my current home, she had paid 50,000 won as down payment for the house, but after the house was taken by the bank, she canceled the contract. Afterwards, I had gone to her home several times to get the contract fee, but she seemed to be living a very difficult life. “Sir, please take our closet. I have no money to give you.” I had thought to myself, “It’s useless trying to get money from her,” and had forgotten about it. But now, after two years, she had come to see me. “Sir, I’m really sorry I couldn’t pay you all this time. The debt collectors 58

came to my home every day because I had so much debt. Of all the people I owe money to, I know I need to pay you back. I have 40,000 won today and brought it here, since only God knows where it’ll go once I take it home.” I’ll give you 40,000 won for now and give you 10,000 won later.” She had brought 40,000 won in 500 won coins, wrapped in a handkerchief. I counted it more than a hundred times. I felt, “This is surely sent from the Lord. That means God will take care of the rest.” That evening, I went to meet the branch manager of the bank. “Mr. Branch manager, God allowed me to move to a new home. I’ll be moving two days from now. Please come.” “Mr. Park, I’m a father myself, and I feel like I’m blocking your path, so I feel sorry. I’m trying to run for the National Assembly...Mr. Park, please don’t think badly of me.” He then went to a safe and counted some money. “Mr. Park, just think of this as good-will.” I was so thankful, and I accepted it, saying, “Thank you.” He asked me to have some tea before I left, but I couldn’t stay any longer because I was so curious how much he had given me. I counted the money as soon as I turned the corner. It was 10,000 won. I couldn’t help but to praise God. I had to get 30,000 won within two days, but I was not worried at all. A little while later, a friend called me. “I heard you’ve been going through some tough times lately, and I’m sorry I couldn’t help you out as a friend. I just started my business, so I’m not doing so well either, but I have 20,000 won lying around, so you can use it. If you can, you can pay it back. If you can’t, that’s too bad.” I got 20,000 won from a friend I had not even thought of. I also gathered 59

Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

some brothers who were working with me for the Gospel and asked them for some money. When I emptied out all my pockets and gathered all my coins, I had close to 8,000 won. I somehow gathered 80,000 won and was able to move in to the new home. I moved on a very cloudy day. I let some brothers do the moving, and I went out to witness. I preached the Gospel for almost the whole day at someone’s home. When I came out around 4pm, it was drizzling. The lady of the house said worriedly, “Oh, no, it’s raining. We don’t have an umbrella...Why don’t you leave when the rain stops a bit?” “It’s okay. I’m sure Jesus was rained on often when he was on this Earth.” I left the house with the Bible hugged to my chest, so it wouldn’t get wet. While walking home, getting rained on, I thought of Jesus. “Lord, when you were on this Earth, you must not have had a room for yourself. Where did you take shelter on rainy days like these? During the day you preached at the Jerusalem Temple, and you slept without a room at the Mount of Olives at night. When it would rain, where did you take shelter? Lord, you didn’t even have a room on this Earth, but who am I but a worthless servant that you think of me and prepare shelter for me!” I could not stop my tears from falling. Ever since I received forgiveness of sins, the Lord has never left my side and has always looked after me. During my ministry, there were many temptations, but because I am a servant of God, I was not shaken and was led only by God’s hands. I have assurance that ‘Heaven answers my needs.’

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