The Goodnews - June, 2017

JUNE 2017

DELIVERING THE GOSPEL & THE TESTIMONIES OF GRACE

∙ Salvation Testimony

∙ Memoirs of a Missionary

∙ Special Article

∙ New York Times II

Grace

Miracles Are Happening in Buddhist & Communist Countries

“Seek and Ye Shall Find”

True Repentance; an Absolute Necessity in Spiritual Life

ON THE COVER The Seoul Bible Seminar was held at the Jamsil Grand Gymnasium Hall from May 15th to May 18th, and also held at the Good News Gangnam Church from May 19th to May 20th.

The Bible Seminar followed the Word of Promise: To be a beacon of light to spread the Gospel. This year's seminar reached many people through witness stands, house calls, letters, online and TV advertising.

Pastor Ock Soo Park shared the Word in 2 Kings 4:17 about the "Shunammite Woman". The thoughts of man could never be the same as the thoughts of God. One sister who received a kidney transplant was able to become healthy and recover when her kidney was removed and a new kidney was transplanted. Likewise, as the attendants of the Bible Seminar removed their thoughts and transplant the Word of God a new life awaits them. True repentance is not changing my behavior but realizing how evil I am, which leads to forsaking my thoughts and following Jesus. Throughout 2 Kings the characters of the Shunammite Woman and General Naaman are perfect examples that show us how blessed we become when we put down our thoughts and accept the Word of God. Prophet Elisha was able to provide for the Shunammite Woman once she invited the prophet into her home. Likewise, when we invite Jesus into our lives, He is able to provide everything for us.

About one hundred new people came through the advertising and heard the Gospel and became saved. Additionally, the Pastoral Meeting, Mahanaim Bible Training, IYF Students Workshop, and Good News Corps meetings also took place. Pastor Ock Soo Park was able to preach at these meetings and preached about how we gain hope when we entrust ourselves to Jesus and live for the Gospel.

Over seventy pastors from Korea, India, Philippines, Kenya, Ghana, Gambia, Tanzania, and Jamaica participated in the Pastoral Meeting and were able to listen to the Word of Promise in the Bible.

-2-

BIBLE SEMINAR IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA "When we receive the forgiveness of sin we become one with God, regardless of who we are. When we discover the heart of God in the Bible we can overcome any problem."

Pastor Ock Soo Park said that God will surely help the born again pastors and give them living testimonies to strongly share the Word.

On July 26th and August 6th, 2016 Pastor Ock Soo Park held meetings with the President of the Republic of Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni.

These meetings resulted in IYF and the Ministry of Education of Uganda signing and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU has established an official agreement between IYF and the Ugandan government for IYF to provide Mind Education curriculum for the training of teachers at all school levels, to be included into school curricula throughout the country, in prisons, police academies, and military academies, and the creation and launching of departments of mind education in universities and colleges.

On May 17, 2017, Mr. Mayende Simon, Executive Director from the office of the Prime Minister of Uganda visited Seoul Bible Seminar. During his 5-day stay in Korea, he visited Bucheon Lincoln House School, Daeduk International School, and had an IYF Leaders Conference with university students from around the country. He also attended the Seoul Bible Seminar, and had individual fellowship with Pastor Ock Soo Park. Pastor Park explained about The Tabernacle on Earth and The Tabernacle in Heaven. Since Jesus’ blood is painted on the horns of the alter at The Tabernacle in the Heaven, we have been perfected eternally. Director Simon said he had attended church for a long time, but he never heard this kind of message before. Through Romans 3:23~24, Pastor Park showed Director Museveni what was God’s written judgment for our sin. “We are righteous by the blood of Jesus, and this is the judgment of God,” Pastor Park explained. Director Simon was so surprised and happy, saying, “Fantastic!” He became righteous accepting the precious Gospel into his heart. We are looking forward to seeing how he will work powerfully together with IYF to establish the Mind Education throughout the Republic of Uganda.

-3-

TABLE OF CONTENTS

04

18

Monthly Sermon Adonijah’s Wisdom, Solomon’s Wisdom

Special Article Miracles Are Happening in Buddhist & Communist Countries

12 Salvation Testimony Grace

34 Memoirs of a Missionary “Seek and Ye Shall Find”

-4-

GOOD NEWS MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017

44 New York Times II True Repentance; an Absolute Necessity in Spiritual Life

62 Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth Why My Daughter?

52

64

Gospel Lesson The Atonement Offering to Wash Away Sin of All People for a Year

Church Directory

-5-

Sermon of the Month

ADONIJAH’S WISDOM, SOLOMON’S WISDOM Pastor Ock Soo Park | Good News Gangnam Church

“Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “May God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life! Now therefore, as the Lord lives, who has confirmed me and set me on the throne of David my father, and who has established a house for me, as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death today!”

1 Kings 2:23-35

-6-

Adonijah was wise, but it was Satan’s wisdom that was leading him. That is why it may seem like he was very wise, but that wisdom was leaning to one side.

IT SEEMED AS IF ADONIJAH WOULD BECOME KING

Among the many sons of King David, there were Solomon and Adonijah.

God gave David the heart to want to establish Solomon as king, but as always, Satan began to go against the will of God. Adonijah, who received Satan’s heart, wanted to become king, and began work to try to become king. He needed a priest and the commander of the army, Joab. David was the active king, but he was considered to be powerless because of his old age. As a result, the people who followed Adonijah made a commotion that Adonijah was going to be the next king. In the end, Adonijah decided on a certain day to invite Priest Abiathar, Joab the commander of the army, and the princes. He held a feast, and those who were there shouted, “Hail, King Adonijah!” It seemed as if he was going to become king. However, the priests who truly believed in God: Zadok, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Prophet Nathan did not attend as they stood on the side of David, waiting to establish Solomon as king.

Adonijah completely fell into the thought and desire of becoming king, and, as a result, was unable to think about anything else. While David remained king, it was treason and a betrayal to call himself king because David was still king, although he was very old. Adonijah never understood imagined that he could be killed because of that betrayal, and instead, he was enjoying himself with a feast. Nathan, the prophet, and a few others went before King David and informed him about what Adonijah and done.

Then, after David announced that he will make Solomon king, Solomon became king.

-7-

Sermon of the Month

EVEN AFTER SOLOMON BECAME KING, ADONIJAH STILL WANTED TO BE KING

Adonijah was wise, but it was Satan’s wisdom that was leading him.

That is why it may seem like he was very wise, but that wisdom was leaning to one side. He did not have the eyes to see every aspect he needed to see in detail. Therefore, when Solomon became king, Adonijah became a dead man. Solomon was supposed to kill Adonijah with a stroke of the sword, but instead, Solomon let Adonijah, who tried to steal away the thrown, live with a merciful heart. He warned Adonijah, saying, And Solomon said, If he will shew himself a worthy man, there shall not an hair of him fall to the earth: but if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die. (1 Kings 1:52) Adonijah returned home happy, thinking, “I thought I was going to die, but I’m alive!” The fact of the matter is that if Adonijah knew that it was the will of God to make Solomon king, then he should have forsaken all the thoughts in his heart that still desired to be king. However, Adonijah did not do it. And so although Solomon had become king, Adonijah still kept the heart and desire to take the throne and be king.

AS SOON AS SOLOMON HEARD THE WORDS OF BATHSHEBA, HE KNEW ADONIJAH’S HEART

Adonijah thought about different ways to become king. That is when the wisdom that Satan planted within him began to arise. The plan was to marry Abishag, a Shunammite. Abishag was an innocent damsel with a beautiful face. Abishag was a beautiful maiden selected by the servants of David to warm him through her own body temperature. She was chosen because David could not warm himself, even though he was covered in blankets, because of his old age. And therefore, since Abishag was always in the palace, she knew what was going on in the palace far better than anyone else.

In response, Adonijah thought, “If I marry Abishag, who knows what is happening in the palace, then I can find the right opportunity to become king. How can I marry Abishag? Aha! I will ask Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, to make a request on my behalf. If she speaks with Solomon, he will not reject his mother’s request just because he is king. If Solomon permits me to marry Abishag, then I will find an opportunity to become king later.”

-8-

The wisdom of Satan is always below the wisdom of God. For that reason, when we gain the wisdom of God, we can prevail over the arrogant wisdom of Satan. And we can fulfill the will of God.

Adonjiah had this heart. Adonijah kept this heart, and he even grew happy, thinking, “An opportunity for me to become king is coming!” He then went to Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, and asked, “Please, speak to Solomon for me, and ask that he give me Abishag, the Shunammite, to be my wife. He will not tell you no.” Bathsheba promised to do so without much thought. She only thought, “Adonijah almost became king, but since he didn’t become king, at least I should help him have a good wife.”

Then she went to Solomon.

Solomon met his mother for the first time since becoming king, prepared a seat for her, and began to speak with her. Bathsheba said, “I desire one small petition. Please don’t say no.”

“Ask on, my mother. For I will not tell you no.”

“Let Abishag, the Shunammite, marry Adonijah your brother.”

After listening to her, Solomon was surprised. Bathsheba spoke to Solomon not knowing Adonijah’s plans. However, Solomon perceived his plans as soon as he heard her. “Adonijah is still refusing to give up his desire to become king. He is coveting my throne. Therefore, he is planning to kill me.”

Then, Solomon spoke to Bathsheba, “Why do you ask Abishag, the Shunmmite, for Adonijah? Ask me to give him the kingdom also, because he is my older brother! Also, ask for Abiathar, the priest, and for Joab, the son of Zeriuah.” Then he said, “Adonijah has spoken these words against his own life.” He then ordered to have Adonijah killed.

-9-

Sermon of the Month

THE WISDOM OF GOD IS FAR GREATER THAN THE WISDOM OF SATAN

Adonijah thought that he was wise, but his wisdom came from Satan, and it was a wisdom that went against the will of God. Adonijah thought there was no one as wise as he was, and he never imagined that Solomon would discover his plot. And then he went about to try to make Abishag his wife. If Solomon had given him Abishag to be his wife, then he would have looked for the chance to become king through her. However, Solomon perceived Adonijah’s heart and saw everything precisely. The wisdom of God that Solomon had was far superior to Satan’s wisdom that Adonijah had. Bathsheba was deceived by Adonijah and went before Solomon, but because Solomon was above the wisdom of Adonijah, he perceived Adonijah’s heart and was able to remove him.

There is wisdom that comes from God, and there is wisdom that comes from Satan. When you receive wisdom from Satan, you feel ecstatic in your heart: “How could this wisdom come from me? I’m so wise! I can do anything with this!” This is how a person falls into arrogance and self-satisfaction. However, the wisdom of God is much greater than the wisdom of Satan.

- 10 -

Solomon, who had God’s wisdom, knew Adonijah’s heart when he heard the words of Bathsheba. “Why is Adonijah asking for Abishag the Shunammite to be his wife? He has not given up his heart to become king. He is looking for the chance to kill me and become king.” The wisdom that Solomon had was far greater than Adonijah’s wisdom because it was the wisdom of God. WHEN WE PREACH THE WORD, MEET WITH PEOPLE, AND WORK WITH THE WISDOM OF GOD

I often feel how the wisdom of God is superior to the wisdom of Satan.

I am not a wise or smart person, but at times I can see how Satan tries to overthrow the church and attacks and goes against me through other people.

The amazing fact is that God has given me His wisdom, and I can see Him leading me to defeat and overcome everything. What’s important for us, as we serve God and live a blessed life, is to forsake all the wisdom that we have, and to receive the wisdom of God. When we preach the Word, meet with people, and work with His wisdom, it is the most beautiful thing.

When Satan gives wisdom to those who belong to him, those people consider themselves to be wise, and they work believing that things will go according to that wisdom. However, the wisdom of Satan is always below the wisdom of God. For that reason, when we gain the wisdom of God, we can prevail over the arrogant wisdom of Satan. And we can fulfill the will of God. Solomon received wisdom from God. In 1 Corinthians chapter 2, it states that this wisdom is unknown by the rulers of the world.

God also said that He would give wisdom to the foolish to put the wise to shame. God has given His servants wisdom. That is why the people of God kneel before God and pray in order to do God’s work. When we seek the wisdom of God and work, one by one with that wisdom, we can taste the joy of victory through 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, and 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.

- 11 -

Salvation Testimony

Grace

Cindy Lee | Good News Anchorage Church

H

ow do people receive salvation when they don’t know what salvation is? How can one be free from sin? For 19 years of my life, I lived and drowned in difficulties because I didn’t know how to deal with them. And in response, I often blamed the world for my shortcomings. I always believed that I had to work hard and sacrifice my freedom for success. However, sometimes no matter how hard I try, I just couldn’t prosper. After trying many times, I would lose hope and give up. As a result, I was often left in despair. I lived everyday just burying my sadness deep within myself. I had so many burdens resting upon my shoulders. I thought I was doing well by not letting my difficulties overcome me. To hide the misery, I forced a smile and lived hopelessly, day by day. Up to a certain point in life, I was unable to fully express myself completely. I had forgotten how to open my heart to other people around me, and so outwardly, I continuously laughed to forget

- 12 -

about my insecurity. Sometimes, I found myself lonely even in a sea of For the first time people. In the end, I lost interest in in my life, I felt the world and became selfish. the difficulties in my In my life, I often went against my heart being revealed, parents and only did what I wanted. and for the first Being the third oldest of eight kids, I time ever, I felt like had to take on lots of responsibilities.

My older brother never helped with I wasn’t alone. the family, and my older sister did not have a good relationship with my parents. As a whole, my family was not close at all. I remember always wishing for a happy family like the ones I saw in movies. I wished my parents could speak English fluently, so I didn’t have to translate or do all of the paperwork our family needed. I really wished that I didn’t have to go to every single doctor’s appointment. Then, as a result, guilt would devour my conscience every time I defied my family. In addition, throughout my teenage years, I had lots of hatred towards my family.

Soon enough, I was in my second year of college at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. In August of 2015, I became a volunteer for the first Christmas Cantata in held in Alaska. Everyday I walked by the Cantata booth at school and stare blankly at the posters. One day, out of nowhere, the pastor’s wife, from Vancouver, suddenly pulled me towards the booth.

What first sparked my interest was the fact that I loved both choirs and volunteering. Therefore, I continually went to volunteer for the door-to-door deliveries. What I never expected was that the Mind Education that the

Cindy and her family

- 13 -

Salvation Testimony

volunteers received after they delivered for the day. For the first time in my life, My heart used I felt the difficulties in my heart being to be closed like revealed, and for the first time ever, I a shut door, but felt like I wasn’t alone. There were other when I opened it, people who understood my pain. even just a little bit, On September 29th, of 2015, I light automatically heard some very special words that entered. set me free from all the burdens in my heart. In the Bible, I read, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28) This was when peace entered into my heart for the first time in my life, and I couldn’t help but to be filled with joy. I came to truly know that even when I feel lonely, I am not alone.

From that moment on, everything I looked at became a blessing instead of a curse. My family was the best gift I ever received from God. Everything that I have is a gift from the Lord. I couldn’t help but cry when I came to that realization. My life was actually filled with happiness, but not once did I appreciate what I had. I went from being stubborn to being humble because of faith and grace. There is so much that God does in this world for everyone, and I am so blessed to have been able to witness it.

Through His grace, I was able to attend the 2016 World Culture Camp in Korea. There were so many great works that were being accomplished, and there were so many youths that were being trained to become stronger individuals.

Seeing the change of the people at the World Camp inspired me to also want to spread the hope to other young people. I came to learn that if a person does not share the joy he has in his heart with others, then it becomes for nothing. Through faith, we should rejoice in everything. The most valuable lesson I learned was that the evil spirit always drags us; however, when we open our hearts to others, we can be saved. My heart used to be closed like a shut door, but when I opened it, even just a little bit, light automatically entered. I have witnessed this, personally, multiple times, although I had never experienced it until that World Camp.

There were many events that happened in my life that left me in a state of dismay, but that was merely because those events did not fit my expectations and were not to my own liking. Yet, the moment I shared my sorrows with members of my team, joy naturally flowed into me like magic. There was - 14 -

1. Cindy with her group at the IYF World Camp 2. Participating in the Chunhyang Dance with he Anchorage Youth Group 3. Cindy volunteering for the Christmas Cantata

- 15 -

nothing I could do to change my thoughts, nor was there anything I could do to control my feelings. The messages I heard from the Mind Lectures guided me through the rough times. The World Camp has changed me in so many ways. The faith I had in my Savior had greatly strengthened me as I faced the challenges in my life.

Every year at the World Camp in Korea, participants take part in the 5K Run. This year, the run took place on Haeundae Beach in the city of Busan. Every step I took made me realize that every step makes an actual difference. Another thing I noticed was that the steps became easier when I stepped into the footprints of the person who ran before me. However, those footprints were not steps that I had made, so they didn’t necessarily fit me. I was able to acknowledge in my heart that my steps will never be the very same steps as someone else, but that was okay.

In the end, despite the pain, I was able to finish the race because I knew there was an end. No matter how long the race was I continued to take step after step because I knew there was a finish line. When I look at my spiritual life, it doesn’t matter what I may face in the future because I know that there is a place I will arrive at in the end. How great would it be if other people in the world to know this? If the people living in despair knew about the place they would end at, and the plans God made for them, then they would be living with so much triumph in their life. In my life, because of the promise of God that I received from my salvation, my heart could only be hopeful. The promise will bless my life forever through faith. Whenever I look to the words of God, I find all that I ever need in life. I am truly thankful that God has found me.

- 16 -

- 17 -

Miracles Are Happening in Buddhist & Communist Countries 170 Christian leaders received salvation in the Buddhist country of Cambodia. The first World Camp opened in Vietnam, which is a communist country. Featured in today's article are the testimonies of the missionaries who are witnessing these miracles in both countries.

Special Article

Cambodia

This Month Shall Be Unto You the Beginning of Months: It Shall Be the First Month of the Year to You Pastor Chul Ha, Missionary of the Good News Phnom Penh Church

We held the 7th World Camp from March 27th to the 29th at the Kohpich Theater, the biggest venue in Cambodia that seats 3,000 people. It felt like yesterday when we were debating to have the camp because we couldn't find a venue that could hold 1,000 participants.

I can feel that God has blessed this country so that we can preach the Gospel. While we were preparing for the camp, there weren't any facilities that could house all the students we were expecting. Therefore, the participants would have to come to the camp venue in the morning and returned home in the evening. This was the beginning of the many changes that came about in Cambodia.

"Chul, You, Too, Should Break Forward!"

Seven years ago, we held our first World Camp because the servant of God is overjoyed when he is able to preach the Gospel. In 2017, we decided to hold another camp that the servant of God would be pleased with. A pastor, who came to Cambodia from Korea as part of the preparation team, told me, "If all the other world camps play out the same way it did last time, then Pas- 19 -

Special Article

Cambodia

tor Park may not be able to attend." Then I thought to myself, “Then how would I hold a camp if it were going to be the last one that Pastor Park would ever attend?”

After the preparation team left, we gathered every evening to promote the camp and pray for the Chancellors Forum, Business Leaders Forum, Professors Forum, and Christian Leaders Fellowship. We only had three weeks left to prepare, so we were limited in the things we could do. I had many conflicts in my heart, but I was thankful to have the Word of God lead me: Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits." (Psalms 68:19) Cast thy burden upon the Lord…"

(Psalms 55:22) Whether it is a heavy or light burden, God is pleased to carry all of our burdens. He is pleased when we cast our burdens onto Him. If I'm going to cast my burden upon the Lord, then it might as well be the heaviest one that I couldn't handle on my own.

The words in Genesis chapter 38 that tell about the story of Pharez being born gave me great strength. In order to continue the genealogy of Jesus Christ, Tamar risked her life and gave birth to Pharez and Zarah. Zarah put out his hand first and the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it to identify him as the firstborn, who would continue the genealogy of Jesus Christ. However, Pharez didn't give up. He drew back his brother's hand and broke forward first. This was the story of how Pharez was able to appear in the genealogy of Christ: And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram. (Matthew 1:3) I felt as though God was speaking to me through these words, and telling me to break forward as well. What difference do the results make? If God tells me to break forward, - 20 -

1. The 7th World Camp was held at the Kohpich Theater, the biggest venue in Cambodia.

2. Mr. Sien Bora, who supports IYF like a member of the family 3. The Christian Leaders Fellowship, during which, 170 pastors received salvation.

- 21 -

Special Article

Cambodia

then I should just break forward. This became a great strength to my heart.

All the Pastors Received Salvation

On March 26th, Pastor Ock Soo Park’s flight was delayed and he arrived in Cambodia around midnight. Despite it being so late in the evening, Pastor Park went straight to the camp venue and preached the Word to the brothers and sisters who were preparing for the camp. The day before the start of the camp, the Prime Minister held an event at the same venue, so we were only able to enter the place to set up after noon. Preparations for the kitchen were even more difficult because we were allowed in only after 10pm. I was thankful that the brothers and sisters prepared all night so that the event would go smoothly.

On March 27th, 2,100 students attended the Opening Ceremony, as well as 200 Christian leaders. After lunch, we held the Christian Leaders Fellowship and Pastor Park preached the Gospel as he spoke about David, who had the heart of God. All those who attended received Pastor Park's heart and received salvation. It was a deeply moving moment.

"I was moved to see the best cultural performances. I was especially touched when they sang the song, ‘Phnom Penh,’ composed by King Norodom Sihanouk. Not only were the performances moving, but the lectures of Pastor Park moved me as well. They were special words that moved our hearts and planted hope in both the youths and adults. These are great words for the leaders of this country. It also brings hope to those prisoners who have lost everything. I thank the Korean people who have prepared for this event and supported Cambodia.

- Norodom Siriwit, Advisor to the King

- 22 -

During the 2016 World Camp, we held our first Christian Leaders Fellowship, and 30 people attended. At that time, a person name, Jem, received salvation and connected us to many other pastors. Through this, close to 170 pastors from other churches were able to attend this year's camp. I was amazed to see them open their hearts and accept the Word.

On the second day, following the meeting with our pastors early in the morning, there was the Christian Leaders Fellowship, a World Camp morning session, Chancellors Forum, another World Camp session, and the Professors Forum scheduled. Pastor Park didn't rest once, and preached the Word at every one of these events. After briefly meeting with the Minister of Environment and the Leader of the National Youth Committee, he went straight to preach the Word to the Christian leaders. The biggest thing we gained during this camp was the Christian leaders who receive salvation during the Christian Leaders Fellowship.

I Prayed for Farmers

After the camp ended, I was invited by one of the pastors, who attended, to preach the Gospel to 30 peo-

"Through pastor's words, I was able to distinguish between my thoughts and God's thoughts. At first, it wasn't clear to me when I heard, ‘I am righteous.’ But after today, it became clear to me. Regardless of who I am, God calls me righteous. Faith is having the same heart as God. Pastor's point today was that, regardless of what I think, if I have the same heart as God, He will work through me. I realized this for the first time today.”

- Nissumun, Pastor of the Berreyabo Sansok Church

- 23 -

Special Article

Cambodia

ple. I was also invited to hold conferences in churches in many other regions. Miracles were happening in a Buddhist country like Cambodia. In April, the average temperature is around 38 degrees Celcius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), so it is extremely hot. I was invited to preach the Word in places where there weren't any fans, but I was thankful to see people still listening to my sermons as they sat there sweating. I, too, was drenched in sweat after preaching for an hour, but I was thankful, again and again, to God, who opened the doors for me to preach the Gospel.

I recently had fellowship with a person named Song Seing, who attended the Christain Leaders Fellowship.

He ministered to farmers and wanted me to preach the Gospel to them. There are many farmers in Cambodia, but it's difficult to meet them in the city. I prayed to God to allow me to hold Mind Lectures for these farmers, and I am extremely thankful that God has opened the way for me to do so.

God Sent Me People I Was Unable to Meet Before

Sien Bora, the Secretary of Education, who attended the Chancellors Forum in South Korea, now thinks of the IYF as family, and gave us advice and helped us prepare for the World Camp. Mr. Licheng is the president of the Veltigroup, as well as an IYF Adviser. He came to oversee the preparations. He also arranged for the Junior-year students in the Veltigroup High School to attend the World Camp. The Veltigroup also handled all the transportation needs for the Christian leaders during the camp.

In a land where all the intellectuals were killed in the

- 24 -

past, it is difficult to meet such people on our own. However, God has sent them to us in order to help us with the works of the Gospel. I am so thankful when I think of this. The Head Warden of 28 prisons in Cambodia, as well as the Director of Prisons, came to meet with Pastor Ock Soo Park. After the camp ended, they opened ways for us to sign MOU’s and carry out Mind Lectures in prisons.

Last year, the Cuckoo Bird Choir of the Phenom Pehn Church toured the country as they performed the Christmas Cantata. They also held musical concerts at individual churches. It was at one of these events that the wife of the King's adviser came to know us. She enjoyed the music greatly, and we formally invited her to attend the World Camp and listen to the Gracias Choir. She attended the third morning and was moved when she heard the Gracias Choir and pastor's lecture.

We will continue to meet with chancellors and professors in order to hold Mind Lectures in different schools.

We also have faith that we will be able to hold Mind Lectures in various companies that attended this forum.

It Shall Be the First Month of the Year to You

After the camp ended, I reflected on the Passover that appears in the book of Exodus. There is a quote that reads, "This shall be the first month and it shall be the first month of the year to you." I felt that this camp was the beginning of the new doors of the Gospel and the first month of the year to us. God also gave me the words to break forward from my circumstances. I believe God will bring about new works for the Gospel.

- 25 -

Special Article

Vietnam

GOING FORWARD WITH THE PROMISE:

GIVE THEE FOR A COVENANT OF THE PEOPLE, FOR A LIGHT OF THE GENTILES Jin Hyang Nam (Missionary of the Hanoi Church)

A World Camp was held for the first time in the Hanoi area in Vietnam at the Cung Dien Kinh Indoor Gymnasium on March 30th and 31st. This was the first event hosted by both the CCIC, which is a division of the diplomatic service of Vietnam, and IYF since we signed a framework accord with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organization (VUFO).

We were very happy, but on the other hand, we had difficult hearts as well. That was because hosting such a big event in Vietnam meant that there would be that many more regulations to keep. It took at least two months just to take the steps toward getting a warrant from the government to hold the event. In addition, one month was not enough for us to rent a venue, recruit students, invite VIP guests, and find sponsors. There were so many complications, but God prepared everything for us.

From Venue Rental to Student Recruitment When the camp schedule had been set, we initially told CCIC that we would open a World Camp that will host 3,500 students. CCIC permitted us to hold the event without many problems, so we started to look - 26 -

1

3

4

2 1. The Gracias Choir was invited for the first IYF World Camp in Vietnam) 2. The Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea, Phu Binh Nguyen, who was made an IYF Advisor, gave a welcoming address at the Opening Ceremony) 3. Professor Tan Trung Nguyen was introduced to us by his brother, Ambassador Phu Binh Nguyen. Here, the Ambassador gave a congratulatory message during the Opening Ceremony) 4. 1,000 students attended the World Camp

1 1

- 27 -

Special Article

Vietnam

On March 30th Pastor Ock Soo Park, the founder of IYF, had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minster Duc Dam Vu, who is in charge of education, training, economy, culture, and scientific technology at the government building in Hanoi. Professor Tan Trung Nguyen, who became an IYF Advisor just the previous day, set up this meeting. Left, middle - Deputy Prime Minister. To the right of the Deputy Prime Minister - Professor Tan Trung Nguyen.

- 28 -

for a venue immediately. However, every place we visited was already booked. Thankfully, the Cung Dien Kinh Indoor Gymnasium, which seats 5,000 people, was available to rent out for the dates we needed. Usually, the rental fee was very expensive, but we were thankful to hear that events hosted by the government in Vietnam were free.

We saw that God was helping us when we were recruiting students. We were able to recruit at least 500 people, but it seemed impossible to recruit 3,000 people in half a month.

However, after an advertising company named, Visling, saw our World Camp promotional video, they suggested that we sign a MOU with them. They promised to gather 3,000 students for us. We were so thankful.

How We Came to Invite 69 VIP’s The task of inviting VIP members to the World Camp seemed impossible, rather than being difficult, because in Vietnam, having one VIP member attend your event means it was a successful event. However, God had been working to accomplish this in advance, knowing that we would be having the World Camp. This past January, an orchestra from Korea had helped with performances here in Vietnam because one sister had requested it.

That’s when something amazing happened. The orchestra as originally supposed to hold a charity performance, but the title of the event changed to “Korea-Vietnam Commemoration for 25 Years of Diplomacy.” As a result, the Korean Ambassador, Vietnamese Ambassador, and many other government officials attended that event. In addition, it just so happened, that we were placed in charge of VIP protocol and formalities. This allowed us to naturally introduce IYF to the VIP’s in attendance.

The People That God Sent The Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea, Phu Binh Nguyen, who we met through that event, became an IYF Advisor. Professor Tan Trung Nguyen also became an IYF Advisor through the Ambassador’s recommendation. Professor Tan Trung Nguyen was a person highly respected by high gov- 29 -

Special Article

Vietnam

ernment officials. He was also a professor at a National University, who was respected by regular people and many reputable people within Vietnam. He was a person who could travel to various countries without a visa. Such a person very actively helped our World Camp.

As we see Pastor Ock Soo Park traveling to other countries and meeting their presidents and ministers, we were also sincerely wishing and praying for such meetings to take place, here, in Vietnam. It was during this time that God allowed us to meet this professor. And through the professor’s help, Pastor Ock Soo Park and the Deputy Prime Minister were able to meet. Then, Professor Tan Trung Nguyen introduced us to his younger brother, the former 3rd government secretary Ong Mao, and he attended the Opening Ceremony. He said that he would help to arrange for IYF and the government to sign an MOU. In a country where it’s difficult to invite even one VIP, a total of 69 VIP guests attended the World Camp. It was all through God’s grace.

An Event Hosted by Such a Good Organization Should Be Advertised via Broadcasting In addition, there was no way for us to invite chancellors from universities to our Chancellors’ Forum. And due to CCIC’s laziness, we finally received the event permit to hold the World Camp just a day before it was scheduled to begin.

As a result, we had no time to send out notices and fliers for the forum. That’s when we met the youngest brother of Professor Tan Trung Nguyen, who is the Foreign Languages Department Vice Chancellor of the National University of Hanoi. We received grace in inviting different chancellors to our event. Through him, we were able to invite other chancellors of prestigious colleges and universities in Vietnam.

While we were looking for ways to broadcast and promote our World Camp, everyone we met at the orchestra performance helped us greatly. They all said, “An event hosted by such a good organization should be advertised via broadcasting,” and connected us to several broadcast- 30 -

“I am very honored to be an IYF Advisor. I am educating youths at a university. The common features of what I do and what IYF does is that we educate them about the heart.

We can change the hearts of the youth. One problem is that although their circumstances are formidable, students easily fall into video games, think lightly of studying, and fall into despair. I want to tell all the youths of Vietnam what I spoke of with the guest speaker today. And I would like for his books to be published in Vietnam. Young people can learn many things through that book, and it will change their hearts.�

- Professor Tan Trung Nguyen

ing stations to advertise for free. We were able to broadcast the advertisement of our World Camp three times in each of the broadcasting stations. We also printed advertisements in newspapers. We were so thankful that a total of six broadcasting companies, including the government run Vietnamese National broadcast station and the National Assembly Television station, helped us advertise for free.

Crying and Laughing Countless Times Each Day There were so many complications throughout the World Camp preparation. The CCIC had originally given us a permit to hold an event for 3 days for 3,500 people. So we had been preparing accordingly, but about ten days before the camp, the CCIC suddenly claimed that they had never given us a permit. So, in the end, we had to cancel the event. We were at a loss for words, since the CCIC had allowed us to rent out an indoor gymnasium for free under terms that we were holding a national event under the permission of the CCIC. For two days, we visited the CCIC and eventually convinced them, and got permission to host the camp. However, they said that only 500 people would be allowed to attend, not 3,500 people. We visited their offices, again and again, and they finally permitted us to hold our event for two days but for 1,000 people. We were sad, but we were relieved to - 31 -

Special Article

Vietnam

at least be able to hold the camp in this way.

Later on, however, the CCIC called us again and told us that in order to be allowed to hold our event, we had to get approval from nine different government departments.

If one of the nine departments opposed, the World Camp was going to be cancelled. To accomplish this, we needed to submit official documents. This would take at least fifteen days. Among the nine departments were the Security Administration and Public Safety Administration, and both of them kept a close eye on all of our activities since we were a religious organization. There were only five days left until the start of the camp. This was something that hit us out of the blue. People around us were telling us to come up with another plan since there was a high chance we would not be able to go through with our event. However, one undeniable fact was God’s will towards Vietnam and the heart of the servant of God. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. (Acts 13:47) This January, having received strength from the New Year’s message, we clearly saw how God worked during a Bible Seminar that we held in a small town. This time as well, through the promise of the New Year’s message, we clashed against the circumstances and prepared for the World Camp. Brothers and sisters prayed and sought the grace of God as they shed tears.

We repeatedly cried and laughed as we saw God’s miracles many times a day. Since we never held such a huge event before, we joyfully prepared for the camp for a month, giving testimonies of faith, and renewing our strength.

In the end, just two days before the start of the World Camp and by exactly 4:30pm, which was literally at the last minute, we received permission to hold our camp from all 9 of the government departments. Then, the day before the camp, March 29th, we sent out final notifications to connected groups and everyone we had previously invited. Many students, university chancellors, and VIP guests replied that - 32 -

they would not be able to attend due to the late notice. Nevertheless, our hearts were at peace once we decided to stick to what God allowed us.

Regardless of everything, 1,000 students and 69 VIP guests attended, allowing us to hold the Chancellors’ Forum and Journalists’ Forum. In addition, we were able to appoint two new IYF Advisors, which made it a very precious time. Each day, countlessly, we stood face to face with conditions that made holding the World Camp impossible, but we saw how God resolved those issues, one by one.

So What If You’re a Pastor? You Do so Many Good Things!

What we were most thankful about was the fact that it became known that the founder of IYF was a pastor. Until then, we had hidden the fact that the founder of IYF was a pastor. However, as Pastor Park exchanged name cards with the VIP guests, he had given them his pastoral name card.

After looking at the name card, the VIP’s whispered amongst each other, and eventually said, “So what if you’re a pastor?

You do so many good things!” We also found out that the Deputy Prime Minister had agreed to meet Pastor Ock Soo Park, knowing the fact that the founder was a pastor. We could feel that Vietnam was deeply changing.

It is difficult to explain with words all the ways in which God helped the World Camp in Vietnam. As people who can only speak of things we feel with our senses and see with our eyes, how could we explain the works of God, which we cannot see or feel? After the camp came to an end, many schools requested that we do Mind Lectures at their schools. We will hold Mind Lectures in more schools, and even in prisons now. We are now searching for venues so that we can invite the Gracias Choir to perform, and we are also planning on inviting the Chancellor of Prisons to the World Camp in Korea that will be held in July. By this coming January of 2018, a new religious law will be established in Vietnam. We are hoping to see how God is going to open more doors of the Gospel for us. We give thanks and glory to God, who allowed us such great grace.

- 33 -

Memoirs of a Missionary_Cote d'Ivoire

Memoirs of a Missionary Episode 8

“Seek and Ye Shall Find�

In 2010, an IYF World Camp was held for the first time in the Ivory Coast. God helped and led many people to receive salvation through unexpected people and ways. Even the situations that arose in a country ruined by war could not stop the World Camp in Ivory Coast. We now introduce you to the testimony of Missionary Jung Do Lee about how God planted a promise in his heart, which helped him throughout the IYF World Camp.

- 34 -

- 34 -

“I Will Be Full Even If I Don’t Eat Anything.”

In 2003, I was put in charge of an IYF camp for the first time at my church. Around ten students attended the camp, and we had memorable times together, from Monday to Friday. On Thursday, we had planned to go to the beach, but we did not have money for transportation.

Early in the morning, I prayed for the transportation money. Later on, Sister Bernadette suddenly came and gave me some money to spend for the camp. We went to the beach with that money, and had a great time doing some Korean-style wrestling and playing games. When we came back to the church, the church was in a mess. The weather at the beach was good, but there was a rain storm in the area where the church was located. As we were cleaning up, we gave thanks to God who protected us.

All the students who attended the IYF camp received salvation. We shared our hearts like we were family, and had a joyful time. On Saturday morning, the camp came to an end, and it was time for everyone to go home. Yet, no one was thinking about going home. And so, around lunchtime, my wife wanted to treat the students with some sweetened Korean-style pancakes, but we were out of sugar. My wife started to search through all of her clothes in the closet, and miraculously, she found 50 cents. That day, we were able to taste the miraculous Korean pancakes.

After the students went home, Mark and Doretha’s mother visited us from Togo. My wife cooked some spaghetti, and we ate together. As the guests went home, my wife told me, “Now, we have nothing left in the kitchen. No rice, no salt, no sugar, and no spaghetti. We have nothing.” We had to wait 10 more days until we could receive mission fee support from the churches in Korea.

I told my wife, “Honey, aren’t we happy people? When I think about how God worked this week, and how the students were rejoicing after receiving salvation, I feel so happy. Let’s spend 10 days just reading the Bible and praying.

I think I will be full even though I don’t eat anything.”

My wife replied, “Yes, honey. I’m so happy now.”

- 35 -

- 35 - 35 - -

Memoirs of a Missionary_Cote d'Ivoire

As I was laughing and talking about what happened with my wife at the dinner table, Brother Mark’s mother came with a few supplies. When I looked carefully at what she brought, it was 5 kilograms of rice, salt, sugar, spaghetti noodles, green onions, garlic, and even more. It was exactly 10 days’ worth of food. During the camp, my wife was the only one who worked in the kitchen, so no one knew about the food situation. It was really amazing. Brother Mark’s mother smiled and told us, “I wanted to buy something for you. I guess it turned out to be this much.”

My wife and I were speechless. God had the ability to move our hearts to tears. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep. (Psalms 92:4-5) The First World Camp in Ivory Coast

In 2010, we held the first IYF World Camp in the Ivory Coast. When we started the camp preparation, God gave us the Word in the book of Song of Solomon: His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

(Song of Solomon 2:6-7) The Shulamite was even despised by her own family.

People, who were despised, had characteristics of despising themselves. When people keep despising themselves, they become people who do not have hope. After the Shulamite met Solomon, no one was able to despise her. She became a woman who was loved by a person with the greatest authority, and dreamt in Solomon’s arms. They were dreams that no one could wake her up from unless Solomon allowed them to.

At that time, I too had three dreams. The first one was to interpret for Pastor Ock Soo Park when he came to the Ivory Coast and preached and had fellowship here. The second dream was to see the Gracias Christmas Cantata in the Ivory Coast. Thirdly, I had a dream to preach and lead - 36 -

- 36 -

a Gospel class in front of all the World Camp participants.

Because it was our first World Camp, there were many things to prepare. For about one year, I visited government offices because I needed to get visas for visitors and needed a tax-exempt warrant to pick up t-shirts for the World Camp at the port. After submitting all the required documents, I called the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the process while waiting for the results to come out. From the Minister’s office, they told me that they would get a signature on a free entry visa warrant as soon as the person who was in charge would return from a trip. With a joyful heart, I let other people know that they would be getting the free entry visa warrant. I also confirmed that the taxexempt warrant was about to be finalized. Then, I departed to Ghana to attend the World Camp there.

At the World Camp in Ghana, I was in charge of the VIP’s.

On the day of the Christmas Cantata, I was at the venue for the entire day. I got a call from Minister Jean-Marc. “Pastor, the person who was in charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs came back from his trip today, but he said there were some problems with our documents. He told us to prepare the documents all over again. Also, the person who was supposed to help us with picking up the t-shirts said he can’t help us.

On top of that, there was an accident today. Sister Nadez, one of the missionary students, was hit by a motorcycle and is in the emergency room at the university hospital. She is in critical condition. All the ministers are looking for blood donors for Sister Nadez’s transfusion. We spent all of our money to pay for her hospital bill.”

I was overwhelmed and did not know what to say, so I told him that I understood the situation, and hung up the phone. More than anything else, the problem was that all of the guest pastors, members of the Gracias Choir, and the staff members coming into the Ivory Coast had not prepared or even applied for visas because I told them that they were going to receive the free entry visa warrant. After the World Camp in Ghana came to an end, everyone had - 37 -

- 37 - 37 - -

Memoirs of a Missionary_Cote d'Ivoire

to travel to Togo right away. Thus, there was no time for them to receive visas in Ghana. Moreover, everyone already booked his or her flights to the Ivory Coast. The losses that we would be facing if everyone were not receiving free entry visa warrants would be beyond repair. During the second performance of the Christmas Cantata, I was sitting in the back row. I could not help but cry. “God, do I have to wake up from my dream? There are many people who tell me so. However, no one can wake me up if You do not allow it.

God! I will dream until You tell me to wake up.”

The next day, I received a call from Brother Zac. “Pastor, a miracle happened. This morning, a presidential advisor called our IYF office and told us that he wants to help us. I went there with a doubtful heart, but he was the actual presidential advisor. While he was in the car, he saw our poster. He got out of his car and wrote down the number. He said as soon as he came back to his office, he had called us. He said he would help if we have any problems so I told him that we need to get the free entry visa warrants. Then, on that spot, he called the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs and allowed us to receive the warrants. We also were able to pick up the t-shirts the next week for free. Sister Nadez is also recovering. She has been relocated regular patient’s room.” In the real story that God had made, there were climaxes after climaxes.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. (Psalms 40:1-3) I was at a complete loss for words when I saw how God worked. There were so many tremendous difficulties, but on the other God helped us just as tremendously. When I came back to the Ivory Coast from Ghana, there were many lacking aspects and many things to prepare; however, as I thought about God’s help, I was able to have strength.

- 38 -

- 38 -

With the Presidential Advisor, Andelson Appia, who helped with the World Camp in 2010

A few days later, I received a call from Pastor Ock Soo Park. He said, “Hey, why don’t you invite me to Ivory Coast? I really want to go to Ivory Coast.”

“Pastor, please come. We are waiting for you,” I replied.

“Then, I will visit the Ivory Coast on the way to Kenya.”

“Yes, thank you, Pastor.” I was so happy that I could not control my emotion.

When I was crying in my room, my oldest daughter, Do Hee, came in and asked, “Daddy, why are you crying?”

“Because I’m so happy,” I answered.

“If you are happy, why are you crying?”

“When you are happy, you laugh, but when you are too happy to contain it, tears will come out. One day, you will come to understand this.”

Pastor Park cancelled the tickets that he booked previously, and booked a completely different itinerary in order to come to the Ivory Coast. He arrived, preached, and had fellowship with the brothers and sisters of our church. In addition, I translated for him. Also, as their flight schedules From Abidjan to Kenya changed, the Gracias Choir had to stay in the Ivory Coast for an extra five days. They were able to perform for the world camp. The Gracias Christmas Cantata was so wonderful and beautiful. Many officials from the Diplomatic Service came to see the performance.

- 39 -

- 39 - 39 - -

Memoirs of a Missionary_Cote d'Ivoire

They were so touched by the performance, and after the World Camp was over, they officially approved IYF as an official International NGO. Because of this, all the items we bring in for IYF from overseas will be exempted from taxes. And we were able to receive a 40% discount on gas.

Also, diplomatic license plates were put on our vehicles that are registered under IYF. During the World Camp, I was in charge of the Gospel class as well. I preached the Gospel to more than 1,500 students every day. All of my three dreams came true. On the last day of the World Camp, Sister Nadez was discharged from the hospital and attended the camp. I felt that God always wanted to confirm His existence in my heart in the case that I might forget. As I lived inside of the church, there were more and more unforgettable events. I was thankful that I could make unforgettable memories with God. The 2011 World Camp with the Help of the Minister of Youth

On August of 2011, we invited Pastor Ock Soo Park as a guest speaker and held the World Camp. The World Camp was a program that the youth of the Ivory Coast desperately needed. Although a new government was established in the middle of July, even until the following May, there were dead bodies still on the streets.

The situation seemed impossible for us to hold the World Camp. When we visited some companies for sponsorships, they did not even have chairs in their offices because they were stolen during the war. People were working with desks being used as seats. People going to work could only be paid partially, including government officials. It seemed like no one would be able to pay the camp fees.

“Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” (Genesis 117:5) This Word was the promise that God gave to our mission in 2011. The name, “a father of many nations,” did not fit Abram, who not only - 40 -

- 40 -

had no children at all, but who also could not have a child. However, when Abram believed in God, who called him Abraham, he became Abraham. This Word changed my heart.

Even though the war recently came to an end, we were able to print posters and flyers because we had a publishing house in the church. The brothers and sisters of In 2011, the Minister of Youth, our youth group gathered in the Allele Robonyan church to prepare performances.

I was able to see God’s helping hand here and there. In 2011, the “Ministers of Youth World Forum” was held in Korea for the first time. One week after new ministers were appointed, I met the Minister of Youth and invited him to the forum in Korea. It had been less than a month since the new government was established, so he was not even fully aware of his duty. In that situation, it did not make sense for the minister to visit a foreign county for an event that was hosted for the first time by a NGO organization. However, the minister decided to go to Korea in spite of this, and even received permission from the federal government.

The minister was a spokesperson for the rebels for a long time, so he was very humble at the time. As he visited Korea and attended the ministers’ forum, he was deeply moved.

Later, the minister acknowledged that what the youth of his country needed the most was the World Camp. He requested support for the camp from his government, and the government agreed to support the camp with $40,000. This was in the middle of the government trying to raise money to recover from damages during the war any way they could. It was a miracle that the government could even offer any support, let alone $40,000 for the World Camp.

The government issued the free entry visa warrant to the people from abroad that came for the World Camp. Foreign - 41 -

- 41 - 41 - -

Memoirs of a Missionary_Cote d'Ivoire

participants of the World Camp were supposed to submit the warrant to the embassy of the Ivory Coast and then receive free visas. However, for some reason, many people arrived at the airport without receiving visas from their home countries. However, it was a situation in which the people who came with just the warrant could not pass the immigration booth. However, as the Minister of Youth came to the airport to welcome Pastor Ock Soo Park, he discovered this problem, and then he collected all the passports without the entrance stamps, and declared that he would take responsibility for them since he invited them.

The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: (Isaiah 14:24) God solved all the problems through the presidential advisor in 2010 and through the Minister of Youth in 2011.

As the Word Entered My Heart

In 2012, we were also able to host the World Camp with Pastor Ock Soo Park by grace. First of all, I had to find a venue to hold the camp. The Performing Arts Center that we used in 2011 was in the process of being renovated due to severe damaged from the war. We had no other choice but to use a performance hall at the Hotel Ivoire. I visited the performance hall with other missionaries. The venue was clean and nice, and it had a completely different look compared to what it was like before the war because they just finished their yearlong renovation. I remembered it cost $3,000 to rent the performance hall per day. In light of that, I felt that it could be possible to get the venue for $2,000 if I bargained, so I asked for the price.

“We would like to use this performance hall for 6 days.

How much would the rent be?”

“It will cost $30,000.”

“If it’s $30,000 for 6 days, then that is $5,000 per day. It’s quite expensive. Please give us a discount.”

“No. $30,000 is the best we can do.”

“We are hosting this event with the government. Can we get some form of discount?”

“Last week, there was an event held by the First Lady. They - 42 -

- 42 -

a H w r

Missionary Jung Do Lee, translating Pastor Ock Soo Park’s sermon at the World Camp

also paid $30,000.”

I left without saying anything else. The brother who came with me asked me what I was going to do. I replied, “Of course, there’s no way we can have it here.”

I came back home and read the Bible. Ask, and it shall be given you. (Matthew 7:7) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12) God said, “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” As I thought about this Word, I felt, “If I were Pastor Park, would I want to preach under tents set up on the schoolyard, or in the performance hall at the hotel? Of course, it is the performance hall. Secondly, if I were the Gracias Choir, would I want to sing at the schoolyard, or a performance hall? Of course, the performance hall is better. Thirdly, if I were a participant of the camp, would I want to attend a camp, which would be held on the schoolyard, or in a performance hall? Of course, a performance hall. Then, what is the problem?”

Money was the problem. However, God already gave me the answer for that problem. “Ask, and it shall be given you,” is what He was saying to me. I read this Word on Wednesday, so I shared the heart that God gave me with the brothers and sisters during the evening service that night. As the Word entered my heart, it felt as if I had already paid all the rent. The Word gave us endless joy that day.

- 43 -

- 43 - 43 - -

New York Times: Notes on Genesis II

Live Experiencing Miracles Pastor Ock Soo Park | Good News Gangnam Church

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. (Genesis 18:10~14)

- 44 -

- 45 -

there are the stories of Jesus turning water into wine; of the man who had an infirmity for 38 years rising up, taking up his bed, and walking; of lepers being completely cured; of the blind opening their eyes; of Jairus' dead daughter coming back to life, and many more. We call all of these occurrences miracles. But how could such miracles happen? If we know this precisely, we can draw such miracles into our own lives. We can receive the blessing and grace of accomplishing impossible things through the power of God. All the miracles that appear in the Bible were accomplished by following the same principle.

Therefore, if you can draw out this principle exactly in your own lives, you can experience the miracles of God in any aspect of your life.

Through learning this, I have experienced impossible things being accomplished through the power of God numerous times. Such works can arise in your life as well, but not knowing this one thing is what is keeping you from the works of God occurring in your life.

Principles for Achieving Miracles Let us talk about, for example, Jesus turning water into wine. How was this accomplished? When the wine ran out at the wedding at Cana, Mary said to Jesus, “They have no more wine.“ Jesus then replied, “Woman, what

NEW YORK TIMES

To Experience Miracles I have often experienced God accomplishing miraculous things that were absolutely impossible through man. One of them was being healed from a stomach ulcer.

I had been suffering terribly from a gastric ulcer, and one day, I prayed to God to heal my stomach. Then God reminded me of the words, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them, from Mark chapter 11, verse 24 in my heart. If I believed that had my stomach was healed as I had prayed, then just as these words said, I am supposed to be able to eat kimchi, dwenjang (Korean bean paste), and rice, but this was extremely burdensome. Then I thought about this objectively.

“If God says to believe that my stomach is healed, I do not need to add any thoughts of my own to this.

Even though the circumstances are what they are, I will be healed if I believe that I am healed!”

From that morning on, I began to eat rice. I ate kimchi, dwenjang.

At first, I would have diarrhea and it was difficult, but I experienced my stomach becoming completely healed within 24 hours. Afterwards, my faith to believe in the Word of God became deeper, and God could work more powerfully through me.

There are miracles that have been recorded in the Bible. For example,

New York Times: Notes on Genesis II

have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.” However, Mary said to the servants, “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” Then Jesus told the servants to fill six empty water pots with water. When they had finished filling the water pots with water, Jesus said, “Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.”

“This is water. How can we serve this? This is nonsense!” The thoughts of the servants could not go beyond t his fra me of mind. However, Jesus was saying to go serve it because this was not water but wine. But when the servants heard and accepted the words of Jesus, they were able to go beyond their thoughts, draw the water, and serve it. With their own heart, they could never draw out and serve it, but the miracle of the water turning into wine arose when they accepted the words of Jesus to

draw out and serve. All the miracles achieved by God happen following such principles.

Jesus, one day, went to the pool of Bethesda. There was a man there who had an infirmity for 38 years.

Jesus asked this ill man, “Wilt thou be made whole?”

“Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”

In these words he is probably meaning to say, “I don't know who you are but could you push me into the pool when the water is troubled?”

Jesus spoke to the ill man, “Rise, take up thy bed and walk.”

This man had been lying down for 38 years with this disease. He cannot move even though he wants to enter the pool when the water is troubled. However, Jesus was telling him to take up his bed and walk.

- 46 -

The miracle of the water turning into wine arose when they accepted the words of Jesus to draw out and serve.

All the miracles achieved by God happen following such principles.

- 47 -

began to rise. He began to roll his body over, and it began to move. He then pushed on the ground with his elbows and started to lift himself up. He was rising. Eventually, he stretched his legs and tried to stand.

He stood. This was something that could never have been imagined within the thoughts of the man with the infirmity for 38 years. However, this was completely possible through the heart of Jesus entering his heart.

If God Does It, Will It Not Be Done?

Because we are unable but God is able, the heart of the unable (us) and the heart of the able (God) cannot be the same. The thoughts of a person with a monthly salary of $10,000 cannot be the same as the thoughts of a person with a $1,000 monthly salary. If a person with a $1,000 salary spends money like the person with a $10,000 salary, he will immediately become bankrupt. Therefore, he must live according to his income.

Likewise, your heart has solidified in living within your limits, and you cannot believe in the Word that goes beyond your limits. However,

NEW YORK TIMES

What thoughts do you think this ill man had?

“Are you telling me to walk? How can I walk? My legs are like logs of wood.”

This was the original heart of this paralytic, but Jesus was saying that he could rise and walk. The hearts of the paralytic and Jesus were different.

“Are you telling me to take up my bed and walk? That is nonsense. I am a man who has had an infirmity for 38 years. I cannot move.”

This was what he was supposed to say, but this did not happen. This was impossible in his thoughts, but he accepted the thoughts of Jesus.

The people of God know that their thoughts are crooked, filthy, and dirty. They therefore throw their thoughts away, accept the heart of Jesus, and live through that heart. The man with the infirmity for 38 years could never walk in his own thoughts. To walk was complete nonsense. It seemed that the words of Jesus were mocking him. However, he threw his thoughts away and decided to accept the words of Jesus.

He believed that he could walk and

New York Times: Notes on Genesis II

the moment you believe in God, the power of God goes beyond your limits to reach you because God is with you. Therefore, people who believe in God must think within the power of God. Sadly, people are unable to do this. There is such a story in Genesis chapter 18. God spoke to Abraham, “Where is your wife, Sarah?”

“She is in the tent,” replied Abraham.

“I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.”

Sarah heard this at the door of the tent, and thought, “I'm going to have a son?”

Sarah had never once thought this.

Sarah had already given up on having a child and gave her hand-maid, Hagar, as a concubine to Abraham 13 years earlier. If she believed that she could have a child, what woman would allow another woman to enter her husband's bedroom? If there was a 0.1% chance for her to have a child, she would have put her hopes there. She would not have allowed another woman to enter her husband's bedroom. Sarah was certain that there was no means for her to have a child, and therefore, felt that she had no choice but to send another woman into her husband's bedroom.

That happened 13 years earlier, but now, 13 years later, God is saying

to Abraham that Sarah will have a son. How can Sarah do anything but laugh? She laughed and said to herself, “After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

Right then God spoke to Abraham, “Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

God scolded Abraham in front of Sarah. Not long after the government was established in Korea, the President visited a base and had a conversation with a captain. The President saw greatness in this captain's thinking and said, “You, the rank you have on, what is it?”

“Sir, captain, sir.”

“What is above that?”

“Sir, major, sir.”

“What is above that?”

“Sir, lieutenant colonel, sir.”

“What is above that?”

“Sir, colonel, sir.”

“Be that.”

From that day on, by the special command of the President, he became a colonel. Even the president of a country can do that. Isn't God the king of the universe? When God said, “Have a son,” then it is done.

Whether it had ceased to be with

- 48 -

If God makes you wealthy, will you not become wealthy? If God makes you healthy, will you not become healthy, no matter what disease you have? If God cleanses your sins, will you not become clean?

- 49 -

the shepherd, into a king. If this God gives you wisdom, would you not become wise? He can even make you wiser than Daniel. If God makes you wealthy, will you not become wealthy? If God makes you healthy, will you not become healthy, no matter what disease you have? If God cleanses your sins, will you not become clean? The heart of thinking that it cannot be done even if God does it is a truly evil, cursed heart. “Yes, it is impossible through

NEW YORK TIMES

Sarah after the manner of women, or whether she had surgery on her womb, or whatever, none of these things are problems whatsoever. She will have a son if God says that she will. We believe in the God who accomplishes impossible things. God wants to accomplish such miracles not only in the Bible but also in our lives.

However, in order for us to taste such works, we need to become freed from the limits of our thoughts. God worked upon Abraham, Sarah, and Moses to have man become freed from the frame of their thoughts.

God wants to work in each one of us individually as well. God is not pleased with you doing some kind of good through your own power and labor, but He is pleased of your doing good and accomplishing the will of God through the power of God, which comes from receiving His heart. He does not want the things that come from our heart, which are by nature, dirty and filthy.

God made the prisoner Joseph into a governor, and He made David,

New York Times: Notes on Genesis II

As Sarah threw her thoughts away and received the Word of God, the heart and power of God strengthened Sarah so that she lacked nothing in having a child. humanistic means, but it can be done if you do it, God.” This is the heart of someone who believes.

“God, I am a dirty person who sins every day, but if you make me clean I will be as white as snow. If you make me righteous and holy, I will be righteous and holy.”

Isn't this the faith to believe in God? Sarah laughed upon hearing that she will have a son. God then spoke to Abraham, “Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

Is there anything too hard for the Lord? There is nothing. If God does it, anything can be done.

Sarah heard what God said and told Him, “I did not laugh.” God said, “No, thou didst laugh,” not acknowledging the words of Sarah, but establishing His Word. God does not acknowledge your words.

God wants to establish His words in our hearts.

The heart to believe not in herself,

but the faith to believe in God became established in Sarah's heart.

God established this in her. When Sarah believed in God, she received the strength to conceive. A ninety year old lady was springing up with strength, telling her servants, “Hey guys, let me carry that for you.”

This is a miracle. By faith, a miracle was upon Sarah. Sarah must have had many regrets later on. “How foolish I was! I thoughtlessly sent my handmaid into my husband's bedroom. I could have had the son myself.”

Receive the Heart of God In the thoughts of the man with the infirmity for 38 years, he could not walk, but Jesus thought that he could take up his bed and walk. Sarah thought, “I can never have a son,” while God thought, “No, you will have a son.” Now, will you follow your own thoughts or the thoughts of Jesus?

This is what's important. As Sarah threw her thoughts away and received the Word of God, the heart and power of God strengthened Sarah so that

- 50 -

- 51 -

I was amazed. I am a person who cannot believe in such things, but a great miracle arose in my heart. I always sinned and thought that I was a sinner. I always thought that I had to suffer because of my sins and had to have my sins washed away. But the miraculous thing was that I accepted the Word of God, which was different from the thoughts I had until then.

I accepted the heart of God. I believed it. This was not my heart, but the heart of God. After accepting these words, my heart became one with the heart of God, which said that my sins are washed away and I am righteous.

From then on God began to work inside of me. Our hearts were different before because God said my sins were washed away, but I said that I had sins. However, as we became one, the Holy Spirit worked inside of me.

We learn from the Bible the process by which Abraham and Sarah were able to have the same heart as God. Now, you too should not believe in your thoughts, but in the Word of God. Accept the Word of God. No matter how much you have sinned, I hope that you will become free from sin through the faith to believe in Jesus who has cleansed you.

NEW YORK TIMES

she lacked nothing in having a child.

I, too, was like this. I always thought, “I am a sinner. I can only commit sin. I'll be as inner until the day I die I am a sinner, but it would be nice if God would give me mercy for me to go to heaven.“ But God said, “No, your sins were washed away. Jesus already redeemed you.

You are righteous. You have no sins.” That is what the Bible says, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:23-24) We are humans who have sinned, but God has already given the verdict that we are righteous, and we are clean because Jesus redeemed us. I could not believe this. I, for a long time, did not accept these words and only exerted my own stubbornness.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Abraham and Sarah broke their own thoughts before these words and accepted the Word of God. Likewise, I too accepted the Word before His voice.

“I sin every day, but could God not wash away my sins? Can the crucifixion of Jesus not wash away the sins of one person? If I sin one hundred times, or one thousand times, the sins I commit, Jesus must have washed them away. That's right! My sins are washed!”

Gospel Lesson

The Atonement Offering to Wash Away Sin of All People for a Year

Pastor Han Gyu Lee Good News East Seoul Church

- 52 -

The Tenth Day of the Seventh Month, Day of Atonement If you look at Leviticus chapter 16, it explains in detail about the rules involving the atonement offering that washes all the sins that the Israelites committed for an entire year in one day. Now, the Israelites don’t need to give sin offerings individually, but there is a way that has opened to wash the sins that people have committed for one year. This offering was done annually on the tenth day of the seventh month, and was called the, “Day of Atonement.” On this day, the High Priest, who was the official representative of all the Israelites, takes a young bullock and gives a sin offering for his own sins first. Afterwards, he takes two goats for the sin offering for the Israelites.

After giving an offering to wash his sins first, the high priest kills one of the two goats and takes the blood into the Tabernacle.

After you pass through a small room called the “Holy Place,” there is a veil, and when you pass through the veil, there is another room called, the “Most Holy Place.” Inside, there is the furniture, which is an ark, called the, “Ark of the Covenant,” which contains the two tables of stone on which the Ten Commandments are engraved. The Mercy Seat is the lid that covers the Ark. The High Priest sprinkles the blood of the goat used for the sin offering on the Mercy Seat inside of the Most Holy Place seven times, representing all the Israelites. This is how all the sins that the people of Israel committed for a year are washed before God on this day. Afterwards, the High Priest lays his hands on the other goat that’s still alive. Then, he sends that goat away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness while all the Israelites are watching.

This was how all the sins that the Israelites committed for one year were perfectly washed.

- 53 -

Gospel Lesson

Sound of Bells of Gold Why did God make the High Priest offer two goats on the Day of Atonement? The special heart of God of wanting to give us the complete assurance of the forgiveness of sin is hidden within. The High Priest takes the blood of one goat to the Most Holy Place to sprinkle it onto the mercy seat seven times. At this point in time, the Israelites cannot physically see the High Priest sprinkling the goat’s blood on their behalf because only the High Priest can enter the Most Holy Place once a year.

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. (Hebrews 9:7) …to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. (Leviticus 16:34) The High Priest took the goat’s blood to the Most Holy Place to give the offering that would wash the sins of the Israelites on the tenth day of the seventh month. However, the people outside of the Tabernacle cannot see whether the sin offering was actually given properly or not with their own eyes. Shouldn’t they need able to confirm everything in order to gain faith that their sins are washed? That’s why God has prepared a plan for them to gain faith that their sins are washed; He made the high priest to put a golden bell around the hem of his robe.

And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about… And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out. (Exodus 28:33~35) When the High Priest went into the Most Holy Place and sprinkled the goat’s blood on top of the Mercy Seat, there was a clear and strong sound of bells ringing. When the High Priest sprinkled the goat’s blood seven times, you would hear bells ringing seven times. When the Israelites, who were inclining their ears outside of the Tabernacle, heard the bells ringing, they gained faith, “The offering to wash our sins away is finished.”

- 54 -

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) This sound made by the golden bells is the Gospel. The Israelites may not be able to believe that their sins are washed through seeing the blood being sprinkled on the Mercy Seat in person, but they can clearly believe it by hearing the bells on the hem of the High Priest’s robe ring. Likewise, we could not see Jesus shedding His blood and dying on the cross in person, but we can obtain faith that all our sins are washed when we hear God’s words. God made it so that whoever has their ears opened can hear the Gospel of salvation and believe. God surely sees the goat’s blood sprinkled on the Mercy Seat, and also hears the sound of the gold bells ringing on the hem of the High Priest’s robe. God sees the blood on the Mercy Seat and can only call the Israelites clean.

God covered up the Law by placing it inside of the Ark with the lid of the Mercy Seat, incense, and goat’s blood, so that He can meet with us through His grace and mercy.

For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.

(Leviticus 16:30) The blood that is sprinkled on the Mercy Seat, the cover for the Ark, does not only cleanse the sin of the Israelites, but also completely covers and blots out the Law, itself. Now, God does not want to meet us through the Law. If we try to meet God through the Law, then we can only come out to God boldly when we keep the Law well. But we will be afraid and shameful to go before God when we break the Law. God covered up the Law by placing it inside of the Ark with the lid of the Mercy Seat, incense, and goat’s blood, so that He can meet with us through His grace and mercy.

- 55 -

Gospel Lesson

A Goat for the Scapegoat The remaining one goat is known as the “scapegoat” in the Bible. The word, “scapegoat,” in Hebrew means, “complete removal,” and, “to let out.” Now the High Priest lays his hands on the goat, and thereby places it in the position to take responsibility for the sins of the Israelite’s descendants. He leaves it in the hands of a preselected person who sends it out to the wilderness. One goat died, so one year’s worth of the Israelites’ sins were forgiven through the shedding of its blood on the Mercy Seat. But then why does the High Priest lay his hands on the other goat and put it in charge of sin? In Leviticus chapter 16, verse 8, it says, And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; and the other lot for the scapegoat.

The blood of the goat for the Lord is spread on the mercy seat and cleans the Israelites “before God.” The second goat, which is the scapegoat, is a goat that is prepared so that the Israelites can see the fact that their sins are departing from them before their eyes.

So now, what happens when the High Priest lays his hands on the goat for the scapegoat on the tenth day of the seventh month?

The sins that the Israelites committed, for one year, passes over to the goat’s head. All the Israelites see this. Afterwards, a preselected person takes the goat to an uninhabited place in the desert. As that goat goes further away from the Israelites’ view, the sins of the Israelites that were passed onto the goat will also travel further away from their view. And then at a certain point, they will no longer be seen forever. The goat will later be eaten by an evil animal and disappear. Then the Israelites will think, “I can’t see the goat that is carrying away my sin. It has disappeared from my sight forever.

Then that means that my sins have departed from me together with that goat, forever. Now I can no longer find my sins!” This is faith.

This goat completely removes our sins so that’s why the goat is called, the “scapegoat.” This goat is prepared so that the people can see their sins depart from their sight and be able to believe.

The people realize that they cannot have sin when they pay close attention to that goat. However, people pay close attention

- 56 -

to themselves, rather than the Word of God, or the sin offering that is taking away their sins. When you look at yourself, you look like a sinner. God wants to give us the faith that our sins have been forgiven through the death of the sin offering, whether it’s by hearing the gold bells, which are like the Gospel, or by looking up to Jesus, who took responsibility for our sins.

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities… As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

God wants to give us the faith that our sins have been forgiven through the death of the sin offering...

The East and the West can never meet. Just like how the scapegoat took our sins and disappeared from our sight, Jesus moved our sins to a place where we can never see them again. This is how the sin offering on the Day of Atonement ends. Ultimately, this sin offering cannot get rid of all of our sins. It only forgives sin for one year. The offering’s expiration date is one year. Then to pardon the sins committed the following year, another sin offering must be given with the same method on the following the tenth day of the seventh month. So this offering had to be continuously given for approximately 1,500 years until Jesus came. This offering did not have the power to wash away our sins forever, so it was an imperfect offering.

The Model and Shadow of Jesus Christ Although it’s better to wash away sins by “wholesale,” rather than by “single retail,” the wholesale style of offering during the Old Testament era cannot ultimately solve our sins. That is why an offering greater than a “wholesale” or “single retail” method is needed. The scapegoat that came to this world to take away our sins is God’s son, Jesus Christ. Then why were sin offerings necessary in the Old Testament era? These were not offerings that would wash

- 57 -

Gospel Lesson

our sins forever, but they were a “model” and a “shadow” to teach us of Jesus Christ, who would come in the future.

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the corners thereunto perfect.

(Hebrews 10:1) If you see the model clearly, you can understand the actual subject of the model more easily. However, when the actual subject comes, the model is no longer needed. Then, the sin offering on the Day of Atonement that appears in Leviticus 16 is the model and the shadow regarding the work of redemption by Jesus Christ. The two goats that take charge of the Israelites’ sin and died for them represent Jesus, who came to take charge of mankind’s sins and died on the cross.

Since sin has absolutely come to an end, death has also ended. In this manner, life has been given to all of us.

Then let’s think about the scope of sin that the goat is taking care of. The lamb that was given as a sacrifice for the sin offering of a commoner took care of a person’s single sin. The goat of the sin offering on the Day of Atonement took care of the sins that were committed for one year. When the offering for a commoner’s sin dies, it can only redeem the sin of one person for a sin that was already, “committed.” However, when the goat of the sin offering on the Day of Atonement sheds its blood and dies, the sins that were committed for one year are forgiven. If this offering is the model and shadow of Jesus, then what does this offering teach us? No matter how many sins the Israelites committed for a year, all of the sins were completely forgiven through the goat’s blood that was shed on the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the seventh month. The day that the Ransom shed its blood and died

- 58 -

represents the day that Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross and passed away 2,000 years ago. Even the animal’s blood in the Old Testament era had the power to wash away the sins that the Israelites committed for one year, but Jesus, who came from Heaven, had more power and was a much greater offering.

Jesus’ blood has much more power than an animal’s blood. The blood of Jesus has power left over, even after washing all of mankind’s past, present, and future sins. Through the shedding of His blood, all of mankind’s blood was forgiven forever.

And he (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2) Jesus Christ took care of all of the sins of all mankind, who were born from Adam, since the creation of the world. Therefore, it is given that all the sins that I commit within my lifetime are forgiven as well.

In addition, Jesus also died for the sins of every human being that will ever live on earth until the end of the world. This means that Christ has finished all of our sins on the cross. Therefore, it is the truth that there is not a single, existing sin that Christ has not forgiven. All sins were completely washed away on the cross. Since sin has absolutely come to an end, death has also ended. In this manner, life has been given to all of us. This is the Gospel.

The Blood That Pardoned All Past, Present, and Future Sins If I were tying to explain it in an easier way, faith is the “telescope” that allows us to see what is the future is going to be in advance.

Let’s say I have a huge debt, but I do not have any money to pay it off. My best friend regards my credibility very highly, he loves me, and he happens to be very wealthy. Let’s say, that he promises to pay off all of my debt in three days, after hearing about my situation, because he loves me. I currently have a debt, but my heart has come out of that debt, and I can enjoy freedom the moment my friend makes that promise. Rest comes from the faith I have in the friend’s promise.

- 59 -

Gospel Lesson

A mother buys diapers in advance when she is about to have a baby. If the baby is born and only defecates once, then the mother would only need to prepare a single diaper. On the other hand, if she believes that the baby will defecate for one year, she would then prepare enough diapers for a year. In light of all this, what grace do you think God has prepared for us, when He knows that man will possess blemishes and weaknesses throughout his entire lifetime? He has prepared the grace that has pardoned all of our sins forever, including the sins we will commit in the future. That grace appeared through the cross of Christ. The cross was where my old person was nailed, my sins were finished, and I became righteous. It is the place where God and I became one, after having once been so distant because of sin.

The people, who lived in the Old Testament, were forgiven from their sins when they believed that Jesus was coming in the future to die on the cross, according to God’s promise, in order to forgive them. Today, we become free from sin, we become righteous, and we gain eternal life when we believe the fact that the price of our sins has been completely paid by Jesus on the cross.

- 60 -

- 61 -

T E S T IM O N Y O F PA S TO R O CK S O O P A R K

Why My Daughter?

···· I remember the day my daughter received the forgiveness of sin.

One day, she went into her school’s chemistry lab, but the students who were in the lab before her class left some hydrochloric acid on the burner and forgot to turn the burner off. It resulted in the acid exploding. By chance, the hydrochloric acid spilled all over my daughter’s head. The nurse quickly rushed her to the nearest hospital.

At the hospital, they cleaned the acid off of her head with alcohol.

Then they applied gauze to the cleaned area. When my daughter returned home, she told me how the hospital had treated her wound, so I thought she was fine.

However, the area on her head had not healed even after about 2 weeks had passed. Therefore, my wife took a good look at her head and found that the area of her head that had contact with the acid was continually rotting. When my wife showed the doctor my daughter’s head, he was shocked. He said that the area affected by the hydrogen chloride should have been completely cleaned, not left they it was. The doctor ordered and performed an emergency surgery on my daughter’s head. That day, I was returning home after preaching the Gospel at the Euijungbu Prison and was unaware of anything. I was traveling with a pastor, when he suddenly told me, “One of my congregation members is hospitalized here, so let’s stop by the hospital.” We were parking in the hospital parking lot when my son ran to me saying, “Father, Father! Sister’s receiving surgery

- 62 -

Afterwards, my daughter missed 10 days of school because she had to receive treatment at the hospital. When I went to my daughter’s school to let them know that my daughter would not be attending for the next few days, I was told that the principal wanted to meet me. The principal told me, “I’m very sorry. The school will pay for your child’s hospital fees, no matter what it costs.”

I replied, “There are 67 children in my daughter’s class, but why did the hydrochloric acid only fall on my daughter’s head out of all the other students there when it exploded? I am a servant of God. This didn’t just happen by chance. This was God’s will. Mr. Principal, I will not receive the hospital fees from your school. I don’t want to end this by simply receiving the hospital fees. I want to know why God allowed this happen to my daughter.” With these words, I rejected the principal’s offer for the school to pay the hospital fee.

- 63 -

Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

right now!” By the time I got there, the doctor was beginning to remove rotted skin from my daughter’s scalp. As a father, it was very difficult to look at. The doctor then wrapped bandages around my child’s head.

Eventually, the hospital fees were resolved. Ten days later, my daughter returned to school with her head bandaged. However, since the bus to school was very crowded in the morning, I did not let her take that. Although I was busy, I drove my daughter to school for nearly a month. I am a pastor who had not been able to have much time to speak with my family. So obviously, there weren’t many chances for me to speak seriously about spiritual life with my daughter. But giving my daughter a ride to school every day gave me a chance to speak with her about spiritual life. Through this opportunity, I realized that my daughter had been suffering because of sin in her heart. I would then pull over and park by the road, or park by the school fence to preach to her about receiving the forgiveness of sin. I told my daughter, “Eunsook, this is how your sins were forgiven,” within the Word of God. My daughter received the assurance of the forgiveness of sin. Both my daughter and I were full of joy through having my daughter’s sin being washed as white as snow in her heart. Her prayers changed, her reading the Bible changed, her life changed, and her way of thinking changed.

When we meet difficulties while living for the Gospel, we want to be free from those difficulties quickly. However, God, who allowed those difficulties, is waiting to give us something. Many times, I received rewards that I never imagined I would receive from the Lord.

- 64 -

Give the gift of an annual subscription to the Good News Magazine.

Subscribe to the Good News Magazine for yourself or friends and family who are interested about spiritual life. A subscription will deliver more joy and happiness than any other gift. The Gospel of salvation and testimonies of grace will be delivered to your doorstep.

How do I order?

You can subscribe by providing your full name, address, email, and phone number to gnm@iyfusa.org

What are the benefits of subscribing?

Receive 12 monthly editions for the price of 10 with FREE shipping.

(12 - $5 per magazine for a reduced price of $50) We offer a first year complimentary subscription to select individuals within the U.S. who attend the Bible Crusade, Christmas Cantata, and other church events.

How do I pay?

Make your $50 payment by check - Pay to the order of "Good News New York Church" - Recipient is Good News Magazine - Send check to 300 Nassau Rd., Huntington, NY 11743 - 65 -

Preaching the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Church Directory (North America) EAST COAST Good News New York Church 718-878-4246 300 Nassau Rd, Huntington, NY 11743 Good News Manhattan Church 917-678-3344 2152 3rd Ave, NY, NY 10035 Good News Bronx Church 646-339-6432 685 Morris Park Ave 2nd Fl, Bronx, NY 10462 Good News Brooklyn NY Church 917-526-7498 765 43rd St 1st FL, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Good News Flushing Chinese Church 631-535-1169 134-24 Cherry Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Good News Atlanta Church 404-966-6352 11000 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek, GA 30097 Good News Atlanta Spanish Church 678-387-9271 2635 Fairlane Drive, 2nd FL, Doraville, GA 30340 Good News Philadelphia Church 215-379-0501 305 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Good News Chicago Church 847-329-0237 4825 W Jarlath St, Lincolnwood, IL 60712 Good News Washington Church 703-973-7975 7461 Miramar Dr, Manassas, VA 20109 Good News Memphis Church 901-646-0055 764 Chatwood Cove, Memphis, TN 38122 Good News Minneapolis Church 612-275-3348 3000 West Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411 Good News Orlando Church 407-312-4028 301 S Oak Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Good News New Jersey Church 201-406-4677 1075 Queen Anne Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Good News Detroit Church 248-608-1409 1181 Harding Ave, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Good News Indianapolis Church 317-294-5329 383 S Emerson Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219 Good News Miami Church 954-667-7753 331 NW 65th Way, Hollywood, FL 33024 Good News New Orleans Church 504-602-9930 3720 Saratoga Dr, Metairie, LA 70002 Good News Jacksonville Church 904-646-7885 3850 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Good News Boston Church 617-320-3296 180 Blue Hill Avenue #3, Boston, MA 02125 Good News Charlotte Church 704-500-6063 2009 W Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217 Good News Fort Wayne Church 260-797-3412 3316 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46807 Good News Nashville Spanish Church 615-927-8980 120 Arbor Knoll Blvd, Antioch, TN 37013 Good News Maryland Chinese Church 301-250-1138 900 Westmore Ave, Rockville, MD 20850 WEST COAST Good News Central Church 213-386-0097 3500 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90004 Good News Tacoma Church 253-582-3599 10103 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood, WA 98499

Good News Albuquerque Church 505-300-9807 3001 Cuervo Dr, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110

Good News Houston Church 346-400-1812 2516 Wavell St, Houston, TX 77088

Good News Dallas First Church 972-272-4724 4502 Lawler Rd, Garland, TX 75042

Good News Phoenix Church 480-273-2199 5239 N 17th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015

Good News San Jose Church 619-559-6287 1548 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Good News Sacramento Church 916-996-4655 3501 Bradshaw Rd #115, Sacramento, CA 95827

Good News San Jose Spanish Church 408-784-0163 1710 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

Good News Oklahoma Church 405-535-9553 5801 S Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73119

Good News Las Vegas Church 702-248-0572 2880 Red Rock St, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Good News Amarillo Church 806-447-9993 927 N Mirror St, Amarillo, TX 79107

Good News Salt Lake Church 801-656-5299 2364 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Good News O.C. Church 714-814-9436 3330 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801 Good News Anchorage Church 907-258-9987 1020 W Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, AK 99503 Good News El Paso Church 915-309-7075 6869 Enid Ct #74, El Paso, TX 79912 Good News Portland Church 971-300-1127 6225 SW Dale Ave, Beaverton, OR 97008 Good News San Antonio Church 210-993-9414 405 Walton Ave, San Antonio, TX 78225 Good News Denver Church 720-308-3442 6400 W 26th Ave, Edgewater, CO 80214 Good News Kansas Church 816-437-5440 1301 E 100th TER, Kansas City, MO 64131 Good News Hawaii Church 808-679-2800 1219 Keeaumoku St, Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96814

CANADA & CARIBBEAN Good News Vancouver Church 1-778-881-5508 409 Goyer Crt, Coquitlam BC V3K 6A2, Canada Good News Ottawa Church 819-431-0377 132 Rue Brodeur, Gatineau, QC J8Y 2R2, Canada Good News Toronto Church 1-416-321-2004 70 Mcgriskin Rd, Toronto, ON M1S 5C5, Canada Good News Jamaica Church 1-876-318-0189 63b Deanery Road, Kingston 3, Jamaica W.I. Good News Dominican Republic Church 1-809-350-1429 Calle 26 #2, Valle Verde 1, Santiago, La Republica Dominicana Good News Haiti Church 509-70-8253-2511 Rue Jeremie #22 Delmas 33, Port-au-Prince, Haiti