Happy Anniversary!

Dear CoaH,

Our church celebrates its 45th anniversary this Sunday.

A lot has happened in those forty-five years. By God’s grace, we have become who we are. How long have you been at Young Nak? How would you describe your experience at Young Nak? What did God teach you through this community, and what did you do through this community of faith?

According to the late Rev. Jae Kwang Kim, the church started on a blistering cold day. It snowed so much that he worried the worship would not take place. He was surprised that many people showed up to be part of the opening service. Following the first Sunday service on November 13th, 1977, all the members celebrated the joyous day with the Kal Kook Soo lunch (spicy noodle soup). Who would have guessed this gathering would eventually grow in thousands some 45 years later?

When I visited Korea last month, I had a chance to preach at a church in Busan City. The church is more than 110 years old and is still going strong. The pastor is thinking of a new building project. Wow, after 110 years, it is still growing! My prayer is that Young Nak will also be like that. When our church celebrates one hundred years, it will be in 2077. I will be long gone, and my granddaughter, who attends the toddler class now, will be close to sixty! Most of us will not be around. Here is one takeaway question: what should we do NOW to ensure that Young Nak will remain a faithful, witnessing community in a secular society?

The Officers, photo taken in 1980’s

Blessings,

Pastor Minho Song