Missionary Minute:
Third Sunday of Easter

April 30, 2006
by Sun Sook Kim
 

“There are many who say, ‘O that we might see some good! Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O God!’ You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” Psalm 4:6-7, An Inclusive-Language Lectionary

Some of my work takes me to an area of Manila called “Smokey Mountain.” It is a garbage dump where very poor people earn a living as scavengers. A bright spot for the children who grow up here is the Shalom Children’s Learning Center. One of our first nursery/kindergarten students—in the late ’80s—was a girl named Jemima. Recently she graduated from Harris College and will be a deaconess. Another student was Janice. I taught her to read and to write, and now she is a teacher! Yet another former student works as a community organizer.

When I first arrived here, I felt angry. The situation looked hopeless. Then God’s compassion hit my heart, and through studying the Bible and sharing with the people here, I realized these families who have nothing of material value have the great hope of eternal life. Their lives have been changed!

For 16 years I worked as a registered nurse in New York City. Then I met Jesus, and God called me to be a missionary. I’ve served in the Philippines almost 20 years. I have covenant relationships with congregations in the United States and Korea, my home country. This is not my ministry; it is your ministry!

We try to address the whole person by meeting educational, medical, nutritional and social needs. Literacy is so important, and literacy ministry can be a bridge for church planting and evangelism. Teachers have a unique chance to witness to students and their families and neighbors.

Your generous gifts through the Advance for Christ and His Church enable me to be a missionary. Every year is better than the previous one. Truly God has blessed me. Thank you!

God of blessing, show us how to use our talents to improve people’s lives and, most importantly, to lead others to you. In your name we pray. Amen.

Sun Sook Kim, literacy consultant, Philippines

Literacy Ministry in Central Luzon, Philippines, #11487A

http://gbgm-umc.org/advance/donate/donate.cfm?code=81350

Here I Am Lord: Missionary Minutes Home
http://gbgm-umc.org/advance/hereiamlord/