God really loves steadfastness!
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September 24, 2007 |
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 ~ Deacon Kyung-sang Cho (7-30th Parish, 1-2 Men's Mission)
Overflowing testimonies in my life
After being discharged from the military and moving to Seoul from a rural part of Korea, I was introduced to Manmin Joong-ang Church by a hometown friend. Back home, I had gone to a small church perhaps once a month. Seeing so many people in such a large church threw me off a bit at first but I was immediately pleased with the vibrant and lively ambiance of the congregation.
At the urging of my group leader in the Mission to which I belonged, I began diligently listening to Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee's "The Message of the Cross," "The Measure of Faith," and "Spirit, Soul, and Body" series on the bus and subway to and from work, and those messages were of tremendous help in nurturing my faith.
Also, after hearing that each child of God was to lead a faithful life of prayer, I arrived at church after getting of work around 10 o'clock in the evening. "The Daniel Prayer Meeting" would have come to a close but I attended the Extra Prayer Meeting sessions that followed and received the power of prayer.
While living a life of gratitude of God's grace, I was given the opportunity to serve the church, and I began receiving many blessings both in spirit and in flesh on account of my service.
I had hurt my waist severely while in the military and had been unable to bend or move it freely. Yet, I realized how pleased God was with my wholehearted service when my waist was made whole.
I never hesitated to volunteer and offer my service at retreats, for church anniversary celebrations, or "The Christmas Tree Lighting." On Sundays, I would attend the first Morning Service, prepare and distribute the noodles for lunch, clean the dining halls, and throw out the trash. After the Evening Service, I assisted in preparing dinner, dishwashing, and cleaning afterwards. During summer months, sweat would drench even my underwear and the food odor would permeate my clothing but I was thankful to have such a strong body with which I could serve.
Life in Christ Established with "The Message of the Cross" series
Attending "Extra Prayer Meeting" receiving the power of prayer, and experiencing God's grace through volunteering
Healing of my younger sister's sequela from LPG poisoning
Strengthening of my body
My youngest sister Deaconess Kyung-ja Cho had been suffering from high fever and migraine accompanied by chronic cold on account of the LPG poisoning years earlier. The rest of our family was deeply concerned as she would vomit upon taking medication and spent most of her time in bed with constant injections of Ringer's solution. I'd always felt disheartened to leave behind my sister and move to Seoul but at Manmin, I saw people receiving God's healing of all kinds of diseases and infirmities. I began praying for my little sister, believing that she could also be healed. Thinking of my sister who would be healed and rejoice, I became more faithful and diligent in my service for God's kingdom.
Arriving in Seoul amidst God's guidance, my sister attended "The 7th Two-week Special Revival Meeting with Dr. Jaerock Lee" in May 1999, received the Senior Pastor's prayer, and was completely healed of the sequela from the LPG poisoning.
Also, I had always been weak physically, suffered from migraine and thus lived on medication, and vomited multiples times a month. After joining Manmin, all such symptoms have disappeared and, without any visits to the hospital or pharmacy, I have been living a healthy life.
On top of that, I had been wearing glasses for 10 years but from the moment I received the Senior Pastor's prayer without the glasses on, my vision began to improve gradually and an eye exam revealed that my vision was 20/16.
As I have been carrying out my God-given duties, my introvert and passive nature was changed into a bright and active one. The pressure to "Do something before people" was transformed to, 'I don't do the Lord's work; it's God who does it,' which resulted in confidence, and the repetition of my service only made me feel more comfortable and natural.
At work, I use honorifics to even to the people younger than me. I use the honorifics to and serve my coworkers, and they do the same to me and the whole office is filled with gladness and joy. While I make prosthetic teeth at a dentist's office, I listen to the Senior Pastor's sermon almost daily and some of my coworkers, captivated by the messages, have begun participating in the Friday All-night Service on the Internet. In fact, the older brother of the dentist (the owner) recently joined Manmin Joong-ang Church and is leading a joyful life in Christ.
When I first started working there, the skill was not great and I was not as competent but as I worked in honesty and faithfulness according to God's Word, the dentist has begun to entrust me with his work as well.
I do lead a very busy life but I always look forward to visiting long-time absentees after the Sunday Evening Service every week. Regardless of the distance traveled, I am refreshed from spiritual conversations with brothers and sisters in the hope for heaven.
I give all thanks and glory to God for pouring upon me His grace despite the fact that I fall short, and I would also like to express my gratitude to the Senior Pastor.
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