One day in January 2024, I woke up in the morning and felt pain in my neck. I could feel a small lump. As time passed, the lump grew bigger and bigger to turn into a bump, and the affected area became swollen. It was easily visible, so I turned up my collar or covered it with a scarf. ...
Brother Hyunkyu Kim, age 19, Students' Sunday School, Manmin Central Church
My mother registered in Manmin Central Church when she had me in her womb. Since I was born, I grew up in the Lord and when I was an 8th grader, I started fencing. When I began it, I just liked it. But when I had to practice until late at night after school, I was so exhausted and wanted to give it up. As I overcame it though, my skill improved and it was rewarding.
In 2016, I've become a 12th grader who was supposed to concentrate on the college entrance exam. I have wanted to enter Korea National Sport University. I knew I had to show a good performance in fencing championships or matches so that I can be admitted to the university. Through countless testimonies, I knew that many church members achieved their goals with faith. So, I also relied on God with faith. Before I had thought that I had no time to pray because I had to both study and practice fencing. However, I realized that the God of love knows my heart and my situation. Since then I came to pray on my bed and even while I was walking.
In March, 2016, the first match of this year, "The 45th Korean Fencing Federation President National Fencing Championship" was held. I received Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee's prayer recorded on Automated Response System during training and during the real match. And I won the gold medal! I was so happy and became confident.
In April, the 10th Korea Junior Fencing Federation Championship was held. I thought I would do the same as I had done in the previous championship. But before the match my coach suddenly told us to give our cell phones to him. So I could not receive Senior Pastor's recorded prayer. I thought for a moment that I might borrow a cell phone from someone and receive the prayer, but I thought again that it might be okay since I had won a gold medal in the previous match. I did not take it serious and started the match. But I failed in the round of 32. I reflected upon the reason and realized that I had tried it for myself without much reliance on God. I was sorry but still thankful because I realized the reason for the failure.
On May 7, the 54th National Fencing Championship was held. It was the last match that could have great influence on college entrance. I did not want to have any regrets after the match just as I had done in April. I wanted to completely depend on God. In the morning, I received Senior Pastor's prayer for the day. I listened to his prayer for my match repeatedly all day and then entered the match. Everything was going well during the match. I felt so good and my body felt light. I was strengthened by something and I could stay focused very well.
I won the gold medal in the sabre individual match for male high school students, and won the silver medal in the team match. Hallelujah! I give all thanks and glory to God. I give thanks to Senior Pastor who prayed for me.