Church Plant Spotlight: SDBC Korean Ministry
As we embrace being BOLDLY FORWARD, NEVER ALONE as Fellowship Pacific, one of the key ways we live this out is through church planting and we are excited to share more stories from our church plants this year! This month we want to introduce you to SDBC Korean Ministry in Delta, BC!
A story from Grace Kim, the Director of Korean Ministry:
My family moved here from South Korea four years ago. We came here with a heart to raise up the next generation to be global leaders equipped with the gospel. However, I never envisioned ministering to Koreans at South Delta Baptist Church. What has happened here is beyond my wildest dreams. It was definitely God's providence and leading.
Grace Kim (Director of Korean ministry), Olivia Kim(Grade 6), David Kim(Grade 6), Elly Kim (3 years old), Leesoo Kim (husband)
When I arrived in Canada, the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to study for my Doctor of Ministry program for two and a half years, and I believe that God was in control of me and South Delta Baptist Church during that time. The pandemic, which was challenging in many ways, was a time for me to deepen my search and meditation on God's will in leading me here. At the same time, I believe it was a time of shaping South Delta Baptist Church into a mature community of faith that wanted to embody the gospel through radical (biblical) hospitality.
By the time my studies were complete, the pandemic was over and the church was eager to welcome and engage with brothers and sisters in Christ from different ethnicities and cultures. During the pandemic, most of the Koreans in the South Delta area went back to Korea, and what started as a small group in our home has grown to averaging about 45 people who join us for Sunday worship each week. Our Korean community has expanded beyond the South Delta area to include families from Burnaby and Langley. To help meet the needs of the community, we offer free ELL classes. About 20 students learn English while also learning about the culture and way of life here. The ELL class has also become a mission field that includes many different nationalities, as people from different countries have joined the community who have immigrated to Canada through the ELL class, not just Koreans. It is rewarding and gives us gratitude and praise to God to see people come to know the church through the ELL Class and become part of our family. Our Korean community aims to be an integral part of our church, SDBC, by worshipping together on Sundays and serving as volunteers in various areas. We use this time to support one another, be challenged in our faith, and grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Once a month, our church hosts a table fellowship for the entire congregation. On a few occasions, the Korean community has provided traditional Korean food. The Korean community members who prepared the Korean food were very happy and excited, and the church members who tasted it were able to share a very enjoyable table fellowship. This was a very special experience for us.
written by Grace Kim (Director of Korean Ministry)
Please pray that the community in which we live will come to know Jesus and follow him faithfully.
For more information please visit the links below:
