Pastor Soon Gi Kang, newly elected President of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), has identified “mission” as the central focus of his term. In his first interview following the appointment, he emphasized the irreplaceable role of churches and members in advancing the Division’s mission, urging continued attention and cooperation.
He also shared his commitment to strengthening unity and communication with the global church to hasten the return of Jesus Christ. The following is the full interview.
You have been called to serve as the new President of the NSD. Could you share your thoughts?
— God’s calling always comes with a sense of burden and trembling. This feeling arises regardless of the size of the responsibility. I’ve experienced it when I was first called as a pastor, when I stood behind the pulpit for my very first sermon, and when I left a familiar district to begin ministry in a new place. Each time, I was filled with fear and trembling.
This time is no exception. Even late into the night, I find it difficult to sleep, overwhelmed by a deep sense of inadequacy. I ask myself, “Can I truly fulfill this responsibility? Will my shortcomings cause any harm?” These questions remain with me even now.
What will be your primary focus during your term?
— Without question, mission. That is the very reason for the Church’s existence. I hope to see the NSD grow and develop into a mission-driven territory. However, instead of crafting new strategies or policies, I plan to stay faithful to the role of the Division.
The NSD is a regional headquarters of the General Conference. As such, our role is to implement the work voted on by the GC Executive Committee and to ensure that these initiatives are carried out in a manner that aligns with the local context. We are to guide and encourage the regions accordingly.
If there is one most important task during my term, it is to unite with the world church and give our utmost effort toward the mission goals set by the General Conference. I will work closely with the global church and do my best to hasten the second coming of Jesus Christ.
What do you see as the most urgent issue currently facing the NSD?
— To be honest, I currently have a limited understanding of all the challenges facing the NSD. If you were to ask me about the Korean Union Conference, where I have served, I could provide a more thorough response. However, now that I have been called to serve as Division President, my top priority is to understand the pressing matters we face as a division.
What is visible from the outside is never the whole picture. To fully grasp the reality—including what is not readily apparent—I will consult closely with former leaders, such as Pastor Kim YoHan, Pastor Hiroshi Yamaji, and Treasurer Kim TaeSeung, as well as with our department directors. Together, we will prayerfully assess the priorities and move forward carefully yet decisively, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Is there a message you would like to share with NSD churches and members?
— “We must now be terribly in earnest. We have not a moment to spend in criticism and accusation. Let those who have done this in the past fall on their knees in prayer… We have no time for dwelling on matters that are of no importance. Our time should be given to proclaiming the last message of mercy to a guilty world. Men are needed who move under the inspiration of the Spirit of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 36)
What we need now is a spirit of united cooperation under the banner of the Holy Spirit. The final chapter of Earth’s history is unfolding rapidly. More than ever, we must experience the living presence of God through daily communion with Him. The entire church must become united through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and each of us must dedicate ourselves to proclaiming the Three Angels’ Messages to the whole world.
I earnestly pray that every member will participate in sharing this tremendous blessing of salvation with the world, all while longing for and expecting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Please also remember me in your prayers. Thank you.