The Korean Adventist Women’s Association (KAWA) held a devotional meeting for board and advisory members at the chapel hall of the Korean Union Conference (KUC) on May 28, 2021. This meeting was supported by the KUC Women’s Ministries department and was attended by women leaders including newly appointed KAWA board members. To prevent any spread of the coronavirus, the number of the attendees was limited to half compared to previous years. The meeting was held with safety measures in place and all attendees followed social distancing guidelines.
Mrs. Nam SangSook, who will lead the KAWA for the next three years following the last term, said in welcoming remarks, “I will carry out all of KAWA’s ministries relying on God’s word in Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Jesus Christ is our sole leader and the rest of us are just following His will with a spirit of cooperation. I will take my responsibility with a humble heart.” She also showed her appreciation to her colleagues for their passionate and sincere work even behind the scenes. “When we unite in God and devote ourselves, the Lord will be with us.” For the newly begun 9th term, the KAWA members will focus on finding young women leaders for its flourishing future.
In his sermon, KUC president Kang SoonKi asked attendees questions: “What Kind of person is God looking for in this age? Moreover, what does God want to achieve on this earth through His people?” He urged attendees to live a life revealing God’s image and glorifying Him. He cited Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” and emphasized the fundamental reason for the KAWA ministries. “If all our work is not fundamentally from God’s guidance, all that will be nothing more than just a ‘clanging cymbal.’ I sincerely hope that the 9th KAWA will bring change that has never been made before through the service God is pleased with,” said President Kang.
Pastor Yoon CheongShil, KUC Women’s Ministries director, delivered an encouraging message to women leaders. “When you work together for good, God will give you joy and courage in your ministry. It is anticipated that God’s will for finding the lost again, restoring the wounded, and saving sinners will be fulfilled through service and dedication of KAWA members. I hope more women will join in testifying of Jesus Christ.”
Im HyeSeon, the Women’s Ministries director of the Southeast Korean Conference (SEKC) and a pastoral spouse, shared what the KAWA in the SEKC has done recently with attendees. She said, “Although our activities have been challenged recently due to COVID-19, I am sure that there are women someplace who dedicate their service to the Lord with earnest prayers. The Widow at Zarephath was blessed by Elijah because she willingly shared what she had at a time of famine. I hope that Adventist women won’t cease to share love and blessings from God with people around them.”
The meeting ended with a special prayer session where attendees prayed together for the following prayer topics: project of the 9th term of KAWA, revival and evangelism of the Korean Adventist Church in the midst of COVID-19, I Will Go mission project, and peace and unification of Korea and North Korea mission. They asked God for His wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit so that they can fulfill the mission that God has given to KAWA.