Hyun Min Kim (Ryno), NSD Associate Director of Adventist Mission
It is always an emotional and touching moment to witness missionary families dedicate their lives to the Lord in gospel ministry. That is exactly what church leaders and members experienced on the ‘BIG’ Sabbath of 2022 NSD Yearend Meetings.
The 21st Group of PMM(Pioneer Mission Movement) missionary dedication service and 20th Anniversary of Pioneer Mission Movement was held on November 5, 2022, at Seoul English Institute Church. The Pioneer Mission Movement is a global mission project of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division(NSD) for new church planting in its territories and beyond. During this service, NSD’s executive committee members attended the event and blessed five missionary families who dedicated their six years of service to the Lord.
“Once a Missionary, Always a Missionary”
This is perhaps one of the well-known phrases that describe the dedication of missionaries. The PMM Dedication Sabbath of NSD at Seoul English Institute Church reminded us of how true this is. Sabbath School was devoted to interviews with the 1st Batch PMM Missionaries and Dr. Jairyong Lee, the founder of this great missionary movement. Pastor Sun Hwan Kim, NSD Adventist Mission Director/PMM Coordinator, served as the host of the whole program. The former PMM missionaries shared how life-changing their service in the mission field was. It also gave us a little insight into the impact being a field missionary has on the person and the entire family, especially the growing children. It was a great blessing to hear beautiful testimonies from the mission field. Dr. Jairyong Lee reminded the former, and current missionaries that being a missionary is not easy. Nevertheless, he concluded his interview by saying God will provide no matter what.
The Sabbath Worship was full of expectations and joy as five new PMM families were dedicated to serving as missionaries: Pastor Sun Kim’s family to the Philippines, pastor HangRae Ha’s family to MENA, pastor SeungJin Lee’s family to Japan, pastor Sung Yong Jung’s family to Indonesia, and pastor BongKil Choi’s family to the MENA. These five families are joining the previous 141 PMM families since 2003
Dr. Yo Han Kim, NSD President, gave an inspiring and challenging sermon about being a true and faithful missionary. He challenged the missionaries to be equipped with a pioneer spirit as they begin the work for countless people who have not heard the Three Angels’ Messages yet. Responses from the missionaries brought tears to the eyes of the church members as they pledged to be faithful no matter the circumstances.
GC Vice president Audrey Anderson gave a special encouraging message to the missionary couples. She said, “God makes a promise which is appropriate today. Hebrews 13:5 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” A more correct translation would be I will never never leave you, I will never never forsake you. There is always someone with you, and not only are they with you, but they are also always on your side.” She continued saying, “God is a powerful helper, a present helper, and a personal helper. He will be with you and guide you as you follow His leading.”
The dedication service ended with a dedicatory prayer offered by Jonas Arrais, NSD Ministerial Secretary, and Brent Burdick, GC Treasury Sunplus Director. The missionaries will be sent to their mission field after completing the three times of training sessions for PMM missionaries.
May the Lord continue to guide and bless their steps as they follow the command of our Lord: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” As sending missionaries, we will also be behind them with our prayers.