On Sabbath, January 11, 2025, Paju International Church hosted the ordination service for Elder Jacob Ko (柯爭光). The Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) had previously resolved during its executive committee meeting in November 2024 to appoint Elder Ko to pastoral ministry through ordination.
Born on September 20, 1966, Pastor Ko is a dedicated health professional and church leader. He holds advanced public health and medical technology degrees and has served as a teacher, administrator, and Health Ministries Director for the NSD. A family man, Pastor Ko, is married to Violet Su and has three children: Rainbow, Sunshine, and Star. Raised in a pastoral family, he developed a strong commitment to church work early on, establishing tribal worship communities and supporting Chinese congregations during his academic and professional journey. His leadership has strengthened diverse Adventist communities, including tribal and multicultural churches. Currently, he serves as a preacher and elder in South Korea.
During the ordination service, Jonas Arrais, Ministerial Secretary of the NSD, delivered a heartfelt message: “God has been preparing you for this day. God has wonderful plans for you. He will empower you to develop effective pastoral ministry through the Holy Spirit.”
Following the message, Kim YoHan, President of the NSD, offered the ordination prayer: “We ask that the Holy Spirit descend abundantly upon Pastor Jacob Ko. Empower him with heavenly wisdom. Bless him with a strong, healthy mind and body, and grant him spiritual gifts. May Your love fill him, guiding and sustaining him in his ministry.”
In the closing commitment prayer, Pastor Jacob Ko expressed his gratitude and dedication, saying, “Today, I become a pastor, but it’s Your mercy and calling—not my mind, not my effort. Please pour down Your Holy Spirit so I can preach Your word clearly and share Your love with others.”
The service marked a significant milestone in Pastor Ko’s life and ministry, symbolizing his continued dedication to serving God and His people.
