An Inspiring College Friend 영감을 주는 친구

           (written in 2004)

 It is snowing in the mountains of Kangwon province and the trees in the northern part are already naked. The autumn leaves in other southern parts are disappearing day by day, and as the weather changes, so we are changing little by little.

 Sometimes we feel our jobs are too demanding and the inevitable vulnerability makes us sensitive to surrounding comments, especially when outward feedback is negative and our personal desire is not balanced. This is a sign to take a rest, time to look inward, pray and share the inner conflict with a trusted person so as to be refreshed and renewed.

 We religious people, usually take a vacation for a week, twice a year, once with the community and once with the family. Of course, it depends on each congregation and situation. I chose this religious life, but the situation is not always what I hoped and expected so walking, praying, resting, reading, or talking helps ease the circumstances. One helpful way is to meet outside people.

 One day this year during my annual holiday, I dropped by my college friend, Dr. Kim Yong-jin who became a pastor of a Presbyterian Church. I was happy to see his change. He looked optimistic, faithful, generous, and encouraging. It was really a surprise to see him after almost 16 years. Time flies so fast and now he has become a wonderful pastor leading various people.

 He graduated from the Correspondence High School but studied continuously while working very hard. I could understand him more after reading a collection of his life stories. In that essay-like autobiography, he says he had overcome not only his personal IMF but also the IMF of his church. I am sure he is doing his best to share and witness his faith among people. As he kept talking, I felt he was truly a miracle and now free to do God's works with enthusiasm for the goodness of people.

 He keeps going, trying to change a miserable situation into something good and positive. His presence is really a surprising and amazing miracle. He talked on the radio and TV programs and taught at his alma mater, Hannam University. He even belongs to the staff of "Gospel healing academy" via the Internet so as to help those who are sick. He is even expanding his missionary projects into Russia and South East Asian countries. He has a lofty vision to reach for other countries; that's why his church is named 'the Pacific Church'.

 Encountering him, I could see the merciful hands of Providence bestowed upon weak and poor people. He often got nosebleeds while studying at the university because of overwork. When we studied together on
campus, I didn't know his difficulties because he was always smiling. He looked like a simple, honest, and faithful student. In that way, he truly made efforts to develop his career constantly.

 I didn't know his family background before reading his book and I felt so sorry when I heard he had to work hard to earn school fees. If I had known his personal situation, I would have been more friendly and generous to him. I also immersed myself in studying to get a scholarship, but every effort or suffering is worth enduring. After all, no pain, no gain.

 The way he talked was positive, calm, and encouraging. He enjoyed looking at the good side of things and praising others. We had a happy lunch together with his wife. It was a great and comforting joy to see him again because I was looking for old friends.

 When I started my profession in 2002, I let some friends know about my final decision to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Among them, only one friend and her two friends came to see me. I realized how I had failed to communicate with many old friends seeing only those few come to the ceremony.

 Like the above-mentioned pastor, I have also changed into a new person. It's still far away, but I now know and experience the importance of mutual relationships and communication. Many people are constantly walking their own ways and it's hectic just to survive in this world, but some people are looking for old friends to enrich the beauty of creation. So, let's share our life experiences with one another.

 The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Nov. 8, 2004