Feb 08 2009
International Christian Leader at Campus Day of Learning
On October 30th, Belhaven College students, faculty, and staff had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Billy Jang Hwan Kim, President of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in Korea. Dr. Kim is an international Christian leader known for his commitment to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ across the world. Dr. Kim was joined by the young and talented voices of the FEBC Korea Children’s Choir.
These international visitors were well-received at the Campus Day of Learning. Dr. Kim’s well-pointed Biblical exhortation left everyone with a charge to live a life committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dr. Kim’s message was emphasized by the presence of the Korea Children’s Choir, whose young voices filled the concert hall with praise songs, hymns, and traditional American folk songs.
Dr. Kim’s Ministry
Dr. Kim travels across the world with his ministry, so Belhaven was honored to host such a prestigious guest for the Campus Day of Learning. His evangelistic ministry began over fifty years ago, and he has accomplished many remarkable things throughout his life. Though his early years saw extreme hardships, including the Korean War, God’s hand was on Dr. Kim’s life from a young age.
He was able to get work as a house boy for the U.S military, where he met Sgt. Carl Powers, who helped him go to America to complete his education. Sgt. Powers enrolled Dr. Kim at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, South Carolina, and in August of 1958, Dr. Kim married Trudy, whom he met at Bob Jones Academy. The fearful 17 year old boy who left Korea in 1951 returned with an education, a beautiful wife, and a passion and vision for ministry.
Dr. Kim’s ministry in Korea began small, but it grew exponentially with each passing decade. One instance of his passion for the gospel was the Billy Graham Crusade of 1973, where Dr. Kim translated Dr. Graham’s nightly messages. His interpretive skill was marked by speed, accuracy, and enthusiasm. Each night the crowd grew to the maximum attendance of 1.1 million.
In 1973, Dr. Kim was installed as Director of the Far East Broadcasting Company in Korea, where he has been in leadership for over 3 decades. In 2000, he became the first Asian to be elected as President of the Baptist World Alliance. Continuing an active and broad international ministry, he has become a highly respected leader among government and business leaders, as well as, church leaders around the globe.
Korea Children’s Choir
The Korea Children’s Choir is an outreach ministry of the Far East Broadcasting Company. The choir has travelled extensively, and their stop at Belhaven was one of several stops on their tour of the southern U.S. They captivated the Belhaven audience with their bright voices, colorful costumes, and choreographed dancing. These forty young voices added another dimension of excitement to the Campus Day of Learning.
The International emphasis at this year’s Campus Day of Learning made it a special day for all who attended. At the close of the Korea Children’s Choir performance, Dr. Billy Kim presented Belhaven president Dr. Roger Parrott with a special gift, a traditional inlaid pearl Korean leader’s nameplate. The friendship forged between Dr. Kim and Dr. Parrott is a significant one, forming an even stronger bond with the Korean brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Having Dr. Kim and The FEBC Children’s Choir for our Campus Day of Learning is a significant opportunity, not only for the cross cultural exchange but to also bear witness to the remarkable work that God is doing in Korea through this ministry. For over five decades FEBC’s radio ministry has brought the gospel to Korea, Russia, China, and Mongolia. We are truly fortunate to have them in Jackson, Mississippi for our Campus Day of Learning,” concluded Dr. Parrott.
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