English Ministry Column

Greetings from EM Pastor

w Pastor Matthew Kim

Last December, I was invited to AKPC as one of the ‘candidates’ for consideration for an EM pastor position.  Having prayed and contemplated on what I should preach on, I arrived at the conclusion that – should this be the only preaching opportunity here in Austin, then I better focus on a topic that is most important – Jesus Christ and the Love of God.  Hence, I preached a sermon out of Isaiah 7:10-14 & John 1:14, titled, ‘He Loves to Be With Us.’

 Evidently the congregation, as well as the Lord, was pleased.  The church soon extended an offer.  At the one hand, we were very grateful; but on the other hand, somewhat apprehensive and indecisive.

The though of having to relocate was not an easy one.  First, it’s Texas!  I remembered having lived a full year in Forth Worth in ’92-93 while working for General Dynamics / Lockheed as an aerospace engineer.  Jonathan was barely a year old.  Joshua, not even conceived.  I remember the hardship we endured having to live far away from family and friends.  I remember the long hot summer heat that never seems to relent!  Not to mention the Texas size roaches – the uninvited guests that would not go away!

Texas?  Again?  “Lord, if you are willing, take this cup from me……,”  I prayed amusingly.

Relocating in the middle of school year would also be undesirable.  Jonathan would have to finish 7th grade, Joshua 5th here in Austin with less than 3 months of school left.  They would have to adapt to the transition quickly; new school, new classmates, curriculum; make new church friends, etc.  But our kids are tough, resilient and outgoing, God reassured us.

There were many more things to consider; housing; moving household goods; expenses; time, etc.  But the most difficult part of the move was saying our goodbyes to family and friends.  There would be many meals, handshakes and hugs shared.  Those were easy and fun.  But seeing watery eyes, tear drops falling, those were difficult.  Seeing friends cry.  Seeing family crying.  The thought of not seeing them made us cry.

But isn’t this what ‘calling is?’  Jesus never said it would be easy.  And He did say that He would one day wipe our tears away – Hallelujah!

Do we regret being called to Texas?  No way!  Did we make a mistake coming here?  Most definitely not!  The calling is clear.  The mission is clear.  The warm welcome is real and most appreciative.

Our family is deeply thankful to the Lord for allowing us the opportunity to share our lives with you.  We are especially grateful for the warm, loving welcome many of you have extended.  Thank you and praise the Lord!

The move?  It came and went, better than we expected.  Our kids and school?  They love their school and are adjusting well.  Texas roaches?  Still out there!

Matthew Kim (김창현) 목사님 소개 (by 김 문석 장로)

하나님의 크신 뜻이 계시고 어스틴한인장로교회를 지극히 사랑하셔서 Matthew Kim 목사님 가정을 EM (English Ministry, 영어권목회) 목사님으로 인도하신 은혜를 감사 드립니다.

Matthew Kim 목사님 가족을 교우 여러분께 간략하게 소개해 드리겠습니다. 내조 하시는 Sarah (한국이름 인희) 사모님, 큰 아들 Jonathan (13세), 둘째 아들 Joshua (11세)가 있습니다.

Matthew Kim 목사님은 서울에서 1965년에 태어나셨고 1974년에 미국 LA로 이민오셨습니다. 1988년에 USC에서 Aerospace Engineering (항공공학) 학사 학위를 받고 10년 동안 여러 비행기 회사에서 Structural Design (구조설계) Engineer 로 근무하셨습니다. 1997년에 하나님의 부르심을 받아 Fuller 신학교에 입학하시고 2001년에 M. Div를 받으셨습니다.

1997년부터 2004년까지 여러 교회에서 Youth pastor, EM pastor 및 KM 부목사로 사역하셨습니다.

또한 Matthew 목사님은 JAMA (Jesus Awakening Movement for America) 에 Operations Director로 2002년부터 지금까지 봉사하시고 계십니다.