A Wake Up Call : Gus Kim

It was around mid-April when my good friend, Pastor Chris from Simplicity, called me and talked to me about the people whom God was calling him to serve. He shared with me how the people who are most vulnerable during the pandemic are usually undocumented, without any source of income, and without health insurance.

This was a wake-up call for me because I have been so closed-off and passive. Just like everyone else, I had enough of my own problems to worry about and was facing many doubts and uncertainties on how to deal with this pandemic. On top of that, I was recovering from COVID myself, during what seemed like the most painful 2 weeks of my life. I wasn’t sure how to lead the church during the pandemic and how to comfort our members who have lost their jobs and whose businesses were failing. So, I really didn’t have the mental capacity to look beyond “me”: my health, my finances, my church and my family.

After our conversation, a Bible verse came to my mind in prayer. It was Acts 16:9. In a vision, a man of Macedonia appears to Paul pleading with him: “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” How does Paul respond? He drops all his plans and immediately leaves for Macedonia to preach the gospel there. It was a clear sign that God was calling me and Grace Church to stop thinking about ourselves, take a step of faith and respond to His calling.

When I shared what God has placed in my heart with the rest of the congregation, the response was overwhelming. It blew my mind. Many people stepped up to serve in many different ways with the talents and the resources God had entrusted them with. Even with fear of the virus, they went out to do grocery shopping, pack boxes and make deliveries. Some wrote personalized cards and letters to encourage them and to share their testimonies each week, which were then translated into Spanish. Others made advertising materials, shared them on social media, and came up with creative ideas for fundraising, such as “Bingo for Dare”. Then a few weeks ago, we launched our Spanish Sunday worship service online. Also, many generously shared their finances even though they too were not doing well financially. This is how we were able to collect $20,030.78 in less than 3 months.

I am at a loss for words how thankful I am. All I can say is, praise God! I am truly honored and grateful to be part of such a wonderful church that understands the joy of making sacrifices, and I am thankful for my friends at Simplicity. I love you guys. God bless you.