"I just tried to throw away the worldly things, but God gave me the best present"
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December 08, 2013 |
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Deacon Bujeong Shin (2-15 Parish, Head of Department in KIA Motors Korea)
I began attending church ten years ago in 2003, but my life was quite far from a Christian life. I preferred watching sports on TV rather than going to church. I put the priority on work, not my faith. However, I started to gain the desire to live by the Word of God while listening to Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee's message. I joined the group meeting of the Men's Mission and wanted to be changed. Then, I could quit smoking.
However, it was not easy for me to stop drinking due to my job. In November 2011, I decided to stop drinking and told to my co-workers I would no longer drink alcohol. At first, my co-workers and bosses urged me to drink but later they prepared other non-alcohol drinks for me. Through this, I realized that God protects those who act according to the Word of God and I was given faith.
As my faith increased, I was elected as a group leader in 2012. But I did not pray in those days, so I felt limited in helping the members' spiritual growth. I was spiritually in distress and anxiety about the future came over me. Previously I had thought that I had to devote myself to work in my workplace, but I started to regret many things.
I was determined to pray unceasingly and rely thoroughly on God. However, I couldn't keep my resolve since my workplace was located in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province and I had to work until late at night and go on many business trips. In the meantime, I was told that the two round consecutive Special Daniel Prayer Meeting would be held from September 30 to November 10 in 2013. I started attending the meeting and decided to at least step into the sanctuary for a moment when I was not able to make it due to the given-situation.
I prayed to cast off hatred, jealousy, and uncomfortable feelings for the first ten days. I could feel the help of the Spirit, maybe, because it was my first time to offer up vowed-prayer in my life. On October 10, 2013, I was surfing the Internet because I couldn't sleep. I happened to watch a pornographic film. I felt disheartened since I was so sorry and felt ashamed before God. On the way to work, I accidently filled my diesel-powered car with gasoline and I just thought the car was running strangely.
It was not until I already had drove 80 to 90km that I realized I had mistakenly filled my car with gasoline. I had to pay 2,000 dollars for repairs. It caused me to feel that God had protected me not to have been faced with a big accident. I deeply felt His love and caring for my life.
I thoroughly repented the moments when I had lived against the Word of God with tears and runny nose. My prayer became more fervent with casting away filthy sins. I prayed so earnestly my undershirt became wet with perspiration and I praised with all my heart. I started to pray for the church, the shepherd, and the world mission as well as myself.
Without really realizing it, the last day, the 42nd day, of the Special Daniel Prayer Meeting came. The Award Ceremony was held where many awards were given through casting lots to the attendees who attended for more than 40 days. At the end of the ceremony, Senior Pastor Dr. Lee's Award was announced. Then, I heard, "2nd Great Grand Parish, 15th Parish, Deacon Bujeong Shin!" My whole body was overwhelmed with excitement.
I am still feeling like it was a dream that I received the Senior Pastor's Award. Among the thousands of the church members' attendance cards, my card was chosen and my name was called at that moment. At the time while going to the altar I felt as if I had walked on the heavenly road. I felt grateful for the love of God who gave me the best present although I just prayed to cast off the worldly things in a spot unnoticed in the second sanctuary, not even in the main sanctuary.
I give all thanks and glory to God who has poured grace and love that I can't repay upon me.
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Manmin News 
