[This is Manmin] The knowhow to running my business is in following the right path.
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February 08, 2009 |
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 ~ Deacon Hyun-O Kim (Eastern Gwangju Manmin Church)
Whenever I read or heard about successful people, I have often wondered how nice it would be to have solid backgrounds. Through a book I read, however, I have met such a firm supporter.
Led to Manmin after reading The Message of the Cross
"Whose sermon messages are you listening to? They are filled with so much grace!"
"You must read this book, too," was the reply.
When I asked my mother-in-law (Deaconess Bok-Ja Sim) about the sounds coming out from a cassette tape in February 2007, she handed me a book.
"The Message of the Cross?"
That book contained answers and explanations to many questions and confusing points in the Bible I have always had throughout my life in Christ and after reading the Bible multiple times. I'm talking about such points as how one indeed receives salvation when he believes in Jesus, whether or not the people who died prior to ever hearing the Gospel could be saved, and the like.
The following Sunday, I went to Eastern Gwangju Manmin Church with my mother-in-law. Participating in the Service in Seoul live via satellite, I was deeply touched by the Senior Pastor, who was proclaiming a message tearfully to his flock, and I joined the church that very day.
After that Sunday, I stopped going on picnics or to amusement parks with my family following morning services. I so much longed to hear the Senior Pastor's messages that after getting off work, I would stay up until 3 or 4 the following morning, listen to his messages posted on the church website, and fall asleep. Even after a few hours of sleep, my steps to work were light and I couldn't wait for the following Sunday to come.
Starting a business while trusting only in God in prayer
I had worked at an automobile repair shop and during my time there, I was recognized for my diligence and integrity. However, the actual income was not much. Encouraged by the Senior Pastor's word, "If a soul prospers, he will still receive God's blessings no matter how terrible the economy is doing," I quit my job to start my own business. From that point on, I grew my faith and made every effort to please God without involving fleshly thoughts. I tried to detach myself from an idle life while reading the Senior Pastor's book Hell, and solidified my spiritual foundation through prayer at the nightly Daniel Prayer Meeting.
At first, I wanted to start out a big business and receive blessings. As I listened to the Senior Pastor's messages, however, I realized that it was greed on my part to recklessly borrow money and expand a business. I instead prayed to God, committing everything to Him, and asked Him to lead me to wherever that befitted my circumstances. Then the head of the shop I had quit asked me to take over the firm, and offered it to me at a really good price. Certain that this was God's answer to my prayer, I took over the firm in July 2007.
Practicing honesty and courtesy, putting the Word into practice
Instead of harboring greed to earn as much money as I could, I strove to obey God's Word I had heard through the Senior Pastor, including "Always seek goodness and walk on the right path," and "Be sure also to obey the law of this world."
In taking care of vehicles involved in accidents and standing between insurance companies and customers, my words carry a heavy weight. Even at times when it was disadvantageous to me, I processed each case with honesty. Some customers would say, "Other shops just do what customers ask of them. Why isn't that the case here?" and demand something inappropriate. However, I have seen customers return many times even after I had refused to honor such requests right away.
When customers tried to lower the price for the service, I chose not to argue with them but did whatever they asked and sought peace. After such instances, God always made sure to give me more profitable cases.
Following the right path in running the business was not as difficult as I had thought. At first, it did feel like a drawback but God showed me the path to blessings as I kept at staying on that path.
Blessing of ten-fold tithes
About six months after starting the business to which I diligently sought to apply the Word, about 70-80% of customers became regulars and the customer base has been increasing through the word of mouth. Even if I don't dine with customers or run marketing campaigns, God has sent me a greater number of customers so that my tithes have increased tenfold.
Recently, foreign-vehicle-only dealerships have entrusted my firm with any paint jobs and I look forward to an even greater source of income. Customers often say, "I know you guys here don't rip off customers so I can trust you. Plus, you are very good at what you do!" Some of my employees even say, "Thanks to my boss who believes in God from his heart, this business is blessed."
All this is because of God's grace and love, and because of Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee who has taught me the truth and led me onto the path to blessings. I also thank Senior Pastor Rev. Yeon-Ok Jung of Eastern Gwangju Manmin Church and fellow members for their prayer.
Ever since I began attending Manmin, I have been healed of the constant migraine caused by stress and my family has not been to a hospital once. I give all thanks and glory to God who has not only given me blessings financial and of good health, but also has become a firm supporter in my life. Hallelujah!
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