Sponsor - Kyung A Choi (Denver, CO)
Passing
Flame
on the
M
rs. Choi was born in the northern Pyongan province
in North Korea. She immigrated to Denver with her
husband and her four children. Unfortunately, her husband passed
away and Mrs. Choi had to raise their children on her own, especially
her oldest daughter who suffers from a medical condition. Her daughter
was sick and reluctant to make contact with others. She stayed at home and
did not go to church. It was Mrs. Choi’s prayer that her daughter would one day
come to worship God. At age 84, Mrs. Choi frequented hospitals for regular check-ups. It was
during one of these visits where she learned about the Children of Jesus through the interpreter, who was a
staff member of the HHK WMC. Mrs. Choi decided to sponsor a child in 2011.
David was a thirteen-year old boy living in Satipo. His father was a carpenter and his mother found work
wherever she could. His parents, two younger siblings, and David lived in the poor neighborhood of town.
David was a studious student in his first year of high school. He wanted to get a good-paying job so he could
provide for his family. That was his dream but with his family’s financial condition, his dream was impossible.
But a light of hope came into David’s bleak world. Mrs. Choi was never late on her donations nor her supportive
letters. Her donations helped to provided school supplies David needed for school and a delicious meal every
Sunday after church service. David spent more time in church his faith was planted in the gospel of truth. Her
letters urged David to seek God for His provision and to trust in Him. David’s letters were gradually filling with
pleasing news. His faith was growing. He stopped looking around at his circumstances and looked towards the
One in who all things are possible. He expressed how much joy and thankfulness he would feel whenever he
would receive her letters. He now had hope in his dream. Mrs. Choi and David had a beautiful and powerful
relationship. At the beginning of the year, the envelope from Mrs. Choi arrived as always. But this time, there
was a note attached to the check.
“This will be my last contribution. I do not have much time in
this world left, but I want to make sure David will be fine.”
The news of Mrs. Choi’s passing came a few days later, before her final letter could be delivered to David. When
David received the somber news, he was heartbroken and sent letters of gratitude to Mrs. Choi’s family and
loved ones expressing his grief. This was David’s first year in college to become a mechanic and he was excited
to share this news with Mrs. Choi, but he was too late. It is always a bitter moment when the relationship
between supporter and a sponsor child ends in this manner. But from the sorrowful tears came renewed life.
Mrs. Choi’s daughter started to attend, serve, and worship in the church. Mrs. Choi started a small spark of faith
into the hearts of her daughter and David. With her passing, her fire for God was passed onto them.
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HHK World Mission Center