Last October I went to the Dominican Republic with my pastor Chang and members of our congregation for a short mission trip. So many people there did not have a job. My mind worked so fast to create jobs for those who need work. My whole life I created jobs for so many people. God's plan was not there for me least not yet.
However my wife Jung-Hee went to Haiti in November 2008, she despaired to see the Haitians. She couldn't stop thinking about them. She wanted me to help them if we could. Lack of resources, unstable government and kidnapping foreigners for money were distractions. They made mud pies to endure hunger. You can see water everywhere but none you can drink. Few hours a day you can have electric service, it's hard to believe in 21St century.The country is one of the poorest country in the world. Missionary Park said not many people know about them or it is too dangerous to go there.
Our Lord Jesus said "Love God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind". This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; "Love your neighbor as yourself." What if God asked me "did you love your neighbor"? I could not say "yes, Lord." then I remember this verse Jesus said "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." I realize my neighbors are Haitians. They are my brothers and sisters. I feel so ashamed I did not live up to God's standard. Of course we all have different talents to serve the neighbors and give time and money to support them.
So I started to pray and wished to hear what He had to say to me. I fervently prayed to God what could I do to help them. First let my heart to open and love them. I have hard time loving somebody I never knew. I realized they too were created in God's image, in His view we are equal to Him. Yes Lord they are also loved by You. I was really humbled by it. So I decided to help them with His support. All things are possible with His help. To know what is going on there, I had to visit. I am an advanced age(70) and I need money to travel.
My wife and I told our children what God put in our heart. Our oldest son bought air plane ticket, and other friends helped me. Second son Johnson sent two rechargeable lights. Soon as my idea was set, God provided little by little. Just enough for the first visit. Some people said it was too dangerous to go alone but if my time comes I will go. I was not afraid. If God is with me who can be against me? My wife's charge nurse was born in Haiti she too wanted to help Haiti. She arranged for her friend to act as translator and driver and guide. She treated me very well. She picked me up at the airport and introduced me to deans from five different nurse universities.
We discussed about the job opportunities and I realized that we could export nurses and technicians for labor. They were so pleased to hear what I had to say. They could give me 180 nurses names. I researched Canada. Quebec is open for visa quota Approximately 250,000. They speak French so it is very convenient for them. But a lot of money needed to process the immigration. Because I do not have a lot of money. I completely trust in the Lord. He started this and He will finish with me. They ask me why do I want to help them? I only can say God wants me to do so. He gave me compassion to care for them. I did not even think about them until recently but I was trained to do so all these years.
I was there when my country started sending nurses and miners to West Germany. Also I brought mechanics from India,Bangladesh, China and Philippines, in my early years to different countries. I wanted to teach them how to catch fish instead I giving them fish. When they have earned money in abroad, they will send money to their family and relatives. They can create workplace for other in Haiti because of vacating their own job through leaving the country. I strongly believe He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. If so, is that God's will to move? I promised the people in Haiti to continue to maintain contact. I fervently pray, brothers and sisters in Christ, my strong belief for all different missions, some give bread and some build orphanages some build schools. My duty is to help the people go the global labor market. Where there is job openings I will give them information and help them go through immigration. That is what I am good at. I do this for God's glory and honor.
In 1960S Korea, we were poor like Haiti. Pediatrician Dr. Su Gil Lee, who had polio, asked the Korean government to start sending some nurses to West Germany. Later nurses, technicians, and miners, went to West Germany Saudi, Iran Vietnam etc. Now Korea, India, and Philippines are the best the export labor market. In Korea, second grade elementary school starts to teach English so they will not have any language barrier.
I thank you again those of you who pray for me all the time. Without your prayers I do not know If I can make it. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose.
Please keep on praying it will shine on Haiti. Also I thank God for using me for His mission. I praise the Lord.
Humble servant Jin Y. Kim. 20th Nov. 2008
