Deacon Seokwon Chang (2-4th Men's Mission, 12-2nd Parish)

My heart was swollen with the thought that I would be able to meet a woman, get married and have a happy family over 30 years old. I committed all my money to her, but later I discovered she was a married woman who had a daughter and parted from her.
I fell into a great shock, and began leading a loose life, squandering money. In my late forties, the future seemed gloomy and I was at a loss what to do. I tried to live an earnest life renewing my heart, but misfortunes continually came on me. To make the matters worse, I got involved in a traffic accident and came to suffer from the fracture of the left shoulder blade, the damage on the right ribs and paralysis on the right leg.
I was forcefully discharged from the hospital and began to live a miserable life a homeless man. I moved around a few subway stations including Seoul Station and Yongsan Station, and lived under the Noryangjin Railroad Bridge and at the restroom in the park. To make a living, I collected waste paper and lived from hand to mouth with the income from selling the waste paper.
On July 6, 2005 I met with my parish leader Pastor Hakbum Kim and my district leader Deaconess Minjung Kim at the kids' park in Daerim-Dong, Youngdeungpo-Gu, Seoul. That day I was guided to attend the Wednesday Evening Service at Manmin Central Church by them, and so touched at the message. My heart was attracted to the church. After the service came to an end, I returned to the park, All of a sudden, an old woman who was running a used-garments' store called me and said to me, "Are you looking for a house? I'll let my room out for you. You'll pay for it when you earn much money."
It was an extraordinary thing. Now I know such a thing happened because God was pleased when I listened to the evangelists and attended the church.
The following day the pastor came to me again and testified to the living God and Jesus Christ. She planted faith into my heart. Pastor Kim and district members bought a new suit for me and provided me with food and many necessary things. They really helped me be able to live an independent life, with their devotional service and love.
In 2008, I got a job and my life was restored, but at a corner of my heart greed grew. Because of covetousness for more money, I got involved in dealing with illegal fakes and resulted in a penniless beggar. I couldn't dare to go to the church because I felt so sorry for that. I wanted to go to church again with confidence after earning money. But it was not easy. I really needed a mobile phone, so I bought a new one even if I had little money at that time. As soon as my mobile was opened, I received the phone call from my group leader. With his help I was able to attend church again and be provided with food and dwelling shelter by group leaders. In addition, I was employed at the Seoul Joong-ang Insu Branch, Shinhan Life Insurance Inc. I filled my heart with the Lord's love, raised my faith and led an ardent life of faith in faith.
While listening to the Word of God, my life began to change and I came to Senior Pastor to greet him. I walked the right way as taught by him, and thought how I could please God. In addition, I kept the Lord's Day holy, and gave the tithe and various offerings to God. As a result, my spirit prospered and I was assigned with a duty of a group leader and received financial blessing in the midst of the increase of the number of insurance contracts. I am trying my best to evangelize others testifying to my life, and to serve and help the rejected. How thankful my life is!