Senior Deaconess Mikyung Kim, 48, Parish 10, Manmin Central Church

When I was in the sixth grade, I began learning to play the gayageum, the Korean zither with twelve strings. I liked it so much and I started to learn in earnest when I became an 8th grader. I graduated from the Arts High School. But as my father's business went bankrupt, I could not keep doing it. Even after I got married, things did not get better.

But in April 1993, I found Manmin News (then, Manmin Joongang News) placed on the stairs of my house. After reading about the church, I felt that I ought to go there. I checked out the location on a map and I went to Manmin Central Church by myself.

Senior Pastor Dr. Jaerock Lee's sermon sounded very deep, spiritual, and genuine. I was richly blessed by it! In May of that year, the church had a Special Revival Meeting. I witnessed amazingly powerful works manifested by Dr. Lee's prayer and came to have faith. When I saw the performers during worship services, I also wanted to glorify God with my performances too.

In 2000, I had a dream where Senior Pastor appeared and handed a music notebook to me. Right then, I received a call from Serem Korean Traditional Music Team. They heard that I played the gayageum, and I became a member of the team. While performing in services and events, I was so happy and grateful to God for fulfilling my heart's desire.

In 2007, I had my second baby and suffered from morning sickness, but it stopped after I received Senior Pastor's prayer. In March 2008, I had an easy and safe delivery of my child unlike when I delivered my first child.

But in September 2009, my husband passed away. I was in a great shock and did not know what to do for my son who went to high school and my 18-month-old baby. There was no one for me to rely on in my family or my husband's family. Moreover, in 2010, when my first child graduated from high school, welfare money from the government even stopped.

In this hopeless situation, the church helped my family. The monthly allowance from Senior Pastor given through Charity Committee was really helpful to me. Thanks to the church's constant support, my son could study in college.

After he graduated from college and finished his army service, he started to work. Since then, our financial situation has been stable. These days I feel peace and happiness I never felt before. I sometimes think of whether I deserve this great happiness. My 11-year-old child is also growing up healthy in the Lord as well.

I give thanks for the grace of God and live with desire to repay the grace. When I saw our church members are happy with the Serem's performance, I feel rewarded and think, "I have now become a person who can give happiness to others." I give thanks to the Lord.

In August 2018, I was healed of a stomach disorder that had troubled me for ten years. Since then, I have digested food well and had no problem. I give all thanks and glory to God and the Lord who take full responsibilities for my life both in sprit and body and give me true peace and happiness. I extend my thanks to Senior Pastor who has encouraged me and guided me in this way of blessings.