월드미션프론티어

Just last Sunday I was sitting next to my wife in our favorite church pew. There is a special time just after the service begins when we greet one another. I look over at my wife and say "It must be panggapsumnida time" Panggapsumnida means "Welcome". One of the hands that I always shake belongs to Elder Kim. He doesn't speak much English and the only words that weexchangeare"Panggapsumnida".

A light has gone from our church. Last Thursday Elder Kim passed away. He was a few weeks short of his eightieth birthday and a stroke took him to meet his maker. Elder Kim was a pillar in the church. He was a founding member and with his wife served many unselfish years.

Today was Sunday again. There was sadness among church members. The seat was empty where Elder Kim once sat. His four children were present with many of his grandchildren. I didn't know Elder Kim very well. Illness had effected his health and it was not easy for his to speak. But I know this: His eyes always lit up when he saw his two-year-old grand daughter, Sidney. He would bend his knees slightly, stretch out his arms and the little girl would run to him. I cannot judge the success of Elder Kim's life, but I can see his life through the legacy of his children and grandchildren. And in seeing his family, he was a successful man indeed.

The sorrow in our church was real today, but mixed with sorrow was hope; a hope that lives in the hearts of Christians. I have this sneaky feeling that there will come another "Panggapsumnida time". Perhaps when I die and land at the gates of heaven I will meet Elder Kim again. I bet that he will stretch out his hand to me and welcome me with "Panggapsumnida".