The Words of David S. C. Kim
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The Words of David S. C. Kim |
After a long battle with illness Mrs. Kang Eui Hong, better known as Grandma Kim transitioned into the spiritual world at 1:50 am on December 18th 2010. Born in 1918, Grandma Kim had led a long and fruitful life which was replete with challenges and victories. Born in Pyongyang to a Korean patriot, she was deeply influenced by Christianity and met her future husband Mr. Sang Chul (David) Kim, while studying at a Christian school. Mrs Kim is survived by her husband, one daughter, four sons and, at the time of passing 10 grandchildren, one great granddaughter and a great grandson on the way.
Mrs. Kim and her husband were very early followers of True Parents, prior to there even being a Unification Church. In fact David Kim was one of the charter members of HSA-UWC in 1954. They also participated in the historic 36 couples blessing at Cheongpadong Church in 1960. David Kim was already a missionary to America from 1959 and Mrs. Kim was left to raise their five children in his absence, later joining him in his mission.
When True Father heard about the passing of Kang Eui Hong he wrote a calligraphy for her and asked that a National Level Seunghwa be conducted in America and that her body be buried at the Won Jeun Holy Ground in Korea. The Seunghwa was a magnificent and holy event which was touched by God's divine spirit. The outpouring of love from around the world was deeply touching. All morning long, more and more flowers arrived until the stage was completely awash in displays. Flowers from True Children and each of the Continental Directors as well as businesses and church departments and individuals made quite an impressive scene.
MC Kevin Thompson, Northern California District Director brought the proceedings to order with prayer and a congregational song. Then Pastor Thompson read the impressive biography of the life of Grandma Kim before showing a slide show of some of the highlights of her life through pictures, giving everyone a vivid imprint of the progression of her life.
Rev Joshua Cotter, Executive Vice-President of the Unification Church of America was overseeing the Seunghwa on behalf of our national church. Rev Cotter began by reading a heartfelt letter to Grandma Kim's family from Rev In Jin Moon, daughter of True Parents and President and CEO of HAS-UWC America congratulating Mrs. Kim for a such a long and victorious life of faith, dedication and sincerity while offering condolences to the family. He also offered sincere greetings from Dr Chang Shik Yang, Continental Director. Rev Cotter then gave the Seunghwa address, in which he eloquently spoke of the great love which Grandma Kim had shown to so many and that her absolute loyalty to God and True Parents assure her of a special place in God's heart.
Mrs. Kim's youngest son, Joon Su (James) Kim then came forward and read a beautiful letter from Mr. David S.C. Kim who was at home in New York and not able to travel. In the letter David Kim poured out his love to Mrs. Kim and thanked her for being such a wonderful wife and mother for 70 years. It was a deep and heart felt love letter and the reading of it brought many tears from the reader and the audience.
Grandson Frank Kim then read a letter from fellow missionary and 36 couple Dr Bo Hi Pak, sent from Korea. A letter from ACLC was read next before elder son Sung Soo Kim (430 couple) stepped forward to share gratitude from the family. Then the family, friends and the whole audience came forward one by one to lay flowers for Grandma Kim and offer their farewell. Finally Rev Kwang Min Kim of KEA San Francisco offered a tearful benediction before Mrs. Kim's casket was carried out. A reception was held upstairs in the fellowship hall and beautiful stories and memories shared of the life and influence of a woman of faith and love.