A Korean Odyssey of Faith and Resilience
By Soo Yong Kim
Korea has a long history of almost 5,000 years. It is surrounded by the sea on the three sides. There are four seasons in a year. My country has many landmarks of beautiful sceneries and heritage from ancestors with its vibrant scene and rich in resources of nature.
South Korea stands aloft with strong economy of technological advancements despite severe trials and tribulations in history. That is why I am so proud of my country.
The division of Korea into North and South following World War 11 led to tragedy in Korean history. North Korea belongs to regime of communist ideology and South Korea belongs to democracy. Numerous conflicts and confrontations between the two Koreas over the years has arisen due to ideological and political differences.
Korea had suffered a lot of attacks and invaisons by Japan and China throughout history. Korea had been occupied by Japanese empire for 36 years from 1909 to 1945. When Japanese tyranny lost games in World War 11 against the Allies in 1945, Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation on August 15th, 1945.
During the period of Japanese occupation, Japanese tyranny deprived Korean people of all human rights. Under the autocracy, lots of Korean people participated in March 1st Independence Movement on March 1st 1919. Japanese Police and soldiers shot or stabbed a lot of Korean participants to death on the streets. Korean people suffered from brutal suppression and struggled against oppression. The suffering endured by the Korean people during the Japanese occupation is a dark chapter in history. The March 1st Independence Movement stands as a testament to the unwavering desire for freedom by Korean people.
Since our country was liberated from Japanese cruel empire. our country has been divided into two parts on the 38th Parallel. South Korea was determined to build democracy. Korean people committed to preserving and promoting Korean identity and value is essential for fostering unity and prosperity, both within South Korean and in the broader global community.
Out of the blue, North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25th 1950. It had lasted for 3 years. This is what we call the Korean War. North Korea waged war against Korea.
At that time, I was 13 years old.
It gave me a great impact on me. I was scared to death, whenever I heard explosions of bombardments and our Tank Forces made procession southward for retreats. North Korean troops kept advancing southward and broadened their domain. When South Korea was almost occupied by North Korean troops, success of General MacArthur’s Incheon Landing Operation recaptured
Seoul, Capital city and the whole peninsula of South Korea from the enemy. I extend my heartfelt thanks to General MacArthur and America. With your help, Korea exists to this day. We owe you what we are now. May God bless America!
My family except my father and eldest sister escaped toward Southern part of peninsula not yet occupied by North Korean tro ops. Unfortunately, they could not escape, because communist soldiers blocked the thoroughfare, when they were out of town separated from family. My father and sister suffered persecution and were killed eventually.
When my family returned home from retreats, my hometown was devastated and in catastrophe after war. My family was stunned at destroyed house. Dead bodies were scattered all over the place. I was taken aback at horrific scene. I was overwhelmed with such an adversity and hardship I ever confronted. My personal story, intertwined with the broader historical context of the Korean War and its aftermath, reflects the immense challenges and tragedies faced by countless individuals and families during this tribulation period.
I remembered an outcry of Scarlett O’Hara who starred in the movie of ‘Gone with the Wind’. I have never forgotten her famous line, “Tomorrow is another day.” I cherish the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. I had to persevere my struggle to the end. I wanted to burst out my resentment against enemy, “Tomorrow, the sun will rise again.” Even though I was a teenager, I had to stand firm even in frustration and despair. My mother demonstrated her strength to make a living to support my family. She inspired and encouraged me to keep studying hard despite deep sorrow. I studied very hard and I was second to none in academic performances until I graduated from senior high school. I was admitted to Seoul National University which is the best university in Korea. Competition examinations were very hard to pass. However, I made it. My journey serves as a testament to the power of faith and lifelong learning.
When I was a sophomore in College of Education, Seoul National University, I encountered Dr. Frank W. Schofield who was a veterinarian and Canadian Christian missionary to South Korea. He was teaching bacteriology and pathology in College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National
University. I introduced myself to him and I told him I majored in English language. He asked a favor of me to help him with interpretation. Since I met him, I had been willing to translate English into Korean and Korean into English for Dr. Schofield. He taught me the Bible in English through the Bible study. I became a Christian through him.
In addition, Dr. Schofield helped Korea be liberated from Japanese colonial rule. He was our patriot who sacrificed himself to help Korea with independence from Japan. Korean government and people owe him for what we are now. He is really our unforgettable patriot for Korea. He was buried in patriot tomb in National Memorial Cemetery in Seoul, Korea. I pay tribute to his remarkable commitment to Christ and Korean liberation from Japan and his contribution to development of democracy of Korean government.
When I immigrated to America, it was very difficult for me to adapt myself to new circumstances and environment in America in the face of cultural shock and racial discrimination.
However, God provided everything I needed for me and by faith I could overcome and endure all odds that were in my favor. My transition to life in America was a testament to my strength and reliance on my faith.
I graduated from Four Square Life Bible College and Southern California Theological Seminary. My educational pursuits, culminating in degrees from above schools, equipped me for a career in ministry. I served as an Associate pastor in Korean church. I retired now.
At the age of 70, I made my debut in Korean Literary Society of America as a poetess and essayist. God has endowed me with talent of writing poems and essays. I was awarded several grand prizes in Literary Competition. I published 4 books such as 2 poetry books and 2 essay books. One English Essay book was published by Amazon last year. I pursue my purpose in life in season or out of season. My ongoing pursuit of education at Santiago Canyon College demonstrate my lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. I have been attending English classes for many years through Continuing Education Program from Santiago Canyon College. Although I am getting old, my heart leaps up when I behold the rainbow. I feel still young at heart. That is why I attend classes with young students. I think all the time in positive way in everything and for everything. I think that my positive outlook on life, even in the face of challenges and aging gives people true inspiration. My enthusiasm for learning and engagement with younger generations highlight my vibrant spirit and passion for life. I emphasize the importance of perseverance and a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles and pursuing my passions.
I have gone through a rough patch over the years in my life.
My character and personality have transformed into image of God. Through adversity, obstacles,sorrow, despair, agony and anguish of my soul, God has molded my character like the one God wants me to be. My recognition of God’s hand in shaping my character and guiding me through life’s challenges reflects a deep trust in His plan and purpose for my life. It is a testament to His faithfulness and grace.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” An eagle is soaring to the azure sky with wings of faith in God. He dried up my tears in my eyes welled up. I enjoy liberation and renewal that comes from placing my trust in God. My resilience in the face of adversity and my unwavering trust in God’s promises may serve as inspiring testimony to the people who are undergoing tribulations and weathering a storm.
'I am a new creation in Christ and the past is gone.' 2Corinthians 5:17.
