My beloved friends and family, God’s Grace and Love be with each of you.

One evening, while I was studying at a theological seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I received

a phone call. The caller came from Korea upon the recommendation of a pastor I knew

well. The reason for his call was that, while ministering with immense dedication despite

facing severe situation and financial hardship, he was gradually losing his eyesight. Just as

his church was finally experiencing revival and establishing itself, he had already gone

completely blind in one eye, and the sight in his remaining eye was now failing as well. He

explained that the pastor I knew had told him, "If you go to Tulsa, Pastor Oon Don Choi will

help you"—and that was why he had come. When I asked him, "Do you have any money?"

his answer was, naturally, "No." He had barely managed to scrape together enough for the

plane ticket to get there.

My beloved congregation, How do you think I felt at that moment? Do you think I had any

money? I was a poor international student; although I had secured scholarships to cover

my tuition, but I was working part-time works just to make money for my family. It was truly

a situation that made me sigh—and yet, in a strange way, it almost seemed comical joke. I

rarely visited hospitals myself while I was there; I didn't even know where the nearest eye

clinic was, nor did I have any idea who I should contact for help. I felt overwhelmed by a

sense of helplessness and was truly at a loss as to how I could possibly resolve this

situation. But then, a sudden realization—like a refreshing breeze—swept through my

mind: "Wait a minute! This man possesses truly extraordinary faith."

If you were in his shoes, would you be willing to travel to another country—to a complete

stranger—to resolve a serious problem of your own? I said my self “Wow!” this man really

possesses truly tremendous faith.

Then, a thought crossed my mind: "The Lord has sent certain people into my life; I should

simply ask them." Since I happen to know several doctors personally, I realized that if I

explained the situation to them in detail and asked them to look into it, they would be far

more knowledgeable and capable of handling it than I was.

Another crucial factor was that the man in need had no money. So, I called Dr. Brother—a

Anesthesiologist I knew well—and confided the entire situation to him. He told me not to

worry about it and promised to look into the matter. A week later, he called me back to

provide the hospital's location and doctor’s name, along with the date and time for the

appointment with the ophthalmologist. But what about the critical issue of medical

expenses? What about the cost of surgery? He confirmed—quite explicitly—that the entire

treatment would be provided completely free of charge.

When we met with the doctor and asked him how such a thing was possible, he explained

that he was waiving all fees because my friend was his very first Korean patient. He

believes Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will help us. So everything is free.

Hey my Beloved congregation, can you believe it? It is true. I believe that this is precisely

the collaborative work of faith and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Every aspect of Jesus’ ministry was conducted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’

public ministry began with the Holy Spirit, was accomplished through the power of the Holy

Spirit, and concluded with the promise of the Holy Spirit. Consequently—just as was true

for the Apostles—we, too, can accomplish nothing without the Holy Spirit. The more

diligently we engage in the Lord's ministry, the more we must always remember that the

power of the Holy Spirit is with us.

Jesus’ focus was always the Kingdom of God; indeed, the risen Jesus spoke to His

disciples about how God’s reign and God’s will that would be realized here on earth.

We must remember that the very purpose of the Church’s existence is to serve as a model

demonstrating the "Kingdom of God," and that we are a missional community dedicated to

realizing the order of that Kingdom within this world.

The Scripture says, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.” This is

a reminder not to forget the power of the Holy Spirit, and it conveys that only by earnestly

desiring the power of the Holy Spirit can we carry out the Lord’s ministry. In God’s work,

when human passion is united with the power of the Holy Spirit, mysterious and wondrous

things come to pass.

Today, we must once again reclaim the "spirituality of waiting"—the posture of waiting for

the power of the Holy Spirit.

The inner guiding force of the Holy Spirit signifies a state in which one’s entire being is

governed by the Spirit. This promise constitutes the very starting point of the early Church

and defines the true essence of the believer.

The Holy Spirit is the authority of the Church and the dignity of the God's people. I pray that

each and every one of you may possess this precious promise of authority and dignity.

God bless you.

Your pastor,

Oon Don