Illinois

During their courtship and well into their marriage, Albert and Young-mi Park never discussed religious beliefs. But one day Albert felt the time had come for him to locate a Korean church and he talked to Young-mi about religion. After several disappointing attempts to find a church home, it became apparent that the enemy was trying to put up road blocks.

When an invitation for new employment came to Albert, it was an opportunity too good to refuse. So the family moved to Sugar Grove, Illinois. Once relocated, they looked for a daycare center for their daughters. Albert insisted they find a daycare center operated by a church. Inwardly, he desired it to be a spiritual bridge to a church home.

After a month, they found a church-operated daycare center, and it turned out to be a real positive experience for Young-mi. She was always pleasantly greeted by Melody, who worked in the kitchen. Through this friendship, Young-mi eventually opened up her heart to the gospel when Melody gave her a Korean Bible.

One of the adjustments in their move was the 22-mile drive to an Asian market. Listening to sermon tapes helped the time go more quickly. One day Albert picked up a free sermon tape at the market's entrance. The tape's message on the Biblical teaching of Christ's crucifixion was familiar, but the speaker astonished the Parks by talking about its relationship to the seventh-day Sabbath.

When they reached home, Albert immediately searched the telephone book to locate the number for a Korean Adventist church. When Young-mi called the Chicago-Westmont (Illinois) Korean Adventist Church, she expressed her positive impressions about the sermon. She also promised Jeremy Kwon, the church's pastor, that they would visit. But friends cautioned them against Adventists, so they chose to attend a different church. Out of courtesy they called Jeremy to explain their decision.

Immediately, Jeremy's weekly sermons began to be delivered to their home and they also received the Signs of the Time magazine occasionally. From these resources,Young-mi enrolled in the Korean Bible Correspondence School.

Jeremy maintained their friendship and occasionally telephoned to explain questions they had on the interpretation of Biblical verses which were different from other churches. Through these conversations, Albert and Young-mi began to see the benefits of the Adventist church, which was in agreement with what they were finding in the Bible.

Jeremy invited the Parks to his church to listen to an Amazing Facts satellite seminar conducted by Doug Batchelor. They met many humble and sincere church members at the meetings and decided that if their doctrines resulted in such good people, it would be worthwhile for them to attend the Adventist church.

That year their spiritual eyes were opened. The truth about the seventh-day Sabbath became clear. The truth about what happens at death, the resurrection, and when Jesus comes again was understood. The truth of salvation by grace, through faith alone in Jesus Christ, satisfied their hearts. The truth about baptism, when the old life is buried and a new spiritual life begins, appealed to them.

In September 2004, they were baptized and dedicated their lives to God. Today, they are thankful for God’s leading and the new joys they have found in His salvation.

Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent