By Belle Yoon Jong Ok
Today, I feel both humbled and a little shy to share my small and imperfect story with you here at church. I kindly ask for your patience and understanding.
Each morning when I open my eyes to the bright sunlight, I see the day as a gift—one filled with joy and thanksgiving. As I write this testimony, memories of my childhood come to mind—when I did not know God. I remember my family, relatives, and neighbours who, when faced with hardship, would not know where to turn. Some sought help from shamans, borrowing money for rituals, visiting fortune-tellers, or believing the words of others who said misfortune came because ancestors had not been properly honoured. Even in times when there was not enough food for the living, we would prepare offerings for the dead and bow before them.
I also remember how I once mocked Christians who came to evangelize in my neighbourhood, and at times went to church simply because I wanted to eat the snacks they offered.
But that became part of my past, and there came a turning point in my life—almost like a story from long ago that feels like a legend today. After more than 35 years of living with shamanistic beliefs deeply rooted in me, God sent me a good neighbour who shared the Word of life with me. Through them, I began attending church with my two little daughters, then just one and three years old.
However, for a young working couple raising children, faithfully attending church every Sunday was not easy. As a wife, a mother, and a working woman, I struggled to balance all my responsibilities. Conflicts arose with my husband over childrearing and faith, and with my children over communication and spiritual matters. For several years, our family lived in disharmony, and I felt desperate for prayer. I asked my fellow church members to intercede for me, and I prayed earnestly that my family would one day worship together in peace.
By God’s grace, through their prayers, my husband’s heart began to soften little by little. As our children grew older, they began to understand more about our family situation and their own responsibilities. Slowly, peace began to enter our home.
God then entrusted our family with more than we ever deserved. My husband was ordained as an elder, our eldest daughter received the gift of teaching Japanese to the youth, and our younger daughter began serving as an Usher in worship. I was filled with joy when I heard this.
As I reflected on how God had built up such a weak and powerless family like ours, I asked myself:
“How can I ever repay this overflowing grace? I have little strength and few possessions—what can I possibly give?”
Then I remembered the many people who had supported me throughout my life—through prayer, encouragement, and evangelism. Though I am small and unworthy, I resolved that I, too, should live a life of giving—sharing what I can, even if it is little, with those around me who are in despair or struggling. I want to bring them a light of hope and the courage to go on.
I have a high school friend whom I’ve been supporting regularly. She has had a severe spinal disability since childhood and depends on an electric wheelchair for her daily life. She lives with her husband, who struggles with severe alcoholism, and their two high school children. Their family lives in extreme poverty, surviving on minimal government assistance.
Though my financial support is small, I’ve been deeply inspired by her strength and determination to keep living faithfully despite her circumstances. Through her, I’ve learned a lot about perseverance and gratitude, and I truly believe that this is something that pleases God.
I believe this is also the life that pleases God. And so, I decided to live this way—walking with others through prayer and support. I continue to strive to live such a life today, and I give all thanks and glory to God who has placed this desire in my heart.