THE KUKMIN DAILY

Immanuel Full Gospel Church lost its sanctuary as well as its mission building, being used as the pastor’s residence, in a fire that broke out this past November 9 in Guryong Village in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, causing serious damage to the village. On the 13th, Rev. Lee Byeong-ju (50, on left in photo) and his wife Lee Dong-suk (46) inspected what little was left of the church.

Only the soot-covered cross and the skeleton of the former building remained. On the site of the sanctuary, together with scorched Bible study books, were the charred remains of what looked like onions and radishes. “We had expected to distribute them to the congregation following afternoon worship, but in our hurry to escape the fire, we left them behind.” The words offered a glimpse into the urgent situation at the time.

This is Rev. Lee’s fifth year of ministry in Guryong Village. Most members of the congregation, which numbers a little over 40, are living in vulnerable circumstances, including many over the age of 65 who live alone. Three church families also lost their homes in the recent fire. “What I hope most of all is to rebuild the church in the place where it collapsed,” said Rev. Lee, requesting prayers for this. This coming Sunday, the 16th, he plans to erect a temporary tent and hold worship at the church site.

Reporter Jaechan Park (jeep@kmib.co.kr), with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)

Photo by intern reporter Heo Ran


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