<b>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea </b> - More than 1,000 Yongsan community members gathered at Collier Field House to participate in a joint worship service June 8.
"We have six chapels in Yongsan and close to 20 congregations in Yongsan," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James King, U.S. Army Garrison-Yongsan chaplain. "But once or twice a year, we bring everybody together just so we can celebrate our oneness and faith."
During the service, King spoke to the audience about the purpose of the service. "It's not about filling the room or the building," he said. "It's about filling people's hearts with the power of God."
The service featured musical performances, in particular the South Post Chapel Gospel Choir, and a sermon by Dr. Billy Kim. "He is often called the Billy Graham of Korea," King said. "He is one of the key leaders in ministry across Korea as well as in many other spheres."
Kim, who lived in Virginia for a time, delivered a sermon called "The Power of the Gospel." He currently serves as a senior pastor of the Suwon Central Baptist Church in Suwon, south of Seoul. He also runs the Far East Broadcasting Company, which broadcasts religious programming across Asia.
After the service, the community gathered for a picnic on the sport fields behind Collier.
"This is my second time attending," said Maj. Alvin Brown, 8th U.S. Army. "I think it's great that all the congregations gather for a joint service. The camaraderie is magnificent."
Retired Capt. George Jones has attended every Super Sunday Worship Service since he arrived in Korea in 2006.
"The service brings together the Korean and the American communities in a religious setting and fosters better relations," he said. "This is a spirit of peace and commitment to the religious ideals. It's just wonderful."
Social Sharing