Deacon Hee Choi (1-5 Parish, South Korea)


Since college graduation in 1998, I took the civil service exams several times but I failed. In addition, I had a huge debt due to loans for cards so I worked in the mine to pay it back. But it was not enough. I considered selling my kidney to repay it. I felt so miserable I attempted suicide three times.
I ended up moving to a shanty town in Seoul because I was under huge economical trouble in 2002. I was 29 years old at that time. I did not have a job. The function of my liver became poor due to drinking, smoking, and extreme stress caused by poverty, so I was often rushed to the emergency room. My life in the shantytown was a series of miseries, too.
But, an amazing turning point came to me in my life in 2006. I met God, who is my life, and registered in Manmin Central Church on September 10 in 2006 through Deaconess Sunok Park. The message delivered by Dr. Jaerock Lee during the service sounded so true and his genuine appearance moved my heart. I cannot forget the moment, even now.
Around a month later, I was on the way home after Sunday Services. All of a sudden, the love of God came to my heart and it brimmed over with the love. Tears were streaming out from my eyes. I felt the heart of God the Father who had awaited me even though I had been the worst of sinners wandering in the world. I was overwhelmed at the moment and repented of my past wrongdoings. I could not help living with tears for a quite a long time.
Then, I started to read the Bible and pray in Daniel Prayer Meeting that is held every night in Manmin Central Church. Joy and thanks sprang up from my heart. I also got a stable job in a fire fighting facility design firm. In April, 2007, I got married to my beloved Deaconess Suknok Park. We started our newly-married life in a 16.5-square-meter shanty infested with mice. But we had hope for Heaven, so we were able to live happily and diligently.
By the grace of God I began working as an insurance sales man in January 2009. From that time on I have tried to have peace with my coworkers with my motto 'Keep on the Right Path, Work Faithfully'. I also enjoyed giving offerings for the kingdom of God. Then, God blessed me to enter into contracts smoothly. After I had a dream where Dr. Lee came to my house and smiled brightly, great blessings came to me and we could move to a bigger and better house.
In church, I am working as a leader of cell leaders in my parish, as a small group leader in 2-1 Men's Mission, and a finance director in Children's Sunday School. I share my testimony with people who are having hard times and falling into desperation and I encourage them. I spread the love of God who came to me as Light and has given me happiness.
Deaconess Park, my wife also takes care of souls as a cell group leader and glorifies God as a member of Pearl Chorus of Performing Arts Committee. My son Yukyeom is going to Manmin Kindergarten and is growing healthy and wise in the Lord. I give all thanks and glory to God who took me out of shanty town and blessed me both in spirit and body.