Elder Heesung Ahn – Richmond Milal Adult Volunteer – Camp Testimony
Testimony – Sister Jooyeon Kim
Written by Jooyeon Kim (Richmond Milal Volunteer)
Hello. My name is Jooyeon Kim, and I am currently majoring in Science at VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University). Unlike many of the other volunteers, I first became involved with Milal through the introduction of former staff member Seungju Byun, who served before Staff Minister Ikhyun Kwon. During the spring semester of 2013, I participated in a Milal picnic for the first time. That day, I met Pastor Jinwook Oh for the first time, and through his encouragement, I immediately joined the Love Camp as well. Through that connection, I began serving with Milal. Looking back now, it has already been a year and a half—almost two years—since I started volunteering and eventually stepped into a leadership role.
At first, I simply thought of Milal as a place that serves people with disabilities. I started lightly, without much thought. However, as I participated every Saturday in the Love Classroom ministry and attended the annual Love Camp each year, I came to realize so many things and learned the true importance of the ministry I was taking part in.
When people hear the word “disabled,” it often feels difficult to approach them. Even though they are the same as us, people tend to feel awkward around them simply because they have disabilities. Many people are bound by stereotypes and struggle to see the positive aspects of their lives. I myself was one of those people. I never thought to approach individuals with disabilities first, and honestly, I did not even know how to.
But through Milal, my prejudices and thoughts about people with disabilities completely changed. Before, I would simply turn my head away and remain indifferent, but now I find myself looking back at them again and again, with a desire to approach them first. In fact, I learned and realized that they are often far more admirable than I am.
Not only did my thoughts and actions toward people with disabilities change, but as I continued serving in the Milal ministry and worshiping together with them, my own life also began to change. I used to distance myself from church, making excuses that I was just a busy student and becoming absorbed in worldly things. But through Milal, I came to hold onto God’s Word once again. I learned how to think about others before myself, to care for my neighbors, and to help those around me.
Even though I serve in the Milal ministry and hold a leadership role, I know I cannot completely break all of society’s prejudices and stereotypes about people with disabilities. But through this experience, I simply want to share that I myself have grown into a better person and have been deeply changed. Since Milal has been such a meaningful experience in my life, I hope others—my neighbors and those around me—can also encounter Milal and experience a turning point in their lives through it. It is my small hope that these experiences may help people reconsider and change the way they think.
Though I may not express it often, I want to sincerely say that I deeply respect and am truly grateful to Pastor Jinwook Oh, who entrusted me with leadership and continually teaches me so much. I am also thankful to Staff Minister Ikhyun Kwon, who helps and guides me as a senior leader, and to all the volunteers who quietly and faithfully follow their lacking older sister and leader.
And lastly, above all, I give glory and thanks to God the Father, who has allowed me to stand here today and share this testimony, who continually fills what is lacking in me, and who has given me these opportunities, lessons, realizations, and guidance to bring me to where I am today.
Thank you!
Richmond Milal Mission 