Synod gladly acceded to the request of Classis Pacific Hanmi to divide and form two separate classes (regional groups of churches). Pacific Hanmi is the Christian Reformed Church’s classis for churches that are primarily Korean-speaking. The classis has grown from 11 churches to more than 50.
The division means there will be two classes focused on ministering to those desiring to work primarily in Korean. Elder Roger Ryu reminded the delegates that 120 years ago the mission was Korea, and today Korea is one of the largest missionary-sending countries.
Ryu expressed the classis’ appreciation for the “prayers, support, teaching, and tears” provided by Rev. David Koll, their advisor, and Rev. Tong Park, formerly the CRC's Korean ministry director.
As they grow, these classes are committed to learn the “CRC mind, or way of doing things” like the rule of council, not just elders. Rhu promised, “We will work hard.”
Korean pastors and elders at synod stood holding hands on the podium as the assembly praised God, praying and singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” in both languages.
Synod 2014 is meeting at Central College in Pella, Iowa, from June 13-19. For continuous Banner coverage, please follow The Banner on Facebook or @crcbanner on Twitter. You can find more tweeting by following hashtag #crcsynod. News stories will be posted at www.thebanner.org several times daily. For CRC Communications releases, webcast, and live blogging, please visit www.crcna.org/synod. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are by Karen Huttenga.
About the Author
George Vink is retired after 50 years as a Christian Reformed pastor. One of his sons is an accident investigator for the Calgary (Alta.) Police Service, and his two brothers are retired from that position. He and his wife, Shirley, are members of Covenant CRC in Cutlerville, Mich.
