“Disability is not to be overcome, but a lifestyle made complete through sharing,” said Rev. Hongduk Kim, president of Joy Center for the Disabled in Los Angeles, Cal. Joy Center has established three campuses in the Los Angeles area since 2006.
“We are grateful to the professionals who have given their valuable time to serve people with disabilities,” Kim said. “We implement programs with sincere and heartfelt prayer. We wish that everyone is filled with love and joy as they serve.”
Oaks of Righteousness Christian Reformed Church in Los Angeles, under the leadership of Rev. Jae Moon, is a partner with the Joy Center, along with Granada Hills Korean Presbyterian Church and Rev. Dong Baek. Ministry includes services in the skid-row area in downtown Los Angeles.
Youth and college members participate with their praise team, serving food and helping friends with disabilities in various activities and worship.
The Joy Center runs Saturday School programs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. for students of many races who are intellectually disabled.
“It thrills us to think of the students who are counting the days for Saturday to arrive,” said executive director Ms. Jinhee Kim. “We thank the young men and women who have sacrificed their weekend to serve.”
Joy Center and local churches have combined their forces so that the mission to those with disabilities is not a special ministry but a basic ministry for the kingdom of God.
About the Author
Jonathan Kim is a CRC pastor of Ye-Eun Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California. He writes news for The Banner and lives in North Hills, California.