Encountering God at ECKCM
My name is Kevin Kim and it has been two years since I moved to the United States. This year, I had my very first experience attending a Camp Meeting here. Leading up to it, I was both excited and nervous — excited to meet new people, and nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I knew I was about to enter a space where I would encounter something entirely new and potentially life-changing.
During the East Coast Korean Camp Meeting (ECKCM), I was mainly in charge of two things: helping with the Cradle Roll program for the English Ministry (EM) side, and leading worship as part of the Praise Team for the Korean Ministry (KM) side. Serving in both positions was a blessing but it was sometimes hard to juggle the busy schedule.
Although I was blessed listening to wonderful speakers in both English and Korean divisions, my own personal devotional time was important to me. One morning — either Tuesday or Wednesday — I was especially busy. I was tempted to skip my devotions but the Holy Spirit touched my heart to spend time in the Word. So while having breakfast in the cafeteria, I put in my AirPods and began reading the Bible as I ate. That day, I was reading from Romans chapters 3 to 5.
As I read those chapters, the Word of God struck me deeply. Romans 3 through 5 is filled with the treasures of the gospel. The truth of God's grace lit up my heart, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for His unmerited, unconditional love.
“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3:20)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23–24)
“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness…” (Romans 4:4–5)
“But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Romans 5:20)
After finishing my devotional, I left the cafeteria to prepare for praise team practice. Then something unforgettable happened as I went to sing the song that was prepared.
I went up to lead a worship song titled “Peter’s Confession.” The lyrics go like this:
Following Jesus.
Leaving behind my nets, forsaking my loved ones,
Walking with the Lord who called me.
Becoming more like Jesus.
Removing my hardened heart, teaching me love—
Loving my Jesus.
Thank You for never letting me go.
For leaving the throne of heaven,
Thank You for loving me.
With all my life and the rest of my days,
I will walk with Jesus.
As I sang those words, I couldn’t control my emotions. The love of God that I had encountered in Romans that morning came rushing back—now echoing through the lyrics of the song. I was overwhelmed. Standing in front of so many people, leading worship — I simply couldn’t hold back my tears. I cried and cried.
But I wasn’t crying out of sadness. I was undone by the overwhelming love and grace of God. Our salvation doesn’t make logical sense. How could a sinner — wicked, selfish, the worst of the worst — be redeemed? And yet, we are. Not because of anything we’ve done. But solely because of Jesus’ blood and His grace alone.
When we truly stop and contemplate the depth of His love… the worth of our salvation… the eternal life freely given to us — we cannot help but be undone.
We cannot help but be grateful to the point of tears.
What I experienced may not seem like a “miracle” to some. But the gospel itself — the fact that we are saved — is a miracle.
I am so sure that the Spirit of God was dwelling in our Camp Meeting — stirring hearts, guarding minds, and drawing us closer to Him. And as I wrap up this testimony, my prayer is that we would keep reading the Word of God in our daily lives. Even when we are doing God’s work, we can neglect our own time with God. Second hand messages, even from the best pastors in the world, are not equal to the Holy Spirit speaking to your own heart through your own study. Without our own personal devotions we will surely lose the battle against Satan, our enemy.
Jesus is coming soon. Let us be awakened and be prepared for His return! Praise the Lord forever!
Kevin Hyunmo Kim is currently a Master of Divinity student at Andrews University. He has graduated from Samyook University with B.A. in theology. He is now serving as the Andrews Korean Church youth pastor. He was blessed to be chosen as an exchange student to Southern University with a full scholarship. In his spare time, he loves to sing praises to the Lord.