'Donor Appreciation Day' Event Held, Supporting Construction of Mission Center for Children in the Calderón region of Ecuador
The Southeast Supporters Committee of Korean American Food for the Hungry International hosted a meaningful 'Donor Appreciation Day' event at the TPC Sugarloaf Clubhouse on Thursday, October 16, 2025, inviting its supporters. The event served as a platform to emphasize the importance of gospel proclamation and share the vision for constructing the Mission Center for Children in the Calderón region of Ecuador.
Attendees of KAFHI Southeast Supporters' Council 'Donor Appreciation Day' event take a group photo
The first worship service session began with a welcoming address by Chairman Lee Chang-hyang of the Southeast Supporters' Council. It continued with a representative prayer by Pastor Lee Hee-jin (Peace Land Church), a sermon by Rev. Youngchun Cho (New Church of Atlanta), and a benediction by Rev. Son, Jung Hoon(Korean Community Presbyterian Church of Atlanta).
Rev. Youngchun Cho of the new church of Atlanta delivered a sermon emphasizing that the 'Way to Revive the Church' lies in missions. Pastor Cho offered historical insight, suggesting that the persecution faced by the church was instead utilized as a channel for the gospel to spread, thereby asserting the necessity of expanding ministry even amidst difficulties.
Rev. Son said, "Following the Apostle Paul's journey on a pilgrimage to Turkey, I have rediscovered the mission of spreading the gospel. I hope that all of you gathered here will obey the Lord's calling and fulfill your mission of evangelism, along with the work of the KAFHI."
During the subsequent vision-sharing session, Missionary Sangpil Lee, a staff member of KAFHI, presented on the theme of 'Bread and Gospel.' Sharing his experiences in the mission field, Missionary Lee introduced his realization that, just as Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand, the act of distributing food to children—relief work—must be combined with gospel proclamation. This presentation served as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of KAFHI's core mission of 'Bread and Gospel' to all attendees.
Rev. Seunghyuk Choi, Senior pastor of Atlanta Promise Church, which is currently collaborating with the Center for the Hungry in the Calderon area on a village adoption project, introduced the Calderon area and explained how the church came to implement this initiative. Rev. Choi explained the Child-Centered Community Transformation (CFCT) ministry promoted by KAFHI in the Calderon area, based on the concept of village adoption. He also discussed how the church can transform villages, help communities thrive, and ultimately become self-sufficient. Pastor Choi explained that the church began supporting the most vulnerable members of the Calderon community through child sponsorship and formed various Vision Trip teams to carry out the ministry. The church members expressed great anticipation for the changes that will occur when they embrace children and when the church reaches out to the communities where the children they embrace belong.
The event marked the launch of new leadership and served as a meaningful occasion to express gratitude and respect to those who have demonstrated long-standing commitment to the ministry.
KAFHI presented a letter of appointment to Bumjin Nam, the new Chairman of the Southeast Supporters’ Council, officially marking the start of his tenure. In his acceptance speech, Chairman Nam Bum-jin stated that he accepted the position after developing deep trust in KAFHI’s transparent operations, which prioritize the needs of missionaries. He expressed particular enthusiasm for the 'Youth Hope Corps' program, which fully sponsors the living expenses of young people for mission service, underscoring his commitment to expanding ministry through the next generation.
Additionally, KAFHI presented Appreciation Plaques to Advisors Lee Moo-hee and Lee Ha-soon for their many years of dedication and devoted service to the organization.
During the dinner, many attendees contributed generously, ultimately raising $15,000 for a mission center for children in the Calderón region of Ecuador. We hope this donation will serve as a valuable stepping stone toward the construction of the mission center.
