The Brethren Church

Korean Brethren Congregation

Oviedo, Florida
By Executive Director, Ken Hunn

It’s a Sunday afternoon; one o’clock. Most of us are finishing our meal and debating the wisdom of that proverbial Sunday afternoon nap. But things are just beginning for the Bansok (Solid Rock) Korean Brethren Church in Oviedo, Florida. Pastor Hakan Kuh and his wife Hijeen have been readying themselves along with the rest of the congregation for their weekly worship. (This is the second congregation to use the building this day. This Presbyterian church will accommodate a Hispanic congregation later in the afternoon as well.) Nearby a women’s choir is completing the final run-through for a song to be sung as a part of worship that day. Members begin to take their places in the pews. People of all ages arrive. The choir finishes and the accomplished pianist begins some music to lead into worship. The youth appear and sit right in front. Small children arrive with the usual gusto and add to the anticipation for worship to begin. In all, over fifty have gathered for this day of worship in the recent Advent season.

Much of the service is in a language I don’t understand. Still, a few elements of worship are recognizable. The music and singing are wonderful. The ladies choir fills the worship area with clarity and praise that is beautiful indeed. Pastor Kuh begins a ten-minute sermon just for the youth, this time in English. The dozen or so youth of this growing congregation are allowed to leave for further training.

I am introduced with just enough English interspersed so as to let me know it my time to share in the message. With Pastor Kuh interpreting, each member listens attentively. Humorous comments receive a bit of laughter before the interpretation. The entire service is in their native tongue, but it is obvious that their English comprehension is just fine.

As the service ends, people gather around to greet one another and get caught up on the happenings of the past several days. The small children enjoy a few moments releasing some energy with friends. The weekly carry-in meal is being set up in the Fellowship Hall. The youth are offering hand-made Christmas ornaments for a donation to their fund short-term missions fund. Four of the youth will join others from the Florida District in a trip to Peru this summer. The congregation is making intentional steps to participate in the wider mission of the Florida District of the Brethren Church. We begin to fill our plates for the meal with the help of church members who explain just what each dish contains. I pass over one item but am quickly encouraged to give it a try, since it contains acorns. They are excited to share, even if I am skeptical! As we finish the meal, members are anxious to introduce themselves and welcome us to their midst with an invitation to return.

Though pleased that his congregation is growing in attendance, Pastor Kuh wants it to grow in depth as well. Leaders are expected to join with the pastor in prayer early in the morning most every day of the week. Hakan is pleased to report that all of his members tithe. The Brethren Church is growing in new directions and dimensions here in the United States and the Bansok Church is thrilled to be a part of the wonderful things that God is doing throughout our denomination.