Church Family,
Gratitude does not have an expiration date. If you owe someone from your past an expression of thanks — please do it. It is never too late. This vital point was clarified for me this week.
Back in 1973, the members of this church treated a young man, who was Korean and a Perkins School of Theology student, with graciousness and generosity. He was warmly received by this church and we supported his family in Korea with a monthly stipend for a year. Even more, the young student was driven to services on Sunday by the Rev. John Elliot.
That young student grew up and developed into a remarkable pastor by the name of Rev. Won Kie Kim. For 22 years, he was the senior pastor of First Korean UMC in Dallas, and spent 15 years as a Mission Council Superintendent of the Western Jurisdiction. Now he is retired and lives in California. He is married with three children and five grandchildren.
Recently he sent us a $1,000 check to say thank you. Rev. Kim requests that the funds be designated for a scholarship in the name of Rev. Elliot. And it will be.
Rev. Kim’s graciously stated, “I have enclosed the scholarship of $1,000 with this letter to express our sincere appreciation, even though is to too late…”
My response to him is this, “Rev. Kim, it is never too late to say thank you. We receive your generous check with thanksgiving that God sent you our way!!”
You may not be able to attach a $1,000 check, but reach out and thank someone today.
Your Pastor,
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson