Blessed homecoming

Dear RockSpring Church family!

Over the past thirty years of ministry, one of the greatest privileges God has given me has been walking alongside families during the final moments of a loved one's earthly journey. Especially over the past decade, while serving as both a hospital chaplain and a local church pastor, I have stood beside hospital beds, officiated funerals, and cared for grieving families. Every funeral reminds me that sorrow and hope can coexist. There is genuine sorrow because saying goodbye to someone we love is never easy. We miss their presence, their voice, and the place they occupied in our lives. Yet as Christians, we do not grieve without hope. Because Jesus Christ conquered death, we know that those who die in Him are safely in His presence. Our tears are real, so is our hope.

This past months marked one year since I arrived at RockSpring Church. One of the very first people I met was Mr. Steven Topper. I still remember his warm smile. Whenever I asked, "How are you doing, sir?" he would always reply, "Hanging in there!" That became our familiar Sunday greeting, and I came to appreciate his smile, his faithful presence, his warm handshake and hugs. Mr. Topper always sat in the same seat, faithfully worshiping Sunday after Sunday. I can hardly remember a time when he missed a service. Last Sunday, I found myself looking toward his usual seat. It was empty. As I stood there, I quietly said to myself, "He has gone home." His empty seat reminds us that none of us will remain here forever. Our lives are precious, but they are also temporary. Rather than living as though we have endless time, may we choose each day to love generously, forgive freely, serve faithfully, and walk closely with Christ. And when the Lord calls us home, may we be ready to answer with joyful confidence, "Amen."

This Thursday July 9th at 6:00 p.m., RockSpring Church will have the privilege of leading the funeral service for Mr. Steven Topper at Dallas Central Methodist Church. Mr. Topper was the husband of Mi-Ja Shin, a faithful member of DCMC, and the beloved grandfather of JiWon Topper, who faithfully serves on our RockSpring Church media team. He loved our English congregation and faithfully worshiped with us until the Lord called him to his eternal home. Please join me in praying for the Topper family. May God's comforting presence surround them, and may the sure hope of Christ's resurrection strengthen and sustain each member of the family during this time of grief.

With Hope in Christ,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor, RockSpring Church