The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made
By Sofia
I’m an international student from Brazil. Since I was nine years old, I’ve always admired Korea. I once saw in the news that Korea was a very safe country with excellent public security. What shocked me the most was seeing children walking to school alone. In Brazil, children have been kidnapped or sexually assaulted on their way to school, so it’s very dangerous to walk outside. That made me curious about Korea, and I started learning more about the country. Ten years later, I finally came to Korea.
Last Christmas Eve, I was alone in my room, feeling very lonely. That’s when Priyanka, a friend from India I met at school, invited me to join a Christmas event. That day, I went to Good News Gangnam Church for the first time. Looking back now, I realize that was the best decision of my life.
Since then, I’ve been going to church with Priyanka to listen to the Word. I learned that many people misunderstand the Bible and live a wrong kind of faith. Most Brazilians believe in God, but they don’t talk about the Word of God. Instead, they only believe they have many sins in their hearts. For years, I also condemned myself and worried constantly about my sins. My heart had no peace. I thought I could never be saved and couldn’t open my heart to Jesus. My family especially believed in spiritualism—that to pay for our sins, we must reincarnate.
But in Hebrews 10:10, the Bible says, “By that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Jesus bore our sins, was crucified, and washed them away completely. That’s why we are made holy. To be saved, all we need to do is believe that Jesus sacrificed His body and took the punishment in our place.
After coming to Good News Gangnam Church, I kept listening to the Word and having fellowship. Gradually, I opened my heart to Jesus. My sins were washed away, and I realized that I had been made righteous. Before, whenever I thought about death, I was filled with fear. But after salvation, that fear disappeared, and my heart was filled with peace.
During that time, I also made many friends among the university and youth members of the church. I learned Korean, joined the Korean language summer camp, and had a wonderful time there. We did many activities, listened to the Word, and enjoyed Korean barbecue together. I hope I can join the camp again in the future.
I also hope that many Good News Mission churches will be established in Brazil—especially near my home—so that my family and friends can hear the amazing message that “Jesus has washed away all our sins” and receive salvation. I want them to have the same peace in their hearts that I’ve found.
All the Curses I Carried Are Gone
By Lee Se-Young (Good News Dongducheon Church)
At the beginning of 2023, I attended the winter camp and listened to the Word. In Mark 11, Jesus cursed the fig tree that had no fruit, and it withered from the roots. In 2 Kings 7, four lepers were sitting at the city gate, trapped between life and death, and finally decided to surrender to the Aramean camp. Through these passages, God made me realize that there’s no other way but to believe in His Word.
At the same time, I read a testimony in the February 2023 issue of the Good News magazine. It was from Sister Kim Mi-ja, who said she reads the Bible ten to thirteen times a year and, up to that point, had read it sixty-four times in total. At first, I was both amazed and curious—how could someone read the Bible so many times? I thought reading it three times a year was already a lot. Then I thought, “If God gave her the heart to read the Bible, He can also give it to me. It’s not by my own effort that I read the Bible; God has already prepared everything for me to do it.” That thought gave me strength.
The next day, after early morning prayer, I started reading the Bible. I attended church gatherings, evangelism, and senior ministry during the day, and read the Bible whenever I had time. Because I was reading through the strength God gave me, I didn’t feel tired even when reading until 2 a.m. Since February last year, I’ve been reading the Bible once a month. The more I read, the more curious I became about God’s heart. Along with the Bible, I also read faith books, which helped me understand God’s heart and Word more clearly. Every night before bed, I read the Genesis Commentary and other books published by our mission.
Each time I read the Bible, I saw what God calls sin, why Jesus had to be crucified, and how we were crucified with Him. I realized how arrogantly I had lived, ignoring God’s grace. Sometimes I wept from feeling so unworthy; other times, from overflowing gratitude. Reading faith books made me cry again and again, realizing how Jesus had been calling me to receive His abundant grace.
In the beginning, like young Samuel, I didn’t know how to hear God’s voice. But as I took notes on the verses that touched me each day, I began to see how God worked through the Word. When I prayed over church matters, problems, or sickness, God answered through His Word and solved them. The burdens I thought I had to carry myself, Jesus took care of. My heart shifted toward Him.
The most unforgettable passage I read was Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” I prayed, “God, I don’t know how to call to You, but I want to know these great and unsearchable things.” Later, I listened to Pastor Cho Gyu-yoon’s sermon titled “Call to Me” from Good News Daejeon Church. When I heard that the “great and unsearchable thing” refers to Jesus Christ Himself, I was amazed.
Then I read Hebrews 10:10 and Isaiah 53:5—verses about how Jesus bore our sins, pains, and curses, and how through His suffering we received peace and healing. I realized Jesus not only took away our sins but also bore every curse, flaw, failure, sickness, and problem, making us perfect forever.
Like King Ahaziah, who was too afraid to ask God because of his father’s sins and turned to Baal-zebub, I too used to think, “Will God really give grace to someone like me?” But now I know: not a single curse remains on me. I’m so thankful for what Hebrews 10 says: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.”
Romans 8:2 says: “Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” I had not fully enjoyed this truth before, but now I can boldly approach God without looking at myself. Each time I do, He provides everything I need, heals my diseases, and fills my heart with peace.
People who turn away from God are living under curses and destruction. I’m so grateful that Jesus saved me from that. Now I understand why Pastor Ock Soo Park shouts the gospel every time he preaches—because hearing the gospel brings overwhelming joy and gratitude.
All the messages and testimonies in Good News magazine each month are gifts from God. Isaiah 45:11 says: “Concerning the work of my hands, you command me.” I want the same Word and testimonies recorded in the magazine to work in my life as well. Like the brothers and sisters who shared their stories, I also share the gospel using booklets and prayer.
Compared to the world of God’s work that pastors and brothers and sisters experience, what I’ve experienced is still very little. But I look forward with hope to meeting the Lord more deeply through the Word. I’m excited to see what kind of Word and testimonies will appear in the next issue of Good News magazine.
A Hair Salon That Brings Happiness
By Kim Hye-jin (Good News Gangnam Church)
When I was 27 years old, I went to Tanzania for a short-term mission trip. There, I realized that “giving happiness is greater than receiving it,” and that the greatest happiness I could give someone is the gospel. As I preached to those who had no money or future, I saw them rejoice in the hope of heaven. That was when I first dreamed of living a life of evangelism. I originally planned to return to Korea to preach the gospel, but due to family pressure, I returned to my job as a hairdresser. I worked hard, earned a lot of money, and eventually became a top designer. Now, I’ve been a hairdresser for over 20 years.
“Why don’t you share the gospel while doing hair, just like you did earlier?”
Six years ago, I opened a one-person hair salon near Hongik University. One day, I was doing hair for a customer. It was very quiet, and since it takes about three hours, I started chatting with her. Without realizing it, I began sharing the gospel. To my surprise, she was happy and touched, and I was also filled with joy.
Then I thought, “Why don’t I always share the gospel like this?” At first, I tried to ignore that thought, thinking I was too busy.
But when COVID-19 hit, the number of customers dropped drastically. I worked even harder to earn more money, but after just two weeks, my body became so weak I couldn’t work properly. I realized how greedy I had been, and that without God, I could do nothing.
That’s when I remembered a sermon by Pastor Ock Soo Park: “If we preach the gospel, God will help us in countless ways.” From then on, I decided to devote my time and heart to evangelism.
Joy and Gratitude Through Sharing the Gospel
Because of the pandemic, I checked my customer list to send promotional texts. I noticed that many of the customers to whom I had shared the gospel hadn’t returned. I thought, “Am I being too pushy with the gospel? What if my business fails?”
But something amazing happened: whenever those doubts arose, the very next day someone would receive salvation through the gospel I shared. Seeing this repeatedly filled me with joy and gratitude. I saw how people’s faces brightened after hearing the gospel, and I realized that this is true joy and the real meaning of life.
One day, I intentionally didn’t share the gospel, and the whole day felt meaningless and empty. Ever since I experienced the joy of evangelism, I can’t live any other way.
So, I placed a model of the Tabernacle in my salon and began explaining it to customers. I bought a laptop to create visual presentations to help share the gospel. Recently, I added a “head spa” program to my salon—a type of psychological therapy that includes color and art consultation, during which I naturally share the gospel.
People Who Were Saved at the Salon
Among the people who received salvation through the gospel in my salon, some left a deep impression on me.
One woman had been trapped in an abusive relationship and was about to file for divorce. I shared the gospel with her through art therapy, and she received salvation. She abandoned her negative thoughts, stayed with her husband, and is now doing well.
Another customer had attempted suicide three times and had just been discharged from the hospital. I shared the gospel with him immediately, and he accepted it. Today, he lives with a bright heart.
There was also a kindergarten teacher who began attending Good News Gangnam Church after hearing the gospel in my salon. She now studies the Bible with other staff members.
And a Buddhist woman—my daughter’s friend’s mother—had struggled with depression. She was so happy after hearing the gospel that I now visit her regularly to share the Word with her.
“It Is God Who Works in You”
I was saved at the age of 23, when I was still a hair salon trainee. I was so grateful and happy after receiving salvation that I immediately started sharing the gospel with customers. Back then, many cursed at me and walked out, and even my Christian salon owner told me not to share the gospel.
But now that I own my own salon, I can freely share the gospel without worrying about anyone stopping me.
Recently, God gave me Philippians 2:13:
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
I realized it’s not me who wants to evangelize—it’s God placing His will in my heart to fulfill His plan. I said “Amen” to the Word and accepted it with joy.
Of course, there is a certain joy in earning money through work, but a far greater joy is seeing people comforted through the gospel and their faces brighten as they accept Jesus into their hearts. I can never forget the moment someone’s heart is changed through the gospel. That is true happiness.
That’s why today, too, I share the gospel with customers who come to my salon—because it is God working in me, and I cannot stop.
我人生中做的最好选择
作者：索菲亚（好消息江南教会）
我是从巴西来韩国的留学生。我从9岁开始就对韩国很憧憬，因为我曾看到新闻里说韩国的治安很好，非常安全。特别是听到在韩国的孩子们走路去上学的消息后，感到非常惊讶。因为在巴西，曾有孩子上学时被诱拐或遭受性暴力，因此步行非常危险。我从小就对韩国这个国家感到好奇，并开始了解这个国家。10年之后，我终于来到了韩国。
去年平安夜，我一个人在房间里，很是孤独。这时，在学校见面、认识的来自印度的普里安卡邀请我参加圣诞节活动。那天，我第一次来到了好消息江南教会。现在回想起来，当时我的选择是我人生中做的最好选择。
从那时起，我一直跟着普里安卡来教会听话语。我这才知道人们错误地理解了圣经，过着错误的信仰。巴西人大部分相信神，却不说神的话语，只相信自己心里有很多罪。长久以来，我也一直给自己定罪，并因自己的罪担心忧虑，心里没有平安。我觉得我不可能得救，也无法向耶稣敞开心扉。特别是我的家人相信“心灵主义”，相信为了支付我们的罪价，必须投胎转世。
但在圣经《希伯来书》10章10节中说：“我们凭这旨意，靠耶稣基督只一次献上他的身体，就得以成圣。” 耶稣背负着我们的罪被钉在十字架上死去，洗净了我们所有的罪，因此我们成为了圣洁。为了得救，我们要做的就是相信耶稣为我们的罪献出了他的身体，替我们接受了惩罚。
我来到好消息江南教会后，一直听话语，也一直交流。慢慢地，我向着耶稣敞开了心扉。我的罪也都洗净了，我明白了我成义的事实。以前一想到死亡，我就很担心，但是得救之后，我对死亡的担心也消失了。我心里恢复了平安。
期间，我与江南教会大学生和青年们交流，学习了韩国语，还参加了韩国语夏令营。夏令营真的非常愉快。我们在令营中进行了多种活动，听了牧师的话语，还一起吃了五花肉。将来有机会，我还想参加韩国语夏令营。
我希望在巴西也能建立很多好消息宣教会，我更希望我家附近也能建立教会，这样我的家人和朋友们就都能听到“耶稣洗净了我们所有罪”的惊人话语后得救。我希望他们能像我一样，得到心灵的平安。
我遭受的咒诅一个都没有了
作者：李世英（好消息东杜川教会）
2023年初，我参加冬令营时听了话语。《马可福音》11章中记录了“耶稣因找不到任何果实而使无花果树连根都枯干”；《列王纪下》7章中记载了“四个长大麻风的人在城门口左右为难，只能等死，后来前往亚兰营投降”。神让我听了这些话语，让我明白了除了相信话语之外别无他法。
同时，我又阅读了2023年2月份月刊里《宝贝与瓦器》栏目中刊登的金美子姊妹的见证。姊妹说她一年读十遍、十三遍圣经，到那时为止她已经读了六十四遍。刚开始的时候，我感到既惊讶又神奇，怎么能读这么多遍圣经呢？我1年读3遍就感觉读得很多了。突然我心里想：“神让姊妹能够读圣经，那么也能让我读。到目前为止，我一直自己努力读圣经了，原来主为了让我读圣经，已经做成了一切！”因此，我心里充满了力量。
第二天，凌晨聚会一结束，我就开始读圣经。白天参加教会聚会、传道活动、上门老年聚会等，在这样的过程中，我一有时间就读圣经。因为我是藉着主的力量读，所以读到凌晨2点也不觉得累。从去年2月开始，我每月读一遍，越读越感到好奇，对神想要了解的部分也越来越多。读圣经的同时，我也一起读信仰书籍，这样就能明白神的心和话语。每天睡觉前，我从《创世纪讲解》系列书籍开始，阅读我们宣教会发行的各种信仰书籍。
每次读圣经时，我都能看到神所说的罪是什么，耶稣被钉在十字架上时，为什么说我们也与他同钉十字架了。我明白了我之前是多么藐视神，多么傲慢地生活。“直到现在，我都干什么了？我到底为什么不想学习或了解神呢？”有时我因太亏欠而哭泣，有时又因太感谢而哭泣。在阅读信仰书籍时，我感叹而哭道：“耶稣想要施给我无限的恩典，可为什么我没有听耶稣的呼喊呢？”就这样，我在话语面前时常感动而泣。
我像年幼时期的撒母耳一样，不知道该怎么听神的声音。但读话语期间，我在笔记本上整理当天令人记忆深刻的话语时，心里只要思考“神为什么会让我看到这句话语”，我就能看到神照着话语做工。如果在教会的事情面前，或是因为各种问题和疾病而祷告，那么读话语当中，神都会按照所应答的给予解决，并解开令人疑惑的地方。我认为应该由自己解决的那些重担，耶稣都会给予解决。我心的方向挪移了。
读话语的时候，有一件最令人难忘的事情。《耶利米书》33章3节中说：“你求告我，我就应允你，并将你所不知道、又大又难的事指示你。”我读着这话语，心里向神说：“神啊，我不知道怎么求告你，但我向主祷告。我想知道又大又难的事是什么？”每当我想起这句话语，都会祷告。
有一天，我在网上听到了好消息大田教会赵奎允牧师名为《你求告我吧》的讲道，听到“又大又难的事指的就是耶稣基督”之后，我感到非常惊讶。“为什么耶稣是又大又难的事呢？”
这时，我读了《希伯来书》10章10节中“我们凭这旨意，靠耶稣基督只一次献上他的身体，就得以成圣”的话语，以及《以赛亚书》53章5节中“哪知他为我们的过犯受害，为我们的罪孽压伤。因他受的刑罚，我们得平安；因他受的鞭伤，我们得医治”的话语。与话语连接后，我明白了耶稣的死不仅仅是为了我们的罪，而是耶稣亲自遭受了《圣经》中所有的诅咒、瑕疵和失误，以及所有疾病和问题，并且使我们永远完全了。
就像亚哈谢王因为父亲亚哈的恶行而不敢问神，便去问巴力西卜一样，我也因为生活中显露的错误和失误，经常心想“神会赐给这样的我恩典吗”，从而不敢走到主面前。然而，我所受的诅咒一个都没有了。非常感谢《希伯来书》10章中所说的：“弟兄们，我们既因耶稣的血得以坦然进入至圣所，是藉着他给我们开了一条又新又活的路，从幔子经过，这幔子就是他的身体。”
《罗马书》8章2节中说：“因为赐生命圣灵的律，在基督耶稣里释放了我，使我脱离罪和死的律了。”一直以来我没能完全享受这一点，但从那以后，我可以大胆地走到神面前，不再看自己了。每当这时，神都会按照话语，供给我所需的一切，让我从疾病中得以痊愈，将我的心思意念细致地引导到平安中。
人们离开神、不相信神的结果是：现今这世代正在经历诅咒和灭亡。真的很感谢耶稣拯救了我，使我脱离了诅咒和灭亡。我稍稍明白了朴玉洙牧师为什么每次讲道时都要呐喊福音。听到福音，我感到非常幸福和感谢。
每月《好消息》上刊登的所有话语和见证都是神赐予我的礼物。《以赛亚书》45章11节中说：“耶和华以色列的圣者，就是造就以色列的如此说：将来的事，你们可以问我；至于我的众子，并我手的工作，你们可以求我命定（原文是吩咐我）。”希望《好消息》中记载的话语和见证同样在我身上做工。所以，我也像书中的弟兄姊妹们一样，用册子传道，传福音并祷告。
与神的仆人和弟兄姊妹们所遇见的主的世界相比，我了解的和经历的少之又少，但是一想到今后在话语中遇到的主的世界，我就非常期待，心里充满盼望和无限感谢。《好消息》下个月会刊登什么样的话语和见证，着实令人期待。
带来幸福的美发店
作者：金惠珍（好消息江南教会）
27岁那年，我去坦桑尼亚参加了短期海外侍奉活动。那时，我明白了“比起得到的幸福，给予的幸福更大”的事实，并且我能给别人带来最大的幸福就是福音。向着那些没有钱也没有未来的人传福音时，我能看到他们沉浸在可以去天国的幸福感中。我第一次有了“我要传福音生活”的梦想。虽然计划回到韩国做福音工作，但在家人的劝阻下，我又重新做起了原来做的美发工作。我埋头工作，赚了很多钱，还成为了顶级设计师。现在，我做美发师已经20多年了。
“不要光做头发，要像刚才一样传福音，怎么样？”
6年前，我在弘益大学周边开了一家单人美发店。有一天，我和一位顾客一对一地做头发。因为卖场太安静了，做头发的3个小时里，顾客可能会无聊，所以我跟她聊了起来。聊着聊着，我不知不觉地传起了福音。但意外的是，客人既高兴又感动。传福音的我也非常喜乐。
有一天，我心想：“不要光做头发，要像刚才一样传福音，怎么样？”一开始我想无视这样的心。卖场的工作实在太忙了，如果聊那么久，我怕我会很累。
后来，突然爆发了新冠疫情，顾客急剧减少。我抱着赚钱的心态更加努力地工作。但在两周之内，我的身体反而变得很不舒服，以致无法正常工作。我心想：“我这人真贪心。如果神不帮助我，我也什么都做不了。”
那时我听到了朴玉洙牧师在讲道时讲过的话语。“我们若传福音，神会用千万种方法帮助我们。”从那时起，就像牧师说的那样，我一有时间就专注于传福音的事情。
只要传福音，我心里就非常喜乐、感谢
由于新冠疫情，顾客大幅减少。为了给顾客发送活动短信，我确认了一下顾客名单。可能是因为我之前没有瞻前顾后地给顾客传福音，我发现那些我传过福音的顾客没有再来店里。一瞬间，我心想：“我是不是传福音传得有点过了？”“这样下去会不会完蛋？”“要不要放弃开店？”
但神奇的是，每当我有这种想法时，第二天只要一传福音，就会有人得救。我心里很喜乐，也很感谢。随着这种事情的反复发生，我看到我给传福音的人深受感动，表情变得明亮、喜乐的样子，我知道了这样的生活对我来说是最喜乐的。我明白了这就是真正的人生和喜乐。
有一天，我故意没传福音。一天下来，我感觉生活非常枯燥，没有任何喜乐。自从知道传福音的喜乐之后，即使不让我传福音，我也只能过传福音的生活。
从那时起，我在美发店里放上“圣幕”模型，一边向客人说明，一边传福音。我还用神赐给我的钱购买了笔记本电脑，并用电脑制作、演示资料。最近，美发店开发了名为“head spa”的项目，以心理疗法为名进行色彩咨询、绘画咨询，并与人们进行心灵对话，自然而然地传福音。即使我为了销售而构思新的项目，也总是传着福音。
令人记忆深刻的传福音后得救的人们
在这期间，通过福音得救而变化的客人中，有一些令我记忆深刻的人。有一个人在“暴力约会”阴影下与丈夫结了婚。因为这种心理创伤，她正准备离婚诉讼。我拿着画对她进行了心理咨询，并传了福音，最后她得救了。此后，她撇弃了自己的想法，现在也没有离婚，过得很好。
还有一个三次试图自杀的人。他曾因试图自杀而住院后出院，如今他来到我们美发店，我不知道这样的人什么时候还会再次试图自杀，所以当天就给他传了福音。他也接受了福音，至今生活得很明亮。
还有一位是幼儿园教师，她听福音后，开始去好消息江南教会。她还在我们的美发店和同工们一起学习圣经。
我还向一位佛教信徒传了福音。她是我女儿好朋友的母亲，曾患有抑郁症。她听福音后非常喜乐。现在，我定期去她家里给她讲话语。
神在你们心里运行
我是23岁时得救的。当时，我在美发店实习。得救后，我感到非常喜乐、感谢，所以开始给客人传福音。那时，有很多客人边骂边走了。就连得救的店长也叫我不要传福音。
但现在我经营着一家美发店，因为能够按照我想要的方向经营，我感到非常幸福。即使挨骂也没关系，我可以尽情地传福音了。
最近，神赐给了我《腓立比书》2章13节的话语。
“因为你们立志行事都是神在你们心里运行，为要成就他的美意。”
“原来不是我想传福音才传的，而是神为了成就他的美意，将他的所愿放在我心里，让我传福音的！”在话语面前，我心里说“阿们”，并接受了。
虽然也有通过工作赚钱的乐趣，但比这更大的幸福是：人们听到我的话后，从内心经历的困难中得到安慰。我能看到人们从心里接受福音后，阴沉的脸变得明朗的样子。我无法忘记那些得救的人脸上得到变化的瞬间。我知道这是真正的幸福，所以今天也给来我们美发店的客人传福音。因为在我心里运行的是神，所以我无法停止。
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