Dr. Byeong
President of Melvin University
Oyugis, Kenya
I believe that one of the greatest blessings in life is meeting the right people at the right time. Looking back, I can identify three encounters that profoundly shaped my life and ministry: my meetings with Rev. Melvin Steinbron in the United States, Pastor Kim Sang-bok in Korea, and Pastor Ogillah in Kenya.
Meeting Dr. Melvin Steinbron, USA
My relationship with Rev. Melvin Steinbron began in 1998 through his book, Can the Pastor Do It Alone? (1987). After returning from Canada, where I had completed Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), I began teaching at Sungkyul University. Since I had studied pastoral care, the university asked me to teach a course in that field.
While searching for an appropriate textbook, Professor Ruth Elsner of Asian Union Theological University in Seoul introduced me to Rev. Melvin’s book. As she handed me the book, she said, “This book and this ministry are exactly what the Korean church will need in the future.” Her words proved to be prophetic.
Inspired by the book, I contacted Rev. Melvin and received permission to introduce the Lay Pastors Ministry in Korea. What began as a simple correspondence developed into a mentoring relationship that lasted for nearly twenty years. Through his guidance, the Lay Pastors Ministry spread throughout Korean churches, emphasizing that laypeople are also called by God to serve in pastoral care alongside ordained ministers.
That encounter eventually led far beyond Korea. Years later, the same ministry vision brought me to Kenya, where we established Melvin University. Today, by the grace of God, the university is officially recognized by the Kenyan government, and I have the privilege of serving as its founding president.
Meeting Rev. Sang-bok Kim, Korea
Another life-changing encounter was with Pastor Kim Sang-bok of Hallelujah Church.
In 1999, when I established the Lay Pastors Institute in Bangbae-dong, Seoul, I wanted to build a strong theological foundation for the ministry. I sent the English materials to Pastor Kim by fax and invited him to participate in the theological committee.
In response, he sent one of his senior associate pastors to meet with me. Soon afterward, ten church members joined us to attend the Lay Pastors Ministry Conference in the United States. From that point until Pastor Kim’s retirement, we enjoyed nearly fifteen years of faithful partnership. His encouragement and support played an important role in strengthening the ministry in Korea.
Meeting Pastor Ogillah, Kenya
My third significant encounter was with Pastor Ogillah in Kenya.
We first connected in 2017 through the same vision of the Lay Pastors Ministry. The Korea Institute supported the ministry by providing training and resources.
In May 2021, I sent him a large collection of English ministry materials. After reviewing them, he replied, “With these wonderful materials, it is possible to establish a university.”
His words became the beginning of a new vision. Construction soon began, and Melvin University was established to equip Christian leaders for Africa. Looking back, I can clearly see how one God-ordained meeting opened the door to an entirely new chapter of ministry.
Another Remarkable Encounter
History also gives us inspiring examples of life-changing encounters.
One well-known example is the meeting between Andrew Carnegie and Napoleon Hill.
Carnegie, the famous American steel magnate whose name is remembered through Carnegie Hall in New York City, recognized Hill’s potential during an interview. Rather than simply answering questions, Carnegie offered him an extraordinary challenge.
He said, in effect, “Spend the next twenty years interviewing the world’s most successful people. Discover the principles behind their success, organize your findings, and write them in a book. I will provide the financial support you need.”
Hill accepted the challenge. For the next twenty years, he interviewed hundreds of successful men and women, eventually publishing The Law of Success in 1928. That single meeting changed not only Hill’s life but also influenced millions of readers around the world.
Conclusion
When I reflect on these experiences, I am convinced that God often changes our lives through people. A single encounter can redirect our calling, expand our vision, and open doors we never imagined.
Behind every significant ministry, there is often a God-appointed relationship. We should never underestimate the importance of meeting the right person at the right time. Divine encounters are one of God’s most powerful ways of guiding His servants into His greater purposes.
Notes
- Can the Pastor Do It Alone? was translated into Korean and used as the primary training textbook for the Lay Pastors Ministry in Korean churches for approximately fifteen years.
- Rev. Melvin Steinbron devoted more than twenty-five years to developing the Lay Pastors Ministry throughout the United States. He produced extensive training materials and generously mentored me throughout the years. At the age of ninety-four, he went home to be with the Lord in 2017.