Florence, South Carolina, USA :: PilHun Park (South Korea), Ministry Centre Director, shares his personal story of serving God and about the work undertaken at the Ship Ministry’s base in South Carolina, USA.
From working in the deck department on board Logos II in 1994, to becoming the managing director of Logos Hope from 2017 to 2020, PilHun Park (South Korea) is the embodiment of a ship-based ministry veteran. Having served in different departments within OM’s Ship Ministry, PilHun has seen the many ways in which individuals can use their unique gifts and talents to serve God. One of PilHun’s favourite roles was training people, especially the pre-ship training groups of new crewmembers. He said, “That was my highlight – to equip people from all over the world. When they joined the ship that was the climax!” Now, PilHun’s latest step of obedience to God’s call is serving as Ministry Centre Director at the Ship Ministry’s base in South Carolina, USA.
The Ministry Centre is a vibrant hub with ministry opportunities ranging from literature distribution to teaching English to supporting local non-profit organisations and many things in between. The people who work there are as varied as the programmes that are offered. PilHun explains, “Whenever I have a guest here, I explain the uniqueness of [the Ministry Centre]. Every day, different groups are working together with OM workers, short-term volunteers and our local employees.” No matter who is working with the ministry, PilHun says, “The vision for the Ministry Centre is that we are a family of God, living out love and obeying God’s Word.”
The three Biblestore outlets in South Carolina are a primary ministry focus, as well as internet sales, wholesale supplies of literature to other parts of the world and keeping Logos Hope supplied with books. “In USA, and many other countries as well, faith-based bookstores are closing, so people really appreciate these stores and [their affordability].” PilHun continues, “That’s why we need stable Short-Term Exposure Programme (STEP) volunteers who are staying for two or three months to learn how to ‘pick and pack’ the books and how to send them.” STEP programmes are available at the Ministry Centre as well as on board Logos Hope and soon Doulos Hope too. Anyone can join a STEP programme to have a taste of what it is like to serve God full-time. It is a great choice for those who are unsure how they want to serve in the future or who want to grow and learn new skills.
PilHun says, “For me, serving God is a privilege. God is calling us to be part of what He is doing. He can do everything by Himself, but He is inviting us to do it together.” We are all called to be a part of sharing God’s love with the world. Our callings are all different, but equally important.
How is God calling YOU?