Sahmyook University Students Volunteers to Kenya;

The volunteer students of Sahmyook University came to Kenya during Dec.24-Jan.5 for volunteers works.

The Sahmyook University in Korea, the largest Adventist University in the world with approximately 5,000 students, is a gem of a university of “Bring changes to Human, Changes to the World…” as a motto.

Why these students came to such a far away country like Kenya in Africa from Korea?  What will they be looking at and what would they want?

13 students, Pastor and Mrs. Park as leader and a deaconess from Incheon arrived in Nairobi on Dec.24^소, staying at ECD (East Central Africa Division-Adventist organizational name) at a courtesy of the ECD President Pastor Mbwana, worshipped at “Lavington SDA Church” in Nairobi during Sabbath and headed to Eldoret, about 300km to a destination of “Sambul SDA” Church; They were divided into 3 groups; “Sambul” Church building group, free medical treatment group and crusade.

About 15 Baraton SDA University, another fine educational institution of the Adventist in Kenya, has jointed to work together with Korean students; residents of this area were impressed especially sudden violence 2 years ago after presidential election has devastated and people were somewhat divided. Many of those victims were treated.

The accompanying deaconess has donated construction material of church roof, and also one year salary of a lay pastor to “Ekobereti” Maasai church (Maha Mission report in Nov.2009).

Two weeks of Sahmyook University students volunteer works brings many important meanings to us; in addition to their practical, material help they brought and provided such as construction of a new church, medical rally and crusade are important enough but their historical, symbolic value far supersedes.

Forty years ago Korea was not as well off as Kenya, however, Korea grew to 10-12^th  wealthiest country in the world, 30% of population became Christians;

3,000 years of Buddhism, 600 years of Confucianism, Lost country 100 years ago, 60 years ago it was totally devastated due to Korean War…was receiving help from other countries, now turned into a helping country. Not just for reason of paying back what they owed, but into the world they wanted to share their love.

Just imagine how these tired students could have felt on an airplane flying back home that they were able to help others in their own way! Guess how Baraton University students felt while working together shoulder to shoulder with Korean students! How local residents were impressed why these “Muzungu” (non-black) students come all the way so far from Korea wasting (?) time and money.

We are sure they will never forget them engraving in their heart for a long time. Sambul church members will remember them as long as they come to worship in that church, medically treated people will remember.

We heard Sahmyook University plans to send out student volunteers by the hundreds around the world this year; Changed student-saints are going out to change the world, which belongs to them. We pray God bless the students.

Maha Mission