This little book is a heartfelt testimony of all that God has done for us and through us as the King's Cross community. It captures highlights from our journey, moments of celebration, and powerful testimonies that reflect God's unwavering faithfulness.
YEAR IN REVIEW
Dear King’s Cross,
As we reflect on this past year, I am overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness and grace in our journey as a church. Throughout 2024, our theme of Rooted in Christ has guided us to deepen our faith, abide in His Word, and grow stronger as a community centered on Jesus. From our church picnic and retreat to our missions trip to Mongolia, from our Thanksgiving meal to our recent Christmas celebration—it has all been a testament to God’s abundant grace at work in and through us. To everyone who has joined our community and made King’s Cross your home, thank you. Your presence, prayers, and commitment are what make this church family so special. Whether you’ve been with us for years or joined recently, your contributions have been vital in shaping who we are and where God may be leading us.
With love and gratitude, Pastor Sangmin
MISSIONS
Mongolia
Greater Partnership with the Mongol Home: This year, we agreed to a long-term partnership with the leadership of the Mongol Home. We are excited to deepen this relationship in the coming years as we serve and support the children and youth under their care, reflecting Christ’s love to those most in need. With a third trip planned for September 2025, we are eager to continue building relationships and serving on-site at the Mongol Home. Alongside our monthly financial support, we are actively looking to bring in other churches to join us in supporting the home. Together, we hope to expand resources, prayers, and care for this ministry, multiplying the impact for God's kingdom in Mongolia.
MISSIONS
Nepal
Our giving has had a tangible impact on the ministry of House of Hope Churches in Nepal. Here are some of their incredible blessings this year: Partial financial support for 39 mobile messengers, including 5 who received motorbikes to assist in their ministry. 46 individuals baptized, publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ. Two new churches planted: One in Chankhu, Dolakha, and another in Lalitpur, through a mobile messenger partner. This will mark the 8th year of support from our church, a partnership that has continued to grow in impact and mutual encouragement. We are also hoping to send out a small missions team in the spring or summer of 2025 to Nepal to strengthen our partnership with House of Hope Churches. This will be an opportunity to build deeper relationships, encourage their ministry leaders, and witness firsthand the transformative work God is doing through their efforts.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lausanne Conference 2024 This year, our church had the privilege of participating in the Lausanne Conference, a global gathering of Christian leaders focused on advancing the gospel worldwide. This was a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the mission of God’s church on a global scale. Youth Ministry Launch This year, we took an exciting step in creating a youth ministry within our church. This new space has already become a meaningful place for the next generation to grow in faith, build relationships, and be equipped as disciples of Christ. Women’s Ministry Launch This year, we officially launched our women’s ministry, creating a space for women to gather, grow in faith, and support one another. This ministry has already begun to foster deep community and discipleship among the women in our church.
HIGHLIGHTS
Vacation Bible School (VBS) This summer, we hosted our second year VBS, welcoming children from our church and the community. It was a joyful time of worship, learning, and fun as we taught kids about God’s love and His Word.
Pastor Mike’s Ordination A moment of great joy was
celebrating Pastor Mike’s ordination. His faithful leadership and love for God’s people have been a tremendous blessing to our church.
7 Years of God’s Faithfulness This year, we celebrated our 7th anniversary as a church, rejoicing in all that God has done to guide and grow us as a community.
KIDS, PRETEENS AND YOUTH
Kids Kids grew in number but also in friendship and community in 2024. We had blast of fun at VBS and retreat, we learned abut what it means to be church through the book of Acts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Preteens This year, our preteens built real friendships and grew together through camping, sleepovers, VBS, and our church retreat. Their joy, innocence, and thoughtfulness made every moment unforgettable. We’re so proud of our "monsters of fun" and can’t wait for what’s ahead! Youth This year we started our Youth group for middle and high schoolers! We dove deeper into the Gospel, and explored the foundations of Christian faith through Jesus. Our Youth also participated in fall retreat, the Mongolia Mission trip, and our advent celebrations.
TESTIMONY BY ESTHER
I can confidently say that 2024 has been one of the most transformative years of my life. It wasn’t because of a career milestone, athletic victory, or financial breakthrough. To most people, 2024 might have seemed like an unremarkable year for the powerlifting athlete, coach, and influencer who went from posting content three times a week to barely three times a year. Crickets. People asked, “What happened?” But while the world saw silence, God was doing His loudest work in me. Before this year, my identity was tightly bound to social media and the Powerlifting scene. My worth felt measured by how much I could lift, how well I could coach, and how many likes and shares I could gather. Pride, anger, and an unrelenting need to prove myself consumed me. My biggest idol, as silly as it sounds, was the numbers I could lift. My days revolved around chasing strength, pushing my athletes to new limits, and showcasing it all to the world. I lived for applause, but deep down, I was running on empty. In 2024, Jesus tore those idols apart. He reminded me of who I am, not as an athlete or influencer, but as His beloved child. He set me free from the suffocating need to prove myself and re-centered my identity in Him. Discovering my true identity in Christ has been the greatest gift of my life.
TESTIMONY BY ESTHER
(cont.)
After 29 years of being a lukewarm, cultural Christian, this was the year the Gospel became real to me. Through Pastor Sangmin’s gospel-centered sermons and hours of soul-deep conversations with friends from King’s Cross, I began to understand the depth of God’s love and grace. The Holy Spirit has been at work, breaking chains I didn’t even know I carried and transforming me from the inside out. He has been softening my pride, healing my anger, and showing me a purpose far greater than anything I could fathom on my own. I am forever grateful for God rooting us in King’s Cross — and for King’s Cross leading me closer to Him. This church has been a lifeline, a place where I’ve not only found community but also a deeper, richer understanding of the Gospel. Looking back, I see that 2024 wasn’t quiet at all— it was the year of God’s loudest, most beautiful work in my life.
Esther
TESTIMONY BY JACOB & ALLISON
King’s Cross Church is an answer to the prayer that our family find in Seoul a church community to worship with and call home. Since July, our family of four has felt so welcomed and we praise God for this church family. Special shout out to the Women’s Genesis Bible Study – what a privilege to share and learn with such smart, strong, and compassionate women! In 2024 we kept on coming back to the comfort that God is steadfast and in control. Even as the world seems to swing wildly in chaos and great sadness, we are rooted in God’s peace and faithfulness. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22
Jacob and Allison
TESTIMONY BY JIMMY & LILY
My family and I left our sweet home in San Francisco and moved to Korea earlier this year. This transition turned out to be harder than we anticipated. Prior to our move, Lily (my wife) and I spent a while in prayer to seek God’s confirmation on whether to move to Korea. We even took a month-long vision trip to Korea so we can set aside an intentional space to pray and discern God’s will together. Along the way, God gave us many confirmations through the encouraging words of our mature and faithful friends in Christ and these words aligned so perfectly with convictions of our own from the Word. I often find this to be true, that, so long as I take time to seek God’s will about something, He takes me from feeling uncertain to more at peace, and then to at complete peace about it, whether it’s a yes or no. Seeking God’s will is an act of delighting in God, and when you delight in the Lord, the Bible says, He will give you the desires of your heart, aligning our desires with His will. Lily and I knew that starting a new life in Korea was going to be hard. It turned out to be harder than we anticipated because for so long we struggled to find a community of believers here. A long story short, through God’s providence, we ended up checking out King’s Cross last November. We also checked out one of the community groups led by Woo and David. At this community group meeting, we felt incredibly loved by everyone, we were extremely blessed. We knew that God was in our midst.
TESTIMONY BY JIMMY & LILY LEE
(cont.)
In the following week, after that blessed CG experience, this is what I read from the Autobiography of George Muller, a Christian evangelist and a man of prayer: “At a time when I was as careless about [God] as ever…I had taken a walk with my friend Beta. On our return he said to me that he was in the habit of going on Saturday evenings to the house of a Christian, where there was a meeting. On further inquiry, he told me that they read the Bible, sang, prayed, and read a printed sermon…We went together in the evening…The whole made a deep impression on me. I was happy; though, if I had been asked why I was happy, I could not have clearly explained it. When we walked home, I said to Beta, ‘All we have seen on our journey to Switzerland, and all our former pleasures, are as nothing in comparison with this evening.’” I knew that what we experienced at the CG was no different from what George Muller experienced. It was the work of the Holy Spirit. We are thankful to God that we have found King’s Cross and we are now a part of such a wonderful community of believers. We are excited to see what God has in store for us at this church. God is good.
Jimmy & Lily
TESTIMONY BY LIWON
Something that I will always remember happened in 2024. On November 8th, I was baptized at the beautiful beach in Phuket, alongside my husband Daniel, after attending the most special wedding of Calvin and Esther. Just the experience itself is amazing, and I couldn’t stop thanking God for His grace, mercy, peace, love, and so much more. I’ve undergone so many internal changes, and I know for sure that I never want to return to my old self. And it’s all thanks to this wonderful community. I still remember the first weekend Daniel brought me to this church about a year and a half ago. Everyone was so welcoming, joyful, and full of life. From that moment, as I walked my own faith journey, no one judged me or rushed me along; instead, I was surrounded by loving examples of faith. That’s when I truly understood what it means to “be a light.” Over the past year, I have felt a gradual transformation within me, guided by God and supported by this community. Finally, I publicly declared myself as God's child, and I’m so grateful for the support along the way. Thank you to this amazing community for being a source of strength, encouragement, and love. May God continue to bless every single one of you, as He always does.
Liwon
TESTIMONY BY NMACHI
This is a very interesting time in my life as I’m still trying to figure out what God is doing. I had planned for a while to come to Korea for a couple of months after graduate school, as I had been studying Korean on my own as a hobby and had never gotten the chance to visit. However, as I continued to pray about it during the last year of my PhD, I felt the push from God to come not just for a couple of months, but for a whole year. Since then God has been continuously faithful in allowing this to happen: providing me with numerous contacts in the months leading up to my move (when previously I knew pretty much no one in Korea), establishing a place for me in the language institute at Sogang University, securing me an apartment before I even left the U.S., and even forging a path professionally with a big company allowing me to delay my job offer for a year so that I could do this. In preparing to move to Seoul some of the things I prayed most for were a place to live, a community, a gym, and a church. God brought me to King’s Cross through a forgotten open tab on my computer that was the result of me getting overwhelmed after Googling “English speaking churches in Seoul.” This church has felt like such a deep breath at a time in my life where everything has been difficult and unfamiliar. Through the retreat and coming to service on Sundays I’ve met some great people who have made this community a safe space for me. Though I still don’t know why God has brought me to Korea, I know that He is faithful and I am trusting Him that my time here will serve a great purpose. Though my time in Seoul so far has been brief, I am looking forward to further establishing myself in the King’s Cross community in 2025!
NMachi
TESTIMONY BY PAUL
As we end every year and especially as Christians, we take a pause and look back...at 2024. The hardships and the challenges pale in comparison to the blessings.The song or phrase "count your blessings" had both a practical and spiritual reality in 2024. But for me, it is not just a look back to 2024, but about reminiscing on my life in California as my family prepares to move to Seoul, South Korea. My life has abounded in blessings, that I DID NOT DESERVE. The word "countless" would not be an exaggeration. The special blessing that I would like to share is that of KX Church. Prior to my arrival in Seoul, I tried several times with my pastor in California for Church recommendations in Seoul. I did not get a single one and when I arrived in Seoul in late November, 2023, I had no church to go to. But then, he found KX church for me and through the church, 2024 became a blessed year. I believe that I became "rooted" in Seoul not because of my work or anything else but because of the warmth of love that I experienced at the church and the word that was shared. If I stumbled, it was because of my own failings.
As I look forward to 2025, God has used KX to make me as "rooted' as I could be for Life in Seoul. Praise God!!
In His Debt always...
Paul
TESTIMONY BY RAFAEL
I want to share how God has been working powerfully in my life since moving to Korea. As many of you know, I recently relocated here with my Korean wife. While this transition came with its uncertainties, God has been faithful every step of the way. Despite not speaking Korean, the Lord opened doors for me in my field of IT, blessing me with a job that aligns perfectly with my skills and experience. This is something I could never have imagined achieving on my own, especially in a foreign country. In addition, God provided us with a wonderful home in Jamsil. Finding an apartment in a new country can be challenging, but God reminded me of His promise to meet our every need. One of the greatest blessings has been finding a community of Brazilians to connect with here. Moving to a new country without any friends was difficult, but God placed these wonderful people in my life to share fellowship and friendship. This has been a source of comfort and joy for my wife and me during this season of transition. I am so grateful for His provision and guidance in this season of my life. Moving to Korea has deepened my faith, as I see His hand in even the smallest details. Thank you to King's Cross for being a place where my wife and I can grow in faith and fellowship. To God be the glory!
Rafael
TESTIMONY BY TAYLOR + JEREMY
Our family has had the opportunity to live in Korea twice. Most recently, we arrived back in July 2022. After almost two years back in Korea, our family felt that we were still searching to find a church where we could get deeply connected with a community. We are grateful that the Lord led us to Kings Cross Church and provided a church in Seoul we can finally call home. We’ve been tremendously encouraged by the body at Kings Cross and specifically our community group. We first attended Kings Cross this summer and were immediately struck by Pastor Sangmin’s intentionality to connect with us after the service and welcome us to the church - something we quickly realized is reflected throughout the congregation by the many others we met. We returned the following week for Parker to attend VBS, which was encouraging to see so many volunteers committed to teaching children who God is. Parker had an amazing time at VBS, and even made a friend that he said he felt like he knew his whole life.
TESTIMONY BY TAYLOR + JEREMY
(cont.)
Our community group at Kings Cross has been a source of great joy for our family and an answer to prayer. We’ve been so encouraged by the gospel- centered fellowship and intentionality to do life together as a community. We are grateful for our CG leaders and hosts for their sacrificial service to the community to plan and organize gatherings, open up their homes, lead discussions, share scripture throughout the week, and more. We eagerly look forward to 2025 and many more opportunities for deeper fellowship within Kings Cross as we seek to know and serve the Lord together!
Taylor + Jeremy
TESTIMONY BY TAEEUN
Each year, I find myself increasingly desensitised to the rapid passage of time. As I reflect on 2024, I am struck by how quickly the year seemed to pass. The defining word for 2024 was demonstration—God revealed and proved Himself to me in countless ways, firmly rooting me in Him at King’s Cross Seoul. I am, in many ways, a prodigal son—or daughter. I had a firm reason for leaving, just as I had an equally firm reason for returning. Completely shattered in both spirit and body, I came to realise God was my only hope; and soon He miraculously led me to KX in December 2023. From the moment of my arrival, I was captivated by the warmth and friendliness of KX. Through Pastor Sangmin’s messages, God’s word began to resonate in my heart. For the first time ever, I voluntarily sought out a community group, desired to draw closer to God, and committed my Sundays to church without hesitation. KX became the place God had prepared for me—a community where I could openly share prayer requests, exchange stories of faith, and intercede in prayer for one another. At first, everything seemed to glow with hope and renewal. I was even blessed with a dream job—an extraordinary testimony in itself—and thought I was finally “settled” now that I was back with Him. However, as is often the case, God’s plans differed from my own understanding. To root me more deeply in Him with a sudden health issue, which ultimately led me to the operating table.
TESTIMONY BY TAEEUN
cont.
In this season of trial, I witnessed the power of intercessory prayer through my community group. Despite my anxieties, I experienced peace in my heart, supported by the unwavering prayers of the KX community. While awaiting the results of a second biopsy with a final diagnosis, God answered my prayers through John 5:14: “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” This verse came vividly to me during prayer, offering reassurance and a profound vision of His grace. I tread carefully when sharing my testimony. This is not only because God works uniquely in each person’s life, but also because I remain a work in progress—an imperfect being who is prone to falter. Like the prodigal son, I have only recently returned to church after a year of tumultuous wandering. Yet, I am unhesitant in proclaiming that, as Christians, we will stumble. This is why we need community—to find our way back to God and feel unwavering love of God. The Bible is not a self-help book; the Word of God is best lived and manifested within a community. No church is perfect, but I believe the church is a gathering of sinners (myself included) striving to glorify His name through worship, service, and fellowship.
TESTIMONY BY TAEEUN
cont.
As 2024 draws to a close, I continue to face struggles or chasing broken cisterns that hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13) —financial pressures, seasons of singlehood, uncertainty about my next steps and job security, pride, and health concerns. Yet, amidst these uncertainties, one thing I am assured is I’ve got this community whom we all can fix our eyes upon God and rejoice together beyond the circumstances. I am deeply grateful for King’s Cross Seoul, where I have learnt the profound beauty of Christianity. Through every high and low of 2024, I have seen the faithfulness of God, and I know He is with me and all of us as I step into the year ahead. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” – Galatians 2:20 “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason, my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. So help me God. Amen.” – Martin Luther
Regards, Taeeun
TESTIMONY BY ZOE
This year has been a true test of trust for me. I was forced to leave my job, my home country, my family. Korea was not a part of my plan. I left Korea 10 years ago and I never planned to come back, if it wasn’t for Him. God calls me here for a reason and I can choose to either trust that His plan is better than mine or miserably go through life doubting God’s goodness and His love for me. Since the beginning of the year, it has been a day-to-day battle to fight anxiety and fear. Some days I win as I choose to trust in His faithfulness and some days anxiety and fear consume me. Still, He never let go of my hand. The transition to a new job, to another country is not easy. I ran into a brick wall time after time. But along the way, He parted my red sea. He led me through my desert. He made a way, step by step. I experienced Jehovah Jireh the way I never did before. I still don’t know why God has me here but I trust that it’s for my good. (Jeremiah 29:11) I am thankful God led me to King’s Cross which I believe is a part of His provision. I have met many amazing people whom I can share my story with. Hopefully I can find a way contribute to the community too.
Zoe
2025 THEME
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to embrace our new theme: “Faith in Action.” Over the last two years, we focused on the themes of Grit and Being Rooted, allowing God to shape us into a community that perseveres and abides deeply in Christ. As we have grown in these areas, we now sense that God is calling us to take the next step—to live out our faith boldly, allowing it to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Faith in Action Faith moves us to love boldly, transform lives, and reflect God’s heart.
Theme Verse "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18) Core Message Faith is not passive—it compels us to embody Christ’s love through bold, sacrificial, and tangible actions. This love pushes us beyond comfort zones, inspires transformation within communities, and reflects the very heart of God to the world.
Exciting Plans for the Year
Greater Partnership with Oak Tree Project We are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with this impactful ministry, supporting orphans through mentorship and scholarships that reflect the heart of God’s care for the vulnerable. Missions Trips In the fall, we look forward to returning to Mongolia, deepening our partnership with the Mongol Home and expanding our mission efforts. Possible Trip to Nepal: We are prayerfully considering a mission trip to Nepal, furthering our support for the incredible work happening through the House of Hope Churches. Sermon Series We will kick off the year with a series titled “The Art of Unhurry” to help us slow down, abide in Christ, and reflect His love in a world driven by busyness. As we step into this new season, we invite you to pray for God’s guidance and provision for King’s Cross Seoul. Ask God how He might be calling you to serve, give, or invite others this year. Together, let us move forward as a community that embodies Faith in Action — reflecting God’s heart and transforming lives for His glory.
Let’s walk boldly into 2025, trusting that God will continue to lead and work through us!
As we prepare to step into 2025, we ask for your prayers in the following areas: PRAYER REQUEST
Learning to Slow Down : Ask God to help us embrace rhythms of rest and abiding, so that we can hear Jesus’ heartbeat for our city and live out His mission with clarity and purpose. "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10) A Greater Heart for Our City : Pray that God would stir in us a deeper love and compassion for Seoul, inspiring us to serve and reflect His heart for those in need. "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7) Staffing : Pray for God’s provision as we seek to add key staff roles to support the growth and needs of our church. May He bring the right people to serve and lead in this season. "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" (Matthew 9:37-38)
PRAYER REQUEST
Space: Pray for greater unity among the FPD school, Yehan Church, and our church as we navigate shared spaces, and for discernment about how God wants us to move forward. "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) 2025 Vision: Pray that our theme, Faith in Action, will not only inspire but also transform our church community to live boldly, give generously, and serve sacrificially, making a tangible impact in our city and beyond. "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
Your prayers are vital to the life and mission of King’s Cross Seoul. Together, let us seek God’s guidance and trust in His provision as we move forward into this exciting new chapter !
UPCOMING EVENTS
We are excited to announce some key events and programs to look forward to throughout the year!
Sermon Series The Art of Unhurry (January): Begin the year by learning how to slow down, abide in Christ, and reflect His love in a world driven by busyness. Faith in Action (February): Explore how our faith compels us to love boldly and serve sacrificially in ways that transform lives. Authenticity (Spring): A topical series on living genuine lives that reflect the truth of Christ in a world of appearances. Book Studies (Throughout 2025): Leviticus: Discover the holiness of God and how it shapes our worship and lives. Hebrews: Dive into the supremacy of Christ and the call to hold fast to our faith. Wisdom Books: Gain practical insights for daily life through the timeless truths of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mission Trips Spring 2025 (Tentative): Nepal – A potential trip to partner with the House of Hope Churches, supporting their work and growing our global connections. Fall 2025: Mongolia – Our third trip to deepen our partnership with the Mongol Home and serve the children and youth. One day, One Heart (March 2025): Join us for a day set apart to worship, fellowship, and start the year with hearts anchored in prayer. This is an opportunity to step out of the busyness of life, seek God's presence together, and be refreshed in community.
Easter Celebrations (April 2025): Join us for Passion Week reflections and a joyful Easter Sunday service celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
Church-Wide Retreat (October/November 2025): A highlight of our year, this retreat will be a time to rest, worship, and reconnect as a church community while focusing on our theme, Faith in Action.
Stay tuned for more details and additional events as the year unfolds. We are excited to step into 2025 together, living out Faith in Action in all that we do!
K As we step into 2025, let’s hold on to the lessons we’ve learned this past year from John 15: to remain rooted in Christ. It is only through abiding in Him—staying close to His Word, His love, and His presence— that we can bear fruit that lasts and glorifies the Father. God has allowed us to grow in faith and community this year. As we look ahead, let’s be intentional about building on this foundation. Let’s become a church that lives out Faith in Action—loving boldly, giving generously, serving sacrificially, and inviting others to encounter the transformative love of Christ. THANK YOU
X
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
May His grace, love, and presence empower us as we take steps to live out our faith in action. Let’s move forward together. Amen
Sangmin
THANK YOU
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