A few years ago, Mike Kwon was an agnostic. Then someone at his university gave him a Bible. “Once I read it, I began to realize that the God of heaven really was real, and that I could have a personal experience with Him.” Mike started going to church regularly and was later baptized.
Mike’s parents, also Seventh-day Adventists, wanted him to study for the ministry. They suggested Andrews University. But Mike, impressed by the dedication and godliness of Hartland students at his church (such as Douglas Na’a, David Casas, and Michelle Chai), replied, “What about Hartland?”
Now a junior, Mike says, “My experience here has drastically increased my spirituality. I’ve realized that a worldly lifestyle can only be selfish; but when we are laboring for souls without having self in mind, that’s when we are able to grow spiritually.”
Classes provide much-needed theory, but the most integral and unique part of Hartland’s educational program is vocational training, where students learn to apply the theoretical in a practical way. “My most important lesson was learned in the gardens, experiencing with my own hands the principles of how God’s government works. In the kitchen, I learned righteousness by faith from washing dishes; I learned how to be faithful in the least. By applying these lessons and being faithful in little things, I have been trained to be ready for the bigger responsibilities.”
Truly the Lord has honored Mike’s faithfulness. Mike recently has been given the “bigger responsibility” of coordinating Hartland’s outreach activities. Almost every afternoon, he can be found in a nearby town visiting Bible study contacts and opening God’s Word to hungry souls. Now he is in the process of starting a prison ministry.
Unfortunately, Mike’s parents can no longer support him in his studies at Hartland College. He tried to support himself through work scholarship, but soon realized if he wanted to graduate, it would take him nine years! Mike has a deep burden to go out and finish the work quickly. He realizes that we don’t have much time left on this earth! Now, because of the Missionary Training Fund, Mike is looking forward to graduating in a couple of years.
“My vision is to take the everlasting gospel to the world,” says Mike. “After graduation, I plan to work in the South as a Bible worker, bringing truth into the homes and watching the Holy Spirit change lives through the truth of God’s Word.”
Without your gifts to the Missionary Training Fund, Mike would not be able to fulfill his goal for many years. Thank you for helping to hasten Christ’s coming!
