My letter to the Building Committee of Portland Onnuri Church

From the Pastor’s Desk (291)

July 11, 2025

To Pastor Jaewon Kang and the Building Committee of Portland Onnuri Evangelical Holiness Church,

Grace and peace of God be abundantly upon your beloved church.

We give thanks to God that the building project of Onnuri Church is now entering its final stages. We are also deeply grateful for the many church members who have faithfully and sacrificially participated in this process thus far.

We understand that throughout the course of the construction, there have been various difficulties—such as delays caused by the unexpected COVID pandemic and the increase in material costs. We also understand that at this final stage, unforeseen needs have emerged, requiring repairs and additional elements, which have increased the overall cost of the project.

We recently heard the news that, in order to cover these additional expenses, Pastor Jaewon Kang and his wife sold their home and offered a significant portion of the proceeds as a building offering. Upon hearing this, our hearts were filled with both sorrow and deep respect. We were moved and inspired by the unwavering devotion and sacrificial example shown by Pastor Kang.

During worship on Sunday, June 29, I felt a strong impression in my heart, which I believe was the voice of the Holy Spirit:

“Now that Portland Onnuri Church is in the final stages of its building project but is facing financial difficulties for various reasons, I want you to encourage and comfort the members of this church. In order to do that, give New Life members the opportunity and challenge to participate in a love offering.

You are all churches belonging to the House Church Ministry International, laboring together to build the kind of church I have dreamed of. When one church suffers, all suffer together; when one church rejoices and thrives, all rejoice and thrive together.

Portland Onnuri Church was the first among North American House Churches to secure land and begin construction. If this church faces hardship or controversy due to its building project, it will negatively affect not only the House Church Ministry International but the broader Christian community. However, if this church completes its building beautifully, it will bring great joy and pride to all the churches in the House Church Ministry International and have a positive impact on the wider church community. Do you understand?”

I answered, “Yes,” and obeyed with a heart of submission. During the sermon that Sunday, I shared this message with our congregation and announced that we would collect a special offering for the next two weeks to support the building project of Onnuri Church. I encouraged the congregation to join me as I committed to giving first as the senior pastor.

The offering period ended this past Wednesday, and as a result of our members’ generous and heartfelt participation, New Life Fellowship has collected a total of $302,236.07.

We now send this offering to you in the name and love of Jesus Christ.

Please use it meaningfully to help complete the precious building project that is now so close to being finished.

We celebrate and cheer you on from afar.

In Christ,

Pastor Eric and the members of New Life Fellowship

(Thank you, New Life, for joyfully following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, communicated to you through your pastor, and for sacrificially sharing your resources to help and support our sister church in need.)

Your pastor,

Pastor Eric