Robyn Black 지방장관의 은퇴 축사

[김환기]

Robyn Black (Lt. Col)

NSW/ACT Divisional Commander

Retirement Service for Majors Hwan-ki and Eunice Kim.

I am blessed to be here today to honour Majors Hwan-ki and Eunice Kim, on the occasion of their retirement from active Officership.

It was a happy day for the Australian Eastern Territory when Captains Hwan-ki Kim and Eunice Kim, were appointed to the Sydney Korean Corps, on 1st December, 1997.

Twenty nine years ago Hwan-ki and Eunice arrived in Australia from the Korean Territory, along with their two gorgeous school aged children, Lisa 8 years old and Andrew 7 years old. I imagine it was like landing on another planet, where everything is different.

As you know, a different language is challenging but a completely different culture can be isolating and confusing. There must have been very difficult days, trying to do everyday tasks like shopping. But by the grace of God, the Kim’s settled in to life in Sydney and learnt about being an Aussie!

Hwan-ki and Eunice ministered faithfully at Sydney Korean Corps for 7 years and in 2004 we were blessed when Hwan-ki and Eunice were transferred permanently to the Australia Eastern Territory.

In 2005 Hwan-ki was appointed Assistant Door Knock Appeal Director, and then in 2006 he was appointed Chaplain to Detention Centres. Hwan-ki held this appointment until 2021.

I think this is where we truly understand something of Major Hwan-ki Kim. Immigration Detention Centres are a place where people who are deemed to be in Australia illegally are locked up and waiting. They are waiting for an outcome – either being granted the opportunity to live in Australia or being sent forcibly back to their country of origin. People can be held in Detention Centres for years and can often feel despairing and without hope.

Hwan-ki ministered here for 15 years, with incredible kindness, grace, and perseverance. Many Officers would have said ‘please Salvation Army, send me somewhere else!’, but Hwan-ki listened, prayed and cared for the detainees, showing the love of Jesus in practical ways.

Of course, Hwan-ki became well known there, and he had great relationships with the people detained there, the staff who worked there, and the other chaplains.

During this time, Hwan-ki was also the Coordinator of Multicultural Ministries & Refugees (2007), Associate Corps Officer Belmore Corps (2010), and Coordinator for Korean Speaking Ministries (2012).

During this time, Hwan-ki also quietly supported an ecumenical project that helped to feed international students who were struggling. I know that Hwan-ki has always strongly supported the broader body of Christ, maintaining strong and respectful friendships with leaders of other denominations.

My husband Bob got to know Hwan-ki during this time. Bob was appointed as the manager of Foster House, accommodation for homeless men. He remembers Hwan-ki visiting, always with a smile and a friendly greeting, sometimes bringing magazines, sometimes leaving with food for the international students. Mostly, Bob remembers Hwan-ki for being very hard working and extremely kind.

Commissioner Miriam reminded me that Hwan-ki was part of the Auburn Corps team for a while and she admired that Hwan-ki had a heart for the Korean community but also the wider multicultural community.

In 2019 Hwan-ki and Eunice began the Ryde Korean Corps Plant. The DC at the time, then Major Miriam Gluyas, had often spoken about a second Korean Corps in Sydney and approached Hwan-ki and Eunice to start the Corps.

At first there was no building, and Hwan-ki and Eunice would have the Sunday service and lunch at home. With their wonderful congregation, they found a Uniting church building to rent at Top Ryde, and God was moving in their midst.

In January 2025 the Ryde Korean Corps officially moved to this building and Hwan-ki and Eunice were appointed to Northside Chatswood Korean Corps.

Major Hwan-ki Kim is a man of integrity, exceptionally generous, incredibly clever, and amazingly humble. Hwan-ki is a person who quietly supports people, truly caring about their wellbeing.

He always reminds us that the Salvation Army must advance with the Bible in one hand and bread in the other. The gospel of Christ is best expressed with both spiritual and practical assistance. Hwan-ki has lived this out in his ministry.

Major Eunice Kim is a woman of Godly determination and strength. She is the person in the background making sure that everything is organised and everyone is fed! Eunice prefers to be out of the spotlight, working with others to provide hospitality and service. She also ensures that Hwan-ki is well fed, and that he doesn’t have to worry about anything at home!

I honour you both today for your resilience, your strength, your compassion and kindness. I am very grateful to God that He brought you here to Sydney. In your lives, we have seen a practical expression‎‎ of the love of Jesus and Christ-like character.

On behalf of the Australian Territory, and the NSW/ACT Division, I say thank you for your loyal, humble and inspirational ministry and service to God and the Salvation Army. We pray that God will bless you with a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

God bless you