Chin Hong Kim

Chin Hong Kim, 97 years old, joined Our Lord late Easter night and was officially declared on April 11, 2023 at 12:19 a.m. Monday morning. He passed bravely and peacefully in his home, deeply loved with his beloved wife and son by his side.

Chin was a man who loved God wholeheartedly. While enduring persecution in N. Korea, Chin, 17-years old, prayed, “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death” (Psalm 118:17-18). At 23-years, old, persecuted, discouraged & alone, and gravely ill, Chin lay on a beach to die. Then he heard God call to him, “Chin, what are you doing there? Wake up! It is not time for you to come to me! You have not finished your job yet!” Chin was cured without doctors or medicine. The Lord had cured him.

Believing in God’s Providence, Chin pursued studies in S. Korea and America. Chin obtained a Bachelor of Theology from Yonsei University in Korea, a Master of Theology from United Graduate School of Theology, a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological School in Kansas City, and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice College & Seminary.

Wherever God called, Chin served selflessly and loved his Church Family. He first preached publicly at the 16-years old in North Korea. Then Chin served as Pastor in the Salvation Army and enlisted as Chaplain in the Republic of Korea Army, 21st Division. He returned to the DMZ to do mission work and accepted an award from the Chief of the Korean Marine Corps for his West Seaside Island Ministry. He met his beloved wife, Young, and “Grandma Lua Bray” also doing mission work in the DMZ. After establishing two churches in Korea, Chin came to America, where he established the First Korean Church in Houston in 1973, First Korean Church in Kansas City, Bethany Baptist Church in Houston, and Korean Baptist Church in Beaumont. He also served as Pastor in Arlington Korean Church and retired as Pastor of Tallowood (Korean) Baptist Church. He was also Chairman and Secretary of The Korean Baptist Fellowship of Texas and he founded the Korean Theological School in Dallas and Killeen.

He was a gentle man. He lived out the rest of his years in peace and happiness.

Chin is survived by his beloved wife, Young Kim, and his two sons, Danny Kim (and wife Jennifer Kim), and John Kim. We love you dearly, Chin Kim.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family at www.earthmansouthwest.com.