It is with a heavy heart that we learned this morning of Dr. Kim, Duk Whang’s recent passing. Dr. Kim was the founder of Eastern Social Welfare Society in Seoul, South Korea, which he founded in 1972. He was 96 years old.During his life, Dr. Kim served the Ministry of Home Affairs as vice-minister and the Korean Overseas Development Corporation as president. After retiring from public office, he devoted his life to improving Korea’s social welfare services. In recognition of his distinguished services, he was awarded with Donbaek Order of Civil Merit, 5.16 National Order of Merit, and Wubon Volunteer Recognition Award.
Dr. Kim was a faithful Christian, who devoted his life to helping the vulnerable and the socially marginalized, especially children in need. He was one of the first generation historical researchers specializing in Gando and also wrote various articles and books on Korean history, religion and culture.
For 40 years, Dillon International had the privilege and honor to walk along side Dr. Kim and assist in making his vision a reality of helping Korea’s less fortunate. It has been said that “No man stands as tall as when he bends down to help a child.” Dr. Kim stood tall as an intentional leader, a father figure to all of the homeless children Eastern served, a role model and a powerful prayer warrior, especially for the thousands of children whom he prayed over prior to their departure for their new lives in their new adoptive families.
While it is a great loss to let him leave us, we are certain that each of you hold your own special memories of this very remarkable and humble man as we do. We would love for you to leave your special memories about Dr. Kim in the comment section below. Your tribute to this remarkable man would bring much honor to his memory and work.
May Dr. Kim’s legacy live on through all the countless lives he touched before going home to our Heavenly Father. Eastern has set up a special memorial fund in Dr. Kim, Duk Whang’s memory in lieu of flowers. Families and friends who would like to make a contribution to the memorial fund may do so through Dillon International.
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10 comments:
Never known him,but heard of him thru Dillon.Sounds like a wonderful man with a big heart.:) Sad to hear of him leaving this world,but so wonderful that he left a great legacy and touched so many lives. Afterall a good name is better then precious ointment.:)
Dr. Kim always kindly made time for each of us on every tour. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Kim's family and the entire Eastern organization. Our children have enriched our lives through his selfless work and we all owe him more than we can ever repay.
Ken & Melinda Schiller, Andrew Park Schiller , Alexandra Kim Schiller; Texas
I had the privilege of meeting elder Dr. Kim on my first visit to Korea in 1996. Such an impressive yet humble and unassuming man! I felt like I had truly met a man after God's own heart. I've never forgotten my time with Dr. Kim and his graciousness toward me. May we keep his memory alive by continuing his legacy of serving the less fortunate.
When we went to Korea to adopt our daughter Kimberly five years ago, one of the most powerful moments was when Dr. Kim laid his hands on Kimmie and prayed. His love for the Lord and for each child was so incredibly evident. He will be missed, but we rejoice that he has heard the words, "Well done", good and faithful servant! Enter into your rest!"
Our family is grateful for Dr. Kim's vision to provide a home for all children. Our daughter Ashley is a source of joy for us. We have been blessed because Dr. Kim reached out to the orphans in South Korea. What a privilege it was to meet him and have him pray over each family as we embarked on our wonderful journeys together. Our prayers are with his family.
I met Dr Kim at Eastern and even though there was a language barrier you could tell that he was a very warm, kind man. As my son and I were getting ready to leave Eastern for our flight home, Dr Kim met us at the front lobby, took my son in his arms and said a very beautiful prayer. I cried, that will always be my everlasting impression od Dr Kim.
I met Dr Kim when I stayed at Eastern, and allthough there was a language barrier I could see and sense that this was a very warm ,kind loving ,man. Dr Kim invited myself and some other families into his office where he shared some great stories and he gace each of us a signed copy of one of his books. As my son and I were preparing to leave Eastern Dr Kim came down to the lobby and took my son in his arms and said a beautiful prayer for us. That will be my everlasting images of Dr Kim. We have lost a legend.
Dr. Kim's passing brings such sadness to our family and yet our thoughts of him will be about the happiness he brought to so many families in his liftetime.
I was fortunate to have met Dr. Kim when he flew my beautiful daughter to us in 1979 into the Honolulu airport. I didn't have to fly to Korea as he always wanted to see the Islands! So he said, "i'll bring her".
What an amazing man.
What I remember the most was how immaculate my daughter was dressed --and he was neat as a pin in a suit after such a long flight. We hugged and he handed this beautful bundle in yellow to me. I often thought-- If I flew that distance with a three month old I would have looked exhausted!
My daughter was the first "out of country" adoption done on our island and paved the way for more beautiful babies to come.
We were fortunate to visit the Dillon agency in Korea and meet many of the wonderful people involved in the adoption process.
Dr. Kim's legacy will definitely live on in the hearts of all he touched.
Lorna Hoff & Family
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I never had the opportunity to meet Dr Kim, but my life has been deeply touched by him forever. If it were not for Dr Kim our family would probably not had the opportunity to adopt our two youngest daughters. They both were adopted from Eastern Welfare Society. They have been God's richest gifts to our family. We could not imagine life without them. Words cannot express how indebted I am to this Godly and caring man.
I remember being so emotional and being moved to tears when I met Dr. Kim. There was a palpable holy aura I felt around him. There truly aren't words to describe what a wonderful human being he was. He has impacted so many lives in his journey on this earth. I journaled and wrote to my family while in Korea, and here is the excerpt from the day I met Dr. Kim...
"Today I met Dr. Kim; he is very God-like. He just exudes holiness. I was so moved to meet him, I cried after our meeting. This man has placed 40,000 babies for adoption in his lifetime, can you believe that? He loves the children and it shows. He will go straight to heaven when he dies."
I was honored to have met Dr. Kim and know that the Dillon families of Missouri will miss him dearly.
Margie Wasielewski, MSW, LCSW
Director of Missouri Adoptions
Dillon International, Inc.
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