Award Ceremony Report
Friends,
On March 1, 2025, a special award ceremony hosted by J.D. Kim Ministries was successfully held at Denver Seminary Chapel in Littleton, Colorado. More than just a worship gathering, this event was dedicated to honoring and encouraging individuals with disabilities, recognizing their perseverance and dedication while fostering a spirit of unity.
Over 100 attendees from diverse backgrounds—including Americans, Koreans, Chinese, Russians, Ukraine, and Hispanics—gathered to celebrate and worship together. The event welcomed individuals with various disabilities, including visual impairments, mobility disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, alongside their families and supporters. Several local churches also participated, including Faith Church, Juwon Church, Eden Church, Dream Church, Cherry Hills Community Church, and Calvary Church in Englewood. It was a truly inclusive and heartfelt gathering where people with and without disabilities came together as one, experiencing the love of God in a profound way.
The primary goal of this event was to recognize and support individuals who have demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of disability and to provide financial gifts through scholarships and grants. Ten recipients were honored, including five Koreans and five Americans. Among them, two individuals received scholarships, and two disability organizations and ministries were also financially supported. I emphasized, “There are barriers that must be broken down—barriers of discrimination and exclusion. Just as Jesus embraced all people, we too must welcome and stand together as one. Our calling as Christians and as the Church is to live humbly and lift one another up.”
The ceremony began with opening remarks from the board members of J.D. Kim Ministries, followed by worship, prayer, testimonies, the award presentation, and fellowship time. I also delivered a message “Lifted Together” stressing the importance of the unity in Christ.
The testimonies shared by the award recipients deeply moved everyone present. One recipient expressed, “Even in financial hardship, God has never forgotten me. I am overwhelmed by his love shown through this support.” Another recipient, with tears in their eyes, read aloud Jeremiah 29:11: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” One individual, receiving an award for the first time in her life, shared, “This is my first time ever receiving an award. I am beyond grateful and give all thanks to God.”
The event was a powerful reminder that the Church must be a place where all people, regardless of ability, are welcomed and valued. One attendee remarked, “Here, no one was mistreated. Everyone was respected as part of one community. I hope to see more gatherings like this.” Through this event, J.D. Kim Ministries reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a Church where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience God’s love without discrimination or exclusion.
Now, more than ever, it is essential to bridge the divide between those with and without disabilities. As demonstrated, churches and society must work together to ensure that God’s love is extended to all people, without barriers. We remain committed to continuing its work of inclusion and support for years to come.
We give God the glory and praise and appreciate your partnership in the ministry of God.
