Dr Nelson Kim is a living example of a marketplace minister. A businessman before he became a minister, Dr Kim is best known for Mook, the fashion brand he created in 1992 in South Korea. In five short years, by 1997, Mook was turning over US$100 million. Following such success, Dr Kim handed the company over to his brother, and went into full-time ministry after graduating from Hansei Theological Seminary.
At a recent business luncheon organized by The Marketplace, at the Swissotel the Stamford, Dr Kim talked about his life and shared his keys to business success. Speaking to business owners and marketplace leaders, he gave an amazing testimony to the power of God, and the miracles that God gave him and his company over the years.
During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Dr Kim suffered in his business and also his personal life. Business was so bad he found himself on the brink of bankruptcy. At the same time, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Dr Kim spoke to his mentor in church and was encouraged to fast and pray at the prayer mountain. During this time of humbling and fasting, He felt that God was removing a pious mask, a façade that he had put on because his heart was not fully committed nor sincerely in love with God.
When he repented, the grace and love of God filled the emptiness inside. His father had built a small church on the company grounds but the creditors had taken it away. God gave him the mandate to “rebuild the fallen tent of David”. USD20,000 was needed but Dr Kim did not have the finances to fulfill this call. Through prayer he received the revelation that the company was not his but it belonged to God. A few days later, after putting his products for auction online, God provided Dr Kim with the exact amount for the rebuilding — through online sales!
When this amount was sown to build God a church, God provided another USD2 million to help to bring the entire company out of debt! Today, 95 per cent of his employees have become Christians.
  |
| PHOTOS: Gary Sim |
During the luncheon, Dr Kim was posed the question on how one should handle economic difficulties during this recession. He provided an answer that encouraged the people to do business God’s way, instead of the way the world does.
“In running a business, you may go through times of affliction or hardship. But never give up. God wants to bless you much more than whatever you have at present. Learn to hear the voice of God, obey it and never give up!” advised Dr Kim.
He shared that the secret to receiving God’s blessing in business was to obey God immediately and completely. He went into full time ministry upon graduating from Hansei Theological Seminary, and started three churches in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
