Too Young to Die
David Yonggi Cho, born on February 14, 1936, in Ulsan, South Korea, faced a life-altering crisis at the age of 17. Raised in a Buddhist family, David found himself grappling with a severe case of tuberculosis, compounded by malnutrition and an enlarged heart. The prognosis was grim, and despair loomed large.
A Visitor With Hope
In the midst of this darkness, a young woman, a friend of his sister, visited him regularly, speaking about Jesus Christ. Initially resistant, David eventually found himself moved by her persistence and began to seek the Jesus she spoke of. In a poignant moment of surrender, he prayed, "Mr. Jesus, if you truly are the son of God, why don't you prove it to me? I'm too young to die. Heal me, and I will serve you." With this prayer, a transformative journey began.
A Vision of Christ
David experienced a profound vision of Christ, which filled him with overwhelming love. His physical healing soon followed, confirmed by doctors who noted his lungs were clear and his heart had returned to normal. Encouraged by an American missionary named Louis Richards, David embraced his newfound faith and began preparing for ministry.
The World's Largest Church
By 1956, David received a scholarship to study evangelical theology in Seoul, where he met Choi Ja-Shil. Together, they started a church in a humble living room, which rapidly grew due to their dedication to evangelism and community support. This would lay the foundation for what would become the Yoido Full Gospel Church, renowned as the world's largest congregation.
David's teachings emphasized the Holy Spirit's guidance, with a focus on spiritual and physical well-being. His belief in vision as a catalyst for faith inspired countless individuals, and his church's growth was a testament to the power of prayer and dedication.
Reflecting on his life's work, David stated, "All I did was offer my life just like the boy who gave the five loaves and two fish... it was He who grew Yoido Full Gospel Church to 750,000 members. This is entirely a grace given to us by God." His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the transformative power of faith and vision.
