A Journey of Faith and Education: The Story of Seung Hoon Kim ('23)
Seung Hoon Kim ('23) & his wife Eunjin ('23) have served in Cambodia for more than a decade. The two connected when Seung Hoon served with Southeast Asia Field Research (SFR) & Eunjin worked in China Field Research at Hangdong Global University. Their experiences revealed the need for biblical education in Southeast Asia, and they felt called to Cambodia, a predominantly Buddhist country healing from war and genocide. In response to this need, as members of the National Institute for Business Continuity Management (NIBCM), the Kims established the Jesus Village Project in 2005.
The Jesus Village Project established kindergartens (pictured below) to teach pupils from a biblical perspective, provide support for families, and act as a venue to share the gospel. Since the project's inception, the Kims have seen massive growth and further developed their mission with the New International Bethany Institute (NIBI). With NIBI, the couple seeks to train young Cambodians and students from neighboring countries to become student leaders. After twelve years of ministry, Seung Hoon and Eunjin felt it was time to further equip themselves with new tools and perspectives to apply to their ministry. Thus in 2021, they came to Wheaton for Seung Hoon to pursue an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development while Eunjin worked towards an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy.
During his time at Wheaton, Seung Hoon served as a graduate assistant in the World Christian Fellowship community at Wheaton, helping guide undergraduate leaders while he honed his skills in student development, leadership, and mentoring. Ultimately, Seung Hoon's experience at Wheaton allowed him to incorporate student development principles into NIBI's curriculum, school administration, and team ministry methods, fostering leadership that empowers students to serve their communities. As they have returned to Cambodia after their studies at Wheaton, they do so with a deep conviction that their work is not just about teaching or training - it is about bringing the love of Christ to those who need it most, and empowering others to do the same.
