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Choi Ja-shil

Choi Ja-shil was a pioneering Korean Pentecostal pastor and evangelist, best known as a co-founder of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, the world's largest church.

1. Overview

Choi Ja-shil (최자실Choe Ja-silKorean; 1915-1989) was a pioneering Korean Pentecostal pastor and evangelist, widely recognized as a co-founder of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, which grew to become the world's largest church. Her life journey, marked by personal hardship and spiritual transformation, profoundly influenced the Korean Christian landscape. This article explores her early life and education, her challenges and spiritual turning point, and her pivotal role in establishing the church from a humble tent in Daejo-dong to the massive Yoido sanctuary. It details her dedication to social ministry among the poor, sick, and marginalized, her emphasis on prayer and fasting leading to the establishment of the Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain, and her extensive international missionary activities that contributed to the global spread of the Pentecostal movement. Her legacy is celebrated for her contributions to evangelism, her pioneering role as a female pastor, and her lasting impact on the growth and social outreach of the church.

2. Biography

Choi Ja-shil's life was characterized by a profound journey from personal adversity to pioneering leadership in Christian ministry.

2.1. Early Life and Education

Choi Ja-shil was born on August 15, 1915, in Haeju, Hwanghae Province, in what is now part of North Korea. Her father passed away when she was six years old due to a chronic illness, leaving her to be raised by her mother. The family faced significant financial difficulties, and Choi assisted her mother in her sewing business to contribute to the household income. When she was twelve, Choi and her mother attended a tent revival meeting led by the holiness preacher Lee Sung-Bong (이성봉Yi Seong-bongKorean), an experience that led both to convert to Christianity from Buddhism. Her mother became a devout believer, practicing early morning prayers and serving religious leaders, which instilled in Choi a deep sense of devotion from a young age. Driven by a desire to alleviate her mother's hardships, Choi excelled in her studies, even securing a position as a tutor for a classmate. Nearing graduation from Myeongsin Girls' School, which later developed into Sookmyung Women's High School, she successfully passed the competitive entrance examination for the Pyongyang Provincial Hospital Nursing Training Center. Upon graduating in 1935, she became a working woman, dedicating herself to nursing and believing that caring for patients was a way to glorify God while supporting her family.

2.2. Marriage and Business Ventures

As a young woman, Choi Ja-shil attended the Second Sinuiju Presbyterian Church, then pastored by Han Kyung-jik (한경직Han Gyeong-jikKorean). There, at the age of 26, she married Kim Chang-ki (김창기Gim Chang-giKorean), a choir member of the same church who had graduated from Paejae Hakdang (which later became Paejae High School) and earned a law degree from Chuo University in Japan. After their marriage, her husband became less involved in church affairs, focusing on worldly matters. Initially, Choi tried to encourage him back to faith, but as she raised their two daughters and two sons, she also gradually drifted away from her own religious practice. However, through a revival meeting, she confessed and repented of her five years of unfaithfulness. Later, after moving to Seoul, Choi became interested in business, successfully establishing matchbox and soap factories, amassing considerable wealth, and expanding her ventures nationwide. As she became increasingly engrossed in business and accumulating money, her faith waned further, causing her mother to pray tearfully and fast every night for her.

2.3. Period of Ordeal and Spiritual Transformation

Choi Ja-shil's period of prosperity was followed by immense personal tragedies and trials. In 1953, her devout mother passed away at the age of 69. Just ten days later, her eldest daughter also died due to complications from a traffic accident. Following these profound losses, her flourishing businesses collapsed, leading to the loss of all her wealth. She developed a heart condition, faced severe financial distress, family discord, and relentless demands from creditors, plunging her into unspeakable suffering. After several years of enduring such pain, she resolved to end her life. In 1956, she went to Samgaksan, a mountain near present-day Bukhansan, with a lethal dose of poison. As she prepared to drink it, an unexpected whirlwind suddenly swept through, blowing the packet of poison away, thus thwarting her suicide attempt. Despite repeated attempts, she was unable to take her own life, and it was in this moment of desperation that she experienced a miraculous spiritual turning point. Coincidentally, a revival meeting led by Lee Sung-Bong, the very pastor whose childhood revival had first introduced her to Christianity 30 years prior, was being held nearby. She attended the meeting and encountered Jesus, leading to a dramatic transformation that changed her path from despair to a new life.

2.4. Entry into Ministry and Seminary

Following her transformative experience on the mountain, Choi Ja-shil sought out Pastor Lee Sung-Bong. Through his introduction, she enrolled in Full Gospel Bible College, an institution that later evolved into Hansei University. It was during her time there that she met David Yonggi Cho (조용기Jo Yong-giKorean), who would later become her son-in-law and her lifelong partner in ministry. Even as students, Choi and Cho formed an evangelistic team, laying the groundwork for their future pastoral work through intense prayer and evangelism. Students at the seminary often stayed at school during vacations, engaging in all-night prayers. Choi, particularly, embraced a rigorous life as an evangelist during her seminary years, living in the dormitory, praying through the night, and engaging in street evangelism whenever she had the opportunity.

3. Major Ministry and Activities

Choi Ja-shil's ministry was characterized by foundational initiatives and widespread evangelistic efforts that significantly contributed to the growth of the global Pentecostal movement.

3.1. Founding of the Tent Church

Choi Ja-shil's initial ministry began by focusing on children. She would go around her neighborhood, gather children, buy them candies, teach them hymns, and share Bible stories. She would also embrace each child and pray over them individually. As 60 to 70 children began to gather regularly, she established a tent church in Daejo-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. The adult congregation started with just five individuals: Evangelist Choi Ja-shil, Evangelist David Yonggi Cho, Choi's two children Kim Sung-hye (김성혜Gim Seong-hyeKorean) and Kim Sung-kwang (김성광Gim Seong-gwangKorean), and a grandmother who had sought shelter from the rain. News of Choi's ministry spread, and more people began to join, especially the poor, the sick, and those living without hope. Her compassionate care, provision of food, and healing ministry through prayer sparked a rapid revival. As various miracles occurred, including the repentance of shamans and the transformation of alcoholics, Evangelist Choi found herself unable to manage the growing congregation alone and asked Evangelist Cho Yong-gi to collaborate with her. Subsequently, many more conversions and spiritual experiences occurred through Cho Yong-gi's sermons.

3.2. Seodaemun Full Gospel Central Church Era

The Daejo-dong tent church experienced continuous growth, with its registered members increasing from five in June 1958 to over 500 by November 1961. This rapid expansion led to the establishment of the Full Gospel Central Church in Uiju-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, three years after the tent church was founded. Here, even greater revivals took place, marked by David Yonggi Cho's powerful sermons and Choi Ja-shil's impactful healing ministry. Her ministry expanded globally as the church hosted international gatherings, including the Northeast Asia World Mission Conference. The building that housed the Seodaemun Full Gospel Central Church is now located in Pyeongdong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, near the Chungjeongno Post Office, and is used as the general assembly hall for the Christian Council of God Assembly and the Bawi Saem Church.

3.3. Founding of Osanri Prayer Mountain

Choi Ja-shil harbored a long-held dream of establishing a "prayer garden." This vision materialized in Osan-ri, Jori-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, where the church cemetery was located. She began building an all-night prayer altar in an extension shed of the cemetery. After three months of continuous prayer, she received a divine response that led her to proceed with the construction of the prayer mountain. Despite numerous interferences believed to be from Satan, she prayerfully established what would become the world's largest prayer mountain, dedicated to prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline. Following her passing, in recognition of her tears and dedication, the prayer mountain was officially renamed the 'Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain'.

3.4. Construction of Yoido Sanctuary

The Seodaemun Full Gospel Central Church continued to experience explosive growth, with its membership exceeding 10,000, making the Seodaemun building inadequate to accommodate the increasing number of congregants. Consequently, the church began searching for a new site for a larger sanctuary. Several locations were considered, but finding a suitable place for such a large number of members proved challenging. During this search, Yeouido was suggested. At that time, Yeouido was primarily used as an airstrip, a desolate island with no bridge connecting it to the mainland, posing significant transportation problems. However, David Yonggi Cho, believing he received a divine answer through prayer, strongly advocated for building the new church on Yeouido. Eventually, the church acquired the land in Yeouido. Despite the enormous cost of construction and the daunting prospect of the church bearing such a massive debt, both David Yonggi Cho and Choi Ja-shil proceeded with fervent hope, believing in God's miraculous provision. Construction commenced in 1969. However, the project immediately faced financial difficulties due to the Middle East oil shock, which caused the value of the Korean Won to decline against the US Dollar, leading to increased construction material costs and a decrease in church offerings.

3.5. International Missionary Activities

Choi Ja-shil's ministry expanded globally through extensive international missionary activities. Her overseas evangelistic tours began in 1964 with a circuit evangelism trip to Japan. This was followed by a missionary tour of Taiwan in 1966 and various mission trips to the United States and other countries, where she led numerous revivals. Her final international activities included leading a revival meeting at the Washington D.C. Full Gospel Church in the United States on November 3, 1989, and participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new sanctuary of the Full Gospel Los Angeles International Fasting Prayer Center's 4th anniversary on November 8, 1989. These international efforts contributed significantly to the worldwide spread of the Pentecostal movement.

4. Chronology

A timeline of significant events in Choi Ja-shil's life and ministry:

  • 1915 August 15: Born in Haeju, Hwanghae Province.
  • 1935: Graduated from Pyongyang Provincial Nursing School.
  • 1935: Began attending the Second Sinuiju Presbyterian Church, pastored by Han Kyung-jik.
  • 1953: Her mother and eldest daughter passed away within a short period.
  • 1956: Attempted suicide, experienced a spiritual turning point.
  • 1958 March 15: Graduated from Full Gospel Bible College (now Hansei University).
  • 1958 April 8: The Christian Council of God Assembly was founded.
  • 1958 May 18: Co-founded the Daejo-dong Tent Church in Eunpyeong-gu with David Yonggi Cho.
  • 1961 September 1: Held a tent revival meeting at Seodaemun Rotary.
  • 1961 October 15: Established the Seodaemun Full Gospel Revival Hall.
  • 1962 April 26: David Yonggi Cho was ordained as a pastor.
  • 1962 May 13: Church name changed to Full Gospel Central Church, with over 500 registered members.
  • 1964: Registered church members exceeded 3,000.
  • 1964 October 28: Departed for her first missionary trip to Japan.
  • 1966 January 1: The district system was implemented in Full Gospel Central Church to enhance evangelistic efficiency.
  • 1966 January 23: Undertook a missionary trip to Taiwan.
  • 1967 October 31: Engaged in missionary trips to Taiwan and Tokyo.
  • 1969 March 3: Conducted a missionary trip to Japan.
  • 1969: Construction of the new Yoido Full Gospel Church sanctuary began.
  • 1971 January 11: Undertook a missionary trip to Taiwan.
  • 1972 June: Attended the 2nd Asia Believers' Conference in Japan.
  • 1972 August 10: Ordained as a pastor by the Japan Assemblies of God.
  • 1973: Established the Full Gospel Fasting Prayer Mountain (later renamed Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain).
  • 1974 April 5: Embarked on a tour of the United States.
  • 1974 July 8: Received an Honorary Doctor of Theology degree from Los Angeles Bible College.
  • 1975 April: Traveled to the United States and Europe on a mission trip with David Yonggi Cho.
  • 1977 June: Led a revival meeting in Tokyo, Japan, with David Yonggi Cho.
  • 1979 October 1: Attended the 12th PWC Conference.
  • 1981 July 7: Led a major evangelistic conference in Ulsan City.
  • 1985 October 3: Retired from her pastoral duties due to age limits.
  • 1989 June 2: Received a meritorious service award at the Yoido Full Gospel Church 30th Anniversary conference, held at the Jamsil Seoul Olympic Main Stadium.
  • 1989 November 3: Led a revival meeting at the Full Gospel Church in Washington D.C., United States.
  • 1989 November 8: Concluded her activities by leading the 4th anniversary and new sanctuary dedication service of the Full Gospel Los Angeles International Fasting Prayer Center in Los Angeles, United States.
  • 1989 November 9: Passed away at the age of 74 in Los Angeles, United States, due to a heart attack.
  • 1989 November 15: Her remains were transferred to Korea and interred at the Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain.

5. Works

Choi Ja-shil authored several books during her ministry:

  • Korean Miracles (1978)
  • Hallelujah Lady (2009)

6. Death

Choi Ja-shil passed away at the age of 74 on November 9, 1989, in Los Angeles, United States, while attending a revival meeting. Her cause of death was a heart attack. Her remains were repatriated to Korea and interred at the Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain on November 15, 1989.

7. Assessment and Legacy

Choi Ja-shil's profound spiritual journey and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the Korean Pentecostal movement and beyond.

7.1. Influence and Contributions

Choi Ja-shil is widely recognized for her immense influence on the Korean Pentecostal movement, playing a pivotal role as a pioneering female pastor and evangelist. She was instrumental in the foundational growth and development of the Yoido Full Gospel Church, which she co-founded with David Yonggi Cho. From the church's earliest days in a tent, she focused on direct ministry to the poor, the sick, and those suffering from spiritual oppression, laying a compassionate foundation for the church's outreach. Her personal experiences of hardship deeply informed her empathetic approach to ministry, making her a beloved figure among the marginalized. She was particularly known for her profound ministry of prayer and fasting, which she considered a cornerstone of spiritual discipline and miraculous intervention. Through her extensive evangelistic activities both within Korea and internationally, she significantly contributed to the global spread of Pentecostal Christianity. Beyond her direct ministry, she is also remembered as the mother of Kim Sung-hye and Kim Sung-kwang, and mother-in-law of David Yonggi Cho, figures who continued her family's legacy in ministry.

7.2. Memorial Projects

To honor her memory and enduring legacy, several initiatives and structures have been established. Most notably, the Full Gospel Fasting Prayer Mountain, which she founded through her fervent prayers and dedication, was officially renamed the 'Osanri Choi Ja-shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain' after her passing. This site continues to serve as a vital center for prayer and spiritual renewal, perpetuating her emphasis on deep spiritual commitment within the church's identity.