Kevin Jenkins joins 60th anniversary celebrations in South Korea

Չորեքշաբթի, Հոկտեմբեր 13, 2010

World Vision President Kevin Jenkins joined celebrations of the organisation’s 60th anniversary in South Korea this week. Click to see a copy of the speech. The events attracted considerable media attention; the following is an extract from the translation of the article in Chosun Daily [www.chosun.com].

World Vision International President Jenkins visiting Korea

“Korea’s Economic Development Is Amazing

but More Impressive Is Its Generosity”

by Joon-yong Ahn 

October 12. 2010

“Just as South Korea has developed so World Vision, which started in Korea, started as a small seed and has grown into a mighty tree,” said Kevin Jenkins (54), President of international humanitarian organisation World Vision International, on October 11.

“From that tiny seed of 25 dollars a month that Bob Pierce committed here every month, you now raise 124 billion won annually [more than 100 million dollars].” said Jenkins in a press interview at the office of World Vision Korea in Yoido-dong, Youngdeungpo district of Seoul, on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. He focused on the special relationship with South Korea. 

World Vision was founded in Korea when Rev. Kyung-chik Han and American missionary Rev. Bob Pierce began to support Korean War orphans. Today the organisation is helping children in nearly 100 countries around the world. World Vision Korea started to reach out to Africa in 1992, and now supports more than 300,000 children around the world.

Regarding the development project in Chil-gok ri, Hwang-hae Province in North Korea, which World Vision International began last July, Jenkins said, “We seek to support poor people in accordance with humanitarian policy, without political interference,” adding that he would actively involve himself ministry in North Korea.

Jenkins will attend the 60th anniversary celebration this afternoon to be held at Young Nak Church located in Myung-dong, Joong district, Seoul, and will pay a courtesy call to the President Lee Myung Bak on October 12 and depart Korea on October 13.