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<REPORT BY JAMES KIM, KARLSRUHE>

Thank God for blessing the homecoming ceremony of Missionary Chong-Ae Choi.

On September 23, 2025, in Karlsruhe, Germany, the homecoming service of Shs. Chong-Ae Choi was held under God’s great grace and comfort. The service took place in the morning at the Karlsruhe Center chapel, followed by the burial service at the Karlsruhe cemetery at noon.

The homecoming service began with the hymn “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today.” Pastor Geun-Hong Kim and Missionary Joshua Lee led the prayers, thanking God for Shs. Choi’s 53 years of dedicated gospel ministry and abundant spiritual fruit, and asking that God’s comfort and peace may rest upon the bereaved family and coworkers. Her eldest daughter, Missionary Hannah, together with her son Samuelo, offered a special song “The Race I Am Running” in memory of their mother’s life of faith.

Shepherd David Kim delivered the message from 2 Timothy 4:7–8. Through the Apostle Paul’s confession, he proclaimed the posture of faith we must pursue today—not worldly success, but a life that fights the good fight for the gospel and truth, runs the race faithfully to the end even in suffering, keeps the faith received at first, and looks forward to the crown of righteousness. He highlighted how this faith was made concrete in Shs. Choi’s life—serving one soul with the word, interceding in prayer, raising her children and descendants as missionaries, and quietly shepherding God’s flock. He concluded with the exhortation:

“We must fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith, and live with our eyes fixed on the crown of righteousness. This is the value of God’s kingdom and the way we are all called to walk.”

During the time of remembrance and tributes, Missionary Hannah shared that her mother was “the most respected shepherd” and pledged to follow her footsteps. Her daughter Esther Hegert sang a heartfelt special song. Missionary Sarah Lee remembered her as a kind shepherd who always listened with understanding. Missionary Charles Beck recalled her affectionately as his “Bible teacher.” Family representative, Missionary Samuel Choi Jr., testified to the three spiritual legacies his mother left to her children: a life of loving each soul sincerely, a life of living according to the word, and a life of looking forward to eternal life and God’s reward. He also asked for prayer that her seven grandchildren may be used in God’s world mission history.

After the service, the congregation proceeded to the cemetery for the burial. Following the hymn “A Few More Years Shall Roll,” Missionary Miri Ji gave a message from 1 Corinthians 15, testifying that the resurrection body of believers is imperishable, glorious, and spiritual. Quoting Revelation 21, she proclaimed that heaven is a place of perfect comfort, free from death and pain, where God himself will wipe away every tear. She also recalled Shs. Choi’s shepherd life of sacrificial service. The burial service concluded with the hymn “We Shall Meet Beyond the River,” and participants laid flowers with the confession of hope that they will meet again in heaven.

Afterward, everyone gathered back at the Center for fellowship. Over a warm meal, missionaries and family members who had not met for a long time shared updates, prayed, encouraged one another, and took photos together. It was a time overflowing with joy and thanksgiving in the unity of God.

Through this funeral, the gospel was proclaimed and the hope of resurrection was powerfully testified. Even in sorrow, God was with the family and community with his comfort and love. Every part of the preparation—hymns, prayers, special songs, the message, tributes, service, meal, and fellowship—was offered to the glory of God.

We give all glory to God who leads us to eternal life. We also extend heartfelt thanks to all who served in the preparation of the services, those who shared in grief and comfort through attendance, and all who joined in prayer!

Dear Missionary Chong-Ae Choi has gone to be with the Lord. She was the devoted wife of the late Sh. Samuel Choi, and the loving mother of Samuel Choi Jr., Hannah Saliuk, and Esther Choi. She was also a spiritual mother to many young people, who grew as disciples of Christ and missionaries to the world. Though we feel sadness at her departure, we celebrate her life even more. After serving the Lord faithfully, she has now entered Christ's presence for eternal rest and joy. Please join me in giving thanks to God for her and praying for her missionary children and their families. She tells her own story in a life testimony she shared several years ago. I was blessed by reading it and I believe you will be too.