My Relationship with Dr. Melvin
I first came to know Dr. Melvin through his book.
When I began teaching at Sungkyul University in the 1990s, I used his book Can the Pastor Do It Alone? as a textbook. At that time, I assumed he was simply a senior pastor serving a local church in the United States. Later, however, I discovered that he was leading the Lay Pastors Ministry not only across the United States but also in many countries around the world. I translated his materials and have used them in Korean churches for more than fifteen years.
I met Dr. Melvin face-to-face for the first time at the International Conference in St. Louis in 2000. He appeared to be in his late sixties. During the conference, he warmly introduced me to the participants. A few years later, while attending another conference, I had the opportunity to visit his home.
On my second visit to his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, his wife was ill and resting in bed. Dr. Melvin and I spent several hours talking about the ministry in his study room in the basement. That conversation was both encouraging and inspiring. Since I had already committed myself to this ministry, the opportunity to speak with him personally was extremely valuable.
After I formally launched this ministry in Korea in 1995, I communicated with him almost every day. At first, he was my teacher; later, he became my mentor in ministry. Most of our communication was by fax because neither of us used email at that time. In fact, I still have nearly 200 pages of his fax letters.
During those early years, we discussed many aspects of the ministry, including how to begin the work, how to build a leadership team for LPM Korea, and how to develop ministry materials. He generously granted me permission to translate all of his resources, including two books, four training manuals, and three re-equipping materials.
Dr. Melvin helped me tremendously. He genuinely cared for me and invested a great deal of his time, energy, wisdom, and experience in both my life and ministry. Because of his guidance, encouragement, and support, I was able to grow and develop this ministry in a healthy and effective way.
I will always remain grateful for his friendship, mentorship, and lasting influence on my life and ministry.
