Hoseang Prayer Center
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Early life and career
[edit]Kim Yong-gi was born in 1925 in Inje, Gangwon Province, Korea. At the age of 23, he joined the police force. During the Korean War, he experienced the loss of his entire family, which left him severely traumatized. For over a decade, he suffered from mental illness and related complications.[1]
Reported religious awakening and founding of Hoseang Prayer Center
[edit]At the age of 39, Kim Yong-gi claimed to have received a revelation from Jesus. Following this experience, he joined a church in Inje and reportedly recovered from his ailments within three days. When he was 40, after holding his first gathering at Sajaam in Sangdo-dong, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, his following grew. Reportedly guided by his revelations, he established the Hoseang Prayer Center.[2]
Growth and activities
[edit]Kim Yong-gi promoted his healing experience among his followers and focused on healing through laying on of hands, anointing, and speaking in tongues. At one point, the Hoseang Prayer Center attracted around 500 devotees. In 1965, he relocated to the foothills of Cheonggyesan Mountain in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, with about 50 followers.[3]
Relocation and decline
[edit]In 1966, the community moved again to Seokcheon-ri, Sancheok-myeon, Jungwon County, Chungcheongbuk Province. The followers lived collectively but eventually, the community disbanded. The devotees referred to Kim Yong-gi as "Lord" or "Father" and believed that the apocalyptic judgment was happening at that moment, that the earthly paradise was being established, and that the Hoseang Prayer Center was the refuge during the end times. The Bible was used as their scripture.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "호생기도원". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
- ^ Lee, Hee Yong (27 April 2024). "올해 40주년 맞은 서울대공원…그 터에 얽힌 우여곡절". Mindle News. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
- ^ Jung, Gun Hyo (7 April 2020). "신천지예수교증거장막성전(신천지)의 형성과정과 배경(1)". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
- ^ Park, Jong Man (26 April 2021). "신흥종교와 한국교회 이단 형성사". Church VS Heresy. Retrieved 26 June 2024.