Who is Kim Sun-Tae, also known as HyoMyung

The Reverend Kim Sun-Tae has been referred to as the Korean male version of Helen Keller by some intellectuals and Christians. If Helen Keller is a legend from the USA; John Milton from the UK; and Takeo Iwahashi from Japan, then there is Kim Sun-Tae from the Republic of Korea.

Rev. Kim became blind and orphaned during the Korean Civil War. Unable to endure starvation and constant beatings from his relatives, he ran away to live on the streets for two and half years. While living as a beggar, he always remembered to attend church each week, to make an offering, and to pray before meals. Furthermore, he shared his food and the gospel with other beggars. One of these people became a pastor. Eventually, God listened to Rev. Kim’s prayers and sent a missionary, an angel in disguise, to help him receive an education.

Both Soongsil Middle School and High School were founded by missionaries. He attended these general schools and went on to graduate from Soongsil University and Presbyterian University & Theological Seminary. Furthermore, he acquired Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary, a school with rich history and tradition. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the society, Soongsil University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy on him. Likewise, an Honorary Doctorate of Theology was presented to him by Presbyterian University & Theological Seminary. Moreover, he was bestowed the President’s Commendation from the Republic of Korea in 1985; the Dongbaeg Medal for Civil Merit in 1989; the Moran Medal for Civil Merit in 2008; and the Raymond Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 2007.

The mission for the blind began in 1972 from a humble office within the Presbyterian Church of Korea. The mission agency for the blind laid the foundation for Siloam Eye Hospital and Siloam Welfare Center paving the way for more miracles to come. The first sight-restoring operation was made possible with a help from a single donor. In that spirit of love and service, Rev. Kim continues today to restore sight to visually impaired people while perpetuating the miracle story from the Pool of Siloam.

He established three churches for ministry to the visually impaired and founded the Siloam Eye Hospital in 1986 and the Siloam Welfare Foundation in 1997. To help change the lives of the visually impaired, Rev. Kim inaugurated various organizations including Siloam Social Welfare Center for the Blind (1998); Siloam Vocational Training Institute (1999); Siloam Hyomyung House (Nursing Home, 2010); Sullivan Education Support Center (2013) for the visually impaired with multiple disabilities. In addition, he provided scholarships to 1,400 visually impaired students who eventually became ministers, professors, teachers, and judges to serve as contributing members of the society.

Empowered by God’s grace, facilitated with cooperation from clergymen as well as laymen from home ground and abroad ­– all these things were made possible. Rev. Kim changed the world of despair and wilderness to one with hope like the promised land of Canaan. He is the first blind person in the world to become a director of an eye hospital. That is why people refer to him as a miracle worker sent from God for this generation. He does mission work not only for the visually impaired but to anyone who does not see the light of life. He is a disciple of the gospel, love, and hope to all peoples.

Rev. Kim begins each dawn with an earnest prayer and a faith that

He is doing his best even today and feels happy about his work of presenting a gift ­– The Light of Life.