General Vice President, Armando Miranda, representing the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist gave the charge to the newly ordained Pioneer Mission Movement (PMM) pastors Sabbath, March 5, 2005. This historic day was celebrated by the church in Japan with three PMM pastors set aside for the gospel ministry through the sacred rite of ordination. Pastor Miranda spoke of the commitment to ministry as a way of life. This unique church planting movement launched by the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) in 2002 has increased the spirit of missions within many young Korean pastors.

This special ordination service held in Granger Hall on the campus of San-iku Gakuin College, Chiba, Japan was the result of cooperation between the Korean Union Conference and the Japan Union Conference. These three Korean PMM pastors met the qualifications of their home Union. The Japan Union Conference where they are currently working, verified the qualification. Pastor Hong, Sung Sun, KUC Ministerial Association Secretary read the Certificate of Ordination that was then presented by Pastor Masaki Shoji, JUC Secretary. Pastor Takashi Shiraishi, JUC President in his welcome to the PMM pastors also commented on how appropriate that Korea should be sending missionaries to Japan when 100 years ago the Adventist message came from Japan to Korea. Pastor Hong said, “I wish they had had a PMM program 35 years ago when I began my ministry.”

Kim, Kwang Sung, Park, Jong Su, and Lee, Chang Sup after finishing their year of language study were sent to plant new churches in un-entered areas. Currently small companies are meeting regularly. Souls are being baptized.

Dr. Jairyong Lee, Northern Asia-Pacific Division president presented the worship hour message just before the ordination. Dr. Lee surprised and delighted the congregation with the presentation of his message in the Japanese Language. This was the first time he had presented a message in Japanese. He shared his burden that every church member become a missionary wherever they are planted. He stressed the point that Seventh-day Adventists are special people with a special message for the world.

The Golden Angels presented the special music as well as a mini concert during the afternoon celebrations. The Golden Angels are part of the PMM initiative of the NSD. In 2004 seven young Korean singers gave one year of service providing music for the evangelistic meetings that PMM pastors held. Also they would do street concerts to advertise the meetings as well as going from door to door inviting people to attend the meetings. Eight young singers make up the current Golden Angels. This year they include one young lady from Hong Kong and another from the Philippines.