Cheonan, South Korea: October 23, 2014, was an exciting day as Nazarenes and non-Nazarenes alike, gathered from literally around the globe to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Korea Nazarene University (KNU).
KNU Founder Dr. Donald Owens and current KNU President Dr. Shin, Min Gyoo tour KNU’s campus.
KNU’s founder and first president, General Superintendent Emeritus Dr. Donald Owens, had this to say during the celebration:
“According to my diary, September 14, 1954, was the first full day of class for the seminal Bible School. Most of the students were pastors and the focus of the curriculum was on their ordination. We only had two books available for the students; a Japanese language version of John Wessley’s Plain Account of Christian Perfection and a Salvation Army Manual for potential students.
The library was composed of all of my books, written in English. Mrs. Owns taught Old Testament courses, and I taught New testament, Theology and Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. Unfortunately, all teaching was done via a Korean translator. It was awkward, but was a beginning.
As I view the magnificent facilities of KNU, and consider the large, well-educated faculty, the number of significant Departments, and the large and beautiful student body, truly, the Lord has done great things among us. In the beginning, I could not imagine the miracle that is Korea Nazarene University today…this university has become a crown jewel among all of the Nazarene educational institutions.”
GS Dr. David Busic brings greetings during the celebration.
KNU, founded as Korea Nazarene Bible College, has served as a flagship for Nazarene education here on the Asia-Pacific Region. It hosts 42 majors, a student body of more than 6,000 and is recognized throughout the region as the leader in Human Rehabilitation and Social Welfare, serving not only to educate leaders in this PhD program, but to educate and empower students with various disabilities.
Some of the current and former missionaries who served at KNU, along with the current president Dr. Shin, Min Gyoo
All five prior presidents of KNU were in attendance for the celebration, as well as many of the missionaries who have served in S. Korea over the past 60 years. General Superintendent Dr. David and Christi Busic and Global Missions Director Dr. Verne and Natalie Ward were also present.
It was definitely a time of homecoming and reunion including several dinners and a concert highlighting the tremendous musical talent of KNU.
“The global Church of the Nazarene honors Korea Nazarene University for its great past, but depends upon this institution to continue its mission to produce Christian leaders, capable of faithful, dedicated service to this nation and all who occupy this planet,” said Dr. Donald Owens.
KNU hosts many international students. For more information on how you could be part of this great university family follow this link.
