I used to teach the PACE Training Manual in English at our Training Center because foreign students occasionally came to Korea to study. Teaching the English version of the manual helped me become more familiar with the PACE materials. It also gave me opportunities to visit different places, meet foreigners, and build relationships with them.
During one of these visits, I met Dr. Timothy Kaping, who was originally from Nagaland, India. He had come to Korea to study theology and later became a Korean citizen. I first met him at a church where I was teaching the English PACE Training. He became deeply interested in PACE, especially in the idea of “love with skin on.” He understood that Christian care is not simply something we talk about; it is something we demonstrate through our lives, our presence, and our relationships with others.
From that time, Dr. Kaping and I began working together with foreigners in Korea. Whenever we had opportunities, we met with them, introduced them to the PACE ministry, and trained those who had a genuine heart for caring for others.
Eventually, we officially established the PACE International Fellowship (PIF). Our purpose was to provide a regular gathering where foreigners could learn about PACE, share their experiences, and develop meaningful fellowship with one another. We met every Sunday afternoon to study the principles of PACE and encourage one another in caring ministry.
After some time, we also began an English worship service on Saturdays at Vine Church in downtown Seoul. Pastor Aloto, one of our PACE students, became the preacher. He was originally from Nagaland, India, and was studying for his Th.M. degree at Seoul Christian University (SCU). Because of his gifts, experience, and cultural background, I suggested that Vine Church invite him to serve as its English preacher.
As Pastor Aloto approached the completion of his studies in Korea, he began thinking about what he would do after returning to Nagaland. I encouraged him to consider starting a PACE school there. After much prayer, discussion, and preparation, we eventually opened PACE International Seminary (PIS) together in Dimapur, Nagaland, India.
Looking back, I can see how God was bringing different people and circumstances together. What began as a simple effort to teach the PACE Training Manual in English eventually developed into the PACE International Fellowship. Through PIF, relationships were formed, people were trained, and new opportunities for ministry emerged.
Eventually, one of those relationships led to the establishment of PACE International Seminary in Nagaland. This experience taught me that we never know where a small beginning may lead. When we faithfully respond to the opportunities God places before us, He can connect people, open doors, and expand the ministry in ways we could never have planned ourselves.