It was a night of celebration as Biola University President Barry H. Corey recognized well-known evangelist Rev. Billy Kim and his wife, Trudy Kim, by naming Biola’s Cafeteria Banquet Room after the couple on Sept. 27. The room will now be known as the Billy and Trudy Kim Banquet Room.

“To honor Rev. and Mrs. Kim for their work and service proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. In honor of their tremendous global work at FEBC, Baptist World Alliance, Suwon Central Church, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and on and on it goes, we are naming this room that we’re in tonight, the Billy and Trudy Kim Banquet Room of Biola University,” Corey said at a dinner celebrating the room’s new name.

The evening included a performance by the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) South Korea’s children’s choir, a dinner and notable speakers, including Corey, senior social sciences major Gyeongju Chang, who is originally from North Korea and received a scholarship to attend Biola University, Professor of Bible Exposition Benjamin Shin, and honoree, FEBC chairman and Christian statesman, Kim.

“I hope many functions will take place here and many people will come to know … God while they have a meal, having fellowship because fellowship is one of the greatest avenues of spiritual growth,” said Kim. “I think Biola has a long history of training students not only academically, but evangelizing, witnessing, propagating the gospel for 110 years. I hope they continue until Jesus comes.”

Corey expressed his appreciation of the couple for their “lifetime of leadership to global ministry, commitment to the Great Commission and faithfully following God’s calling,” stating that the two are an inspiration to the Biola community.

Throughout his ministry, Kim served in many capacities, including translating for Billy Graham at faith rallies, evangelizing and building bridges with leaders and ambassadors. His life has been one marked by service and dedication to the gospel in both South Korea and abroad. Biola has partnered with Kim in ministry for many years. In 2010, Biola presented him with an honorary doctorate.

Corey also shared a story in which Kim arranged for the 40 members of Biola’s Chorale who had been travelling through Korea to sing for the mourning families of the South Korean ferry Sewol sinking incident that occurred in April 2014. That night the choir sang the one song they knew in Korean: Psalm 23.

“They sang, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me,” Corey said.

Corey shared that the space will be redecorated and will include pictures that represent Biola’s dedication to the Great Commission aligning with Kim’s heart for missions-minded ministry. He emphasized that the room will represent the existing connection between the United States and South Korea, both being leading missionary-sending countries.

“This room will be a reflection of that partnership and a reminder that we have work to do, sending workers into the harvestfield so that all may be introduced to the saving work of Christ,” Corey said.

One of the noted speakers, Shin, presented a rich account of Kim’s “ripple effect” influence on him and countless others through his long-term service. He considered Kim’s ministry and also traced a link between the U.S. and South Korea, a bond also emphasized by Corey and Kim.

“As I was thinking about your ministry, Rev. Kim, I thought of Philippians 1:3–5. Here’s what it says, ‘I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,’” Shin said. “I was so excited and thankful that Biola named this room for you and Mrs. Kim; it is truly a reminder, an icon for us of East and West coming together here at Biola University.”

Written by Monica Kochan, iBiola reporter. For more information, please contact Jenna Loumagne, Manager of Media Relations, at jenna.loumagne@biola.edu or via phone at (562) 777-4061.