From Across the Globe: The Stories of International Pastors in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference
There are many challenges that come with being an international worker, including language barriers, cultural shocks, and homesickness — not to mention the stress associated with visas and residency paperwork. Yet, these individuals left the world they knew behind to serve where God called them, learning to trust in Him wholeheartedly during the process. This article highlights the experiences of three international pastors and their journeys to the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.
Moving from Venezuela
Pastor David Corro, originally from Venezuela, began his journey by preaching evangelistic series across the United States. His powerful sermons in the Lebanon Hispanic, Tenn., Church captivated church members, who were eager to bring him over. Although Corro wasn't actively seeking to move, he prayed for guidance, and the eventual approval of his R-1 visa after two years signified to him that it was God's will for him to be here.
"I think of the miracles it took for me to get here, and of the churches we’ve opened and the growth that I have seen," said Corro, who is now a pastor at the Lexington Hispanic, Ky., Church. "To me, these results are further proof that without a doubt God continues to show us that He is with us and brought us here."
Moving from South Korea
Pastor Daniel Yoon worked as a chaplain at the Sahmyook Language School in South Korea before moving to Andrews University in 2013 to pursue his master’s in divinity. He joined the Kentucky-Tennessee conference in 2016 to work at the Nashville Korean Church in Tennessee. Like many international workers, Yoon's biggest challenge has been the language barrier.
“Because of that, I have really learned to depend on God,” Yoon said. “He is my best friend and the one I bring my ideas and my problems to.”
Yoon kindly recalls the kindness of the members of Nashville First Church who helped him out financially when he first moved to the area.
“They supported our Korean Church, and especially for me, since I started as a part time pastor, they gave me a stipend until I got my green card,” Yoon said.
Moving from Ukraine
Pastor Alex Sozinov moved from Ukraine to the U.S. in 2012 to study at Andrews University. He first had to overcome the language barrier by taking English classes before enrolling in Seminary school for his M.Div.
Sozinov began working with the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference in 2017, bringing his passion and dedication to the Franklin, Tenn., community. While the cultural differences posed significant challenges, Sozinov shared that being a part of the Adventist Church helped him feel a sense of belonging and family no matter where he was.
“You feel like you are part of something great, something really big,” Sozinov said. “I'm still learning the culture and better ways to minister to [the people here], but I’ve always felt like I belonged.”
An Invaluable Move
The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference currently employs 18 international workers from 12 different countries. Steve Haley, President of Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, shares that the knowledge, experience and passion these workers bring are invaluable assets to the conference’s ministry and mission.
“I truly am convinced that the diversity of cultural background greatly enriches this conference,” Haley said. “It enriches me, personally. The presence of these pastors and their families, reminds us that God’s church is comprised of all nationalities, each of which brings unique gifts [and] unique contributions… God has called us to serve in this conference with its increasing great diversity, and that mission is not possible without these pastors and their congregations.”
Corro adds that from the beginning, he felt valued by the conference administration and members.
“Our conference is really concerned about the person and about the family,” Corro said. “You can see that, you can breathe that, and you feel that. In other words, I feel like I'm in family. I feel supported, loved and appreciated.”
Moving with God
Reflecting on their experiences, these pastors have consistently seen God's guidance in their lives. Through the ups and downs, they have witnessed God's hand in both the small and significant moments of their journey.
“I saw God open many doors for me,” Sozinov said “I saw that God opened the doors which I never could open myself. I saw His hand then, and I see his hand now in my ministry and in my life.”
Workers from diverse international backgrounds at the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference gather for a group photo during the 2024 Pastor’s Retreat. Currently, the conference employs 18 international workers from 12 different countries. Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (Photo by Xander Ordinola)