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Good afternoon,
I thought I was the only one called ‘My little angel’ by Pastor Murray, but perhaps not...
Honorable guests and friends,
My name is Hyepin Im, President of Faith and Community Empowerment, also known as FACE. I am here to honor Pastor Cecil Murray who had a profound influence in shaping not only my personal journey but also the work and mission of FACE.
At FACE, we aspire to lift the face of God through service and lift those who are faceless. Matthew 5:16 calls us to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father who is in heaven."
I want to say that I am a testament to the impact of Pastor Murray's obedience to this command. My journey began with my parents, who were called to ministry, and they ended up also becoming unpaid social workers, like so many faith leaders. They did good but I also saw their struggles. Their example laid the groundwork for me to also be committed to community service but also created a yearning and prayer for a better model.
My answer to that prayer came when I was introduced to Pastor Murray through Pastor Mark Whitlock. It was not too long after the tragic period of LA Riots that brought the Black and Korean communities together in unforeseen ways. Pastor Murray's innovative vision of ministry by partnering across communities and sectors with corporations and government agencies was revolutionary to me. Because of the partnerships, I saw it created mutuality. Suddenly these partners had a stake in the church's success, and they were lauding the work of FAME in rooms and places where God, church and communities of color are rarely ever mentioned. I saw FAME's reputation, influence and welcome grow. They were seen as valued stakeholders who needed to be invited into decision-making rooms.
I also respected Pastor Murray’s ability to show up in rooms uncompromising of his faith or his ethnic identity while at the same time setting an inviting table where everyone felt welcome – something that I think is very important during today's divisive times. I also saw him being able to leverage and recognize the power of the church to influence the broader society. He was never shy about speaking truth to power.
I took this model and brought it to my community with many, many miracles. Today, 23 years later, we have had over a thousand partners ranging from the White House to Fortune 500 companies. We have helped many lives in terms of homeownership, paid youth internships, affordable housing, mental health, capacity building and so forth.
My encounter with Pastor Murray has led me into places I never imagined whether it is the Oval Office with President Obama and then Vice President Biden, to international conferences like the United Nations, advisory councils, and beyond.
I am truly grateful for Pastor Murray’s mentorship and model and the opportunity to walk with pastors like Rev. Mark Whitlock that has led to many Black and Asian Solidarity efforts as well.
When Abraham received God’s promise of having many descendants as numerous as the stars, I don't think he imagined the kind of faces as exemplified in this room. In the same way, I believe Pastor Murray could not have imagined the number of disciples, the number of lives that he has touched and will continue to touch.
So, I am grateful to pass on the torch through our C2 Leadership Institute that trains pastors nationwide in the very model of partnership, speaking truth to power, and leveraging resources to touch lives. His legacy continues to live on in these faith leaders and my life.
In closing, I want to thank Pastor Murray, for shining his light, reflecting God’s light, and allowing and empowering others like me to do the same. Thank you, Pastor Murray! Praise the Lord!
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