By Robert Miller, HPBC Director of Regional Ministries

According to the CDC approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This disorder is a developmental disability that affects all ethnic and socioeconomic
families, including the Kim family.

Calvin Kim who serves as Senior Pastor of Agape Mission Baptist Church (Palolo, Oahu) and his wife Bin, understand the challenges of raising an autistic child firsthand. Their four-year-old daughter, Chloe, was diagnosed with ASD in September of 2019.

Rather than keeping their challenges private, the Kims saw a ministry opportunity with their church to help their daughter and other children battling ASD. It is their belief that autistic children also need to learn about the Lord. So in October 2021 they hired a Registered Behavioral Technician and gathered volunteers to start a Sunday School class for autistic
children (ages 4-8).

Each child receives one-on-one attention in class from skilled volunteers while they participate in worship, Bible study, crafts, and art. This weekly
ministry provided by Agape Church meets a unique and vital need on Oahu. Agape Mission is a Korean congregation, yet their Sunday services are offered in English as well. This church welcomes all families and is also seeking volunteers to assist with their autism ministry.

For more information contact Pastor Calvin Kim at (703) 999-3976 or calvinhkim@gmail.com. Pastor Kim and the congregation welcome your prayer as they expand this ministry to the autistic community.