Meet the Team Behind the Mission
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Rev. Heung Soo Kim & Dr. Mi Ja Kim
FOUNDERS
The Kims are the heart and soul of JOY Missions International. Their shared vision and dedication have been instrumental in creating programs that not only address immediate needs but also empower individuals to thrive.
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Joe Kim
PRESIDENT
With a wealth of experience and a passion for positive change, Joe Kim leads the organization with integrity and purpose. His guidance ensures that JOY Missions continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
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Yoon Hi Greene
SECRETARY
An accomplished attorney with a compassionate heart, Yoon Hi brings invaluable expertise to the team. Her leadership plays a crucial role in steering JOY Missions toward sustainable growth and impact.
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Charles Muhire
FOUNDER OF NOT FOR ME BUT FOR CHRIST MINISTRIES
Charles has dedicated his life to serving JOY Missions locally in Rwanda. He created the Not For Me But For Christ Ministries to continue the mission of Reverend Kim who changed his life and taught him how to serve God through the JOY principle: Jesus First, Others Second, and You Last. Charles helps manage the scholarship program as well as the feeding program in Rwanda.
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Ben Kayumba
DIRECTOR OF GOOD NEWS INTERNATIONAL RWANDA
Ben has been a partner of JOY Missions from the beginning. He was instrumental in the development of the JOY Center and continues to manage the Center on behalf of JOY Missions International. He is also the Director of Good News International, a registered non-governmental organization in Rwanda, recognized by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). Serving 26 communities across the country, they support survivors of the 1994 Tutsi genocide and other vulnerable individuals—helping them rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and joy. Guided by their mission to bring “good news of great joy” to all people, they strive to foster full community integration and lasting hope.
In Loving Memory
Reverend Heung Soo Kim, a beloved husband, loving father, grandfather, and cherished brother passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, in Northbrook, IL, at the age of 86. Born on November 15, 1938, in Korea, his life was a testament to his unwavering faith and selfless service.
Reverend Kim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dr. Mi Ja Kim. He was the cherished father of Yoon Hi Greene and her husband Kevin Greene, and Joe Kim and his wife Carmen Kim. His legacy continues through his adoring grandsons: Dillon and Connor Greene, and Matthew, Alex, and Daniel Kim. He is also survived by his brothers, In Soo Kim and Hyun Soo Kim, and his sister, Hei Ryun Lee. He was preceded in death by his brother, Chul Soo Kim. He was a constant source of love, support, and guidance for his family, who will deeply miss his presence, wisdom, and unwavering love.
He graduated from Kyungbock High School and Yonsei University in Seoul Korea. In 1966, he immigrated to the United States with his wife to answer his calling to the ministry and to attend Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. After receiving a Masters in Divinity, he later attended Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary where he received a Doctoral Degree in Ministry.
In 1971, Reverend Kim founded Alliance Fellowship Church, which was the first bi-lingual (Korean and English) church in the area, and created the Bible Tape Ministry, which was shared internationally. He later founded Cornerstone Church in 1992. He was a passionate youth evangelist who traveled the world and a gifted orator whose sermons resonated deeply with his congregations. In retirement, Reverend Kim continued his ministry by traveling to Rwanda with his wife and founded JOY Missions International in 2014 where he built a church community center for widows and orphans of the genocide. His children will continue the work of the JOY Missions International ministry.
Reverend Kim's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his faith, his service, and his profound love for God. His body was donated to UIC College of Medicine to be used for educational purposes.
He lived by the words of his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 1:20-21: "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Every program at JOY Missions International is a step toward a brighter future for individuals and communities. Your support enables us to continue this vital work, transforming lives through education, skills training, and the unwavering love of Christ.