Gwangju African Community : Spirited Unity Re-launched

“There is a uniqueness in this community and its potential,” remarked Pastor Chris Doekpar, referring to the Gwangju African Community (GAC), previously known as the African Association of Gwangju. “We have had a wonderful time gathering as international people.”

Being the founder while Lawrence Kerkulah is serving as acting chairman pending general elections, Doekpar leads this group, which was re-launched in September 2014 to join citizens from various African countries together as one.

The group has established an official and original preamble and constitution, with one of its goals being “we exist to serve the community.”

Doekpar stated that GAC has already established itself with multiple activities. “We have already gathered, having different nations represented. We have had meetings, weddings, retreats, graduations, funerals and helped different members of this community.”

One of the GAC’s visions, which is to build a “home away from home” for families along with strengthening and supporting Africanism, aligns with Doekpar’s first experiences in Korea.

Originally from Liberia, Doekpar was motivated to come to Korea by a personal friend. Doekpar also recognized that there were many opportunities for Christian missionary experiences. “I learned that if I could get a missions education, it would give me a better purpose to help those affected   in my country for the past 14 years and to empower me to return to my country.”

Unlike other current international residents, Doekpar encountered a very different Korea when he first arrived and has seen several changes this country. “I was lonely and I encountered culture shock, but I felt it was more important to help bring myself and others together to keep our African identity while living in Korea.”

While away from his home, Doekpar has helped set the foundation and continue the progress that GAC now is achieving. In addition to helping lead GAC’s efforts, Doekpar currently serves as the lead pastor for the Pure Gospel International Fellowship, located a few minutes away from Chonnam University.

Also originally from Liberia, Kerkulah stated that he believes that God has brought him to  Korea to evangelize and also to strengthen the spiritual work of Christian believers. As another pastor of Pure Gospel, Kerkulah is blessed to serve other nationalities. “There is a growing culture, but sometimes we are limited. The nature of work and school schedules prevent people from coming. Therefore, I want to bring spiritual transformation in Gwangju.”

One of GAC’s goals is to establish its image as a cooperative community in Gwangju. From its preamble, GAC states that the non-profit organization strives to be a “community that embodies all Africans and their local groups or organizations in Gwangju; as well as promoting peace, unity and social understanding amongst civic and social organizations.” While promoting this goal, another GAC goal is to “protect and promote the interests of Africans in Gwangju City.”

Thus, a motivating GAC passion, which helps direct this organization’s progress, is “to initiate, encourage and facilitate the active participation of Africans in community development programs that enhance smooth integration in Korean society.”

Both Doekpar and Kerkulah understand that preserving their Liberian culture and being culturally sensitive in Korea can be accomplished with success.

Doekpar noted some cultural observations. “There are similarities, such as a respect for the elderly, in both Korea and in Liberia. But, for these things that are opposite from our culture, I like to use bi-cultural tactics. For me, that means balancing what we as Africans learn and also to keep our cultural identity.”

Kerkulah made some spiritual observations. “As a part of the uniqueness of the ministers of Gospel, we are able to have members maintain their same cultures. As part of this achievement, we had one of the best retreats during this past Seollal. We received testimonies that really motivated us to see the brotherhood develop in this city, and thus it gave us an opportunity to be in contact with all nationalities, which was difficult to do beforehand.”

As GAC continues to advance with its image and future programming, leaders of GAC are moving forward with showing how this special community can play a significant role in the Gwangju community.

“We want Koreans to experience the African uniqueness, as they can contribute to the multi-cultural community in Korea,” said Doekpar. “Our goal and mission is that regardless of where we come from, we have our own uniqueness in our culture, and Africa is not just a country  but  a continent. We can contribute to Korean society, for multi-culturalism, and we look forward to having the platform to contribute.”

The GAC will be hosting an upcoming African festival this summer, with dates and location to be announced. Gwangju News will keep readers updated about GAC events and opportunities.

Any individual of African origin residing in the city of Gwangju is welcome to become a member of G.A.C., while friends of Africa are also welcome to become associate members.

For more information, please contact Chris Doekpar at chrisgdoekpar@gmail.com .