Dear Mr. Kim Dae Jung,

It is Korea's hopes that opposition candidate Mr. Kim Dae Jung was on his way to rally in Soul a month after his first successful run for the presidency.

We know the history; a 14-ton truck headed deliberately into the path of Kim's car. His driver swerved off the road, and the truck hit another vehicle, killing two people. But Kim was left with a broken arm and a limp that dogs him even now.

That 1971 incident set the tone for a presidential quest unmatched in modern democratic politics.

Two years later, Mr. Kim was kidnapped and almost drowned. He has been jailed, beaten, exiled and marked for execution.

Mr. Kim told Time "I never last hope that someday there would be something like this." "Throughout my life I have faced death five times. For six years I was in prisons, and for 10 year, I was in exile or under house arrest." he added.

History told us his old colleague Kim Young Sam broke with him to join President Roh Tae Woo's ruling Democratic Liberal party. Kim lost again---and vowed finally to quit politics. As he confided to his wife "Maybe my role was meant to end here."

But; God help Kim, because he does what God requires; the kingdom of heaven belongs to him. When Time asked the question, which individuals have been your main sources of inspiration? Kim said; one is China's Mengzi[mencius], who lived 2,300 years ago and spoke of democratic values. Another is Chun Bong Joon, a 19th century Korean revolutionary leader who mobilized 200,000 farmers to rise against feudalism and Japanese power. He wanted to modernize Korea but failed as Japan intervened. And I admire Abraham Lincoln and his spirit of tolerance, forgiveness and inclusiveness. I was able to forgive ex-presidents Chun and Roh, who tried to kill me, because of Lincoln's influence. After the north's win in the U.S. civil war, Lincoln forgave the people of the South, saying" Malice toward none and charity for all".

Jesus said:" you have heard that it was said; love your friends, hate your enemies. But now, I tell you; love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. So that you may become the sons of your father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil, why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect--- just as your father in heaven is perfect."

In a powerful moments of political theater, President Kim shook hands with two of his former persecutors, ex-presidents Chun Doo Hwan, and Roh Tae Woo, before wading into the crowd of 40,000. We think the Kim's spirit is Holy, our members and I, with best wishes for Korea's renew.