For the past ten years, the Korean Seventh-day Adventist group of the Arizona Conference has struggled to survive. Now, they’ve just become Arizona’s newest church.

During the past two years, Pastor Roger Oh has been a major contributor to the Korean work in Arizona. While living in Los Angeles, Calif., Oh faithfully made the 12-hour round trip to Phoenix each weekend to preach and minister to the spiritual needs of his Korean flock. Back at home, he continued his work as a general contractor.

Oh graduated from Korean Union College, then completed his Masters of Divinity degree at Andrews University. During this time, he continued his rigorous work ethic. Today he still practices his trade as general contractor while working as leader of the Korean church. He believes that it is important to bring ministry to the work place.

Oh has a unique philosophy of ministry — total participation for each member of his congregation. "Each member has a goal for self development and evangelism," he states. "My congregation is encouraged to live a positive and active life and to work diligently in order to have something to share with others."

The Sabbath worship service is designed so that each member experiences dynamic spiritual insights to be shared with family, friends and other contacts throughout the following week.

The church has high standards for music and is actively involved in the various music ministries throughout the area. Dr. Scott Lee established a vibrant youth ministry to provide the English-speaking younger members with spiritual challenges.

Another aspect of ministry is the health message. Oh explains, "We are ready to take challenges in spreading the three angels’ messages to the Korean community. We plan to serve the mental and physical needs of the Korean community by teaching the NEWSTART way of life."

The work among the Korean communities in Arizona began in September 1996 when Pastor Kim Joong Hoon established the first Korean Adventist group. That group met at the Glendale church and struggled for nearly seven years to survive.

In January 2004, a second group formed at the Camelback church, and some came from out of state to assist this new congregation of 40.

A few months later, a small group left the second congregation to create a third group called the Arizona Central Group led by Pastor Kenneth Oh and Pastor Chang Rok Oh. In February 2006, they became a "company" called the Phoenix Central Korean Company — the only officially organized and recognized group in Arizona.

In June 2006, all these groups merged into one and began working under the name of the Phoenix Central Korean Company. Membership reached 70.

On July 8, the Phoenix Central Korean Company was organized as an official church in accordance with the decision by the executive committee of the Arizona Conference. Oh conducted a special celebration service along with Arizona Executive Secretary Tony Anobile. During the service, the names of 99 charter members were read and recorded in the church record.