한국기독교보수교단총연합회 대표회장 박동호 목사가 6·25전쟁 발발 74주년을 맞아 열린 ‘기적의 가평전투 74주년 기념예배’에서 설교를 전했다. 그는 이날 메시지를 통해 “자유는 공짜가 아니다(Freedom is not free)”라며 대한민국의 자유가 수많은 희생 위에 세워졌다는 점을 강조했다.
박 목사는 설교의 제목을 “희생 위에 세워진 자유”라고 밝히며, 시편 124편 말씀을 인용해 “‘여호와께서 우리 편에 계시지 아니하셨더라면 우리가 살아남지 못했으리라’(시편 124:1)”고 고백했다. 그는 가평전투를 단순한 군사적 전투로 보지 않고, 하나님의 특별한 간섭과 은혜가 있었던 사건으로 조명했다.
그는 "1951년 4월 벌어진 가평전투에서 영연방군과 유엔군이 중공군의 춘계공세를 막아내며 결정적인 전과를 올린 ‘기적의 가평전투’가 있었다. 이 전투는 캐나다, 호주, 뉴질랜드 부대와 미군, 한국군이 함께한 연합작전으로, 서울을 방어한 최후의 방어선에서 벌어진 중요한 전투였다"면서 "5월에는 미군 213 야전포병대대가 참여해 '기적의 가평전투'로 기록될 전투를 치렀다"고 설명했다.
박 목사는 “소수의 병력이 중공군의 물량 공세를 막아냈고, 전략적으로도 매우 열세한 상황에서 거둔 승리는 전술이나 무기력만으로는 설명하기 어려운 일이었다”며, “하나님의 손길이 그 자리에 있었음을 믿는다”고 말했다.
그는 미군의 참전 규모를 소개하며, 육군 30만 명 이상, 해군 261척의 함대, 공군 전폭기와 전투기가 참전한 사실을 짚었다. 특히 가평전투는 미군 213 야전포병대대의 투혼이 빛난 전투로 기록되며, 4,000명의 중공군과 맞서 싸워 350명을 사살하고 830명을 포로로 잡았으며, 전사자 없이 본국으로 돌아갔다고 강조했다. 대부분 유타주 출신의 18~22세 젊은 병사들이었다고도 언급했다.
그는 “비록 명령을 받고 참전했지만, 그들의 심장은 자유를 향한 사랑과 믿음으로 뛰고 있었다”며, “혹독한 추위 속에서도 가족을 뒤로한 채 낯선 나라에서 목숨을 걸고 싸운 이들의 희생이 아니었다면 오늘의 대한민국은 존재하지 못했을 것”이라고 전했다.
설교 중 박 목사는 요한복음 15장 13절 말씀을 인용하며 “사람이 친구를 위하여 자기 목숨을 버리면 이보다 더 큰 사랑이 없다”고 했다. 그는 “미국은 대한민국의 친구였고, 그들의 희생은 곧 예수 그리스도의 십자가 사랑과도 같은 깊은 사랑이었다”며, “이 사랑은 복음의 빛이 이 땅에 심겨진 증거”라고 설명했다.
그는 또 “이 희생은 하늘의 책에 기록되었고, 대한민국의 심장에 영원히 새겨졌다”며, “그 사랑은 다음 세대에도 반드시 전해져야 할 진실이다. 자유는 결코 거저 주어진 것이 아니다”고 덧붙였다.
박 목사는 가평전투가 전술적 행운이 아닌 하나님의 섭리로 이뤄진 기적의 전투라고 강조했다. 그는 “안개가 걷히고, 구름이 열리는 순간 아군의 포격이 정확히 적진을 타격하며 전세를 역전시켰다”며, “이것은 단순한 우연이 아니라 하나님의 도우심이 분명히 함께한 장면”이라고 말했다.
특히 그는 “미군 213 야전포병대대가 1:16의 전력 차에도 불구하고 완전한 승리를 거두었다는 것은 인간의 계획으로 설명할 수 없다”고 강조했다. 이 병사들이 신앙적 축복을 받고 파병된 청년들이었다는 점도 덧붙이며, “하나님께서 이들을 하나님의 도구로 사용하신 것”이라고 말했다.
설교 마지막에서 박 목사는 전몰 장병의 유족들에게 감사를 전하며 “그들의 아들과 남편이 이 땅의 자유를 지켰고, 우리는 그 사실을 결코 당연하게 여기지 않는다”고 말했다.
그는 “이 나라의 자유, 경제 성장, 민주주의, 교회의 부흥은 모두 그 희생 위에 맺힌 열매”라며, “자녀와 손주들에게 이 진실을 교육하겠다. 우리는 매년 이 자리에서 이 사랑을 기억하며 감사할 것”이라고 다짐했다.
그는 설교를 마치며 다시 한번 이렇게 고백했다. “Thank you, U.S.A.” “Thank you, brave soldiers.” “Thank you, families.” “And above all, thank you, Lord.”
“이 피와 사랑 위에 대한민국의 자유가 세워졌습니다. 우리는 결코 잊지 않겠습니다.”
다음은 박동호 목사가 전한 설교 영어 전문이다.
"Freedom Built on Sacrifice" (Psalm 124:1-8)
74th Anniversary Memorial Sermon for the Miracle at Gapyeong
“If the Lord had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive... Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Beloved brothers and sisters,
Today, we gather to remember a remarkable grace that God bestowed upon the Korean Peninsula. Seventy-four years ago, in April 1951, the Commonwealth and UN forces held back the massive Chinese Spring Offensive at the Battle of Gapyeong. In May of that year, the U.S. 213th Field Artillery Battalion achieved what is now called the “Miracle at Gapyeong.” These two battles were events where God’s extraordinary intervention was evident—beyond human explanation.
In the fierce struggles of the Korean War, the Gapyeong front was the last line of defense for Seoul against overwhelming North Korean and Chinese forces. Canadian regiments, Australian units, New Zealand artillery, U.S., and Korean soldiers united to halt the enemy’s advance. This battle is called a “miracle” because a vastly outnumbered allied force overcame overwhelming odds in a historic victory
When we look at the scale of participation, we realize the magnitude of their sacrifice.
Throughout the Korean War, the U.S. military deployed:
- Army: 1 field army, 3 corps, 7 infantry divisions, 1 cavalry division, 1 marine division, 2 regimental combat teams—over 302,483 troops.
- Navy: 261 ships of the 7th Fleet under the Far East Command.
- Air Force: Numerous fighters and bombers supporting the battlefield.
Though much time has passed, on February 4, 2016, the “Korean War U.S. Veterans Memorial” was finally erected here to remember their noble sacrifice. Thus, this worship service held at this place is truly meaningful and filled with indescribable grace
Because of these battles at Gapyeong, Seoul was saved from another fall, and Korea preserved its freedom and democracy. People may explain this as a victory of tactics, the sacrifice of soldiers, and allied cooperation, but we confess with the psalmist:
“If the Lord had not been on our side, we would not have survived.” (Psalm 124:1)
1. Standing Here—A Place of Remembrance
Honored U.S. veterans, beloved families, and fellow Koreans,
Seeing you here today fills our hearts with gratitude. We remember the precious blood your sons, husbands, and fathers shed on this distant land for the sake of freedom. Without their sacrifice, today’s Republic of Korea would not exist.
This is not just a place of remembrance. Today, we offer our thanks, where God’s grace and your love meet.
“We remember.”
“We honor.”
“We will never forget.”
2. If Not for Their Sacrifice
In June 1950, Korea was on the brink of disappearing from the map. Faced with invasion, we were helpless. Then, the United States stood on the side of freedom and justice.
In the spring of 1951, countless young Americans were sent to this small, unfamiliar country. Though they left by order, their hearts were burning with conviction.
Leaving their mothers, letting go of their wives’ hands, hearing their children’s last farewells—they came with love and faith in freedom.
In the bitter cold, in unfamiliar mountains and valleys, they gave their lives for freedom, leaving loved ones behind. And here at Gapyeong, the fiercest battle was fought.
Without that sacrifice, today’s Korea would not exist[2].
3. Biblical Light—“Greater Love Has No One Than This”
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
America was Korea’s friend. Your sons and husbands fought for a Korea they had never known. They considered us brothers. By shedding blood for friends, you lived out this scripture.
Just as Jesus Christ laid down His life for us on the cross, these young soldiers gave their lives for those they loved. This love is the evidence of the gospel’s light planted in this land.
We will never forget that love.
“We never forget that love.”
4. The Battle of Gapyeong—God’s Providence
The Battle of Gapyeong was not merely a clash of soldiers. The Chinese army attacked with overwhelming numbers. Yet, the 213th Field Artillery Battalion,
with only around 240 men, facing 4,000 Chinese soldiers — outnumbered more than 16 to 1
They did not retreat, even when surrounded.
In thick fog and darkness, the battle raged on. Yet, in every moment, God’s hand was present.
When the fog lifted, the allied artillery struck the enemy with miraculous accuracy. The 213th killed 350 enemies, captured 830, and returned home without a single casualty—a miracle in military history[2].
Most of these soldiers were 18–22-year-olds from Utah, who had received a special blessing before deployment: if they lived faithfully, God would protect them. They lived by faith and all returned safely. This is clear evidence of God’s invisible hand.
We believe these beloved sons were instruments in God’s hands.
5. Our Confession of Gratitude
(To the families)
Beloved families,
Today, we confess:
“Your sacrifice sustains today’s Korea.”
Your sons and husbands defended this land. Korea does not take America’s sacrifice for granted. Our freedom is built on their blood. Their sacrifice is recorded in heaven and forever engraved in our nation’s heart.
You risked your lives for the freedom of a small nation on the other side of the world. Your courage and sacrifice have borne fruit in Korea’s freedom, economic growth, democracy, and the flourishing of the church. All these blessings are rooted in your sacrifice.
We will teach this truth to our children and grandchildren. Future generations will know freedom is never free.
“Freedom is not free.”
Today, we say again:
“Thank you, U.S.A.”
6. Gospel Love, God’s Hand
Beloved friends,
This is not just a moment to look back. This land is a place of honor and miracles, where God fought alongside us. It is a time to remember and give thanks for God’s grace.
God protected Korea. The sons and daughters of America were used by His hand. On the blood shed here, freedom was built.
Korea will never forget their sacrifice.
We will stand here every year.
We will teach our children this love.
We will always be grateful.
Today, we confess this truth again:
“We will never forget.”
“Thank you, U.S.A.”
“Thank you, brave soldiers.”
“Thank you, families.”
“And above all, thank you, Lord.”
Our Mission Going Forward
We pledge:
- To cherish freedom as God’s grace and defend it humbly.
- To honestly remember America’s sacrifice and teach it to future generations.
- To forever uphold the precious value of the U.S.–Korea alliance.
- And to always offer prayers of gratitude to God, the source of all grace.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, we remember the tears and sacrifices of those sent to sow the seeds of freedom on this distant land.
Let us never forget that their sacrifice sustains today’s Korea.
We praise Your grace that protected this nation through their blood and love.
Comfort the pain of the families, and let this country uphold freedom with justice and truth.
We pray in the holy name of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us on the cross. Amen.”
“We remember. We honor."
"We will never forget.”
“Freedom is not free.”
“Thank you, U.S.A.”
“Thank you, brave soldiers.”
“Thank you, families.”
“And above all, thank you, Lord.”
June 25, 2025
Rev. Dongho Park