Daily Sauntering

In Memory of the Late Rev. Jae‑Sik Jang

“Please forgive the small amount… I send this offering with the hope that it may help in some way. I pray that God’s great grace and blessing will restore Rev. Jang’s health, and that joy may fill his family, bringing glory to God.” — An anonymous believer in New York

“We were saddened to hear the news of Rev. Jang’s condition. We pray for the Lord’s healing work to be upon him.” — Korean American Presbyterian Church in the USA

“Thank you for giving your precious time and effort to help Rev. Jang. Your care and devotion will surely be a source of strength to him and his family.” — Northern Illinois Conference

“We pray that the healing gifts of Jesus Christ will rest upon Rev. Jang.” — General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

“When Rev. Jang was suffering, we prayed that God would lessen his pain, and if possible, grant the miracle of recovery. With this small offering, our family continues to remember him in prayer.” — Rev. H.

Last December, a request for prayer and support for Rev. Jae‑Sik Jang—who had been diagnosed with leukemia—was sent to United Methodist churches across the United States by the Korean Caucus of the New York Annual Conference. Though many had never met him or even heard his name, the news of a young pastor’s struggle stirred hearts across the country. Love poured in like a flood—letters, offerings, and prayers from every direction. Through this outpouring, we were reminded that we are indeed one body in Christ, and that the world is still a profoundly beautiful place.

Rev. Jang’s leukemia was discovered the previous summer. Normally healthy and full of energy, he visited a clinic for what seemed like a lingering cold—only to receive the devastating diagnosis. He was immediately admitted to Yale University Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.

When the Korean Caucus of the New York Conference first heard the news, many pastors were unfamiliar with his name. Rev. Jang was a full member of the Alabama Conference, serving a mission church under the Northeastern Jurisdiction. Yet the shared conviction that pastors must care for pastors quickly united the group. At the November meeting, the caucus decided to organize a benefit concert to help cover medical expenses, especially since his insurance was set to expire in October 1999.

Finding musicians on short notice was not easy. But Rev. Jae‑Sook Lee—who had been ordained as a Permanent Deacon earlier that year—immediately volunteered. Before entering ministry, she had been an opera singer, a graduate of the Boston Conservatory, a choral conductor, soloist, and prima donna. Honoring her father’s dying wish, she had chosen the path of ministry, and she understood suffering and calling more deeply than most. Out of gratitude to God for calling her into ministry, she offered to perform at the benefit concert at her own expense. As a soloist, she poured herself into the event—singing, organizing, and tirelessly gathering support—deeply moving all who attended.

On that cold winter evening, church members and pastors from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond gathered with one hope: the healing of a young pastor. Their prayers warmed the night. Through letters and offerings from churches large and small across the nation, nearly $35,000 was raised—an extraordinary expression of love.

But who can delay the call of God? Just two days after the benefit concert, on December 14, Rev. Jae‑Sik Jang answered the Lord’s call and departed this world at the age of forty.

Who was Rev. Jang?

According to The Centennial History of Korean United Methodist Churches in America, Vol. 3, he was born on September 25, 1959, in a Christian family in Daegu. He received probationary membership in the Tennessee Conference in 1991. He came to the United States in 1987 and is survived by his wife, Jung‑Mi Park, and their daughter, I‑Rang (age 10). He graduated from Yonsei University (B.Th., 1986), Vanderbilt Divinity School (M.Div., 1990), and Harvard Divinity School (STM, 1995–1997). His ministry included service at Nashville Korean Church (1987–1990), Birmingham Korean UMC in Alabama (1990–1991), and from 1991 until his passing, Grace Korean UMC. He also served the North American Christian Scholars Association as general secretary, treasurer, and clerk. His ministry philosophy was “faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6), and he had a deep interest in contextual and comparative theology. His dream for ministry in the new millennium was to develop a “cultural ministry” rooted in Korean heritage and local sensibilities. His writings include What Did You Go Out into the Wilderness to See? (Meditations on Matthew) and The Sea of Galilee.

Those who knew him describe him as a pastor of rare purity and sincerity. Fairfield, Connecticut—an hour from New York City—had very few Koreans, and Sunday worship drew about twenty‑five adults. Yet Rev. Jang served his small flock with the devotion of a shepherd caring for a hundred. He invested deeply in education, service, and mission training, faithfully following the theology and spirit of John Wesley. He especially encouraged women’s ministry, sending members to mission schools and leadership trainings, believing that women’s leadership would help heal a broken world. His life reflected the life of Jesus—quiet, humble, and steadfast. Truly, he was a great shepherd of a small flock, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of those he served. In a world full of leaders, he showed what true leadership looks like.

All the love and support gathered from churches across denominations was delivered to his wife, Jung‑Mi Park, and their daughter, I‑Rang. To the New York Conference and to every church, pastor, and believer who opened their hearts in prayer and generosity, we offer our deepest gratitude. The pure and beautiful life of this young pastor—who answered God’s call with sincerity and faithfulness—will echo in our hearts for a long time.

— Rev. Tae‑Hun Yoon, January 16, 2000, President, Korean Caucus of the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church