Foreword
The parsonage has been the lifelong school, training ground, and place of miracles and blessings for me. Through the parsonage, I have experienced God’s love among many people who transcend race and language, and through them I have learned about life and faith. If there is anything good to be found in me at all, I must say that it is all thanks to the teachings, prayers, and passionate, sacrificial love of those unknown believers I encountered through the parsonage.
Last year we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and my life in the parsonage began back in Korea, when my husband was still a seminary student. Ever since we immigrated to the United States in December 1980—except for the two years my husband attended Drew University in New Jersey—I have always lived in a parsonage. Throughout these years as an immigrant, my husband pastored an American church for 10 years and then spent nearly 10 more years leading a Korean immigrant congregation. My life as a pastor’s wife has been shaped by diverse experiences of joy and pain, and all along I have witnessed God’s active hands as clearly as if seeing face to face.
I never wished or prepared to become a pastor’s wife. In fact, I had no idea what that life entailed. All I knew was that the parsonage was a place for special people set apart from the world. Suddenly stepping into this “fishbowl”-like life without preparation was overwhelming and at times painfully difficult. I spent years wandering through all kinds of inner disharmony, confusion, and struggle. But God did not leave me there. Through the parsonage, He began writing a new chapter of creation in my life—a chapter that continues even today.
There were several motivations for writing these letters from the parsonage. First, I wanted to share the moving experiences, miracles, joys, and peace that came with taking root in Christ’s love. Second, I hoped to record the special faith experiences of church members I encountered in the parsonage as a kind of personal “Acts of the Apostles,” so that they could encourage and inspire one another. Third, I wanted to be more honest before God and people. The parsonage is not a place merely wrapped up in “holiness,” but a very ordinary and human one. I hoped my readers would see my life as one among many and realize that my thoughts and faith are no more exceptional or noble than anyone else’s. My only wish is that, through these essays, readers will discover that God’s unchanging love is still flowing throughout all creation.
I am deeply grateful to my husband, the Rev. Taeheon Yoon, who has held my hand patiently and lovingly as his partner in ministry, allowing this blessed life in the parsonage to come to fruition. A poet himself, he always encouraged me to write and praised me. Above all, his sermons, thoughts, and life have been my greatest source of inspiration. Through him I was able to meet many spiritual mentors at home and abroad across religious traditions, which has greatly shaped my open view of the world. Throughout his ministry, he has served beyond Christian circles, engaging people of different faiths and cultures in the work of God’s salvation. Thanks to his support, I was able to live a freer, healthier life and draw a bit closer to God’s love.
I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation and love to my literary mentor, poet Kim Jung-ki, who has nurtured my path as an essayist, and to Rev. Shin Jin-sik, president of the Korean Christian Broadcasting Network, and to announcer Lee Mi-kyung for providing generous opportunities on the airwaves. I am also deeply grateful to Rev. Jo Gukhwan of the magazine Light and Love, and Rev. Seo Jong-chun and Editor Seo In-sil of Korean Christian Today, for their interest and support of my writing. Special thanks to my mother-in-law, lay elder Jo Yang-sook, and my own mother, lay elder Choi Gwi-rye, and my brother-in-law, lay elder Yoon Baek-heon, who have offered countless tearful prayers for my children and my ministry. My children, Sena, Serim, and Sejun, have also brought me abundant joy, gratitude, and hope as they have grown up in the parsonage.
When our family was called to serve at Commack United Methodist Church last year, we were warmly embraced by the congregation. I am deeply grateful for their love and for their commitment to sharing this ministry together. I look forward with eager anticipation to the letters I will write in the parsonage at Commack, and to the many new things God will do among us.
With gratitude to God, I dedicate the first volume, “Gifts from Above,”of Letters from the Parsonage (1991–1997) this summer. Though my writing may still be imperfect, I pray that readers may discover seeds of new life hidden within these pages. Finally, I offer my deepest thanks to lay elder Lee Hyung-gyu of Qumran Publishing for his dedicated work in preparing this book for publication.
Summer 2001,
Long Island, New York
Yoon Wan-hee
Table of Contents
Part 1 — Blueprint of Faith
The Face of Blessing / Looking to the Lord / Seeking an Angel / The Prima Donna’s Dream / Delivering a Basket of Love / Nest / Welcoming Advent / Blueprint of Faith / Let’s Sow Seeds / When Azaleas Bloom / A Cat’s Story / Consider the Birds of the Air / Let Go of What Must Be Let Go / A Broken Circle / Treasure in an Earthen Vessel / Bitter Cup
Part 2 — For the Sake of Beauty
In the End, We Return to Dust / Festival at the Sea of Galilee / It Depends on Your Mindset / A Saint’s Dream / Dream / The Earth Waiting for the Good Samaritan / Woman / The Witnesses of the Resurrection / Cast the Empty Net on the Right Side / No Distinction of Race in Faith / Those Who Do Not Fear Failure / Toward the Mountain Summit / Report Card / Family / Father / Flame / To Make Flowers Bloom / What Remains / For the Sake of Beauty
Part 3 — Four O’Clock Flowers’ Story
Wings of Time / Heaven’s Glorious Gift / Saved by Grace / Haircut Day / The Pastor’s Hat / Make Sure You Meet Jesus / Praise for Life This Autumn / An Incident at an Elementary School / Pruning / Prisoner Number 3597 / Sound of Cicadas / Honoring Marriage / Sorry / The Sound of Spring Coming / The Blessing of a Nickname / November Bride / Dial 911 / Four O’Clock Flowers’ Story
Part 4 — The People Remaining in the City
People Remaining in the City / Gift / Flying a Kite / Building No. 40 / Wendell’s Elegy / Change the Oil / Do Anything Quickly / Guinness Book and the Book of Life / Gandhi and a Pencil / My Elderly Friend / The Lord Is Coming / Blue Uniforms / Finding Our Friend / The One Who Left with the Scent of Spring / Do You Climb the Ladder? / Children / For the Souls Waiting for Spring / Mother / Growing Orchids / Mother’s Gold Ring
Part 5 — Souls Leaping Like Deer
The Woman Keeping Watch at Night / Where Dreams Dwell / A Sealed Perfume Bottle / Fearless in Trials / Family Stories / One Thing You Can’t Let Go / The Holy Spirit Is with Us / Come, Emmanuel / Declaration of Bankruptcy / Opening the Soul’s Door / Just as You Are / At the Campsite / How Good and Pleasant It Is When Brothers Live Together in Unity / Whether in Season or Out of Season / Leaders / Souls Leaping Like Deer / Wonderful Things / Living with Birds / An Act of Gratitude / Jacqueline’s Keepsake / Retirement for the Pastor’s Wives / For the Sake of Youth
Poems:
Prayer for Prayer / In the Vegetable Garden / To Host the Lord in My Home / Lighting the Advent Candle / The Prayer Box / The Baby Has Come / Come into Autumn / I Love You
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Recommendation:
Author Wanhee Yoon gently crafts and breaks a new alabaster jar filled with delicate love, revealing the fragrance of Christ that is even richer than pure nard. Her literary resonance and graceful prose intertwine to produce this alabaster jar with the skill of a true artisan.
For many years, she has offered comfort to weary immigrants through her warm voice over radio broadcasts, and she has quenched their thirst with her vibrant and life-giving writing in newspapers and magazines.
She is a treasured junior colleague and literary companion of mine. Whenever I am in her presence, I sense an unapproachable grace, yet also a peaceful light that shines warmly. Moreover, as a pastor’s wife, her life of obedience and devotion is even more beautiful. In her, I feel an unbreakable thread connecting faith, commitment, and literature — all under God’s gentle hands.
I am overjoyed to see a selection of her published works come together into a book at last.
Among the jewels included, “Building Number 40” is especially remarkable for its clear message of sharing in the pain of others. This piece tells the story of a woman who left behind her darkness in New York and returned home to the embrace of familiar faces and the welcoming arms of her mother.
As the story’s closing lines put it:
“Now returned to a mysterious bond between God and humankind, to my homeland and my mother who awaits. But for those left behind on this land, Building Number 40’s address still lingers…”
This closing passage paints the somber address of a psychiatric hospital where the protagonist once stayed, transforming it into powerful imagery.
In “People Remaining in the City,” the loneliness of the marginalized is explored, while “The Four-O’Clock Flower Story” reveals the deep intensity of yesterday’s shadows.
In Mrs. Yoon’s writing, one discovers rich expression, masterful time-space narration, and a heartfelt resonance that renders each piece a hidden treasure. Her voice is uniquely her own, tuned to the cries of those who are hurting, and infused with her personal warmth and gentle fragrance — allowing her words to flow like a river that can touch and move everyone.
At times, her writing becomes an embracing heart for the world, a catalyst unveiling God’s wondrous providence across history and the cosmos, and at other times, it rises as song, cry, or poignant petition — each work on these pages bearing harmony, restraint, and eloquent artistry.
In these essays, we appreciate the supple strength of literary form, the discipline of language, and evocative emotional depth.
As a pastor’s wife at Commack United Methodist Church on Long Island, Mrs. Yoon shines even brighter. Together with her husband, Pastor Taehun Yoon, and their children — Sena, Saerim, and Sejun — she nurtures a beautiful home and family. Her reverence for God and humility reflect a spiritual landscape that enriches the glowing alabaster jar that she breaks open for all of us. Within that jar is a mysterious light that brightens the world and a literary breath that gives it soul.
I wholeheartedly celebrate the birth of this book and pray for an abundance of grace and continued fellowship with our Lord, as well as warm blessings upon Mrs. Yoon’s graceful pen as she pours forth these alabaster-jar offerings.
With sincere congratulations,
Poet Kim Jeong-ki
President, Eastern U.S. Literary Association
New York, Spring 2001
Recommendation:
I am truly delighted that Mrs. Wanhee Yoon, one of the writers I have always respected, has compiled her beautiful faith essays into a book.
Mrs. Yoon, along with her husband, Pastor Taehun Yoon, answered the call to serve as immigrant pastors. Amid the wilderness of ministry in a foreign land — “Like a bird that wanders away from its nest,” as the saying goes — she embraced the joys and sorrows of immigrant life and nurtured them in the wellspring of her faith. From that sacred reservoir, she wrote one heartfelt line after another in a voice as beautiful as her soul. The result is Letters from the Parsonage, which has been a warm and trusted friend to all of us.
Writing is like a surgeon’s scalpel — its power depends on the one who wields it. Mrs. Yoon’s writing carries the rich fragrance of real human life. She naturally shares her unique experiences as a pastor’s wife — moving stories of grace, humility, and restraint — with honesty and warmth. I am convinced that because she writes with a pure heart, humility, and the very heart of Jesus Christ, her essays profoundly touch and warm our spirits.
I pray that this newly published book will be read by many who love the Lord. May it blossom like a bouquet for their souls and become a rich and expansive force for God’s Kingdom. Together with the many readers of Christian Today USA who have cherished Mrs. Yoon’s essays over the years, I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful book with joy and gratitude.
Rev. Jong Cheon Seo
Publisher, Christian Today USA
Recommendation:
Mrs. Wanhee Yoon wrote a series of faith essays titled “Letters from the Parsonage” for the America Christian Broadcasting Station in New York every week from 1993 to 2000. Hosted by Announcer Migyeong Lee on the popular program Within the Garden of Faith, these essays were warmly received by listeners. In more recent years, Mrs. Yoon also hosted the program Just as I Am for over three years, earning much love and support from listeners across New York and New Jersey.
Within the immigrant church setting, pastors’ wives face unique responsibilities and a multitude of difficult circumstances. The scope of their ministry is broad and diverse. Mrs. Wanhee Yoon, as a pastor’s wife, has shared with us her inner struggles, conflicts, joys, and sense of fulfillment through transparent, soul-filled words — purified and refined by the sword of prayer and the Word of God. Her essays have encouraged countless listeners to find hope and gratitude and have opened windows of beauty and grace to those wearied by the hardships of immigrant life. Furthermore, she has candidly expressed the anguish, failures, peace, and joy of a true pilgrim, revealing how we are all connected on this eternal journey.
In Mrs. Yoon’s writings, we see God’s deep, loving fingerprints imprinted upon all creation. They show us that there is no one beyond God’s saving grace. Her skillfully crafted sensitivity, passion, experience, and life inspire and uplift readers, drawing them ever closer to God’s embrace.
I am especially pleased that some of these treasured broadcast scripts and essays have been compiled into a book that can now be shared with everyone. My heartfelt hope is that this collection will offer peace and joy like a drink of cool water to thirsty souls. It is with this joy and gratitude that I celebrate this publication together with all the readers and listeners who admire Mrs. Wanhee Yoon’s work.
Rev. Jin-Sik Shin
Former President of America Christian Broadcasting Station
Daily Sauntering 