Called

Sitting at my mother’s kitchen table last week, I nostalgically poured over sepia toned photos. The reason for my sentimental recollection was my upcoming (now past) ordination. The things I will write about here are not new to people who’ve hung around me for some time. However, it is my sincerest prayer that as I recount what God has done in my life that God will get the glory during this seminal moment of my life.

We’re goin way back…

This is my father with a little Jimmy Dean vibe going. Kinda. :/

Post-war Korea was the world of dad’s teen years. Seoul was a heap of rubble and despondency was its air. He drank and smoked his way through the army and stayed after two obligatory years to work at the military of defense where he learned to knock back harder stuff.

The best thing that happened to him was meeting my mom. Not only was my mom a godsend for dad but her family instantly took a liking to him. Good thing for him because my mom had a burly older brother (below) who would’ve made sure my dad didn’t get near his baby sister if he sniffed anything fishy.

But he passed the test. Got married. All good.

Except none of them knew Jesus.

So actually it wasn’t all good. At all.

But life went on and they had 2 boys. Me first, then my bro. Go ahead, laugh.

Then in God’s sovereignty we left Ur Korea to go to America. (Gen 12:31).

I previously blogged here and here to give a couple of snapshots of our early immigrant years.

Then during the latter period of my high school years God started to move. It was as if an abrupt Rushing Wind flew through my family. Some Christians befriended me and I heard and saw the Gospel for the first time. Soon after, my younger brother delved into his own relationship with Jesus by reading the chapter on the “Love of God” in Packer’s classic Knowing God. Lastly, my stubbornly non-Christian parents mistakenly went to a prayer meeting because they thought it was PTA meeting. For some reason they stayed (probably because the door was on the other side of a crowded room.) In that awkward moment, my dad thought to himself, ‘I know nothing about this Christianity that I’ve been rejecting for years.’ Spirit was stirring him. So he went to church for the first time where he understood … nothing. So he pulled a pastor aside and boldly asked, “Can you come out two hours before church to teach us the basics of the Christian faith?” And he agreed. I am forever indebted to this unnamed pastor who took the time and effort to nurture and teach my parents. For six months my parents met with him and personally wrestled through what it means to follow Jesus. Then they were baptized declaring their new found faith. God can do anything.

God was rocking my world too. During my college sophomore year, I experienced an epiphanic prayer meeting. It was the most intense, wonderful, freeing, convicting experience. It was as Blaise Pascal described his own spiritual experience: fire. My swollen tear-streaked face pressing on the wooden floor at church, I kept muttering, “I just want to serve you.” But I had never considered entering full time ministry! Definitely not pastoral ministry! However, it was undeniable that something was happening that night. As I walked home, the strong sense of God’s hand on me did not dissipate but only got stronger. The minute I entered my dorm room at Allen hall, I took out a piece of paper and wrote, “Is God calling me?” Although the confirmation to go into pastoral ministry did not come until a couple of years later, the seed was planted that night. He called me into His ministry. God can do anything.

Images from last night’s ordination service:

Special thanks to Oliver Peng for the pictures.

My Ordination Reply:

First, I would like to thank the presbytery, the pastors, and especially Rev. Koh and his wife for taking the time to travel long distances to come be here. I am so thankful for your support and prayers.

Also thank you to all who are here tonight. I am so indebted to the body of Christ here at CFC who’s helped me to grow, learn, and lead as a pastor. It’s amazing that I get to pastor at the very church where I sensed God’s call to the ministry almost 20 years ago as a college student. All of you have made me a better person and pastor. Thank you.

Thank you also to my family. Though you had to endure my idiosyncrasies and deficiencies through the years you’ve only shown me grace upon grace. Your sacrificial love has nurtured, covered, and raised me.

To Pastor Min and Gee and Jipsanim: Stephen taught Paul how to die for the Lord. Barnabas taught Paul how to live for the Lord. You’ve taught me both. Be ready to die for Jesus at any moment. Be sure to live for Jesus at every moment.

They say we live in a postmodern generation: we crave authenticity and shun pretension. We crave to be “real”. But the truth of the matter is I often feel fake… wearing the title of a “pastor” like an oversized coat that should be worn by men with better character and a purer heart.

I often grieve at my lack of gravitas especially when I face the trials and temptations of life and find that I sway more than stand, whine more than worship.

But I can bank on one thing: Jesus.

This Jesus who trains the called rather than calling the trained.
This Jesus who takes chances on us when it seems foolish to do so.
This Jesus who makes treasure out of chump change, glory out of garbage.
This Jesus who calls this sinner to be a minister.
This Jesus who will help me to grow so that the coat will fit.
Jesus. He called me. He will do it. I must simply follow.

Please pray that I will follow close to his heart and be faithful to my calling

Because when I stand before him one day, I will not be addressed as reverend but as his servant.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

1Tim. 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1Tim. 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen

Listen to Our Hearts

Thanks to Sean Lee for recording and posting.

How do you explain,
How do you describe,
A love that goes from east to west,
And runs and deep as it is wide?

You know all our hopes
Lord, you know all our fears
And words cannot express the love we feel
But we long for You to hear

So listen to our hearts (oh, Lord, please listen)
Hear our spirits sing (and hear us sing)
A song of praise that flows (a simple song of praise)
From those You have redeemed (from those You have redeemed)
We will use the words we know
To tell You what an awesome God You are
But words are not enough
To tell You of our love
So listen to our hearts

If words could fall like rain
From these lips of mine
And if I had a thousand years
I would still run out of time

So if You listen to my heart
Every beat would say,
“Thank You for the Life, thank You for the Truth, thank You for the Way.”

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joan
15 Mar, 2010

Rev. Jong!! Congrats on your ordination!!!

[Reply]
yoojin
15 Mar, 2010

hi, pastor ~ reverend jong. thank you for sharing. does one say “congratulations” on this occasion? well, praise the LORD, for He has surely done great things, and will most definitely continue to do so in your (family’s) life!!! wish we could’ve been part of that celebration of His goodness and faithfulness. PTL!!!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Thanks Yoojin. We miss you guys lots. Blessings to you!

[Reply]
Lizz
15 Mar, 2010

Congratulations, P.Jong! I wish I could’ve been there…blessings to you.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Thanks Lizz. Same to you.

[Reply]
sean
15 Mar, 2010

we taped it… wanna put it up on youtube?

[Reply]
joan Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
yes please post it if it’s ok with rev jong?

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
I’ll try to upload it onto my youtube account and post it here, especially the special praise.

[Reply]
Charles
15 Mar, 2010

Congrats Rev. Jong!

Embarrassed to say it but I always have to use my dictionary widget a couple of times when reading your posts haha…but with or without it, the message is clear, Jesus is good!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 15th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Thanks Charles. Yes, Jesus is good indeed!

[Reply]
Virginia
15 Mar, 2010

P.Jong (now REV.)
Congratulations! Thank you for posting this so that I could take part in your ordination thousands of miles away!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:23 am
Thanks V. Hope to see you soon!

[Reply]
Duncan Leung
16 Mar, 2010

Hi P.Jong!

I was wondering what the correct phrase would be to express myself in this situation; congratulations? Praise the Lord? Both? =D

It’s good to see the pictures of CFC and the service. Thanks for the share, and for Oliver for the pictures!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:22 am
PTL is always good. We miss you here and are always praying for you. Let’s press on!

[Reply]
Oliver Peng
16 Mar, 2010

The service was so blessing and a privilege to be at. Congrats Rev. Jong!! awesome pic in the army uniform =)

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
thanks bro. thanks also for taking some great photos. and yes, the unis are hot.

[Reply]
Aurum
16 Mar, 2010

Hey PJong,
Been a long time, bro. Great to hear what God has done and is continuing to do in your life. Praise God for your ordination! Looking forward to read more about this new chapter in your life.

Hit me up sometime when you’re randomly up in Chicago and have time! It’d be great to catch up with you, bro.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Thanks Aurum. Appreciate it. Yes, I will def hit you up when i get up to chitown. Can you fb me your #?

[Reply]
dave kim
16 Mar, 2010

thanks for the encouragement p jong

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Thanks bro! PTL

[Reply]
Lois Kim
16 Mar, 2010

Pastor Jong,
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this joyous occasion. Its a blessing to read and watch the video

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Thank you Lois. Appreciate it!

[Reply]
Brian Park
16 Mar, 2010

God be praised for your ordination, brother.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Indeed, may HE be praised.

[Reply]
anita
16 Mar, 2010

congrats p jong! i was so sad i couldn’t make it to the service. sigh. i’ll wait to listen to it online.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
thanks anita. u missed my blubbering messiness, is all

[Reply]
Sue
16 Mar, 2010

Congratulations Rev. Jong! When reading testimonies like this, I can’t deny that a living God exists. Penny and I watched the special praise together and sang along! So blessing as we reflected on God’s blessings in our lives……thanks for sharing.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Thanks Sue. Yes, God is indeed real, good, and powerful.

[Reply]
Lester Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Hey Rev Jong : ) CONGRATULATIONS! I wish I had the chance to come up and see the service : / May God continue to bless you and your family!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Thanks Lester! I hope you’re doing well. Bless you bro.

[Reply]
jotes
16 Mar, 2010

man that was cash money..

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
hey jotes, thanks. hope to see you soon.

[Reply]
theresa
16 Mar, 2010

congrats pjong…i mean rev jong!! im so glad i decided to stop by today to be get my dose of encouraging words! wish i could have been there!! haha…you look exactly the same as you did as a little boy!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Thanks Theresa. PJong is fine

[Reply]
Allison Mendiola
16 Mar, 2010

Congratulations Reverend Jong That was a truly blessing/touching post to read. I could imagine the angels in the heavens dancing for joy . I really wish I could have made it !! I can only praise God for supplying you with such a servant heart and watching over the sheep of LIGHT. Thank you for your guidance, for it has truly made an impact on my life as I fight the battle here in the city. Continue to blog PRETTY PLEASE its always inspiring

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Thx alli!

[Reply]
Josh Kim
16 Mar, 2010

Rev. Park! Congrats! I wish i was there. thanks for sharing. i was really blessed to read this post. praise God!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Thanks Josh! Do well @ Covenant and in your ministry. Blessings.

[Reply]
kendall
16 Mar, 2010

your old roomie from sophomore year would like to send you sincere and heartfelt congratulations for your ordination. reading your entry brought back some dear memories from allen hall. i could tell you were wrestling with some convictions that year which i assumed was your flirtation with alpha omega, but now realize it was the greater calling for outright full time ministry. i guess that’s why your closet became your prayer cave and you dutifully spent more time in there than your classes:) don’t worry, i’ll refrain from any embarassing stories because this is your day! congrats again and thank you brother for sharing your life with me and countless others. God is good.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Kenny, a sincere thanks back to you. You were/are a good friend. Yes, God is good.

[Reply]
cassie
17 Mar, 2010

congrats p/revjong! Ordination was such a blessing! i’m glad you blogged about it i love reading your entries!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 12:48 am
thanks cassie. oliver took some great shots.

[Reply]
Meronee
17 Mar, 2010

r.jong,
did you major in engrish?

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 17th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
hey mel, i was a wanna-be engrish major but officially i was a soc major

[Reply]
Esther Kang
17 Mar, 2010

Hi, Pastor/Rev Jong!

Just when I was thinking, “I wonder if there’s pics/video of the ordination…” It’s on your blog. I echo the sentiments of everyone posted before me, thank you for sharing this awesome event with us. Although I’m 135 miles away, it felt like being there. Your entries have rebuked, encouraged, and challenged me. See you at the next J-Gen, if not earlier.

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
See you @ JGen!

[Reply]
irene b.
29 Mar, 2010

hi REV jong!
i am so sad i missed this. i don’t think i have ever told you how much you have blessed me in the past through the smallest interactions, times that you prayed over me during mtgs, and through your messages. i know it’s kind of your job to do these things hehe, but i sincerely felt Christ’s love through you. i know God will use you in soo many ways to touch peoples’ lives for Him. Praise God Forever!!!

[Reply]
PJong Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 7:29 am
Hi Irene, Thanks for the kind words. PTL.

[Reply]