Dr. and Mrs. Chun Ro
When I get asked if I've had a mentor in life, one name comes to mind: Dr. Chun W. Ro. Since my first year of college, Dr. Ro has made a deep spiritual investment in my life. This process continues to the present.
Soon after I began my college studies at Paducah Community College(PCC), I was surprisingly elected president of the BSU(Baptist Student Union). The BSU was the only Christian organization at my school, and Dr. Ro served as the faculty adviser. During our first regular meeting in his office, Dr. Ro said something like, "Tim, this position is not for your glory. It is to glorify Jesus."
Throughout the following two years at PCC, Dr. Ro and I spent much more time together. He frequently said things like "It takes guts to stand up for Jesus!" I will never forget that quote nor many of the others that Dr. Ro shared with me.
Dr. Ro's young life was forged during the period in which North and South Korea divided. By age 20, he'd left not only his family but his country behind(Note: Dr. Ro is the only North Korean I've ever met in the U.S.). His was a hard life, though he eventually landed a scholarship to Southern Illinois University(SIU), where he enrolled in 1958.
While working on his PhD at SIU, Dr. Ro met Colla, a younger lady who helped him with his clothes as well as the English language. In time, Colla helped to lead Dr. Ro to a deeper relationship with Jesus. They married in 1966.
I should note that Mrs. Ro has also played a role in my own spiritual development and pilgrimage. As a college student, I noticed her heart for hospitality, love for international students, and active prayer life. I also found her to be quite humorous at times, and one whose love for the less fortunate and unreached is unmatched. Further, she sent me monthly devotional e-mails, via a mutual friend, while I served in Thailand. Those messages meant much more to me than I could ever repay her.
It was a blessing to finally introduce Gana to this couple who, though quite old(79 and 74) now, still love Jesus and live His life out to the fullest. Colla arranged for me to share with a mission group at Olivet Baptist Church while we were at home. However, we had the most personal time with them a couple days later, when we got to spend an entire afternoon with Dr. and Mrs. Ro.
I'm not sure if I'll get to see this couple again during my life on this earth, though I'm hoping the Lord will provide both Gana and I with at least one more such opportunity. Regardless of what happens with that, I will always treasure the time I've spent with and thrice-daily prayers I've received from Dr. and Mrs. Chun Ro.
The Olivet group was quite hospitable to us...
...and though we didn't know most of them, they helped Gana and I to feel at home.
May our Lord's face shine upon both of you and give you peace!
Soon after I began my college studies at Paducah Community College(PCC), I was surprisingly elected president of the BSU(Baptist Student Union). The BSU was the only Christian organization at my school, and Dr. Ro served as the faculty adviser. During our first regular meeting in his office, Dr. Ro said something like, "Tim, this position is not for your glory. It is to glorify Jesus."
Throughout the following two years at PCC, Dr. Ro and I spent much more time together. He frequently said things like "It takes guts to stand up for Jesus!" I will never forget that quote nor many of the others that Dr. Ro shared with me.
Dr. Ro's young life was forged during the period in which North and South Korea divided. By age 20, he'd left not only his family but his country behind(Note: Dr. Ro is the only North Korean I've ever met in the U.S.). His was a hard life, though he eventually landed a scholarship to Southern Illinois University(SIU), where he enrolled in 1958.
While working on his PhD at SIU, Dr. Ro met Colla, a younger lady who helped him with his clothes as well as the English language. In time, Colla helped to lead Dr. Ro to a deeper relationship with Jesus. They married in 1966.
I should note that Mrs. Ro has also played a role in my own spiritual development and pilgrimage. As a college student, I noticed her heart for hospitality, love for international students, and active prayer life. I also found her to be quite humorous at times, and one whose love for the less fortunate and unreached is unmatched. Further, she sent me monthly devotional e-mails, via a mutual friend, while I served in Thailand. Those messages meant much more to me than I could ever repay her.
It was a blessing to finally introduce Gana to this couple who, though quite old(79 and 74) now, still love Jesus and live His life out to the fullest. Colla arranged for me to share with a mission group at Olivet Baptist Church while we were at home. However, we had the most personal time with them a couple days later, when we got to spend an entire afternoon with Dr. and Mrs. Ro.
I'm not sure if I'll get to see this couple again during my life on this earth, though I'm hoping the Lord will provide both Gana and I with at least one more such opportunity. Regardless of what happens with that, I will always treasure the time I've spent with and thrice-daily prayers I've received from Dr. and Mrs. Chun Ro.
The Olivet group was quite hospitable to us...
...and though we didn't know most of them, they helped Gana and I to feel at home.
May our Lord's face shine upon both of you and give you peace!
posted by Tim at
8/26/2007 08:14:00 PM
1 Comments:
This is an amazing story of how God has brought Dr. Ro in your life. It was a blessing to meet him as a person.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home