Dear St. Stephen Presbyterian Church Congregation,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! Last September I began working at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta as a Chaplain Intern. In order to be ordained in Grace Presbytery as a pastor, I am required to do Chaplain’s work at a hospital for one semester (at least 400 hrs). Chaplain’s works have been going well; I am enjoying this new experience in my life. The Lord has truly been faithful. Constantly, I am growing closer to God through this experience of doing CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) here at this hospital, interacting with peers and supervisors and serving patients and their families.
Frankly, I wanted to avoid doing CPE due to language and cultural differences. However, I am challenged, taught and exposed to a variety of experiences that help me understand each of life settings through this ministry. I have been taught t many theological resources in the classroom. Now, I am stretching out my theology in various contexts. Through interacting with other people’s faith and situations, my theology and faith can grow. I am learning a lot and growing academically, emotionally and spiritually by doing this ministry.
I provide pastoral care for patients and their families through daily visitation and night duty. I often encounter critical patients who may even be facing impending death. These things make me think about suffering. I bring the questions “What is God’s will in suffering?” and “Why do Evil and suffering exist?” Many patients ask me and they wonder, ‘Why does God allow me this suffering?” “What is God’s will?” Or, “Why does suffering exists even though God is good?” I seek answers to those questions during my theological study in the seminary. The answers are not quickly understood or evident. However, through the Chaplaincy experience, I am realizing that God wants us to realize that God is with us in the middle of sufferings and that we, the congregation, must stand with those in who suffer. So, my theological view point for pastoral care is “Weep with those who weep!” in Romans 12:15. Even though I have cultural and language barriers for doing this ministry, I have willingness to cry with people who are in grief. Moreover, I believe my presence, along with God, can be very peaceful to the patients.
Please keep praying for my new experience and study at Columbia Seminary one more year. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. May God bless you!!
Sincerely, J.C. Kang