In Loving Memory of My Uncle.

My uncle was a loving respectable honest man, his heart was the biggest and he was that way with everyone. He grew up rough, youngest of 5 but he was smart and hardworking. He owned a small restaurant in a smaller town before meeting my aunt where he also found God. He then became a pastor in South Korea, as well as in China, including risking his life for any North Koreans seeking refuge through God. He welcomed all with no judgment and with warmth. He was genuine and he was giving, opened doors for many and made his table as long as possible. He never had much his whole life but his heart was always full. Always pouring into other people’s cups with no hesitation, his cup was never empty for anyone. He did it with or without recognition, always with a smile. and he had a really great smile. My kids have memories with him and my aunt in korea, and since my mother had passed before my daughter was born they were almost grandparents to my children.

Unfortunately my uncle was diagnosed with dementia the last 5 years of his life, and things got very difficult, very quickly for him and his family. Mentally and emotionally he had a tough time towards the end, and it broke my heart hearing that from my aunt and my cousin Bona. But we know that he is in safe place where he is in complete peace.

My aunt and Bona aren’t aware of this fundraiser yet as they are in Korea, occupied with coordinating a funeral service and because they wouldn’t believe that strangers in the States would care about them during these hard times. I do send my aunt what I can each month but this month I’d like to send more with your generous help. It is impossible for any of us to attend the service with the new covid restrictions strictly requiring everyone entering South Korea to quarantine for 10 days. But my family knows my heart and intentions, my kids and I just want to be able to do something for them this far away. Anything would help my aunt with the funeral funds as well her security in a low income housing.

We appreciate you for taking the time to read about our family and my uncle in Korea. Thank you in advance for any kind of generosity, helpful words and prayers.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lee Kyu Hun (이규헌) 8/25/1946 - 11/28/2021

Bottom Row to the Right: My aunt & uncle in white with flowers at their Pastor Ordination Ceremony 05/10/1999 in Seoul, South Korea

*in Korean culture we don’t refer to our elders by their name, which is why my elders are referred to as uncle and aunt.