The Korean-Chinese community in New York has produced medical doctors, PhD scholars and professors in a short time. There are an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 Korean-Chinese in New York, but the number of churchgoers is put at less than 200. Yet, the community now has a pastor for this tiny fraction of community members.
The New York Korean-Chinese Church, founded on Nov. 6, 2007, is located at the intersection of Union Street and 34th Ave. in Flushing, Queens. Rev. Lee, Sung-dal, the church’s pastor, is the first Korean-Chinese pastor in New York.
The 48-year-old pastor was born in the town of Bansok, in Killim, China, and worked as a teacher in the town of Ryoyang, in Yonyong, China. He came to the United States in 1993 and attended the New York Full Gospel Church regularly. He graduated from the Church’s theological college with a four-year degree, and subsequently did a two-year pastoral practice. He was ordained by the Korean Full Gospel Church Council in Los Angeles, on June 25th, 2007.
Although Korean-Chinese immigrants tend to settle down quickly and adjust well to life in America, Pastor Lee believes that many of them will start to search for a safe haven, where they can receive spiritual nourishment to help them with their busy immigrant lives. The number of Korean-Chinese joining churches across America is growing.
Pastor Lee said, “Now we have only 30 regular attendees, but the number of church members is steadily increasing. I am especially thankful that many people in need come to our church; many addicted to drugs or gambling. They come and find strength and support to fight and end their addictions. They have found new lives through regular church attendance.” He added, “Among Korean-Chinese people there are those who focus on material things and spend all of their energy running after money. At first, they are OK, but soon they become exhausted by their efforts and often end up feeling empty. Some of them fall into alcohol, drug, or gambling addictions. I have the strong hope that the New York Korean-Chinese Church will be a center for the community in New York, working to help such people, providing them with spiritual leadership for their recovery and future.”
Religion plays a central role in Korean-American society. Because most Korean-Chinese people live in and around Korean communities, they are exposed to and welcome Christian beliefs.
The first church to target New York City’s Korean-Chinese community, the Korean Chinese New Shoot Church, opened two years ago; however, it’s pastor, Huh, In-ho, is a native Korean, not Korean-Chinese. Now with Pastor Lee and the New York Korean-Chinese Church, Korean-Chinese people have a pastor who fully understands their culture. The congregation can rest assured that their needs and difficulties will be understood and addressed.
