In Memoriam: Rev. Stephen Jung

Pastor, evangelist, and church planter Stephen Jung was an easygoing man of quiet confidence whose kindness was evident in his care for many immigrants and newcomers. His son said one of his father’s lasting legacies was an attitude of gratitude. “My dad expressed thankfulness for the blessings that God had given him and for the moments and days that were granted to him.” Stephen, age 100, died Nov. 30.

Born in Hong Kong, Stephen immigrated as a teenager to the U.S. in 1941. At age 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on the front lines in Okinawa, Japan. After returning to Hong Kong for several years, he left again to study at Toronto (Ont.) Baptist Seminary and Bible College, a Reformed Baptist theological college, graduating in 1958. He returned to the U.S. and opened a clothing manufacturing company with his sister.

First as an elder and then as its pastor, Stephen served Crenshaw Christian Reformed Church in Los Angeles, Calif., from 1973 to 1979, during which time he was ordained in the CRC.

In 1979 Stephen returned to Canada to plant churches.

In tribute after his death, the congregation of Immanuel CRC in Richmond, B.C., wrote: “We give thanks to God for Rev. Jung's remarkable act of faith in coming to Canada to plant a church. For the first two years, Rev Jung preached at up to three locations each week. And out of this ministry two churches were birthed: Zion Chinese CRC in Abbotsford, B.C., and Immanuel CRC. … Within eight years, Rev. Jung's obedience to God's call had yielded much fruit and Immanuel had by then an average attendance of more than 200 people each week.”

After retiring in 1988 Stephen led ministry teams on annual trips to China. In 1988 he established a retreat center in Langley, B.C., called Gethsemane Prayer Garden and in 1992 founded Christ Worship Centre, a Chinese (Mandarin- and English-speaking) church in Surrey, B.C.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Sue; three children; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.