Last year, the couple's son and daughter were in a terrible car crash. Their son, who narrowly escaped death, required multiple facial reconstruction surgeries. At the time of the accident, the Rev. Fred Crider, senior pastor at Timonium United Methodist Church, started up the Chung Emergency Fund to meet the needs of his associate pastor's family. He is a mentor, friend and great support. In his Sept. 26 sermon, Chung referred to the people of the Exodus, describing how they complained to Moses and to God about the uncertainties and hardships of their journey.
People complain before the unknown, but when they take the challenge, they experience amazing grace.
Then he stepped down from the pulpit and walked up and down the aisles of the sanctuary, telling his congregation the story of Yong Woo Lee and the special help the boy needs. When he got to the pew where Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger was sitting, he stopped. Because of his political activities, Kyungryul has been unable to obtain a visa to come be with his son during this crucial time in the life of the family. Chung asked Ruppersberger to help Kyungryul get a visa. The visa is now being processed, and Yong Woo's father and brother will soon be able to join the rest of the family in Maryland.