The Story of Joy
Author: Pastor Mitch Williams
August 17, 2023
You may have heard the news about the experienced hiker who fell 150 feet to their death on August 11 at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. What makes the story even more personal is that the hiker, Joy Cho, was a close family member of our church member, Dr. John Cho. Many of us might remember meeting Joy Cho, who attended our Church Retreat last September.
Most of the major news networks aired the tragic story, not just because she was way too young to die but because of the person she was. Check out this media link from ABC News:
ABC News Link
While Joy loved the great outdoors, she loved Jesus more. After growing up very beloved in a large, tight-knit Adventist family, she initially became a teacher and then a pastor. But eventually, she received her life's true calling which was to be a missionary. She walked away from the comforts of this life ten years ago and became a missionary serving the outcasts and the impoverished around the world. Joy served in leper colonies in China, Japan, and Korea. Joy lived among the lepers, sleeping on the floors, dressing their wounds, and sharing the love of Jesus with them. With her gift of music and passion for preaching, Joy proclaimed the good news of Jesus to many around the world. Wherever Joy was, she never missed an opportunity to be the light of Jesus! Some of you may recall that Joy preached at The Hill many years ago.
While her family is mourning the loss of Joy, they want to honor her memory by bringing all attention to Jesus. While her death has become a national news story on CNN, USA Today, MSNBC, etc., it’s almost as if God is honoring His faithful servant Joy. The family hopes that the story of Joy will inspire others to follow Jesus and make a difference for Him, and follow in her footsteps.
The Lord honors those who honor Him!
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Matthew 9:37-38
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