Mission life: THE KUKMIN DAILY

Former Prime Minister Jeong Hong-won Joins Sanmaroo Church’s Meal Service for Homeless

2015-07-21 17:35

The elderly gentleman in black dress pants and a sky blue shirt walked into the kitchen and put on an apron. Some 60 homeless persons in shabby clothes sat around the table. The gentleman carried rice, spicy beef soup, and young radish kimchi on a tray and served the guests. He told them, “I feel good when you enjoy this food.”

The place was Sanmaroo Church (Rev. Lee Ju-yeon), located amongst stores in an apartment complex on Manrijae-ro in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and it was July 19. This gentleman was Mr. Jeong Hong-won (71, fifth from left, posed with other volunteers after serving the meal), who served as Korea’s prime minister, the second-highest post in Korean politics, from February 2013 to February this year.

Every Sunday morning, Sanmaroo Church serves a free meal to homeless persons. Jeong has joined in this service bi-weekly since June 7, paying part of the costs and helping serve the meals. He is a devout Christian and an ordained deacon at Seongnam Hallelujah Church (Rev. Kim Seung-uk) in Gyeonggi-do.

Then why is he participating in Sanmaroo Church’s mission for homeless persons? Presented with this question after the meal, Jeong thought for a moment before replying. “Our society is like cold ice now. I hope some warm air will flow in society. So I have begun doing a small service to build a warm society, hoping to be a grain of wheat myself. There’s no reason other than that.”

He said he is worried that his actions may look like showing off. He added that he is cautious about having his doings become known.

Jeong first heard about Sanmaroo Church and its service work last May, from an acquaintance. The church carries out various activities to help homeless persons become self-reliant. Every Sunday, homeless persons take the lead in the worship service at 7:30 a.m. There are farms run by homeless persons in the foothills of Bukaksan, Seoul, and Pocheon in Gyeonggi-do.

Former prime minister Jeong emphasized, “For the marginalized, merely to provide food and goods is never enough… It is very important to train and encourage their self-reliant spirits. Sanmaroo Church does that.”

When Jeong comes to Sanmaroo, he participates in the worship service, distributes meals, and eats breakfast from what is left over. A church member approached him while he was having breakfast with his apron still on, and said, “Now you look natural in the apron.” Jeong responded with a smile. He said with satisfaction, “When I first came here, some homeless persons even refused my handshake. But now it’s changed. When they look at me, they feel comfortable and show me a positive face. And I feel very worthwhile… I look forward to a society of dynamic services. When people get more interested in providing services, and volunteer more actively, the spirit of true love is materialized. The Korean church does provide many services already. But I hope there will be many more sensitive and effective services that will move people’s hearts.”

Rev. Lee Ju-yeon (58) said, “I find it deeply meaningful that this former politician charged with great responsibility has started a new life as an ordinary citizen by serving the marginalized. I look forward to seeing his continuous efforts in the practice of the spirit of noblesse oblige.”

Article and photo by reporter Park Ji Hun (lucidfall@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)


Click here for the original article in Korean
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