While the Chicago Temple was closed for construction in 1989, Kenneth S. Jung often visited on Saturday mornings. He'd just walk on the grounds and meditate.
One Saturday it was raining when he visited. He stood in the inclement weather to contemplate. "It was a great experience," he said.A visit in the rain to a closed temple is representative of Brother Jung's love of the gospel. He shows his devotion in many ways. For nine years he shepherded a small group of Korean members in the Chicago 5th (Korean) Branch. As branch president, he drove with his wife, Young Suk Jung, 55 miles every Sunday to attend the services in downtown Chicago.
They also serve as ordinance workers, assisting Korean members who attend the temple. "We really want to to serve our Korean brothers and sisters," he said.
He was baptized in Pusan, Korea, 10 years ago. "I was meeting with an English class," he explained. "The instructor was a serviceman, but one day he could not come. Two missionaries took his place." He said the missionaries invited him to attend sacrament meeting at a small branch.
"I couldn't understand everything at the meeting, but afterward, the branch president and the brothers there showed me a very warm welcome and kindness.
"I was so impressed that I decided to learn about the gospel. Three months later I was baptized."
Then, one by one, members of his family joined the Church. His father was the last to join. He was antagonistic toward the Church and became angry when others attended. Although he was visited by many elders and sister missionaries, he refused to listen to the gospel, said Brother Jung.
"Seven years later, my father's mind changed, and I was able to baptize him."
Brother Jung immigrated to Chicago. Despite his best efforts, the Korean Branch gradually dwindled as its members moved to the suburbs and began attending other wards. The branch was discontinued in February, and Brother Jung and his family and a few other Korean families also began attending another ward, the Schaumberg 2nd Ward. Although there is a Korean Sunday School in the ward, most of the meetings are in English.
Once again, he said, he was welcomed by the warm fellowship of fellow saints. "The people are very kind," he said. "They made us feel very welcome."
Sister Jung said she and her husband were sad to see the branch dissolved, but they are determined to adjust to their new ward.
"Our people want to try everything in the ward," she said. "Even though they don't understand the language, they are trying to do their best.
"When we sing songs, we sing from the Korean hymnbook. The members here are very interested in our singing, and they want to borrow our books.
"They love us," she said. "We feel it."