It is appropriate for me to introduce myself to my new brothers and sisters in Christ at Chapel Heights UM and Altoona UMC. My name is Won Namkoong. Just call me, "Preacher Won". Mee Young and I have been married for thirty-eight years. We have two children and four grandchildren.
I have served as a pastor at small, middle, and large size church for thirty years in Eastern North Carolina and retired in July 2023. Then, I was called to serve as an interim pastor at St. Luke UMC, Sheboygan, WI for five months in 2024. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord with you.
My faith journey started when I was a college student in S. Korea after mandatory military service for three years. I was born and grew up in S. Korea and did not go to church until I failed to be a high officer at Korean Government. I failed at the final interview because I believed in democracy and the Korean government was a dictatorial system at that time. I was brokenhearted. I prayed for healing from disappointments and despair. While I was praying, I received a calling to be a pastor, which I really did not like to be. Reluctantly I enrolled in the Presbyterian Seminary in S. Korea. However, I had to drop out of the school because there was no class due to the demonstration of the seminarians against the dean who embezzled the money. Then, I worked at Korean Electric Company for five and a half years, but I could not resist the call to be a pastor anymore because there was a big hole in my heart.
My gamily and I came to the USA in June 1992. I went to Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC, and the rest is history. God has been with me and my family step-by-step in all my life. I have been so blessed more than I deserve in every way. I truly enjoyed serving as an interim pastor in Sheboygan, WI. I believe this is my calling to serve as an interim pastor for such a time as this. I enjoy preaching, teaching the Bible, and visiting church families in ministry. I cannot wait to know personally each of our church families, gain widom from you, and grow in faith and love together.
Grace and peace of Christ our Lord and Savior be with you and your family.
Preacher Won
