It all came to an end on July 30 when Jang died from stomach cancer in Seoul, South Korea, but his passion for reaching the lost and training leaders lives on. Longtime friend and supervisor Robert Cahill* said the work will continue to be inspired by the man who lived out his calling until his last breath.
"His love for the Chinese people and his faithfulness in using all of the time that the Father gave him was evidenced by his continued travel into provinces every three months … even while undergoing cancer treatment," Cahill said. "He was such an encourager to his national partners and tirelessly trained leaders.
"He even had planned another training trip but his health prevented him from going this time," Cahill added.
The 62-year-old's drive for taking the Gospel to those who had not heard stemmed from his own life experience. He was the first Christian in his family at the age of 42. It was when he heard a visiting Korean missionary couple speak about their work in Ghana that he felt God nudging him to reach the nations.
Jang and his wife were appointed as International Mission Board missionaries in November 2004. He served in various places throughout East Asia and China.
Jang was born on April 2, 1950, in Kyongbuk, Korea, the first of four children. He held a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Yonsei University; a master of arts degree in international relations from American University; and a master of arts degree in intercultural studies from Moody Theological Seminary.
Jang is survived by his wife and son.
A memorial service is planned for Aug. 1 in Seoul.
*Name changed. Susie Rain is a writer/editor for the International Mission Board in Asia. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
Copyright (c) 2012 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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