The Rev. Jonah Lee, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Korea Community and representative of Holy Life, who had once been a practicing homosexual but changed lifestyle completely and became a human rights activist, passed away on July 30 at the age of 76. He had been battling lung cancer. A memorial service was held at Samsung Seoul Hospital's funeral hall on the 31st.
During the service, Rev. Byeong-eon Kim of the Presbyterian Church in Korea, a 30-year friend of Rev. Lee, preached from 2 Corinthians 5:1-4. “I spoke with Reverend Lee about twice a week. He was unable to preach for the last three weeks before his passing. He complained of pain, saying that he couldn't sleep at night and that even narcotic painkillers didn't work,” he said.
“Let's believe that Reverend Lee has found rest in heaven after battling lung cancer. We should live in that hope. Let's ensure that the remaining congregation of Calvary Chapel inherits his faith and sparks spiritual revival.”
Friends who came to mourn Rev. Lee shared their tributes. One congregation member, Mr. Choi, said, “Reverend Lee was always honest and treated us like friends. He preached according to the Bible and allowed us to experience God’s grace. He overcame homosexuality by relying on Jesus' name and spent his life helping others recover from homosexuality in Jesus' way.”
Another member, Mr. Yoon, said, “Twenty years ago, when I was cornered by various mistakes and errors due to homosexuality, Reverend Lee accepted me warmly without any conditions. He helped me overcome my toughest times. I found clues to solving my homosexuality issues through his life.”
He added, “I had nowhere to go back then, but Reverend Lee allowed me to stay at his house for six months. During my most fearful times, he gave me peace. Reading the Psalms with him helped restore my life.”
Rev. Lee’s brother, Elder Hee-chan Lee of Calvary Chapel, shared, “I used to run a transgender bar in Itaewon with my brother. After he successfully overcame homosexuality, I also came to believe in Jesus. Without any external help or financial support, he dedicated himself to the ex-gay ministry, helping young people escape homosexuality. Even while battling cancer, he prioritized his ministry over his own health.”
He expressed his hope, saying, “I hope Calvary Chapel Korea Community thrives and successfully continues the ex-gay ministry. May many homosexuals find healing and overcome their struggles through our church. Please pray for this.”
Dr. Seung-bok Lee, a former doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a member of Calvary Chapel Korea Community, also delivered a eulogy. He shared, “I moved to the U.S. at the age of 8 and became a gymnast. After an accident left me paralyzed, I overcame it through rehabilitation and became a specialist in rehabilitation medicine. I returned to Korea six years ago and started attending Calvary Chapel Seoul Church.”
“While living in the U.S., I was saddened to hear that Korea was also grappling with homosexuality issues like the U.S. I was looking for a church to attend upon my return to Korea and decided to join Calvary Chapel Korea Community after watching Reverend Lee’s sermon videos. I wanted to learn his ex-gay counseling methods to help those struggling with homosexuality,” he added.
“Reverend Lee’s life, where he overcame homosexuality and dedicated himself to the ex-gay ministry, was inspiring. He followed God’s calling with conviction and obedience.”
Rev. Jonah Lee first experienced homosexuality in fifth grade and fell deeply into it. In the early 1980s, he opened Korea’s first gay bar in Itaewon, but later began studying theology after being evangelized by a church. In his early 40s, he overcame his homosexual tendencies and served as the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Seoul Church, conducting biblical counseling and healing ministries for homosexuals and ex-gays. He also held the ‘Holy Festival’ near Jonggak in Seoul on the day of the annual Queer Festival, advocating for ex-gays. Additionally, he worked with Methodist pastors to run educational programs on biblical responses to homosexuality.
In his autobiographical essay, “Escaping from Homosexuality,” Reverend Lee expressed his hope for people in the pain of sin to meet Jesus. His major works include “Coming Out Again: Truth and Freedom,” “Is Anyone There? I Am in Pain,” and a series of expositions on the Gospels.
Originally published on Christian Daily Korea. Translated and edited by Christian Daily International staff.
