That Prairie Spirit

Let me say up front: I am not a member of the Presbyterian Church. My lifetime experiences with various churches have been less than positive, leaving me to seek my own private path to faith. I have to confess, however, that every now and again someone that brings a new light to organized faith surprises me.
I have recently come across such a person, a minister in small town Saskatchewan, who radiates his faith and peace to such an extent that even the erstwhile believers such as myself can't help but feel his power of faith. His name is Jonathon Kwon, minister at Trinity, Grenfell and he has made enough of an impact on my family that I feel compelled to share that story with others.
My grandparents have long been members of the church, its choir and its organizing committees. Their quiet faith has been one of the cornerstones of their lives. Out of love and respect for them, whenever we came to visit from our Alberta home, and had the opportunity to go to church with them, we did so. Our joy in that task has always been their happiness, not in the church or its message.
I do not know much about Kwon and his background, except that he and his family are from Korea and they continually sponsor students from Korea to Canada. Since arriving about a year ago, their little group have become the talk of the town; involved both in the community at large as well as taking charge of the congregation. The students have become an integral part of the choir with beautiful voices singing in either English or Korean.
What I do know about Kwon is that he is a dedicated minister to his congregation. He walks the walk of faith and love; he demonstrates it with every action. His kindness and care for his congregation is plainly apparent in all he does, and not just in what he says Sunday mornings.
Our family suffered a terrible loss in 2006, just before Christmas, when my beloved grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and then left us within days. She had not been feeling well most of the fall and Jonathon, with his students in tow, made a number of visits to pray and sing to her, both at home and in the various hospitals. She loved music and the joy it gave her to have them come and sing a few songs uplifted her spirit for days. When she came to the hospital in Regina for the last time, they made several visits to her in the space of a few days, driving the full 90 minutes to Regina just to sing to her. They were there on the day she passed and I know it made a difference in the quiet transition she made to God later that day.
A few weeks later was Christmas and the best gift of the season was when Jonathon, his family and students came into the farmyard with lighted candles and began singing carols. They sang only three and it took us a few moments to discover the source of the amazing music. Once finished, they dashed off to the next house, the next farm, driving around all that Christmas Eve, bringing their gift of song to most everyone in their congregation. It moved us to tears and it is a Christmas gift I will always treasure.
Jonathon and his group quietly go about their business, keeping their congregational family together, supported and loved. The people of Trinity, Grenfell are blessed to have him, his family and extended family. Thank you, Rev. Kwon and your wonderful, smiling troupe of student singers for all you have done for my family.