LWKCC
On Nov. 1, Korean Community Church (LWKCC ) celebrated Sa-Yong “Sam” Chi’s 90th birthday with a socially distanced party and worship in the garden in front Chi’s house. Senior Pastor Yong Jang Young emceed the event, Elder Kim Hee Yun gave prayer and Pastor Kang In Duk gave blessing.
Sam is a resident of Mutual 14 and a member of Leisure World Korean Community Church.
He was born in South Korea in 1930, immigrated to the U.S. in 1974, and moved into Leisure World in 2003. He has one daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He served in the South Korean army during the Korean War. During that time, he assisted the U.S. army in South Korea as a civilian for 17 years. His service was recognized and was sponsored for immigration to the U.S.
After immigrating, he invited immigrant families into his home and helped them assimilate and find jobs and apartments.
Sam served as president of Choong Dong High School Alumni in 1978. He established scholarships for students and teachers. Every year, CDHS Alumni gives scholarships to students and provided one month of all-expense-paid tours to the west and east coasts of the U.S. and Hawaii to three “Teachers of the Year” from South Korea. These scholarships have encouraged teachers to educate students with sincere hearts and their schools have achieved high evaluations.
Sam served two terms as president of the Korean American Senior Association of Orange County and served as an advisor for more than two decades. During his terms in KASA of OC, he recruited many sponsors and new members. As a direct result of some of his fundraising efforts, two buses were given to the association by a sponsor for senior transportation.
The White House awarded Sam the President’s Volunteer Service award in 2013 and a lifetime achievement award in 2016. He continues to live a passionate life of service for his community, family and friends. He is compassionate, kind, energetic, enjoys gardening, building good friendships, and loves to travel.
LWKCC has online worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. via YouTube.
