Joe's Table
Hi, my name is Joseph, Whats your name?
by Stephanie Chung
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Pub Date Jan 01 2018 | Archive Date Jan 31 2018
Broadstreet Publishing Group LLC | Broadstreet Publishing Group, LLC
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Description
This sign hangs overhead at a unique café called Joe’s Table, named after Joseph Chung. Joseph was diagnosed at a young age with autism and was also afflicted with a seizure disorder. As Joseph loved to socialize in his own loving and harmless way, Dr. Stephanie Chung and her husband envisioned a job for him to experience the joy and self-esteem that comes from having meaningful work. Joe really had a talent for engaging people by greeting them. A coffee shop seemed like the perfect place for Joe.
In Joe’s Table Stephanie shares her story of a son birthed in joy, but then diagnosed with autism.a long, painful battle raising an autistic son, but the journey that made her understand God’s providence and compassion.heaven’s comfort for mothers who struggle and grieve because their children are different than they expected.a disability that became a gift and blessing to teach God's love.
In September of 2012, however, Joseph passed away unexpectedly. Stephanie had to face, yet again, despair and frustration, having to send her child to heaven before her. At the moment, she met the heart of God. Joe's Table continued to evolve and had its grand opening on June 24, 2013. Now it is a one-of-a-kind coffee shop that serves the community with the main focus to open employment opportunities to those with different abilities.
Advance Praise
My friends, Peter and Stephanie Chung, are faithful servants of the Lord. They have held on to their faith in times of suffering and hard times. They are the true definition of what good parents are. The couple brought up Joseph, who had autism, with love and strong faith in God. When God called Joseph home, Peter and Stephanie did not remain in grief over their son’s tragic accident. They transformed it into a God-given vision to establish a social enterprise called Joe’s Table. By hiring people with handicaps at the café, the couple opened windows of opportunities for them to take part as members of society. The story of their son, Joseph, in Joe’s Table will provide deep comfort and healing to other parents around the globe.
—Billy Kim, chairman, Far East Broadcasting Company
Stephanie Chung’s Joe’s Table, which is about her and Peter’s first son, Joseph, is a testimony to the love of a mother for a son who had attributes and gifts that surpassed those of others—gifts of love, joy, and encouragement—that far exceeded his capacities in other areas of life. What a joy to see how the Chung family was enhanced by each of their children! The truths of this life story will encourage and touch many families who share in this special pilgrimage of challenge and comfort, knowing that God loves them and in his special grace fulfills his loving plan and purpose.
—Will Graham, vice president, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
This deeply spiritual memoir about an extraordinary boy and a resilient and remarkable mother will offer hope to all who read this truly remarkable story. Stephanie’s late son, Joseph, suffered from autism and seizure disorder throughout his life. Readers will experience Stephanie’s heart-wrenching yet beautiful journey as a mother of a child with complicated health needs and be inspired by her profound spiritual transformation.
—Jim Pattison, CEO and chairman of Jim Pattison Group
The Psalmist reminds us that God “prepares a table before us,” even though we may be surrounded with formidable challenges. The words of Stephanie Chung in Joe’s Table encourage our hearts as she shares with us how God can use the challenges of the challenged to bring light and hope to the shadows of our times. Her son, Joseph, was a shining example of the surprises God has in store if we allow Him to set the tables of our lives.
—Honorable Stockwell Day, PC, ICDD
No mother in the world should have to bury her child. It is against the laws of nature. But such unspeakable tragedies happen. As a friend and spiritual sister of Dr. Stephanie Chung, I have come to understand the source of her strength and resilience to rise above the immeasurable pain of the loss of her first-born son. It is her faith in God, our Creator, who made Joseph in his own image and sent him into this world. Joseph is her angel and her inspiration in death as he was in life. By the grace of God, Joseph lived a life of joy and devotion while challenged with autism and seizures. Stephanie’s courage, deep faith, and unbounded love for Joseph gave birth to this book, Joe’s Table. And this book is her gift to you. May this book touch you deeply and bless you with the grace of God.
—The Honorable Yonah Martin, Canadian senator
As a child I sang the hymn “Faith Is the Victory,” and I could not help but be reminded of that truth after reading Dr. Stephanie Chung’s Joe’s Table—a personal and touching story of sweet Joseph. This intimate history of a family’s love and devotion to one so innocent and good is nothing short of inspirational. It is a must-read for parents in need of encouragement and for anyone else whose journey has left them lonely and even afraid. Stephanie Chung and her husband, Peter, shine a light for the rest of us.
—Andrew K. Benton, president and CEO, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California
It has been a great honor for me to meet Stephanie and to have fellowship with her. When I see her encourage others and care for them as a wife, a mother, or a friend, I see Jesus. The love that she extends to everyone, even when she is going through a difficult time, gives us a glimpse of God’s character. Her evident courage and passion has made a deep impression on me. Joseph’s life has left us with beautiful and unforgettable memories that will remain with us and all who know this admirable family. Joe’s Table will be a comfort and encouragement to those experiencing adversities in life, and it will bring all readers hope and peace. This book is like a beautiful song to our Lord who is vast and good.
—Maria Gloria Penayo de Duarte, the former first lady of Paraguay
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781424556007 |
| PRICE | $14.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 160 |
Featured Reviews
Bassocantor ., Reviewer
In JOE’S TABLE A PLACE WHERE DISABILITIES BECOME GIFTS, author Stephanie Chung relates the bittersweet story of her autistic son, Joseph. It was a real challenge for the entire family, but it was also a real learning experience.
The first part of the book tells the story of the author’s family, and how she met her husband. Peter was “a bachelor with an average salary who took a two-week vacation to find a wife in Korea.” Meeting at the church, Peter explained that “We don’t have a lot of time. Let me cut to the chase and ask you three questions.” Peter wanted to know if his future mate would share 1) His desire to honor God; 2) His yearning to make lots of money to support missionaries; and 3) A desire to have a big family: "When I get married, I’d like to have at least five childreWhat do you think about that?”
Well, Stephanie did indeed share his vision, and so did her mother:
“My mother’s firm belief that Peter was the one led me to marry him the following Thursday. . . Our marriage took place within a week.”
Raising Joseph was a tumultuous, tough journey. Along the way, the author learned more about the love of God, and how Joseph could actually be a missionary! She explains her discovery:
“Above all, in a world that does not willingly accept Jesus, it was incredible to discover how the Gospel bore fruit through Joseph, who could barely speak.”
Here's just one example: As a young man, Joseph especially enjoyed singing songs of praise. He especially loved the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s oratorio Messiah.
The family began a business called “Joe’s Table.” Table is really short for the Cross + ABLE. It really means Joseph is able to do everything through the power of the cross.
So all in all, I found JOE’S TABLE to be a tremendous tribute to the life of Joseph—but also a powerful lesson for us all. JOE’S TABLE tells the powerful story of how God’s love is available to us all—no matter what our ability. I thought this one testimonial really summed up the theme of this book, and the wonderful reaction of the author:
“I praise God for his abundant love, for being a Shepherd to all suffering children in the world.”
Bravo, Bravo! What a wondeful example for us all.
