Richard Woo Lee, youth pastor of the Cerritos Korean church, was ordained to the gospel ministry on Dec. 3.

Born and educated through middle school in Seoul, Korea, Lee said, “I always wanted to be a missionary.” At the age of 15, he made the decision to come to the United States, where he attended Pacific Union College Preparatory School and graduated from Pacific Union College with a degree in theology.

Graduation day in 1998 for Lee and his fiancé, Amy Hassard, was also the couple’s wedding day. After two years of study at Andrews University Theological Seminary, Lee graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. In the fall of that year, he began his ministry at the Cerritos Korean church in Norwalk, where he has been ever since.

During his years as a student, Lee served as a student youth pastor in Santa Rosa, Calif., and as a collegiate/young adult pastor in Berien Springs, Mich.

“Pastor Richard” and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Christine Shi-Eun, 6, and Celeste Jung-Eun, nearly 3. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, tennis and golf and singing while driving his car.

“I continue to strive to enrich my ministry and to study to find the most effective methods to evangelize and minister to people," said Lee. "Though I realize my short-comings and weaknesses, I am confident because Jesus Christ serves as my partner in ministry.”