A Brief Biography of the Late Elder Joseph Ren-Jeng Hwang
By Rev. Philip Chiang, November 15, 2016
Elder Joseph Hwang was born September 17, 1945 in the city of Heng Chun,
Ping Tung County of Taiwan. He was the fourth of eight children: preceded
by older brother Elder 黃文雄 and two older sisters, and followed by four
younger brothers and sisters. His father, Elder 黃雅各was a very Godfearing
and humble servant who dedicated his entire life to Heng Chun
Presbyterian Church. Elder Joseph was a bright and intelligent young boy,
with a love for mathematics and sciences. He attended 潮州High School
and after a year was able to transfer to the prestigious Ping Tung High
School. Upon graduation, he gained admittance to National Chung Hsing
University in Taipei to study accounting, specializing in geometry and
calculus. During his university studies, he worked as a tutor to fund his
studies and living expenses, and also moved his younger siblings from Heng
Chun to Taipei to provide them with better educational opportunities. He
was a loving brother in Christ, grateful to the Lord for His provision. He
had several mentors who impressed upon him the importance of diligence
and perseverance in the face of adversity under all circumstances in life.
Upon graduation from National Chung Hsing University, he was
immediately hired by Taipei 中視 Company in the accounting department.
Two years later, he decided to move to Kaohsiung and take up an
accounting post there. Joseph was a scrupulous and honest man, with a
warm heart for others. In his role as Deacon and Elder, he served the church
faithfully and diligently. Through the introduction of the mayor of Heng
Chun Elder 黃讚黃, he met the daughter of Mr. 吳慕修 (a graduate of
Tainan Seminary College), Mary Wu, and they married in 1974. Shortly
after, the couple was sponsored by Mary's brother Pastor Paul Wu and they
immigrated to Toronto, Canada. They have one daughter Anna, as well as
two sons, Ian and Austin. In addition to his service to church ministries, he
was employed at Flint Ink company for over 25 years. He was always a hard
worker, and provided for his family until his children completed their
education and were employed. He was a loving husband and father.
Elder Joseph had a big heart for retired missionaries. He would often travel
with me to visit Rev. Dr. James Sutherland (former assistant director of
Taiwan Theological College and Seminary) in Peterborough, where we
spent countless meals at Red Lobster Restaurant. Joseph also cared for
various clergy and missionaries from Taiwan, such as Professor 鄭仰恩,
Pastor 王成章, Professor 董芳苑, to name a few. He also traveled to various
cities in Southern Ontario to visit other retired missionaries, to thank them
for their passion and service to Taiwanese missions.
Elder Joseph was passionate about Taiwanese politics, and was involved in
many grassroots movements. Sadly in January 2012, Joseph suffered a
stroke while in Tokyo, Japan. With Mary's loving assistance, he safely
arrived in Tamsui Memorial Hospital for treatment; and then subsequently
continued his recovery and rehabilitation in Kaohsiung. By the grace of God,
Joseph was able to return to Toronto in November 2012 to celebrate his son
Austin and Linda's wedding, where he was extremely thankful to experience
God's ever abounding grace and love. During his stay at Kennedy Lodge
Long Term Care Centre in Scarborough, he was grateful for the care and
visits of various brothers/sisters and pastors from as far as: Los Angeles,
Vancouver, Houston, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Despite his physical
limitations, the prayers and fellowship he received continued to strengthen
his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Elder Joseph enjoyed fishing and singing hymns. He especially loved the
music of Taiwanese composers Tyzen Hsiao and Bach Wu (Mary's brother).
His family was musically talented, and his children studied violin, piano and
vocal singing. Whether at home or at church, he loved to praise the Lord
with music. On the past Monday, November 14, 2016, Joseph enjoyed a
lunch meal with the entire family and was very happy. The next morning
November 15, 2016 at 5:30AM, he returned to the Lord's home peacefully
at the age of 71. We give thanks to the Lord and celebrate Elder Joseph's
rich and colourful life.
We take comfort in the words of the prophet Moses in Psalm 90:9-12
"For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years
to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by
reason of strength eighty; yet their span[a] is but toil and trouble;
they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of
your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach
us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."
I am certain that Elder Joseph would be grateful towards his Toronto
brothers /sisters, pastors and family members for their love and prayers,
which allowed him to live a joyful and fulfilling life. I am sure he is now in
Heaven, singing hymns in praise and praying for all of us. Glory be to our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
