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Joe's Table: A Place Where Disabilities Become Gifts
Hi, my name is Joe.
What is your name?
You will see these words on the wall inside a unique café called Joe’s Table, named after Joseph Chung. Joseph was diagnosed with autism at a young age and was also afflicted with a seizure disorder. Because Joseph loved to socialize in his own loving and harmless way, Dr. Stephanie Chung and her husband envisioned a job where Joseph could experience the joy and self-esteem that come from having meaningful work. Joe had a talent for engaging people by greeting them. A coffee shop seemed like the perfect place for that gift.
In Joe’s Table , Stephanie shares her story
Joseph passed away unexpectedly in September 2012. Stephanie had to face despair and frustration once again as she sent her child to heaven before her. In that 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 and opens employment opportunities for those with different abilities.
What is your name?
You will see these words on the wall inside a unique café called Joe’s Table, named after Joseph Chung. Joseph was diagnosed with autism at a young age and was also afflicted with a seizure disorder. Because Joseph loved to socialize in his own loving and harmless way, Dr. Stephanie Chung and her husband envisioned a job where Joseph could experience the joy and self-esteem that come from having meaningful work. Joe had a talent for engaging people by greeting them. A coffee shop seemed like the perfect place for that gift.
In Joe’s Table , Stephanie shares her story
Joseph passed away unexpectedly in September 2012. Stephanie had to face despair and frustration once again as she sent her child to heaven before her. In that 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 and opens employment opportunities for those with different abilities.
151 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 7, 2018
I Praise God For Being A Shepherd To All Suffering Children
In JOE’S TABLE A PLACE WHERE DISABILITIES BECOME GIFTS, author St e p h a n i e Ch u n g 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 future 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 5 children. He explains, “When I get married, I’d like to have at least five children. What do you think about that?”
Well, Stephanie did indeed share Peter's 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 an autistic child was a tumultuous, tough journey, with lots of heartache. Along the way, the author learned more about the love of God, and to her surprise, how Joseph could actually be a missionary! The author 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.” As a young man, Joseph especially enjoyed singing songs of praise, like the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s oratorio Messiah.
Even though Joseph is gone, his impact is still felt. 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. Thus, the company reaches out to hire everyone, regardless of their challenges.
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. Thank you for creating such a wonderful tribute, and an enduring reminder of God's love to everyone.
Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
In JOE’S TABLE A PLACE WHERE DISABILITIES BECOME GIFTS, author St e p h a n i e Ch u n g 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 future 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 5 children. He explains, “When I get married, I’d like to have at least five children. What do you think about that?”
Well, Stephanie did indeed share Peter's 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 an autistic child was a tumultuous, tough journey, with lots of heartache. Along the way, the author learned more about the love of God, and to her surprise, how Joseph could actually be a missionary! The author 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.” As a young man, Joseph especially enjoyed singing songs of praise, like the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s oratorio Messiah.
Even though Joseph is gone, his impact is still felt. 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. Thus, the company reaches out to hire everyone, regardless of their challenges.
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. Thank you for creating such a wonderful tribute, and an enduring reminder of God's love to everyone.
Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.
April 2, 2018
A painfully honest glimpse into the mind of a mother whose son has been diagnosed with autism. With naked honesty, the author reveal her struggles, fear, worries, and even dark temptations, yet balances all with a hopeful endurance which would be encouraging to any mother or person facing trials and challenges.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews