Mission on the Front Lines: Tyrell’s Story

“If the success of a chaplain is measured by how long my people live, I am a miserable failure.”
– Rev. Dong Joo Kim, one of LCC’s Missionary-at-Large

In Saskatchewan, some of the most vulnerable people face cycles of addiction, violence, and despair. As a chaplain and missionary-at-large, Rev. Dong Joo Kim (who is more popularly known as DJ Kim) works among individuals involved in most of the violent crimes in the province, many of whom struggle with severe substance use and trauma. Despite the immense challenges, he continues his mission to bring the hope of Christ into the darkest places.

One of the young men he has worked with is Tyrell, a teenager who came into the juvenile detention system after repeated violent incidents, including attempted murder, and numerous suicide attempts. When Rev. DJ first met him, Tyrell was handcuffed and shackled, guarded by three officers. Yet even in that moment of extreme danger and fear, Rev. DJ saw beyond the violence to the young man’s pain and suffering and was himself moved to tears.

“Aren’t you afraid of me, and why are you crying?” Tyrell asked.

“You are a lamb of God. Why should I be afraid? I weep because I feel your pain,” Rev. DJ replied. In that moment, Tyrell’s anger and fear began to lift, and a conversation lasting over ten hours began a transformative journey.

Tyrell had experienced profound loss and instability from a young age—placed in foster care after the death of his parents from addiction and moved repeatedly. Like many gang members, he found a sense of family and belonging in the gang, though it brought harm and danger to himself and others.

Over the following three years, Rev. DJ built trust with Tyrell, ministering through visits, prayer, and the sacraments. Tyrell’s life began to change: he read the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism over 100 times each, expressed a strong desire to be baptized, and took his studies seriously despite limited prior schooling. On Christmas Day 2024, he was baptized by Rev. DJ, symbolizing a profound spiritual rebirth.

Remarkably, Tyrell completed his high school diploma in just three years while incarcerated and was preparing to pursue college to become a social worker. Tragically, a few months ago, he was killed in an execution-style shooting by rival gang members.

Rev. DJ reflects on Tyrell’s life and death with both grief and hope:

“I still spend my days in pain over his tragic death. The only comfort I have is the belief that he is now in Heaven as a baptized child of God.” 

This story highlights the realities of ministry among those living in the margins, yet also the profound impact of pastoral care, the reception of God’s gift in the sacraments, mentorship, and spiritual guidance. Rev. DJ emphasizes the importance of continued support from the broader Christian community:

“Dear CLMS, I am a soldier on the front lines, and you are Christian soldiers supporting me on the second line. Please keep supplying me with bullets so I don’t run out.” 

Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada are auxiliary organizations working to support Lutheran Church–Canada missions. Through prayer, financial support, and shared commitment to the mission, Rev. DJ and others continue to bring hope, forgiveness, and the love of Christ into lives that might otherwise be lost to despair.

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