Jon Wang

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer, Jon Wang.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
My wife and I moved to Tucson in 1977 and found Saint Philip’s in 1978.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I was raised in the Anglican church and confirmed in 1952 at St. George’s Anglican Cathedral of Georgetown in British Guiana, South America.

The convent school I attended helped me develop a very strong faith in God. That sustained me during my adolescence; I trusted all would be ok despite having the usual youthful misgivings. All went well until I went to college and got so smart that I thought I didn’t need God anymore. That led to about 25 years when I relied solely on myself.

Looking back, I can see that God was with me—I just didn’t realize it. God pointed me in directions that turned out to be better than what I could have planned for myself.

What brought you back to caring about having a relationship with God?
Our son Ryan died shortly after his birth in 1983. Some of the darkest days of my life followed Ryan’s death. I emerged from that period very slowly. Beyond all expectations, a sliver of hope—and light—eventually found its way into my awareness. That was the beginning of my return to a trust in God.

You have been very active in Saint Philip’s Recovery Ministry. Can you tell us about that?
In 1988, I voluntarily went to Cottonwood for alcohol re-education and recovery. I think a better word than recovery is “discovery.” I discovered a new life; a new way of living.

A year into my own recovery, I became the point person in Tucson for other doctors interested in recovery (discovery!). Saint Philip’s hosts many AA meetings and is wonderfully welcoming.

The Episcopal Church recognized the importance of Recovery Ministries at the 1979 General Convention. That first resolution dealt with alcohol. Since then, the church has expanded Recovery Ministries to include all forms of addiction.

What other volunteer work are you involved in?
I’m a member of Saint Philip’s Health Cabinet.

What did you do professionally before you retired?
I was an orthopedic surgeon. For the last 44 years of my career I worked with all of the University of Arizona’s athletic teams.

What is something you’re grateful of?
I thank God every morning for the durability of the body I have been given, for my mind—my ability to understand, to develop perspectives, and to express myself—and for the spiritual growth into which He has led me.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I think I’m more happy about this than proud. My father was a general practitioner in the days when that meant he was a physician/surgeon, obstetrician, and pediatrician. When I pursued a career in orthopedics, I know he felt I was only half a doctor.

He once visited me when I was in practice and came to my office and saw patients with me. After that experience, he demonstrated a respect and appreciation for my work that gave me the impression I was accepted into the fraternity.

What’s an interesting fact about you?
I served as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War. I wasn’t married so was able to say, “yes” when the recruiter asked for volunteers. Everybody in my unit was a quadruple volunteer: they volunteered for paratrooper training, for Special Forces training, for Special Operations in Vietnam, and volunteered to participate in any specific mission. I was in that unit for 12 months as a combat medic and as the unit surgeon.

I think God put a bubble around me. I don’t recall being afraid at any time in Vietnam. I went there with confidence in my medical training, with confidence in my Special Forces training, and was confident in the men around me who were all professional Special Forces soldiers. I trusted that everything would be ok—and thankfully it was. I was shot at but I never got hit.

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.