former Columbia TV meteorologist
returned to South Carolina for his
graduation from Columbia International
University.
Jonathan Oh, who grew up in the
Columbia area, was a weatherman for
three TV stations (WIS, WACH and
WOLO) over a seven-year period, and
during most of that time was also a
student in CIU Seminary & School of
Ministry. Oh, who currently works as a TV
meteorologist in Japan, graduated with a
Master of Divinity degree.
Oh says that juggling the TV career while
also taking seminary-level classes, was “far
from easy,” especially considering he had
to get up in the wee hours of the morning
when he helped launch an early morning
news show.
“I had to shoe-horn my studies in during
the times when I was not at work,” Oh
said. “I didn’t really sleep very much
because I was working and studying
all the time. Time management was
extremely critical. I had to be disciplined
in order to make all of the deadlines and
complete the work that lay ahead of me.”
But Oh says he would not have earned
his degree without employers who were
flexible, and encouragement from his
parents, natives of South Korea.
“I am grateful to my parents, who were
of great support and comfort during the
time when managing the work was quite
difficult.”
Oh’s father, Thomas Oh, is a 1999 CIU
graduate and serves as senior pastor of
Sandol Presbyterian Church in Columbia.
Meteorologist Graduates from Seminary
By Bob Holmes
Oh’s last year of studies had to be
completed through online courses
when he moved to Tokyo to work for
NHK World, an international English
broadcast channel produced by Japan’s
public broadcaster. He also saw ministry
opportunities.
“I moved there knowing that there is a
great need for sharing the gospel, and I
wanted to be there to be used by God,”
Oh said. “I am in the process of licensure
and ordination as a pastor, and Lord
willing, I will be able to serve in a pastoral
role in Tokyo in the coming years, but I do
FORECAST: BRIGHT FUTURE
FOR WEATHERMAN
A
plan to work on the air for a while too.”
As for CIU, Oh says he will always
remember his professors, classmates and
the God he learned to serve.
“The Lord really allowed me to learn and
grow from the people I met, and I know
that the people I have met are the people
I will be able to stay in touch with for years
to come,” Oh said. “(I) thank the Lord for
His continual presence because it would
have been impossible without Him!”
Jonathan Oh (center) has some fun with
his parents Thomas and Yung Oh after the
graduation ceremonies.
I am grateful to my parents, who were of
great support and comfort during the time
when managing the work was quite difficult.
13
MAY COMMENCEMENT
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