In 2021, CAC welcomed 5 new Members-on-Trial (MOTs), celebrated the ordination of 6 pastors and witnessed the retirement of 2 pastors. We had them share some moments in their personal journey.
Wherever you have been called to serve, be it in the church or marketplace, in a pastoral role or otherwise, we hope that their simple sharing can serve as bite-size insights and be an encouragement to you!
Pr Joseph Chen | 2021 MOT
“I received my initial calling around the age of 17. Through a time of seeking the Lord, multiple experiences, and serving in Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church as a Lay Ministry Staff, I affirmed my calling from God.”
Pr Teh You Siong | 2021 MOT
“A Stephen Tong gospel rally sparked the idea of full-time service to the Lord. The thought never left my mind as I continued serving in church in the few years that followed. With the support of my wife, I eventually took the step towards full-time ministry during a church gospel rally.”
Pr Gareth Yeo | 2021 MOT
“Through past ministry involvements, I see a greater need in the Chinese-speaking churches of the Methodist body in Singapore. I believe that I have been divinely placed by God to be in a Chinese church and to serve a Chinese-speaking congregation.”
Pr Michael Lee | 2021 MOT
“I received God’s calling to enter pastoral ministry when I was a youth. Despite being fearful and reluctant, God did not give up on me. Through years of preparation and equipping, God enabled me to obey Him and to learn to trust Him in the journey of discipleship.”
Pr Sharon Lee | 2021 MOT
“I grew up in a Christian family. Since receiving confirmation at 15 years old, I have had the opportunity to serve in different church ministries. The many years of serving in church grew and spurred me on spiritually. After leaving my HR profession in 2002, I enrolled into Trinity Theological College and began my journey to full-time ministry.”
Rev Shawn Koh | 2021 Deacon Ordinand
“In these 2 years of pastoral ministry, I realised that in order to effectively feed the flock, a shepherd must have a relationship with the flock. A sheep will only eat from your hand if the sheep recognises you. So, in these 2 years, I have spent a lot of time caring for all the people that are entrusted to me.”
Rev Timothy Ang | 2021 Deacon Ordinand
“I first sensed the calling during a church mission trip in the year 2000. It has been an experience of grace upon grace as our Heavenly Father led me each step of the way, assuring me inwardly, and blessing me with godly mentors and fellow sojourners along the way.”
Rev Ong Bee Keow | 2021 Deacon Ordinand
“Like the psalmist said: ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’ Indeed, I thank God that He kept me focused on His Word. Through meditation and reflection, I am brought closer to God.”
Rev Jasper Ngoh | 2021 Elder Ordinand
“The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt and must continue to work on is the importance of humility. I see humility being modelled through my fellow bond servants of Jesus Christ, who have served genuinely, and out of their humility very effectively build up the body of Christ. It also humbles me to observe God’s mysterious ways of building up His own body through unexpected persons and unexpected means.”
Rev Glenn Tan | 2021 Elder Ordinand
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt and am still learning in my ministry journey is that people are invaluable. To me, the people that God has brought alongside us in the journey of ministry are often forgotten means of grace. I think that without them, ministry would be impossible.”
Rev Jacqueline Ho | 2021 Elder Ordinand
“In my past few years of serving, the most unforgettable moments were that of witnessing God’s children being built up, receiving Jesus’ love, returning to Him and becoming devoted disciples of Christ.”
Rev Poh Heow Lee | 2021 Retired Pastor
“There are times when I just don’t understand why certain things or events had to occur. One thing I’ve learned and found true all the time is that one day––could be a month, a year, or even longer—the reason for what had happened will be revealed or discovered, and I will find that God’s wisdom and love will be evident.”
Rev Louis Chai | 2021 Retired Pastor
“Our Lord Jesus is worthy of our whole life. I encourage you to serve Him passionately, be it in full-time ministry or in the marketplace. Even after my stroke in 2013 that changed all my plans, God has been faithful. Today, I’m officially retired. Nonetheless, I’ll follow in the footsteps of my retired pastors and continue to do my part to accomplish the great commission—making disciples of all the nations.”
As we acknowledge the faith and courage it takes each individual to obey and to persevere in serving God, we continue to see how the Lord can and does call His workers from different backgrounds and at varying life stages. He also places unique ministry burdens in each of His children’s hearts, and affirms us of His calling for us through life’s circumstances, the people placed in our lives, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
We invite you to pray not just for all pastors and their family, but also for yourself. We are all servants of our Heavenly Father. What may God’s special call for you be?
By the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team/ Photos courtesy of CAC