10 Years a Preacher

1 September 2026 marked 10 years in my service as a full-time preacher for the church of Christ at Lim Ah Pin Road (LAPCOC). How time flies, it seemed like only yesterday that I had just stepped into this role. As I reflect on the decade past, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all who have been part of my personal journey.

1. I am thankful for my wife and children

In the beginning, God saw that it was not good for the man to be alone, and so He created the woman to be a suitable helper for him (Genesis 2:18). Indeed, I am grateful for my wife, Stephanie, who has been a great companion in my work. She not only encourages me, but she also pushes me to be a better version of myself (Proverbs 27:17). She manages the household affairs so that I need not be stressed at home (Proverbs 31:27). She also co-labours with me in the work of the Lord (Romans 16:3). For all her help and support, I am deeply blessed.

It is also written that children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3). I am thankful to God for blessing Stephanie and myself with 2 children: Theophilus and Ruth Gabrielle. They have both brought much joy and enrichment to our lives. I am thankful that they have been showing enthusiasm in the work of the Lord too. Though parenting can be hard work, we look forward to seeing the fruit of our labour (and even now we joy to see their growth and progress). It is a blessing for which I would exchange nothing.

2. I am thankful for my parents and sisters

The Bible emphasizes repeatedly the importance of parenthood (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Hence, it would be remiss of me not to extend my gratitude to my parents, bro Jimmy & sis Kim Tian, for the training that I had received growing up. I am thankful to have received teaching, modelling, encouragement, discipline, and training. I would not be who I am without their guidance and nurture. They may not have dreamed that I would one day become a preacher, but they have been so supportive throughout.

It is said that the best gift your parents could give you is a sibling. I am thankful for my sisters, sis Constance & sis Sharyl, who were my playmates growing up, and now they’ve become doting aunts to my children. I am thankful that they have been supportive and helpful to our parents and my own family through it all.

3. I am thankful for my Christian family at LAPCOC

It has been (and continues to be) my great joy and privilege to serve the Lord with my Christian family at LAPCOC. I could not have asked for a better congregation to work with. I am thankful for the faith and zeal of the saints (1 Thessalonians 1:3). I am thankful that we are striving together for the Lord, even through thick and thin and during our ups and downs (remember the Covid-19 pandemic?).

I am also thankful for the love and care of the brethren. A faithful congregation is a congregation that loves (Revelation 2:4-5). I am thankful for brethren who prove their discipleship by their acts of love (John 13:34-35). I am thankful for brethren who look out for my family too: we are truly grateful and indebted for all the love and help that you have shown towards us during our times of need. It has made our load feel so much lighter.

4. I am thankful for my co-labourers

I am thankful that, in LAPCOC, I have not been made to feel like I am labouring all alone. I am thankful for all the brethren who labour together with us for the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). Indeed, there is so much to do in the kingdom, and it is heartening to see everyone doing their part for the Lord’s cause. The church can only grow when everyone works together for the same goal (Ephesians 4:16).

I am also thankful for my co-preachers who share the same passion for the ministry. I am thankful for bro Alvin Lin who was my co-labourer when I first entered the ministry, and from whom I had learnt much from his example and mentorship. I am thankful for bro Benjamin Kwan who is currently co-labouring with me. I am thankful for preachers in various places whom I have met along the way, and for the wisdom and experiences that I had learnt from them. I am thankful for all who have dedicated themselves for the work of the kingdom.

5.  I am thankful for the church leaders

I am thankful to be able to work under an eldership at LAPCOC. Being scripturally organized has made the work in the congregation so much smoother (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). I am thankful for the elders, bro Jimmy Lau & bro Michael Yeo (and previously bro Lee Tian Seng), who sacrifice their time and effort to shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:1-4). I am thankful for their leadership and guidance throughout my ministry. I am thankful for the love and care that they have shown to me personally too.

I am thankful for the deacons, bro Jerry Cheong, bro Benjamin Tan, and bro Timothy Ng, who have stepped up to serve in this good office (1 Timothy 3:8-13). I am thankful for other leaders and those in the management committee who assist the elders and contribute to the work of the church. I am thankful for bro Kenneth Quek who assists in HR and ensures the full-time workers’ needs are well covered. I am thankful for all the men who have stepped up and committed themselves to serve.

6. I am thankful for Four Seas College of Bible and Missions

I am thankful for the opportunity to have studied at Four Seas College. My first experience with Four Seas College was actually in 2010 when I attended classes while waiting for university to start. As I look back on that short period of study, I must say that it had a tremendous impact on my faith. Indeed, faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17). In August 2014, I enrolled as a full-time student, and that 2-year study was, of course, vital in preparing me for my full-time ministry.

I am thankful for my instructors at Four Seas College, both onsite and online, who all played a role in shaping my faith. I am thankful for bro Patrick Swayne, the full-time instructor then, who opened my horizons in the way I ought to view Scripture, both interpretatively and practically. I am thankful for bro Eddy Ee, who was a part-time instructor then, for the wealth of experience and wisdom that he shared. I am thankful for sis Pooi Fun, for her timely advice and encouragement, and for her help in ensuring the college runs smoothly. I am thankful for bro Peter Chin who spurred me on to take on the ministry, and for his instructive teaching at Four Seas College.

7.  I am thankful to God

As Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches… without me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Truly, without Jesus, I am nothing. Hence, I am grateful to our Lord for giving me the capacity to serve Him in His kingdom. I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve Him on a full-time basis. Indeed, there is no work that is more fulfilling than the work of the kingdom.

Also, we know that every good gift comes from the Father (James 1:17). I am grateful that through it all, God has taken care of my family so that we have never been in want. Jesus had promised: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). These past 10 years have shown me how true Jesus’ promise is.

Furthermore, we know that in all our labour, God is ultimately the one who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). I am thankful for God’s blessings on LAPCOC, so we have been able to grow and abound. I am thankful to have been able to play a small part in the development of our congregation, and I pray that we abound even more so that the borders of God’s kingdom can expand further.