Bro Timothy Ng has a very visible presence in church, and that’s not (just) referring to his tall frame. He is active in many areas of services, from leading songs to being part of the management committee. For both his work in church and professionally, however, he is perhaps most known for being a stirring teacher. Bro Tim is also the husband of Sis Daryl Cheong and father to Mark and Jacob.
On 16th Oct 2022, he was officially welcomed as a deacon, joining Bro Benjamin Tan and Bro Jerry Cheong as the 3rd deacon of LAPCOC. Let’s catch up with Bro Tim and hear what his thoughts are on the recent appointment.
Farand:
Hi Tim, I recall you were saying you were just done with giving consults to this year’s A level candidates at the school you’re working at. So what’s keeping you occupied now? And any plans for the school holiday period?
Tim:
Invigilation and prepping for next year’s new GP syllabus ☺ As for the school holidays, nothing much really, just looking to spend time with my family and unwind for the next year
Farand:
What do you usually do with your family?
Tim:
We enjoy a good show, a delicious meal and a game that gets our competitive juices going! Recently, we’ve all enjoyed The Mandalorian (which I truly believe is one of the best TV shows ever made), got Jacob to try the meat in a Korean pork broth soup while the rest of us tucked in and pitted our wits against one another in games of Connect 4 and Battleship.
Farand:
I also know you’re quite the foodie - best or most memorable meal you had this year?
Tim:
It has to be the meal at Naeum. It was a chance for a date with my wife sans the kids (thanks to my in-laws babysitting) and it was a very refined take on Korean cuisine, and the meal was under a mountain lodge theme while we watched the open kitchen go about their business. It went beyond good food to becoming a good memory for us.
Farand:
On a personal side, I know you have quite varied interests! Is there something you are looking to dig deep into in the weeks ahead like a hobby or particular show/game?
Tim:
I have a very long list of interests indeed, but I’ll try to keep it short. Physically I’m going to try to cycle more, hit the gym and the basketball courts with my students in EJ Basketball, and hopefully catch up on some books and shows I’ve been meaning to watch if I have the time to do so. I follow The Gentleman’s League 2 on Netflix more closely than my wife would like ☺
Farand:
So we’re going to dig into your recent appointment of deaconship. Could you share how that came about and what your initial thoughts were?
Tim:
I was truly honoured to be offered the role by our elder, Bro Mike, and wanted to say yes immediately but was wisely guided by him to discuss it with my wife first. There was also a moment of surprise, because felt that it had only been yesterday since I’ve joined LAP, and I would have been one of the younger deacons around if I said yes to the role. 1 Tim 3:8-13 aside, I’m not sure what exactly the elders saw in me, but I think that it’s a good sign of the effort and work I’ve done at LAP which I wish to continue for the rest of my life on earth.
Farand:
That’s the experience showing from brother Mike there :)
It’s interesting you mentioned you wanted to say yes immediately because Bro Ben in an earlier interview had said he had some hesitancy at first thought. And this is a feeling I’m sure many could empathise with. Why do you think your initial reaction was so? That’s surely something we could learn from, the willingness to take on greater responsibilities/work
Tim:
I think it stems from gratitude and knowing what I am good at. I’ve had previous experiences where I wanted to improve things and do something good for the organisation/church and didn’t get the opportunity to do so for various reasons. I really hate it when talent/potential is unfulfilled. At LAP, I remember being asked to teach after letting Bro Jimmy know I was able and willing, and various coordinators and class IC’s giving me a chance too.
I think that if you have the heart to serve God at LAP, we will find a way to make sure your talents do not go to waste, something Ernest brought up in a recent lesson of his. So when asked to serve as deacon, I knew what area the elders wanted me to help out in, I was ready, and most importantly, because of my able wife, I knew that my family was also able to support me and the church in this endeavour. I’m truly grateful they see the good and trust in what I do, so the hesitancy was not really there for me.
There’s also the added bonus of seeing my father-in-law in action as one of the first deacons of LAP leading by example ever since I got married and transferred my membership to LAP for close to a decade now.
Farand:
Yes, I recall you mentioned in one of your sermons that he has been an inspiration for you. Did you have any conversation with him since on the appointment?
Tim:
He’s told me that it’s good to take up this good work, and my own dad said that I must do the job well (in Chinese) if I am to take up the role.
Farand:
Sounds like they are both men of action rather than words. 😂
You were given the overview topic of Fellowship. June camp was one of the more concrete tasks but before we go there. What’s your thoughts and ideas on fellowship at LAPCOC?
Tim:
Fellowship is something that grows, changes, and takes on various subjective shapes and forms, but ultimately it is something that brings and binds us all together as one body, and I think the ladies, senior and kids fellowship have been doing a great job in that regard in their different targeted groups; in fact, the elders have also told me to brainstorm and crowdsource any ideas to revive the men’s fellowship, so this is an appeal to the men reading this, if u have any ideas, please run them by me, I will try to make it happen for all the brethren to benefit!
I’m also looking for brethren who are keen on being on the June Camp organising committee to increase opportunities for fellowship with one another as a congregation, and I’m not too good at numbers and scheduling, so if you want to help out, please let me know too! 🙏🏻
Farand:
Beyond the appointed task of fellowship, how do you think being appointed deacon will change the way you serve?
Tim:
The change comes mostly in the thinking/consideration of my words and actions, and I will have overview of specific areas in church, as compared to the past when I would just put my head down to do the work given to me. It’s a mix of added responsibility and honour that I’m grateful to be entrusted with, and I can’t say that enough.
Farand:
Thanks Tim, for the time taken and also for taking the additional responsibility! Truly wish you all the best. Any parting thoughts?
Tim:
I think that I’m far from perfect and I’m very open to questions and feedback. If anyone has any, please run them by me and I’m on the lookout for individuals who are willing and able to contribute to the various segments of fellowship we share with one another. And one final thing: come support church camp next June!