City News talks to two long-time members of CHC about their reflections on God’s faithfulness in their lives over the years. Below are the interviews with Chin Khen Theen, a teacher who has joined the church since 1990 and Kelvin Chew, a regional director, who came in 1998.
Khen Theen (top, extreme left) has been leading cell groups for 15 years. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHIN KHEN THEEN.
You’ve been a cell group leader for many years now. How is it different being a CGL then and now?
I started serving as a CGL in October 1996. Back then we were younger and inexperienced in life but filled with excitement to serve God and His people. Cell group members were younger and many were fresh out of junior colleges or serving the army or in universities. Back then, discipleship was already emphasized. Though the methods have changed considerably, one thing remains: discipleship is always done in love and in godly relationship. Now that I am married, have a son and a career, my focus in life is very different. So are the needs of our members. Then, they needed friendships, motivation, inspiration, vision and direction in their lives; now, they need security, common friends, interests, hobbies and spending time with the families. Hence, the CGL’s role has evolved and will continue to as we grow together.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced over the years? How did you go through those times and what kept you going?
The challenge for me is keeping the fire of God burning in my heart when things aren’t going smoothly at work, in ministry or in family. When I become too busy to spend time with God, I get disoriented and discouraged. I’ve realized that by going back to the house of God and to loved ones; by reading the Word and worshipping God with my guitar; by watching a motivational movie; by sharing my burdens and challenges with friends in Christ and by praying for one another—I can keep on going. These are what have kept me going all these years.
Khen Theen, with his wife, Chua Wan Ee, who is also a long-time member in the church, and their son, Egan.
You’ve participated in every Arise & Build campaign over the years. How has each experience been?
I have participated in all the Arise and Build campaigns since I joined the church. I remember giving several tuitions and working during school holidays from 1995 to 1998; saving up my dollars and cents so that I could give more. Over the years, God has blessed me tremendously and I am now able to give more than before. For me, the challenge is to give like it is the FIRST time I am giving.
Can you share with us one instance of God’s goodness in your life? How did God come through for you?
There was this instance when I was waiting for my results to enter university. After receiving rejection letters from my application to both NUS and NTU in 1992 and 1993, I wasn’t sure if I should apply again and I contemplated signing on in the Special Force or getting a diploma instead. But after speaking and praying with some close leaders in the church, my faith arose and I applied to NUS again and eventually got in at the third try. The results of the application came just one week before my birthday and I was overjoyed that God came through for me.
Is there a vision/dream that God gave you long time ago that has come to pass?
My dream and vision is to be an anointed educator who is able to motivate, inspire and facilitate life-long learning in the young. I have always been passionate about student leadership and I want to encourage and empower my student leaders to find value and purpose in their lives. That has unfolded in my work for the past 11 years and this area is officially recognized as an accomplishment in my school.
In your opinion, what do you think constitutes CHC’s DNA? Is this what keeps you rooted in this House of God?
To me the CHC’s DNA is in our unity, commitment and love one for another. It is the unwritten pledge that we say every time we come together to serve and to worship Him. What keeps me rooted? Friends, relationships, strong core values, and a future together. Among them all, the most important to me are the relationships I have forged over the years.
Serving as a shepherd to God’s people brings great joy to Kelvin. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELVIN CHEW.
As a working adult, can you share how God has taken you further in your career?
Before I accepted Christ, my life was in a mess: with no qualification, no career and no money, and worst, with debts. Since coming to CHC in 1998, God has been moving in a mighty way. He has changed my path. All the teachings that I have received from Pastor Kong, Pastor Tan and others, have equipped me with a transformed mind. I applied godly principles in my life and workplace and have excelled much in my career. One of God’s promises that I constantly adopt in my life is Matthew 6:33, always put God first in all that I do and He will take care of the rest.
What are some lessons you’ve learned in CHC that has helped you shine more effectively in the marketplace?
One of the greatest lessons that I have learned is God wants us to have a spirit of excellence. With this spirit, I aspire to excel in all that I do.
Your entire family worships in this church. What are some biblical values you want to instill in your kids? What do you hope your kids will learn from CHC that will shape their lives?
There are four areas: firstly, I want to instill in them a lifestyle of prayer, putting God first in their lives. Secondly, I want to raise them as true disciples of Christ and not just “mere” Christians. Thirdly, I want them to make a difference to people around them and to always be a blessing to others. Last but not least, I want them to adopt a spirit of excellence in everything they do.
Kelvin and his family share a great love for the house of God.
Can you share with us one instance of God’s goodness in your life? How did God come through for you?
When I first came to church, I was in debt to the tune of more than S$40,000 due to unwise spending. My monthly income was only a meager S$1,500 then. But I learned the principle of tithing and began tithing faithfully. God did a miracle and I was supernaturally brought out of debt as I literally tithed myself out of debt. What God did for me is way beyond what I could ever ask or imagine!
Is there a vision/dream that God gave you long time ago that has come to pass?
When I was a 2-year-old Christian, God spoke to me to teach His Word to His people. I reacted the same way as Jonah—I tried to escape. However, God has proven His ways are higher than mine. I became a cell group leader and have been sharing the Word of God week after week for the last seven years, inside the church as well as outside.
In your opinion, what do you think constitutes CHC’s DNA? Is this what keeps you rooted in this church?
To me, it is loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently. Genuinely loving others is to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Also, I’ve learned to always give God my best in anything that I do. It is the love of God that is evident in the church that has kept me rooted in this house. Indeed, this is My Church and My Life.
