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Know Your Leaders - Elder Associate Ngo Thian Chye

Ngo Thian Chye sheds light on his role as an elder associate, and emphasises the importance that the Care Group Ministry has played in his walk as a sincere disciple of Christ

thian-chye-family-21. Could you introduce yourself to our readers – for example what you do for a living, and tell us a bit about your family members.

My name is Thian Chye. I have been married to Janice Loh for 32 years and have two children. Janice works as a Real Estate Agent, Samuel has just started working and Samantha is a 2nd year business undergraduate. I am a taxi driver by vocation and drive from Monday to Friday, on a 13-hour routine. 

2. Please share with us what you understand your role to be as an elder associate of the church.

I shall briefly share about the role of an elder associate: I was invited to be an elder associate by the Pastoral Team for a term of one year. During this period, I learnt many things first-hand from the elders/pastors on the elders' role and service in the church. At the same time, it is my duty to shepherd the members that God has given to me through the CG Ministry, and church members in general. If I do encounter any difficulties, I can approach the elders/pastors for advice. This is a great opportunity for me to learn and understand the role of an elder.     

3. How did you come to Christ (your conversion) and how did you come to join Grace Baptist Church?

I come from a non-Christian family with three siblings. I came to know and Believe Jesus as my Lord and Saviour during my secondary school days through an evangelistic meeting. Thereafter, I was introduced to the school's Christian Fellowship (CF). I also attended Kay Poh Road Baptist Church for about 14 years, where I was given various opportunities to serve the Lord. I was also being mentored by a brother who discipled me into spiritual maturity.

In 1990, my family left that church with two other couples and came to GBC on a ‘trial’ basis. After a few months of worshipping at GBC, KY and Carol Leong invited us to join their Care Group (CG). It was a struggle to join because we didn't really know what a CG was and why it was important. After much hesitation on our part and persistence on their part, we reluctantly attended our first CG meeting, and the rest is history. CG plays a very crucial and important part in our church lives at GBC. It is through CG that my family integrated very quickly and well into the local body of Christ. It's in this sense that we felt we Belong to the church, and that is why we are still in GBC!     

4. Tell us something about yourself that many members do not know.

My family went through a major financial crisis in the early 2000s. During those years, life was very tough. As I reflect on those years, it only compels me to give thanks unto the Lord. God was always faithful and gracious to us as He sent many people at different stages of our lives to help us to go through difficult times. We bear the testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness unto all His children. Praise be unto Him! 

5. Could you share with us one of your greatest joys and one of your greatest challenges as a spiritual leader of the church?

I have always seen myself as a spiritual servant (and not a leader) of the church. What I have (of which all is given by God) such as time and resources, I offer unto Him. Each day, I live and learn and struggle at the same time, to give God the primacy of my life. So for me, the greatest joy is to be a vessel fit for His use so that I may be a channel of God's blessings to the people that He puts into my path daily. 

One of my greatest challenges in serving the church (members) is to be able to be strong and courageous in doing the right thing. It must done in love and humility, not doing what I or others want me to do, but what God really wants me to do in accordance with His word, which is His will.     

6. The Bible tells us to honour our leaders. In that light, how can we pray for you and encourage you meaningfully?

I would appreciate it if members pray that I may live life in a manner worthy of God's calling (Eph 4:1). What does that look like? That means wherever I go and whatever I do or however I Behave, people will only see Christ and His kingdom in and through my life. How can I do that? Commit to walk with the Lord each day and exercise the power that God has given me (and every believer) through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.