We thank God for Elder Thian Chye's pastoral heart and his obedience to answer God's call into full time ministry. He shares with us his testimony and how we can pray for him. 

My name is Thian Chye. I have been married to my wife Janice Loh for 35 years and I have two children, Samuel (31) and Samantha (25). I am a Private Hirer by vocation and I drive on a 12-hour routine from Mondays to Fridays. 

I grew up in a non-Christian family with three other siblings. I came to know and believe in Jesus as my Lord and Saviour during my secondary school days (1976) through an evangelistic outreach. Thereafter, I was introduced to Christian Fellowship (CF) and attended Kay Poh Road Baptist Church for 14 years, where I was given opportunities to serve the Lord. In addition, I was blessed to be mentored by an older brother who walked alongside me towards spiritual maturity. 

In 1990, my family left Kay Poh Road Baptist Church and came to explore Grace Baptist Church (GBC). After a few months of worshipping at GBC, a couple invited us to join their Care Group (CG). Initially, it was a struggle as we did not know what a CG was and its importance. By God’s grace and His provision, we started attending CG regularly and this community became an important part of our church life. That was the beginning of our journey of faith in GBC. 

In the early 2000s, my family went through a major financial crisis. During those seven years, life was tough and we struggled as a family. As I reflect back, I can only give thanks unto the Lord. God remained faithful and gracious to us and enabled us to tide through this difficult period with the help of others. We bear the testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness to all His children. Praise be unto Him! 

In 2014, there was a turning point in my life. As I was meditating on Joshua 24:15: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” God spoke to me and revealed the idols in my life, where I was so focused on overcoming the financial burdens I was facing. In my brokenness, I surrendered to God. With the courage given by the Spirit, I came forward to serve Him as a CG Leader and in other ministries, trusting that God will provide despite the uncertainties ahead. Subsequently, I was called to serve as a Deacon in the CG Ministry. 

In 2017, I was invited to join the English Congregation Leadership (ECL) as an Elder Associate. During this one and a half years, I learnt many things first-hand from the elders/pastors regarding the roles and responsibilities of service in church. At the end of the term, the ECL called me to serve as an elder overseeing the CG Ministry. I took up the role after much prayer and consideration. 

In 2019, I was tasked by the Pastoral Team to look into Member Care Ministry (MCM). It was a completely new ministry, hence I hesitated as I did not know what is expected of MCM. God in His grace provided a team of members, willing to serve alongside me to ensure the structures and processes are in place. 

As time progressed, I found it difficult to find time to carry out the needs of MCM and other shepherding duties outside of my vocational work. Gradually I began to set aside more time caring for the needs of members, often at the expense of my driving hours. In 2020, the Pastoral Team asked me to consider coming on board to take on full time ministry. However, I brushed the idea off quickly out of fear. 

It took me several months to consider God’s calling into full time ministry. Despite being confronted by my fears and anxieties, I continued seeking God in my daily walk with Him. It was also during this time that God graciously led me to recall past events on how some church members and the ECL have affirmed my gifting(s) and pastoral heart. They have been a great encouragement to me. With the increasing growth and needs of GBC, coupled with the support of the ECL and my family, I answered His call into full time ministry in the area of Pastoral Care and Community. 

Though I may not know what lies ahead of me, yet I choose to trust and obey Him. By going into full time ministry, my greatest joy is to be a sanctified vessel fit for His use, so that I may be a channel of God's blessings unto His people. 

Lastly, I covet every member's prayer for me and my family that we may continue to live our lives in a manner worthy of God's calling (Eph 4:1-3). Pray that as I serve God, I will do so with the love and humility of Christ, to be strong and courageous in doing what is right in accordance with Scripture. To God be the Glory! Amen!