Kwong Shiu Yoong and his wife, Kim, have dedicated a significant part of their lives, since his retirement, to serving others through missionary work. Their journey, rooted in a shared faith and a deep desire to make a difference, exemplifies a powerful commitment to the global Christian community. It is in this spirit of service that they minister to others with a focus on sharing their faith and providing practical support.
Shiu Yoong, could you share a little about your background and what led you to become involved in mission work?
By the grace and love of God, Kim became a Christian in 1975. We married in 1978 and, in 1988, Kim’s faithful sharing led me to Christ. We are blessed with two sons, daughters-in-law and four grandchildren, all of whom worship and serve at Wesley Methodist Church. We thank God for these generational blessings, echoing Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Our journey of service began within our church through Bible study, leadership training with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and involvement in various ministries, including the now defunct Skier’s Paradise Ministry, Kim’s Bible study teaching to the youth in Boys’ Brigade, facilitating Alpha and leading small groups. Kim’s call to the mission field began in 2003. After my retirement in 2006, I joyfully joined her. Our mission trips have taken us to Cambodia, China, Thailand and, for shorter durations, to Batam, Bintan and Tanjong Pinang.
Kim, was there a specific moment or experience where you felt God calling you to serve in this way?
As a mother of two boys, I felt a deep desire to support young people by offering guidance, care and love, with a particular focus on building their self-esteem. I give thanks to God for His step-by-step guidance in leading me to know Him and for His call into the mission fields.
How did you, Shiu Yoong and Kim, decide to embark on this mission to Thailand together? Was it a joint calling?
Kim’s initial mission trip in 2002 was to The Methodist Centre (MMS) and the orphanage village in Cambodia. In 2006, we both felt a clear calling to serve together at NBLPMC (Nong Bua Lam Phu Methodist Church) in Nong Bua Lam Phu, Isaan, Northeast Thailand. Following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, we joyfully resumed our mission work in 2023 and continue to serve there today.
What are some of the personal qualities or skills you believe God has equipped you with for this work?
We acknowledge God’s glory in equipping us with diverse skills essential for this work, honed through evangelising and witnessing the Gospel. We’ve learnt that a simple act of kindness can powerfully demonstrate compassion and transform lives. Kim shares practical life skills such as flower arranging, cooking, baking and beanie making, providing avenues for income generation. Together, we teach English, art and craft, songs and dance in local primary schools and at the church as a way to connect with students and draw them to the church community.
What are your personal motivations for serving in Thailand? What do you hope to achieve or witness there?
Our primary motivation is to share the love of God with the people there through our actions and words. We are just planting the seeds. For the children, our hope is that as they grow and potentially move to the city, they will carry the knowledge and love of Jesus with them.
How has your faith grown or been challenged through your involvement in missions?
Experiencing the Lord Jesus firsthand in the mission field and learning to place our complete trust and faith in His will, plan and purpose has profoundly deepened our faith.
Before dedicating your time to missions, what did you do professionally in Singapore?
From 1974 to 1985, I worked my way up to be a chief engineer on board cargo vessels, which meant I was away from Singapore for extended periods. In 1985, I transitioned to a shore-based role as a bunker trader and retired in 2006. Kim had worked as a secretary for an airline company. She stopped working in 1978 to join me at sea on cargo vessels and has been a dedicated homemaker since then.
How did your previous work experience prepare you (or perhaps challenge you) for the realities of mission work?
My work as a seagoing marine engineer allowed Kim and me to travel to many countries, where we witnessed firsthand the struggles people face in making a living and the lack of educational opportunities. We also became aware of issues like the exploitation of girls, particularly in Thailand. These experiences broadened our understanding of some of the most pressing global needs.
What were some of the things you had to prayerfully consider or sacrifice when you decided to give up your mostly very comfortable post-retirement life in Singapore for this mission?
Most of our mission trips are short-term, typically lasting one week, so they haven’t significantly disrupted our daily life in Singapore. However, we must spend a lot of time preparing for the trips. So, the main consideration is to set aside the time and energy we dedicate to these trips.
How did Wesley support you in this decision?
Wesley Methodist Church has been very supportive of short-term missioners like us who go out to serve in other countries. Their encouragement and prayers are invaluable.
Kim, what is the role you play in this ministry?
I primarily play a supportive role, assisting Shiu Yoong in planning and organising events for the women. This includes teaching practical skills like flower arranging, cooking, baking and beanie making. I also facilitate sessions for the Alpha course.
Shiu Yoong and Kim, what are your primary responsibilities in looking after this church? What does a typical day or week look like for you there?
I serve as the country coordinator for Thailand. This involves organising mission trips to NBLPMC (two to three times a year) and also to LCMC (Little Candle Methodist Church) in Phrao, Chiangmai (two to three times a year). Our typical trips last one week. During this time, we teach English, art and craft, songs and dance in primary schools. We also visit church members’ homes in Nong Bua Lam Phu and Nongsan (a preaching point), share the Gospel and our personal testimonies, and engage with church members through adult, youth and children’s ministries. We organise events aimed at drawing villagers to the church and participate fully in Sunday worship services. Additionally, we teach life skills such as flower arranging, baking, cooking and beanie making.
What are some of the key needs and challenges faced by the church and the surrounding community there?
Poverty is a significant issue, and many people lack reliable transportation to attend church. The congregation primarily consists of older individuals and children, as many young adults leave the villages to find work in the cities. The church is also understaffed, with only one pastor and a church staff member.
What kind of outreach or community engagement activities is the church involved in?
The church provides tuition for children and youth and offers a safe space for them to play in the church compound during the week and on weekends. They also hold a preaching service once a month at the Nongsan Preaching Point and regularly visit elderly members who are unable to come to church.
Can you share a specific story or experience from your time in Thailand that has been particularly meaningful or impactful for you?
One particularly meaningful experience was meeting twin sisters, Gluay and Klaao, in 2006. We shared the gospel with them and built a friendship. Today, Klaao is married and serving alongside her husband in a church in Bangkok. Gluay has become an elder in NBLPMC, recently got married and is now serving as the pastor there. It’s a beautiful testament to God’s faithfulness and His promises. We give Him all the glory!
What is a good piece of advice to navigate cultural differences based on your vast experience?
In many Asian societies, people are generally very traditional in their dress and part of a close-knit community. We’ve learnt that the most effective way to connect is by demonstrating love and care through practical acts of service – meeting their needs and building genuine friendships. It is important to meet people where they are first.
What are you most inspired by in this ministry?
We have been encouraged to see spiritual growth in the youth, who represent the future generation. They are eager to study the Scripture and actively serve in the church. Many of them have taken on responsibilities in the children’s and youth ministries, music ministry and in the practical aspects of running the church services, helping in the kitchen and maintaining the premises.
How do you work alongside local leaders and members of the church in Thailand? What is the collaborative dynamic like?
We primarily work closely with the pastor and the one church staff member. Due to language barriers, our direct interaction with the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) members is limited. However, the male LCEC members contribute through maintenance work like cutting grass, and the elderly ladies often help with cooking for Sunday services.
What are your hopes and vision for the future of the church you are serving in Thailand?
Our hope is to effectively reach out to the youth so that when they leave their villages for work in the cities, the seeds sown in their lives will germinate and hopefully return to serve in the future.
How can the Christian community in Singapore pray for you?
Please pray for our continued strength, health and clear minds as we are now in our 70s, so that we can keep going on mission trips.
For others in Singapore who might be considering short-term or long-term mission work, what advice or encouragement would you offer?
We encourage you to consider going with your children to start them young. It’s a profound way for them to experience God and His love for the people of Thailand and for you to experience it yourselves.
How has this experience in Thailand changed your perspective on the global church and the role of missions?
The enduring challenge remains: “The labourers are few.” We earnestly pray that many more Wesleyans will consider participating in short-term mission trips. As Jesus said in Luke 11:28, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Photos courtesy of Kwong Shiu Yoong and Kim Kwong
Nong Bua Lam Phu is a province located in the northeast region of Thailand, known as Isaan. This region is characterised by its rural landscapes, distinct culture and slower pace of life compared to central Thailand. Nong Bua Lam Phu Methodist Church (NBLPMC) began humbly in 2003 as a small gathering. Their initial building was dedicated in 2005 and the current church building was dedicated in 2011. We are incredibly grateful for God’s faithfulness over the past two decades. This year, on 23 August 2025, Wesley Methodist Church Singapore will be celebrating NBLPMC’s 20th anniversary of ministry.
Inspired by Shiu Yoong and Kim’s dedication to mission? Find out how you can join a Missions Team at Wesley Methodist Church here: Wesley Methodist Church – Join a Missions Team
Read about Ps Gluay’s journey to serving God full-time here:
https://www.mms.org.sg/post/called-to-serve?fbclid=IwAR0pJ_QzrUIcyJ17PDtv28tU6zTCOWlvrja3p-NkoPOCUqO5JO-oQJZ7Ors
Read also: Savouring the Unexpected Joy of Missions and Coffee
This year, our church theme will focus on Discipleship in Society. Wesley TIDINGS is delighted to introduce “Faith@Community”, a new monthly series for 2025 that explores the concept of “Everyday Christianity”. Everyday Christianity is about recognising that faith is not confined to the walls of our church. It is about living out our Christian values in every aspect of our daily lives – in our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and communities.
Throughout the year, “Faith@Community” will share stories of inspiring individuals who are actively living out their faith through compassionate service, advocating for the marginalised and extending a helping hand to those in need. We hope their stories will challenge and inspire us to deepen our own discipleship and find ways to express our faith in practical, everyday actions.
Whether it is through acts of kindness, advocacy for justice or simply shining the light of Christ in your daily interactions, your story matters. Do you know someone quietly making a difference in their community? We want to hear their stories! If you have someone in mind (maybe even yourself!), please encourage them to reach out to us at tidings@wesleymc.org.
Wesley TIDINGS Team
For more information on the church theme this year, please go to:
https://wesleymc.org/dir2025
