Yok Wong and Me Kiun

In Answer To His Call

Even while he was working as a pharmacist, Yok Wong had his own plan for ministry. He knew God had called him to fulltime ministry, and he had no problem with that. But he had one condition; he wanted to work in the secular world for 5 years first...

A Loving Family

Yok Wong comes from a rather remote place near to the beach, three miles off Bintulu, Sarawak. Growing up in a Christian family, Yok Wong, the eldest and only son, and his four sisters were brought up by godly parents.

Every Sunday, although the five-mile journey to Bintulu Methodist Church was made slow and difficult because of the uneven dirt road, his parents never failed to bring them to church. So, from young, Yok Wong had already heard of the story of Jesus.

A New Life

However, he didn't know that he must build a personal relationship with the God who loves him. When he was 17, he attended an evangelistic meeting in church. Only then did he realize that he was a sinner, and could not save himself by works or his own efforts. That night, he received Jesus as his personal Saviour. It was a life-changing decision. With God's grace, Yok Wong had many learning opportunities in days of his youth. The pastor at Min Ong Methodist Church and the Youth Fellowship advisers became his mentors in Christ.

Yok Wong remembers, "We were a bunch of naughty youths at that time, but these leaders loved and accepted us, allowing us to grow up in the atmosphere of acceptance. My faith in the Lord and obedience to Him was gradually built up during that time." Then he left home to continue his Form Four studies at the Kuching Junior Science College and his Form Six at Bujang College in Miri. He continued to grow in Christ as God had prepared pastors and advisers to help him along in these two places.

Encounter with Campus Crusade

It was during his campus days at USM, Penang that Yok Wong came to know about Campus Crusade. Apart from attending Penang Trinity Methodist Church, he was also serving God actively in the campus. Through Campus Crusade's campus ministry he received training in personal evangelism and follow-up, thus equipping him to be effective in sharing the gospel and nurturing new believers.

God-given Vision

Campus Crusade's Leadership Training Programme greatly helped Yok Wong to catch the vision of the Great Commission. Knowing that the Lord's desire is to make disciples of all nations, Yok Wong made a resolution before the Lord, "O Lord, I'm willing to help fulfil the Great Commission. If you call me, I will follow." Although he had done so, the struggle in his heart was great. Since God allows me to study Pharmacy, of course I will be a pharmacist. He would not want me to become a pastor, would He? Haunting doubts caused him to hesitate, and he told God, "Lord, give me 5 years, and we shall see." God's way is higher than man's way.

After working as a pharmacist for two years, he had a chance to go to Manila for a short-term missions trip. There a Singaporean staff asked him, "Why wait for 5 years, why not now?" Yok Wong said, "I gave him some reasons, but when I went back to the hostel and thought about it, I realized that my reasons were just excuses." Yok Wong finally told God, "I am willing to serve you Lord." After working for another year, in 1992, he joined Campus Crusade for Christ and started his full-time Christian work.

The ministry

During his first year on staff, Yok Wong went through the intensive staff training. The training helped to mould his character and equipped him with ministry skills. His main ministry was to build multiplying disciples among campus students. And he also had opportunities to play the role of a leader, in preparation for his present leadership position. For the past few years, he has been involved in the FamilyLife ministry, teaching about husband-wife relationships and parenting. He said, "Of course, my understanding wife is also my ministry partner, and so are my four lovely children." His family is the joy of his heart.

Jeremiah Vision

In April 2001, Yok Wong was appointed as the fourth National Representative. He said, "When I knew that I had been appointed as the National Representative, I prayed, 'Lord, for the coming 20 years, how do you want to use Campus Crusade as a tool to fulfil your Great Commission in this land?" God promised to reveal His plan to him and the leadership team gradually.

"Although we still do not know the whole picture God wants to work on, we have an initial blue print. I believe when we follow our Lord, and step out in faith to serve Him, the picture will become clearer and clearer. When that day comes, we can only say in amazement, 'Lord, you have accomplished great things through us.'" For Yok Wong, this is an exciting journey indeed.

Yok Wong is the National Representative of Malaysia Campus Crusade for Christ. He was National Campus Co-ordinator before his present appointment. He has been on staff since 1992. He and his wife Me Kiun have four lovely girls: Qiu Lin, En Yun, Xuan Xi, and Joyce.