Update

Update: News of people, places and events

Pastor Yong Chin Gee
retires from ministry in Malaysia

Young Chin Gee
and Yuet Siam

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—On June 13, more than 60 people from the Klang (Kuala Lumpur) congregation and visitors from other parts of Malaysia such as Kulai and Penang, and from Singapore as well, came together to worship God and celebrate the service given by longtime pastor Yong Chin Gee and his wife, Yuet Siam.

During the service, Mr. and Mrs. Yong were honored in their transition from full-time service to retirement. Both have experienced poor health at various times, and after a heart attack several years ago, Mr. Yong felt he needed to significantly reduce the pressure of responsibilities and to spend more time with his children.

The Yongs’ son, How Yin, lives in Singapore, and Mr. and Mrs. Yong plan to live with him as soon as they can sell their home in Kuala Lumpur.

At the service, Susan Low, the worship leader, created a framework of hymns and songs honoring Christian service. Rod Matthews, mission developer for Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, gave a sermon on the mighty work that God does in the lives of those who yield their lives to him.

After the service, tributes to the dedication, service and sacrifice of the Yongs were given by member, Deveraj Ramoo, and Wong Mein Kong, associate pastor.

Teresa Koay sang a song she adapted from the theme to Love Story. Mr. Matthews then read a poem honoring the life and wisdom of Yong Chin Gee written by Kerry Gubb, director of Flexible Learning and Assessment at Pacific Training & Development in the Australian Office, who has conducted intensive classes in Malaysia.

A presentation was made to the Yongs of a plaque and gifts on behalf of Pastor General Joseph Tkach and the regional office. The congregation then had lunch together at a restaurant.

Mr. and Mrs. Yong will volunteer their time as opportunity permits in service to the church in Singapore and in southern Malaysia at Kulai in Johor Bharu.

“The entire church in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as our people in Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Brunei, have benefited from their wisdom and dedication and been well served by their example of humility and service,” Mr. Matthews said. “We all honor them and wish them health and rejuvenation in their retirement.”

Suva, Fiji, congregation
marks 25th anniversary

Epeli & Sofi Kanaimawi

SUVA, Fiji—June 26 was the 25th anniversary of the Suva congregation, pastored by Ratu Epeli Kanaimawi.

Rex Morgan, pastor of the Auckland, New Zealand, congregation and office manager, flew to Fiji as a guest for the occasion as the New Zealand church has long provided administrative and pastoral support to Fiji.

Mr. Morgan sent the following report to Rod Matthews, mission developer, at the regional office in Australia:

“The Fiji church conducted a silver jubilee celebration in Suva, rejoicing in their memories of 25 years of the WCG in that nation.

“Seventy members attended the service, which included reflections from members William Qoro and Cegu Cati, several pieces of music, and my sermon, ‘Thanks for the Memories.’

“After the service came the cutting of the anniversary cake and the opportunity for members to enjoy refreshments and a walk down memory lane, viewing the extensive photo displays.

“At 4 p.m., the anniversary dinner program began. Mr. Qoro was master of ceremonies. The evening featured speeches from a number of members who presented their reminiscences over the past quarter of a century, a video of greetings and congratulations from the Auckland church and many more items of special music.

“On Monday, Epeli took me to the offices of the Assembly of Christian Churches in Fiji, of which he is the deputy chairman. In this role, Epeli has regular contact with a number of other denominational and governmental leaders and is able to be influential in a movement that is taking great strides in forwarding the cause of church unity and increasing the profile of the churches in Fiji. The government has declared 2004 as a National Year of Prayer, and July 6 was set aside as a national day of fasting and prayer.”

Congregations to celebrate
40th anniversaries

DULUTH, Minnesota—The Duluth congregation will celebrate its 40th anniversary Oct. 10—40 years to the day that the church was established here.

We are looking for any former members of the congregation who would like to attend the festivities planned for the day. A catered meal will be served, and folks planning to attend should immediately call Pastor Gordy Lindquist toll-free at 1-800-353-3327 for details of the expenses involved and to comply with a Sept. 15 deadline we’ll need to meet.

We are also asking former members to send us their fondest memories and recollections of the Duluth church, which will be put in an album.

These may be either mailed to Pam Kleinschmidt, 429 N. 26th Ave. West, Duluth, Minnesota, 55806, or e-mailed to Joanne Christian at joattwig@uslink.net. Joanne Christian.

UNION, New Jersey—The Union congregation will celebrate its 40th anniversary Oct. 30, from 6 to 10 p.m., at The Gran Centurions, 440 Madison Hill Rd., Clark, New Jersey.

Festivities will include fellowship, a buffet dinner with unlimited soda and dancing. Current and former members and friends are invited to attend. If anyone has old photos of interest, they are encouraged to bring them.

The cost is $25 for adults, $18 for children 4 to 12, and children younger than 4 are free. Make checks payable to LCAF-Union and send them by Oct. 17 to Olga Jendrek, 134 Acorn Drive, Clark, New Jersey, 07066. For additional information you can call Olga at 1-732-388-0598. Olga Jendrek.

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