LUST for LIFE

A couple of nights back, a call came through on my mobile at about 9.30pm. It was from Steve Peter Kok, whom I got acquainted about 2 years ago during the course of my work. He was back in town with his recently wedded life partner, Jenny.

Steve asked whether I was free to yam char (drink tea). I asked: “Where shall we meet?” He replied: “I’m staying near the Paris Restaurant; I have no wheels, so you have to pick us up.” Hmm…’us’ - that means I’d get to meet Jenny. “OK, give me 20 minutes or so,” I said.

When I arrived at the pickup point, we exchanged pleasantries. He introduced Jenny, and I greeted her with Sawadee Khap; and she reciprocated in Thai too. A Thai Chinese, she hails from Bangkok where her family resides in the Don Muang municipality.

Back to Steve. Early last year, I learned he’d given up his career in the corporate world to answer the Calling of God. He emailed to inform that he was leaving for Thailand “to do God’s mission, preach the Word of God and evangelize the villagers there”. His mission also took him to Cambodia, and later to India in late 2007. Then, in mid-April 2008 he emailed, announcing his wedding. It came as a pleasant surprise!

Steve with Jenny on their wedding day. Her hand-made dress costs the equivalent of RM10. He only spent about RM30 for their silver wedding rings. It shows that one has a choice as to whether to spend lavishly on a wedding, or keep it simple but equally memorable too. (Photo reproduced with permission from Steve.)

Back to the present. As we yam char, Steve (or Pastor Nineveh Kok) related his experience in spreading the gospel and evangelism and also about his travel. He relies on people’s generosity and donations to fund his mission. As such, he’s mindful of the shoe-string budget, but he’s confident that the Lord will always lend a hand. Of course, Steve has to account for the expenses; making periodical reports to the Missionary.

Moving on, Jenny will accompany him as he ventures forth. He told me that they’d travel to Singapore next week to meet some friends there before proceeding to India.

I asked about his future plans. He paused and then said he’d spend another 3 or 4 years with his missionary work. After that, he would decide whether to return to the corporate world. He might even take up full-time pastoring in Thailand.

Before we parted that evening I wished them well and continued success in their God’s Calling.

For many are called, but few are chosen
(Matthew 22:14)