A Man Touching Lives For Eternity

The Life & Thoughts of the Late Rev. Loh Soon Choy 

By Edward Chuan/ Research Assistant, MBS Centre for Christianity & Malaysian Studies (CCMS)

A gentle, soft-spoken, and elegant lady ushered me into her home with a heart-warming smile for a light-hearted interview. The house I entered was furnished with a bookshelf of bible commentaries. The wall was festooned with a painting of the prodigal son. There was also a black-and-white photo of her husband placed on a table near an open door. I thought to myself, "She must miss him a lot ever since he had gone to be with our Savior, Jesus Christ." I could sense her loss which happened a year ago.

The lady is none other than Mrs. Lydia Loh, the wife of the late Rev. Loh Soon Choy (Rev. Loh). I have not met Rev. Loh in person, but through the various literature material like testimonials from his wife, daughters, and cell group members, his two published books: "The Grandfather Stories" ¹ and "In Search for a Responsible Society." ²

I

Grandfather Stories by Rev. Loh Soon Choy

After reading and pondering over all these materials, I think I have come to know Rev. Loh in a real way. I have come to admire him as a great man who has touched lives for eternity, be it in the role of pastor, lecturer, theologian, and child of God.

Touching Lives As a Pastor

A People Person

Mrs. Lydia Loh sweetly recollected the early years when they met. "During our dates, he would be sidetracked by strangers he befriended on our outings. He would fish out tracts from his bag that explained how to live with God. He would also share their contents with enthusiasm. I watched in amazement." ³ This is just one of the occasions in which Rev. Loh lived out his striking personality – a people person.

Rev. Loh & Mrs. Loh

She also recounted that they met as classmates at the Disciple Training Center (DTC) in Singapore. ⁴ She recalls, "He was sincere, helpful, and talkative. You can read him like a book." She also added, "He can easily strike up a conversation with any stranger he met on any occasion!" His cell group member cum good friend Nancy Liew once wrote an article in recent years. "He was gregarious, liked people, and enjoyed being around them. He was also engaging and chatty, and there was never a dull moment when he was around." ⁵

Possessing this remarkable quality prepared him for the pastoral and teaching roles in the future. Shepherding the flock of God from all walks of life with various personalities and backgrounds, pastors must enjoy the presence of others and love to interact with them in a congregation.

Called into Full-time Ministry 

The story of each Christian called into full-time ministry by the gracious Lord Jesus Christ is unique. The calling of Rev. Loh into ministry illustrates this observation. He started his career as a teacher at the Methodist Boys' School in Penang. Rev. Loh Soon Choy writes, "I was offered an opportunity to train in England to be a teacher but turned it down to be near my aging widower father and my non-Christian family." ⁶ God honored his sacrifice when his father and other family members were led to the saving grace of Jesus Christ over fifteen years.

While working as a teacher, he served as Sunday School Superintendent with dedication and diligence. He was an occasional preacher and volunteer at a local Scripture Union chapter. The part-time ministry experience was a strong impetus for his later full-time ministry. As a teacher in Penang and Johor, Rev. Loh taught beyond the classroom when he cared for needy students. Mrs. Lydia Loh recounted vividly, "He would visit the students and even their parents when they were ill. He was interested and involved in students' lives."

"In a small but growing congregation, when there were increasing needs to preach, teach, and lead God's flock, it was natural that Rev. Loh volunteered to serve there," Mrs. Lydia Loh said. This is an excellent example of the man Rev. Loh was as a man sensitive to God's call to serve. His ten-year teaching experience, ability to speak and write, and a heart for the people fitted into the church's needs.

A Shepherd's Heart for God's Flock

After he had stepped down as a church pastor, many of his former congregation members still addressed him as pastor and called him for help when needed. He is indeed a pastor for life - someone with an unwavering pastoral heart for people despite not holding any official positions. Rev. Loh writes as quoted in Chew's article,

I have no regrets about working as a teacher or a 'full-time worker,' even though the pay was low. I was on God's mission. It was an exciting privilege to be a pioneer after Malaysia's independence and have a clear sense of calling to these as vocations, not just occupations. ⁷ 

He was shocked when one of his students in the seminary he taught asked him, "How much salary should I ask for when I am offered to be a pastor?" Rev. Loh answered that from his personal perspective, he would, as a pastor, receive whatever amount the church offered him.

His response to the question by the seminary students revealed that he was a faithful servant of God who was willing to commit his life to shepherding a flock at a meager pay. This has profound implications for young pastors of this generation: It is not about the salary but the faithfulness to the heavenly calling until the end.

Touching Lives As a Seminary Lecturer

In 1978, he started serving as the first Asian Dean and lecturer at Pusat Latihan Kristian Melaka (PLKM), which later became the English Department of MBS. As a lecturer, he touched many students' lives. The following are some memorable recollections from his students. Sister Tan King Chen (Sis. Tan), one of the students at PLKM-MBS, fondly reminisced her early encounters with Rev. Loh. ⁸

PLKM Family in 1979; Rev Loh (2nd from left in the 1st row) &  Sis. Tan (5th from left in the 2nd row)

Tearing, she also recollected how Rev. Loh cared for her when she applied to join PLKM. Rev. Loh interviewed her in Penang. During the interview, he asked her why she signed up for the two-year bible course and how she would finance her studies. She replied that she could only afford the tuition fees from her savings but not the living expenses. In her mind, Sis. Tan reasoned, "This would be the end of the story." Rev. Loh surprised her when he said, "Never mind. If we accept you, I will help you find support from the church members."

After receiving the offer letter, Sis. Tan made her way down to Melaka from Penang. When she arrived at the Melaka bus station, she began to look for another bus to take her to the PLKM center. To her surprise, Rev. Loh was waiting for her at the station with his little yellow Volkswagen Beetle, ready to pick her up.

Rev. Loh's simple act of kindness, which took place about forty years ago, was a sweet memory eternally engraved in her heart and mind. It reminds me of two quotes, one by Theodore Roosevelt, who said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." The other is by Maya Angelou, who said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Sis. Tan recounted a humorous moment during her studies. She said, "In the Pastoral Theology class, he told us his thoughts, honestly sharing his success and failures beyond the textbook. We called it 'Rev. Loh's Theology' instead." Sis. Tan also observed an unselfish moment of Rev. Loh when lecturers in the seminary chose the subjects to teach. She recalled that Rev. Loh would let other lecturers choose first, and he ended up choosing the one nobody picked - Church History. This required lots of research work for him.

Another student, Brother Ho Ah Chye, shared, "while I was in the construction business, I enrolled for a diploma course at MBS when the campus moved to Klang. But, after talking to Rev. Loh, he advised me, "you can do a master's degree." So, I took a few more subjects to earn the Master of Ministry degree. He was a very encouraging, friendly, and accommodating friend." ⁹

His former students' recollections reveal his fundamental philosophy in theological training. It is not merely imparting knowledge but, more importantly, touching lives. "It is no surprise that Rev. Loh was distraught with many students who just came and attended the lectures at the campus but chose not to reside on campus. "He thinks there will be life transformation among the students when they reside on campus and interact with them," said Mrs. Loh. " As a seminary lecturer, Rev. Loh was very involved in students' lives. He would always eat with the students during lunchtime, from when he was involved in PLKM in Melaka to MBS in Klang," added Mrs. Loh.

Another student, Sue Lee, reiterates, "Even after he had retired, he was still in contact with his students through WhatsApp chat groups and the occasional reunion gatherings. One could say that his network of students reached into the thousands, and he hoped to leave behind his life example." ¹⁰

Rev. Loh's life would fit into the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:40, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." The life of Rev. Loh was always touching lives for the love of Jesus Christ.

Touching Lives As a Theologian

Rev. Loh delivered thought-provoking lectures weekly, but he was also committed to thinking biblically, critically, and profoundly on some contemporary issues as a theologian. One issue dearest and passionate in his heart is social change. Driven by this passion, he wrote and published a booklet with the Malaysia Bible Seminary titled "In Search of a Responsible Society" in 1990. This booklet is a part of the summarized version of his Master of Theology thesis from the Asia Theological Seminary, Philippines. 

In Search of A Responsible Society by Rev. Loh in 1990

As a conservative evangelical, Rev. Loh is of the conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the key to transforming society. However, he has always felt keenly that the dual perspectives of the liberal and the fundamentalist perspectives of the gospel set in opposition to one another had made it difficult for the church to have a balanced view of its expression in a racially diverse and multi-faith society. One tended to usher in God's kingdom with active social and political involvements, while the other was single-mindedly committed to evangelizing the nation but overlooked the importance of the biblical social mandate.

Rev. Loh reminds us that the church is not a secular society. There are, within the church, opinions that espouse a "secular" or "churchless Christianity." He explicates further the ideas，

“These remnants of negative western influence are convinced that God’s action is “out there” in the secular world and society, not the church. The church should therefore identify with the world and society completely in both its agenda and arena of concern and action.” ¹¹

Rev. Loh presses that this thinking is heretical and that the church's redemptive strategy of not being "conformed to this world (Romans 12:2)" should result in a perspective that the body of Christ, His church, is still at the center of God's mission and purpose. Hence the Malaysian church should maintain the close and inseparable relationship between the twin mandates of evangelistic mission and social action. This will be in sync with the position taken by the Rev. John Stott in the Lausanne Covenant of 1974.

In his discussion on the church's evangelistic mission, Rev. Loh the pastor comes to the fore. First, he takes to task the 'hit and run' or arrogant spiritually and culturally insensitive types of evangelism that are inappropriate to a context where religion, race, and politics mix. He also cautions against the often "well-intentioned but overly hasty divisions of younger churches in the name of "church planting." These activities of church planting have "furthered unnecessary diversity and pluralism within the Christian community." He explains with his characteristic bluntness,

“Instead of increasing unity and maturity with years, we see continued smallness of mind, faith and vision, even spiritual inbreeding and numerical decline whilst other churches are flourishing. Unawares, they have been virtually trapped by self-isolation or misguided (as distinguished from an in-depth) understanding of the strengths without the limitations of wrongly ever emphasizing any single component of church growth strategies: whether expository teaching, holiness teaching, good management and ethos, cell groups, fellowship, etc. . . . young, enthusiastic churches need to know that church growth theories have also responsible, evangelistic critics (as in most important issues!), the weary old ones need renewal and reorientation. ” ¹²

The other area that should balance this evangelistic zeal for sharing the good news is that of the social mandate. The redemptive interpretation of the purpose and mission of the church assumes three approaches that are part of Paul's teaching of the church's presence in the world. ¹³

First, it is the personal, traditional and philanthropic, or service sphere of Christian voluntarism in the areas of education, medical, developmental, caring, and rehabilitation ministries. The church should not gauge the success of the voluntary activities and quantitative outcomes, but rather by their moral, spiritual, and qualitative faithfulness. Even though the measurable returns are not significant, he explicates that voluntarism is a necessary means for the church to manifest the redemptive love of God.

Second, Christians can transform society through Christian laypeople witnessing their vocation in different spheres of life. Christians in the workplace must now reexamine the high view that the word of God placed on labor and work not only as a means for livelihood but also for pleasure, community, and obedience to God. The sacrament of work should be re-emphasized as we seek to be light and salt of the world we live in. As the noted theologian, stateman Abraham Kuyper said: "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!" ¹⁴ The World Council of Churches echoed his stance that the witness of Christian laymen through their vocations and citizenship spur the most significant transformation in society. ¹⁵ While the Church understands this, its expression as leaven within the workplace of God's domain remains weak and sometimes non-existent. In Rev. Loh's words, "they are overwhelmed and impotent." 

Lastly, Christians can resort to non-violent, peaceful social action against social injustice. This plan is possible only under two conditions: Christians have 1) understood the costly obedience to the Lord after some prayers and mediations, and 2) attempted all means available through legal and civil avenues, consisting of peaceful lobbying and personal dialogues with relevant constitutional authorities. Meanwhile, he cautiously warns those advocating this approach,

“It is easier in theory than in practice to speak of non-violence, peace, and order when a large or large number of demonstrations. There is always the possibility of infiltration of violent extremist elements the conscientious demonstrators never asked for and may not recognize until too late.” ¹⁶

As lay Christians, let us take some time to pause and ponder our vocation in different spheres in which God called us, be it arts, medicine, law, business, education, science, and many more. The critical question is, "Are we faithful to be the agent of transformation in the sphere for His Glory?" We have to give an account to God in whatever field He has called us to work for His glory when meeting the Maker. May our minds be renewed and touched by Rev. Loh's critical yet Biblical thoughts and ideas through a deep reflection of the Word of God.

Touching Lives As a Child of God

Back in 2017, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer. The attending oncologist told Rev. Loh that there was no cure, but he could help him walk again instead of using a wheelchair. Despite the limited time, he was still actively serving the Lord via speaking engagements and attending meetings of the various boards of para-church organizations.

One day, when Rev. Loh was asked how he faced death, he replied: "Death is in God's hands, just as life is. If you face death well, you face life well. The world is careless about living but worried about dying. As Christians, we don't care about death but are careful about life and how we live. The Bible says to die is gain. So, I leave it to God." ¹⁷

Furthermore, as the Bible says, "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity these evil days (Eph 5:15-16)." This is a timely reminder for the younger generation of faith to strive for the best for the Lord while we still have breath. The servant spirit of Rev. Loh reminds us of a part of the lyrics of a timeless, awe-inspiring piece of the hymn, "Give of Your Best to the Master."

Give of your best to the Master;

Give of the strength of your youth;

Throw your soul's fresh, glowing ardor;

Into the battle for truth.

Deborah Loh, his eldest daughter, describes the few days before his passing in their family prayers. Rev. Loh prayed as such: "Thank you, Lord, for all the joy and peace we have because we are already yours." We're not going to be, but we're already yours." ¹⁸

Rev. Loh & his elder daughter Deborah Loh

The word "already" indicates that Rev. Loh had the assurance that he was already a child of God. Before leaving Earth, he cared not about the awards and recognition received throughout his life but his identity in the Lord Jesus.

We must not blindly pursue fame and reputation. We should take Rev. Loh's word to heart and meditate on it seriously. Our values are not determined by the number of awards we receive but by who we are in Christ and alone. Are our deeds and sayings in line with our identity? This question must engage with every one of us if we are sincere and committed to following the Lord.

Paul writes, "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear" (Phil 2:12).

As a shepherd, Rev. Loh laid down all his labor on Earth and is now in heaven with his Great Shepherd.

Endnotes

• 1.    Soon Choy, Loh, Grandfather Stories: Tin, Rubber And Rice But Not Everything Nice (Kuala Lumpur: Self-published, 2019).
• 2.    Soon Choy Loh, In Search of a Responsible Society (Klang, Selangor: Malaysia Bible Seminary, 1990).
• 3.    Lydia Loh, "Held by Everlasting Arm," Asian Beacon Malaysia, accessed April 13, 2022, https://asianbeacon.org/in-the-time-we-have-left/.
• 4.    Conversation with Mrs. Lydia Loh.
• 5.    Sue Lee, Chew, "The Mini-Giant’s Big Battle," Asian Beacon Malaysia, accessed April 13, 2022, https://asianbeacon.org/the-mini-giants-big-battle/.
• 6.    Sue Lee, Chew, "The Mini-Giant's Big Battle."
• 7.    Sue Lee, Chew, "The Mini-Giant's Big Battle."
• 8.    Conversation with Sister Tan Cheng Kin.
• 9.    Conversation with Brother Ho Ah Chye.
• 10.    Sue Lee, Chew, "The Mini-Giant's Big Battle."
• 11.    Loh, In Search of a Responsible Society, 17.
• 12.    Ibid., 19.
• 13.    Ibid., 22.
• 14.    Blake Long, "Not One Square Inch," accessed April 13, 2022, https://theology-and-life.com/2021/09/24/not-one-square-inch/.
• 15.    Loh, In Search of a Responsible Society, 23.
• 16.    Ibid., 23.
• 17.    Sue Lee, Chew, "The Mini-Giant's Big Battle."
• 18.    Debbie Loh, "In the Time We Have Left," Asian Beacon Malaysia, accessed April 13, 2002, https://asianbeacon.org/in-the-time-we-have-left/. 

Bibliography

• Chew, Sue Lee. The Mini-Giant's Big Battle. Asian Beacon Malaysia. n.d. https://asianbeacon.org/the-mini-giants-big-battle/ (accessed March 12, 2022).
• Kristanto, Lydia. Held by Everlasting Arms. Asian Beacon Malaysia. March 10, 2021. https://asianbeacon.org/tribute-to-rev-loh-soon-choys-first-anniversary/ (accessed 03 12, 2022).
• Loh, Soon Choy. In Search for A Responsible Society. Selangor: Malaysia Bible Seminary, 1990.
• Loh, Deborah. In the Time We Have Left. Asian Beacon Malaysia. March 11, 2021. https://asianbeacon.org/in-the-time-we-have-left/ (accessed 03 12, 2022).
• Loh, Soon Choy. Grandfather Stories. Kuala Lumpur: Self-published, 2019.
• Long, Blake. Not One Square Inch. September 24, 2021. https://theology-and-life.com/2021/09/24/not-one-square-inch/ (accessed April 10, 2022).