“Christianity is for the Westerners. We have our god and ancestors to worship!”

My grandmother exclaimed when she discovered that I was attending Sunday school near our home in Penang.

But nothing could stop me.

At five, I looked forward to listening to bible stories, singing children’s songs, playing games and having snacks; they were the highlights of my week.

My parents were less resistant. They even enrolled me in a convent school nearby. Still, growing up in a Buddhist household, the thought of ever becoming a Christian seemed almost impossible.

Catherine in her second year as a student nurse

That seed of faith, however, never stopped growing.

Years later, while studying nursing in the United Kingdom, Christian friends encouraged me back to church. There, the gospel became personal. I received salvation and was baptised.

After graduation, work took me to Hong Kong, and there 

I met Pastor Daniel Wong, the man who would later become my husband and my partner in ministry.

Sis Catherine and her partner in life and in ministry, Ps Daniel Wong, married in Hong Kong

Many people have asked me what it is like being a pastor’s wife. 

Truly, it is a privilege to serve God together with Daniel.

He loved visiting members, encouraging them, and praying for them. I often went along and my nursing instincts blended naturally with pastoral care, especially when tending to the sick.

Ps Daniel Wong was a man of great love who ministered to the elderly and the Cantonese Congregants

Of course, ministry came with challenges. Some members wondered why I couldn’t always be at church, not realising I was on nursing shifts. 

Others expected me to preach or disciple like a pastor. But I was not gifted in that way. Instead, I served in ways I could: a listening ear, faithful prayers, and practical care.

Left to right: Ps Daniel Wong, their son Benjamin, and Sis Catherine (photo taken during EL’s 40th anniversary)

Sacrifices were also part of our journey.

Once, mid-dinner, we rushed out to pray for a dying relative. And when Daniel was posted to a church in Macau, I remained in Hong Kong with our young son, Benjamin, and became a single parent for three years.

EL Cantonese Ministry at Gardens by the Bay in 2019

In 1998, our family moved to Eternal Life (EL) Assembly, where Daniel pastored the Cantonese congregation. Together, we continued visitations, encouraging members, helping them grow, and building bonds that went beyond Sundays.

Then, in 2022, my world shattered. Daniel went home to the Lord. After more than 40 years of marriage, the empty chair at the dining table, his clothes hanging in the wardrobe, the quiet side of the bed, painfully reminded me of his absence.

I missed his voice, his laughter, our conversations and I missed my partner in ministry.

“I missed his voice, his laughter… I missed my partner in ministry.”

In those dark days, God’s Word became my anchor:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)

And He sent “angels” in the form of family, friends, and the EL community to walk with me, pray with me, and support me through grief.

Out of that sorrow came a new conviction: to continue Daniel’s work.

Despite not being able to read Chinese, I stepped up to teach Sunday school in the Cantonese ministry. Praise God for technology! The Cantonese Bible app became my lifeline.

Sis Catherine ministering at the weekly Cantonese services

The visitation ministry continued, even in Daniel’s absence.

Together with dedicated church members, I spent time with elderly congregants

Reading the Bible, offering encouragement, and praying with them. For many who live alone or face health challenges, these visits became a source of comfort, hope, and a tangible reminder that God has not forgotten them.

A large part of Cantonese Ministry involves visiting the congregants at their homes

One elderly sister I remember well had been hospitalised for a long time.

Discouraged and fearful, she asked me quietly, “Will God help me?”

Such doubts are not uncommon. And each time, my mission is the same: to remind them of God’s unfailing love.

I gently reminded her of 1 Peter 5:7:

“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

Then I shared my own story of how God carried me through Daniel’s passing. Personal testimonies always open hearts. She listened, prayed, and surrendered her fears. Not long after, she was discharged and is now a faithful member of church again. Glory to God!

A recent Cantonese service with Sis Catherine at the back - a quiet strength and support

Looking back, I see how God planted that tiny seed of faith when I was just a child.

In His time, He watered it, equipped me, and led me to serve Him in ways I could never have imagined.

Certainly, there are sacrifices to make and doubts to overcome. But these are nothing compared to what Jesus went through for us.

Sis Catherine celebrating one of the Cantonese congregant’s birthdays

I am now 76 years old. As long as I am able, I will keep serving Him, for it is the greatest privilege of my life.

As long as I am able, I will keep serving Him, for it is the greatest privilege of my life.

Sis Catherine ministering to an elderly lady at the nursing home

Eternal Life Assembly thanks Catherine and every ELite who has dedicated their time, gifts, and resources to serve faithfully, spreading God’s love in Singapore and beyond.

Step out in faith today. Serve in your family, community, or church, and share His love with those around you.

Age is no barrier. Just be willing to offer your time!

Opportunities abound in EL (find out more here).