Written By Keith Eng WK
They say it takes a village to raise a child.” Over the years, I’ve come to believe just as deeply that it takes a church—a like-minded community of believers—to bring a soul back to Christ.
This is not a story of one person’s effort. It is a journey of collective effort through patience, prayer, encouragement, friendship, and God’s blessing.
When I first began sharing the gospel with Sis Yoke Mei, it was a gradual process—slowly introducing her to God and the Bible. This was followed by introducing her to some friends from church and eventually inviting her to attend church.
One important lesson when reaching out to friends and visitors is the need to first establish a strong relationship with them. That is what the brethren from Kota Kemuning did so well. There were friends who showed her kindness and love without expectation. Church members welcomed her warmly, creating a space where she felt she belonged even before she believed. Brethren shared wisdom at the right time. Each person played a role, like different parts of a body working together in harmony.
Looking back, I see that what mattered most was not any single conversation or event, but the consistency of love and truth expressed over time. It was the repeated invitations, the willingness to listen, the patience to walk at her pace, and the good example set by the brethren. These were the things that softened her heart and opened the door for her to learn more about God. Not only that, but it also gave me an opportunity to examine myself and help myself to learn more about sharing, about evangelism and being a good example unto others.
I am also thankful for the brethren who were willing to share the gospel with Yoke Mei over coffee, meals, share their experiences, and give one-to-one lessons. Many took the time to answer her questions and guide her toward Christ. Others invited her to outings and fellowship gatherings, helping her feel welcomed and included.
One important lesson for us to remember is that transformation is ultimately God’s work, not ours. We are called to be faithful, not forceful—to plant and water, but to trust God for the growth. Often, He uses different people at different times to accomplish His purpose.
As Sis Yoke Mei took steps closer to Christ, it became clear that what encouraged her was not just an intellectual understanding of the gospel, but experiencing it through the lives of those around her.
If there is one takeaway from these past three years, it is this: bringing a soul back to God is a collective calling. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every conversation matters. We may not see the full picture, but we are part of it.
It truly takes a church.
And I am grateful to have witnessed what God can do when His people come together with one heart and one purpose—to love, to serve, and to lead others home.
May we continue to work hard together in the Lord’s work, and God bless.