“Always patient kind and never envious nor rude.” These words describe Pastor Nicholas Yeo of Gereja Holy Light. He devoted over forty years to serving Jesus Christ.
Gereja Holy Light stands as a testament to faith. It also represents resilience and community. The story of this church is deeply intertwined with the life of Pastor Nicholas Yeo. He was a significant figure in its history.
In December 1973 Nicholas Yeo answered God’s call. He became a preacher at Gereja Holy Light. He was the first Asian to lead the ministry. At that time he was 31 years old. He had been a secondary school teacher. He had also graduated from Singapore Bible College.
The Rev George Hood founded Gereja Holy Light. He wrote that the arrival of an Asian pastor was like rain on dry ground. It brought new life to the seeds planted by foreign missionaries. In August 1979 Pastor Nicholas was ordained. He became the church’s first Asian minister.
Pastor Nicholas retired from full-time service in October 2009. His wife Lee Swee Keng fully supported him. She went to be with the Lord in October 2018.
Pastor Nicholas had an impeccable command of English. He also had an amazing memory. Many loved his voice and singing.
Gereja Holy Light went through a crisis in the early 1990s. Pastor Nicholas handled it with remarkable calmness. This prevented young believers from becoming discouraged. He suffered in silence and forgave his accusers. He let God defend him. The English-Speaking Presbytery later exonerated him.
Pastor Nicholas nurtured many young people. He brought them to know Christ. He was also a Chaplain of the First Johor Bahru Company of Boy’s Brigade.
Through Pastor Nicholas God raised a second generation of leaders. These included Rev Dr Chuah Seong Peng and others. He handed over the leadership to Rev Dr Chuah in 2009.
Pastor Nicholas wanted the church to remember God’s word. He wanted members to remain steadfast in scriptural principles. He always emerged in strong defense of the truth. He radiated joy in his service.
During his leadership Gereja Holy Light faced challenges with HisLand. This involved acquisition and development. He prayed for two decades for the project. It finally came to fruition. He laid the first foundation brick. He also donated his retirement gift to the HisLand development fund.
Pastor Nicholas always took the church back to basics. He focused on God’s will for Gereja Holy Light. He upheld the inerrancy of God’s Word. He was a faithful shepherd. He also deeply loved God. He was an encourager of ministers.
Pastor Nicholas fought the good fight. He finished the race and kept the faith. He was a true shepherd at Gereja Holy Light. His life inspires generations. His contributions testify to God’s faithfulness.
The story of Gereja Holy Light is a story of faith. It is a story of leadership and perseverance. It reminds us of the importance of community. It also highlights unwavering dedication to God’s word.