Diakonia 2026 Volume 2
Editor’s Note
Time flies! We are already into August, and the publication of this second volume has been delayed by a month. Such is the pace of life today for many of us, including the editorial team. Between family, work, business, church, and other ministries, true downtime is rare—especially with the constant stream of information modern technology brings into our days.
Since taking the helm of this editorial team, I realized we have never really introduced ourselves. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our team members:
Selina Tan – From Bandar Puchong Gospel Centre. Married with two young adult children. Selina has a background in biochemistry. She actively serves in the Sunday School ministry (including Orang Asli outreach), AV ministry, and Ladies-in-Tune. She is passionate about creative arts and crafts, integrating them meaningfully into her ministry.
Samuel Chandy – A a serial entrepreneur who worships at Seremban Gospel Chapel, Sam served as Chief Editor for Diakonia for several years until recently. Married to Nellie Low, they are blessed with two wonderful children, Melissa and Daniel, and are eagerly expecting their first grandchild. Sam has a deep love for God’s Word and enjoys encouraging others through writing, daily devotional sharing, and supporting gospel and church ministries.
Ainsley Teoh – a young lady majoring in business who is about to finish her degree, Ainsley recently joined the team to help manage our web content—a critical role as we have now fully migrated to a digital web format.
Joel Chooi – A young man fellowshipping at Bandar Sunway Gospel Centre, Joel is involved in the Audio-Visual and Sports ministries. He enjoys keeping fit and reading on faith, spirituality, and theology. He has an IT background and studied Economics.
Teo Pek Bing – An elder at Sungai Nibong Gospel Hall in Penang, Pek Bing is married to Fang Fang and they have two grown daughters. Retiring after a 30-year engineering career with Motorola, he now devotes his time to shepherding, teaching the Word, and serving in outreach work in Balik Pulau, Penang. He also serves as General Secretary for the Christian Brethren Secretariat Malaysia and as a board member for the assembly kindergarten.
As for myself, I stepped back into the role of Chief Editor this year to give Sam a much-needed break. I originally began working on Diakonia in 2016 as the sole editor. By 2019, the workload had become too heavy for one person, leading to a pause that year. In 2020, a dedicated team—comprising Pek Bing, Datin Indranee, Sam, and myself—was established to ensure better continuity.
I took on this work because I saw a vital need for better communication and cooperation among the assemblies, believing Diakonia could play a part in bridging us together. Kudos to all those before 2016 who started and sustained this ministry!
I re-assumed the Chief Editor role amid several significant personal transitions—a STEM* outreach ministry accelerating at an unexpected pace, my mother’s declining health, as an elder providing pastoral needs among a growing youth at Bukit Mertajam Gospel Centre, a new role on the Christian Brethren Education Trust Board, and the joy of becoming a grandfather for the first time.
During this season, Psalm 121:1–2 has been my go-to passage and constant meditation anchor:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1–2
I have a good deal—the Maker of heaven and earth is my help!
I really look forward to experiencing how God’s power is “made perfect in weakness” and learning how “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).
As you read through these articles, you now know a bit more about the team that the Lord has put together to serve our readers. We are amateurs trying to do our best, so if you spot any flaws, we ask for your grace and patience. Please do send us your feedback—good or bad—as it encourages us and helps us improve.
Happy reading!
Dr. Y. L. Khong
Chief Editor
(Elder, Bukit Mertajam Gospel Centre)
ylkhong1@gmail.com
* STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Dr. Khong holds a PhD in Physics and has a deep passion for all matters related to science and how it intersects with the Christian faith. Now retired, he turned his passion into a ministry to reach out through a narrative of faith integrated with science and technology. He founded the Christian STEM Nexus, which now has a footprint across Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, Sabah, the Philippines, and Cambodia.