The Phoons have always been with Lighthouse since their arrival to New Zealand. Chek Kong was in Bible school for two years before entering full time ministry in 1999. He is mainly involved in the life groups and teaching ministries, and takes care of the maintenance of the church premise. Jenny oversees the children’s ministry.
(C) = Chek Kong (J) = Jenny
When did you become pastor and why? (C) In 1999, after finished theology school, we were invited by Pastor James to join Lighthouse as ministry workers. (J) It’s like Chek Kong said, it was a joint decision for both of us to minister together in Lighthouse.
Heart for Lighthouse? (C) I would like to see more traditional training with more of an emphasis on the Word. God’s church must stand on the word of God. As a church we need to be grounded in Scripture. (J) To see the children grow up in God’s foundation and to know right from wrong.
Favourite parable? (C & J) Prodigal son! (C) It’s a powerful illustration of God’s love. The father is so forgiving. This is the main thrust of what Christian faith is about. (J) God always loves, no matter what we do, He still accepts us. No matter how bad a person is, God will accept them if they repent.
Favourite verse? (C) What Joshua said in Joshua 24:15: “…as for me and my house, I will serve the Lord.” Yes, that’s me, my verse. (J) 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.“ As a new Christian, I was terrified and timid. God use this to encourage me to speak out for Him.
Share with us an example of someone that’s changed by Christ under your care? (C) I knew a man who didn’t go to church himself, but would drop off and pick up the rest of the family to and from church. I spent time building a friendship with him, helped him out when we met in a mall, and shared with him whenever I had the opportunity. Overtime, we built a relationship and I was able to introduce Christ in his life. Now, he has new found salvation in Christ.
(J) My example is also about a family. When a boy first came to our church, he refused to come through the door and had to be dragged in. He didn’t like leaving his mom and refused to mix with other kids. Slowly, we encouraged him to open up, build friendships and to come to know Christ. At first, the dad was one of those who would also only drop family members off and would never stay for the service. We continually spoke to him whenever he came to pick up his family. Slowly, we built a relationship with him and now the whole family is attending church.
Top TV shows? (J) Grey’s anatomy and Packed to the Rafters
Favourite Movie? (C) Ip Man
If you could swap places with anyone for a week, who would it be? (C) Any one of the top golfers in the world.. when they are playing a golf tournament. (J) Someone who takes a holiday at a seaside resort and just relaxes.
Next place to visit? (C) Kun Ming in China. (J) I dont really mind as long as I am on holiday
Favourite food? (C) Malaysian food – it’s the best in the world. (J) Thai food – sweet, sour & spicy.
Where did you grow up? (C&J) Penang. We were quite settled over there. When we came to NZ for a holiday to visit Chek Kong’s brother, we were attracted to the way of life, the schooling system for the children etc. We applied for residency and was accepted, so we moved to Auckland.
Hobbies / Favourite Pastime? (C) Golf (J) Walking – for exercise/ and some alone time. Also watching TV.
Music you enjoy? (C) Bands from the 70s – The Bee Gees, Hermits, songs that people use for Karaoke nowadays. (J) I don’t have any particular preference. I just listen to whatever Chek Kong puts on
What job would you like to do if you are not a pastor? (C) I have an Engineering background, so probably something to do with that. Or selling houses.
What gets you excited? (C) My wife gets me excited. (J) Goods news from my children
Hope and vision for Lighthouse? (C) Lighthouse will have next waves of leaders in place. To see young people have a vision, and to be excited to do the work of God. (J) Seeing people on fire for God, volunteering to serve; like in the book of Acts. People did not put themselves first but worked together for good of the Lord.