Emotions ran through me, tearing me to bits, during the Commissioning Service of Rev Jimmy Khoo on that ninth Sunday after Pentecost. While one part of my heart wept silently, as I know I will miss our very personable pastor, the other part of me rejoiced as I understood Pastor (Ps) Jimmy’s desire to faithfully answer God’s call to serve in Mongolia as God’s representative.

As small beads of tears rolled down my cheeks, the affirming words of Bishop Terry Kee rang loud and clear: “Your love for the Mongolians has been evidenced. Since 2004, every year you go there.

“Remember, it’s Christ who sent you there. You are doing it for Christ, not for the Church nor Mongolia. You’ll persevere and withstand all the challenges for Christ [who said] I am with you always and no place is too far that’s beyond the reach of the Lord.

“… you are going in the name of the Lord, the authority of the Lord. In moments when you feel stressed, powerless, don’t know what to do -- remember that God has called you.”

So this is it – the official, final affirmation that Ps Jimmy and his beloved family will be leaving to start a new chapter, an exciting new episode, in their lives to serve as a missionary family in Mongolia – for an initial period of four years. After much prayer and deep thought, the Khoos are responding to the Great Commission – the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples that they make disciples of all nations of the world.

While Ps Jimmy will be our representative in Mongolia, Bishop Terry swiftly reminded us that the Great Commission is not just for the 11 disciples nor Ps Jimmy but for us all. It is to be fulfilled not only in foreign lands but also here at home.

The vital message we must bear in mind is that we all have a role to play in making disciples, be it here or in a foreign land. And, if God has called any of us to serve Him, we are to do it and trust Him to provide our needs because, as our God, He “will not send us out into a rough terrain without providing us a pair of shoes”.

The significance of this message cannot be underestimated, especially in the case of Mongolia, the land of blue skies and mutton. This is because the weather is harsh – it is brrrr … cold, period! Second, living conditions need much adjusting to. Third, the food is more meat-based, with little selection of vegetables. Fourth, the language is totally exotic, to say the least!! Finally, the young Khoos will be home-schooled unless they get up to speed in the Mongolian language and join a local school, as fees for the international school are rather high.

Many people in church had heavy hearts seeing the Khoos leave as it is akin to losing a family member. However, uppermost in our minds, I am sure, is  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminding us there is a Time for everything – Everything. Indeed, there is. We must prepare our hearts to adapt to – and accept – changes as it is guaranteed that they will come.

Many have shared how much they will miss Ps Jimmy for his warmth, care, obvious love and passion for God and His people, sense of humor, wisdom, and sincerity.

To me, his patience and understanding is particularly endearing. He did not show irritation when he repeatedly counselled me on the painful relationships in my family. He did not dismiss me when I tearfully asked him time and time again to please pray for my elderly (about 20 years old) cats’ health when they fell ill. And, he did not laugh when I asked him to please conduct a funeral when the very last of my cats passed away, as he knows these little furry bundles are also one of God’s beautiful creations and have been a great source of comfort and joy to me.

While pastoral ministry has been very enriching and meaningful to Ps Jimmy, deep down in his heart, his passion had always been mission work – this passion for making disciples is clearly there. When I reflect on Bishop Terry’s apt summary of missions – to help people grow in their love relationship with God, to grow in our love for one another, and to grow in our love for the world – I see this in Ps Jimmy. In these last two years that I have gone on mission trips to Mongolia with him, he clearly showed his struggle to help improve the lives of our Mongolian brothers and sisters as well as help grow and strengthen the local Bayariin Meede church.

And so it was that the Church also showed her love for Ps Jimmy. It was clear that much effort and thought had gone into making the Commissioning Service a truly special one for the Khoos. From the specially chosen blue service covers (which said: Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of the Lord. Matt 25:21 – thank you, Ps Nick), fitting sermon on the Great Commission by our Bishop, aptly chosen songs and choir presentation (which includes I, the Lord of Sea and Sky – thank you, Boon Teng), a feast for refreshments, and most of all, the happy presence of many special guests.

And how immensely special they were! People from LCS, the sending church. Bishop Carl Fisher, LCMS’s first Bishop. Rev Anderson, who not only baptized Ps Jimmy but also baptized his dear wife Jennifer … and later married them – here again to witness them leaving Singapore to serve as missionaries in Mongolia!! Daniel Wong, Home Director of OMF Singapore, the sending organization which will provide the Khoo family extensive member care in the mission field.

Daniel highlighted Romans 12:4-8 to us that, as we are actually different parts of the [same] body and have different gifts, we should put them to use. As I mulled that and felt very heartened that Ps Jimmy is responding in obedience to God’s call to use his godly gifts to disciple people of other nations, I felt the need to search myself deeper for my gift (or gifts) and seek what God wants to do through me, using those gift(s).

As the Commissioning Service drew rapidly to a close, Ps Jimmy thanked us for being a family to his and reassured us that: “We will still be in touch via modern technology. Otherwise, you are most welcome to visit us and partner us in the ministry over there!”

Yes indeed, Ps Jimmy, we’ll see you again next summer – and the summer after, and the summer after … We need to see how much sturdier you and your family have grown in God’s kingdom and physically, as you breathe in the Mongolian air! We thank you for the warm memories and your significant impact on our lives – you have indeed been a blessing to us and we pray you will also be a blessing to Mongolia, and that your work will bear much fruit.

When I returned home and stepped into the house, my new cat Snowie gave me a loud welcoming meow as she ran to greet me. Again, this brought back memories of their departing pastor, but I was comforted as I know the key is to cherish and make every moment count – as there is a time for everything.

~ Charlotte Huang