An ANTIOCH21 Testimony

By Ps Ng Zhiwen

A version of this testimony was shared at the recent Intentional Disciplemaking Church (IDMC) Conference 2024 which had as its theme “Under Attack!”.

Let me tell you the story of Singapore as an Antioch of Asia. I mean by “being Antioch” that we are deeply committed to God’s global mission, and sending our people to bring His light and to share His love to the nations.

Praise God we’ve been doing this for decades. But the challenges are real. Such an endeavor is sure to attract hostility.

One of the champions of Singapore as an Antioch was Pastor Rick Seward. He even said that Singapore would be an Antioch of Antiochs! (https://saltandlight.sg/news/singapore-an-antioch-of-antiochs/)

He was heavily involved in missions and was described as a missional Christian statesman (https://saltandlight.sg/news/farewell-rick-seaward-see-you-later-edmund-chan/). Antioch21, as a missions mobilization movement, was his brainchild back in 2003.

But in 2018, he died in a car accident while serving in the mission field in Brazil at the age of 63. Just a month before that, he was encouraging small non-denominational churches to take part in the GoForth national missions conference. I was there.

Fast forward 3 years to 2021, another man rose up to take the baton of Antioch21. His name was Joseph Chean. He was greatly influenced by Rick Seaward.

He was burdened that our missionaries were an aging force, and his passion was to see a generation of long-term missionaries from Singapore.

Last year at the first Antioch Summit, he cast the vision of a Decade of Missions, from 2023 to 2033. And he was all set to coordinate Antioch21’s mobilization work throughout the decade of missions.

Then in November last year, before the Antioch21 Decade of Missions team had met even once, Joe died in a car accident in Turkey. 
This happened right after a missions trip.
(https://saltandlight.sg/news/joseph-chean-passionate-advocate-for-missions-called-home-to-be-with-the-lord/)

2 missions leaders in 5 years. What a loss. 
What happens now with Singapore as an Antioch? The Decade of Missions? Or Antioch21?

This is the story of being an Antioch Church – It is spiritual warfare.
In the mission field, its real. In missions mobilization, it’s also very real.

When Joe was called home, many wondered: Who would rise up? It sounds as if anyone wants to be involved, you must be prepared to sacrifice.

But that’s discipleship isn’t it.

As Jesus said: unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24).

In the wake of Joe’s passing, I want to testify to you that many have been stirred to arise and serve in missions.

Antioch21 now has not just one person, but a whole team of people committed to the cause. They are mostly volunteers (and not paid staff). They don’t fly the banner of their church or their organization, but they give their time and their energy for this Kingdom cause.

They have been discipled well, some by Joe himself. 
They understand the call to trust and to obey. 
Some are preparing to go long term themselves to serve God in the nations. 
I’m so privileged to serve alongside them.

In my ministry in Antioch21, I struggle every day.

But I get so encouraged when I see the church is stepping up to her Antioch call. And I’m witnessing this with my eyes.

We are now in the decade of missions, and I believe there are greater things yet to come, because God is the one writing the story of missions and He is not done yet.

He will help us win the fight. And if we perish, we perish.

All glory to His name!