Fraser Teo joined the staff team during the initial months of COVID-19. His path to the field to reach preteens was blocked, much to his great disappointment. But the Lord surprised him and today he is happily immersed in the work!

What is your work in SYFC?

I interact and befriend preteens from a neighbouring country by conducting bi-weekly online ‘English Hour,’ reading English stories online and organising online events. Teaching English, and doing so online, is a brand new experience for me!

What led you to SYFC?

While serving full-time in church, the Lord impressed upon my heart to move toward a people-oriented ministry and reminded me of a burden He placed in my heart some 20 years ago – teach English in a foreign land. The ministry opportunities I saw in SYFC’s evangelism through English work were an answered prayer, and I came in in July 2020.

What difficulty have you faced and how did you overcome it?

I was worried if I had what it takes to effectively teach and interact with preteens online. I would feel a great sense of failure when I did not do well or when things did not go as planned. In His grace, the Lord constantly reminds me that He equips those whom He calls through His Word, team members and other believers. My responsibility was to pray, committing my plans and desires to Him.

How has the Lord encouraged you in your first year here?

The students I got to know amazes me with their friendliness. They shared about their families, aspirations, dreams, confessions, fears and struggles even though we have not met in person. To be regarded as “the best teacher” or “my favourite adult friend” by them is an honour and privilege.

What has the Lord taught you about Himself as you serve Him?

At first, I struggled that travelling to the mission field would have to wait indefinitely. I subconsciously concluded we would never able to relate with students online. Yet God not only sustained this outreach, He flourished it! We connected with more preteens than we expected! Looking back, God proves Himself sovereign over a pandemic that literally brought the entire world to a standstill. All I had to do was pray, trust and obey Him.

What do you think you need most to make a difference?

Love God, His work and the young people. In love, we will choose to go beyond being just English teachers, to keep going even when we are weak and to journey with them through their challenging times even when we face giants of our own.

Fraser worships and serves in People’s Bible Church where he was a full-time administration executive before joining SYFC. He is married to Carmen, our staff in ITE ministry!