Leon Loh is every full-time worker’s joy and encouragement!

Back in college, he was a regular face in a LIFE group and today, he reaches young people through similar groups in SJM!

How did you continue in SYFC after college?

After college in 2012, I joined Project Serve while waiting for enlistment to the army. After that, I volunteered for about a year.

What led you to join the staff team in July 2021?

Since the 2013 Project Serve camp, the importance of the gospel was impressed upon me. I decided then my future job should be conducive for gospel sharing. At first, I tried to pursue the idea of sharing the gospel through social work and eventually I found sharing the gospel fulltime through the direct work in SJM to be a better fit for me.

What is your role in SJM now?

My key role is to look into the Northeast cluster’s evangelism effort by keeping track of each student’s evangelism journey, then planning with and guiding each student in his or her effort in gospel sharing.

What is a phrase that sums up your time here so far?

Humbled greatly. I came in thinking quite highly of myself, taking pride in my bible reading and teaching skills. When asked, I would say I have spent “seven years leading a youth group.” But as I watch and work alongside other staff and volunteers, I am entirely humbled as they definitely work harder and have more experience than me. For some of them, their time in youth work is longer than the time I have lived on this earth! Despite their years of involvement, zeal and capability, they are humble.

Share one memorable encounter.

I got to know a secondary school boy after a particular programme and continued to relate with him online and face-to-face. Once, I shared the gospel with him and he asked about the differences between his faith and Christianity. His many questions gave me the opportunity to explain in great detail how God saved us through His Son. I saw God at work. It reinforced my conviction to faithfully share the gospel as it is the power of God for salvation for all who believe. After a series of evangelistic bible studies, he expressed interest to follow Jesus. We are journeying with him to reinforce what it means to follow Jesus.

What is your constant challenge as you reach secondary school and college teens?

Managing my expectations of them – it can range from their ability to carry out tasks, sense of responsibility, being on time and showing up when they say they will. I need to remind myself to be patient with them just as the Lord is patient with me.