COCM Malaysia ‘Saving’ Europe- David Liew

7 March 2013 by Adeline Lum CM-

 

COCM Malaysia was first started in Kuala Lumpur in the 1970’s by a group of returning students from UK who had been blessed or had been involved in COCM ministry in UK when they were studying there. Thanks to their hospitality and warm fellowship extended to overseas students, David Liew and his wife, Soh Chee, both knew the Lord in the Chinese Church in London (CCIL). This church was planted by the founder of COCM- the late Pastor Stephen Wang in 1950 and the first Chinese church in Europe. Today, Chinese churches can be found in most cities of Europe and are strategic springboards for cross cultural mission.

 

 

In year 2000, COCM Malaysia was registered as a corporate entity under COCM Berhad; a local office was set up to promote awareness and garner support for the COCM’s ministry in UK and Europe.  And as leader begets leader, David Liew became the first executive director of COCM Berhad which also covers Singapore. Prior to that, the primary activities of COCM Malaysia were to maintain fellowship with one another amongst the returned students and to organize ad hoc meetings whenever COCM UK’s general director or council members were visiting Malaysia.

 

 

David believes in giving back to the western missionaries by evangelizing in their countries. Echoing the ministry’s heart, he acknowledged that Western missionaries have obeyed God and sacrificed much for Asia to plant thriving Christian churches and schools in Asia. However, while the Lord’s flame is ignited throughout Asia, churches in Europe are rapidly declining. Most churches in Europe are either empty or sold off before converting to other uses. Thanks to God, churches in Malaysia and Singapore have been active in Asia in the last 30 years. The next phase will involve more churches participating and considering the mission works amidst heathens in Europe today.

 

 

COCM has a long established history in Europe and God has miraculously provided a mission centre building in Milton Keynes in 2003. This centre is an award-winning modern architecture and a testimony of God’s faithfulness. It serves as a popular camp site for Christian conferences and retreats.

Christians are welcome to apply to serve in COCM on a short term or long term basis depending on their calling and availability. You can serve ‘short-term’, i.e. ranging from two to four weeks to three months, six months, one year or two years. If you felt called to be a long term COCM missionary in Europe, you can apply to serve on a four yearly renewable contractual basis. The basic requirement for these missionary assignments is a recommendation and support from your home church.

 

 

In Malaysia and Singapore, COCM is currently looking for candidates to fill the position of the executive director whose primary responsibility is to liaise with churches and individuals as partners in mission.

“So far, thanks to God, in Malaysia and Singapore, we have sent out eight short term missionaries to work in Europe between six months to two years. By God’s grace, we have also sent out two families on long-term missionary services and currently also preparing two families to be sent off for a long-term service. Annually, we organise and conduct short term mission exposure trip to Europe,” said David.

The people who have joined COCM come from all walks of life including medical practitioners, bible college lecturers, pastors and others.

 

Please refer to the website www.cocm.org.uk and email davidckliew@gmail.com for further enquiries.

 

References for pictures:

http://www.cocm.org.uk/index.php/publications

 

 

Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.