CBC Story

Beginnings in Prayer and Outreach

SEA Park since 1995, four ladies from different Cell Groups (CG) in SEA Park English Church (SPE) met regularly for bible study and prayers. They were late Katherine Toh from CG Cloud 9, Serene Teh from CG Watchmen, Kathy Chuah and Anne Tong both from CG Covenanters. Thereafter, they began visitations to hospitals and old folk’s homes with gospel, and the Lord brought salvation of souls!

Their eagerness to reach out within the church also brought salvation to church members’ parents who were non-English speaking. As a result, in 1996 Serene and Jimmy started a Mandarin Cell Group in their house in SS2, Petaling Jaya. This is the first Chinese-speaking CG.

The committed team members are late Katherine Toh, Irene and Richard Chock. Soon after, Grace and KK Tan together with late Katherine Toh started a Hokkien CG. Later, Anne and TH Tan also joined them.

These two CGs were to provide for the church members’ parents (from within church). And also, an outreach to non-English speaking people (from outside) through homes and hospital visitations.

In His Grace, these Cell Groups grew in numbers and there were salvations too! The passion to see the new believers able to go for fellowship and be a part of the church family became a challenging need to find them a church where they could grow!

The Lord then convicted Serene, the call to start a Chinese speaking church. After 3 days of fasting and prayer in confirmation. She went with late Katherine Toh to see the then senior pastor Richard Toh about the need for holding Mandarin services for the new believers.

The proposal was later approved by him and enthusiastically supported by the then Chairman Elder Ong See Lian. Although Ong See Lian belonged to the SEA Park English Church (SPE) congregation and was a graduate of the University of Reading in the UK, he had attended a Chinese primary school. This background helped him understand the importance of a Chinese-speaking ministry. So, with simultaneous translation of the sermons in Cantonese were made available to them joining the main church English services. It was not easy going due to lack of properly trained members to give a well translated message, yet more people were joining them!

Meeting the Challenges of Early Ministry

The pioneer teams were from the SEA Park English Church (SPE) congregation and very much English-educated and not seminary-trained at all. They were lay devoted Christians, mission-minded to bring salvation to as many to Christ. For the first three years, the church without a pastor was a challenging and busy time to meeting needs of the elder church members’ parents, their relatives and friends including the old folks home people who became believers to join church services. They’ve learnt to provide food, transport, home visitation and hospital trips for the sick who needed accompaniment. They even did bible study and learning to worship in dialects. The socioeconomic backgrounds of the two congregations also differed. The English-educated congregation consisted largely of working professionals, while many the Chinese-educated non-believers came from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result, the ministry team often contributed their own financial resources to support those in need and sustain the ministry. Initially, differences in language, education, and cultural backgrounds shaped how English-educated believers and Chinese-educated non-believers understood and expressed their ideas. The English-speaking group had to develop an understanding of traditional Chinese beliefs and practices to communicate the gospel effectively. Their ministry also involved confronting idol worship, removing idols, and conducting deliverance and healing ministries. Later, God sent coworkers and pastors from Gospel to the Poor (GTTP) to support the growth of SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC). These experienced Chinese-speaking missionaries had served under Moses Soo, who had evangelized in Chinese New Villages throughout Perak and Pahang in the 90s. Their missionary experience and understanding of Chinese culture played an important role in strengthening and expanding SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)’s ministry. (The Chinese New Villages were the settlements had been established by the British colonial administration during the Malayan Emergency to separate rural communities from communist insurgents and restrict their access to supplies and support.)

The Birth of SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)

On 12/01/1997, the first Chinese Church service was officially launched at Church House SS2/6. It was then, Anne Tan joined the leadership team. Support also came from Watchmen CG under May and the then chairman Elder Ong See Lian. It was a blessing that Pastor Moses Soo GTTP with his team came to help out in the initial church services which were mainly in Cantonese. (Pastor Moses Soo received his early education at Victoria Institution, an English-medium school in British Malaya, before pursuing an engineering degree in England. Following his baptism, he joined the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship (FGB) and later became a missionary. He learned about Chinese culture and language to communicate the gospel effectively among Chinese communities in villages across Malaysia. He was also a neighbour of the then CBC Senior Pastor Richard Toh.)

The Ministry of Pastor Michael Cheah (1999–2008)

In 1999, Michael Cheah from GTTP became the first pastor for SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) full time (1999-2008) with his wife, Jenny Cheah who was from CG Watchmen and Ministry of Mercy under Ainiee Chan, where the team reach out to hospitals and orphanages.

In line with CBC vision as a cell church, CG’s were formed:

Cantonese CG led by Serene Teh & Irene Chock.

Hokkien CG led by Grace & KK Tan, late Katherine Toh, Anne & TH Tan.

Mandarin CG led by Jimmy Teh.

In 2002, the China Students’ Cell Group (CG) was led by Teck Choy, with the assistance of Andrew Teh, Alvin Wen, and Jimmy Teh. They cared for the students like family, looking after them when they were sick, providing transportation, and helping with their daily needs. Through their love and hospitality, the students found a home away from home. Many of them eventually came to faith in Jesus Christ. Jimmy Teh was later appointed as an Elder of SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC).

By 2002, there were two SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) services:

Cantonese Service for the senior members.
Mandarin Service for the youth and China students.

The development of these services reflected the growing diversity of the Chinese speaking congregation and the church’s desire to minister to different generations and communities.

The Ministry of Pastor David Chee (2008–2021)

In 2008, Pastor David Chee from GTTP became the second SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) pastor. Prior to this, he was appointed as a missionary to China. He served with his wife, Mei Chu and daughters, Esther and Yesmin Chee. In June 2015, he started Adullam (2015- 2025), a healing home for those under depression. He had David Seow (Ah Keong) and Uncle David Tan to help out in the beginning; James joined the team later.

Joseph Wong joined SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) at the age of 18 after graduating from Tsun Jin Chinese Independent High School in Kuala Lumpur. There, he met Barnabas, who was studying at Confucian Private Secondary School in Kuala Lumpur. The two developed a close friendship and eventually became spiritual brothers.

Under the mentorship of Pastor David Chee, the two young men established the SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) Youth Fellowship in 2009. Joseph Wong later pursued further studies at Peking University in Beijing and Malaysia Bible Seminary.

Recognising the growing needs of the youth ministry, Charmaine Chen joined the team in 2011. By then, the fellowship had grown to approximately 30 regular attendees, including students from China studying at local universities. A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with an English-language educational background, Charmaine played a key role in connecting with and caring for the young people. She opened her home for fellowship gatherings and worship, while also providing personal care and support to the youths.

In 2017, Charmaine Chen transitioned to a church-wide ministry role as Administrative Pastor of the CBC Central Office, where she continues to serve alongside with Senior Pastor Reynold Lim.

In 2018, under Pastor Joseph Wong’s leadership, SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) adopted the Happiness Evangelistic Program from Taiwan (Blessing Church, Taipei) to reach out to the community and share the love of Christ, leading many people to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Media Ministry, Community Care and New Leadership

At the same year, under the Senior Pastor invitation, Barnabas joined CBC’s full-time church-wide ministry team and established the Media Ministry. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, he assisted CBC and particularly SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) in transitioning to online worship services and expanding its creative digital ministry through livestreaming, media production, and online outreach.

Mark’s Home (2019–2022) was established to provide care and support for boys from underprivileged backgrounds. The ministry was supported by Aaron Chong (2019–2022) and Caleb Yap (2021–2022). Aaron, who had previously struggled with drug addiction, found a sense of belonging and spiritual renewal through SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)’s youth ministry. Caleb was also a fruit of SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)’s youth ministry, while John Ng was a beneficiary of Mark’s Home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnabas moved in to the home and turned it became a Media Studio where all three became involved in CBC’s Media Ministry. Recognising their potential, CBC’s English-speaking congregation sponsored their studies in Media Production. Following the closure of Mark’s Home, Aaron transitioned into full-time service with CBC’s Media Ministry under Barnabas, specialising in audio production, while Caleb and John continued serving alongside occasionally.

In 2021, the Chinese church family mourned the passing of Pastor David Chee, who went home to be with the Lord. In 2022, Pastor Joseph Wong was ordained officially a pastor and succeeded Pastor David Chee.

As SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)’s evangelistic and outreach ministries continued to grow, the church recruited additional coworkers to support its expanding ministries. These included Chloe Chock (2019–2020) and Hazel Chong (2019–2023), both of whom were fruits of SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)’s youth ministry. Pastor Joseph Tan (2020–2023) joined after serving in several other churches, while Sally Too (2021–2024) and Pastor Caleb Chong (2021–2022), a couple from Johor, also joined the ministry. They were married in CBC.

Growing Together Through Combined Camps

In 2009, we had our first combined Chinese churches camp at Kampar Hotel. In 2026, SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) held a combined Cantonese and Mandarin Family Camp.

From 2015 to 2017, with the blessing and support of the leaders of each Chinese congregation, Joseph Wong and Barnabas initiated the Combined Chinese Youth Camp, “RESTORE.” Initially intended to promote unity among the congregations, the camp later evolved into an evangelistic event that led many young people to Christ. In 2017, SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) organized the RESTORE China mission trip, which led many young people to Christ.

Reaching Out in Love and Mission

CBC Chinese Churches has done many outreach and community works like Mooncake Festival evangelistic events, Chinese New Year gifts to neighbourhood and Christmas evangelistic outreach in various localities.

Inspired by Serene Teh, together with SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) leaders, we held a combined annual Chinese Church Parents’ Day Luncheon as an evangelistic outreach in 2017 to 2019. After a Covid-19 Lock Down, we resume in 2024 to this day.

The church also participated in short local mission trip to Pulau Ketam, the indigenous people groups (Orang Asli) in Pahang.

For more than 10 years, Pastor David Chee and Elder Jimmy Teh with their spouse conducted marriage equipping training seminars for the home-church leaders in China.

Later the SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) youths partook the mission in China under leadership of Pastor David Chee, Elder Jimmy Teh, Deacon Teck Choy and Alvin Wen. SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) had subsequent yearly summer youth camp there led by Pastor Joseph Wong and team. By 2025, SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) had carried out five China mission trips. However, the mission eventually came to an end after intervention by local authorities and restrictions imposed by local policies.

The SPC-Subang Cell Group (1998–2004)

The SPC-Subang Cell Group (1998–2004), consisting mainly of Cantonese-speaking elderly members and parents of the Subang English Church-speaking congregation, was led by the late Karen Mak at her home, with the support of the late Aunty Sarah and Uncle Lim. Later, Fiona Choo from Watchmen CG joined the team to assist in the ministry. The CG grew and multiplied to another group in Grace Mun’s house bringing total to as many as 25 people each meeting. In 2001, Francis Lai from GTTP joined CBC full time and was assigned to assist them. However, in 2004, sadly due to the passing away of aged members and lack of leadership, SPC-Subang CG ceased to function.

Chan-Kong Chinese Church (CK) (2001–2022)

Chan-Kong, also known as Jinjang, was the largest Chinese New Village in Malaysia. Historically, the area was associated with local secret societies, street fights, and triad activities. Although it has since developed into a residential and commercial area, the legacy of its past remains part of local folklore.

Chan-Kong Chinese Church (CK) was established in 2001 under the leadership of Mandy and David Chiang from SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC), with strong support and commitment from SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC)’s leadership and ministry team. Yee Chee Oon joined SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) in 2000 from GTTP as a full-time coworker. He was assigned to serve at CK in 2001, focusing on social outreach and caring for the surrounding community. Gifted in connecting with elderly people, he played an important role in building relationships and ministering to their needs. He served at SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) for one year and subsequently at CK for 12 years, from 2001 to 2013. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, CK eventually merged with SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC).

CK Church Wheel Care Home (2001-2010) was started under late Mark Lee from GTTP for the disabled. However, after his death, the Home was handed over to another church pastor. For two years (2006-2008) Pastor Michael Cheah was assigned to pastor CK Church. Later Pastor Michael Chee (2009-2015) succeeded and served 6 years.

Sunday school there was started by May Ong with the help of Jenny Cheah. They also conducted elementary English tutorial classes for young children for a season. Thereafter, Simone Phang took over to lead with a team of faithful teachers like Rosie and Linda Lee from SEA Park English Church (SPE) together with Christine and Poh Lian from Chan-Kong Chinese Church (CK).

Puchong Chinese Church (PC) — 2005

In 2005, Puchong Chinese Centre was started under Swee Chung and TH Tan (SPC). At that time, Puchong was still in the early stages of development. As church members moved into the newly developing residential areas, they saw their new neighbourhoods as a mission field. They brought their faith and church community with them, creating new opportunities for outreach and ministry. Eventually, Eva and Philip Goh from SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC), joined their leadership team. Pastor Koh Tan Sian served as Puchong’s first full-time pastor from 2010 to 2013. Thereafter, Lee Ah Keong (SPE) came on board leadership team with Ruth, Li Zhi, Kok Meng and Shannie. Lee Ah Keong was appointed as the church deacon and Pastor Lee Jin and his family joined in 2023 to pastor the church.

Kota Damansara Chinese Church (KDC) — 2006

Missionary-pastor Paul Huang and family from Taiwan, joined CBC at SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) from Nov 2004 to Sept 2006. He served as a teacher in equipping and training leaders.

Andrew Teh and Ivy joined SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) from 1999 to Sept 2006 and the first SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) couple married on the 2nd of February 2002. Subsequently, following the establishment of Kota Damansara English Church (KDE) in the developing Kota Damansara township, Pastor Paul Huang and Andrew Teh established Kota Damansara Chinese Church (KDC) on 1 October 2006. Pastor Paul Huang became the Kota Damansara Chinese Church (KDC)’s first full-time pastor from 2006 to 2016.

The early church ministry was supported by Pat Shum (SPE), Kevin and Elaine, and Yong. Teh Poh Mei, Wong Kok Leong, and others later joined the team. Their outreach also extended to Chinese students in Malaysia, particularly those at SEGi University College, where Pat Shum, an English-educated retired bank director, gave free English tuition to the China student while learning Mandarin to communicate with them more effectively. In March 2018, Andrew Teh was appointed as an elder. In 2016, Pastor Paul Huang then stepped down as pastor to serve full time with Tung Ling Seminary in cross-cultural missionary care and training.

Jenjarom Chinese Church (JC) — 2011

Around 2010, a team of SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) members felt the burden to reach out to the local community in Jenjarom. They began CG meetings in Jenjarom at Genpact’s premise which was shared with Lay Nah and Karen. In 2011, Jenjarom Chinese Church (JC) was launched. David Ten became the first pastor (2011 to 2015).

Then, Pastor Siew Hui from SEA Park Chinese Church (SPC) succeeded and pastor the church (2015-2018). Following her departure, the church continued under the leadership of Muy Yan, 杨文章、李梅婷、陈丽芬、杨欣仪 and 蓝永勤, who faithfully carried the ministry forward.

Recognising that a large proportion of the local community is Hokkien speaking, the church took another important step in reaching the community.

On 10 October 2021, Jenjarom Chinese Church (JC) started a Hokkien speaking service to provide a place where Hokkien speaking people could worship God, hear the Gospel and grow together in faith.

The ministry also created opportunities for members to reach beyond Jenjarom and share the Gospel with other Hokkien speaking communities and villages, including Pulau Ketam and Pasir Palembang.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

As we look back over the years, we see that the story of the CBC Chinese Ministry was never simply about buildings, services or programmes. It is a story of people who prayed, served, sacrificed and trusted God.

It all began in 1995 with four women faithfully gathering for Bible study and prayer, united in their commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. From these humble beginnings grew hospital visitation, gospel outreach, cell groups, and eventually the first Chinese-language worship service.

What started as a small fellowship gradually developed into ministries reaching SEA Park, Subang, Chan-Kong, Puchong, Kota Damansara and Jenjarom, touching different generations and communities.

Along the way, God raised up pastors, elders, leaders, teachers and countless faithful volunteers. Some served for many years; others served for a season. Some ministries grew and multiplied, while others eventually came to an end. Yet every act of faithfulness became part of the larger story of God’s work. Through it all, the Holy Spirit was at work, guiding and growing the ministry, bringing glory to our Heavenly Father.

As we look to the future, we pray that the same spirit of prayer, faith, evangelism, discipleship and servant leadership will continue to guide the CBC Chinese Church.