I miss Rev. Maak Hay Chun 麦-希-真. The Chinese characters of his name tell about him: a seed of wheat, hope, and a true heart.

Maak in Chinese is 麦. It is a seed of wheat, which falls to the ground, dies, and bears fruit. With obedience, consecration, and sacrifice, Rev. Maak was like that seed. Among God’s assignments, he served as chaplain of secondary and tertiary institutions, missionary, principal of theological schools, and from 1996 to 2001, General Secretary of CCCOWE (Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism), which mobilizes Chinese churches worldwide for global missions.

United in heart and purpose, through thick and thin for nearly 70 years (1953–2021), he and Mrs. Maak, like two seeds of wheat, bore much fruit in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and many countries across the world. Their many publications include the ten-volume “Workers of Christ” series and The Sunclipse House.

Hay in Chinese is 希. It means hope, which Rev. Maak brought to people when he preached the gospel, and a blessed life in the Light. Believe in Jesus! You can change. You can grow. You can bear responsibility. In Singapore Bible College, we lived in the same building. When he played on the piano, “God Has Not Promised Skies Always Blue,” I knew he was facing people or administrative issues again. He also told me, “Do not be afraid. Trust in God! I am going to pass the Principal’s baton to you.”

Rev. Maak’s last words were filled with hope too: “I often encourage Christians: Count your blessings, give thanks, and show your gratitude! When my wife and I experience something good, we say ‘Thank you, Lord.’ We also recall the blessings of the day before bedtime, and offer prayers of thanksgiving to God.”

He continued, “Now I am old, blind, and have to sit in a wheelchair. I wear a stool bag and have a urine tube inserted. I am no longer able to serve the Lord. How am I to show my gratitude to Him? God’s Word came to mind: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks to God in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:16–18). After seeking God in prayer, we decided that doing the will of God is becoming happy old persons. Thus, we offer our gratitude to God.”

Chun in Chinese is 真. It describes a true heart. Rev. Maak chose “Be Thou My Vision” as SBC’s College anthem. Indeed, he has offered his heart and all to SBC. In his 17-year service, the College became one of the founding members of the Asia Theological Association (1978). Block 3 was built in time for the inauguration of the School of Church Music (1983). The Master of Divinity in Chinese was offered (1984). The properties at 12 Shelford Road (1985) and 15 Adam Road (1989) were purchased. With faith, courage, and sacrificial labour, Rev. Maak laid the foundation for SBC’s future development.

Thanks be to God! Thank you, Rev. Maak Hay Chun 麦-希-真.