A Chance to Serve: Teck Yun's Journey of Faith

When I first heard the news that Vincent Lee had passed away on 20 October 2025 from nasal cancer, a chill ran through me (Read here). His passing touched me deeply because my sister, Teck Yun, has also been afflicted with a similar illness. The news brought home to me, in a very personal way, how fragile life can be and how suddenly illness can touch someone we love.

On 25 February 2025, Teck Yun first shared in our Family Chat that the medical reports following a series of tests had revealed the presence of cancer cells in her nose area. The news came as a great shock to all of us. It was particularly unexpected because it was less than two months after she had been appointed as a Church Elder of BCCM KK Chinese on 5 January 2025. None of us could have imagined that, so soon after taking on this new responsibility, she would have to face such a serious health challenge.

Since then, she has kept the family regularly updated on her medical examinations, treatment and progress. Her treatment plan comprised a total of 35 sessions spread over three rounds. The first round began on 24 April 2025, with treatment generally scheduled five days a week. The second round commenced on 16 May 2025, followed by the third and final round, which was completed on 19 June 2025.

Throughout this difficult period, Teck Yun has had to endure not only the physical demands and side effects of the treatment, but also the uncertainty, anxiety and emotional burden that naturally accompany a cancer diagnosis. Yet, despite what she was going through herself, she continued to place her faith in God and remain committed to the ministry entrusted to her. Her perseverance and willingness to continue serving, even while facing her own health challenges, have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to our family.

Throughout this difficult period, Teck Yun has had to endure not only the physical demands of treatment but also the uncertainty, anxiety and emotional burden that naturally accompany a cancer diagnosis. Yet, despite what she was going through herself, she continued to serve God and remain involved in the ministry entrusted to her.

One of the moments that touched me most deeply was seeing her praying earnestly at the deathbed of our late brother Elvis in October 2025. She herself was going through a serious health crisis, yet she was still thinking of and praying for another member of the family. To me, that was a powerful testimony of her faith. It reminded me that ministry is not simply something we do when life is comfortable; sometimes our most meaningful ministry takes place when we ourselves are struggling.

Looking back, I cannot help but see her appointment as an Elder as more than simply a position or responsibility within the church. To me, it may well have been a God-given privilege and calling. She was appointed together with her best friend, Janet Shim, and as single ladies, both have a unique opportunity to devote their time, energy and lives to serving the Lord and His church.

Her illness, coming so soon after her appointment, has made me reflect more deeply on the meaning of that calling. Perhaps none of us truly knows how much time we have been given to serve. We often make plans for the future, assuming there will always be another year, another opportunity and another season in which to do what God has called us to do. Teck Yun's experience reminds me that life can change unexpectedly. What matters, therefore, is not simply how much time we are given, but how faithfully we use the time and opportunities God has entrusted to us.

Teck Yun is twelve years my junior, the only daughter and the youngest of six siblings. As the only girl and the youngest child in the family, she has always been deeply loved and cared for by all of us. She was especially close to our mother, and the two shared a very special bond that grew even stronger during the later years of their lives.

After our father passed away in January 2006, Teck Yun and Mum were the only two living together in the family home. For several years, they were each other's closest companions - sharing the ordinary routines of daily life, looking after one another, and providing mutual comfort and support. Their relationship was therefore more than simply that of a mother and daughter; they had become constant companions in life.

Deep down, I have always felt that the unexpected passing of our mother in April 2012 affected Teck Yun particularly deeply. In losing Mum, she lost not only her mother but also the person who had been her closest companion and the most familiar presence in her daily life for many years. I believe that this loss left a deep mark on her, even though she seldom expressed her feelings openly.

Perhaps this is also why, when I look back on Teck Yun's life, I see in her a quiet strength - a strength shaped by love, loss, faith and the many challenges she has encountered along the way.

And now, once again, she is facing a major challenge. But when I look at her journey, I do not see only the diagnosis. I see God's grace sustaining her through a difficult season. I see a woman who, even in the midst of her own suffering, could still pray earnestly beside the deathbed of our late brother Elvis. That moment touched me deeply. She was facing her own battle, yet she was still thinking of others and turning to God in prayer.

I also see someone who had just been entrusted with the ministry of an Elder and who, despite the difficulties she has encountered, continues to seek to fulfil that calling. Perhaps this is what faith looks like - not the absence of fear, uncertainty or suffering, but the willingness to continue walking with God in the midst of them.

The passing of Vincent therefore made me think deeply about the fragility of life. His death reminded me that none of us knows what tomorrow may bring. But Teck Yun's journey has reminded me of something equally important: even when our lives are interrupted by illness, grief or unexpected circumstances, God can still give us opportunities to serve, to encourage others and to leave a spiritual legacy.

Her story, therefore, is not simply a story about cancer. It is a story about faith, family, perseverance and God's providence. It is also a reminder that our calling to serve God does not necessarily end when adversity comes. Sometimes, it is precisely in the midst of adversity that our faith and our testimony become most meaningful.

I pray that God will continue to strengthen Teck Yun, sustain her through every stage of her recovery, and grant her many more years to serve Him and fulfil the ministry He has entrusted to her.

As her brother, I can only thank God for giving her another opportunity to serve Him - and for giving all of us, as a family, the opportunity to walk alongside her. May we continue to support her in prayer, and cherish the time God has given us together.