In Episode 2 of The Father’s Life, I had the privilege of sitting down with my longtime friend, Seelian Chua, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our conversation was rich with stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and what it means to live out the Kingdom of God — no matter the cost.
Seelian began by sharing the story of him and his wife attending The Longing: Canada Family Gathering 2025 in Vancouver. Though the journey seemed insurmountable, they felt strongly that they had to come. They wanted to thank the Canadian families who had poured into them over the years. With gratitude in their hearts — to the Lord and to their Canadian family — they pressed through, trusting that God would provide. And He did.
This story led us into an honest reflection: how do we walk out the Kingdom life today, where the natural cost often seems overwhelming, and yet we know God is asking us to press forward?
Seelian’s answer was simple: it is always about sacrifice. He pointed to the many who have paid a cost — those who have left comfort behind to travel across the nations, enter into new cultures, and live life together with others. This kind of sacrifice builds bridges that only God can sustain.
We talked about the beauty of relationships formed when we are willing to step into new cultures and live in connection. I asked Seelian how we might better embrace this in Canada. His response was deeply practical: open your homes. Spend intentional time with people. Create space to listen, relax, and engage deeply. This is how we discover what is truly in people’s hearts, and how the life of Christ is nurtured among us.
Seelian also shared about his own transition from two decades in the corporate world to becoming a lead pastor, and later stepping into a mentoring role. He reflected on what it meant to lead differently: not from a top-down vision, but by recognizing the church as a family. In his words, “every individual is unique in the body.” God’s call to leaders is to see, nurture, and build the gifts He has placed in each one.
This, too, is the heart of the five-fold ministry — not just carrying the work ourselves, but preparing, multiplying, and raising others up. As leaders, we are called to recognize both strengths and weaknesses, to lift one another, and to edify the whole Body of Christ.
As we closed, I asked Seelian how he has learned to discern the Word of the Lord. His response was both profound and simple: “If you love God, you listen to God. If you love people, you listen to people as well.” It is in walking alongside others, hearing their cries, and carrying their burdens that unity is formed and God’s people flourish.
This conversation was a reminder that the Kingdom of God does not advance by comfort, but by love expressed in sacrifice, hospitality, and presence. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to press through — no matter the cost — for more of God’s Kingdom in your life, your family, and your community.