Our Pastors
Pastor Raymond - Answering the Divine Call
Pastor Raymond’s transformative journey began in 1984 when he experienced the grace of God, turning a life once lost and without hope into one marked by divine destiny. Married to Daphne Tan, they are blessed with four grown-up children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two grandsons.
His spiritual journey includes affiliations with The Word Centre Church from 1992 to 1996 and co-pastoring at Full Gospel Fellowship from 1997 to 2002. In 2003, Pastor Raymond answered God’s call by founding Life Harvest Assembly, and in 2010, he earned a Degree in Practical Theology from Advantage College, USA.
In 1992, guided by divine inspiration, Pastor Raymond established the New Creation Home, a Drug Rehabilitation Centre. For over a decade, he dedicated himself to leading numerous drug addicts to salvation and life transformation through their faith in Jesus Christ.
Since 2016, doors have opened for Pastor Raymond to minister to churches in Bangladesh and the Philippines, transforming LHA into a source of blessing for these overseas ministries. He envisions the church’s continued mission of reaching diverse communities, sharing the gospel, and assisting believers in strengthening their faith in Christ.
Pastor Raymond’s message to the current and future members of LHA revolves around perseverance, staying true to the call of God, and continuing the work of reaching out to souls in need. His life’s motto is drawn from 2 Corinthians 5:15 – Christ Jesus died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves but for Christ, who died and was raised for them (NLT). Pastor Raymond’s life exemplifies a profound commitment to living out this motto, inspiring others to follow suit in their faith journey.
Pastor Daphne - Nurturing Discipleship in a Bilingual Community
Pastor Daphne, a pivotal figure in the leadership of Life Harvest Assembly Church, provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a bilingual community. The church, initially Chinese-speaking, transitioned to a bilingual approach, reflecting the diversity of its congregation. Pastor Daphne’s journey into Christianity started in 1987, later joining the church led by Pastor Raymond and Pastor May. She married Pastor Raymond and serve along with him and Pastor May in the ministry.
Navigating the bilingual landscape posed challenges, particularly in translating materials like bulletins and songs. This journey laid the groundwork for her commitment to the church’s bilingual transition, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and inclusivity.
The struggle for Pastor Daphne lies in discipleship, as some members find it challenging to mature in their faith. The obstacles include a lack of persistence in prayer, resistance to change among older generations, and a decline in passion for Christ, especially during periods of prosperity.
Pastor Daphne’s advice for current members emphasizes vigilance, prayer, and responsiveness to global events. For the younger generation, she encourages them to embody an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, drawing from First Timothy 4:12. The challenges in discipleship, according to her, stem from a loss of passion and an unwillingness to change, underscoring the importance of continuous spiritual growth.
Pastor Daphne - Nurturing Discipleship in a Bilingual Community
Pastor Daphne, a pivotal figure in the leadership of Life Harvest Assembly Church, provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a bilingual community. The church, initially Chinese-speaking, transitioned to a bilingual approach, reflecting the diversity of its congregation. Pastor Daphne’s journey into Christianity started in 1987, later joining the church led by Pastor Raymond and Pastor May. She married Pastor Raymond and serve along with him and Pastor May in the ministry.
Navigating the bilingual landscape posed challenges, particularly in translating materials like bulletins and songs. This journey laid the groundwork for her commitment to the church’s bilingual transition, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and inclusivity.
The struggle for Pastor Daphne lies in discipleship, as some members find it challenging to mature in their faith. The obstacles include a lack of persistence in prayer, resistance to change among older generations, and a decline in passion for Christ, especially during periods of prosperity.
Pastor Daphne’s advice for current members emphasizes vigilance, prayer, and responsiveness to global events. For the younger generation, she encourages them to embody an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, drawing from First Timothy 4:12. The challenges in discipleship, according to her, stem from a loss of passion and an unwillingness to change, underscoring the importance of continuous spiritual growth.
Pastor May - A Journey of Faith and Ministry
Pastor May came to the Lord with a broken heart in 1985. She accepted the Lord and God healed her brokenness and filled her with immense joy and peace. This transformative experience ignited her love for God and His word leading her to serve Him and thus heeded God’s calling in 1989. She is married to Christopher Kow where both of them have been with Pastor Raymond Yap since 1987.
Pastor May’s collaboration with Pastor Raymond is seen as a blessing, with learning opportunities across various areas. Her deep commitment to children’s ministry, evident in a four-year course in FGA, majoring in Children Ministry, highlights her love for children and her passion for teaching.
In 2008, she felt the leading of God to establish Myanmar Refugee Learning Centre which provides education for the refugee children. The establishment of LHA’s Myanmar Mission Church and Myanmar Refugee Learning Centre attests to Pastor May’s dedication to providing a haven for those in need.
Challenges in the ministry, such as difficulty in recruiting workers and helpers, are met with resilience fueled by a sense of calling, serving God with her whole heart. Her words for current members emphasize the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God and giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:18), while for the younger generation, she encourages them to embrace their role as God’s chosen instruments to reach out to the lost. (Acts 9:15)