It is my pleasure to introduce Pastor Kenneth and Loo Ann Toon in this issue of Kingdom Family. They have a journey of sincere service to the Lord Jesus and a family life of Kingdom living up until this stage when both their children have grown up. I recall how their son, Benjamin, brought up under the prayer of his parents, was a little toddler standing in the time of worship, sucking his dummy but deeply soaked in God’s presence with his eyes closed. That picture was most amazing and how I wish that photo is still available. Eliza was a natural when she danced as a little girl during the worship time. Now she writes with passion and pour her heart out fluently through her mighty pen.
Kenneth is a faithful man and servant of the Lord whose destiny in making money for Jesus was seen in a prophetic picture I had over him. I saw gold coins falling upon him from heaven. He is fervent for the Lord as a dad to his kids and a shepherd to his people with his good-natured personality. Loo Ann is the great support and partner in ministry and business to Kenneth, while busy mothering the two children in the ways of the Lord. Their partnership as a married couple is a great witness. How did they do it all? Please read on…
Love,
Jeremiah Yap
November 2016
Our Reflection on Kingdom Family Cultureby Pr Kenneth & Loo Ann Toon
When we were planning our wedding 22 years ago, we felt led to have Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” as a foundation and blueprint to build our marriage and family. As we faced many storms along our journey, we are glad that this verse has continued to keep us grounded in serving God even as we are tossed by waves of trials and uncertainties.
For Loo Ann, the best decision she has probably made in her life is making adjustments to her work options to focus on raising our kids, Eliza and Benjamin. It was a challenging time for us financially and also for her moving from a fast paced, dynamic working life. That challenge meant she had to constantly seek the Lord and it is during this time that she grew most as a Christian.
We realized that both our kids were very sensitive to the Holy Spirit especially during the first few years of their lives. Eliza would have visions of angels and at one time, saw Jesus standing at the foot of her bed. Ben had the experience of being slain in the Spirit at the age of two. We can’t really pinpoint what developed their sensitivity. However, we would often fill the house with worship even as they sleep.
One Easter, when Ben was about two and a half years old, Kenneth read the Easter story to the kids and shared the gospel. That Sunday, Ben answered the altar call by himself after service and accepted the Lord. Until today, it still amazes us. Never underestimate a child, no matter how young. Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Over the years, we have seen them lose that sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as other things clamor for their attention. Our deepest regret is not knowing how to keep their purity towards the things of God and protecting that.
It is important to us that we work out our faith so that our children know God’s greatness and faithfulness. In the last few years, especially after we started our business, we began to learn to integrate our faith into our family, church and business. It’s not so much about family, church and work life balance anymore as we no longer compartmentalize God. On the other hand, everything that we are and everything that we do in our lives revolve around God. There is no longer a segregation of that which is secular and spiritual.
We thank the Lord that our children have been a blessing in releasing us to serve the Lord. They have been very supportive and understanding in helping us with our busy schedules. We make it a habit as a family to eat together as often as possible. The children understand our priorities as ministers of God. Most importantly, they know they are important to us.
Building kingdom family culture is a life-long adventure of learning. As we journey together as a family, we learn and grow together as a family with God in the center of our lives.
1. Why is it important to have God’s Word as the blueprint in building my family?
2. As parents, in what ways can our personal faith help our children to grow in God and build our family?