IN MEMORIAM: Steven Chan Thian Kiat (26 April 1956 - 1 September 2022)
IN MEMORIAM: Steven Chan Thian Kiat
Written by Yeow Chin Kiong
The Good Book that brother Steven Chan loved, and lived by, tells us that individuals are to be known by their fruits (Matthew 7:18-20). As we remember the day three years ago when our brother was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22), we acknowledge our debt to Steven for being an untiring teacher of God’s word and an equally-indefatigable contender for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
In a sense, many of us are Steven’s fruits. He taught some the gospel to baptize them into the body of Christ (Mark 16:15-16) and instructed many how to effectively and efficiently handle the scriptures and teach yet others to do the same (2 Timothy 2:15). He counseled many on how to align their personal and professional life with God’s revealed commands and values (Psalm 119:105).
Excellent teacher of the Book that he was, Steven nurtured many souls in the faith even as he prepared some to be teachers of that faith to others (2 Timothy 2:2). Self-effacing though he was in the critical task of educating the brethren, many novice Bible class teachers were anxious if Steven sat through their classes but none ever doubted his good intention dispensing criticism or lavishing praise,- occasionally both in equal measure for their effort at following his footsteps!
A teacher of God’s word ought not shirk his responsibility to defend the truth of what he has communicated to his students. Quite a few times, having warned the brethren of approaching error, Steven the watchman came down the watchtower,- often alone,- to confront the enemy at the gates.
Possibly the last of his “boots on the ground” was to refute the false AD 70 doctrine,- an error akin to that promoted by Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:18) who proposed that the resurrection of all dead had happened, overthrowing the faith of some brethren. The deviation from the truth had spread to a number of congregations, particularly in Sarawak state, when our brother crossed swords online with its chief spokesman. Steven’s intervention gained valuable time for almost-affected congregations to undertake damage control, driving the spokesman and his clique some distance from vulnerable brethren.
One does not acquire too many friends entering any doctrinal fray. Armed with the sword of the Spirit, Steven threw himself into the battle with his eyes wide open. Whether or not we rallied to his side in such confrontations, we are in his debt for Steven’s standing at the gap when it mattered.
How long will these memories sustain our gratitude to Steven? Knowing the way of man, not for much longer (Ecclesiastes 1:11)! But as long as we remember the fruits of our dear brother Steven, let us honor his memory by imitating his deeds as he imitated those of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). May his wisdom,- the fruit of years of studying God’s word,- and his conduct trained thereby never be forgotten like the poor wise man’s of Ecclesiastes 9:13-18. Glory and gratitude to our Father for having shared brother Steven’s life with us.