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One Man Makes a Difference
Can one man have a significant impact on his church, community and possibly the world? Ivan Liew believes that one can. He moved thousands of miles to a new country to study medicine. It’s what he wanted to do; it’s what his parents wanted him to do. It would provide financial security and a stable future for him when he returned to his home country. Then Ivan met Christ. The Lord changed his course in eternity, and also the course of Ivan’s life. Through Ivan’s conversion and the spiritual training he received, he now believes he can help change the lives of others through Christ.
Ivan was born in Malaysia and came to San Diego, where his brother was living, as an international student in 1992. Ivan’s goal was to study medicine so he could provide a prosperous lifestyle for his future family. Ivan’s parents, both well-educated professionals, supported and encouraged his decision.
Ivan’s brother participated in the International Christian Fellowship (ICF) with Wichit and Miriam Maneevone, ISI staff in San Diego. Ivan’s brother invited him to attend, though Ivan wondered what he would find at this fellowship group.
After meeting the Maneevones and the rest of the ICF group, Ivan said, “I met Wichit and Miriam and attended the fellowship. I met the family and I started to know them. Friendship was shown by everyone—especially Wichit and Miriam. They shared their lives and I think that’s what made it special. When I came to the fellowship I found everyone there very warm and welcoming and accepting. Just wanting to get to know you. That was really very freeing, something very attractive.”
When asked about the time of decision to follow Christ, Ivan laughs. “I can’t tell you the exact day—I did it over several weeks just to make sure I’d done it. I prayed to receive Christ at church a couple of Sundays in a row and I didn’t tell anyone. I had to admit that even though I grew up in the church, it didn’t make me right with God. I was finally able to admit this.”
Ivan describes his years in San Diego as the most enjoyable and meaningful of his life. He found the discipleship and training he received from the Maneevones an invaluable tool for his return home. During his time in San Diego, Ivan led several students to Christ and served in many other ways. When Ivan graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, he decided to return to where his family had re-located—Singapore. Ivan took a job as a Research Engineer at the Defense Medical Research Institute, Defense Science and Technology Agency. He also completed his Masters of Engineering at the National University of Singapore. Because of his time in ISI’s fellowship, Ivan had the skills and confidence to dive into serving within his local church.
Ivan’s future goals include serving God full-time as a pastor through a local church. His desire is to return to Singapore and use his gifts of teaching and leadership to influence his nation through the local church setting. He feels this is where he can have the most impact on those around him, to influence individuals for Christ who can continue to influence others.
What started as a journey to become a self-sufficient doctor has turned into a desire to obey Christ in every area of life, even if it means giving up his dream. Ivan is now more concerned for the salvation and discipleship of those around him than his level of income. Participating in ISI in San Diego gave Ivan an avenue to meet God and be discipled in his faith. In turn, Ivan will give others and avenue to meet God as well.
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