A Spiritual Pioneer in Singapore and More

Jim Chew, former National Director for The Navigators Singapore from 1980-1990, was called home to the Lord on 24 October 2019 after battling a relapse of lung cancer this year.

Jim was follow-up director with Youth for Christ from 1960-1963. Together with his wife Selene, they later became the first Asian Navigator staff. Both continued to serve with The Navigators of New Zealand as Asia-Pacific Missions Mentor, influencing and impacting many lives for Christ.

We celebrate his life, which embodies 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Ageing Gracefully (a final interview) by Jim Chew

Jim’s Verbal Biography & Insights

A brief write-up of Jim’s biography can be accessed through this blog post Jim Chew: In His Own Words, which was adapted from The Navigators Singapore’s 50^th Anniversary publication, With Eyes Singled to His Glory.

Timeline of Milestones In His Life

: Pre-university in Victoria School with Jim’s close friend, S. Dhanabalan, in the front row.

: 1965 in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor, hosting an evangelistic rally with Jim on accordion and Selene singing.

: 1966-1970 Dubbed the first pioneering team in Malaysia to kickstart the Nav work, Jim looks with anticipation (standing, extreme right).

: 1967 Navigators Training Camp for Singapore and Malaysia Nav. Jim Chew is in top row 3rd from left, with Selene on the extreme left in the 1st row.

: 1978 Team Leaders’ Retreat in Sentosa. Jim is standing, about 6th from the right, in the midst of many who later become spiritual leaders around the world.

: 26-28 March 1982 was the Navigators’ Congress with the theme “Essentials of Fruit-bearing”.

: 12 April 1985 saw another Navigators Congress themed “The Christian’s Impact on Society”. Jim is centre, in front of the logo.

: From 1980-1990 Jim served as National Director, pictured here with the office staff.

: In 1985, the Nav building began groundbreaking and construction. This was a staff’s interpretation of the photo.

: In end 1985, Jim and some students helped with the big move into the new office premises.

: On 1 Jan 1986 the Nav building was dedicated to God and began operation.

: This was the external of the Nav building, which would later see renovations in 2011 for its facade.

: That same day, NavStaff created a time capsule to place essential items of the era, along with some of the staff’s hopes and dreams, within. Jim signs on the interior.

: 11-15 October 2004 saw a gathering of NavStaff across the Asia Pacific region, for the Asia Church Discipleship Ministries Consultation. Jim is behind the banner, in the middle.

: 20 July 2012 Jim (2nd from right) gathers with the Church Discipleship Ministry staff from across Asia.

: 2012 celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Navigator work in Singapore.

: 2012 A dinner party was held and tokens of appreciation given to all former National Directors.

: Jim and his wife Selene pose for a final photo together in Dec 2018, in front of the building he made happen.

In Memoriam

"Jim's life has been an example for many in Singapore and around the world. Despite battling cancer, he was still sharing Christ and discipling others in the hospital. He served worldwide in the Nav community, often going above and beyond his means.

With wit and humour, Jim is someone who is always thinking of the well-being of others. Something interesting about him is he loves a good durian feast. We are grateful to the Lord for his 81 years of living a Christ-centered life, seeking always to proclaim His Saviour and drawing others to follow Him."
− Yap Kim Meng, National Director of The Navigators Singapore

"Jim finished the race of his life exactly how he has always lived: reaching out to the lost and encouraging others into a lifelong journey of discipleship. Doctors and hospital staff who attended to him in his last months got to hear about Jesus as a result.

Connie and I were privileged to have Jim as a travel companion on a few missions trips. Even into his 70s, he was always full of energy and passion that others would know Jesus. The nations were always on Jim’s heart and in his lifetime, he served to advance the gospel to the nations, particularly in Asia. Jim was an encourager and sought to bring out the best contributions a person can make in the kingdom of God.

Jim was the first Asia representative for The Navigators. He pioneered The Navigator work in Malaysia and at various times was the National Director for Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand. Jim also contributed in a regional role being on the Pacific Area Navigators regional leadership and later was the Missions Facilitator for Asia Navigators. As an elder, he played an advisory and accountability role to the Asia Pacific Directors.

Though Jim was a Navigator inside-out, his influence went beyond the organisation. Jim served and partnered with many to see the gospel advance, and made every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Connie and I will miss Jim who cheered us on. We will miss the exemplary life he modelled, fulfilling God’s purposes for this generation."
− Alan Ch'ng, International Vice President of The Navigators

"I first met Jim in 1980 as a new believer and was immediately impacted by his love for God and the nations. What a dream start for me as a new-born in the faith! Over the following decades, Jim continued to inspire, encourage and walk with me in my faith journey.

Over the past couple of years, each time my wife and I called or visited Jim to encourage him, we ourselves always came away encouraged and ministered instead. Ever full of hope, unwavering in faith and without a trace of anxiety, he would assure us, “Don’t worry about me. I’m at peace. I’m ready.”

Jim indeed had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant of the Lord. Enter into the joy of your Master."
− Koay Chee Hoe, Regional Director of Asia Pacific Navigators

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