FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH: A TRIBUTE TO
REV KOA KENG WOO (1929–2026)

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev 2:10).

Today we gather with sorrow, yet not without hope, to give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev Koa Keng Woo, whom the Lord, in His perfect wisdom, called home on 22 July 2026 at the age of 97. Having fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith, he has entered into the joy of his Lord.

Rev Koa’s life was a testimony to the grace of God and to the truth that it is never too late to answer the Master’s call. Born on 12 May 1929 in Mentakab, Pahang, Malaysia, into a Christian family with a rich heritage of faithful service, he came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in 1946. Before entering the ministry, he worked as a schoolteacher and also as a chicken farmer. Though many years passed before he entered full-time ministry, God was preparing him for a lifetime of fruitful service in His kingdom.

In 1981, encouraged by the late Rev Dr Timothy Tow, he enrolled at the Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC). Deeply moved by the words of our Lord in John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day,” he dedicated himself wholly to the study of God’s Word. Six years later he graduated with the Bachelor of Theology, having written a valuable historical study on the Presbyterian Church in Singapore and Malaysia.

Even before graduation, Rev Tow recognised his gifts and appointed him to teach at FEBC. What began in 1981 became more than four decades of faithful service to the College. Countless students were instructed by him in Church Music, Bible Geography, and the study of the cults. As conductor of the College Choir, he trained generations of students to sing the College anthem with heartfelt dignity and harmonious unity. Endowed with musical gifts, he employed his talents as a pianist and flautist to the glory of God.

The Lord also entrusted him with pastoral responsibilities. Ordained to the Gospel ministry on 31 July 1989, he faithfully shepherded Bible-Presbyterian Churches in Muar, Rawang, and Bukit Gambir, and later served as Advisory Pastor of the historic Trinity Church in Muar. Whether preaching from the pulpit, teaching in the classroom, or counselling believers privately, his desire was always the same—that Christ would be exalted and His people built up in the faith.

Even after his formal pastoral responsibilities had diminished, his labours for Christ did not cease. He continued to answer the calls of churches in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, assisting True Life Bible-Presbyterian Church, Tabernacle Bible-Presbyterian Church, Sibu Bible-Presbyterian Church, Miri Bible-Presbyterian Church, Calvary Jaya Bible-Presbyterian Fellowship, Kemaman Life Bible-Presbyterian Church, Kota Kinabalu Bible-Presbyterian Church, Tanjong Pinang Zion Presbyterian Church, and many other churches within the Bible-Presbyterian fraternity. Even in his later years, he readily travelled wherever invited to preach the Word, exemplifying the conviction that there is no retirement in the Lord’s service.

His ministry also extended beyond the local churches. As Vice-President of the International Council of Christian Churches (ICCC) representing Malaysia, he stood firmly for the historic Christian faith and for biblical separation. He remained unwavering in his conviction concerning the authority and infallibility of Holy Scripture, faithfully identifying himself with the Bible-Presbyterian testimony and the principles of the 20^th Century Reformation Movement. When FEBC contended for the Verbal Plenary Preservation of the Holy Scriptures, affirming that God’s inspired Word has been perfectly preserved and remains 100% perfect today without any mistake, Rev Koa stood faithfully with the College, even when others forsook her. He did so in obedience to the biblical exhortation to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

Those who knew Rev Koa remember not only his sound doctrine but also his gentle spirit. He was humble despite his many talents, approachable despite his many responsibilities, and diligent even in advanced age. He exemplified the apostolic exhortation to be “steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).

In recognition of his faithful service, FEBC conferred upon him the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2012, the first honorary doctorate awarded by the College. Yet those who knew him understood that he never sought earthly honours. His greatest desire was simply to be found faithful before his Master.

Together with his beloved wife, Tay Siew Kheng, who faithfully served the College for many years by teaching pianoforte, Rev Koa demonstrated the beauty of a life wholly devoted to Christ. Their partnership in ministry became an encouragement to many within the College and the churches. Mrs Koa was called home to the Lord on 19 November 2021. Despite the loss of his beloved helpmeet, Rev Koa continued to serve the Lord faithfully without letting up.

Even in his nineties, Rev Koa remained active in the work of the Lord. He continued to preach whenever called upon, encourage younger ministers, and faithfully serve on the Board of FEBC until his final day. His life bore witness to the truth that Christian service does not end with age but continues until the Lord Himself calls His servants home.

We grieve because we shall miss him. His family misses a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His churches miss a faithful and caring shepherd. His students miss a godly teacher and mentor. The College misses a faithful colleague, lecturer, and Board member. But we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. We know that “blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Rev 14:13).

Rev Koa’s greatest legacy is not found in degrees earned, sermons preached, or years served, remarkable though they were. His enduring legacy is a life faithfully lived for Jesus Christ. He reminds us that true greatness is measured not by prominence, but by faithfulness; not by applause from men, but by approval from God.

May those of us who remain be challenged by his example to labour while it is day, to stand without compromise upon the infallible Word of God, and to serve Christ with humility, steadfastness, and perseverance until our own earthly course is finished. Then, by God’s grace, may we too hear our Saviour’s commendation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt 25:21).

Soli Deo Gloria.