“Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked … ?” (Luke 24:32)

I remember every sermon, every conversation with Joseph Chean – such was the indelible mark he made on my life.

He was a masterful communicator, because his words were Spirit and Life. When he preached, it wasn’t a message of duty or obligation. He preached on such a deep heart level that his words reverberated in hearts and stuck with people like no other preacher’s could.

He spoke Truth that both pierced the heart but also brought gentle conviction and other-worldly peace.

Deep calls to deep. Joe preached from the heart of God and every heart recognised its pure strain from heaven.

Joe was the most perceptive person I know. I’m pretty sure that he blinked less than the average person, which only added to the intensity of his gaze.

I will be forever grateful for how he saw my young heart years ago when I was wide-eyed and bushy tailed, called to missions but with nothing to show for my life. He lent weight to the things I was receiving in the Spirit, things that at times defied practicality.

I was called to refugees before I even knew where the refugees were. Joe’s simple response: “You have been marked by God.”

Joe made the nebulous spiritual journey all the more real for me. He gave me courage to stay the course amid mystery. I would not have experienced the deep wonder of God in my life and throughout the nations without him.

He saw me through the Father’s eyes. Like Philip in the Bible, God granted Joe a grace to always be in the right place, at the right time, with the right word in season. He was pivotal in many people’s lives as a catalyst.

Joe loved in a way that made us all feel seen. I always imagined him to be a busy man; I never wanted to presume upon his time. But he genuinely cared and watched over me, always there at pivotal moments to encourage my heart.

Last month, when he attended my wedding, his last words to me were a reminder to celebrate life. He joked: “Don’t forget to bathe in milk before the wedding.”

Before he died, Joe drove a stake into the ground. One that he told me was big enough to be the final drumbeat of his life.

It was for our nation to send out many more labourers into the fields. He said we give of our money, we give of our strategies, but we need to give of our own – our own sons and daughters from the land, laying down their lives to God for a suffering world.

He prayed for a Church that would rise to support them, so that no one would be left stranded on the front lines.

Joe’s life was a love offering poured out to the world. He lived the richest life I have ever come across, an epistle from God that I will continually learn from.

Joe, on this day, what would have been your 57th birthday, we remember you and your legacy to us.

Thank you for showing us that the way to abundant life in Jesus is a life fully given in love.

Joseph Chean, passionate advocate for missions, called home to be with the Lord

Here’s where you can pen your memories of Joseph Chean

I was a failure but a family gave me a home; today I’m the National Director of YWAM Singapore

“Every crisis is an opportunity to ask: Who can we show generosity and compassion to?”: YWAM’s Joseph Chean at Pastors’ Summit 2022

“Singapore was once an unreached people group too. He is a God who longs to be known”: YWAM Singapore’s Joseph Chean