At the age of 97, Rev. Dr Koa Keng Woo was called home by the Lord to His eternal presence on 22 July 2026. While we grieve his departure, we rejoice that he has entered the blessed presence of the Saviour whom he loved and faithfully served for many decades.
Having trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour in 1946, Rev. Koa answered God’s call to full-time ministry and enrolled in the Far Eastern Bible College in 1981. Graduating with the Bachelor of Theology degree in 1987, he devoted himself to preaching God’s Word and teaching future ministers. Ordained to the ministry in 1989, he faithfully pastored Muar Bible-Presbyterian Church and also served the congregations in Rawang and Bukit Gambir. As a lecturer at Far Eastern Bible College, he instructed generations of students in Bible Geography, Church Music, and other subjects, while also serving as the FEBC choir conductor. In recognition of his faithful and fruitful ministry, FEBC conferred upon him the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
Rev. Koa’s life was marked by humility, fidelity to the Holy Scriptures, cheerful labour, and steadfast commitment to the Bible-Presbyterian testimony. Even in his nineties, when many would have long retired from active ministry, he continued to travel and preach God’s Word and encourage churches. His love for Christ and commitment to the Gospel never diminished even in his advancing years.
Though the church mourns the loss of a faithful undershepherd, we give thanks for his godly example and enduring legacy. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
(Pastor’s note: On our wedding day, 23 November 1991, Carolyn and I were greatly encouraged by Rev. Koa and Mrs Koa, who lovingly ministered to us through a special song. Mrs Koa sang beautifully while Rev. Koa accompanied her on the piano. Their thoughtful expression of Christian love has remained one of our most treasured memories of them.)
Dear Pastor Koshy, Mission Team, and Beloved Church Family,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We write this letter with hearts overflowing with gratitude. It has been almost a month since we moved into our new home, and not a day has gone by without us thanking the Lord for His faithfulness through you.
To our Pastor Koshy: Thank you for your shepherd’s heart, your prayers, and your leadership. You stood with us in faith when we needed it most. Your encouragement reminded us that God is our Provider, and we saw that promise fulfilled.
To the Mission Team: We are so grateful for your hands and feet that served us. For every hour you worked, every sacrifice you made, and every prayer you lifted for this home, thank you. You showed us Christ’s love in action.
To our Church Family: Thank you for every prayer, gift, and word of support. You have been instruments of God for comfort and strength when we were weary. This home is not just ours; it is a testimony of what God can do through a united church. We’ve already made so many memories here in the past month, and we think of you and give thanks to the Lord for each one of them.
And above all, to our Lord: Father, we thank You for hearing our prayers. You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. This home is Yours. May it be a place of peace, worship, and hospitality that brings glory to Your name.
We pray that the Lord bless each of you a hundredfold for your kindness. Our doors are always open to you. We look forward to fellowship, prayer, and praise in this home that He has built through all of us together.
With all our love and thanksgiving,
Sis. Josephine and family
Bogo, the Philippines
