Repaired and Renewed for the Long Haul
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A much leaner
Rev. Wong.
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Overhauled for the long haul – that was Rev. Wong Kim Kong’s gleeful and pointed remark after his emergency heart bypass in November. “According to the surgeon, the new arteries will increase my energy level once I’m fully recovered, so I should have more energy to run the race,” quipped the NECF Malaysia secretary-general.
The “overhaul” involved a quadruple bypass to replace two fully-clogged arteries, a problem that was discovered after he returned from Yangon last November where he was speaking at a pastors’ conference.
While there, he experienced stomach and chest pains, which a local doctor diagnosed as indigestion. Despite the discomfort, he continued to address the conference the following two days. He was to have gone on to Mandalay to speak at the pastors’ conference, but felt he had to return home. Further tests by a consultant cardiologist later revealed the clogged arteries.
As he reflected on the circumstances that led to the surgery, Rev. Wong was thankful for the new lease of life, but realised that it came with “obligation”.
“God requires me to be faithful and fervent in my service to Him. He has given me a renewed vigour to fulfil the new vision of NECF, that is the ‘Transforming Nation’ agenda which I will share in another occasion in Berita NECF,” he said. Through the experience, Rev. Wong also realised the urgency to prepare and mentor the next generation.
Meanwhile, Rev. Wong is resting (an activity that he is still learning) and hopes to return to active duty by end February. However, on the doctor’s order, he will have to rearrange his hectic schedule to avoid exerting his heart.
He realised too that the renewed strength and vigour can only be sustained through a strict discipline of a healthy lifestyle comprising a good diet and adequate exercise. “My body is the holy Temple of God. I’d better take good care of it,” he said.
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