by Shalyn Yuen
As I sat across Arthur Chan, his conviction was heartfelt as he spoke of his journey into humanitarian work, a story that began earlier in his life. God planted a seed in his heart during his university days at an Urbana conference, where he first felt the nudge that serving goes beyond sharing the Gospel.
Soon after graduating, Arthur’s career took precedence and he carved a steady career in the advertising industry, where he spent more than two decades. As the years rolled by, however, he felt something was missing.
The sprouting of the seed God planted
In filling this void he was feeling, Arthur took a leap of faith. He gave up his advertising job and turned to teaching in a church-based learning centre.
It was his first encounter with refugee children and as he continued to nurture and teach, he realised that he could no longer ignore the needs and injustices that he witnessed around him, especially among the children living in poverty.
This reignited the little thought he had about humanitarian work. The seed that God planted in his heart many years ago began to sprout. After five years of teaching, Arthur chanced upon World Vision Malaysia (WVM). He has since been with WVM for nine years and is currently Head of Public Engagement.
“God caused a stirring in my heart; to align my work with my faith. Humanitarian work is a practical way of loving my neighbour. It became clear to me that following Jesus means caring for those who are most vulnerable,” shared Arthur.
While Arthur acknowledges the challenges that come with this calling, he is confident that God has placed him in this season and in this place for a purpose. With that assurance, he is determined to serve faithfully and make the most of every opportunity.
He has personally seen how God has faithfully led WVM through the ups and downs. There were times of frustrations, but Arthur relies on God as his source of encouragement and strength as he carries out God’s mission.
Arthur believes that we are all made in God’s image and every person has dignity. He resonates with how World Vision engages with communities, i.e. with respect, compassion and humility. They seek to listen first and partner alongside rather than to impose.
This posture of humility and service also reminded Arthur of a question he encountered when he first joined: “What is Jesus’ mission?” The words from Luke 4:18 came alive for him – to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the captives and for the blind to see and the oppressed set free.
Memorable experiences make it all worthwhile
In May 2025, Arthur had the opportunity to meet a child he is sponsoring through World Vision in Nepal. It was the most meaningful encounter for Arthur. He started sponsoring the child in 2021 when the boy was only 7 years old.
It was a warm and joyful encounter. Though only 11 years old, the boy spoke with clarity and confidence as he shared. Our interaction left a deep impression on me—it was life-changing to hear from someone meeting me for the very first time,” Arthur recounted.
“Although I was a stranger from thousands of miles away, we were still able to connect in a truly meaningful way. Also, despite the difficult circumstances in the child’s community, I can see that he has hope. Hope for his future because someone believed in him. He calls me foreign papa. It was very heartwarming.”
Experiences like this taught Arthur humility and affirmed his belief that transformation is possible even with small steps.
Through World Vision’s child sponsorship programme, it really shows that a small contribution can make a lasting impact not just on one child’s life but in transforming an entire community. With a small contribution from each sponsor, an entire village has access to clean water, basic healthcare, livelihood opportunities and education.
Having visited such areas of development in many countries globally, Arthur has seen firsthand many impoverished communities and how God is working through World Vision in providing lasting impact.
Our faith deepens when we serve
One of Arthur’s favourite Bible verses in James 2:26, is a reminder for all of us that faith without action is dead. He believes that living out our faith is about loving God and loving our neighbour, wherever we are placed. Every individual has a role to play.
“So our faith comes alive when we care for the poor and marginalised,” he said thoughtfully. “Reflecting Christ’s love in a tangible way, we put to action what God commands us to do, i.e. to love our neighbour. The church can be a powerful witness to this.”
Arthur believes that the church can play a bigger role. Most churches actively do gospel outreach and evangelism work but may not be as well-equipped for social impact work. Over the years, Arthur witnessed a synergised partnership with churches as they participate in the World Vision’s sponsorship programme.
Another programme, ‘CHOSEN’ allows the children in the community to choose their sponsors. This truly empowers the children and communities – that they too have a choice. Such programmes go beyond merely giving as these sponsors are connected to the receiver, journeying alongside them and witnessing transformation in their communities.
“God often deepens our faith through the people we serve. When we serve, we can see an opportunity for us to practice the practical way of God’s love to His people,” Arthur finished. “We should strive to address the brokenness around us with compassion, generosity and justice in practical ways.”
In the eyes of the world, humanitarian work is about providing aid to people in need, but Arthur’s story dives deeper into what it means to serve from a heart of faith and devotion to God.
To learn more about World Vision Malaysia and its programmes, click here.
All photos provided by World Vision Malaysia
