Church History & Development

11th Mile Cheras Lutheran Church (EMCLC) was founded in 1953 when American missionary Ms. M. Clara Sullivan purchased a humble wooden house in the 11th Mile Cheras New Village as a pioneer mission base. Led by God’s abundant grace, the church has grown from a small gathering point into a thriving congregation under the Lutheran Church in Malaysia, serving the Cheras community in Selangor.

God’s work at EMCLC did not stop at that simple house. He continuously raised faithful servants to shepherd His people and lead many to Christ. As the congregation grew year by year, God blessed the church with two major building expansions in 1992 and 2016 to accommodate its expanding ministries.

God not only built His church, but also continually transformed His disciples. Through EMCLC’s decades of faithful service and ongoing ministries, countess lives have been renewed, and God’s grace and blessings continue to shine brightly. To God Almighty be all glory, honor, and praise forever!

Historical Timeline

I. Pioneering & Foundation (1952–1956)

  • Origins of the Ministry (1952): The Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore originated from a Lutheran conference in Penang, which resolved to evangelize residents of Malaysian new villages and indigenous communities. Selangor identified five new villages for pioneer work, including Semenyih, 9th Mile Cheras, 11th Mile Cheras, and Balakong.

  • Pioneering Era (1953): American missionary Ms. M. Clara Sullivan settled in 11th Mile Cheras New Village, overcoming threats and persecutions to begin gospel work. Later, pastors including Rev. Han Shi Han, Rev. Yeoh Chung Ming, and Rev. See Kok Cheng took over the relay.

II. Steady Growth & Sanctuary Building (1956–1993)

  • First Sanctuary & Baptisms (1956–1957): Rev. Quek Chee Leong took charge and ministered for eight years. In November 1957, the first sanctuary was completed, and the first baptism service was held, with membership growing to about 20. Subsequently, Rev. John Lee, Rev. Teoh Keng Chew, Rev. Cheah Siang Chuan, Rev. Lee Eng Song, Rev. Daniel Teoh, and Rev. Paul Yip succeeded in ministry.

  • Establishment of Kindergarten (1971–1986): In 1971, Rev. Lee Eng Song and Mrs. Lee founded “You Fu Kindergarten,” which was officially registered as “Lutheran Kindergarten” in 1986. By 2006, it had developed into a mature school serving over 400 students.

  • New Sanctuary Completion (1987–1993): Rev. Lee Shun arrived in 1987, facing an overcrowded, dilapidated, and hot sanctuary. Fundraising for a new building had actually begun in 1970, and a Building Committee was formally established in 1988. Construction took 11 months from 1991 to 1992, during which RM145,000 was miraculously raised in just 9 months. The new sanctuary opened on September 20, 1992. Later, Rev. Lai Yip Woon promoted systematic Bible study, leadership training, and quality management.

III. Ministry Transformation & Diversification (1993–2006)

  • Tenure of Rev. Koh Soon Seng (1994–2002): Promoted five core ministries:

    1. Missions Conference: Initiated faith promise giving (growing from RM30,000+ to over RM200,000) and organized youth short-term mission trips.

    2. Cell Groups: Courageously transitioned the church into a cell group pastoral model in 1996.

    3. Fly High Youth Centre: Established in 1997 in collaboration with CCM, later integrated into the church, inspiring full-time youth commitments.

    4. Worship Streamlining: Separated the bilingual service into distinct Chinese and English worship services in 1999.

    5. Pastoral Staff Team: Established pastor and administrative officer systems across congregations, initiating morning prayers and monthly reporting.

  • Tenure of Rev. Loke Oi Ping (2003–2006): Appointed in 2003, she further expanded community outreach by founding the Women’s Centre, launching Special Needs Ministry, restructuring the Boys’ Brigade, and forming the “Golden Voice” Children’s Choir in 2005.

  • Historical Leadership Transition (2005): In 2005, Rev. Loke Oi Ping was elected Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia. The Synod subsequently appointed Rev. Lee Chee Hock as the Senior Pastor.

IV. Continuous Expansion & Leadership Succession (2006–2013)

  • Tenure of Rev. Lee Chee Hock (2006–2010): Launched Saturday evening youth services, initiated Myanmar migrant worker ministry, and introduced basic discipleship courses and cell group rallies. He also planted a new church in nearby Bandar Mahkota Cheras and actively prepared for the Malay Ministry.

  • Tenure of Rev. Yap Choon Keng (2011–2013): Officially launched the Malay Ministry, Evangelism Explosion (EE), and promoted a comprehensive discipleship training system. In 2013, Rev. Yap Choon Keng was elected Bishop of the Biennial General Assembly of LCM, and Rev. David Ho succeeded him as Senior Pastor.

V. Integration, Restructuring & Sanctuary Expansion (2013–2019)

  • Tenure & Integration under Rev. David Ho (2013): After assuming leadership, Rev. David Ho reorganized department teams, fostered pastoral teamwork, led the Council in development and building projects, promoted missions, and unified discipleship and worship teams across languages.

  • Sanctuary Expansion & United Fundraising (2013–2015): Executed sanctuary expansion and built education block facilities for the kindergarten. The congregation united in raising funds through charity fairs, carnivals, and generous giving. The new 4.5-story modern building was completed and opened in 2015.

  • Deepening Community Care: Actively drove community care through the church’s kindergarten, childcare center, and special needs center. In connection with “Love in Motion” community events, a community children’s library was built, evolving into a diverse church with multilingual cell groups and migrant worker ministries.

VI. Pandemic Response & Future Outlook (2020–Present)

  • Pandemic Response & Online Transition (2020–2022): Amid COVID-19 challenges, the church launched the “Caring & Supporting Each Other” spiritual growth campaign via phone and online platforms. It introduced online worship and Bible courses, guiding members through the pandemic and seamlessly transitioning back to physical gatherings and ministries.

  • Challenges & Future Outlook: The core challenge today is guiding and equipping second-generation Christians to become disciples and church leaders, carrying forward the vision and Gospel mission.

  • Synod & District Leadership: Rev. David Ho has also served in key roles within the Lutheran Church in Malaysia, serving as Dean for 6 years overseeing district churches and pastors. He is currently in his 5th year as Secretary-General, serving on the Central Executive Committee to coordinate pastoral care and overall development across districts.