When Pastor Don Wong—a former gang leader and drug addict-turned-founder of The New Charis Mission—was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, it felt like yet another storm in a life marked by radical transformation. But through it all, God’s faithfulness never wavered.
Pastor Don’s story is a reminder that no matter how dark the valley, God walks with us. For anyone battling cancer or supporting a loved one through it, may this story be a beacon of hope: God is faithful, and He is not done with you yet.
On the weekend (12-13 July) that Pastor Don preached at City Harvest Church, City News sat down with him to hear his powerful testimony of survival, surrender and unwavering faith—even in the face of death. He closed our interview with a heartfelt prayer for all who are walking through cancer, and those caring for them. May these words bring you comfort, courage, and renewed faith.
CITY NEWS: Pastor Don, your journey through cancer is truly a testament to God’s goodness. Were there moments you felt discouraged or wanted to give up?
PASTOR DON WONG: After my operation, things went from bad to worse. But in the midst of all that, I kept seeking God. I needed to hear from Him.
And He spoke—just one word. He said, “I will take care of you.”
But when the complications came, I questioned, “God, is this how You take care of me?”
People around me questioned whether suffering was the only way to glorify God. I didn’t have all the answers. But I knew one thing: I had to stay faithful. Because of my relationship with God, I knew He had never failed me, and He never will. Even when I don’t understand why He asks for certain surrenders, or why some things seem ridiculous at the time, I’ve learned to cling to Him. Because God always has the best plan.
And no, I was not afraid of death. I’ve never feared it—not even when I was at my weakest.
Was there a verse that carried you through this journey?
Yes—Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Coming from the gang world, your word is your bond. So when I committed to God, I meant it. No matter what trials we face, my family and I will serve Him. I’ve told Him, “No matter what, my household and I will serve You.”
We’ve been through trials and tests. But God has never failed us. He’s strengthened us again and again. And today, you can see that my whole family is doing well.
What would you say to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?
When you’re in that situation, no human words can truly help—only God’s Word can. That’s the only way to go through it without anxiety and fear. His peace reminds us that He is in control.
There will be physical struggles—fatigue, side effects like losing your sense of taste. But in those lonely moments, remember your relationship with God. You need something unshakeable to hold on to, and that’s His presence.
Some may think that those who recover have “stronger faith” than those who don’t. What’s your take?
It’s not about having more faith. It’s about knowing that God loves us with an everlasting love. He’s not biased—He loves you just as much as He loves me.
We’re all uniquely created. We may go through the same situation, but God teaches each of us differently. The key is to ask, “God, what do You want me to learn from this?” Even now, with this body that’s still healing, God is doing greater things than before. And I’m excited.
Now that you’ve recovered, how do you spend most of your time?
Every Monday, I rest and spend time with God—not necessarily in silence and solitude but being conscious of His presence.
When you delight in His Word and meditate on it, you’re walking with Him. And when you’re conscious of His presence, your lifestyle begins to change. You begin to walk in the fruit of the Spirit, and operate in His power.
God has brought you out of a dark past, given you a beautiful family and ministry. How do you live your life today?
Three things guide me:
- Find the Creator: He gave you life and knows you by name. When you find Him, you’ll understand His blueprint for your life.
- Read the Word of God: It reveals His divine plan—not just for you, but for the next generation too.
- Seek Him with all your heart: When you do, you’ll find Him. And that relationship will lead you to abundant life.
How do you exercise your faith daily?
I never miss my quiet time. At New Charis Mission, the day starts at 6.15am but I’m often there at 5am, just to show the brothers that their pastor is also up, seeking God. Some of them are kneeling by their beds in prayer at that hour. These are the ones who make it through the programme.
Even on family holidays, my kids see me at the table doing my quiet time. That consistency matters.
I also pray the names of God—Jehovah Jireh, my provider; Jehovah Nissi, my banner who fights for me. I pray in tongues when I run out of words, and I commit to listening to at least three sermons a week. I want to know the gospel more, because obedience to the gospel will bless and prosper you.
Pastor, before we end, could you pray for those who are battling cancer, and for the loved ones who are walking through this journey with them?
Father, we thank You that, God, You are still sovereign. You never change. You say You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever happened 2,000 years ago can still happen right now—and it is still happening.
I pray for all my brothers and sisters, those who are suffering from cancer, or whose loved ones are suffering from cancer.
God, I pray first and foremost that Your Shalom peace will guard their minds and hearts—that peace which surpasses all understanding. That peace which assures them that You are the God who watches over them. That You are a God who is with them, in them, and goes before them. So I pray that Your hand of healing be upon them. I pray the blood of Jesus to flow from their head to their toes.
I pray and declare that Your blood—even at Passover, when the blood of animals kept the angel of death away—how much more powerful is the blood of Jesus? I pray, God, that You will build a shield of protection. Let the blood of Jesus flow from their head to their toes. Every area of the blood has the power to cleanse and to heal—let it be upon them.
And I also declare, in the mighty name of Jesus, for those who are going through chemotherapy: I pray You will give them strength. I pray that, as we live in this world, medicine may bring side effects and pain, and they may grow weaker each day.
But Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, I pray especially for those brothers and sisters—that they may take a step into Your kingdom, into Your presence. That they will be able to know, Father, that whatever the world says, ultimately, Your Word has the final say.
I pray in Jesus’ name, for the pain, for the side effects, have mercy. Heal them or take away the pain. Let Your peace guide them, that they are able to go through it. Because either way, they will have to go through it. But I pray they will grow through it with Your presence, with Your comfort, and with Your peace.
And I pray for all those family members who are taking care of their loved ones. I pray that You give them strength from above, anointing from above. That they are able to be caregivers, not only because they need to take care of them, but because they are able to love them beyond. And that they are able to do whatever—in word or in deed—with Your love.
The most important thing is that, through that love, all those loved ones who are not saved may see Your glory and come to be saved. And know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. So I speak not only healing—I speak salvation over their lives.
And so right now, I commit, Lord, those who are sick, those who are suffering from cancer, those whose loved ones have cancer—I pray Your presence be with them. I speak Shalom—Shalom peace upon each one of them, upon their family members.
Lord, be with them. Assure them, so that Your peace, which guards their minds and hearts, will cast away fear and enable them to walk through this trying time. That they are able to go through it—with Your peace and with Your presence.
So bless them, Father. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
