Full-Time Disciple — Stone Lee
Wai Leung Lee (李偉良), affectionately known as “Stone,” has chosen to be a full-time disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is currently engaged in tentmaking missions in southern Thailand, working for the Lord to complete an 80-million Hong Kong dollar project — the Daniel International School…
Born into a grassroots family in Hong Kong, Stone was the first Christian in his household, growing up with one older brother and one younger sister. He attended Christian schools from a young age and went to church with his brother. At seven years old, he became aware of his sinful nature and decided to follow Christ. Although he briefly drifted away from church, a profound experience during secondary school—when a classmate was diagnosed with cancer—made him realize life’s fragility. This shock caused a tenth of his hair to turn grey, reminiscent of the character Yang Guo from The Return of the Condor Heroes (《神鵰俠侶》中的楊過).
Through persistent Bible study, Stone gained a clear understanding of God’s eternal mission for humanity. This deepened his worldview and values, lifted his spirits from depression, and even restored his hair to its natural black colour. He embraces the identity of a “full-time disciple,” believing that every follower of Christ should dedicate their entire life to the gospel.
Stone’s love of sports, especially football, is a fitting metaphor for his life. He likens his journey to one football match after another—each field set by God. Originally aspiring to be an inspector in the disciplined services, a foot injury redirected his playing field to education. As a teacher, Stone views the gospel as the ball, playing the role of midfielder who skilfully passes it to students. Teachers naturally have a unique advantage in sharing the gospel—they nurture students with care, gaining their trust and respect, which makes Stone’s “passes” rarely miss their mark. Additionally, he serves as a coach, training faithful believers to teach others, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:2.
- Mission Field in Northern Thailand
While studying Chinese Language and Literature at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Stone met his wife, Yuk, who shared his passion for missions. They married in 1996 and soon responded to God’s call to serve in rural Northern Thailand for four years.
Their mission field was primitive and challenging—a tough “football pitch” indeed. Both families initially opposed their decision, and upon arrival, they faced language barriers, harsh living conditions, and cultural adjustments. Despite these hardships, the couple remained committed to teaching students biblical principles to discern right from wrong. They led many to Christ, established fellowships, and discipled believers—some of whom became preachers themselves.
Their experiences were documented in the book 《在大地畫窗》— 兩顆宣教的心 (Painting Windows on the Earth: Two Hearts for Missions).
Editor’s note:
Stone authored a Chinese article titled 《工廠在哪裡，教會就在那裡》Where the Factory Is, There the Church Will Be,” featuring a former female student from Northern Thailand named Meilan(美蘭) who came to faith during their mission. She committed herself to be a disciple and, together with her businessman husband, evangelized workers in their factories, establishing five churches over ten years.
- Coaching on the Home Field in Hong Kong
After completing their missionary term, Stone and his wife returned to Hong Kong as teachers. Stone’s passion for teaching and sharing the gospel with students never waned. Beyond imparting knowledge and caring for students, he regularly used the last class in a school term to share the gospel, with many young students openly committing their lives to Christ.
Encouraged by Stone, many students joined youth fellowships. He personally witnessed the gospel’s power as the church he helped build grew from 60 to 600 members within five years. Later, Stone joined the Education Bureau as an official. He and his family then moved to the United States, where he pursued further studies at Columbia International University and Fuller Theological Seminary.
During his missiology studies, Stone was deeply influenced by professors with missionary backgrounds and works e.g. David Garrison’s Church Planting Movements. These shaped his conviction that his efforts align with Scripture’s Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations—and the Great Commandment—to love God and neighbour.
Stone strongly believes in the “priesthood of all believers.” With only about 1% of the church serving as full-time pastors, he emphasizes mobilizing the remaining 99% to become “full-time disciples,” wholly devoted to serving God.
(For deeper insights, see his book 《還我教會》— 重尋信徒建立教會的基石, Redeeming Our Church – Let All Believers Build the Church.)
- Tentmaking Mission Field in Southern Thailand
In 2010, Stone received a new calling—to serve in Surat Thani, Southern Thailand. This province, home to over one million people, is predominantly Buddhist (97%) and Muslim (2.5%), with Christians making up only 0.2%.
Stone’s passion for Thailand never waned, so he and his wife courageously embraced the challenge again. This time as tentmakers, they received no salary from mission agencies and supported themselves through teaching. Living in frugal lifestyle themselves but they opened their home generously to students and co-workers—a true example of hospitality.
Stone initially applied his gospel-sharing methods from Hong Kong, but due to the strong influence of local religions, few students came to faith—and those who did often lacked stability. For six years, there was little visible “doing”, but a deep sense of “being” sustained them—the conviction that they were God’s servants. This faith anchored their commitment, keeping them rooted as God’s chosen workers and full-time disciples.
At one point, they wrestled with whether to stay or leave. When the school where Stone worked unexpectedly closed, he shifted focus to sharing the gospel in a factory setting. In this uncertain season, God gently encouraged them: “You can start a better school.”
From then on, Stone on one hand “passing the ball” in the factory while pursuing the vision to establish an international school.
Building a “Field” of His Own
Starting a school is no easy task, especially with a projected budget of 80 million Hong Kong dollars. Was the dream too ambitious?
But with God, nothing is impossible. After receiving approval from CCMHK (their sending missionary organisation), Stone began scouting land, fundraising, and organizing human and material resources in 2019. God provided businesspeople, investors, experienced principals, and teachers at just the right time.
Government approval was another hurdle. Committed to legal processes, they knew it might take years without God’s intervention.
In 2023, the Daniel International School (DIS) opened its doors, enrolling students and starting classes. Previously, missionaries sent children to international schools in Penang; now, DIS offers a local solution for young missionary families.
DIS provides a “parallel culture” alongside the dominant Buddhist and Islamic cultures. Christian faith is the school’s mainstream culture, infused in morning assemblies, classes, and activities like Christian fellowships, which all students attend.
In July 2025, CCM Australia will lead a short-term mission team to assist DIS in hosting a student summer camp.
Stone has also established Thai and English-speaking congregations at the school, “passing the ball” not only to students but also to their parents and the wider community.
He shared a story of a student with a difficult temperament who was transformed by faith. The student’s Buddhist parents appreciated the school’s teaching of good values, had no objection to their child believing in Jesus, and even inquired about buying a Bible for their child.
Building a Kindergarten
DIS is actively building a kindergarten to open in August 2025, aiming to provide quality early childhood education within a Christian environment.
The fundraising campaign is in its final stage, with a total budget of HK$5 million. Currently, HK$1.25 million is still needed (dated June 2025).
If you feel led to contribute, donations can be made directly to Daniel International School by July 31, 2025.
(Note: Non-Thai donors are not eligible for tax exemption.)
Bank details:
Swift Code: ICBKTHBK
Bank Code: 070
Account No: 5110138514
Account Name: Daniel International School
Bank Name: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Thai) Public Company Limited
Address: 60/1-3 Moo 2 Sriwichai Road, Makamtia, Muang Suratthani, Suratthani, Thailand 84000
Wiring purpose: Donation
School Address: 99/1 Ban Bo Chalok, Moo 4 Thung Kong, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani 84290, Thailand
For inquiries about donations, please email: [email protected]
- Coaching and Legacy — Campus Messengers
Despite a busy schedule, Stone never neglects his role as a coach. He has mentored several full-time Campus Messengers—Gain, Noy, and Numva. Earlier this year, CCM Australia sponsored Numva to receive discipleship training in Taiwan.
These young leaders actively serve in “i-serve” ministry at two universities and five secondary schools in Surat Thani. They plan to launch a Discipleship Training School (DTS) to equip the third generation of Christian student leaders.
For more information about Campus Messengers, please visit: https://ccmaust.blogspot.com/2025/05/campus-messenger-surat-thani-i-gain-noy.html
Support the Campus Messengers Ministry
Donations can be made through our organization for forwarding:
Please indicate “031CM Thai Ministry” when making your donation.
Information Gathering and Interviews : Joyce Tang, Winnie Tam
Compilation and Writing: Joyce Tang
