Rev. Dr. Joshua So’s life and ministry left a lasting impact on many who walked alongside him in faith. As a pastor, mentor, and friend, he nurtured both individuals and the broader church community with humility, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to God.
Wendy Kwong, a Mosaic Conference representative and member of Souderton Mennonite Church, worked closely with Rev. So and San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church (SFCMC) after they joined the conference in 2019. “Rev. So was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather—and a faithful servant of the Lord,” she shared. “I remember how, during the pandemic, he stepped out of his comfort zone at age 74 to learn how to lead online worship and Bible study, with help from his daughter. His devotion moved me deeply.” She added that she continues to attend the weekly Chinese Bible study that Rev. So began, describing it as a spiritual blessing she never expected to experience.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” (Psalm 116:15 NIV)
David Pang, deacon’s chair at SFCMC, first met Rev. So in 1993 and was shaped by his support and mentorship over three decades. “He was shepherd who dedicated his life to advancing God’s Kingdom, teaching through both word and deed,” Pang said. “His passion for the gospel was evident as he led the congregation to nursing homes and senior centers to evangelize. In 2016, I joined SFCMC at his sincere invitation, and through his trust and support, I grew in creativity, confidence, and spiritual maturity while serving the Lord.”
Pang recalled that Rev. So preached one final time at SFCMC just weeks before his passing. “Though we grieve, we rejoice knowing he now rests in the Lord’s embrace. His legacy lives on, and the fruit of his labor will endure.”
Lucy Xiao, a former deacon at SFCMC, remembered Rev. So’s compassion and the personal support he offered during her time of grief after immigrating to San Francisco. “He truly lived out ‘weep with those who weep,’” she said. “He was a bridge—especially during the pandemic—connecting people across churches and regions through online Bible study. His heart for the elderly, the isolated, and the spiritually hungry was evident in everything he did.”
“I am grateful for the ministry and friendship of Rev. Dr. Joshua So. His commitment to the church was unwavering,” reflected Mosaic Conference Executive Minister Stephen Kriss.
“His life was committed to serving, leading, learning, and caring for people. I am grateful for his and Anita’s hospitality that helped me to learn to love San Francisco and embrace the possibilities and struggles for ministry there in the way of Christ’s peace.”
Rev. So cared deeply about the lives, families, and spiritual needs of his congregation. He was always willing to help, no matter the hour, and when beyond his ability, he sought support through his network to ensure others received the care they needed. Many believers have said they chose SFCMC because it feels like home. Rev. So was a pastor we deeply respect.
Below is Rev. So’s obituary:
Rev. Joshua So, a faithful servant of God, has entered the glorious rest of the Lord
The founding pastor of San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church, Rev. Dr. Joshua So was called home to be with the Lord on the afternoon of October 1, 2025, having sojourned on this earth for 79 years.
Rev. So was born in 1946 in the rural village in the outskirts of Guangzhou, China. He was the oldest of four siblings and the first in his family to follow Christ. As a young man, he moved to Hong Kong with his grandfather and a younger cousin, hoping to immigrate to Canada. Life in Hong Kong was tough for him, yet by God’s grace, he came to faith in Jesus and remained steadfast in attending Sunday worship. Even when he returned home to an empty table, his devotion never wavered. But God had other plans-plans that led him to a lifelong calling in ministry.
In 1966, he began seminary training at Alliance Bible Seminary in Cheung Chau, Hong Kong and Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong. After graduation, while he was serving at a local church, a generous donor sponsored him with $1,000 USD, enabling him to come to America as a foreign exchange student to continue his theological and social work studies. He studied at Azusa Pacific University, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and San Francisco Theological Seminary.
In 1980, Rev. So faithfully founded San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church. Over the decades, he pastored many churches across the Bay Area and actively partnered with Chinese Christian organizations. His willingness to help others with no reservations led him to touch the lives of many people. Rev. So was always available to help—day or night. He didn’t believe in “business hours” when it came to serving others. His phone was always nearby, ready to answer the call of someone in need. Even after retiring from full-time ministry in 2023, he continued to serve as a hospice chaplain, lead Bible studies, and preach on Sundays. Hours before the Lord called him home, he had messaged many brothers and sisters saying he was ready for God to continue to use him.
Rev. So was a loving husband and father, loyal friend, and a fervent and faithful servant to the Lord. Though his passing was sudden to us, we trust that nothing is ever a surprise to God. In His perfect timing, our gracious Heavenly Father saw that Rev. So had finished his work on earth and called him Home. Rev. So now stands joyfully before the throne of God, praising, “To God be the glory.” We give thanks to God from the depths of our hearts, for he has received the crown of life in the presence of the Lord. As Scripture reads, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34, ESV)
May the Lord Himself bring comfort to his wife, Mrs. Anita So; daughter Sharon; son-in-law Josiah; and granddaughter Emi. May we continue to remember them in our prayers.
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.
This post is also available in: 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
This post is also available in: 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)