Methodist Message: May 2022

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 124 No 5 MAY 2022 OUTREACH MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN PAUL ANG: CAUGHT BY THE HANDS OF MERCY BACK TO ON-SITE SERVICES ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021

Contents 1 Bishop’s Message 2 Events—Coming Up 3 News—Churches opening up 4 News—Launch of DCBAsia 5 THINK—Making Aldersgate relevant 7 Reach Out—Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Mission Tuition Ministry 9 Reach Out—Living Hope Methodist Church English Coaching Programme 12 Reach Out—Aldersgate Methodist Church Befriender’s Ministry 14 Feature—Paul Ang 16 People—Ashley Ho 17 People—Mother’s Day Reflections 18 Church Life—Kampong Kapor Methodist Church 20 People—Cheryl Mah 22 Hymns & Songs 24 Opinion—Soundings 26 Reach Out—Missions 29 Reach Out—Welfare Services 30 Relationships—You & Your family 32 Events—Looking Ahead 33 What does being a Methodist mean to you? EDITORIAL BOARD The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Adviser and Publisher Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. Dr Anthony Goh - Chairperson All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. Council on Communications 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 Managing Editor 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 Alvin Tay message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg [email protected] Editor fb.com/Methodist.SG Lianne Ong @methodist.sg @methodistsg Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Design & Production by Londonbob Design — Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd Janice Khoo Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Tan Chiu Ai Communications Executive Jason Woo Proofreaders Christabel Tan Kenneth Lee

Bishop’s Message Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020. He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2013–2020. “I felt my bowels strangely moved” But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. Luke 10:33 “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” • KJV Philemon 1:12, Paul says: “Thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own  bowels.” (I asked my wife if In the month of May, Methodists celebrate this heart- she would like to “receive my bowels”. She replied, warming experience of their founder John Wesley “Keep your bowels to yourself!” I was bowel-broken.) which took place on the evening of 24 May 1738 during a Bible study gathering in Aldersgate Street, London. The same Greek word for “bowels” is used We celebrate Aldersgate Day by praying that we too, in  Matthew 9:36, and we may be thankful that on like Wesley, might feel our hearts strangely warmed by this occasion,  KJV  decided  against  the rendering: the love of God. When Jesus saw the multitudes,  his bowels  were moved! (Instead,  KJV  tells us that Jesus “was moved Languages sometimes use body parts to designate with compassion on them.”) different emotions or feelings. In modern English, we often use the word “heart” as a metaphor or idiom In Luke 10:33, when the Samaritan saw the injured man, for compassion and loving feelings. “You have moved a Jew,  his bowels were moved! No, he did not rush to my heart.” Ancient Hebrew and Greek would more often the toilet. Rather, his heart was moved with compassion, use the word for one’s intestines (or bowels) to convey despite the deep hatred between Samaritans and Jews. As such compassionate feelings of love. Methodists, we might say, his heart was strangely warmed. Whilst most modern English translations use the word As we celebrate Wesley’s Aldersgate experience this “heart” to convey the compassionate feelings implied in month, may our bowels be moved with compassion for the ancient Hebrew and Greek term “bowels”, the old our neighbours, even if they be our enemies. May our 1611  King James Version  (KJV) often retains the literal hearts be strangely warmed to love God by loving our equivalent to the Hebrew or Greek word “bowels”. Here neighbours, and enemies, in need. Amen. are some (for us, quite amusing) examples: • KJV Philemon 1:20 Refresh my bowels in the Lord. • The young lady in Song of Songs 5:4 longs for her lover, and says—in the KJV (and Hebrew)—“my bowels were moved for him.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 1

Events ¢ Coming Up |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

News ¢ By Lianne Ong, Editor, and Alvin Tay, Managing Editor of Methodist Message Have you gone back to church? B y the time you read this, it would have a few weeks Faith Methodist Church and Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church since churches started “opening up”. The relaxation at their Maundy Thursday combined service of Safe Management Measures for religious organisations from 29 March 2022 has meant allowing Over at Wesley Methodist Church, Giam Lay Hoon, who more worshippers to attend service without adhering to is in her 50s, said: “Going to church on 3 April was quite specific zones, to be seated close together and to sing special in at least one way—I never thought I would be while masked. What a difference it has made! The louder so happy seeing a traffic jam between services at the sounds of congregational singing were not just due to carpark! That was the indicator that a joyous crossroad had more worshippers in one location, but from the joy of been reached in the easing of pandemic distancing rules.” being able to sing out loud and with gusto (even if our masks dampened the sound somewhat), and the relief of But a few weeks of nearly-normal on-site services do inching our way back to normality after two long years. not wipe out two years of Covid-induced fatigue in an instant. If you are feeling like you’ve grown accustomed “We are made to be in community. Watching a service to watching an online service from home, and dread the livestreamed from home cannot replicate the experience idea of making the journey back to church and dealing in church. Many people including youth and the elderly with logistical hurdles of family members attending have felt disconnected and alienated without physical various programmes and services, you are not alone. church. We look forward to welcoming everyone back, re-establishing bonds and restoring what was missed Still, as the writer of Hebrews urges us, “And  let us for the past two years,” said Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, consider how to stir up one another to love and good Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore, who works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit preached at Wesley Methodist Church on Easter Sunday. of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) Worshippers from Methodist churches shared their sentiments with Methodist Message about having full It’s about a relationship with God and between fellow on-site services again. Richard Tan from Grace Methodist brothers- and sisters-in-Christ. We are to love God and Church said, “How wonderful it is to get back to physical love one another, and what better way to do this than service in church and be able to sing together again. to gather together in church to worship God. The church is one body, and like a healthy body, we should not stay dislocated.” It was also our Lord Jesus’ custom to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. “As he always did on the Sabbath, he “The sound of voices filling the Sanctuary in worship went to the meeting place.” (Luke 4:16, The Message) was truly uplifting!” said Shanthini Moorthy from Short Street Tamil Methodist Church. As our Lord had done, let us not give up meeting together in church. Let’s also do so in a loving manner For seniors, watching online services on a device or and always showing care for one another. Stay safe and television screen was difficult to get used to and many see you back in church—every Sunday! longed for face-to-face interactions. “I feel like I’m finally out of prison!” said Goh Lee Cheng, who is in her 80s and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. She had attended services on-site only occasionally in the last two years. Ms Goh said she would encourage other seniors to come back and experience worship on- site, together with others. “Don’t worry about Covid, God will take care of you,” she told Methodist Message. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 3

News ¢ By the MCS Communications Team Free online database on Christianity in Asia launches T he Dictionary of Christian Biography in Asia (DCB Kampong Kapor Methodist Church); Ho Seng Ong, a Asia)—a free online database of stories related to former principal of Anglo-Chinese School Penang and the growth of Christianity in Asia—was launched first Asian minister in Wesley Church in Melaka and on 17 April 2022. Kuala Lumpur; and Khoo Oon Soo and his wife, Loh Siew Lan, who pioneered The Boys’ Brigade and The A collaboration between Seminari Theoloji Malaysia Girls’ Brigade in Malaysia. (STM) and Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF), the database includes biographies of Asian, non-Asian, Contributors to this inter-denominational database and indigenous Christian church leaders and laity from will come from different spheres, including academia, various denominations, who have made an impact church, and mission agencies. Seminaries in the region on the growth of Christianity in Asia. It also contains are likely to play an important role as participating historical accounts of religious movements, churches institutions and Dr Tai envisions a significant number and Christian communities around Asia. of contributions to come from seminary students. This project was born out of the recognition that while It is DCB Asia’s prayer that the core team will eventually Christianity in Asia has a rich history, very little has comprise an international team of Asian scholars and been documented about Asian Christians, who have others. “We want to welcome the involvement of more played significant roles in its growth on this continent. seminaries, churches and Christian organisations to be Towards the end of 2020, Founder and Executive Director part of this exciting project,” Dr Tai told Methodist Dr Tai Kim Teng met with Bishop Emeritus Dr Hwa Yung Message. (Methodist Church in Malaysia) in Seremban, and discussed the possibility of starting such a database. “God’s story in Asia is a rich tapestry, woven together by the many remarkable men and women who have shared the gospel, built churches and become pillars of the faith in their regions throughout the centuries,” said Dr Tai, sharing how he saw a need to preserve these Asian stories. The database aims to contribute to a scholarly To visit the website, scan the QR code >> understanding of Christianity in Asia by providing a or go to https://www.dcbasia.org/  library of research for scholars and seminary students, ensuring that each story is researched and fact-checked before publishing, while making these stories readable to inspire Christians. Some of the biographies include well-known Methodists such as Goh Hood Keng, who pastored the Straits Chinese Methodist Church (now |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

Opinion ¢ THINK Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun is the Elder Attached at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church and a lecturer in Church History at Trinity Theological College, where he is also Associate Dean. Making Aldersgate relevant What an Aldersgate experience might look like today W e commemorate Aldersgate both as one person’s evangelical conversion as well as the start of a reforming movement for the Church. But beyond merely remembering what happened, what lessons can we draw so that we may recognise an Aldersgate experience today? The first lesson is that all of us Methodists need to want In his 1742 tract, The Character of a Methodist, Wesley to be fervent Christians who have a deep relationship wrote that “God is the joy of [the Methodist’s] heart… with God. [we are] therefore happy in God, yea, always happy…” Aldersgate was John Wesley’s evangelical conversion An Aldersgate experience for everyone would mean that because although he identified as a Christian and was every Methodist would know God intimately and have priest and a former missionary before Aldersgate, he Him as the joy of our hearts. did not know God intimately. Wesley woke up early in the mornings to pray, he studied the Bible, and he did The second lesson to draw is we have to act on the grace many acts of charity, but he did not have a real personal given to us to do the work of the Kingdom. relationship with God. Before Aldersgate, Wesley knew a lot about God, but he did not really know God. As a reforming movement, Methodism sent preachers and circuit riders across Britain and America, establishing I fear that there are many people not just chapels and tent meetings, but also schools and like that in our churches today – not medical clinics. Methodists tackled the social ills of the just people who may be quite busy day, whether it was rampant alcoholism in Britain and for the church and people who are America, or opium addiction in Malaya. We championed trying their best, but also people who prison reform and opposed slavery. have been coming to church for years out of habit, people who are here Have we lost that world-changing energy? Many of us to network, or get their kids into a have stopped serving in the church and we are content Methodist school, all of whom do not to hire professional staff to do the work for us. really know God well. David Hempton argued in his book Methodism: Empire An Aldersgate experience for us would draw us much of the Spirit that Methodism was most powerful in the closer to God. Wesley said that God gives grace freely 18th and 19th centuries when it was a countercultural to us to make us holy and true Christians, and that this movement, but it declined in the 20th century when it would fulfil our deepest desires, even making us happier. harmonised with a secularising culture. In other words, in the early years Methodism changed the world because it led the world. But more recently, Methodism became a follower of the world and so began to lose its power as an assertive faith. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 5

Making Aldersgate relevant As good a We need to continue to CaHs caUn bRe fouCndH, be a reforming movement and not become a calcified Their doctrine is so pure and sound, institution. ONE We need to use our distinguishing REASON marks of connectionalism and discipline to spread scriptural holiness, instead The Devil hates the Methodist. of their being mere bureaucratic ends in themselves. We need to recover our If Satan could them all destroy, world-conquering energy and our vision of the Kingdom. The troops of hell would shout for joy; GODI’ll pray that There is an old 19th century Methodist would them increase ditty that may sound a little conceited but which I think nicely reflects the And fill the world with energy and drive of earlier Methodist reformers: METHODISTS.. That is my prayer also because I believe all Methodists should know God intimately and use the grace he gives to transform ourselves to be more like Jesus. That is what an Aldersgate experience would look like today. “Serving families for a decade and more...” 24-HR HOTLINES PAUL & DANIEL +65 8321 3355 TOLL-FREE 1800-777-2422 www.AmazingGraceFunerals.com Amazing Grace has prepared these few measures to allow families to have a meaningful and dignified farewell for their loved ones: A. Online Ticketing Complimentary online ticketing system to allow visitors to reserve a visiting time slot and plan their visits, allowing families to keep within the regulated maximum number of persons at any one time with minimal coordination. B. Online Memorial allows friends to find updated information and offer their sympathies to bereaved families C. Live Streaming this option is available to enable friends and families to participate in the wake/vigil and funeral services online D. Donations families may appoint a PayNow account of a family member to receive donations. This will be posted on the online memorial. Christian Funeral Packages • International Repatriation • Pre-Planning Seminars

Reach Out ¢ According to a 2017/18 survey by the Department of Statistics, Singaporeans spend $1.4 billion a year on tuition for their children. However, private tuition is an expense item that many households struggle to afford. Two churches—Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Mission and Living Hope Methodist Church—found that they were placed in neighbourhoods where many households needed affordable educational support for children and youth. They decided to start a tuition ministry and an English coaching programme for children. Read on to see how far they’ve come. PAYA LEBAR CHINESE METHODIST MISSION (PLCMM) A tuition ministry of more than 20 years continues to bear fruit Kate Lim worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church and serves in the Bethany Nursing Home Befrienders Ministry. / Photos courtesy of Jessica Lee Loving our neighbours The PLCMM tuition ministry for children and youths was started by its members in 1999. They had a mission to reach out to and serve the residents of the nearby Lorong Ah Soo neighbourhood, which comprised mostly young, lower-income families. Jessica Lee now This ministry provides nearly-free tuition to the children serves as a and youth in the neighbourhood—only a nominal fee is Sunday school charged. As part of the programme, the students attend teacher in MPK the children’s church and youth fellowship after tuition. According to Philip Chong, the person-in-charge for the J essica Lee is a Sunday School teacher at Mighty PLCMM tuition ministry, there were up to 55 tuition Power Kids (MPK), Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist students and 15 teachers in 2012 at its peak. Presently, Mission (PLCMM). She first joined PLCMM when she there are six students (aged between 8-11 years) was six years old, after church volunteers came knocking receiving tuition in English and Math, and five volunteer on her door, inviting her mother to send her for tuition teachers serving in the ministry. at PLCMM, and thereafter to attend Sunday School. Jessica’s mother had a good impression of PLCMM and Meeting the children’s needs beyond academics felt that it was a safe place for her to go to. Many of the children receiving tuition from PLCMM come from families where the parents are busy at work and “Right after tuition, we had Sunday School and there unable to attend to their children. would be a lot of fun and activities for us. That was how I learned about God, from the tutors who patiently Philip shares that serving in this ministry goes beyond shared God’s love with me and guided me,” Jessica told helping the children in their studies. “It involves meeting Methodist Message. their real needs and sharing the love that (we) have received from God.” Each child has his or her unique abilities and needs, and Philip describes how the volunteer tutors go beyond |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 7

Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Mission (PLCMM) helping the children with school work because of their A full circle concern with the overall well-being of their students. The 1.5-hour tuition sessions may seem inadequate when This might mean addressing behavioural issues such as it comes to providing comprehensive help in the children’s disrespect towards the teachers, mood swings and lack lives. But Philip says, “The impact of this contact time of interest in studying. goes beyond what you would expect.” He says, “God has provided different ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’ This is seen through the lives of some of the children who have come to know God through the tuition ministry and in the lives of these children—to discipline, guide and children’s church, and have continued attending PLCMM. motivate them at different stages of their growth.” Some now serve actively in the church. Jessica Lee Jessica Lee is one such example. The former student of (far right) as a the tuition ministry is now in her mid-20s and working preschooler when in the early childhood sector. Since she was 17, she she first attended started serving in the Sunday School ministry, and has the PLCMM tuition also tutored children in Chinese in the tuition ministry, sessions which she sees as giving back to the ministry that first brought her to Christ. More blessed to give than to receive Kelvin Aw, a lawyer by profession, has been a volunteer “I want to teach the Sunday School children God’s Word teacher for 18 years. He has learned to exercise sensitivity so they can know him and learn more about his Word just and flexibility when helping the children, often to like I did,” said Jessica. accommodate their individual family situations. Planting seeds of faith and love During the Covid-19 peak in 2020, all tuition sessions Jeffrey Liew attended tuition lessons when he was 13 were conducted virtually. However, Kelvin opted to have years old, after his cousin introduced him to PLCMM’s in-person tuition with a student from a single-parent tuition ministry. family, at her home, as it would be more effective to support her during her PSLE that year. This was greatly Jeffrey remembers he attended only a few lessons but appreciated by her mother. eventually dropped out as he was simply not interested in his studies. Thereafter, he only attended activities He shares, “It was immensely rewarding as she did conducted by the youth ministry. reasonably well in her English PSLE paper and also began to enjoy that subject.” Some years later, he returned for Math tuition out of desperation. “When I was 16, I wanted to turn my life On what motivates him to continue serving in this around and study hard but I kept failing my Math.” ministry after so many years, Kelvin shares from Ezekiel 22:30, “And I sought for a man among them who should A volunteer, Uncle Su Mian, who was a head of department build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for for Math at a secondary school at that time, tutored him. the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.” Jeffrey credits Uncle Su Mian—who has since passed away—for helping him at a time when he needed it the most. “He guided me in my school work and instilled discipline in me. My results improved tremendously.” “During church services, I often sang songs that spoke of Jeffrey looks back with gratitude for the help he standing in the gap for Christ. I thought it would be more received from the volunteers with the tuition ministry. meaningful if I actually stood in the gap for someone in He recalls, “My family was paying quite a sum for tuition need, instead of just singing about it,” Kelvin said. elsewhere. In contrast, the church tuition ministry only |8 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

charged a token amount to ensure LIVING HOPE METHODIST CHURCH commitment from the students. I wondered why they were so nice Making mighty to charge so little and yet had connections to suffer when we were being defiant. Little did we know then A children’s English coaching programme with a difference that they were planting little seeds into our lives.” Terence Chua worships at Living Hope Methodist Church and is a student at Trinity Theological College. Jeffrey says: “When John 3:16 was read to me during my teens, Mighty Connection is an English coaching programme for primary schoolers I felt valued and loved knowing that someone whom I didn’t know I t was 2014 and Margaret Lim was serving in the Children’s Ministry— had died for me so that I could go the weekly Sunday School—at Living Hope Methodist Church (LHMC). to heaven. I looked at the many By then, her years of ministry were many but not for the first time, brothers- and sisters-in-Christ she wondered if more work for the Lord could and should be done. around me who loved me so much There were already two major annual events on the Children’s Ministry even though I didn’t really know calendar—the game-based Mighty Olympics and a children’s camp them.” called the Mighty Kidz Camp. But these were events mostly for the Sunday School children. There was no specific outreach to the children Jeffrey has words of appreciation living in the neighbourhood who were non-churchgoers. and encouragement for his tutors To every Christian, outreach brings to mind Jesus’ final charge in and mentors. Matthew 28:19 to his disciples before his ascension. Could the HDB blocks encircling LHMC’s idyllic location at Tampines Street 33 be “Thank you for your many years of counted as their ‘Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria’? being a faithful servant. Though “There was no reason not to reach out,” Margaret recalls. But what it was tough and arduous, your form should the outreach take? faithfulness to the Lord has made an impact on my life and in the |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 9 lives of many more that you may not be aware of. Continue to plant the seeds. They will one day take root, grow, and be ready to be harvested.” Now a youth leader, Jeffrey hopes that God will use him to guide other youths and let them know what he has learned. Philip hopes more will step forward to volunteer as teachers. “Today, the children from this neighbourhood, who once were lost, have found God. This is the best gift we can give to them”.

Living Hope Methodist Church A simple programme with simple resources coach students (usually in groups of two or three, but Armed with the blessings of the church leaders but not more than four) with the aid of English assessment with no idea of how well it would be received, a small books easily purchased in bookshops. This is followed by team of volunteers including Margaret worked quickly a 50-minute Bible-based activity or lesson which varies: to design a simple programme. At that year’s Mighty watching a video, or playing light indoor games. Before Olympics, it was announced that LHMC would start a the pandemic, the programme would conclude with 30 free-to-all English-coaching ministry, eventually named minutes of outdoor games. Mighty Connection, and the first session would take place two Saturdays hence. With the pandemic, the programme like everything else had to shift online via Zoom. Despite the stresses, they As it turned out, 23 children attended the first session soldiered on. in a room in LHMC on 20 September 2014. Eight years on, Mighty Connection is still on-going every Saturday, Labour, the most precious resource except for the first Saturday of the month. Even such a simple programme is labour-intensive. By its very nature, a coaching session necessitates a high The programme designed at the start was a mix of volunteer-to-student ratio. English language coaching, Bible story and activities, and playing games. This model has not changed much. Moreover, in order to build rapport, each volunteer coaches the same set of students. This means only Each 2-hour long session begins at 1 p.m. with 70 volunteers who are able to commit three Saturdays a minutes of English enrichment, when ministry volunteers month, excluding the first Saturday, are recruited.

One mother, Tiffany, told Methodist Message, “I started my son, Dylan, on Mighty Connection during the lockdown period as he was lagging behind in English. I was surprised to see how he enjoyed his first lesson and was looking forward to the next one. I love how the teachers are very engaging with the kids and even teach them life values through Bible stories. All these benefits prompted me to introduce Mighty Connection to my friend so that she could enrol her son, Raphael, and soon Dylan’s siblings will be joining too.” Rather than simply for academic reasons, Zhi Yang believes it is friendship that draws the students. “It is the sense of community that keeps them coming,” he says. Adds Margaret, “Our teachers are also warm and personable.” She fondly recounts how Zhi Yang cared for a student whose hamster was ill. “He ran out to the shops nearby to purchase some medication for the hamster, and even lent him a book on hamsters!” Friendship - the key ingredient that makes children The volunteers’ dedication and highly personal come back each week attention they give is probably why some students continue to attend despite not being in actual need of “Not many can afford three Saturdays a month,” says English enrichment. “I sometimes wonder why some Tan Zhi Yang, 30, a mechanical engineer who has been students even come—their English is already so good!” volunteering since 2018. That the team of volunteers Margaret laughs. “So I challenge them to do more is relatively small makes it all the more challenging to composition work.” balance keeping a high volunteer-to-student ratio and reaching out to more students. An opportunity to love thy neighbour Friendship, care, attention—in short, love—are what Striking a chord with the neighbourhood sustain Mighty Connection. Love is also what makes Today, LHMC continues to publicise Mighty Connection the team strive to refine the academic side of their with announcements made during Mighty Olympics and programme—in recent years, besides implementing Mighty Kidz Camp. A huge banner that has withstood progress reports, they have kept up with the MOE the weather for many years still hangs in front of the syllabus with help from primary school teachers. church to draw the attention of passersby. It was a joy to reap the fruit of their labour when a Despite the lean team of volunteers and the modest number of their students joined LHMC’s Youth Ministry number of weekly participants, Mighty Connection is, after their PSLE. in a small but nonetheless significant way, achieving its mission. Over the past 8 years, Mighty Connection Mighty Connection shows that there are many ways has been able to reach out to many children in to fulfil the timeless injunction to ’love thy neighbour’ the neighbourhood. The team is heartened when and these ways are seldom complicated. All that is they hear that parents of existing students have required for the simple gifts of attention, care and recommended Mighty Connection to other parents, friendship, is our time. What remains to be answered and see students who had stopped coming for some is, how will you and your church create an opportunity time reappear voluntarily. to love your neighbour? |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 11

Reach Out ¢ Kate Lim worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church and serves in the Bethany Nursing Home Befrienders Ministry. / Photos courtesy of Vincent Lim Bringing Jesus to their neighbours at Bethany Nursing Home S ome 15 years ago, Aldersgate Methodist Church (AMC) sent a request to its members for volunteers to reach out to the residents at MWS Bethany Nursing Home (Choa Chu Kang). Among those who stepped forward were Loh Han Chew and Benson Woon, who were from the same cell group at AMC, and they started a befrienders group at the nursing home. Han Chew and Benson organised monthly singing and Bringing fun and games to the elderly residents dancing activities for the male residents at the Peace Ward of the nursing home, and roped in their cell group Since they started serving in 2018, Vincent and his wife, members to take turns to run these programmes. The Carene, have brought their four children along with volunteers often brought snacks for the residents. They them as they wanted them to grow up learning about would also spend the time chatting with them, and compassion, and to exercise it in practical ways. getting to know them personally. “At Bethany Nursing Home, my children learned to care Soon, these visits evolved to Sunday Services every for others and treat them with kindness. Through this 5th Sunday of the month, at the Home, where up to 40 experience, they developed a strong desire to help residents were ministered to each time. others who are in need. The residents like having the children around as they bring joy to them.” Children and parents serving together Today, the Outreach and Befrienders’ Ministry at AMC Vincent’s children are an invaluable part of the ministry. which now has many befrienders groups, is led by Mr “They help to push the residents around the nursing home Vincent Lim, a senior manager in the aerospace sector. in their wheelchairs and organise simple games that are well-received, leading to much laughter between the residents and volunteers,” Vincent told Methodist Message. Vincent Lim and his family leading worship Open hearts despite language barriers As not all the residents at the home speak English, one of the biggest challenges Vincent faces is having to use Mandarin or Chinese dialects to communicate with them. He tries to overcome this by using a mixture of English and Mandarin, and the team supports each other by jumping in when they notice anyone having difficulty with the language, or if they spot conversation gaps. |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

Yet the openness of the residents has shown that the Jessie observed that the residents are meaningfully language barrier does not matter. Vincent recalled an engaged in quality conversations with the befrienders, encounter with an elderly resident who spoke only who are each proficient in different languages and dialects. Mandarin and was blind. The resident, although not a believer, requested for the volunteers to pray for his “The laughter and smiles on the residents’ faces are health. Carene, who is more proficient in Mandarin, genuine. The advantage of virtual sessions is that they led the prayer while their children prayed alongside. can continue even when not all the volunteers are available. This way, the residents and nursing home staff can plan our routines with minimal disruption,” she said. After the long hiatus, Allan said, “We were happy to see that they were open to hearing the gospel again.” Kate Lim (the author), a community healthcare professional, feels thankful that she can connect with residents despite the pandemic, and being unable to meet them in-person. A quiet time of art expression “Mr Y is in his late 40s, and used to go to church with his late mother or aunt when he was a child. He shared about Another volunteer, Mr Allan Howe, a retiree in his 60s, how he did not have the opportunity to receive Christ, is encouraged by the residents’ open hearts. “Uncle and his long recovery process after a serious road traffic L, who is a Taoist, said that Jesus told him ‘all have accident. I was encouraged by the look of renewed hope sinned’ when we shared how all need Christ to take the in his eyes and the smile on his face when we prayed for punishment for our sins. Uncle L is willing to listen to us him and reminded him of how God has been at work in and share his thoughts.” his life. He has made the miraculous recovery from being bed-bound to regaining mobility now.” Leveraging on technology When Covid-19 hit, many on-site activities at Bethany The befrienders group has also produced videos to Nursing Home were curtailed. In November 2021, Jessie entertain the residents. Last Christmas, a video with Lee, a Communications and Partnership Executive at carols and an animated story of the birth of Jesus was Bethany Nursing Home, suggested that the befrienders shared with the residents. They also delivered home- group try to conduct virtual sessions via Zoom. baked snacks to the residents during Chinese New Year and when there are special requests.  A small group of six volunteers got together to kickstart monthly Zoom meetings to engage the residents Vincent hopes that on-site visits to Bethany Nursing Home of Peace Ward. During each session, the befrienders can resume soon but, in the meantime, they will continue would take turns to engage with one resident for 10- to find creative ways to reach out to the residents. 15 minutes. “The kids are raring to go back to serve. It is about putting our faith into action—to go out and reach out.” The children helping during the |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 13 5th Sunday Service

Feature ¢ Jason Woo is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of Paul Ang Caught by the hands of mercy Being a part of the prison ministry at Tanjong Pinang, Indonesia Engaging the children at Cebu, Philippines I f you were to meet Paul Ang today, you would be Life on the run surprised that his approachable demeanour belies a past spent running from the law, having committed a series MM: You got married in 1995 and had a child. Yet, you of crimes from armed robberies to drug smuggling. Years of continued your life with drugs. Why? living on the wrong side of the law came to an abrupt halt when his attempt at being a drug mule was busted at the PA: Even after getting married and becoming a father, I did French border, resulting in him being thrown behind bars in not know how to manage my life well. I would take drugs a foreign land. There, he would encounter God for the first or drink excessively each time to escape my problems, time. But Paul returned to his old ways once again, before thinking everything would be solved when I became sober finally deciding that he needed God in his life. the next day, but things just got worse. After filming his testimony to be shown as part of MM: When you were charged in 1997, you jumped bail and Aldersgate SG 2022 celebrations, Methodist Message escaped to the Golden Triangle (Northern Thailand, near (MM) sat down with Paul for a chat. He shared about his the borders of Laos and Myanmar). Describe what you did life of crime that spiralled out of control, and how he came to evade being captured. to know God’s redemptive and restoring love. PA: I used a friend’s passport to get myself into Malaysia The early years and subsequently into Thailand, where I settled down. Through a recommendation of a friend, I proceeded to join Methodist Message (MM): What were your growing an international drug syndicate. As I was fluent in Thai, years like? most of the locals there thought that I was one of them and thus I was able to assimilate into the community. I Paul Ang (PA): My parents divorced when I was very took efforts to lie low and always made sure my trafficking young. My mother raised four children as a single parent and smuggling of drugs were done discreetly, hence no and I was the eldest. I couldn’t find love and care from the one really knew what I was actually up to except those family as my mother had no time for us, and so I joined a who knew me well. secret society at the age of 14. Being in the gang gave me a sense of belonging. It was there that I learned to smoke, Captured in France drink, take drugs and fight. MM: How did you get caught in France for drug smuggling? MM: You were imprisoned after staging a series of armed PA: I was an itinerary planner in the drug syndicate, in robberies as a youth. How did the police manage to arrest you? charge of coordinating and planning the safest routes to smuggle the drugs. Once, I had to arrange for 50,000 PA: A gang member was caught by the police and gave my Ecstasy pills to be smuggled into Malaysia from France. name to them along with the names of a few others who However, while travelling in the train from Holland (where were involved in the robberies. This was my first brush the pills came from) to France, I was ambushed by the with the law. |14 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

French customs police together with the Interpol, when I also directed me to an 18-month course on Christianity in crossed into French territory. prison which helped me to understand his Word and his loving character. Through the course, I came to know a MM: While serving your term in a French prison, a priest God who “so loved the world that he gave us his One and visited you regularly, and he ended up being an important only Son Jesus”. person in your life. Tell us why. MM: How do you feel about yourself looking back? PA: When the French priest visited me, I had been placed in a punishment cell for assaulting a prison officer. Initially, I PA: My prison terms would total 11.5 years in length of really did not know why he came to visit me. I remembered time. It was not easy for me to re-integrate into society after always being very happy when he visited as he would bring my imprisonment as I had no relevant working skills. I only along a bag of goodies containing creature comforts like knew how to peddle drugs, operate underground gambling tobacco, sweets, cake and biscuits. It was years later when dens and other vices. Looking back, I am really grateful to I got to know the Lord that I realised the visits by the priest God for this new lease of life in Christ. Because of him, I were a manifestation of God’s mercy to me. learned to forgive and also to seek forgiveness; because of him, I received total healing from my depression. MM: What was it about the priest’s visits that calmed your rage against your wife? PA: I was going through a period of depression at that time, On a mission as my then-wife had left me and took all my possessions. trip to Thailand I would act out in aggression. The priest would often ask with Grace me if I was doing all right or if I felt better. He showed Methodist me a kind of concern that I had not experienced before, Church I wondered why he would bother with a person like me. Somehow, the visits calmed me. Current life In prison again MM: When you came to Grace Methodist Church (GMC), was there any stigma attached to your previous life? How MM: But yet, you still fell back into the old ways. From has the church helped you re-integrate back to society? 2006 to 2010, you were sentenced to your fourth prison term in Singapore. What made you finally decide to PA: When I came to GMC, I was very welcomed by the sisters submit to God completely? and brothers-in-Christ. My church arranged a cell group for me and also included me in Bible study classes. I thank God PA: One day, my young son visited me in prison and accused that I am now involved in the music ministry and that I am me of abandoning him. His accusation shook me to the core. also given the chance to serve as a prison volunteer. My heart was broken into pieces this time and I was at my wit’s end on what to do with my life. That night, I cried out MM: What would you like to say to encourage others who to God. I told God that I would be serious with him and read find themselves struggling in their sin? his Word every day for a year, and if nothing changed, then I would give up my faith. However, during that one year, I PA: I would like to say to them that God is real, he is not fell in love with God more and more as he took away my just a figment of their imagination. He needs to be in our heart of stone and replaced it with a thankful heart. hearts. When people find themselves struggling with sin, all they have to do is confess to God and willingly let him MM: What did surrendering to God feel like? in to do the redemptive work in their lives. God is always faithful, quick to forgive and help. You are never alone. PA: I confessed to God that I had hurt my loved ones and wanted to start anew. After confessing and asking for his forgiveness, a sense of peace came upon me. MM: After your release from prison, how was life different For more of Paul’s story, for you? watch this video that was prepared as part of Aldersgate SG 2022 celebrations, PA: After my conversion, God gave me the courage to https://youtu.be/Nu7Hqps7eH0 renounce my affiliation with my gang in the prison. God |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 15

People ¢ Ashley Ho is the Social Media Executive at MCS Comms. / Photo courtesy of Ashley Ho Am I ready for motherhood? However, on the flipside, I also hear about the joy, spiritual growth and faith journey of parenthood, leading to greater dependence on God, and understanding the unconditional love that our Heavenly Father has for all of us, his children. Daryl and Ashley When I first discovered I was pregnant, my husband, Daryl, and I were actually unprepared. “Are we ready I ’ve always had mixed feelings about parenthood. to be parents? What do we do next?” We were thankful I’ve heard from friends about the sleepless nights to have church mentors guide us and talk with us. As of looking after their newborns, the “terrible twos the parent carrying a miraculous new life in my body, and threes”, navigating the education landscape in hearing the heartbeat of my baby for the first time Singapore, and the challenges of communicating changed my perspective on being a mother. I embraced with sullen or rebellious teens. These are the fact that God has given me a great gift and is slowly real struggles of parenthood, and parents preparing me for motherhood. During the tough and now have to raise their children in vulnerable first trimester, I learnt to depend a lot more a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex on him, to pray more, especially for my baby, claiming and Ambiguous (VUCA) the verses in Psalm 139. God told me, “It is not about world. I’ve also what you do or don’t, but I am the one who gives life.” heard parents talk about the lack of There are so many things to think about, to prepare personal time. for, to decide and to learn about as parents-to-be— I’ve decided to take things one step at a time as I am assured that God will somehow give my husband, Daryl, and I the wisdom to go through each hurdle. We are also thankful for friends who are already parents, who have given us practical advice and shared their experiences with us. Being an expectant mother during a pandemic has been quite stressful, but God has been good and protected me from the virus, despite being in close contact with family members who contracted Covid-19. I still attend church services and meet with small groups of friends, but I have been vigilant about who I meet and avoid crowded places. Now that I am in my third trimester, Daryl and I continue to pray for our baby to be healthy and for her (yes, we are having a girl!) safe and smooth delivery. Most importantly, besides preparing physically for her arrival, we also have to prepare ourselves to be spiritual parents! |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

Tamil Having young children is not an excuse I do not need to be in control for not serving in church. Mothers should as God is in control, serve so the children will learn from them. with a perfect plan for his children. Cynthia Chew / 50s Alicia Chua / 50s Ang Mo Kio MC Covenant Community MC To take joy in un-learning My children firstly belong to God. and re-learning how to raise my kids God teaches me by raising his children God's way and not mine. Kate Lim / 40s according to his plan. Aldersgate MC Jasmine Hu / 30s Trust God's teachings, always rejoice even in Wesley MC difficult times, and pray often. Spend time with the kids, communicating and Love God, love people, love ourselves. praying with and for them. Yeo Cher Eng / 60s and above Toh Bee Kin / 50s Toa Payoh Chinese MC Hakka MC Step out of your comfort zone with little steps of faith in order What is the to discover and grow. most important Angela Tan / 30s thing that God has taught you about Ang Mo Kio Chinese MC motherhood? Through prayer, God can grant me a heart that never hardens, temper that never tires, This Mother’s Day (8 May), we ask mothers from various churches touch that never hurts and age groups this question. and a love that softens. To show love, care Gnanamany Philip / 50s and Christ’s path to my children. Pasir Panjang Tamil MC Kanagi Kanakarajan / 50s To always listen intently and with love about Seletar Tamil MC what my children share and provide comfort using the experiences God has given me, Motherhood is a gift from God. to guide them in life. Reka Sherlin John / 50s Tamilkodi Arthur / 60s and above Tamil MC (Short Street) Toa Payoh Tamil MC A Christian mother is God’s chosen home Lead my children in godly living missionary to her children. and be there for them Dr Ruth Anil / 40s when they need me. Telugu MC Shanti Paul / 50s Jurong Tamil MC |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 17

Church Life ¢ Kampong Kapor Methodist Church Text and photos courtesy of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church KKMC: God’s faithfulness through the generations (top) The Youth Ministry I n the middle of Little India, an elegant white building band leading worship at stands at a clearing where narrow roads meet. KKMC’s 128th Anniversary Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC) has been in thanksgiving worship service this location since 1930. Designed by the architectural on 23 January 2022 firm Swan and Maclaren, this building with its quasi-Art Deco design houses worshippers across generations and (bottom) Congregants doing language groups. the “Kampong Wave” during KKMC’s 128th Anniversary Where it began thanksgiving worship service KKMC traces its origins to 1894, when Sophia Blackmore on 23 January 2022 moved an expanding Malay-language worship gathering from her home at Sophia Road to Middle Road, |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 establishing the first Peranakan church in Singapore. There, the congregation of the Malay Church, as it was called, continued to grow under the leadership of its first pastor, William Shellabear. Further growth to the congregation led to its relocation in 1930 to a larger building at its current site, 1 Kampong Kapor Road, where it was called the Straits Chinese Methodist Church, reflecting the make-up of its congregation. The church was renamed Kampong Kapor Methodist Church in the 1950s as its congregation by then comprised the Straits Chinese, as well as other ethnic groups. This year, KKMC celebrates its 128th anniversary and its congregation is spread across its English, Mandarin, Tamil and Peranakan services. With such a long history, it comes as no surprise that KKMC’s congregation is a multi- generational one, where children worship together with their parents and grandparents, and in some cases, their great-grandparents!

Living in authentic community and reaching Volunteers helping out as bold witnesses out at KKMC’s first run The church’s vision is to be faithful disciples in authentic of Project 5 Loaves & community engaged in loving outreach and bold 2 Fishes, an outreach witness to the glory of God. This vision is expressed in activities engaging with people in the community that and community God has placed us in. blessing event held for neighbours around the church Over the past few years, KKMC has regularly held events KKMC also conducts ALPHA classes both in English and that reach out to the people in the neighbourhood. Mandarin. Church members can invite their family One such community blessing event was the recently members and friends to these sessions where they can held Project 5 Loaves & 2 Fishes, conceived after ask questions about Christianity and how it relates to church members observed the specific needs of our daily life. This provides another avenue for participants neighbours, who were, in various ways, affected by to discover the relevance and necessity of the gospel the pandemic. Residents in the neighbourhood of KKMC of Jesus in their lives. were invited to our church to collect food and other essential household items that they needed. More Witness also goes beyond our local neighbourhood. than providing for their material needs, it gave us the Missions work features strongly in KKMC, with our opportunity to befriend them. church supporting 29 missionaries serving in mission fields in Singapore and several other countries, Before Covid-19 put a stop to large gatherings, KKMC including India, Indonesia and Thailand. used to conduct weekly activities for seniors in the neighbourhood. This was yet another avenue for Praise God from whom all blessings flow outreach to the community and we hope to be able to With 128 years of history and as the fourth Methodist resume regular meetings soon. church to be established in Singapore, KKMC has surely been blessed in countless ways. May the church Outreach and worship come together at KKMC’s annual continue to stand as a beacon of God’s presence in the Hymn Festival. Our congregation looks forward to community and beyond, and may we seek to live out the Hymn Festival where they can worship God in a God’s commandments, generation after generation. special Sunday service largely made up of songs to praise and worship God. Inviting guests is a must, as To find out more about KKMC, visit they get to hear the gospel message delivered by the choirs of both adults and children. God has blessed our h t t p s : / / w w w. k k m c . o rg . s g . church with gifted musicians among us, and central to the music created is the pipe organ that stands in the sanctuary. One might see this pipe organ as yet another testament of God’s goodness to KKMC—it was installed in 1937 and is still the only one to be found in Singapore Methodist churches today. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 19

People ¢ By Lucy Cheng, volunteer sub-editor from Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Cheryl Mah A mother’s story: Hope comes with small steps “When Lucien was a newborn, I had prayed to God to not hospital bills soared beyond their budget. To compound let him grow up so fast, so that I could enjoy his early their woes, the insurance company repeatedly rejected childhood years for a longer time. I often joke that I did their application for a medical and hospitalisation not mean for God to slow him down by so much!” insurance policy for Lucien. It was only after almost two frustrating years and a few rounds of appeals Cheryl Mah’s wry humour belies a tough journey of ups that the application was approved, albeit with several and downs that started with her second pregnancy in added stipulations. 2019. Neither she nor her husband, Jonathan, could possibly have imagined what would happen—after all, At Lucien’s 15-month polyclinic check-up, the doctor her first pregnancy resulting in the birth of their first noted his small size and weight of about 7kg and child, a daughter, had been relatively uneventful. referred them to a paediatrician at the KKH Department of Child Development (DCD). The paediatric appointment While pregnant for the second time, she was diagnosed was the start of a long chain of interviews, tests and with a number of prenatal complications including treatments involving the departments of Ear, Nose & abnormal bleeding and Group B. Streptococcus. Throat (ENT), Ophthalmology, Nutrition, and the Speech Additionally, she contracted Hand, Foot and Mouth Therapy and Occupational Therapy (SPOT) clinic. Disease (HFMD) from an unknown source in her second trimester. In her last trimester, the doctor gravely Then came the news that Cheryl and Jonathan were not pronounced that she had placental insufficiency and expecting. promptly performed an emergency Caesarean section delivery after 30 hours of non-progressive labour. Lucien was diagnosed with Global Development Delay (GDD), a condition in which the child shows signs Her son Lucien was born a preemie with a birth weight of significant delays across more than two areas of of only 1.95kg. He had barely passed his oxygen test, development. In fact, he was found to be significantly and nearly landed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit delayed in all five child developmental areas and at (NICU) in Mount Alvernia Hospital. This was when least one to two years behind his peers. |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

“Even though I was aware that Lucien had developmental While she acknowledges that there are still plenty delays, it was still a shock to me to receive this of milestones that Lucien has yet to achieve such diagnosis. I had never heard of this condition before.” as feeding himself with utensils, speaking in short sentences, and participating in age-appropriate The DCD eventually referred Lucien to the Early activities, Cheryl’s pride is evident as she recounts Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) Lucien’s progress in small ways since EIPIC . and he was enrolled in September 2021. “He can now use singular words (or word On top of outstanding family-related debt that approximations) to communicate, do simple things the couple are still paying off, the bills from EIPIC, like help to take off his clothes and put them into the childcare and ongoing medical appointments became laundry bag, and performs better at physical activities a heavy burden. such as playing ball or picking up toys he dropped. He even has a better understanding of how some things Cheryl confesses, “Right before Lucien was offered a work, such as using the thermometer to scan the place in EIPIC, I broke down and wept my heart out due forehead for temperature checks.” to the escalating costs we faced. My husband and I laid hands over Lucien at night and prayed fervently for God Recently, Lucien, who is now two-and-a-half years old, to heal him quickly. We wanted God to heal him of all learnt the word “push” from his EIPIC teachers. Cheryl these developmental issues so that he could catch up found out about this when she saw him pushing his faster, and we would not have to face the huge wave of 5-year-old elder sister, Arielle, while yelling “push”. bills headed our way.” “Most parents would be concerned about this action from their child. But I thought it was a funny sight, and But God did not answer Cheryl and her husband’s prayer was happy that he knew the meaning of this word!” the way they had expected. Lucien and Arielle are close and have the usual petty disagreements that occur between siblings. Instead, He sent help for their journey—in the form of unwavering kindness and support from wonderful Cheryl also learned with amazement that Lucien could teachers, as well as financial assistance from family differentiate and say the names of different colours, members, and even from the most unexpected people and point out parts of the face such as eyes, nose, and —sometimes in the exact sum that they needed. mouth. “It warmed my heart so much to know that he Cheryl said, “Lucien is so well-loved by his teachers is learning quite well.” and everyone around him, which is more than we could have asked for.” Cheryl and Jonathan’s cell As for what the future holds, she simply says, “In spite leader, and Cheryl’s colleagues also provided prayer of the circumstances, we are celebrating every single and emotional support. step no matter how small, and continuously giving thanks to God for his progress. Every step is a small In order to make EIPIC a reality for Lucien, the family win for us.” made stoic sacrifices and lifestyle adjustments. Tearfully, they parted with their helper who had been Lucien’s While Lucien’s situation has caused Cheryl and her main caregiver and a huge pillar of support for the family. husband to experience many ups and downs, they Lucien was placed in full-day childcare as both Cheryl, a continue to have faith and trust that God will keep his staff worker at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church, and her promise to never forsake them. “If it is God’s will to husband, Jonathan work full-time. After a long day at throw us curve balls, then I trust that it is also his will to work, they would return home to take care of their two show his authority and power by sending help that only children and tend to household chores. he can. The joy of the Lord is our strength!” |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 21

Hymns & Songs ¢ Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon served as Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000-2012. Trinitarian hymns in the Wesleyan tradition T he bedrock of Christian faith is our belief in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is still the the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the basic structure of our baptismal rituals today. Holy Spirit, as revealed in Scripture and in the Incarnation. This is the God we worship, the One God in In addition, we use in our worship services the biblical Three Persons, whose actions lead to our redemption benediction in 2 Corinthians 13:14 that brings the and hope for eternal life. blessings of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to God’s people. In the historical liturgical tradition, Christians Our Trinitarian faith is enshrined in our historical have also regularly sung the Gloria Patri, again creeds. The wonderful Trinitarian passage in Ephesians reminding us of the heart of our faith. 1:3-14 is, in the opinion of many biblical scholars, an ancient doxology used in the worship of the early There are, in the treasure chest of the church, many church. It is evidence that in the New Testament church, Trinitarian hymns, most of which have been largely God was already worshipped as a triune Being. Other forgotten. There is a need to sing more songs in our passages such as Philippians 2:5-11 and 1 Timothy worship of the triune God. Many Methodists and even 3:16 are also examples of the earliest songs in praise non-Methodists may know that the Methodist revival of the triune God. in the 18th century was “born in song” and sustained and propagated by song. Following the baptismal formula that the Lord Jesus included as part of his Great Commission to The first hymnal published by John and Charles Wesley, his disciples, the church has baptised people in the Gloria Patri… or Hymns on the Trinity in 1746 contained single name of the three Persons of the Trinity. In 24 hymns. Subsequently, they published another the earliest post-New Testament writings such as the hymnal, Hymns on the Trinity in 1767 containing another Didache (Teachings of the Twelve Apostles) and The 188 Trinitarian hymns. These hymns were published Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus, instructions can be as an intentional rebuttal against Unitarianism (which found regarding baptism. Baptismal candidates are to rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, claiming that God is be asked three main questions related to each Person one Person) and also as a didactic tool to teach Nicene of the Trinity. They are to be baptised in the name of Trinitarianism and metrical theology to the Methodist |22 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

societies. Obviously, the Wesley brothers recognised the dangers Triune God, of doctrinal confusion, and considered the doctrine of the Trinity as We Worship You forming the core of Christian belief and life. Their solution was to put theology into song and ensure that worship reflected biblical Father God, Creator of the universe truth and doctrinal soundness. and all in it, In concluding a historical study of Trinitarian language in Christian Earth and heaven, seen and unseen, hymnody, liturgical theologian and hymn writer Ruth Duck man and woman, girl and boy. concludes that “when Christians sing about the Trinity, they often You Creator; we creation, in our do so in formulaic ways that do not inspire feeling, imagination, mothers’ wombs were knit; or reflection.” You have loved all You created, all creation sings with joy. There is obviously a need for new Trinitarian hymns for the present generation, Christ the Lord, our Strong Defender, Son of God and Greatest Gift; written by those who have thought deeply about the Trinity and experienced the reality Came from Heaven as our Saviour, of the Trinity in their lives. died as ransom for our sin; Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:3-14 provide a model for how we Rose from death and conquered evil, should sing in praise of the triune God. There is specific reference Rescuer of all adrift; to each Person of the Trinity and how they work together and relate with us to save us. Each section concludes with the phrase You will come again to save us, “to the praise of his glory” or “glorious grace” (vv. 6, 12, 14), make the perfect world begin! suggesting how we should praise and worship the triune God. Holy Spirit, Great Comforter, Using this model, I have written a hymn, “Triune God, We Worship Lord and Giver of new life; You”! I wrote the words some years ago and found some gifted Spoke through prophets, Holy Fire, music composers (Justin Yeo and Leong Shengyu) from Queenstown Dove from heaven, Flame of love; Chinese Methodist Church. They not only put music to the words Breath of life and Cleansing Fire, but also, with their group, recorded a video of the hymn, with the with our sinful hearts You strive; hope that it will be used in our Methodist churches. Glory be to the Till our hearts are full of love, Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. and fit we are for life above. To listen to the hymn, scan the QR code Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Triune God, we worship You! or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiM-IrhyF1A You alone, our God and Treasure, living God, like You there’s none. The Methodist School of Music (MSM) God You made us, You to worship, equips and edifies both the individual and the church through music to Your people come renew; Make our hearts Your dwelling place and the performing arts. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. and make us one as You are One. Words by Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon Music by Justin Yeo and Leong Shengyu Copyright © 2022 |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 23

Opinion ¢ Soundings Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg). “Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding. OrdinaryThe sacrament of the S ome Christians are prone to think that the The Reformed theologian Michael Horton has described Christian life is a series of spiritual “mountaintop” our culture’s obsession with the exceptional and the experiences. The Christian life must be radical and outstanding as “the cult of extraordinariness”.2 This exciting, filled with inspiring supernatural encounters culture is so fixated with the high-flyer, the over- with God at every turn. achiever and the game-changer that “ordinary” and “mundane” have become the loneliest if not the most These believers listen with great relish to testimonies despised words in our vocabulary. of miraculous healings and the spectacular successes of Christians who have accomplished “great things for That is why some Christians may be surprised to find God”. And they mistakenly conclude that this is the that in the pages of the Bible, God is often depicted “normal” Christian life. as being present and active in the commonplace of our earthly experiences. As theologian Julie Canlis has put it, for such Christians, “True religion is often associated with the extreme, To be sure, the Bible does describe God performing the emotional moment, the passionate choice, the “extraordinary miracles” (Acts 19:11-12) such as the mountaintop experience.”1 parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) or the raising of Lazarus (John 11). But to think that God is to be found In some important ways, all this mirrors what is already exclusively in such events is to miss the Bible’s portrayal endemic in the wider culture. of his presence in the ordinary and the mundane. |24 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

Consider Jesus’ parables of the kingdom of God. a man and because the holy has tabernacled in the earthly, common and ordinary things, actions and Jesus did not describe the divine kingdom in lofty relationships can take on a new meaning. images of angelic choirs or celestial palaces or in highfalutin speeches. Instead, Jesus told stories using It was the great reformer Martin Luther who understood common everyday metaphors such as the vineyard, this clearly. the mustard seed and the fishing net. The worldliness of the parables shows that the commonplace and the The naked and awful majesty of God is often hidden in ordinary have the capacity to illuminate the deepest common earthly objects, veiled as it were by a mask mysteries of the kingdom of God. (larva). And it is through the mediation of the larvae Dei (masks of God) that we encounter God’s presence This truth that God is present in the ordinary and the and grace. mundane is seen poignantly in the sacraments of the Church which were instituted by our Lord. The same is true of our daily work and our ministry in the church. In the overall scheme of things, they may The elements used in the sacraments of Baptism and seem insignificant and without much impact. But as the Eucharist—water, bread and wine—cannot be more long as they are done for the glory of God (Colossians common. As the Roman Catholic ritual has beautifully 3:17), our work and ministry are never in vain (1 put it, they are “the fruit of the earth and the work Corinthians 15:58). of human hands”. Yet these everyday items are the means by which God’s grace is present and efficacious. For God can use our humble and common labours in ways that we can never imagine and perhaps shall But it is in the incarnation of the second Person of the never know. They can become sacraments, the means Trinity that we find this truth presented to us in all its of divine grace, the channels of God’s blessings. clarity and force. In a culture that valorises the exceptional, Christians The eternal Son of God, whose hands had “flung stars must be careful not to become victims of the “cult into space” (Graham Kendrick),3 was born in a humble of extraordinariness”. They must never despise the barn in a town with a rather tarnished reputation. The commonplace, the unremarkable and the mundane. Saviour of the universe remained in obscurity until he was thirty years old before commencing his public For the holy is often masked in the ordinary. ministry which lasted for only three years. The ordinariness of the incarnation implies that the 1 Julie Canlis, A Theology of the Ordinary (Sussex, UK: 2017), 23. dualisms and dichotomies through which we often perceive reality must be challenged. Because of the 2 Michael Horton, Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless incarnation, the ordinary and the commonplace are no World (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan: 2014). longer what they seem to be. Because God has become 3 Graham Kendrick, ‘The Servant King’, 1983. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 25

Reach Out ¢ Missions Rev Teresa Wilborn was formerly The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Area Director for Timor-Leste and Cambodia. She is now the Consultant for Timor-Leste. She worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. The legacy of John Wesley for 21st century missions J ohn Wesley made it his life’s mission to proclaim the gospel wherever he was. He was a man of passion, prayer and perseverance. Yet, in this writer’s opinion, his preaching and practice of holiness and social justice distinguish him from other evangelical leaders. Historians frequently use the word theopraxis to describe this aspect of Wesley’s theology. Theopraxis is a combination of two Greek words: “theos” meaning God and “praxis” meaning to do or practice. Unlike theology, which focuses on the study of God and religion, theopraxis is understood as observing, experiencing, and knowing God in the context of His actions towards us and the world He created.1 It has been said that John Wesley united “theos” and “praxis” more successfully than any other theologian in Church history. His sermons were not academic treatises; rather, they spoke plainly to the thousands of converts to whom he gave personal guidance, spiritual direction, and hope.2 People listened to Wesley because he spoke to their needs and because they observed him doing good. In short, Wesley preached what God had done and continues to do in the world, and Wesley practised what he preached. John Wesley believed that genuine holiness is an integration of both spiritual and physical needs. People might be able to do good without inner transformation, but there could be no inner transformation that is not expressed in outward action.3 Wesley’s concept of outward action is characterised by works of mercy, justice, truth and love. A statue of John Wesley in the centre of Reynolds Square Park, Savannah, Georgia, USA |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022

In 1736, John Wesley took his evangelical brand of methodical Anglicanism to 1 Duarte, Harold, Theology or Georgia, USA. His missionary efforts in the American colonies lasted less than Theopraxix, http://chatswithgod. two years and might well be described as unsuccessful due to the struggles com/chat/2015-01-08-theology- he encountered there. Personal conflicts led to Wesley’s early departure but or-theopraxis-6042556/index.html, his influence and on-going support were instrumental in establishing what January 8, 2015. would later become the first Methodist Church in the USA.4 2 Noble, Thomas A., John Wesley as As MMS celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is timely to reflect on where we A Theologian: An Introduction, paper have come from and where we are going. The mission mandated by The presented at the conference of CERT Methodist Church in Singapore in 1991 was for MMS to establish indigenous (Center for Evangelical and Reformed churches where none currently exist. This mission will require a variety of Theology) at the Free University of ministries depending on the field situation including, but not limited to, Amsterdam, April 5, 2007. educational, medical, community development, and social services.5 3 “The Almost Christian”, Sermon 2, Today, MMS continues to carry out this mandate in seven mission fields The Works of John Wesley, vol 1-33, with sixty missionaries, their spouses and children. Methodist churches Nashville, TN, Abingdon Press, 1984. have been planted in Cambodia, Thailand and Nepal by sharing the gospel, discipling, and training local pastors and lay leaders. Methodist schools have 4 Online article entitled, John Wesley been established to offer quality education based on Christian teachings Charters first Methodist Church in U.S., and values in Timor-Leste, Cambodia and Thailand, and we are partnering to https://www.history.com/this-day- bring education into a creative access country. MMS has ministered to the in-history/john-wesley-charters-first- needs of locals through student hostels, youth development programmes, methodist-church-in-u-s, November 13, medical outreach and livelihood projects. Through an integrated strategy of 2009. church planting and community development, MMS’ aim has been to share God’s love with our neighbours overseas by ministering in a holistic way. 5 The Book of Discipline of the Methodist Church in Singapore, Revised John Wesley’s prayer, written more than 300 years ago, continues to inform Edition November 2013, Section VIII. and guide us: 6 Extract from A Paraphrase of the Lord’s Spirit of grace, and health, and power, Prayer from Upon Our Lord’s Sermon Fountain of light and love below; on the Mount, Sermon 26, The Works of John Wesley, vol 1-33, Nashville, TN, Abroad thine healing influence shower, Abingdon Press, 1984. O’er all the nations let it flow. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 27 Inflame our hearts with perfect love; In us the work of faith fulfill; So not heaven’s host shall swifter move Than we on earth to do thy will. 6 As we engage in 21st century missions, may Wesley’s proclamation of the gospel of God’s love in Christ through word, example and action remain central to all we do. Together, may we continue to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading as we seek to expand God’s Kingdom in new mission fields, through new ministries, and by using technology in new ways!

2022 Admissions Now Open ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an • Exceptional examination results, very strong value-added achievement and an all- all-round English-based education for students round holistic education aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education • 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate and ACS heritage Diploma Programme (IBDP). • Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 • 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups • Over 25 overseas trips per year • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Achievements include Principal Vice-Principal • Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP • 20 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past nine years • Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years • Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore • PSLE and Singapore GCE ‘O’ Level students achieve outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP with improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu. Mr Christopher Hayward Dr Kristopher Achter What the parents say… Vice-Principal Vice-Principal “ACS (International) ignites students' passion to learn through building strong relationships For more information with deeply devoted and highly experienced teachers and excellent pedagogic and sporting infrastructure. The school has achieved a fine blend of academic rigour and holistic learning. Please contact Joseph Ng The emphasis on CCAs and community service as well as the ample opportunities for student or Serene Lim leadership makes ACS (International) a 'cut above' and the preferred choice for our children.” at +65 6472 1477 or [email protected] Larisa and Shivinder Singh “Sending our daughter to ACS (International) was the best decision we made. She used to be shy and introverted and has now become a confident, caring and motivated student leader.” Debra and Samuel Koh “We deeply appreciate the contribution ACS (International) has made towards making our son confident, capable and thoughtful. The school has provided an environment of personal care, support and encouragement to nurture him into a compassionate young man. We are also very proud of his academic, leadership, co-curricular and public speaking skill development.” Anju Uppal “We like the holistic learning environment of ACS (International). Apart from academics, the school gives the students plenty of learning opportunities outside the walls of the classroom through service trips in continents as far as Africa, school projects and events, CCAs, student leadership roles and more. Our children thoroughly enjoy the IB programme, the holistic environment of the school, and are very proud to be students of ACS (International). The school has helped our children to grow and mature in so many ways, whilst equipping them with the necessary skills needed for their university studies and future endeavours. We are very glad to have sent both of our children to ACS (International).” Steven and Pau Kim Kan

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Visuals courtesy of MWS Finding hope in a hard place F ollowing a bad fall at home in May 2020, Mdm This year, we estimate that $2.36 million is needed to Mugiah Binte Karjo experienced a steep decline provide critical and immediate help for individuals and in her mobility, making her mostly bedbound. families in need of emergency funds to tide them over. The 89-year-old, who was living with a flatmate in a Beneficiaries have used these funds to cover essential 1-room rental flat then, had to rely on a neighbour and daily living costs such as utilities, rental, phone bills, his wife to help with everyday tasks. food, milk powder, diapers and medical fees. But when they moved out, Mdm Mugiah had no one to With growing poverty posed by the pandemic, these take care of her. beneficiaries face tremendous uncertainties in their lives. Give them the certainty that they deeply hope Amidst her changed circumstances, Mdm Mugiah found for today. certainty when she was admitted to MWS Nursing Home ‑ Yew Tee. She said, “There are nurses here to Love in deed is love indeed attend to my needs. They will ask me what I want and joke with me. I have a nurse whom I’m especially fond The Bible exhorts us to be generous to our neighbour. of—she will always come over to talk to me and find In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist told his followers that out how I’m doing.” “whoever has two tunics is to share Besides receiving professional care, Mdm Mugiah, with him who has none, who has neither savings nor family support, also received assistance from MWS to apply for various and whoever has food is to do likewise”. grants including medical fee waivers. In addition, MWS absorbed the fees for transport and medical escort Turn your compassion into practical action today by services to ensure that Mdm Mugiah can continue receiving the care she needs. visiting mws.sg/give-certainty or Lifting up the vulnerable scanning the QR code, and help vulnerable families and individuals meet their critical Mdm Mugiah is among thousands under MWS’ care, and urgent needs. Every dollar goes towards some of whom rely on the MWS Specific Assistance giving certainty to our beneficiaries. scheme to meet urgent needs especially during these difficult times. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 29

Relationships ¢ You & your family Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. How do I marry the right one? I n May 2016, The New York Times carried an interesting and thought-provoking article entitled Why You Will Marry The Wrong Person. Alain de Botton, the writer, asserted that whether we choose our marriage partner with our head or with our heart, we will invariably make a bad choice. He put forward reasonable supporting arguments, not the least of which is that prospective partners, wanting to make the best impression, are usually not their genuine self during the courtship period.

Another reason is that often we ourselves do not to help ride the storms of living with another. Such really know who we are. This is because, as de Botton skills include general ones such as communication explains, “... before marriage, we rarely delve into our and conflict resolution skills. Other useful skills complexities”. He further states: “Marriage ends as specific to the individual may include handling our a hopeful, generous, infinitely kind gamble between own inferiorities instead of expecting our mate to two people who don’t know yet who they are or who help us feel secure and being able to regulate our the other might be...”. emotions instead of expecting others to put up with us on our bad days. Thus, a good marriage is about What further complicates the task of finding the right making reasonable choices and being able to adjust person is that the motivation for marriage is in itself and accommodate to one another. flawed. Mr de Botton describes it as an attempt to hold on to an ideal set of emotions which may have One area the article did not cover is the role played by existed during the courtship period. Sadly, living others, be it family or close friends. Today, we tend to with an individual with different habits as well as see choosing whom to marry more as a decision for experiencing the stresses of maintaining a home and two individuals to make on their own exercising their looking after children, it is understandable for these free will. Nevertheless, it is helpful to seek the views ideals to fade into distant memory.  of people who may have a perspective of the couple and of their choice of partner. Hearing others’ views I am not sure if I agree entirely with this rather does not rob us of our independence. Rather, it enables jaundiced view of marital choice. This is despite my independence to be exercised in an informed manner.  many years as a marital counsellor whose days are filled with attending to stories of poor marriages. I Finally, a Christian marriage has a vital additional do agree that the decision of whom to marry is a dimension—a belief that it is God who has brought difficult one. I therefore encourage those considering the two together to become one and he has a greater marriage to attend marriage preparation courses. purpose for the union. So, finding personal happiness, Such courses allow for some of the more difficult though important, is not the main purpose. The sense topics such as management of conflict, children of higher purpose will influence the couple to look and in-laws to be discussed in an open and non- beyond personal satisfaction and self-interests.  threatening manner. Another suggestion I would like to offer is when issues of concern, e.g. temper |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2022 31 outbursts or bouts of excessive drinking, crop up before or early into the marriage, attend to them as soon as possible. Rather than ignoring them, seek the counsel of elders or counsellors.     I also agree with the article about another thing. Besides making a careful choice when it comes to marriage, the focus should be about being the right person in a marriage. Being the “right person” is a work in progress as it includes deepening our self- awareness and having a good set of interpersonal skills

Looking Ahead ¢ Scan to see events online! MAY TRAINING THE YOUNG BRAIN 21 May 2022 (Saturday), 1.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. Online via Zoom Register at https://fathers.com.sg/programs/youngbrain/#register $50 per head / Minimum 10 participants to start Call/Whatsapp 6769 1238 for more information This is a workshop for parents of children from one to five years of age. Participants can expect to learn what are the essential skills and the different ways you can develop them in your child, delve into the importance of play, types of play and how to play well with your child. Decipher the difference between reading to your child and reading with your child. Parents can also find out if your child should be reading from a book, an e-book, or an animated video. Organised by Centre for Fathering JULY D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2022: RECALIBRATE 29 and 30 July 2022 (Friday and Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Online via Zoom Register at d6family.sg (Closes on 17 July 2022) Early bird price at $50 until 13 June 2022; thereafter $60 Join this year’s line-up of speakers as they share D6 principles, strategies and best practices on generational discipleship and Family Ministry. Embark on a journey where you will learn to identify and establish healthy practices, and to honour God in the way you lead the families in your church. Organised by SOWER Institute for Biblical Discipleship JULY TO AUGUST INTRODUCING WORLD RELIGIONS: ASIAN RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIAN FAITH 13, 20, 27 July / 3, 10, 17, 24 August 2022 (Wednesdays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. St Andrew’s Cathedral or via Zoom (to be confirmed) For more information, visit https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-course-details-1 $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students / Registration required) An introductory course for Christians to the main religious traditions of Asia. Avoiding being combative with the Other, it takes a serious and respectful approach to learning about Asian religions without ignoring the essential truth-claims of the Christian faith. This course seeks to be accurate in learning about the religious traditions of our neighbours and includes the following topics: i) how and why should Christians learn about religions; ii) Indian religions; iii) Chinese religions; iv) Buddhism; v) the Judeo-Christian tradition; vi) Islam; and vii) religion and society; and the theology of religion. Organised by EQUIP MAY TO DECEMBER THE GIVING METHODIST 2022: STEP OUT OF THE BOAT Give Donation, Give Voice and Give Time campaigns—now till December 2022 thegivingmethodist.sg [email protected] Spearheaded by The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), The Giving Methodist takes place each year to galvanise Methodists to show acts of kindness and love to those in need. With the Covid-19 pandemic raging on, let us take courage to step out of our boat and uplift those who need help to ride out this storm. You can join in by “Giving Time” through volunteering with MWS or a Methodist church’s social concerns ministry, “Giving A Donation”, or “Giving Voice” to the disadvantaged and distressed by spreading the word about this campaign.  Organised by Methodist Welfare Services

People ¢ Tan Kim Lam works as a lay ministry staff at Trinity Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Tan Kim Lam What does being a Methodist mean to you? M y wife and I “accidentally” stumbled into a “As the heavens are higher than the earth, Methodist church. While asking ourselves, so are my ways higher than your ways “is that all there is to this life?”, we found and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ourselves attending a Sunday service at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church in 1997, at the invitation of a close Isaiah 55:9 family friend. At that time, we thought since Methodism is a mainstream denomination, it should be “safe”! We ended up staying in the church and were baptised as a family during Christmas 2000. What makes a Methodist different? One trait is the concern for those struggling in society. Another trait is the love of congregational singing of hymns—especially those composed by Charles and John Wesley. The model of clergy and lay members working together in running a local church is another distinction in how Methodist churches work. After a career in the corporate world, I was called into full-time ministry at Trinity Methodist Church (TMC) in 2015. Within a few short weeks, what was meant to be a part-time internship position became a full-time church administrator position. Now, a few years on, God has led me to work with many ministries in TMC, including the small group and discipleship ministries. Kim Lam and Jody on a holiday in Norway in 2019 Kopi kakis by Kopikaki team