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Home Explore Methodist Message: Jul 2021

Methodist Message: Jul 2021

Published by methodistmessage, 2021-06-25 06:52:58

Description: Methodist Message is the official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

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ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 027/11/2020 THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 123 No 7 JULY 2021 KIDS AND EDUCATION

Contents Church Life 3 1 Bishop’s Message People of MCS 12 2 Events: Coming Up Reach Out 18 3 Church life: Church profile—Fairfield MC Christian Living 23 5 Church life: TRAC Highlights 6 News: Aldersgate SG Celebration Service MwCWWaiaecthnrehErhItatrilf’eisteyvcRhwceyealeokeEordooutsuah,ocLr:ndtoddaOuchttoneteosetaOint?nwmsvslrhKatidieCatebgyimIegaclNuotnpdMthhntum?GiteuctoIyssDolsbe@nlFeo!veuoPsOseumsshiSyrRstknoduroieesaaltrbVpluvtotsa-gieOho,grwelniroiLornedskt—aUrgds:iept,aNnoitohnwsowenTretyserEr.drpi:ooiEdtsrteattaR:sriohpnwgtbSyeoeeg.o!orsdrc?oscugoiokottDrmhnrarohateirircettvniysibilcmoepudl/ewui!tigsegiDsthnPiapot/tfrokhamoypgoeloooratmafopuekrpshemeehhaoodMsiacdftivsa/oMeee?srv/a?saean:anybtwntoesoyatthtttyhheheeirelnpryg 8 News: Aldersgate Lectures 11 Opinion: John Wesley on Education 12 People: Methodist Preschools 14 People: Kim Seah Teck Kim 16 People: Guan Yeow Kwang 17 People: Colin Goh 18 Reach out: Welfare Services 20 Reach Out: Missions 23 Relationships: You & Your Family 24 Opinion: Soundings 26 Hymns & Songs 27 What does being a Methodist mean to you? 28 Opinion: THINK 30 Events: Looking Ahead EDITORIAL BOARD The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. Adviser and Publisher All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 Council on Communications 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg Editor [email protected] Sheri Goh fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg Sub-editor Tan Chiu Ai Design & Production by Londonbob Design — Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Communications Executive Jason Woo Proofreader Tan Sheng Ling

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. Train, start and dedicate “Kids and Education” is the theme for this issue One more comment on the Hebrew of Proverbs 22:6 of Methodist Message. Perhaps the most quoted before I conclude. Although the rendering “child” Bible verse on this theme is Proverbs 22:6, and is not incorrect, the Hebrew noun is often used the English translation familiar to most people is to refer to youth and even young adults. So the reflected in the 1984 New International Version encouragement and guidance of this verse should (NIV): “Train a child in the way he should go, and not be limited only to young children. We dedicate when he is old he will not turn from it.” in prayer also teenagers and young adults to finding and fulfilling their God-given paths in life. But the 2011 NIV now renders it as: “Start children off on the way they should go, and when they are A popular saying amongst educators is that “values old they will not turn from it.” are caught, not taught”. The point is not to imply that values cannot be taught; it is to stress that Does this Hebrew verse urge us to “train” or to the best way to teach values is to exemplify it. Or, “start” children off in the way they should go? Since as Dorothy Law Nolte puts it: there is evidence of the verb being used with both nuances in ancient Hebrew and Arabic, translations Children Learn What They Live With will continue to diverge. Happily, this allows parents If a child lives with criticism, they learn to condemn. and teachers to be encouraged and guided by both If a child lives with hostility, they learn to fight. options. The two actions are, in any case, closely If a child lives with encouragement, they learn related in practice. For how does one “train” a child confidence. if not by helping them “start” on a good path in life? If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, they And surely one way to help a child start walking on learn to find love in the world. a good path is to train them to walk. Fathers’ Day is just around the corner as I pen these This same Hebrew verb is used in 1 Kings 8:63 at thoughts. I thank God for my father who started the opening or start of the newly built temple. and trained me in life, not so much with words The people start or dedicate the temple to fulfill or instruction, but by giving me encouragement, its God-given function. Similarly, one of the ways acceptance and love. Let us dedicate the children we might give children a good start in life is to and young adults of our world, and ourselves also, dedicate them regularly in our prayers that they to a life of Loving God by Loving Our Neighbours. will find and fulfill their God-given places in life. Amen. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 1

Events ¢ Coming Up Brought to you by TRAC WSCS “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” Zechariah 4:6 What do you do when you are in circumstances that are Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) and feel that life is missing hope, meaning or purpose? Come and join us to be inspired by women who rise above the challenges of a VUCA world and thrive in living a transformed life! SATURDAY 24 JULY 2021 10.30 AM – 2.30 PM via ZOOM EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 6100-WSCS (9727) Register online at https://tinyurl.com/vuca2021 or scan QR Code to register! CONFERENCE SPEAKERS FREE ADMISSION. Rev Stanley Chua Love offering will be collected Not by might nor by power, but by My Julie Ong Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) Light Beyond a Difficult Journey Rev Stanley Chua has been a Methodist pastor for the past 23 years. Currently, he is the TRAC Julie is a Covid-19 survivor. She will share about President of The Methodist Church in Singapore. how she learnt to trust GOD for her health and career and how she found strength to forgive her husband when their marriage failed. Pastor Jenni Huan Lucy Lim The God-shaped wife When It’s Beyond Me Author of several books, including “When God Is life beyond you? Lucy, author of “Joy Beyond Shapes A W.I.F.E”, Jenni will share with us how Cancer”, refuses to allow cancer to take over her to let God’s love for you and your marriage life in spite of undergoing yet another chemo surprise and transform you and your marriage. treatment. Ashley Low Bunty Bunce Dancing in the Storm Is there somebody out there? Turning all our storms of life into His Blessings, Bunty will share on how to direct our prayers, so Ashley will share about her husband’s journey that we may see, hear and respond to the heart with cancer and how the Lord shined His of God. marvelous light through the darkness. Register online by 15 July 2021 |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

Church Life ¢ Church Profile: Fairfield Methodist Church Dr Cheah-Foo Fung Fong is the Vice President of the Trinity Annual Conference and Associate Lay Leader of Fairfield Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Fairfield Methodist Church Bishop Dr Gordon Wong preaching at Fairfield MC’s 73rd anniversary Blessing Chinatown and beyond U ndeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairfield We went beyond blessing locals and started our Injured Methodist Church (MC) celebrated her 73rd Migrant Workers Ministry to provide both practical and Anniversary with 100 members and friends spiritual support to Chinese, Indian and Bangladeshi gathering for a live worship service on 31 Jan 2021. migrant workers injured while working here. We thank Given the government’s safety measures, the rest of the God for His faithfulness in consistently providing for the congregation tuned in from home via livestream to join needs of the Ministry despite high expenses and our those in church to hear Bishop Dr Gordon Wong preach limited resources. from Lamentations 3:22–23 on God’s faithfulness in the face of darkness and hopelessness. Being strategically located in the Central Business District, Fairfield started the City Connect Ministry on 31 May Similarly, the Depression and threat of a world war in the 2018. This allowed office workers to step into the church 1930s did not deter Fairfield’s first pastor, the late Rev during their lunch breaks to rest and recharge. Befrienders Herbert F. Kuehn, and his wife Mabel. Their pioneering took the opportunity to build relationships with them for work in 1938 led to the planting of the Fairfield Chapel in further support and outreach. the school hall of Fairfield Girls’ School at 178 Neil Road. It was subsequently constituted as a Local Conference on With a new MRT station soon to open right at our doorstep, 1 Feb 1948 with 20 members. The church has grown to we hope to play a bigger role in God’s plans to bless those its current membership of 770, with services in English, living and working in the Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, Mandarin and Cantonese. Maxwell and Duxton areas well beyond 2027 when our current lease is due for renewal. We covet your prayers Fairfield’s vision is to be a disciple-making church, with and support to join us in this exciting journey to bless the mission that every member be committed to “Magnify Chinatown and beyond with the love of Jesus. God, Multiply disciples, and Minister to all peoples in Singapore and beyond”. FAIRFIELD METHODIST CHURCH (Trinity Annual Conference) When we moved from Neil Road to our current location at 1 Tanjong Pagar Road in June 1986, we retained our 1 Tanjong Pagar Road S(088437) calling to minister to the community in Chinatown. This Sunday Services: (Currently) has been done through Christmas-in-Chinatown events 10.30 a.m. – Mandarin during Christmas and the many blessing projects held at 1 a.m. – English different times of the year to bless the community. 2 p.m. – Cantonese www.fairfieldmc.org The greatest blessing project was the establishment 6221-7394 of  Yong-en Care Centre 25 years ago  in September 1996 as our community outreach arm in Chinatown. Its |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 3 mission is to demonstrate God’s love through value-added community services and support for the needy individuals and families in Chinatown and beyond.

ACS (International) Singapore is a ACS (International) distinctive international secondary Admissions Seminars school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an all- for 2022 round English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years leading to Pre PSLE Seminars the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the 9 July, 2pm International Baccalaureate Diploma 6 August, 2pm Programme (IBDP). 17 September, 2pm 1 October, 2pm Senior Leadership Team RSVP [email protected] Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Post PSLE Seminars Principal Vice-Principal 24 November, 2pm & 4pm Dr Kristopher Achter Mr Chia Choong Kiat 25 November, 9am & 2pm Vice-Principal Acting Vice-Principal 26 November, 9am & 2pm 27 November, 9am RSVP [email protected] Seminars will be held on Campus with School Tour Attendance is limited and by reservations only Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 For earlier appointments, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or [email protected]

Church Life ¢ TRAC Highlights Dr Morgan Zhou is the Chairperson of the TRAC Board of Children Ministry / Photos courtesy of TRAC BOCM TRAC Board of Children Ministry Easter Programme and craft ideas shared by Living Waters Methodist Church Faith MC during TRAC BoCM COZY Catch Up A s I write this article, families have returned to Phase opportunities to minister to children in-person and on- 2 (Heightened Alert) safe management measures. site, there was a growing recognition that we are called Schools and private tuition have shifted to home- to partner parents and families in the discipleship of based learning; children and youth ministry programmes children—this was the blessing for the season. have gone online and several school-going children had to be placed in quarantine because their close contacts The family is part of God’s heart for discipleship and the tested positive for COVID-19. primary means according to Deuteronomy 6:4–7—“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your Feelings of inadequacy overwhelmed me, but after taking God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all some time to pray and reflect, the Aaronic Blessing—the your strength. These commandments that I give you today blessing that Aaron and his sons were to speak over the are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. people of Israel as recorded in Numbers 6:22–27—came Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk to mind. As my sons were sleeping, I placed my hands on along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” their foreheads and declared: When in-person Sunday School was finally restarted at our “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His TRAC churches, it was rewarding for teachers, staff and face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord volunteers to see how the children had grown, not just in stature, but also in faith. As Sunday School teachers turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen.” and volunteers, we recognise that whilst we may plant and water, the Lord in His mercy and grace was the one This blessing recognises that it is the Lord who blesses; who has brought about the increase through the faithful it is the Lord who keeps us; it is the Lord who makes His devotion of parents committed to family discipleship! face shine on us; it is the Lord who bestows grace; it is the Lord who directs His countenance to us; and it is the The opportunity to strengthen bonds between parents Lord who grants us His peace. Our expectations for a life and children as well as to establish children in the faith of comfort and ease in work, ministry and family life may cannot be delegated. Let us endeavour to begin a legacy not necessarily be the blessings that God desires for our of spiritual blessing in our personal and family life— greatest and highest good. remembering that our Children Ministry leaders, teachers and volunteers continue to cheer us all on in this journey During the circuit breaker last year, members of the Board with their encouragement and prayers—and allow the of Children Ministry, led by our previous chairperson message of Christ to dwell among us richly as we teach Christina Ong, met over Zoom on 30 May last year to and admonish one another with all wisdom through provide ministry updates in the areas of Welcome, psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God Worship, Word, Wonder, Witness (including Welfare of with gratitude in our hearts (Col 3:16). leaders, children and families) and to unite in prayer. Even though some of us were disheartened by the lack of |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 5

News ¢ Aldersgate SG 2021 Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Joash Lee (Faith MC). Screenshots courtesy of the MCS Comms Team Celebration Service LOVE GOD BY LOVING OUR NEIGHBOUR Clockwise from top left: Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey (Pastor-in-Charge of Sengkang MC); Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee Behind the scenes at the (President of GCWSCS); Mr Jeffrey Lim (General Conference Secretary); Rev Stanley Chua (TRAC President); livestreaming of the service Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat (CAC President); Bishop Dr Gordon Wong; Rev Philip Abraham (ETAC President) The Aldersgate SG service was livestreamed on 23 May 2021. It is available for viewing at https://aldersgate.methodist.org.sg/livestream. “The Greek New Testament five times tells us singing with masks on was allowed. The plan then was to greet each other with a holy kiss,” said Bishop to have a hybrid Aldersgate service with pastors and Dr Gordon Wong at the opening of the Aldersgate SG representatives from the 46 Methodist churches gathering Celebration Service on 23 May 2021. “The fact that I cannot at Sengkang Methodist Church, which was hosting the even give you a holy handshake—even those who are service, and the rest of the congregations joining in online. here in the Sengkang Methodist Church [MC] sanctuary—is a reminder of the difficult times that all of us are going But when community cases of COVID-19 surged and through during this pandemic.” measures were tightened, together with consideration for congregants’ safety, a decision was made for the event to Aldersgate SG is organised annually by The Methodist go purely online. Church in Singapore (MCS) to celebrate our Wesleyan heritage and what it means to be Methodist. The last Coming together while physically apart time congregations from the various churches gathered in person was in May 2019. Aldersgate SG 2020 was held in “It is easy to be tired and discouraged during this time,” the thick of the “circuit breaker” and thus the service was acknowledged Bishop Dr Wong. “We long for the day we pre-recorded and screened on the Methodist churches’ can see [each other] face to face again.” At the same time, online platforms on 24 May 2020. This is the second year he pointed out, coming together as a Church does not running that Aldersgate SG has been held online due to necessarily mean having to be together physically. government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. The livestreamed service was put together by the pastors Planning for the Aldersgate SG 2021 took place during and members of the three Annual Conferences: the Phase 3 of Singapore’s COVID-19 re-opening. Churches Chinese Annual Conference (CAC), Emmanuel Tamil Annual could have up to 250 congregants and congregational Conference (ETAC) and the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC). The Emmanuel Thuthi band and the Methodist |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

Festival Choir (MFC) recorded performances for the online Bishop Dr Wong shared some practical ways Methodists service. When the physical service was cancelled at the could love God by loving their neighbours. Small groups last minute, Kampong Kapor MC stepped in to record some could “adopt” residents from MWS nursing homes and of the hymns sung at the service. The technical crew of take turns, in groups of two or three, to visit their Faith MC assisted Sengkang MC with the livestream. adopted “uncle” or “auntie” once a week. At press time, the service has been viewed more than It might not take much effort for the volunteer, but for 6,600 times. Bishop’s recorded sermon was also screened long-term residents, especially if they are bed-ridden, by churches during their Aldersgate Sunday services. the visits are definitely significant. A multilingual time of praise He also shared a video narrated by eight-year-old “Caleb” about his experience of being in a foster family. While his foster parents took on the main responsibility of providing a home for Caleb, their church cell group loved God by loving Caleb together. They showed love and support in practical ways—picking him up from school, driving him to classes and therapy sessions, taking care of him when his foster parents were busy or at work, and celebrating milestones such as birthdays together. The Emmanuel Thuthi band Three Conferences, one Church The three Annual Conference Presidents—Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat (CAC), Rev Philip Abraham (ETAC) and Rev Stanley Chua (TRAC)—prayed for the Church, the world, and the sick, needy and suffering. They prayed that we would do whatever we can, with whatever the means we can, to show our love for those around us. What is a Methodist? Dr Benjamin Leong, CAC lay leader and member of Queenstown Chinese MC, was accompanied by members Bishop Dr Wong’s sermon, “Love God by Loving Our of his church in a recorded performance of “Lord, You Neighbour”, was based on 1 John 4:16–21. “[John] are Always There”. The words of the hymn were written Wesley wanted Methodists to insist that there is by Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon, and produced fundamentally nothing special in being Methodists which and arranged by Justin Yeo and Leong Shengyu. might distinguish them from true Christian disciples,” he said, referring to Wesley’s essay, “The Character of a Long-service awards were presented to the following Methodist”. “A disciple of Jesus Christ is someone who is pastors: Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey (Sengkang MC); Rev Vincent committed to what Jesus Christ says is the great and most Goh (Paya Lebar MC); Rev Gabriel Liew (Methodist Church important thing in life: Love God with all your heart, and of the Incarnation); Rev Kenneth Huang (Kampong Kapor love your neighbour as yourself [Matt 22:37–29].” MC); and Rev Alvin Chan (Trinity MC). As for the “perfect love” the apostle John referred to in 1 The service closed with Bishop Dr Gordon Wong and the John 4:18, Wesley wrote: “By perfection I mean the […] love three Annual Conference Presidents pronouncing the of God, and our neighbour, ruling our tempers, words and Benediction from Numbers 6:22–24 in Chinese, Tamil, actions.” Bishop Dr Wong also referred to 1 John 4:20—“For English and Hebrew: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” “The practical expression of loving God,” he explained, And as the choir sang, may “God be with you”, our “[is] by loving our neighbours.” fellow members of MCS, as we wait in anticipation “till we meet again”. “The motivation for loving God and our neighbour is not because we are afraid of God’s punishment or judgment 1 John Wesley, “Brief Thoughts on Christian Perfection” against us. God wants our love for God and neighbour to (1767), A Plain Account of Christian Perfection (London: be motivated not by fear of punishment. […] We love, Epworth Press, 1952), 112. because God is love, and God’s love lives within us. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 7

News ¢ Aldersgate SG 2021 Jason Woo is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms.  / Screenshots courtesy of MCS Comms Seeking your own Aldersgate moment Bishop Dr Gordon Wong gracing ETAC President, Rev Philip Abraham, in attendance the online event and praying that hearts would be receptive to the teachings for the evening T he Aldersgate lectures have become an important The lectures being conducted in Mandarin component of the Aldersgate SG celebrations. They with English subtitles on both evenings enable local Methodists as well as attendees from other faiths and denominations to learn more about However, is this all there is to it? An old story of how Methodism and how it relates to society at large. Wesley’s zeal for God was re-ignited, leading to his founding a movement that would ultimately span the This year’s lectures, which took place via Zoom on the globe? Rev Dr Wilfred Ho differs in his view, arguing that evenings of 20 and 21 May 2021, were given by Rev there is much to learn from Wesley’s divine encounter. Dr Wilfred Ho. Rev Dr Ho was ordained in 1998 as a Methodist pastor under the Chinese Annual Conference. A heart strangely warmed In 2007, he joined Trinity Theological College and currently serves as Director of the EQUIP programme As much as Wesley’s experience on 24 May 1738 rolls as well as Associate Chaplain. His lectures, delivered in off the tongue of even those who are half familiar with Mandarin with English subtitles, dealt primarily with how the origins of Methodism, the way that he described his John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience was and can still be experience clearly showed that it was anything but a relevant to believers everywhere. perfunctory milestone in his spiritual life. Wesley’s Aldersgate experience revisited This point may be inferred from the fact that John Wesley wrote about his “heart strangely warmed” moment in the Ask an average Methodist and they might be able to second volume of his personal journals on 29 September recount the gist of John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience 1740—two years after it happened. on the evening of 24 May 1738. John Wesley had reluctantly gone to a Christian gathering when he felt “Therefore, we have good reason to believe that the his “heart strangely warmed” by a reading of Luther’s content published in Wesley’s Journals had undergone a Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. Wesley’s spiritual rigorous selection and editing process. Only events that worldview underwent a fundamental shift, not only a Wesley thought were beneficial for the readers were bolstering of his faith but also providing assurance that included,” argued Rev Dr Ho. his salvation was indeed found in Christ. Rev Dr Ho drew the attention of the audience to the All in all, it is a familiar tale to both the Methodist paragraph preceding the record of the Aldersgate churchgoer and the Wesleyan scholar. experience in John Wesley’s journal: “What occurred on [24 May], I think best to relate at large, after premising what may make it the better understood. Let him that cannot receive it ask of the Father of lights that he would give more light both to him and me.” |8 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

It is interesting to note that after this paragraph, Wesley It was also interesting to find out from Wesley’s journal dropped the use of the typical pattern of penning journal that even after his life-changing experience on 24 May entries in chronological sequence. Instead, he dedicated 18 evening, he was not immune to having his faith tested, entries to recounting his faith experience from the age of 10 even on the very next day. till shortly after his Aldersgate experience, ending his entries with 25 May 1738, the day after his fateful encounter with “Wesley admitted that he had [earlier] depended on God. The last four entries dealt exclusively with the entirety works, and therefore decided to shift the object of his of the Aldersgate experience and its aftermath. faith, changing from dependence on his own works to a complete dependence on the gospel of Christ,” explained Why did John Wesley do this? Rev Dr Ho. The key to the answer, according to Rev Dr Ho, may be However, it was not to be taken to mean that works are inferred from Wesley’s use of the words, “relate at large”. not needed, but that they are a “means of grace” towards It was clear that Wesley found it vital for his readers an end that involves the receiving of “justifying, saving to know in detail about his faith journey leading up to faith”. It is a faith that exhibits, in the words of John his Aldersgate experience rather than just about what Wesley, “a full reliance on the blood of Christ shed for happened on 24 May 1738. me; a trust in him as my Christ, as my sole justification, sanctification, and redemption.” It is clear then that by recounting his faith journey, Wesley intended that the reader’s most important takeaway be “Even though Wesley knew what ‘justifying, saving faith’ God’s role—in not just Wesley’s own life but also that of was, whether it can be achieved remains another thing believers—is more than just a conceptual experience. altogether. To have such faith requires continual prayer. Rather He must be an experiential and relational part And since Wesley did not have such faith, he had to ask of daily living. God for faith,” said Rev Dr Ho. To drive this point further, Rev Dr Ho invited the A personal Aldersgate moment audience to notice the words Wesley used to describe his Aldersgate experience, especially his use of the first Rev Dr Ho concluded with saying that John Wesley’s person pronouns: Aldersgate experience was totally life-changing for him. However, Wesley’s experience was entirely his own. Each “In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society Methodist or Christian today may also experience their in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s own unique “Aldersgate experience”. The crux is whether Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter we desire to seek it for ourselves. before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, In closing, Rev Dr Ho challenged his audience with: “I I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in trust that you truly believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance But have you personally experienced the gospel of Jesus was given me that he had taken away my sins, even Christ? Do you desire this experience? Will you, out of your mine, and save me from the law of sin and death.” desire for a personal experience of the gospel of Jesus, wrestle with God with all your might?” Rev Dr Ho also explained that Wesley’s 18-paragraph description illustrated his personal journey towards developing inward holiness and the transformation in the way he related with God and with sin. “Wesley hinted that the lesson that he would eventually Rev Wilfred Ho presenting his lectures in an easy-to-follow style by learn after 25 years was that of inward holiness… The organising his content in readable bullet points Aldersgate experience was, for Wesley, more than just ‘believing in Jesus and receiving new birth.’ The Aldersgate experience would always be intertwined with Wesley’s life journey towards inward holiness,” said Rev Dr Ho, “an inward holiness that translates to holy living has always been Wesley’s emphasis, and it also should be so for us Methodists. It is one of the defining marks of a Methodist.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 9

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Opinion ¢ Kwok Wan Yee is the Education Secretary of the Council on Education. Christian Education according to John Wesley E ach year, over 21,000 students aged six to 18 years challenges and CMSs can make a big impact by helping attend one of our 15 Methodist schools. Another 1600 to marry the life-changing Gospel message with aged three to six are in 11 Methodist preschools. effective life skills for the students. Joshua Rusly Chai, a What makes for Christian education, particularly from Year 6 student at ACS (Independent), appreciates being the Methodist perspective? surrounded by Christian teachers, mentors and friends who love and support him, and show him what it means Secular education is focused on the human being, to be loved by Christ. where man is the measure of all things—his knowledge, capabilities and achievements.1 But the goal of Christian Wesley considered it important to help students education is to glorify God, so that all will learn to “love “discover every false judgement of our minds”, “subdue the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your every wrong passion in our hearts” and move towards soul and with all your mind” (Mt 22:37). As a teacher and a life dedicated to serving God and others.6 Character teacher developer in JC and the university, it was a delight development in our students is thus part of Methodism’s for me and my students to link all that happens in our traditional emphasis of cultivating Christ-likeness. bodies to a genius creator, an awesome designer—God— and then to link everything, whether science, arts, history “A literate generation in this confusing age finds itself or economics, to His ultimate purpose for our lives. in jeopardy as did an illiterate generation in the time of the Wesleys,”7 as Harold Mason observed in 1956. The Dr Phillip Towndrow wrote, “the Christian vision of public challenge continues today for our educators to prepare education, based on the distinctives of the Christian faith— our next generation to be discerning when exposed to all unconditional love, community orientation and spiritual sorts of media that may promote heresy, reject biblical rootedness in a perfect creator God—is to work towards teaching and even poke fun at believers. Christian the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom on earth”.2 educators must be “steadfast and righteous and not buckle under the pressure to do what is expedient and According to John Wesley, Christian education must first perceived to be politically correct.”8 They must live out recognise that all human beings, including children, are their faith even as they teach, and they teach that others created in the image of God (Gen 1:26–27).3 “An ounce of will come to love God. love is worth a pound of knowledge,” said Wesley, who encouraged teachers to use every opportunity in their Catch the testimonies of these teachers, Christian Ministry lessons to bring attention to God as creator, and as truth. staff and students in the upcoming videos “Calling to be a teacher” and “Christian Ministry in Schools” produced Methodist theology places a strong emphasis on freedom by the Council on Education. of choice and thus on personal faith and personal experience; school is therefore an important place for the The five key features of Wesleyan Education that continue children to hear the Gospel message and answer God’s call to be relevant today: for themselves. Salvation for all was thus an important • Promote self-discipline reason for the Methodist call for education for all.4 • Provide understanding and wisdom • Encourage a life-long encounter with Christ Wesley held that it was in community that a fuller • Encourage living according to our needs and not our appreciation of Christian values such as forgiveness reconciliation, renewal and service to others can be wants developed.5 Aaron Ho, a Christian ministry staff (CMS) • Encourage a strong work ethic combined with a at ACS (Independent) says that students face multiple powerful sense of service to others 1 Creation Training Initiative, “Christian Education,” 12 June 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4feWFQ51oQ. / 2 Philip A. Towndrow, Education and Society: A Christian vision of Public Education in Singapore (Singapore: Sower Publishing, 2015. / 3 G. M. Best, Education from a Methodist Perspective, https:// www.methodist.org.uk/downloads/education-amethodistperspective-270312.pdf. / 4 Ibid. / 5 Ibid. / 6 Ibid. / 7 Harold C. Mason, “Some implications of Wesleyan Theology for Christian Education,” The Asbury Seminarian 10, no.1: 7-15, https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google. com/&httpsredir=1&article=2161&context=asburyjournal. / 8 Towndrow. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 11

People ¢ Chan Yuey Sum is the Marketing Manager at Methodist Preschool Services. Methodist I nternational research from UNESCO has provided overwhelming evidence Preschools to show that the formative preschool years in a child’s life form a critical foundation that affects their success and achievement for life. Hence, “Every child investing in quality preschool education is crucial and is very much aligned with The Methodist Church of Singapore’s (MCS) commitment to offer a person of Good quality and holistic education to all from a young age. Character who is an Explorer, an Innovator Our unified and united Methodist Preschool Services and an Entrepreneur” In 2020, MCS consolidated the operations and centralised the management www.methodistpreschools.org of five Methodist preschools under a single entity—the Methodist Preschool fb.com/methodistpreschools Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL). The five Methodist preschools with MPSPL are: [email protected] • Bedok Methodist Preschool |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 • Faith Methodist Preschool • Foochow Methodist Preschool • Sengkang Methodist Preschool • Toa Payoh Methodist Preschool At Methodist Preschools, we offer a distinctive preschool curriculum that encompasses both academic and character development. Our children’s holistic development and the nurturing of their unique talents to their fullest potential are tenets of our educational approach. The strategic consolidation facilitates the sharing and integration of best practices in learning and teaching, curriculum innovations, and overall school operations and development. Unifying our operations also enables us to focus our resources to enhance the quality of our educators through centralised training, shared learning resources and an environment that delivers the best preschool experience for our children. MPSPL seeks to develop our preschools into centres of excellence with a shared identity and unique strengths to provide holistic and quality education in line with our Methodist educational tradition. Our value proposition and approach: Our North Star We go beyond Primary-One readiness; we are committed to nurture every child to be a person of good character who is ready for the future, with the mindset of an: Explorer (with attributes of curiosity, courage and adventure-seeking) Innovator (with attributes of inventiveness, reflectiveness and resilience) Entrepreneur (with attributes of perseverance, resilience, risk-taking, sense of responsibility and good communication skills)

Play-based learning is used as the main approach for responsibility in every child’s character development as our young learners in Nursery classes given their innate an integral part of our curriculum. Our unique character curiosity and ability to learn effectively through exploration, development programme focuses on our core values of self-discovery, experimentation and imagination. With Love, Respect, Courage, Thanksgiving and Passion for increasing abilities and skills, they transit to integrated Learning. Character values taught are put into meaningful learning where they learn new connections and discover action through our students’ active involvement in values- new solutions through investigation and hands-on in-action projects and community-based initiatives. application. A niche in our curriculum is our proprietary music At the Kindergartener levels, our active learners programme developed by Methodist School of Music and participate in inquiry-based learning and guided project taught by qualified music professionals. Our rich music work integrated across multiple learning domains. appreciation curriculum engages children in learning Children will be exposed to open-ended and thought- singing, music and movement and music-making. They provoking questions and a structured process of inquiry, learn about elements of music, how to play musical investigation, exploration and formulation of creative instruments, appreciate culture through ethnic songs, solutions to build their foundation for higher-order and notation reading. At the same time, they develop thinking skills. Children will also be given opportunities listening skills, proper breathing techniques, teamwork to share their ideas and thoughts, and present their works and musicianship. Music education has proven benefits of to their peers and teachers to develop their confidence accelerating development of language and numeracy skills, and communication skills. enhancing memory, inspiring creativity and building self- confidence through self-expression in children. Our curriculum Curriculum innovations in the field of Science, Technology, In alignment with the Ministry of Education (MOE), our Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) have been Methodist preschools ensure comprehensive coverage introduced in some of our Methodist preschools. These of the six learning domains (Aesthetic and Creative include introductory coding and robotics to provide the Expression, Discovery of the World, Language and relevant foundation to develop logical thinking, and Literacy, Motor Skills Development, Numeracy and Social problem-solving skills so that our children orientate and Emotional Development) for holistic development towards future readiness in our Smart Nation and a highly in accordance with the national Nurturing Early Learners digitalised world that they are a part of. (NEL) curriculum and nurture the positive learning dispositions of P.R.A.I.S.E. (Perseverance, Reflectiveness, Our team and learning environment Appreciation, Inventiveness, Sense of Wonder and Curiosity, Engagement) in our students. As faith-based preschools, we endeavour to serve God by providing a distinctive Christian education that makes John Wesley believed that “the heart of education is a difference in the life of every child entrusted to us the education of the heart”. At Methodist preschools, by God and parents. Every Methodist preschool is run beyond being a doorway to knowledge, we take great by a dedicated team that is qualified, experienced and passionate to help each child reach his or her potential in a caring and nurturing environment where every child feels loved, valued and secure to learn joyfully and confidently. To provide children with the best resource and a conducive learning environment, our school facilities and classrooms were recently renovated and equipped with new learning and teaching materials.   Our team of highly qualified curriculum specialists regularly reviews, updates and enhances our curriculum to stay relevant and ahead so that we can the meet evolving learning needs of our next generation in tandem with the latest developments in education. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 13

People ¢ Rev Melvin Huang is a retired Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) pastor. He served with Kim Seah for many years at all levels of the The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) particularly in the Discipline Review Commission. / Photos courtesy of TRAC Kim Seah Teck Kim (extreme left) serving as BOF Kim Seah Teck Kim (extreme right) when he was chairperson, one of the many roles he has taken on serving as Lay Leader at the 44th TRAC sessiona in MCS, at the 37th TRAC session Kim Seah Teck Kim A tribute to the outgoing Secretary of the Trustees of The Methodist Church in Singapore K im Seah Teck Kim was born in 1954 and attended Kim became a member of Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church the (then) Anglo Chinese Junior School (ACJS) and in 1988. Since 1989, he has served in the Local Church Anglo Chinese Secondary School (ACSS). After Executive Committee (LCEC) in various capacities, including obtaining the Higher School Certificate (HSC), he studied as Chairperson, Lay Leader and Associate Lay Leader. He at the University of Singapore and graduated with an LLB has been a lay delegate to TRAC. (Hons). He then studied at the Harvard Law School under a US Fulbright Scholarship. In TRAC, Kim has served as Vice President, Lay leader, Associate Lay Leader and first lay delegate to the General From 1977 to 1989, Kim taught at the Law Faculty of the Conference (GC). He has also served in the Executive Board, National University of Singapore (NUS). He was Vice Dean Board of Finance, Board of Presidency (as Chairperson) when he left NUS for private practice. and in other Boards in various capacities. New Secretary of the Trustees of the Methodist Church in Singapore appointed Mr Guan Yeow Kwang has been appointed to the office of Secretary of the Trustees (SOT) of the Methodist Church in Singapore, in succession to Mr Kim Seah Teck Kim, with effect from 24 May 2021.   The appointment follows Mr Guan’s election as the SOT at the 12th Session of the General Conference of the Methodist Church in Singapore held in 2020, and the notification of his appointment published in the Singapore Government Gazette, Electronic Edition, on 24 May 2021.   We are grateful to Mr Guan Yeow Kwang for agreeing to serve as the SOT of the Methodist Church in Singapore, and are thankful to Mr Kim Seah Teck Kim for his many years of service in that office. |14 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

At the GC level, Kim has served in the General Conference Kim Seah Teck Kim Executive Council (GCEC), Finance and Administration Council (FAC), Judicial Council and Council of Education. He has been Mr Kim Seah has often been described Assistant Education Secretary and represented The Methodist as possessing an elephantine and Church in Singapore (MCS) at the Asian and World Methodist encyclopaedic memory. And because he Councils. He has also served on the boards of Geylang Methodist exercises these qualities with empathy, he Schools Board, ACS Foundation and ACS (International). has been God’s blessing to our churches and Conferences for many years. I echo For me, however, Kim’s most salient and significant what someone recently said to him: MCS contributions to the MCS are his service in the Discipline owes you a huge debt of gratitude for Revision Commission (DRC) and as Secretary of Trustees (SOT). securing her interests well in the past two decades. Amen and thank you. Kim was SOT from April 2001 to May 2021, the longest serving SOT by far. At present, he still serves as Assistant SOT. Kim joined the —Bishop Dr Gordon Wong (then) Discipline Review Committee (DRC) in 1992 as a member and has been its Chairperson from 1996 to now. It is in the DRC Kim Seah Teck Kim—we are used to that I have worked the longest and most closely with Kim. calling him Kim. For 12 years, we sat down together regularly at the various Oh yes, he somehow found time to get married to Chai Lian. meetings of the General Conference. He They have two adult daughters, Jacqueline and Jeanette. has indeed left a strong impression on me. Kim is a man of his word, with an amazing The description so far would seem to be the service record of memory and his recollection of discussions at least three persons but it is actually for just ONE. And the list and decisions is precise. His views and is by no means exhaustive. assessments are vividly clear, drawing authority from records and The Book of It would really be impossible to do justice to this giant (in Discipline, and providing convincing and more ways than one) and paragon of a servant of God and the eloquent arguments. He works with great MCS except to say that we will not see the like again. tenacity to clear all matters on the table, speaking deliberately and ensuring that Anyway, although Kim has stepped down as SOT he still serves nothing is treated perfunctorily. He treats in various capacities in all three levels of the MCS and long everyone justly, without bias or prejudice, may it be so…with his wife’s permission, of course. and when the need arises to point out errors or when there are disagreements, So personally I would like to say that it has been singular Kim exudes tact and earnestness, so that honour to compose this tribute and a privilege to have served the hearers are convinced and accepting. and still serve with you in the MCS. It seems to me the best What I will always remember and am tribute I could render is to say to Kim, “Dude, I’d work with most thankful for is how he kept his word you any day.” to support me as best as he possibly could throughout my term as Bishop. May God —Rev Melvin Huang (your PiCS—Partner in Church Service). bless him and his family. This article has been written against Kim Seah Teck Kim’s wishes (as he sees no need for it, and fears it might diminish his reward in heaven). —Bishop Emeritus Dr Chong Chin Chung |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 15

People ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photo courtesy of Guan Yeow Kwang Guan Yeow Kwang The Secretary of the Trustees for the new quadrennium Guan Yeow Kwang was appointed to the office of Secretary of the Trustees (SOT) of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) with effect from 24 May 2021. He was elected at the 12th General Session General Conference in September 2021 for the quadrennium 2021–24. But what exactly does the SOT of MCS do? While it is not a Guan Yeow Kwang role with much public exposure, it is an extremely important with his family one. The SOT acts as the sole legal person for MCS. He is the one who can sue and be sued on behalf of MCS, its “Looking back, I see nothing but God’s faithfulness, which agencies and local churches. As Yeow Kwang explained: enabled me to discharge my professional responsibilities “Functionally, the SOT plays the role of a goalkeeper in and Christian commitments at the same time. I have always protecting the assets of MCS. Administratively, the SOT is had wonderful colleagues and supportive bosses. God has the person that executes all legal contracts on behalf of also kept me productive at work by opening doors for me all Methodist churches, schools and agencies in Singapore.” in incredible ways and helped me find favours with those whose paths I crossed. A history of service “Amazingly, although I had a host of health challenges Yeow Kwang’s parents sent him to a Methodist school when since young, God gave me the strength to carry on working he was young, even though they were then not Christians. and serving Him. In sum, I simply did my best and let God He accepted the Lord during a school Religious Emphasis do the rest,” Yeow Kwang recalls. Week when he was in Secondary Four, and has been attending Foochow Methodist Church for the last 48 years. A man of principle He has served for many years in the Church. When he and Yeow Kwang lives by two simple principles: “Firstly, in Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat assumed the roles of Vice- ministry, I serve by the mercy of God (2 Cor 4:1). This means President and President respectively of the Chinese Annual I do not choose where to serve but leave it to God to direct Conference (CAC) in 2016, they shared the common belief me, through His Church. Secondly, at work, I endeavour do that central pooling was critical to the future of CAC. “Without everything as unto the Lord (Col 3:23). That means I give of it,” he elaborated, “churches that have less financial means my best under all circumstances. may not be able to afford the pastoral resources they need    in order to grow their ministries. We believe central pooling As for his role of SOT, he said, “I assume my new role with is biblical as it binds the 17 local churches together in utmost gratitude to God for this privilege of serving Him resource sharing and support of one another.” and to my predecessor, Kim Seah, for nominating me to be his successor. As they engaged the leadership of all the local churches, a consensus soon emerged that CAC was in need of a “But I also step into this role with trepidation and full transformation. This led to three specific initiatives: to awareness that my feet are too small for the huge shoes strengthen discipleship across all CAC churches; to develop I am putting on. However, I am strengthened by the a new generation of pastoral and lay leaders; and to knowledge that God’s grace will be sufficient for me as I promote resource sharing, especially in the area of church look towards my brothers and sisters in the MCS Family for administration, across the churches. support, guidance and cooperation.”   God’s faithfulness in his work and life Yeow Kwang’s day job is as the Executive Officer and CEO of Mizuho Bank Ltd in Singapore. His work in the finance industry for the last 40 years stands him in good stead to serve as SOT. |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

People ¢ Colin Goh is a New York Times bestselling cartoonist and award-winning filmmaker. His current project is Dim Sum Warriors—an app that helps kids learn Mandarin through funny bilingual stories, games and cutting-edge reading evaluation tech. He attended Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) (back when it was known as ACJS), ACS and ACJC. / Photo courtesy of Colin Goh Of COVID-19, cabin fever and cartoons We then moved into the doodling part of my session. I started by asking them for drawing prompts—food they wanted to eat when they got out of quarantine, and cartoon characters—and then I’d do quick cartoons mashing the two disparate concepts up, e.g., French fries plus Iron Man…equals Fryon Man! O n 19 May 2021, a group of boys, their parents, As the kids doodled along with me, we chatted. You’d expect and staff from Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) were kids being holed up to sound morose, but they were all quarantined for Covid-19. very cheerful—almost gleeful—in sharing their quarantine experiences. But this being ACS, the ACS Old Boys Association (ACSOBA) immediately organised a series of Zoom activities to “My quarantine hotel bed is quite good, but the toilet has no provide emotional and spiritual support—such as a door! Eeeewww!” said one boy. workout with Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, a humorous session with famous comedian Hossan Leong, a “It was my first ambulance ride!” crowed another lad, who singalong with Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, and a doodle date was Zooming in from his hospital isolation room. “They even with some fella who threw away his legal career to pursue turned on the siren for me!” cartooning, i.e. me. My heart went out to him—this 12-year-old boy, facing this I was approached by Joy-Marie Toh, a fifth-generation terrible crisis all alone. “How are you coping?” I asked. ACSian who sits on the OBA’s managing committee and is someone you do not say no to. Ever. “Play video games lor,” was his nonchalant response. “Can you draw funny stuff with the kids to cheer them up?” The drawing prompts came fast and furious—and increasingly she asked. “You can do it on Wednesday morning after their bizarre. “Mashup Donald Duck and Ronald McDonald… Donald Pilates session, or on Thursday evening, though some may McDonald!!!” “Can you draw a banana eating a monkey?” not come because they have online tuition.” Clearly the scary situation hadn’t diminished their sense of I chose the evening, after taking a second to marvel at how humour or imagination. Their parents and teachers should be when I was in school, the words “Pilates” and “online” did proud of just how brave and resilient they are. not exist. (“Tuition”, alas, did.) It reminded me of one of my favourite Bible verses—John On the fateful day, after prayers and some songs of praise, 16: 32–33: “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, I started by sharing with the boys some stories of the when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will shenanigans my friends and I had gotten up to during our leave me alone.  Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with time in ACSJ (or “ACJS”, as it was then shockingly known). me.  I have said these things to you, that  in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take “I’m telling you these stories, so you won’t do the same heart; I have overcome the world.” dumb things we did,” I said solemnly, to murmurs of merriment. “Please do your own dumb things instead.” Colin Goh is giving away FREE 6-month subscriptions of the Dim Sum Warriors app to Methodist Message readers until 31 July 2021. Just go to https://www.dimsumwarriors.com/methodist |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 17

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo and visuals courtesy of MWS Rtoepaeocphleiningthoeiur ttime of need W hen Singapore entered Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) She is anticipating the day when in-person befriending can in May 2021, many were reminded of the struggles resume, having been greatly blessed by the familial warmth they faced during last year’s circuit breaker. she experienced at the MWS Nursing Home where she befriended a resident. It is easy for anyone to slip back into despair and self- isolation when faced with repeated difficulties. The call Simply Living In Obedience to love God by loving our neighbour by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong during his Aldersgate SG 2021 sermon was a timely 52-year-old Lim Bee Leng’s decision to reminder that at times like these, Christians should reach sign up as a volunteer through TGM was out even more to those who are suffering and in need. motivated by her desire to demonstrate Christ’s compassionate love in concrete actions. Spearheaded by The Methodist Church in Singapore and Her short journey so far has not been easy. Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), The Giving Methodist As a new volunteer, Bee Leng faced several (TGM) aims to galvanise Methodists to perform acts of love. challenges brought about by the pandemic. This year, we publicised the need for befrienders to reach She faced difficulty in connecting with her befriendee out to 500 people in need. To date, only about 47 from the virtually as well as language barriers.  Methodist churches have answered the call. We hope that when you read this, you will be moved to do so as well. MWS Yet Bee Leng, who worships at Faith Methodist Church, will provide befriending training and support to volunteers. pressed on, believing that her simple acts of giving can touch someone’s life. After her first virtual befriending “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are session with a resident from MWS Bethany Nursing Home few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, – Choa Chu Kang, Bee Leng is thinking of new ways to to send out workers into His harvest field.” engage her befriendee. (Luke 10:2) “Interacting through the computer screen didn’t stop Mdm Leong from sharing her passion for sewing and how she So That More Will Come To Know His Love can make her own clothes. I could feel and share her joy. It touched me deeply that she enjoyed our simple conversation 22-year-old Eunice Chew realised that despite and needed just a listening ear,” Bee Leng shared. living in a developed country, poverty still exists but is often invisible in our community. If you are encouraged by Eunice and Bee Leng’s experiences, Through her past volunteering experiences, find out more about how you can be The Giving Methodist. she sees that beyond material and financial poverty, people also have emotional, social and spiritual needs. Despite juggling university studies and adapting to the Visit https://thegivingmethodist.sg/ pandemic, Eunice decided to become a befriender. or scan the QR code to sign up as a “I know that many people don’t have the chance to befriender or find out more about experience God’s love through their friends or family. I The Giving Methodist. believe His love is for everyone. This is why I signed up as a TGM volunteer as a small step towards reaching out to Registration closes on 30 October 2021. and forming connections with these people regularly,” said Eunice, who worships at Christ Methodist Church. For further enquiries on The Giving Methodist, please email [email protected]. |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of MWS MWS at 40 An MWS staff shares his former struggles and journey towards empowering others This year, Methodist Welfare Services celebrates 40 years of empowering life to the full. This is one of a series of stories from people who felt empowered to empower others through MWS over the years. Get involved and join MWS in empowering lives. Learn more by visiting https://mws.sg/mws40th/ L ooking at Benny Thiam today, The law eventually caught up with that MWS was doing, especially the one would never guess this him twice. He served more than rigour of its clinical work. It felt young man once grappled three years in prison. like a place I could contribute to with problems of drug abuse and and develop professionally. I also gang influence. It was during his Through the Christian counselling appreciate how staff can turn to the incarceration more than 10 years he received behind bars, Benny pastoral care team for support.” ago when Benny found Christ and confronted his mistakes and began his life was turned around. Now, the to appreciate his family’s deep love It has been four and a half years since 37-year-old is focussed on changing and steadfast support for him. he joined MWS full-time, and Benny other people’s lives as a social is thankful for the opportunities worker with Methodist Welfare “And when you have turned back, that have empowered him to lead Services (MWS). strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32) and grow—professionally and personally. “My supervisors and “I started using drugs when I was “During my second incarceration, colleagues have been nothing but 14. I was a terrible student and was it was this Bible verse that greatly supportive. I do not feel judged never interested in school. I didn’t encouraged me. I considered how or doubted about my abilities,” know it then but the drug habit was God could use me as a vessel, and shared Benny. probably my way of coping with the that was how I set my mind on challenges and disappointments I becoming a social worker so I can In his work, Benny supports multi- was facing in life,” shared Benny. help others upon my release,” stressed families who battle with a “But that just made me arrogant shared Benny. multitude of issues in their lives, such and violent, and ignorant of the as domestic violence, homelessness people around me.” He eventually graduated top of his and financial poverty, among others. year in university and received a gold award from the National Council of “I feel sad whenever I see people Social Service (NCSS). He then decided settling for something less, feeling to join a Christian organisation. like they deserve the abuse or are unworthy of love. MWS’ message of “God answered my prayer when I empowerment is important because landed the social work internship we want our clients to be empowered at MWS Family Service Centre. I had and believe that they too can have already heard about the good work life to the full”. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 19

Reach Out ¢ Missions Juliette Arulrajah is the Chairperson of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Training Committee. She is also the MMS Area Director for Cambodia and Laos. / Screenshots courtesy of MMS Digital Missions Yes, we can! Wesley MC’s monthly health exercise programme for NBLPMC’s seniors A key feature of missions across geographical This session highlighted the practical digital channels borders in the “new norm” is capitalising on the employed by MMS and others from the Singapore digital platform more than ever before. Both Methodist community since the onset of the pandemic in digital natives like millennials and students as well as the 2020 to involve and engage children, youths, millennials, older digital novices need to creatively explore the digital professionals, church leaders and seniors. platform to be on the frontiers of cross-cultural missions. The MMS Training Chairman shared on the implications of We can tangibly empower local Christian leadership in COVID-19 for cross-cultural missions in the field, on the other nations with contextualised and creative new ideas, missionaries, and how Singapore churches need to adapt strategies and possibilities. Yes, we can indeed bring to the “new norm”. Citing concrete examples from different significant transformation through God’s love and hope to countries, she also underscored five simple digital ways nations around us despite not being able to travel there to cross cultures through being E-Care Pals, E-Creative due to the COVID-19 pandemic! Innovators, E-Content Empowerers, E-Collaborative Funders and E-Christ Warriors. The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) seeks to be on the cutting edge and aspires to facilitate Singaporean Four Methodists shared uplifting stories of their “digital Methodists to explore the potential of the digital platform missions” ministry: for missions. In February 2021, a two-session series on crossing cultures digitally was jointly organised with the • Koh Geok Cheng, Wesley Methodist Church three Annual Conferences’ Boards of Missions. From June 2020, various groups of WMC volunteers taught Wesley MC’s English on three different days weekly over Zoom to the weekly children, youth and adults of Nong Bua Lamphu Methodist English tuition Church (NBLPMC) in Northeast Thailand. WMC seniors also session for connected with their Thai counterparts every month through children from healthy exercises and creative arts. All these led the NBLPMC NBLPMC pastor to be invited to teach English daily at a school using WMC resources. I. X-Culture-Digi • Teo Quee Lin, Pentecost Methodist Church Seventy-nine participants from 30 different Methodist churches (six ETAC, nine CAC and 15 TRAC) in addition to Quee Lin, a professional educator and coach for pre-school six non-Methodist churches were actively engaged in this educators, shared how she used the digital platform to two-hour Zoom session on 20 Feb 2021 to explore and encourage the local acting principal and teachers of the enhance missions ministries over the digital platform. Methodist School of Cambodia Kindergarten to improve the Nearly 90 per cent of the participants were key leaders quality of their resources, teaching materials and pedagogy. The of local churches (LCEC, missions committees, pastors impact was seen in the growing engagement of students and and staff) and Annual Conferences. parents despite the challenges of online learning in Cambodia. • Leong Jenn Yeong, Aldersgate Methodist Church God led him to motivate a Facebook pastor friend from South Asia and the latter’s pastor friends through weekly prayer meetings to be passionate, godly fathers. This led to two digital motivational conferences for 110 pastors who were later sent out to minister in 10 districts. These pastors were |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

Flood relief in South Asia X-Culture-Collab participants also taught how to manage a flood crisis, be financially In the six breakout groups, the participants further accountable, facilitate crisis aid to their local community and delved into the details of specific needs and the even begin a small-scale mango tree livelihood project. types of help needed for each project. Each group came up with an action plan after brainstorming • Cindy Chen, Wesley Methodist Church different ideas and assessing the available resources Through cFriendz and SuiteMozaic, a group of Methodists both in the field and in Singapore, sharing their with their non-Methodist friends promote digital networking plans with all present. The participants found the among Christians to develop cross-border business and session useful, relevant, helpful and motivating missions opportunities. This is to enhance capacity building as they learnt from one another. They acquired a of business communities, especially for millennials and better understanding of the needs on the ground young adults, through Youth Biz-Up Zoom Boot Camps across and asked for more collaborative sessions. Asia and Africa. The implementation of projects was followed up “Broadened horizons”, “motivating, in-depth explanations”, initially by the MMS Training team and subsequently “good spread of how individuals and churches can be by field teams spearheaded by their respective Area creatively involved in digital missions” were some of the Directors. positive feedback received. An example was the group that discussed empowering II. X-Culture-Collab better decision-making for the children and youth at COSI and COSY in Cambodia. Representatives from Sixty participants from 25 Methodist churches (three ETAC, Bedok MC WSCS, Toa Payoh MC and Queenstown nine CAC, 13 TRAC) and three non-Methodist churches came Chinese MC met with the MMS Cambodia field team together for this four-hour Zoom session on 27 Feb 2021 on 30 March to further discuss the implementation to use their skills, gifts, ideas and expertise to engage and of online befriending and training sessions covering collaborate cross-culturally over the digital platform with general principles of decision-making, boy-girl MMS field partners from Cambodia, Thailand and Timor-Leste. relationships and purity, and money management. It was a time to innovate, collaborate, build communities By mid-April and after checking with their church and meet real-world needs. missions or WSCS leadership, the group had come up with an implementation schedule of the The participants were given an overview of six collaboration project, starting in June 2021 and collaboration projects: going on until January 2022. Cambodia: Empowering Decision-making of the Next Digital Missions: Yes, we can! Generation at COSI and COSY God’s purposes and cross-cultural missions can go Cambodia: Collection of Medical Data from Surrounding on via the digital platform despite the pandemic. Villages to Set up a Clinic in the Future Whether we be individuals, Christian groups or even a local church, we can be the hands and feet Thailand: The Puhada Livelihood Project for of Jesus in very practical ways after hearing and Underprivileged Women understanding real needs to empower those in faraway lands so that they, and we, can be God’s Thailand: The Good Soil Livelihood Project hope bringers! Timor-Leste: Empowering Business and Financial |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 21 Management Skills for Tertiary-level Youth Timor-Leste: Enhancing Conversational English Skills for Tertiary-level Youth

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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 and what should you teach your children? “Teach your children” is a hit song by Crosby, Stills givers, and those around them. Imparting values is less about what comes out of our mouths and more about and Nash. Written in 1970, it reminds parents that they what our children see of how we model and live out have a responsibility to teach their children, and should these life lessons. For instance, if they see us jumping they fail to do it, as the song’s lyrics go: a queue, what do they learn? The lesson of putting self before others can also be destructive to their souls and Don’t you ever ask them “Why?” their relationships with others. If they told you, you would cry. Next, what are the values your spouse and you cherish Just look at them and sigh, and want your children to develop? May I suggest that And know they love you. you two have a conversation about it. You might like to consider values pertaining to themselves e.g. hard work, Every year, about 200 parents in Singapore apply to the doing their best versus just getting the best results; values Courts for a Family Guidance Order. Their action basically related to the family e.g. looking out for younger siblings, declares that they have lost control of their child and respecting elders; and values relating to others e.g. being want the State to impose its control over their offspring. It honest, caring, etc. If you have exhausted these, you may is  often a recognition that in the earlier years, these look at values related to how to treat others who may be parents failed to teach their children.  different and how to care for the environment.  This begs the question: How and what are parents I recently discovered an interesting twist in the Cosby, supposed to teach their children? Stills and Nash’s song. Almost at the end are the words: This question may surprise some parents. They may And you of tender years   feel that schools, or the Church, should do the teaching. Can’t know the fears Their job as parents is to love, provide and care for their children. Some may also have the view that children, if That your elders grew by loved and cared for well, will automatically grow up to be And so please help them  sensible adults. With your youth In my line of work, and seeing many families in difficulty, I believe parents have to guide and teach their children. In life, what goes around comes around. While loving, They cannot let nature take its course. supporting and teaching our young children, we recognise that we may need them to teach and support us when In teaching values, there is a lot of truth in the saying, we become elderly. The song has a beautiful message “Values are caught, not taught.” We need to be mindful that what supports caring across generations is love for of what our children are observing of us, their care one another. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 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). Educating the next generation “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. O ne of the most important duties that the present According to Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of generation must discharge for the sake of the next Human Rights, proclaimed by the United Nations General is to enable them to contribute positively to society. Assembly in Paris in December 1948, education is a basic In a papal document on Christian Education promulgated in and inalienable human right. 1965, Pope Paul VI puts it this way: And yet, 80 years on, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics [C]hildren and young people must be helped … [to] acquire (UIS) revealed in its 2018 report that about 258 million a mature sense of responsibility in striving endlessly to form children and youth are out of school and only 99 countries their own lives properly and in pursuing freedom as they guarantee at least 12 years of free education.3 Surely more surmount the vicissitudes of life with courage and constancy. must be done to address this. One way in which this can be done is through a robust The Church has always understood the importance of public education, whose positive role in society is largely public education. Even a quick and cursory glance at the undisputed. history of public education in Singapore would show the Registration at our Columbarium Office (Level 5) Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (Closed on Public Holidays). Tel: 6479 8122 HP: 9670 9935 or Fax: 6479 6960 Email: [email protected]

Educating the next generation indelible role that the Roman Catholic and Protestant Anglo-Chinese School when it was at Coleman Street. Churches have played in its development and flourishing. Christian education has always been an important part of The Methodist Church in Singapore Christians support and promote general public education because of the good it makes possible and the benefit it That said, it must also be pointed out that while general brings to both individuals and society. As Pope Paul VI puts public education has an indispensable role to play in society, it, “a true education aims at the formation of the human it has its limitations and even dangers for the Christian. person in the pursuit of his ultimate end and of the good This is because public education, being an inextricable part of the societies of which, as man, he is a member and in of an ever-changing culture, is constantly shaped by the whose obligations, as an adult, he will share”. moods and fancies of the prevailing zeitgeist. But the Church has also always insisted on the importance of Here, Christian education often performs the necessary Christian education for its members. The purpose of Christian function of re-education. It teaches the child never to education is spiritual formation and discipleship. It is to enable passively acquiesce to the dictates of culture, but to the believer to deepen their faith in God and to make their interrogate it from the standpoint of the truth-claims of their love for God manifest in humble service to their neighbour. faith. In other words, it enables the child to think counter- culturally by looking at the world through a profoundly The inspiration for this can be traced to the pages of the Old different lens which Scripture provides. Testament. In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, we read: Needless to say, the Church and its leaders play an And these words which I command you this day shall be indispensable role in the education of its members (Eph upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently 4:11–12). Pastors must teach the faith (Titus 2:1) to the to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit whole congregation and demonstrate what it means to in your house, and when you walk by the way, follow Christ (1 Cor 11:1). and when you lie down, and when you rise. No reflection on the education of Christian children will be complete without emphasising the role of parents. Unfortunately, it is quite common today to see schools functioning in lieu of the parents or the family. Christian education is important for children because they While public education is important, parents can contribute to must be nurtured in the faith from a very young age. For the child’s formation in ways that schools cannot, especially it is only when they are firmly grounded in the doctrines in the inculcation of the biblical worldview and values. and values of the Christian faith will they be able discern truth from error, and successfully navigate the marketplace As Pope Paul VI has once again put it so clearly: “Parents are of ideas that is our contemporary society. the ones who must create a family atmosphere animated by love and respect for God and man, in which a well-rounded It is impossible to overemphasise just how important this is. personal and social education of children is fostered.” 1 Pope Paul VI, ‘Declaration on Christian Education. Gravissimum Educationis,” 28 Oct 1965, http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/ documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.html. 2 United Nations, “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights. 3 UNESCO, “Say No to Discrimination in Education!” https://en.unesco.org/news/what-you-need-know-about-right-education. 4 Ibid. |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 25

Hymns & Songs ¢ Amelia Leo is a Programmes Executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. She is glad to be involved in the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home Choir and the development of Singing & Growing in Grace (a Methodist Preschools singing curriculum). Let all God’s children sing The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the L ittle Timothy was a little apprehensive about starting Primary One as church through music and the performing arts. the environment, the teachers, the uniform and just about everything was new to him. After a few months, he was getting the hang of it Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. when everything changed again as home-based learning was abruptly imposed. Suddenly, poor Timothy had to get used to attending six-hour Let All God’s Children Sing Zoom classes, meeting friends virtually and being cooped up at home for the large part of each day. Slumped over a chair like a wilted plant, Refrain: Timothy asked his parents when “normal school” could resume. But no Let all the mountains ring, one could provide a certain answer. let all the valleys rejoice. Let all God’s children sing, Such is the world in which our children are growing up—an uncertain, people, come and lift your voice! volatile and insecure one. A world where parents can no longer assure their children with certainty that “everything will be okay” tomorrow. Sing it from ev’ry land, How, then, do we as parents, teachers, or children’s and youth ministry praise him from ev’ry shore. leaders, prepare our children to survive and thrive in such times? Let all God’s children sing Preschools, tuition centres and enrichment classes promise parents to for the glory of the Lord! nurture their children into multi-talented individuals who can play the violin in two years, memorise and recite poetry, or have a large Verse: vocabulary. But what kind of child will thrive in an uncertain world—one God who made the earth and sea, with many skills, or one with a character formed by God’s Word? We need to educate not just our children’s minds, but their hearts. God who reigns in majesty; let our voices now be raised “Heart-centred” education involves discovering one’s identity as God’s as we worship you with joyful praise. child, basing one’s confidence on God’s unconditional love and building one’s faith by trusting God in troubled times. One powerful way to educate (Refrain, twice) the heart in this manner is to sing the songs of God. Songs speak to the heart in a unique way that lectures and sermons do not. When God’s Coda: children sing His songs, “heart-centred” education in the Word of God Come, children rejoice! takes place and bears fruit in the years to come. Words & Music: Mark Patterson So, I echo Mark Patterson: Let all God’s children sing! Do not let their Listen to a performance of this here: singing go unheard. Give them the Word of God in song and they will be prepared to thrive as joyful, singing sojourners in this uncertain world. |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

People ¢ Keith Tan is a member of Holland Village Methodist Church, and a member of the MCS Council on Communications. / Photo courtesy of Keith Tan What does being a Methodist mean to you? I stumbled into the Methodist Church almost by accident in 1996. In my journey as a Christian, I’ve always enjoyed when worship is spirit-filled and My now-wife, whom I was dating at the time, was a non-practising Catholic the emotional high that comes with a fiery and I was from a charismatic church. We needed to find a middle ground and message is preached or when a worship made the rounds with different churches, until we found a place we both felt service comes with the theatrics that modern comfortable with—Faith Methodist Church (MC). technology afford us. But in the end, being a Christian isn’t about the religiosity or the Since then, where circumstances and ministry opportunities led, we went. showmanship, it comes down to a commitment And we now call Holland Village MC home. to our relationship with God. I grew up in a Bible-Presbyterian church, which saw my family through the When the lights and sound is stripped away toughest of times, and was strongly influenced by the 14 years that I was and when life buffets me, I always come back in Anglican schools. So, I’m always asked, what attracted you to become a to this—a warm heart and a commitment to Methodist and stay one? methodical devotion and study of the Word. For me, it was the membership class at Faith MC that was the inflection So what does being a Methodist mean to me? point. What stood out to me were two things: It means getting back to the fundamentals • the story of John Wesley who had the experience of having his “heart of a relationship with our Creator; to be meaningfully anchored to these two basic strangely warmed”. tenets when life sometimes loses meaning. • the commitment to a methodical devotion and study as a key part of the practise of Methodism.

Opinion ¢ THINK Monica Lim runs a copywriting agency and a blog on kids and education. She is the author of The Good, the Bad and the PSLE, and has co-authored 14 children’s books with her daughter, Lesley-Anne, some of which have garnered awards. She is a member of Christ Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Monica Lim Andre and Lesley-Anne (From left to right) Monica and her children, Monica and her children today Andre and Lesley-Anne, on Christmas 2003 More than sparrows M y daughter, Lesley-Anne, was a precocious child. form teacher every other day, complaining about his not Long before she could speak, she could understand doing homework or not paying attention. “God, give me multi-level instructions. She did not start talking strength” was my daily plea. early but when she did, she spoke in perfectly formed sentences. She was generally a thoughtful and obedient Predictably, Lesley-Anne aced her PSLE and went to a child. I thought, “Well, bringing up kids isn’t all that hard!” brand-name secondary school. Andre turned in an average performance and went to a neighbourhood school. By Famous last words. Three and a half years after she human standards, Lesley-Anne is the one who made it, was born, my son, Andre, entered this world loudly and even blessed by God. proceeded to make his presence felt throughout his childhood. Compared to Lesley-Anne, he was like a squirrel But guess who had a more fulfilling secondary school on steroids. Uninterested in reading, he could never sit experience? Being in a brand-name school meant a still, always zipping around the living room on his little car pressure cooker environment for Lesley-Anne. The work or dreaming up some mischief. was pitched at what I thought was an unreasonable level, and anything less than an A grade was considered School blues unacceptable. School felt like a place not to learn but to perform. Her self-esteem took a hit and she often Into their primary school years, the differences between felt inadequate. She was studying all the time and the my two kids magnified. Lesley-Anne was a model student stress manifested itself in acute eczema. Sleep was a rare and intellectually advanced for her age. Her strengths lay commodity. particularly in language and her work ethic made up for her weaknesses, such as in maths. She performed well By contrast, Andre wandered through his secondary school academically and was accepted into the Gifted Education years without much of a plan, making friends and enjoying Programme (GEP). his badminton CCA, where he was given leadership opportunities as the team captain. His grades gave me Andre, by contrast, treated school primarily as a playground many sleepless nights and heart-stopping moments. Yet, to socialise and make friends. His Primary 2 teacher, in an he was blessed with fantastically encouraging teachers. At attempt to stop him from talking in class, kept changing parent-teacher conferences, they would glance at his less- his seat until he ended up sitting by himself. His favourite than-stellar report card and say, “But he’s a very nice boy!” periods were recess and PE. I would receive a call from his |28 METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021

Who received the greater blessing then? turn of events, he was accepted into a hospitality degree programme that looks tailor-made for him. I often call I understand why parents go to extremes in Singapore’s Andre a big sparrow because he never plans or worries education rat race. It’s because it is hard to see beyond the too much about tomorrow, which has given me many now, and we stress over the “what ifs”. What if not getting moments of anxiety. Yet God has always provided for him. good grades means my kid cannot get into a good school, and his future is ruined? It is worse when everyone around “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? us is in a similar frenzy. So we pile on the enrichment Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside classes, the tuition, and fill their every waking moment until they have no room to dream, even just to be. your Father’s care.” (Matt 10:29) And at what cost? Having been an education blogger for 10 years, I have seen enough kids pay the price for their Take it from someone who has seen two kids through the parents’ unrealistic ambitions. Kids who drop out of schools local education system—none of it really matters in the they were pushed into but were unsuited for. Kids who rebel end. Not as much as we think, anyway. Many of Lesley- against the system and their parents by picking up all kinds Anne’s GEP and secondary schoolmates ended up in the of unedifying habits. Kids who evolve from zombie children same universities as their less scholarly counterparts. into zombie adults, aimlessly living life on autopilot. I look back and think how silly I was to angst over the scores for one exam or get upset because they did not get If we are honest with ourselves, the problem is that most of into some programme or other. us just do not trust God enough. We think we know what is best for our kids, and “best” is very much measured against I take the view that our kids are not ours to own but are human benchmarks. Instead of praying “Please open the entrusted to us by God to care for. Proverbs 22:6 tells us: path to whatever is best for my child,” we tend to pray “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he “Please let my child get into ABC school.” And then hastily is old, he will not depart from it.” How do we steward add “If it’s your will” as a caveat. our duties as parents? Do we strive to bring up trophies to glorify our own egos? Or do we raise loving, God-fearing Let me translate what we really mean by that prayer: individuals willing to bless others and make the world a “Lord, please let my child’s getting into ABC school be your better place? will.” I know because I have prayed this way. Many times. However, I have come to realise that when we do not have I am not claiming to be a perfect mum. Far from it. I am the heart of God, trying to bend His will to match our own thankful that my kids turned out the way they did despite often brings about more heartache than good. the many mistakes I made. Such is the magnitude of God’s grace—to repeatedly save us from ourselves. A question of stewardship I have long appreciated God’s wisdom in giving me two Today, Lesley-Anne and Andre are 24 and almost 21 children who are polar opposites, because if both my respectively. Lesley-Anne is working in a statutory board kids were like Lesley-Anne, I might have attributed their and has 14 children’s books to her name, co-authored with “successes” to my superior parenting skills and empathised me since she was 16 years old. By all measures, she is an less with parents struggling with challenging kids. accomplished young lady, but I believe that what pleases God more is that she is a simple, compassionate and God has a long-term plan for our kids, and it may not sensible young woman with an admirable work ethic and a be what we have in mind. It is hard to surrender to God big heart for Him. because we cannot see into the future, and we feel the need to have control. But know that God loves our children As for Andre, having been a social butterfly all his school even more than we do. If we submit to His will, we will years revealed his gift for hospitality, which led to his save ourselves a lot of worry and in the end, we will see choice of study in polytechnic and his internship. He is that God knew best all along. now serving his National Service and calls home every night from the army camp if he can. He holds his granny’s “For I know the plans I have for you,” hand when we go out and he still says, “I love you.” His declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to sweet nature is a constant blessing to our family. Despite not being academically inclined, through a miraculous harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11) |METHODIST MESSAGE — July 2021 29

Events ¢ Looking Ahead Scan to see events online! JULY JULY WHEN IT’S BEYOND ME (TRAC SENIORS MINISTRY) 21 July 2021, 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Online via Zoom Register at https://tinyurl.com/hyeehsj4 (ZOOM links will be emailed separately) Find out what we can do “When It’s Beyond Me” with Lucy Lim as she shares from Genesis 43:1–14. Organised by TRAC Seniors Ministry D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2021 30 to 31 July 2021 (Friday and Saturday) Online via Zoom d6family.sg [email protected] 6304-5286 $60 per person ($50 per person if you register by 13 June 2021) D6 is based on the principles of Deuteronomy 6 and it urges the church and home to work together to implement generational discipleship within the churches, homes and families. The objective of D6 Conference is for the attendees to understand how they can best apply the principles of Deuteronomy 6 in their lives in order to pass on a spiritual legacy for future generations. The D6 Conference 2021 is a place where parents, pastors, church and ministry leaders can look to be equipped with practical next steps and strategies in discipling the next generation. Organised by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship OCT SEPT EAGLES LEADERSHIP CONVENTION (ELC) 2021 6 to 11 Sep 2021 Online conference elc2021.com [email protected] 8575-2163 (Ivy) ELC is the three-day premier biennial thought leadership experience in Asia, showcasing distinguished international experts, effective role models, current thinking, latest research, and outstanding leadership practices.  The convention seeks to grow and nurture leaders to be more value-centred persons by transforming their perspectives, developing healthy partnerships, and empowering them for quality performance in both church and the marketplace. Organised by Eagles Communications MWS EMPOWERUN 23 Oct to 7 Nov 2021 Register at mws.sg/mws40th. Registration opens 19 July. $40 per head. Special rate for students aged 13 to 18 who register through their schools at $20 per head. MWS Empowerun is organised to commemorate MWS’ 40th Anniversary of empowering the lives of disadvantaged and distressed, regardless of race and religion. It is an open invitation to anyone who would like to give back to the community by participating in the virtual run conducted remotely for the safety of all. It is also an opportunity for participants who are also celebrating their 40th birthday this year to mark the milestone by running for a meaningful cause. Run format: Complete a 40km virtual run. The distance can be cumulative over the event period. Participants who wish to give back as a team may choose to form groups via the official event site, subject to prevailing COVID-19 restrictions. Each participant is challenged to raise a minimum of $500/pax. (Donations above $50 will qualify for tax exemption.) MWS aims to raise $600,000 with your support! Organised by Methodist Welfare Services


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