Methodist Message: Dec 2021

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021 THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 123 No 12 DECEMBER 2021 Christmas for everyone

Contents Methodist Message 1 Bishop’s Message needs your help! Do you have a way 2 Events—Coming Up with words? Can you draw—on paper 3 Church Life—ETAC Highlights or in digital media? Can you design? Do 4 Church Life—Seletar Tamil Methodist Church you like writing? Do you take photos? 5 News—GC WSCS celebrates World Federation Day 6 News—Disciple Agency’s 30th Anniversary We’re looking for volunteers! 8 News—Methodist School Foundation 10 News—World Space Week at our Methodist Preschools Writers: to help cover events, write book 12 Church Life—MCS celebrates Christmas for everyone reviews / poems / any other article 17 People—Mdm Lim Lam Neo 18 People—Dr Darryl Lim contributions Sub-editors: to edit articles 22 People— Victor Ng Proofreaders: to help check out layouts 25 People— Charlie Chua Photographers: to contribute photos of events 28 Reach Out—Welfare Services they have attended Illustrators: to draw comics 30 Reach Out—Missions / infographics / anything else that might be 32 Relationships—You & Your family 33 Hymns & Songs inspiring 34 Opinion—Soundings 36 Books—A Daughter’s Faith If you have these skills, or any others that might 37 What does being a Methodist mean to you? make MM a better read, contact us! [email protected] 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. “Peace on earth, good-will to men” “Glory to God in the highest heaven, Let us join our hearts and hands with the angels in praying and on earth peace to those on for, and working for, peace on earth for all peoples, in all whom his favor rests.” countries, all homes, all offices, all religions, all churches. (Luke 2:14 NIV) Secondly, it remains obvious that peace on earth remains elusive. The global pandemic exacerbates the despair Here are two short comments on this familiar Christmas caused by continuing violence and abuse in our world. verse. We identify with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during a Christmas when the deadly American Civil War was The first concerns the more recent English translations claiming too many human lives. Longfellow wrote: of the verse. The NIV translators avoided the traditional translation “peace to mankind”, presumably in an effort And in despair I bowed my head; to be gender neutral and sensitive. This is fine (other “There is no peace on earth,” I said; modern translations do the same e.g. ESV, NRSV) as “For hate is strong, And mocks the song long as readers do not misunderstand the angels as Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” proclaiming peace only for those persons on whom God shows special favour. No, the angels are praying for Whilst the cynic that lurks within us threatens to peace on earth for all people, for humanity on whom overcome us with despair, let us pray that the Christ Child God’s favour rests. of Christmas will be born anew in all of our hearts; that we may not only not lose hope, but instead strengthen our hope in God’s promise of, and our desire for, peace on earth for all humanity. So may we move, with Longfellow, beyond the despair caused by wars and pandemics, to receive and sing the hope of Christmas: Then rang the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor does he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail With peace on earth, good will to men.” May the Christ of Christmas, the Prince of Peace, grant us peace in the midst of this pandemic, and beyond. 1 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (1864) |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 1

Events ¢ Coming Up O D IRSETS F E ST I V A L CHOIR P E N TS THE M E T H ADVENT 2021 My People SPEAKER: CHUA R E V STA NL EY NT, MCS T RAC P RES IDE 12 DE C 52P0M2 1O, SNUZNODOAMY GISTER: t i n y u r l . c o m / m f c RE vent2021 -ad Erratum ¢ The Commendation Medal   The Long Service Medal Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) In the October issue of Mdm Foo Yin Ping Grace  Mdm Rita d/o Ramanathan   Methodist Message, we     inadvertently left out Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) the National Day Awards Ms Ho Wai Mun Mr Ho Siew Mun  winners from Methodist   Mdm Chua Gek Chun Elaine  Girls’ School. We apologise The Efficiency Medal     for the oversight and Mr Edmund Wong Kok Wai include them here:

Church Life ¢ ETAC Highlights Rev Albert Vijay Joseph is the Pastor-in-Charge of Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street. CHRISTmas for everyone! C hristmas is one of the most popular festive seasons the idea of being physically healed of diseases and to be in the world. Christians celebrate it by remembering delivered from enemies. In the spiritual sense, the enemies the coming of the Messiah to save humanity. Others are sin, Satan and death. celebrate it for various other reasons like the holidays or the end of the year. Whatever their reasons for celebrating Jesus conquered and defeated these enemies on the Cross, might be, Christmas and the season brings great joy and which was otherwise undefeatable by mankind. These hope to everyone. defeated foes still wag their tails to disturb and distract people from living a life of harmony and peace. God the Father sent His only begotten Son into this world to save mankind—and therefore, Christmas is for everyone. There is no doubt that Christmas will be different for the second continuous year, from what we once knew, The joy of Christmas was given to the shepherds on the because of the pandemic. Coming together as family Christmas Day and the wise men on the Epiphany Day. or as believers with lots of restrictions and distancing It shows that a wide spectrum of people, from far and guidelines have already curtailed celebrations and near, were included in the celebration and good news that activities during Christmas. Christ is born. Today in an unprecedented time with unrelenting Etymologically, the name “Jesus” or “Joshua (Yeshua)” pandemic, people of all walks of life who are journeying derives from Hebrew roots meaning “the Lord is salvation.” through uncharted waters with fear and uncertainty need to hear the Good News that a Saviour is born, and He The angel of the Lord told Joseph in Matthew 1:21: “She brought salvation to all who come to Him. [i.e. Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” In this Christmas and always, let us take Jesus, the Saviour, to those who are homeless, recently bereaved, lonely or Jesus the Saviour came to save all of mankind from sin struggling to make ends meet, away from their family, and its consequences. Salvation is only through Jesus, staying in dormitories, sleeping rough, the rejected and the Saviour. the neglected. Sozo is the Greek word for salvation, yet its root meaning CHRIST came for all. CHRIST is for all. CHRISTmas is for goes beyond just the forgiveness of sins. According to everyone! Strong’s Concordance, it means to save—that is, to protect or deliver, heal, preserve and to make whole. It carries Blessed CHRISTmas! |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 3

Church Life ¢ Seletar Tamil Methodist Church Justin John and Deborah David are members of Seletar Tamil Methodist Church (SELTMC) / Photo courtesy of SELTMC Growing and serving together SELTMC during the Zoom Bible Quiz that was held on National Day S eletar Tamil Methodist Church (SELTMC) celebrates its 86th anniversary this year. In 2005, the Lord blessed us with a place of worship, St George’s Chapel at Loyang Avenue, where we have been worshipping since then under the leadership of various pastors, and now shepherded by Rev James Nagulan. In this time of anxiety and uncertainty, we stand together with Singapore to battle COVID-19 by encouraging members to practise safe distancing. To limit physical contact, we conduct online services. Despite the challenges, we are standing firm and committing ourselves fully to the Lord’s work by the grace of the Almighty. SELTMC values growing and serving together for the establishment of God’s word in this world. Although the pandemic has propelled us to use technology extensively, we continue to create multiple touchpoints with our various ministries and events. One such event that brought the entire congregation together over Zoom was the Online Bible Quiz, which was one of the church’s main programmes of the year. We thank God for the members who participated actively. Through technology, we were able to explore opportunities and be creative in uniting the congregation. However, we believe that this is a temporary measure and look forward to attending face-to-face church programmes and other Methodist events. Another ministry that SELTMC contributes towards is the Bedok Preaching Point ministry. We were able to reach out to some of the residents in the Bedok vicinity. Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church (BBTC) has been gracious in opening up their doors for us to conduct this ministry freely on their premises. As SELTMC does not have a permanent place of worship, we have moved to various locations over the past 86 years. It is our desire to move into a place of our own in the eastern part of Singapore so that we are able to give more attention to our ministries and spread the Gospel to more who are living in the east. Much as we aspire for a permanent place of worship, we do acknowledge that the church is not just a building but it is a gathered people. Our mission therefore is • to BUILD: every member having an abiding relationship with Jesus; • to EQUIP: members actively serving in a ministry, and raising new leaders; • to PROVIDE: providing pastoral care and being involved in connect groups; and • to be RECOGNISED: a lighthouse that creates avenues for worship and reaches out to those searching for spiritual connection in the east of Singapore. |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

News ¢ Teo Suet Eh and Deviki James are Vice Presidents of GC WSCS. / Image courtesy of GC WSCS Living water, divine grace GC WSCS CELEBRATES WORLD FEDERATION DAY “Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” (John 4:10 NIV) T he General Conference Women’s Society of Christian quench thirst, grace quenches our thirst for Jesus. As Service (GCWSCS) of The Methodist Church in water preserves life, grace preserves our soul from pain Singapore celebrated World Federation Day on 6 and cleanses us from sin. Fresh springs refreshes a weary Nov 2021 with our sisters around the world in the World traveller; grace will refresh us for life’s journey. As water Federation of Methodist and United Church Women in East softens dried fruits, so grace softens hardened hearts. Asia Area. GCWSCS renewed their commitment towards We need rain to bear plum juicy fruits; likewise, we need the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), “Clean God’s grace to rain on us to bear good fruits. Grace is a Water and Sanitation”, as part of the integration of 17 river of life from a heavenly source that “flows down to Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United earth by way of the cross”, and will draw us nearer to Nations General Assembly in 2015. Jesus to experience happiness, holiness and humility. The 17 SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, were “The message expressed God’s divine grace in the life- adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call giving and life-changing water,” said Mrs Doris Wong to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure (Paya Lebar Methodist Church WSCS), one of the members that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The who attended the session. SDGs are integrated so that action in one area will affect Water is precious to sustain life, and grace to preserve outcomes in others, and that development must balance the soul. The session was concluded with a prayer by all: social, economic and environmental sustainability. “Lord, give us Your grace.” GC WSCS Vice Presidents, Ms Teo Suet Erh and Ms Deviki FURTHER READING James, introduced SDG-6 to the participants. The Chinese “The 17 Goals”, https://sdgs.un.org/goals Annual Conference (CAC) WSCS presented ways on how Spurgeon. C. H. Morning and Evening. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2003. to domestically conserve clean water with illustrations Spurgeon’s Sermons on New Testament Women, Book 1. Grand on to refresh, recycle and restore used water. Six young Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1994. ladies from the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) WSCS presented a skit, “Save Water Save Lives”, that portrayed a group of women at the well, reminding the participants that water is inseparable from life and that part of creation emerged from water. Water-saving practices start at home and we each have a part to play in conserving this precious resource. The spiritual theme that flowed was “Living Water, Divine Grace”, taken from John chapter 14, when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well. In one of C. H. Spurgeon’s sermons on New Testament women, he described eight attributes of water and grace. Just as we need water to |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 5

News ¢ Alvin Tay is a DA Exco member and DISCIPLE 30th Anniversary Task Force Chairman. He and his family worship at Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of DISCIPLE DISCIPLE celebrates 30 years of God’s faithfulness Beautiful roses sent to us from one of Our Sacred Garden, our 30th anniversary book, The anniversary service at Faith MC on 4 Nov 2021 our early trainers, Mrs Wini Grizzle being launched by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong J esus Christ commanded us to “go and make disciples of “The hope of DISCIPLE Bible Study is that as we study all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father the Bible, not only will be gain more knowledge about and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them our faith, but more importantly, all of us might be to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I transformed to be more and more like Christ, our Lord am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt and Master. Merely reading and studying the Bible will 28:19–20). not do us much good unless we are seeking not only to know Jesus but to have a personal relationship with him. DISCIPLE Bible Study was designed by Methodist pastors This is the key to transformation in a Christian life.” in the United States to help participants fulfil this Great Commission, first for them to become disciples of Jesus, DISCIPLE and Christian Conferencing in Wesleyan and then to go on to make disciples for Christ. God has Discipleship truly been with us throughout the past 30 years as He Rev Dr Edwin Tay, Principal of Trinity Theological worked through His faithful servants to bring DISCIPLE College (TTC), then took the audience through Christian from the US to Singapore in 1991, and from Singapore Conferencing, which is the means of grace that was critical to the rest of Asia-Pacific, including East Malaysia, West in the expansion of early Methodism but which has become Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. one of the most neglected of our spiritual disciplines. On 4 Nov 2021, about 120 persons gathered at Faith According to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, Methodist Church and 300 from local and overseas “means of grace are ‘outward signs, words, actions churches joined us online to thank and praise God for His ordained of God, and appointed for this end—to be the faithfulness for the last 30 years. ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace’.” Life Transformation is the key focus of DISCIPLE “The word, ‘Disciple’, (Greek: mathetes) occurs at least The key section on the means of grace begins with the 230 times in the Gospels and 28 times in Acts. Hence, we following question: “Do you use all the means of grace cannot escape the biblical teaching that to be a Christian yourself, and enforce the use of them on all persons?” is to be a disciple of Christ,” said Rev Stanley Chua, the This is followed by a list of the means of grade under the President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC). headings, “Instituted” and “Prudential”. He said: “When discipleship is absent in a Christian life, Christian conferencing is listed under Instituted means of Christians will tend to live lives that are fundamentally grace, together with prayer (private and corporate); reading, no different than that of non-Christians. As a result, they hearing and meditating on Holy Scripture (what Wesley calls would be ineffective witnesses for Christ. “searching the Scriptures”); the Lord’s Supper and Fasting. |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

“The implication is clear: These are practices which are Citing John 15:12­–­ 21, Rev Dr Goh said it reflects a picture commanded in Scripture and meant for all Christians. of intimacy and companionship. “There are three levels of John Wesley thus expected all Methodists to practise Disciples in the Early Church: Servant (First level); Children Christian Conference regularly,” said Rev Tay. And the (Second level); and Friend (Third level). The disciples who conferencing must be “a particular kind of conversation laid down their lives for Jesus as Jesus laid down his life for that is intentional”, “acknowledges the presence of God” his friends were known as friends of Jesus.” and “ministers grace to one another. It actually aims at growing the life of God in the soul of men”. “To be a disciple of Christ, we need God’s grace, and God has already prepared the means through which we Rev Tay continued: “Christian conferencing is important can receive his grace. As for the path of discipleship, because it is concerned with inward (‘the true state of our we need companions—spiritual friendships that give us souls’) and outward holiness (‘words’ and ‘deeds’). But it is strength and satisfaction in our heavenward journey.” also difficult because it demands truthfulness and authenticity in conversation in the face of our human weakness and DISCIPLE 30th anniversary book, logo and T-shirt sinfulness. We would try to hide the true state of our soul.” In conjunction with the 30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration, Disciple Agency also published a DISCIPLE Having gone through DISCIPLE in his teenage years, Rev Tay Commemorative Book, Our Sacred Garden, which was concluded that the kind of questions raised in DISCIPLE Bible launched by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong. The bilingual book Study would facilitate conversations on the state of the soul. contains Insights on Discipleship as well as articles on important aspects of Wesleyan Discipleship written by our Forging Spiritual Friendships through DISCIPLE Bishop, Presidents of the three Annual Conferences and Rev Dr Goh Nai Lat, President of the Chinese Annual Methodist lecturers from Trinity Theological College. Conference (CAC), then spoke on forging spiritual friendships. The book also traces the 30-year journey of DISCIPLE in “Following the Great Commission in Matthew 28, Christian Singapore where we witnessed the amazing work of God believers must first self-identify as disciples of Jesus and His walk with many faithful servants across time Christ before they can make disciples for Christ,” he said. and space. Finally, the book also includes many inspiring testimonies of CAC, ETAC and TRAC members whose lives In his understanding, “the difference between a believer have been duly transformed through DISCIPLE. and a disciple lies in this—to be a believer emphasises faith, while being a disciple lies in action. […] The A logo design competition was organised for this intention of the DISCIPLE course is to marry the two— special occasion, and with it a 30th Anniversary t-shirt, faith and action. From faith in ‘The Bible Teaching’ to and the winning logo was created by Mr Wong Joon Kim the important action we must take in the ‘Marks of from Toa Payoh Methodist Church. Discipleship’. And from ‘Our Human Condition’ to the act of mutual prayer and accountability,” said Rev Dr Goh. We remember, thank and glorify God for His goodness (“The Bible Teaching”, “Marks of Discipleship” and “Our and faithfulness. Well wishes were received from our Human Condition” are all key features of DISCIPLE 1.) partners in Sarawak, West Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and Taiwan. Bishop Richard Wilke, the founder of the According to Rev Dr Goh, DISCIPLE can help people to DISCIPLE Bible Study, also sent us his recorded greetings become disciples for Christ through the use of God-given from the United States, and Mrs Wini Grizzle, one of our means of grace and the forging of spiritual friendships. early trainers, sent us a beautiful bouquet of 30 roses. “John Wesley knew that people needed God’s grace, and was, DISCIPLE 30TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK at the same time, aware of the frailty of human nature—its resistance to grace, lack of discipline and the brokenness You may obtain a copy of the of the old self,” said Rev Dr Goh. “He thus introduced the DISCIPLE 30th Anniversary Book by framework for mutual accountability through the formation giving a love gift of $30 (or more) of classes, bands and societies. Basically, it is a small group to Disciple Agency. The Book has which functions within a covenant, with everyone watching been fully sponsored. So every single over one another in love. The small group is the essence of cent that you give will go towards the Methodist movement, and the particular attention that the development of DISCIPLE in John Wesley gave to the groups was the key to its success.” Singapore and the region, including the DISCIPLE digitalisation project. To The Design Philosophy behind DISCIPLE is to use the means of order, go to https://tinyurl.com/DISCIPLE30thOrderForm grace in a covenant group to bring about renewal of life, he said. or scan the QR code. |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 7

News ¢ Jill Tan is the Director of the Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF). / Photos courtesy of MSF METHODIST SCHOOLS FOUNDATION Moving forward, staying relevant ACS(BR) Graduation Chapel at T he church­–school partnership is a cornerstone for the work that BRMC Sanctuary in 2019 the Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF) does. As the MSF aids the Methodist schools, it is done so in the spirit and with the support Geylang Methodist School of all the Methodist churches in Singapore, and serves as an extension of (Primary) Christian service to touch the lives of children in these schools. ACJC hockey pitch For more than two decades, many hands have come together to do the Methodist Girls’ School work of God in this special ministry. |8 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 Before 2021 came to a close, the MSF Board met up virtually for its year-end strategic meeting and refreshed its vision and mission. The Board is happy to share its new vision and mission as the Foundation goes forth to continue to bless the children in the Methodist schools. Vision: Standing in the gap for our Methodist schools to provide every student with an excellent education grounded in Christian values. Mission: Raising and growing funds in support of our Methodist schools and students to meet their educational and financial needs. The Board also met up with the principals of the Methodist schools, all of whom shared their immense appreciation and gratitude to the Foundation’s blessing towards the schools. Mrs Quek Li Gek, Principal of Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) conveyed that “our heart continues to well up in gratefulness and thanksgiving for the way MSF has so generously supported PL (Sec) all these seven years when I was principal of the school. We were able to use the funds to make our school beautiful and special. Each year, the girls and parents reflect their own sentiments of joy and thanksgiving. Over the years, we saw an increase in the level of school pride, a rise in the level of school affect and girls doing better in their lives because they know that, even though their families are not great, the school cared for their lives and their futures.” She also thanked the Foundation for doing the work in enabling and empowering the girls, especially the disadvantaged ones, through the school. She added, “I know you may not be able to see the fruits of your labour so clearly from where you are. But the ripple effect is definitely felt in the girls now and the batches that follow hereafter. I keep telling the school that we must never take anything for granted. I have served with the government schools and other mission schools, and I have never seen this kind of outpouring of love and support from

the Church. Thank you for giving to the Lord in this special way—in terms METHODIST SCHOOLS FOUNDATION of your service and love for His school and His people.” • Incorporated in 1997 as the Despite a challenging year, Mr Arene Koh, Principal of Anglo-Chinese Methodist Schools’ Building School (Independent) said, “We are thankful for the never-ending support Endowment Fund to help fund from MSF. Thank you for always considering the needs of the Methodist standard and non-standard Schools and supporting us in more ways than one. May we continue to facilities and teaching aids in look to God in the times ahead and further our plans in accordance to His Methodist Schools. plans and purposes.” • As of 31 July 2021, net assets were The MSF is only able to stand in the gap for our Methodist schools with $22.4 million represented in a the help and blessing of all our supporters. Every two years, images of general fund and three endowment thousands of cheerful students in bright red, blue and yellow at the funds (which are restricted, with MethodistWalk grace our consciousness of the MSF. An event close to the only the earnings disbursed): hearts of the Methodist schools, the MethodistWalk is a walk for charity • School Building Endowment as well as a walk of unity in one-ness of Body with all 15 of our Methodist Fund: for the building, repair and schools and represented by some Methodist churches. More significantly, maintenance of school buildings, the participation contributes to building stronger educational foundations and to buy educational for the more than 21,100 students in our schools today. equipment and aids. • MSF–­Chen Su Lan Financial The Walk also functions as an event for students from our Methodist Assistance Endowment Fund: schools to raise funds for their school for avenues such as upgrading of to benefit needy students in facilities and development of resources and rooms. But more importantly, specific Methodist schools. extending beyond the physical upgrades of brick-and-mortar school • MSF Financial Assistance buildings are the spirit, legacies and memories of the Walk that will Endowment Fund: for needy endure in the hearts of our students. students from any Methodist school who require financial Chairperson of the MSF, Mrs Joni Ong, feels privileged to be serving assistance. alongside the Board, many of whom have given of their time and resources willingly and passionately for almost two decades! “Truly, one • Total disbursed so far exceeds marvels at how God gathers such diverse individuals together, enthused $11.5 million them toward one mission and just showers His grace to bless the works of all our hands, every year without fail! Thankful.” • Every dollar raised by each Methodist school for the As we look forward to 2022, the MSF would like to press on in His service MethodistWalk goes back to the and continue to submit ourselves to God as an instrument through which respective schools. He provides for the students He calls into all our Methodist schools. We also continue to enhance the Church and school partnership in our • MSF has renewed its IPC status interactions. The MSF is planning new activities in the near future such under the MOE and all donations as the Fund-Raising Dinner, Annual Methodist Schools’ Musical Festival or will enjoy 250 per cent tax relief. a Golf Day, in which we welcome your participation. • To find out how you can support The MSF is privileged to have donations and offerings from Methodist through giving and volunteering, churches throughout the years and call on the churches to continue to please contact Ms Yveline Tan at bless the schools. If you have other great ideas to contribute, or would 6478-4850, or email yveline.tan@ like to offer partnership, sponsorship or volunteer service, do email methodist.org.sg [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 9 www.methodist.org.sg/ministries/methodist-schools-foundation [email protected] 6478-4850

News ¢ Chan Yuey Sum is the Manager (Marketing and Promotion) at Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd WORLD SPACE WEEK 2021 at our Methodist Preschools First-ever meet-and-greet session between a NASA astronaut and Singapore preschoolers Students dressed in space suit for Zoom meet-and-greet Sharing by NASA astronaut Nick Hague W orld Space Week 2021 will no doubt be well-remembered by over 250 K2 students of our five Methodist Preschools at Bedok , Faith, Foochow, Sengkang and Toa Payoh. They had the privileged opportunity to Zoom- meet and interact with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Nick Hague on 7 October 2021—a first-of-its-kind engagement between a NASA Astronaut and preschoolers in Singapore! Significantly, Nick Hague was the NASA astronaut who deployed Singapore’s nanosatellite into orbit from the International Space Station in 2019. The highly anticipated meet and greet session with NASA Astronaut Nick Hague via Zoom was a blast! He wowed our students with fascinating videos and photos captured inside and outside the International Space Station during his seven-month-long mission in 2019. He also told the children about his personal experiences of living and working in space, and shared interesting anecdotes of his childhood aspirations and journey to becoming an astronaut. He ended his talk with this encouragement for our students: “Whatever your dream is, dream really BIG, work really hard and don’t ever give up!” The highlight of the Zoom session was most definitely the Q&A session, during which Astronaut Nick interacted with our students by answering some of their burning questions. Our little inquisitive minds wanted to know: “Why do astronauts need to wear space suits?” “What do astronauts do if they get sick in space?” “How do astronauts shower in space?” and more! The 50-minute session was full of smiles, excited faces and most certainly inspired a sense of interest and wonder in our Methodist Preschoolers about the next frontier! |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

Celebration of World Space Week at MPSPL Q&A session with Astronaut Nick Methodist Preschools VISIT OUR FIVE METHODIST World Space Week, which is held annually from 4 to 10 October, PRESCHOOLS TODAY! is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contributions to the betterment of the human condition. www.methodistpreschools.org In celebration of World Space Week and to prepare our [email protected] preschoolers for the inaugural Zoom meet-and-greet session @methodistpreschools with NASA astronaut Nick Hague, our preschools conducted a myriad of unique space-themed learning programmes Every Child a person of comprising engaging lessons and fun hands-on activities that Good Character who is an Explorer, fuelled discovery, inquiry and learning about space. an Innovator and an Entrepreneur. Methodist Preschool Space Buds Education |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 11 Programme The exclusive conversation with NASA Astronaut Nick Hague is part of Methodist Preschool Space Buds Education Programme. It is developed in partnership between Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) and Space Faculty Singapore Pte Ltd, which is part of Singapore Space and Technology Ltd. The one-of- a-kind Space Buds programme is specially designed to introduce preschoolers to all things space, and fire up our young minds to build lifelong interest and foundational knowledge in space, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through a purposeful and intentional approach. Essentially, FUN meets PASSION in an environment that educates, spurs creativity and ignites passion for learning and appreciation for innovation. In addition to the prized opportunity to Zoom-meet and interact with an astronaut, the MPS Space Buds programme comprises a series of interesting lessons and hands-on activities to learn about space food, the solar system and the moon. Students even get to sample space ice-cream to get a taste of dessert in space! Participants of our Space Buds programme can look forward to receiving a Certificate from Space Faculty upon completion of the programme. A pilot Space Buds programme was conducted for our K2 cohort in Faith Methodist Preschool in October 2021. With the successful pilot implementation of Space Buds, it will be introduced as a signature programme in the K2 curriculum of our group’s Methodist preschools from 2022, along with other innovative initiatives that are currently in the works. Through introducing riveting learning programmes such as this, we hope to inspire Methodist Preschoolers to stay passionate about learning and maximise their potential! Our commitment is always to nurture every student to be a person of Good Character, who is an Explorer, an Innovator and an Entrepreneur.

News ¢ Oh come all ye faithful Methodist Churches celebrate Christmas How are our churches celebrating Christmas? Here are some of the events planned. ALDERSGATE METHODIST CHURCH ANG MO KIO METHODIST CHURCH Toysforyou (18 to 19 Dec 2021) Lighting of the Advent Candles (Devotion) To share the Christmas joy in our community, AMC will Over the four Sundays of Advent, we will be sharing about the be distributing toys to the children of beneficiaries of our Love symbolism of the lighting of the Advent candles as well as a 202X initiative. Most of these beneficiaries are needy families short devotion/prayer each week. in the Dover area. We will be asking for donations of new or near mint condition toys from our church members. These toys • 1st Sunday of Advent (28 Nov) will be cleaned and packed by our volunteers. Children from —Prophets’ Candle, symbolising hope these needy families will be invited to come to church either on 18 or 19 December 2021 to select the toys of their choice.    • 2nd Sunday of Advent (5 Dec)   —Angel’s Candle, symbolising peace “Light of the World” Christmas at APC (2 Dec 2021) Aldersgate Praise Centre (APC) is an afterschool care outreach • 3rd Sunday of Advent (12 Dec) arm of AMC. The “Light of the World” Christmas initiative will —Shepherds’ Candle, symbolising joy be held on 2 December 2021 and is organised by APC. This school holiday programme will be evangelistic in nature. All • 4th Sunday of Advent (19 Dec) APC students will get to attend this programme. We have also —Christ Candle, symbolising love received registration from children attending AMC’s Children’s Ministry and some students from the Christian Fellowship at Dance Presentation (Virtual) Fairfield Methodist Primary School.  Our Dance Ministry will be doing a virtual dance presentation   to the song “Somewhere In Your Silent Night” by Casting Advent Reading Nights (28 Nov to 23 Dec 2021) Crowns. This video will be produced by our Media & Creative We will set aside 30 minutes every night from 28 November to Arts ministry (MCA) and will be livestreamed during our on- 23 December to do daily advent reading. site Christmas service.   Mandarin Evangelistic Service (18 Dec 2021) Gift @ Christmas AMC will be holding a Christmas evangelistic service onsite on Through our annual Gift @Christmas Christmas tree donation 18 December. The service will be conducted in Mandarin and drive, we aim to extend the message of Love during the we will be inviting three celebrities to share their testimony Christmas festive season to the needy within Ang Mo Kio and the Gospel. Those who wish to attend the worship service during the month of December 2021. must invite a non-believing family member or friend.   AMKMC members and worshippers are invited to participate “Love Came Down” Evangelistic Video Production by blessing the needy within the AMK community via (24 Dec 2021) an online donation drive. Volunteers from the Witness & This will be launched to all homes via livestream at 7:30pm on Evangelism ministry and AMKMC at large will distribute food Christmas Eve. gift hampers/gift vouchers. MCA will also produce a video   that will help the recipients to connect with AMKMC. Christmas Day Combined English and Mandarin Service (25 Dec 2021) Love Our Neighbour outreach The service will be open to the Youth and Children as well. The Love-Our-Neighbour (LON) ministry is organising a gift pack distribution for the families of AMKMC’s tuition programme students. It will be an opportunity for them and other volunteers from AMKMC to reach out to the families and get to know them better. Volunteers will collect the gift packs from AMKMC on 4 Dec 2021, but they will set suitable visit times to visit the various blocks around Ang Mo Kio in the following weeks. For more information and updates, go to For more information and updates, go to www.aldersgate.sg www.amkmc.org.sg @aldersgatemc @amkmc |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

ANG MO KIO TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH FAIRFIELD METHODIST CHURCH The Fellowship of Indian Brothers (FIB) is a ministry initiative at Fairfield MC is celebrating Christmas with our community AMK TMC whose objective is to share God’s love among migrant with the FMC Christmas Lighthouse initiative. It aims to reach workers in Singapore by equipping them with valuable life out to the disadvantaged families in the neighbourhood of skills and providing emotional support. Chinatown during the season of Christmas. Christmas carols and the gospel story will be shared. A meal and gifts will FIB is planning a Christmas Joy Drive and Christmas Online also be prepared for the families to bring the Christmas Event on 19 Dec 2021. We plan to hand out food and gifts to cheer to them.  migrant workers we know through our FIB ministry and their roommates. We also plan to conduct online games and special We encourage past participants in Christmas Lighthouses events such as an online drama, puppet show or magic show and anyone who would like to be a blessing to the to name a few. We welcome volunteers who are interested in Chinatown/Pearl’s Hill community this Christmas to contact hosting online games or performing any special events. Fairfield MC. We are blessed to be a blessing! For more information and updates, go to fairfieldmc.org FIB during a pre-COVID May Day event FAITH METHODIST CHURCH For more information, From 12 to 14 Dec 2021, the Small Group Ministry of Faith reach out to the Ministry Coordinator at  is organising the ONE CHRISTMAS event. The name of ONE CHRISTMAS is to remind the Christian community that there [email protected] is only one Saviour, Jesus Christ and He is the reason for the season. The objective of this event is to send a message of CAIRNHILL METHODIST CHURCH hope to uplift the community surrounding our church amidst this challenging COVID-19 situation. The “Bless a Gift Project” was started last year when we want our children in our Children Ministry to share the joy of Christmas We encourage all Small Group members to share a gift with with children from Sun Beam Place. We hope to bring smiles to someone in the community: taxi drivers; delivery riders; the children in our community as we share a gift of their wish.  hawkers; shop owners; or even strangers and friends who might have strayed away from the journey of faith. Also, This year we decided to bless the children from children’s we will be visiting the nursing home and the special needs homes, Sunbeam Place (Children’s Society) and Gracehaven school within the vicinity of Faith MC with a special gift set. (The Salvation Army). For these two homes, we need to raise This is to show our appreciation of the exceptional work that 109 gifts. We launched the project this year during the Sunday they have been doing and to bring cheer to them during this School Children’s Day celebrations on Zoom. We asked the challenging time. home to have the children write down their names and the present that they wish to receive (about $30). We will paired This event will end with an invitation to attend the them with a child from our church to participate in this. evangelistic services on 25 Dec 2021 (at the church premises for the English service and at ACJC for the Mandarin service). We asked the children and their parent to 1) say a prayer The birth of this ONE CHRISTMAS event comes from the vision for the child; 2) buy a gift of what the child wished for; of the church: “Transforming Lives, Changing The World”. and 3) write a card for the child. They can then bring the wrapped gift to church. For more information and updates, go to www.faithmc.sg Sometime in December, volunteers will bring the gifts to these @faithmethodistchurch two homes. We hope to bring the smiles to all the children in or contact your Small Group leader these to homes and that they too will feel loved and one day know the real meaning of Christmas. Since the launch of this project, we have raised 69 gifts raised. We still need more gifts! For more information and updates, go to www.cairnhillchurch.com or scan the QR code >> |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 13

Methodist Churches celebrate Christmas HOLLAND VILLAGE METHODIST CHURCH For more information and updates, go to hvmc.sg  HVMC is celebrating Christmas over two services and we hope to finally, bring @HollandVillageMC back live singing led by our worship leaders, accompanied by the band (following all safe management measures, of course). We will also be featuring a life For more information and updates, go to testimony from Ms Julie Ong about her experiences of God’s grace amidst the kkmc.org.sg Covid season and it will be wrapped up with a message by Rev Dr Lorna Khoo. @kampongkapormethodistchurch   KAPONG KAPOR METHODIST CHURCH Community Blessing Event on 11 Dec: KKMC members and friends will visit the households of those living in the HDB flats around KKMC (we have been doing this at least twice a year since 2014) Objectives of CBE (Dec 2021) Objectives of P5L2F • Blessing the residents / community through the giving of • Engage / follow up / re-connect with the residents whom we visited during CBE (April 2021). food and household items. • Share the news about Project 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes. • Meeting needs and helping those who are potentially struggling in a small simple way.   Project 5 Loaves and 2 Fishes on 18 Dec: a new initiative where • Open up touch points to further connect and engage with KKMC members and friends donate non-perishable foods and/or residents and the community. household items and members of the community can drop by the church to collect them as needed (basically, it is a “foodbank”). PAYA LEBAR METHODIST CHURCH For more information and updates, go to plmc.org Paya Lebar MC’s outreach ministries are organising numerous activities to @payalebarmethodistchurch reach out to the neighbourhood around the church. Outreach Ministry Tentative Activities Tentative Date Blk 223A Distribution of special Christmas meal and gifts 18 Dec 2021 (a.m.) 18 Dec 2021 (p.m.) COME Ministry to Blocks 201 to 210. Distribution of essential ration packs 21 Dec 2021 (night) In partnership with Braddell Heights CCC. and NTUC vouchers First three weeks with of Dec 2021 Friends of Jesus Distribution of special Christmas food items and gifts 10 Dec 2021 Angel Tree Project. In partnership Distribution of gift hampers, 19 Dec 2021 (evening) Prison Fellowship Singapore grocery vouchers, letters and videos from the family members 14 Dec 2021 (morning) of the incarcerated. 20 Dec 2021 (evening) Hope Student Care Centre Delivery of Christmas gifts and meals. Craft activity competition for the children. Migrant Workers (Shaw Dormitories) A Christmas event for migrant workers, which includes a special meal, gifts, blessing draw, Christmas story-telling and games. St Luke’s Eldercare Centres Zoom event with the three St /ECON Medicare Centre Luke’s centres. Christmas food and gifts for elderly friends, caregivers and staff will be delivered to them prior to the event. Anglican Family Centre Delivery of Christmas dinner and gifts for the women, their children and the centre staff.

PENTECOST METHODIST CHURCH TELOK AYER METHODIST CHURCH This Christmas, we desire for more of God’s This Christmas season, we will be holding a series presence, power, purpose and peace to of evangelistic services in four languages, on the be made manifest within the church and theme of LOVE. We are reminded that no matter throughout the community around us. how great our troubles, God’s love is greater. This is also an opportunity for us to share God’s love Building on last year’s Christmas initiative, with our pre-believing families and friends. Treasure Box 2 aims to share the true meaning of Christmas through the love of Members from all congregations may feel free to Christ by establishing relationships with the join the evangelistic services in other languages, people God leads us to. depending on your language preference of the guests you are inviting. All Here are some ways you can get involved from onsite evangelistic services will also be livestreamed online. More details 12 Dec 2021: will be publicised in the coming weeks. Treasure Hunt: An exciting time of seeking Bahasa Indonesia Online Service: Mandarin Evangelistic Service God’s heart, being directed by the Holy Spirit to Christmas Celebration & Evangelistic someone who fits the picture being reveals to Sunday Speaker : Bishop Emeritus us and ministering to them as the Spirit leads. Dr Chong Chin Chung Speaker : Rev Yufrendy Date : 25 Dec 2021 (Saturday) Visit and Invite: If there is someone you have Date : 12 Dec 2021 (Sunday) Time : 10 a.m. already managed to establish a connection with, Time : 1.30 p.m. Venue : TA2 invite them to share in the joy of Christmas! You Venue : Online can reach out to neighbours, familiar hawkers, Hokkien Evangelistic Service shopkeepers, and those who know of us English Evangelistic Service through FSC and other agency groups. Speaker : Rev Dr Joshua Tan Speaker : Dr Edward Keith Pousson Date : 25 Dec 2021 (Saturday) Treasure Box: Here you will find great outreach Date : 25 Dec 2021 (Saturday) Time : 2 p.m. suggestions such as to take someone out for a Time : 10 a.m. Venue : TA2 meal, or to a local attraction, inviting them over Venue : TACMC to your home, or for a photo booth session and of course to our Christmas service. For more information and updates, go to: www.tacmc.org.sg Filled with activities and ideas to share God’s @tacmc.sg love, you will find everything you need in the Treasure Box; from conversation starters, ice TRAC BOARD OF SENIOR MINISTRY breakers to creative arts. CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE Young Adults Retreat: Feast on great food “Letting God Take Care of Us” and God’s Word. Young adults are invited to the homes of those who are willing to host a Speaker: Rev Dr Gordon Wong Christmas celebration for the young adults in our Date: 8 Dec 2021 (Wednesday), 2.30 p.m. church and the friends they are reach out to. Register online: tinyurl.com/BOSMWS-1208-Reg or WhatsApp Priscilla at 9220 8954 Home but Not Alone: Youths are invited to attend a special Christmas programme that TRAC WSCS CHRISTMAS EVENT brings the joy of Christmas into their homes in creative ways that will warm even the “Power of a Merry Heart” coldest Christmas. Speaker: Rev Wendy Tay For more information and updates, go to Date: 11 Dec 2021 (Saturday), 2.30 p.m. pmc.org.sg Register online: tinyurl.com/TRAC-WSCS-Christmas-Event or register at https://pmc-tb2-2021/paperform.co Tel: 6100-WSCS (9727) [email protected] Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 6584-0297 (Anthony or Winston) (These were correct at press time, but are subject to change depending on prevailing COVID-19 government restrictions. Please check the respective church websites for updates.)

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

People ¢ Jason Woo is Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of Clare Ong Mdm Lim attending a worship service on Zoom Age is just a number Meeting a 93-year-old Zoomer “Zoomer” is a term that was coined in the past year or Three decades since her baptism, Mdm Lim, who has been so to describe young digital natives, who live and breathe illiterate most of her life, has now learnt to recognise social media and are adept at using communication certain Chinese characters in her Bible! This newfound technologies. literacy has enabled Mdm Lim to follow better the Zoom sessions or online hymns she comes across. It was thus especially heartwarming to meet a 93-year- old who is at ease with using Zoom for church services and Mdm Lim has also attended her church Bible classes. activities since on-site gatherings have been curtailed in Before every Bible quiz, she diligently revised each efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Watching Mdm chapter in the Bible with her tapes several times. Much Lim Nam Yeo navigate her way on Zoom for her cell to her delight, Mdm Lim got mostly perfect scores! group meeting, with her children setting up the session for her in advance, I felt she could give some of the Mdm Lim is grateful to her church pastors and ministry whippersnappers amongst us a run for the money when leaders who have been visiting her since her colon it came to technology adoption. cancer surgery last October. As Mdm Lim gets on in years, hearing loss has affected her being able to listen to her Mdm Lim is a member of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist cherished tapes, even with when she wears hearing aids. Church–City West. A practising Buddhist for much of her life, Mdm Lim was baptised in December 1991. Her Mdm Lim is one of the many seniors whose participation encounter with Christ was sparked by an invitation to in church life has been upended by the COVID-19 a Christian fellowship meeting by a neighbour’s elderly pandemic but have nevertheless taken things in stride. mother, herself a staunch ex-Buddhist. However, she badly misses her chats and meetups with friends in church and asks her children every Sunday To help her, Mdm Lim’s son bought her a set of tapes of during breakfast if they are going to church; they have to the New Testament in Hokkien, to which she would listen patiently remind her about the limits on gathering sizes intently even while ironing clothes. She read along with imposed because of COVID-19. We pray for God to keep her Bible in Hokkien as she followed the audio tapes Mdm Lim in good health and that she will be able to see as well as listened to Hokkien tapes from her church’s her friends again in church soon. Women’s Fellowship. |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 17

People ¢ Dr Darryl Lim is a paediatrician in private practice who attends to children with acute emergencies at all hours of the day and night. He spent his formative years in the ACS family—from primary school to secondary school and junior college—and grew up attending Wesley MC. / Photo courtesy of Darryl Lim. Book visuals used with permission. Home, truly Keeping kids safe during COVID-19 is a kampong effort Darryl with his family T owards the end of Sep 2021, the government realise it was God playing a part in connecting us—that announced that the home recovery programme evening with a medical colleague who was involved in (HRP) would be the default mode of management the telemedicine platform led me to being linked up for children between the ages of five and 11 who to a mutual doctor friend who was directly involved in had been diagnosed with COVID-19. I thought about HRP. We spent a frantic 20 minutes on the phone that the plight of the many kids with COVID-19, trapped at night, rapidly exchanging ideas on how a paediatrician home on quarantine orders, waiting for more guidance in private practice could reach out to all these families on HRP, while others were waiting for medical staff to stuck at home. reach out to them. We worked out an idea to augment the HRP telemedicine As a paediatrician, I could not ignore the cry for help workforce with paediatricians from the private sector to from all their parents and, for days, I had been thinking reach out to the kids on HRP via telemedicine consults. of ways on how a lone paediatrician, who was not a This helped to optimise the accessibility and speed at part of the Ministry of Health (MOH) or the Singapore which families could get in touch with a paediatrician Armed Forces (SAF), could contribute to the national in their time of need, so that kids could quickly be effort to keep these sick kids safe at home. To me, assessed to ensure that they would be safe at home it was ironic that they were so close (on the small while recovering from COVID-19. Those who were island of Singapore) and yet so far (they were all on unwell could be evacuated to hospital and admitted in quarantine orders and could not leave their homes). a timely manner. Children’s Day is a reminder to me, as a paediatrician A flurry of online meetings, conversations and emails and a father, to celebrate the joys of childhood, ensued, this time also involving my colleagues from but this pandemic has severely affected “normal” KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and the childhoods. So, on the evening of 1 Oct (which to National University Hospital (NUH).2 Originally, children me is traditionally “Children’s Day”),1 I felt I had to had to be brought to and from these two hospitals for do something. A chance conversation—in retrospect, I physical examinations, which consumed a huge amount |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

of resources. A strategy was developed that involved Sunday school, yet another verse came to mind: “Those my team of paediatricians assessing the children via who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They telemedicine consults and only bringing to hospital the will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not ones who were at high risk of complications or those grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isa 40:31).  who were unwell. I felt re-energised whenever I mentally pictured eagles soaring in the sky. Moreover, feedback from grateful Needless to say, that week was not only intense but parents about the teams effort also kept all of us going, fairly stressful as I had promised a workforce that as despite the tiredness. yet didn’t exist. How was I going to convince my fellow paediatricians to “sign up”? It was a purely volunteer Reaching out to all these kids at home is really the effort and I had not yet worked out what hours we culmination of “one kampong” working together to would be working nor what kind of protocols we were keep them safe during their HRP journey. Our fellow adopting! I turned to the Scriptures for reassurance paediatricians in KKH and NUH are an integral part and after all those years of memorising Bible verses of the kampong for when we have to send kids to the in Sunday School, a few promptly surfaced: “I can do Children’s Emergency (CE) for further evaluation or for all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil admission  when they are too unwell to be managed 4:13); and “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not at home. Then there is the rest of the kampong—the be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you operations and admin staff who work tirelessly behind the and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right scenes to keep all of the gears and cogs turning smoothly. hand” (Isa 41:10 NIV). Looking out for kids during the pandemic Little miracles Most of the kids we assess have mild symptoms and The first miracle began the day after I reached out to can be managed at home. My team of paediatricians my colleagues scattered across Singapore. Steadily, reaches out to them to firstly ensure they are not too over next seven days, I had paediatricians volunteering ill to be recovering at home. We despatch medication until I had a team of 45! We started operations on 8 when needed and pulse oximeters if they have not Oct and my eyes nearly popped out of my head when I already been delivered. If the child has a chronic pre- saw the long list of COVID-positive children given to us existing medical condition like poorly controlled asthma on day one. that could be exacerbated by a COVID-19 infection, we get them in for a physical examination at CE. But then next miracle happened—the team took the long name list in stride and we managed reach out A few other symptoms we look out for are a persistent to all the kids by the next day. This went on and on, high fever, respiratory symptoms that are severe or day and night, on weekdays and weekends. Every prolonged, significant chest pain or persistently raised day, I witnessed little miracles—the volunteer force of heart rates. We send in a medical transport to evacuate paediatricians, despite all our day jobs, managing to these children to CE but there have been a few occasions cope with the numbers handed to us, all while meeting when we had to advise parents to call 995 for a quicker our mandate of trying to reach out to families within evacuation. We are also ever vigilant for multisystem one to two days of getting the name list. inflammatory syndrome in  children (MIS-C) that has recently cropped up locally. We advise parents to be I wrote and frequently updated the standard operating wary of symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and procedures (SOP) to keep pace with the countless issues also watch out for it during our telemedicine consults. we faced on a daily basis to overcome the problems encountered along the way. My team got used to my While physical symptoms in most kids may be milder midnight debriefs that came in the form of one- to two- compared to those experienced by adults, mentally page documents to keep them up to date. Moreover, I and psychosocially, this pandemic has disrupted social also had to maintain team morale and keep the team norms for kids, especially the younger ones. It is going in the right direction, as with time, fatigue was difficult for kids who are self-isolating at home and sure to set in. Whenever that happened, I turned to the stuck in their rooms, and they also don’t get to enjoy Scriptures for sustenance and again, thanks to years of their usual evening meal with their families. Some of |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 19

14 METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

Home, truly the older kids are mature enough to get stressed and I thank God for bringing to mind MCS’s motto for the worried about passing the infection to the caregiver in quadrennium, to “love God by loving our neighbour”. isolation with them, or even to the rest of the family. When Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was consecrated as Bishop last December, he said in his sermon: “There are Some younger children who have rarely left the house many different ways God works with us in all things to during the pandemic have much stranger anxiety. Others bring about good in this world of groaning. In so doing, who do not get to run around outdoors with other kids we obey the greatest commandment in Scripture which like they normally do after school miss their usual social is to love God by loving our neighbour.” circles and don’t get enough exercise. As such, we do need to be aware of the mental and psychological I felt God speaking to me the night of 1 Oct—to find a health of kids during this time. way to “love our neighbours” by reaching out to all the kids who were isolated in their homes. Over the past 20 Looking out for parents during the years, I extensively trained in Children’s Emergencies, pandemic led countless medical outreach programmes and worked with medical charities like Club Rainbow and Operation We have encountered some families with kids who have Smile. All this training and experiences seemed to have special needs and I take my hat off to their parents for culminated in this huge community paediatric effort, being able to cope with their child alone while self- the largest one I have ever embarked on. isolating in a room. For these kids, the home environment is familiar to them and would be preferable to sending them to a hospital or community isolation facility (CIF). Still, the mental stress can be substantial and as paediatricians, we fully empathise with them and while it may be a little more challenging to assess these kids, we do the best we can. I am also very fortunate to have on my team a few paediatricians familiar with kids who have special needs or developmental issues and they have been an invaluable resource to such families.    After a month of operations, my team empathises with Darryl worked with (coincidentally also Methodist) the mental stresses that parents have to go through children’s author Emily Lim-Leh3 (Barker Road MC) and while isolating with their kids. We try our best to spend illustrator Josef Lee (Foochow MC) to produce a free a little time to give them some reassurance even after illustrated e-book, I Can Recover at Home! to help the medical assessment has been completed. Even children and parents understand what the home recovery though we are separated by a phone screen, many programme and telemedicine consultations will be like kilometres apart, the “human touch” (albeit virtually) for them. It also includes answers to frequently asked is still very much of value to keep spirits up for parents questions, as well as links to useful websites for parents. and kids isolated in a room at home for an extended Scan the QR code or download from period of time.  https://mummumstheword. Love God by loving our neighbour files.wordpress.com/2021/11/ i-can-recover-at-home-e-book.pdf As an ACSian, I recall an ACS boy who had COVID-19 earlier this year, resulting in him and his classmates being isolated at home or in hotel rooms. I saw how an entire Christian community—their schoolmates and their parents, their teachers, old boys and more—rallied around to reach out to the affected kids confined at home. This inspired me to lead this effort to bring a kampong together—to medically support all the kids stuck at home. 1 Children’s Day was celebrated on 1 Oct in Singapore until 2012, when the Ministry of Education decided to move it to the first Friday of October. 2 These are the two hospitals that care for children who have been infected with COVID-19 who require hospital admission. 3 Emily shared her story in the December 2021 issue of Methodist Message at https://message.methodist.org.sg/finding-my-new-voice. |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 21

People ¢ Lianne Ong is a member of the Kampong Kampor Methodist Church (KKMC) Media and Comms Ministry. / Photos courtesy of Victor Ng Cassettes, cinematics and Christ Communicating the gospel through media Victor Ng’s work has been about telling the story of Jesus’ love through large scale projects like the Jesus Film Project and staged productions like Celebrate Christmas in Singapore. But he says acts of service in community outreach efforts is just as important in telling the same story. A conversation with Victor Ng is likely to touch on “I grew quite fast. The following year was the Billy Graham many topics all at once. Serving in full time ministry crusade (in 1978) and I served as a nurture group leader, as for more than 30 years, his experiences have seen a one-year-old Christian!” him travelling overseas for his work with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) as the Asia representative for Many church services today are live-streamed on YouTube, the Jesus Film project, and working tirelessly during the a phenomenon made more widespread by the COVID-19 Christmas season on Orchard Road as one of the key leaders pandemic, but there was a time when sermons were behind Celebrate Christmas in Singapore (CCIS), a large- recorded on cassette tapes. Victor’s first foray into the scale event in Singapore’s shopping belt that has aimed to world of audio-visual equipment was with the now defunct put “the Christ in Christmas” every year since 2004. Audio Cassette Ministry at KKMC. With his home church, Kampong Kapor Methodist Church “We recorded sermons on cassette and had a cassette (KKMC), Victor participates in his cell group’s community library so that people could borrow the recordings and outreach efforts to the neighbourhood. listen to them.” “There’s a lady in her 70s who stays in the block opposite His interest in the audio-visual field led him to joined the coffeeshop near my church. Her mum is a cancer patient a video production house that produced corporate, in her 90s. We help bring her mother for her hospital documentary and promotional videos. That was where he appointments, and facilitated a wheelchair donation to her. honed his video production skills. Little did he know that he The lady was so touched that when she came to cell group would end up working with the same organisation that was for new believers, she said, ‘Because you came and visited instrumental to bringing him to Christ. my mom and did all these things, I am open to the gospel.’ And now she is in the baptism class!” Victor said. In the course of his work, he came into contact with Campus Crusade through the Jesus Film Project and was challenged to “Evangelism is about doing acts of love and meeting people’s join them as a staff in 1989, with KKMC giving their support. needs. It opens doors. People need to see real acts, rather than just hearing us tell them that they need Jesus.” “I started full time ministry and was involved in media production. These were the days before PowerPoint, we Finding Jesus and his mission field were using multi-slide projectors then,” Victor said. Victor Ng, 64, is a full time missionary and worships at KKMC. He became a Christian at the age of 21 in 1977, after With Campus Crusade founder, Bill Bright, while in the US for dubbing enquiring about a campaign run by then Campus Crusade training for the Jesus Film Project for Christ—“I Found It!” “Campus Crusade found me and I found Jesus,” Victor recalled. Things happened quickly after that. He was invited to a Methodist Youth Fellowship meeting, started attending service at KKMC and joined the youth group. |22 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

His work took him into the international mission field, as Putting Christ back into Christmas he started travelling and formed partnerships in Asia. After It is incidents like these that changed Victor’s outlook, and a four-year stint at Good News production house in 2004, drives him to keep telling the story of Jesus in his work. Victor returned to Campus Crusade and became the regional coordinator for the Jesus Film Project. In 2003, several like-minded Christians wanted to bring the message of the peace, hope and joy of Christmas back into “The Jesus Film Project is not just about one film. It’s an an otherwise heavily-commercialised festive occasion. They umbrella of resources and includes all the translated versions came together to start CCIS, a large-scale staged production of the film, as well as children’s and women’s editions. The held at Orchard Road spanning several days each year. The objective is to help countries share the gospel. To that end, event is run by a charity-status organisation which has been we provide funding, equipment, and know-how.” given a licence to run the event every year since 2004. Coaching the foreign language voiceover talents for the Jesus Film Project Winning the Crown Award for A Tale of Two Esthers, a film by Cru Asia Ltd The first CCIS in 2004 What keeps him going “We want to share the true meaning of Christmas, and this Victor, who is married to Sally, says she complements him is done through songs, dances and skits,” Victor, who is part perfectly. “I’m not an extrovert. But my wife complements of the Executive Committee of CCIS, said. me in ministry, because she is the relational sort whereas I work behind the scenes. If she goes to the hawker centre, Initially CCIS faced a lot of opposition from the authorities. she can talk to total strangers, and they can pour out their “We were all volunteers, doing this large-scale event for stories and start crying.” the first time. And it had never been done before. But after the first year, we got to know the authorities better and Although he says it’s very hard to “move him” emotionally, things got easier.” Victor shares that some spiritual encounters stand out to him. One of the most memorable incidents he recalls was when a One of these encounters took place in 2013 at a conference couple had come to participate in the nativity wall painting. for pastors in Malacca, where he experienced a life-changing “We invited people to paint a little portion of the painting, event. He had fallen and injured his leg. “Strangely, no one that would culminate into a masterpiece. A couple who was came to pray for me, even though there were so many in Singapore on holiday came to our control room in distress. around. I was in so much pain. The hotel called a cab to While they were painting, someone had pickpocketed the take me to a clinic. I was referred to a hospital and was man’s wallet. We took down his report, and referred him to X-rayed and given painkillers, and put on crutches.” the police. There wasn’t much we could do.” At the night session of the conference, Victor sat behind so The chaplain rostered that day prayed for them and directed as not to inconvenience others with his crutches. “While them to the police post. To Victor’s surprise, within an hour waiting for everyone else to use the lift, a former colleague the couple returned, and the man’s face had changed. He saw me, and prayed for me. That night, when I retired to said, “Someone came to our hotel and returned the wallet! bed, I decided not to take the medicine and told my wife Nothing was missing!” that I would trust the Lord.” The pickpocket had heard the De Lanorelle Brothers The next day, Victor woke up and heard the Holy Spirit performing Christmas carols as he was departing the scene. speak to him. “‘Stand up and walk.’ I stood up without the He had been so moved that he went to the couple’s hotel crutches—the pain was gone, and I could even stand on the to return the wallet and apologise to them. injured foot! I was healed in less than 24 hours.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 23

Cassettes, cinematics and Christ Since the pandemic, CCIS has had to go virtual and this year will be their second KKMC’s Chancel Choir at CCIS in 2005 online concert. “COVID-19 has pushed us to explore new grounds, like digital platforms, and this has in fact enabled us to reach millions of people. Millions have watched the Chinese video and hundreds of thousands have watched the English video. Just like in the years before, God’s favour has been upon us. He continues to open doors beyond our imagination.” This year’s CCIS, the 18th edition, will premiere on YouTube at 8pm on 19 Dec 2021 with interactive activities happening concurrently on other platforms. More than 15 international and local guest performers have been confirmed so far. Home for Christmas: THE GIFT https://fb.watch/93g4Dcfegq/ You can help in this year’s CCIS by praying or making a donation. Visit the CCIS website for more details. We’re looking for new people to take the lead at CCIS as the core leadership behind CCIS are getting on in years. We know that whoever takes over must be called by God to do this. This is a task that requires the better part of a year, every year. It’s a big ask, but I’ve learned that serving God is not about doing what’s convenient, God sometimes calls us to do the inconvenient things. Are we willing to come out of our comfort zone? Are we willing to go the extra mile for Him? Pray that God will bring the right persons to join in this meaningful task.

People ¢ Jason Woo is Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of Charlie Chua Fellowship with fellow believers at the Antioch Chapel’s Charlie (centre) being baptised on 29 Nov 2015 Bible Study session on Wednesdays Keeping his eyes on Jesus “When I was sentenced to my third term of imprisonment, in drug addiction, which got him on the wrong side of the the longest so far, I realised that time was slipping by law six years later. This led to his first jail term. and I might not see my parents alive again when I got released.” The first incarceration did little to change the trajectory of Charlie’s life. After release, he went straight back to his This revelation in 2010 jolted Charlie Chua, now 45, from old life, only this time Charlie went all out with clubbing his destructive downward spiral of a life torn apart by nightly and attending drug parties overseas frequently. substance abuse and petty crimes since he was a teenager. Even though he silently resolved to renounce his old life, By the early 2000s, Charlie was deeply mired in substance he had no idea how he could turn things around. abuse and addiction to synthetic drugs. Once more the law caught up with him and Charlie was put behind bars A troubled childhood and three jail terms for 18 months. Charlie, the younger of two sons, grew up in a warm household but has a father, who has a gambling addiction This time, Charlie had the chance to undergo Christian and was absent during his rebellious years, leaving his counselling. Much of it fell on deaf ears, though, as homemaker mother to make ends meet. Charlie would treat Bible reading as a cure for insomnia. Looking back , however, Charlie could see that seeds Owing to his deteriorating school performance, partly were planted in his heart. due to his rebellious character, things went sideways for Charlie when he was demoted from the Express stream to Normal just as he was entering Secondary Three. On top of that, the school he was attending was closed. It was a tough struggle for Charlie to adjust to a new school and classmates, ending in his expulsion five months later. Although Charlie found a place in another school, he was pretty much done with studying and got himself into bad company. He soon began traversing illegal snooker rooms and being involved in illegal gambling. After completing his N-Level examinations in 1992, Charlie Presenting the message of Jesus Christ through a skit for the villagers during moved out to live on his own. By then, he was knee-deep Antioch Chapel’s first overseas mission trip to Sing Buri, Thailand, in June 2018 |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 25

MCS Careers ¢ Join our team The MCS Communications Department is looking for a DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST and wDoaCnyatontuoAyAlrooheruveeyelppyolcouatoounnfaCntaaemabenlnlcldieltsiyiactntoororgeurwaihwecteirsetielhtpohadfStiMpegeMeieatveotarihctdplhhoelceodooE,dinnsshitgstaeatiMnsnnvdeeteafnsplOoosdopratdstCgaichmeoawrfsigissitcdostari?eetadianoaitgsnuividti(enaiSelEi?SdnOienc)eag??sa,pore? Join usCheck out details for this job opportunity at https://tinyurl.com/dmsatmcs or scan the QR code ABOUT MCS The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is a connectional church comprising the General Conference, three Annual Conferences, local churches, and various agencies and organisations. The General Conference (GC) is the highest body of the MCS, responsible for legislation, policy, and the overseeing of its various agencies, including the programme agencies responsible for education, missions, and welfare services. www.methodist.org.sg |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

Keeping his eyes on Jesus Christian counselling skills, Charlie managed to secure a place in the Christian Intensive Religious Counselling Program, during which he gave his life to Jesus when then-CEO of Prison Fellowship International, Rev Timothy Khoo, laid hands on him. Charlie was recommended by Christian Counselling Services (CCS) for the A new life, a new purpose Yellow Ribbon Awards in 2017 while serving as a volunteer in the Prison Now, six years after he got out in July 2015, Charlie Ministry under CCS credits God fully for walking with him through his toughest challenges, including the stigma of prison, Perhaps it was the counselling he received that made and delivering him from sins of the flesh. He has now Charlie want to lead a normal life after getting out in 2005. found his place in the body of Christ and worships and He found gainful employment repairing mobile phones. serves in Antioch Chapel as a translator during services. But after just four years, Charlie was lured back to his old Looking back, Charlie has learned humility and always ways. At the same time, he had to grapple with a divorce. to cast his cares on Jesus. Charlie was arrested, this time for drug trafficking, and in “There was a time when I was jogging and there was 2010, thrown behind bars for the third time. The combined so much on my mind that I felt extremely overwhelmed weight of his regret, guilt of letting his now aged parents from my job to my ongoing studies with ACTS Seminary,” down and fear of not seeing them alive again while serving said Charlie. “I then heard God telling me to not focus his seven-year sentence sent Charlie into depression. He on myself and the situation I am in but instead to focus felt a deep sense of helplessness and hopelessness. on Him and move forward. God revealed and showered His love into my heart and that made me break down It was then that Charlie had a life-changing encounter in tears.” with God. Even his decision to leave his job as a construction site Meeting Christ behind bars coordinator to become a private hire driver seemed to In prison, the practice was to rotate inmates regularly be a door opened by God as Charlie was able to buy an through different cells with three to four individuals. One old car from a relative, and thus not have to pay for a day, Charlie was assigned to a cell with three others. One rented car. This would become a significant cost-saver of his cellmates read his Bible all the time and shared as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. With so many his insights with Charlie. They even discussed parts of livelihoods affected, paying car rental would have made God’s Word that they found hard to comprehend. Charlie his career switch untenable. wondered how this cellmate could keep his faith in such a difficult situation, especially when he himself had turned Charlie is currently juggling a part-time course with ACTS his back on Christianity during his second prison stay. Seminary with his driving gig. He hopes to graduate in two years and be involved in full-time ministry if it is the As part of prison ministry, the inmates would attend path that God has for him. worship services. Charlie shared an account of the service when he encountered God: “While I was praising and Charlie said: “There are so many encounters of His worshipping Him through singing, God filled my heart gracious acts in prison [and after] that I could not with joy that I cannot describe, not to mention the possibly list them all. But when I look back at these reverence of everyone falling on our knees to worship encounters, I am thankful and amazed at how He drew Him.” To Charlie’s amazement, he saw one of his other me closer to Him. My journey with God is so fruitful that cellmates, a spiritual medium sporting numerous body I know deep down within me, I can never be the same piercings, falling to his knees. old me again.” Convinced of Christ’s message of salvation and with a More information about study Bible his elder brother sent him, Charlie’s desire to seek God and study His Word was ignited. To pick up PRISON FELLOWSHIP SINGAPORE can be found in the November 2021 issue of Methodist Message, or at https://pfs.org.sg >> |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 27

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos and visuals courtesy of the MWS Leave a lasting impact I n June this year, one of the founders of Methodist At the start Welfare Services (MWS), Mr Peter Joe Chia, passed of her journey on. MWS had the privilege of caring for him at MWS with MWS Family Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang in his last days. Development Programme The late Mr Chia and several like-minded men were in 2016, Madam Ong was living in a one-room rental moved to act on seeing the growing needs of the flat, struggling to find employment because of her low sick and elderly in Singapore, and seeded the idea of educational qualifications, and coping with medical creating a charitable Methodist organisation to serve problems as well as caregiving duties. Under the the community. MWS was established in 1981 and later programme’s debt and savings matching schemes, welcomed six elderly sick at our first centre. We went Madam Ong’s situation not only stabilised but she began on to serve hundreds of thousands of distressed families, to thrive, secured a full-time job and have greater the destitute, chronically sick and frail, socially isolated confidence about the future. In 2018, she applied to seniors, disadvantaged children and at-risk youths, purchase a three-room HDB flat. She is now self-reliant regardless of their race and religion, for the next 40 years. and no longer requires assistance. Pioneers, like the late Mr Peter Joe Chia, donors and volunteers who responded to the cause and supported “I never imagined that I would be able to buy my own the work of MWS have made and continue to leave a home, but now I am a flat-owner. I am really proud of lasting impact on our beneficiaries’ lives. One such myself and grateful to MWS,” shares Madam Ong. beneficiary who experienced a deep positive impact on her life is Madam Ong MZ, 42, a single mother of three Another example is Mr Hamid, who was admitted to young daughters. MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee in April 2020. His severe medical issues led to weakness in the lower limbs, which Madam Ong with her daughters in turn caused problems with coordination and balance. Mr Hamid needed heavy assistance in performing daily living activities. To address his mobility issues, the MWS Allied Health team designed a rehabilitative programme for the highly motivated Mr Hamid. Today, not only is he able to move about independently or take public transport on his own, he has also successfully reintegrated into the community. His quality of life and dignity have been greatly improved. Your continual support empowers MWS to reach out to individuals like Madam Ong and Mr Hamid, who faced many complex issues but saw their lives changed when they received the help they needed. This Christmas, give generously to make a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries we serve. To donate or find out more, please visit mws.sg/leave-a-lasting-impact/ or scan the QR code. |28 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo courtesy of MWS MWS at 40 A long-time volunteer with MWS talks about the privilege of empowering .a whole community to outreach to those in need. 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/ Seniors at the Methodist Home for the Aged Sick $5,000 budget and we depended a lot “Mr Richard Tambyah was an on government funding, church and inspiring leader. We also benefitted 8 1-year-old Veronica Poore vividly donations,” recalled Veronica. greatly from Miss Susan Verghese’s remembers what the early days professional nursing experience as were like. She was serving in the One of the key challenges she faced matron of the General Hospital,” Social Concerns Ministry of her church, then was persuading ETAC churches to she recalled. Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street), support a nursing home. “It was not in back in the 1980s, and was also the the culture of Indian families to send On reflection, Veronica felt that she representative for the Women’s Society their elderly or the sick and disabled had personally also gained much of Christian Service (WSCS) of the to welfare or nursing homes,” shared from her time with MWS. “The idea Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference Veronica. Yet, there were many Tamil- of beginning something like MWS in (ETAC) and General Conference-WSCS. speaking destitute who did not get faith, and seeing it grow to what it Through her work, she saw that much attention from other volunteers is today has been wonderful, and there was a deep need and urgency because of the language and culture my own faith has been strengthened for the three Annual Conferences to barrier. Over time, through the ETAC as a result. Serving with MWS has work together more closely to meet local churches’ outreach, more and helped me better understand the the needs of those financially less more women from ETAC churches began needs of the elderly and sick. More fortunate. When the opportunity to volunteer. “Slowly, you could see than welfare, MWS plays the role arose for her to serve on the founding them visiting and befriending nursing of being a ‘third place’—for church team of the Methodist Home for the home residents, especially at MWS members who need help but want Aged Sick, she stepped up. The Home Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu privacy from their own church, or was the first centre set up by the Kang. I believe those early efforts have for those who need help beyond Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). helped to expand the Tamil churches’ what the church can do. It is very ministry in the community, which is a gracious of MWS to provide aid to “It was a brand-new idea then to run a vibrant one today,” Veronica said. all regardless of their religion or home for the elderly, sick and disabled, race, and to continue supporting and the destitute. Back then, the Although the Tamil church community and empowering even more of the Committee had to handle everything— in Singapore is small, ETAC made Indian community,” Veronica shared. from processing applications, recruiting some major contributions to MWS. staff to fundraising. It was not easy! |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 29 I remember we started with only a

Reach Out ¢ Missions Joe Ling is our affiliate missionary serving in Nepal. He is from the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference and has been with MMS since February 2019. / Photos courtesy of Joe Ling Groan, hope and work I n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN) celebrated the many blessed years of God’s faithfulness during the 13th Session of the Nepal Annual Meeting. It demonstrated the resilience and perseverance of the Nepali people—that in adversity, they have found time and purpose to focus on the goodness, grace and love of our heavenly Father. The meeting was held on 4 Oct 2021 and presided over by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong. Rev Pradip Kumar Limbu and his family “Serving families for a decade and more...” 24-HR HOTLINES PAUL & DANIEL +65 8321 3355 TOLL-FREE 1800-777-2422 www.AmazingGraceFunerals.com Amazing Grace has prepared these few measures to allow families to have a meaningful and dignified farewell for their loved ones: A. Online Ticketing Complimentary online ticketing system to allow visitors to reserve a visiting time slot and plan their visits, allowing families to keep within the regulated maximum number of persons at any one time with minimal coordination. B. Online Memorial allows friends to find updated information and offer their sympathies to bereaved families C. Live Streaming this option is available to enable friends and families to participate in the wake/vigil and funeral services online D. Donations families may appoint a PayNow account of a family member to receive donations. This will be posted on the online memorial. Christian Funeral Packages • International Repatriation • Pre-Planning Seminars

Delegates of the 13th Session of the Methodist Church in Nepal The pandemic has brought out the best in our MCN projects is a testimony to God’s provision. The training leaders and believers. They are now leveraging on digital and equipping of leaders are on track with 13 members platforms to ensure ministry continuity while waiting for now attending theological courses. MCN has been the opportunity when worship services and meetings can actively serving the community through the COVID-19 be conducted physically in a safe manner. Platforms such Cris2i4s-HRReHlieOfTLiInNiEtiSative with 372 families receiving food as Zoom and Facebook have brought them together to +a6nd5 oP8AthU3eL2r& D1eAs3NseIE3nL5tia5l aid. For all these, we give thanks worship and conduct ministry events. They are adapting to God.TOLL-FREE well to this new norm, undaunted by the need to optimise 1800-777-2422 their person“aSlerdveinvgicefasmfiolireswfoorrsahidpecaandde eavnedr mwoirleli.n..”g to wwwT.hAemazeinxghGorartcaeFtiuonneralbs.ycomBishop Dr Gordon Wong based Oenthusiastically embrace this new experience. As a result, on Romans 8:22–28 was a timely reminder and this is the second year that tnhley AonnneualilfeM,eaetfienwg hbarsiebfeyeen ars, encouragement to all of us. Bishop Dr Wong shared successfully conducted via ZoEoamc.h with its burdens, hopes, athnadt fCeraearsti;on groans (v. 22), we groan (v. 23) and the Each with its days, I Hmiusswt iflul;lfiSplli,rit living for self or in groans (v. 26). In the midst of our groans, we The 13th Session of the Annual OMneleytionngewliafse,a‘tttwenildl esdoon bheapvae sht,ope (v. 24), And finally, God works with us to by pastors, leaders and delegateOs nflryomwhMaCt’Ns’sdosenveefnor Chcrrisetatweilglolaodsto. ut of the many bad things that make our churches, five preaching points and eight outreach worl-dCg.Tr.oSatnud(dv. 28). Our MCN leaders and members points. The Singapore participants included: Bishop Dr are reminded once again that our hope is in God and Gordon Wong, the Presiding Bishop of MCN; Rev Derrick working with Him, we can and will bring good to those Lau, the Mission Superintendent; and Noel Tam, MMS in need in our community. Area Director for Nepal. MCN was also privileged to have in attendance Mr Issac Asirvathum and friends from our The 13th Session of the Nepal Annual Meeting may have partner church, Living Waters Methodist Church. The adjourned, but the ministry continues with greater fervour Ohighlight of the Annual Meetinnglywoanse tlhifee, oardfeinwatbiornief yeaanrsd,commitment, knowing and believing that our God is of Rev Pradip Kumar Limbu as EaanchEldweirthElietsctbuanrdePnss, hopfaeisth, faunl danfdealorvse; s each one of us. I share this wonderful Dil Kumar Magar as a Deacon EleEcta. cThwowipthasittosrsdawyesr,eI musptrofumlfiislel, of God to our brothers and sisters in MCN: MPreemacbheersrs-OLnic-eTrniacel .andliv2Oi1nnOglwnyelfoyorenrwesphelraiolfftev’osi,dr‘detiwdonniHlleissfooworniCll;bher“isFptoawrstiIl,lklnaostw.detchlearpelsanthseI appointed as have for you,” with the Local Lord, As the reports were presented, it was evident that God “plans- Cto.T.pSrtousdpder you and not to harm you, has been working in MCN during such a challenging plans to give you hope and a future.” time. The completion of three new church building (Jer 29:11 NIV) |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 31

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. Identity: Formation or discovery? T he topic of identity has recently come up repeatedly wife are at the point where they are trying to determine with clients I have been counselling. the future they want and thereby express something of their personal identity. A case that has made a strong impression on me involves a couple who have been married for almost six years. The Identity is not only what we are forming but also what is man had been sent to Singapore at a young age for his shaped by past experiences, be they failures or successes. education. He eventually graduated, started working and Moreover, our identity is also influenced by others, their married a Singaporean. Soon after, he was asked to go expectations and values. So, who we are is not just what home to assist his ailing father in the family business. The our government-issued identity card shows; our identity initial plan to stay a year or two stretched to four, until the is constantly in a fluid state. COVID-19 pandemic provided the push for them to return to Singapore. Now, however, the husband’s parents and Sadly, few of us are content with who we are. We want family business are putting pressure on the son to move to be more capable, popular, admired, etc. We think back to his home country. ourselves not tall, slim or attractive enough. Self- improvement books, seminars and image consultants, The wife is averse to moving as she feels her life and together with the cosmetic and aesthetics industry, feed their marriage took a backseat in the years abroad. Her on vain attempts to improve our image and our identity. husband was immersed in the family business and the couple’s plans for where they would eventually live and The reality, though, is that our identity has more to do with even to start a family kept being put off.  They had not what is within us than on our external appearance, and been able to find a resolution or even to talk about it. It with what we do rather than what we have. One may have has come to the point that the wife is considering divorce millions in the bank but what they do with their money so that she can have more control over her life. determines if they are generous and compassionate. Now what has this to do with identity you might ask? More importantly, who we are also depends on Whose we are. As believers, we must remember that we are In counselling the couple, I see how conflicted the man is “owned” twice over—first by being created and then about the role he should play. Should he be the dutiful son bought with a price. Belonging to God means that what (although he is not the only son and has three siblings) I do with my life is dependent on what my Maker and or prioritise his spousal role and marital responsibilities? Owner wants of me. Should he return to the land of his birth to live and work or stay in Singapore? Or, some may ask why the wife will As we come to the close of another year and cast our eye not build a new identity for herself around her husband toward the next, let us reflect on a few questions: What and his home country. do you want your actions to say of who you are? Does who you are also point to Whose you are? How does our The role the husband chooses at this juncture in his life transient earthly identity prepare us for our permanent will impact the identity he wants to embrace. Husband and eternal identity? |32 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

Hymns & Songs ¢ Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. The Candle of Hope The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the church through music and the performing arts. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. It has been almost two years since COVID-19 disrupted our lives. It has The Candle of Hope been a long wait for this virus to leave and let us be! A hymn for the lighting of the Advent candles The act of waiting is not an easy task, and may cause anxiety and restlessness. However, waiting is part of life, and can foster patience—to The candle of hope we light in this hour think through what is going on and perhaps discern what is good, better or Proclaims that the Lord is coming in power. best, and be ready for when the waiting is over. There are four Sundays of We wait for a future, now hidden from view, Advent before we celebrate Christmas. But by the time we hit November, When Christ in his glory will make all things new. we begin to see Christmas decorations in the malls and even hear some carols played. The Christmas spirit comes rushing with a calendar of The candle of peace shines bright with God’s plan; carolling, social gatherings, shopping, makan and other celebrative events. The wolf will lie down and dwell with the lamb. But this year, with COVID-19 restrictions, these Christmas activities have to Our guns and our weapons, our hatred and war, be put on hold. We have no choice but to wait. Will give way to gardens that heal and restore. Can we make space for Advent first? Can we put our carols on hold too and The candle of joy reminds us to sing, sing Advent hymns at least during the two Sundays of Advent? There are many For God is at work to do a new thing. beautiful Advent hymns that teach us the themes of waiting, anticipating, The proud will be humbled; the lowly will rise. hope, patience, to watch and be ready, prepare, in light of waiting for Christ’s God’s kingdom is one of delight and surprise. first coming (Christmas) and His second coming (the Parousia). The candle of love tells what we are worth: If you observe the practice of lighting the Advent Candles and the Christ light, God loves us so much, God came to the earth! may I suggest this hymn by Rev Carolyn Winfrey Gillette? An angel brought news of a child who would be The one who would save us and set us all free. On the first Sunday (of Advent), we sing the first stanza and light the candle of hope that reminds us that in our waiting for the uncertain future, we The Christ candle’s light that shines for us here should not be afraid. Christ will make all things new. In waiting, there is hope. Tells out the good news that God has come near! On the second Sunday, we light the candle of peace. The world faces the God came, a poor baby, in one time and place, issues of racism, disagreement in political and economic ideologies, global To show all creation the wealth of God’s grace. warming and war. Do not fret! God’s peace will reign. On the third Sunday, we light the candle of joy. It reminds us of Mary who, when she learned of God’s favour, sang and remembered that the Lord will empower the lowly and humble the proud. On the fourth Sunday, we light the candle of love. This stanza proclaims, Biblical references: Matthew 24:36–44, Mark 13:24–37; Isaiah 11:1–10; “God so loved the world that he sent His only Son” for us, sinners! On Luke 1:68–79; Isaiah 2:4; Luke 1:46b–55; John 3:16–17; Luke 1:26ª38; Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we light the Christ candle that reminds us Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20; John 1:1–14; Titus 3:4–7 that Christ is the light of the world. It calls us to do our part to go out and tell the good news to the world. We sing knowing that the wait may take Suggested tunes: LYONS (“O Worship the King”, UMH 73), HANOVER (“Ye long, but in waiting, there is hope, joy, peace and love. There is a bright Servants of God”, UMH 181) or CHU LEONG by Dr Lim Swee Hong (you future ahead. The wait is worth it. may request a copy from the Methodist School of Music). Text: Copyright © 2015 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 33

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). Christmas and COVID-19 “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. T he world this Christmas is looking to be pretty much from the virus, the number of new cases remains high, the same as it did last Christmas. averaging around 4 million globally each week. At this writing, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases In Singapore, the number of COVID-19 cases continues reported across the globe is over 225 million, and over to climb despite the fact that more than 80 percent of 5.1 million have succumbed to the disease. Even with its population has been vaccinated, and even as the the drive in most countries to inoculate their population government plans to treat the disease as endemic.

The pandemic, however, is not the only menace that is This means that Christmas makes possible something plaguing our world. 2021 has seen some of the wackiest that COVID can’t. weather conditions in recent history with hurricanes, floods, forest fires, and extreme temperatures reported Christmas makes faith in the sovereign God world in different parts of the world. In June, the World possible. And Christmas has also made it possible for the Meteorological Organisation reported that: “2021 is a people who have learned to trust in God to put their make-or-break year for climate action, with the window hope in Him for a better future. This is not the future of to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.”1 our own making, but one that only the God who brought this world into being can bring about. Both Christmas and COVID confront us with some inconvenient truths about the world in which we live. The Christmas is therefore always both a reminder and a world as it is, is not the world that its Creator intended promise. Every time we celebrate Christmas, we are it to be. reminded that the eternal Son of God has come in human flesh, died on the cross and risen from the dead for the In other words, Christmas and COVID make it undeniably salvation of the world. clear that ours is a fallen reality that is severely marred because of human rebellion and sin. Our earth, writes Christmas also reminds us that the sovereign God who Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is “accursed creates and saves has not abandoned the world. For His ground”. Because of sin, it is “cast out of the glory of its name is Emmanuel, the God who is with us (Matt 1:23). created state, out of the unambiguous immediacy of its He is present in human history, and He is mysteriously speech and praise of the Creator into the ambiguity of directing it to fulfil His unfathomable plan. utter strangeness and enigma”.2 But Christmas is also a promise. Every time we celebrate Under the divine curse, this fallen world is riddled with Christmas, we do not only look back to Bethlehem ambiguities and contradictions: life and death, beauty and Calvary, but also to the New Jerusalem. Christmas and ugliness, joy and sorrow, health and disease, redirects or gaze towards that great and wonderful community and alienation, peace and war. Day when Christ will transform this sin-marred world plagued with wars and strife, pain and sorrow, cancer Such is life outside Eden! Christmas and COVID therefore and coronaviruses into something unimaginably testify in grave and unequivocal terms that this world of beautiful. ours is in need of redemption. Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth”, for But Christmas tells us something else which COVID on its the first heaven and the first earth had passed away own doesn’t. […]. Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his Christmas tells us that “God so loved the world that he people, and God himself will be with them and be gave his only Son” (John 3:16) to save fallen and sinful their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. humanity and to renovate and restore the creation now There will be no more death or mourning or crying in ruins. Christmas therefore points us to the future of or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. God’s creation, to the promised new heaven and new (Rev 21:1, 3–4) earth (Rev 21). 1 World Meteorological Organisation, “Warming stripes show that climate change is here and now”, WMO, Int. 21 June 2021, https://public.wmo.int/en/media/ news/warming-stripes-show-climate-change-here-and-now. 2 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Creation and Fall (New York: Touchstone, 1997), 134. |METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021 35

Books ¢ Book visuals courtesy of Kallos A Daughter’s Faith An Invitation to Journey with God A Daughter’s Faith is a 30-day devotional journal based on personal stories of a daughter in relationship with her Heavenly Father. Gleaning precious truths from her journey with God from her teenage years to adulthood, Jiamin Choo-Fong shares intimately her experience of drawing nearer to God’s heart with confidence, comfort, and hope. The 30 devotions are portioned into these five parts: • Knowing Who We Are In Your Eyes • Loving As You First Loved Us • Walking On Waters With You • Bearing Witness To Your Word • Dwelling In Your presence In these pages, you will also find a safe and welcoming space to journal. Reflect on your journey with God, express your innermost thoughts, discover new insights, and be renewed. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jiamin Choo-Fong is a mentor to young women, mission mobiliser, and life coach. Her passion is to journey with people and see them grow. She is also the author of Out of the Harbour, a book based on her journals when she sailed to 31 countries on board Doulos. A Daughter’s Faith is rightly titled as it captures for us the precious faith journey a daughter can have with her Heavenly Father. It’s unpretentious, honest, and approachable. It’s also littered with precious gems—beautiful insights into the nature of our Heavenly Father. One will certainly be drawn into a desire to walk more intimately with Him. I’m getting this for my own daughters! Rev Reuben Ng, Pastor-in-Charge, Faith Methodist Church. A Daughter’s Faith: 30 Days Devotional Journal By Jiamin Choo-Fong Published by Kallos, Inc. (2021), 216 pages https://www.kallos.com.sg/product/a-daughters-faith $22.90 Enjoy 10 per cent off A Daughter’s Faith. Use promo code KALLOSMM10 at the webstore’s checkout page (valid from 1–31 Dec 2020). |36 METHODIST MESSAGE — December 2021

People ¢ Joshua Gnanaruban is the Lay Leader of Seletar Tamil Methodist Church, and chairperson for media, communications and archives committee. What does being a Methodist mean to you? To me, being a Methodist is to grow in God’s Word, Together with the Church, I have been growing in God’s Word fellowship, discipline, and live an exemplary Christian through a systematic and chronological Sunday sermon series life with social holiness. and leaders’ Bible study. I am thankful to be in a church with strong bond of fellowship. The active social concerns ministry B The Bible is the fountain of heavenly wisdom has taught me to be compassionate and help the needy in the church and the community. (From John Wesley’s Notes to the New Testament) As a young lay leader, I practice discipline and sobriety, E Engaging the spiritual and physical needs of the keeping an accountable life together with my fellow leaders and church friends. We encourage one another by using our people and empowering the gospel to others Church accountability app where we upload our daily scripture readings and prayers. I Instilling discipline and sobriety N Not distinguished by theology but by lives lived My wife, Priscillia, and I have been married for three years now, and we have a two-year-old daughter. As a young couple, (Wesleyan theology) it is sometimes difficult to balance family, work and ministry. Priscillia serves as a Sunday School Superintendent and I serve G Growing in holiness in groups as lay leader of the church. Our hands are full but the joy of serving the Lord together keeps us going. (Wesley’s Holy Club) My father was a pastor, and I personally grew in a very active ministry-oriented environment. I grew up watching my family in the ministry and I wish the same for my family. I pray that the words of Joshua 24:15 (NIV) will be true in our lives too: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”. We feel privileged to be part of a larger community in The Methodist Church in Singapore, where there is place for the whole family to grow and serve together as a family!

May the Christ of Christmas save us all from the sins that harm our world in these troubled times. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt 1:21 NIV)