Methodist Message: Jul 2022

Vol 124 No 7 JULY 2022 ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021 Why aren’t our youth Former gaming What parents studying the Bible like addicts now need to know they study for exams? about gaming game for good Youth Ministry: What the pandemic taught us

Editorial Board Contents Adviser and Publisher / Bishop’s Message / Dr Anthony Goh / News / Chairperson 3 LEGO pilot programme at Bedok Methodist Preschool Council on Communications 4 1st Session of the Mission Conference of Mettakij Christian Association Communications Manager 5 Rev Anil Samuel bids farewell to Telugu Methodist Church 9 Pasir Panjang TMC celebrates her 95th Anniversary Lynn Tan 10 TRAC WSCS Sayang Sayang 2022 Managing Editor / People / Alvin Tay 12 MGS 135 Anniversary Profiles 37 Deveraj Daniel Editor / Features / Lianne Ong 16 God and gaming Sub-editors 18 Former gaming addicts tell their stories 21 Youth ministry leaders: What the pandemic taught us Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo / Opinion / Tan Chiu Ai 25 Young Voices: Why aren’t our youth studying the Bible Proofreaders like they study for exams? Kenneth Lee 27 Soundings: On nurturing the young Christabel Tan / Outreach / The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in 29 Raising the next generation of the Church in Nepal Singapore. Published material 31 Moving beyond trauma does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist / Relationships / Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard 33 You and Your Family: Beware the desire to return to the past Version unless otherwise stated. / Worship / 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 35 Are worship songs of the youth too emo? 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Design & Production by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd

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. In the days of youth and vigour Singapore celebrates Youth Day every July! So appreciate your vigour in the days of your youth. The Bible in Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NIV) addresses our youth. \"Remember your Creator in the days of Instead of restricting himself to just one of your youth, before the days of trouble come four possible nuances of this single Hebrew and the years approach when you will say, ‘I word, a famous Jewish rabbi, Rabbi Akiba ben find no pleasure in them’.\" Josef (d.135 AD), included three meanings in one sentence! I recently shared two points about this Bible verse to the youth in our Methodist schools. “In the days of your youth, remember from where you came (your source), to where you are Firstly, part of what the Bible says is similar to going (your grave) and before Whom you are a saying often attributed to George Bernard destined to give an accounting (your Creator).” Shaw: “Youth is a wonderful thing. What a pity that it is wasted on the Young!” Here’s my own playful attempt to squeeze all four possible nuances: Youth is a wonderful thing. Don’t waste it. Use the time and energy of youthful days to In the days of your youth, remember your ends establish an important connection which will (your start and finish), and your Creator who is long outlast your youth. Establish a connection your strength (vigour) from end to end. with God your Creator. Heavenly Father, please bless our youth from Secondly, the Hebrew word which the Bible beginning to end. Amen. writer has used for “Creator” is an interesting one. Most languages have words which can be understood in more than one way. (Compare in English how the bark of a dog or the bark of a tree requires very different words when translated into another language.) Most of our English Bible translations use the word “Creator” in Ecclesiastes 12:1, and that makes good sense. But another word which is chosen by a modern Jewish translation (Tanakh) also makes good sense. July 2022 — Methodist Message 1

Coming up 2 Methodist Message — July 2022

News By Methodist Preschool Services Communications Team Bedok Methodist Preschoolers ‘Build the Change’ with LEGO Methodist Preschools collaborated with Champions of the LEGO Build the Change programme the LEGO Group (Singapore) to run the international ‘Build the Change’ pilot Mrs Wee shared that the collaboration with programme with the theme: Biodiversity and LEGO added a different dimension to the Climate Change at Bedok Methodist Preschool children’s learning. It allowed them to delve in May 2022. The pilot programme is the first a little deeper and broader into caring for our of its kind for preschools in Singapore. environment and to be the change agent. While their solutions may not be fanciful or Mrs Patsy Wee, Principal of Bedok Methodist even workable, being able to represent their Preschool said, “One of our core values is to thoughts and solutions in concrete structures nurture our children to have caring hearts. is a huge achievement for them. Caring for our environment has always been a part of our curriculum. When the LEGO Riley Beth Su Qin En, a K1 student, said, “I like pilot programme was mooted to us, we felt it LEGO because I love to build. I learnt to build resonated with our core value.” something comfortable and protective for both animals and people, because what affects Twenty children were invited to create them will affect us.” solutions to minimise the effects of climate change using LEGO bricks. They enjoyed an The ‘Build the Change’ programme is LEGO’s enriching and exciting 11-day programme global initiative for children to use their with lessons on various animals and insects, imagination to express their hopes and dreams their habitats and how they are threatened for the future with LEGO bricks and other by climate change. They were inspired to creative materials through a learning-through- put on their thinking caps to come up with play approach. After the success of the pilot imaginative solutions to environmental programme at Bedok, it will be progressively challenges and express their ideas through rolled out to other Methodist Preschools' K1 and creative builds using LEGO bricks. K2 children with a six-hour programme. The programme’s grand finale involved the young innovators building their LEGO solutions in response to the challenge question: Create an idea to help minimise climate change that affects all species. During the show-and-tell session, the preschoolers presented their creation and answered questions from an audience of peers, teachers and facilitators. The young builders of change were duly honoured with a personalised certificate of completion. July 2022 — Methodist Message 3

News Jeremy Choo is the Personnel & Missionary Care Executive, Country Coordinating Officer (Thailand) at the Methodist Missions Society. / Photo courtesy of Jeremy Choo Serving the Lord in Thailand 1st Session of the Mission Conference of Mettakij Christian Association The work in Thailand began in December We were encouraged by the faith and love 1992 with a visit by the then Council on demonstrated by the Church through the Missions Chairman, Rev Dr Clarence Lim, Rev reports that they gave at the meeting. Despite Khoo Cheng Hoot, Mr Lim Chong Heng and the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Mrs Pearlie Lim. This is recorded in the Thai Church has persevered and grown, with much Provisional Book of Discipline. prayer and through the sharing of resources. New preaching points were planted and new On 19 March 2005, the Wesley Methodist leaders raised. Today, MCA has 17 churches, 10 Church in Thailand (WMCT) was formally preaching points, two schools, two nurseries constituted by The Methodist Church in and two hostels. Singapore, the founding Conference. Bishop Dr Robert Solomon was its presiding Bishop. At the closing service, new Deacons were WMCT was later renamed the Mettakij ordained, together with Deacons-elect, Elders Christian Association (MCA). and Elders-elect. There are now 19 Elders and four Deacons in MCA. On 15 March 2022, after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, MCA pastors, leaders and The meeting marked the retirement of three members gathered together physically for Pastors and Mrs Sungwan Yeo, the Principal of the First Session of the Mission Conference, at Vineyard Methodist School. Thank God for their Shineforth Methodist Church, Chiangmai. By long years of faithful service. God’s grace, travel restrictions had eased and our delegation from Singapore was able to We returned from the conference with much attend the meeting. joy and thanksgiving, with a renewed hope to see MCA a Provisional Annual Conference. The day began with a service, where Bishop Dr Gordon Wong shared a message on We are grateful for the faithful and contentment from Philippians 4:11-13, and longstanding support of our partner churches encouraged the church to continue to rejoice in Singapore, and continue to welcome more in the Lord whether in lack or in abundance. churches to join us in this work. Attendees celebrated Holy Communion and the first session of the Mission Conference was To God be the glory! declared open. 4 Methodist Message — July 2022

News Rev Anil K. Samuel Reddipogu served with Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference for nearly 20 years and has recently returned home to India. / Photos courtesy of Rev Anil Samuel Reddipogu Serving the Telugu-speaking Indian community in Singapore Rev Anil Samuel conducting a service at Telugu Methodist Church My journey from India to Singapore to Every Sunday, I would visit my Telugu friends serve the Telugu-speaking community in at Short Street and at their dormitories during Singapore has been an exciting and enriching weekends for Cell Group prayers. Seated on journey of faith. the pavement under the streetlights, I would listen to their stories and encourage them In 2001, Mr John B. Samuel introduced me to with the Word. That has been my greatest joy. the Telugu ministry at Tamil Methodist Church (TMC) Short Street, where Telugu Fellowship Many a time God stopped the rain when was in its infancy. I had discussions with both we prayed. When God allowed the rain him and Rev Ranganathan Prabhu on serving to continue, the floor mats became our the Telugu people in Singapore. My parents makeshift tents, and sometimes lorries by the and siblings prayed as a family, seeking God’s roadside were our shelter for prayer fellowship will and direction. and Bible study. In all this, our hearts were filled with awe to see God open hearts to the Soon, Rev Dr Vinson Samuel informed me of gospel of Christ. Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC)'s invitation to lead the Telugu Fellowship at TMC As more families joined the Telugu Fellowship, Short Street. At the same time, ETAC arranged the leadership of the TMC, Telugu Fellowship for me to pursue a Master of Ministry at Trinity and ETAC came together to pray and discuss Theological College. the formation of a new church. In July 2008, the Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) was On 18 January 2004, TMC Short Street gave me established, based at the same premises as a warm welcome when I attended the Telugu TMC Short Street. Since then, many ministers Fellowship in the evening at 7 p.m. It was a have supported the church’s work, and many great joy to see my Telugu people worshipping disciples have been groomed to be leaders to the Lord. Most of them were young and filled serve the Lord. Praise be to the Lord, for he has with energy, their faces lit up with big smiles. continued to bless our ministry. Many of them came to attend the service even after a long day’s work on Sundays. July 2022 — Methodist Message 5

Serving the Telugu-speaking Indian community in Singapore Highlights of the Telugu Ministry  On 27 July 2008, Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) was established under the leadership of Rev James Nagulan, with the blessings of Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon, Rev Ranganathan Prabhu and other ETAC and TMC leaders.  Disciples Bible Training classes have been conducted every September and October since 2009. Many graduates now serve in the Telugu states in India, and even further afield like Qatar and New Zealand.  Maids Prayer Fellowship was started in March 2011.  Women’s Society for Christian Service (WSCS) was formed in October 2013 at TMC Short Street to empower and encourage women to serve Christ.  In November 2014, we started SEVA, a dormitory-based ministry to counsel workers and provide computer and English skills.  Migrant Workers Welfare Forum was initiated in 2015 to provide counsel to the migrant brethren.  During the pandemic, daily prayers and regular Bible study sessions were conducted virtually to encourage brethren to cling on to Christ.  Sunday services are held at 7 p.m. every Sunday at TMC, Short Street. Concurrently, Sunday school ministry brings God’s Word to our children.  Annual Chinese New Year Holiday Revival Meetings graced by specially-invited speakers.  Evangelistic Outings with fun-filled games and entertainment at public venues to share Christ’s love with pre-believers.  Annual Blood Donation Drive in conjunction with ETAC to encourage people to give back to society.  All-Night Prayers bringing members together to pray.  Mission trips to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Koya Field in Telangana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in India.  Solemnisation of our church members’ weddings in their villages, which were sometimes the first Christian wedding held there. 6 Methodist Message — July 2022

Even as I served, our ministry had its challenges, With God’s help, I pray that the bonds of such as keeping in touch with members who friendship will continue to grow beyond returned home—some to reunite with their the shores of Singapore. God has given us a families, and others due to changes in work large extended family in ETAC. Working with policies. However, I am indebted to so many for different ministers has been an enriching making the work possible. experience. I am thankful to Rev Philip Abraham, ETAC President, my fellow pastors It has been a pleasure to work with fellow and ETAC leaders for their prayers and support. pastors and leaders at TMC Short Street for nearly 20 years. I was privileged to be involved In this journey, God has blessed me with in various ETAC Boards and ministries, a loving and understanding wife, Dr Ruth including ETAC camps and men’s retreats. Anil. Her leadership has been a great blessing I made many good friends. Representing especially in WSCS and children’s ministry. Our ETAC at General Conference level has been children Asheera and Arman are a great joy. a pleasure albeit with a steep learning curve. Through its churches, ETAC nurtures and God worked in wondrous ways to accomplish encourages its young leaders to become his purposes. I thank God for using me as faithful stewards and shepherds to serve the his instrument in pastoral ministry for nearly almighty God. two decades in Singapore. \"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore), though his compassions never fail. They are new a young church, has a special place in ETAC. every morning; great is your faithfulness.\" It has won the hearts of many sister churches (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV). As a family in The Methodist Church in Singapore. In the we praise God for his faithfulness and the midst of challenging times, the avid prayers opportunity to serve him in this part of the and the constant support of the Conference world through ETAC, and we will cherish these has enabled the church to grow and achieve moments always. its vision of ‘reaching every Telugu-speaking person in Singapore for Christ’. My special To God be the glory. thanks to the leaders and the congregation of Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) for their unconditional love and support. July 2022 — Methodist Message 7

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 Mr Christopher Hayward Dr Kristopher Achter • 20 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past Vice-Principal Vice-Principal nine years For more information • Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years • Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore Please contact Joseph Ng • PSLE and Singapore GCE ‘O’ Level students achieve outstanding value-added or Serene Lim examination results for the IBDP with improved pathways to good universities at +65 6472 1477 or • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, [email protected] Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu. What the parents say… “ACS (International) ignites students' passion to learn through building strong relationships 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. The emphasis on CCAs and community service as well as the ample opportunities for student leadership makes ACS (International) a 'cut above' and the preferred choice for our children.” 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

News Mrs Gnanamany Philip worships at Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (PPTMC) and is married to Rev Philip Abraham. / Photos courtesy of PPTMC Pasir Panjang TMC celebrates her 95th Anniversary It is wonderful to be 95 years old and still be To this day, he strongly maintains that full of life! On 12 June 2022, Pasir Panjang mentoring and discipling the young is the Tamil Methodist Church celebrated her 95 years key for the future of the Church. The Church, with Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, who reminded he says, must find ways to encourage and us through his inspiring sermon, “Love God strengthen the spiritual life of our youth, By Loving Our Neighbour Today & Together”, building their stamina to love God by serving that the purpose of our living is to fulfil the two their neighbours. greatest commandments of all. Mrs Mary Daniel keeps a precious memory of We also celebrated by tapping the fond her father, Mr A. Samuel, from the early fifties reminiscences of the wise elderly among us when they would be the first ones to arrive who remember our church at a very different at church, which was then a small wooden time in history. building along Pasir Panjang Road. There they would kneel and pray while waiting for the rest Mr T. Jeevanantham, 85, started his ministry of the congregation. The Christmas service used with the church when he arrived in Singapore to start at 4.30 a.m. and she still remembers the at the age of 16. He remembers how he found feeling of walking up the candle-lit pathway his calling to serve God when he was asked by leading to the church in the quiet of that pre- the Rev J. Daniel to speak at a mid-week church dawn hour. “It felt awesome,” she said. gathering. Full of zeal after that, he attended many leadership training conferences and She supported her husband, Rev J. Daniel, in camps organised by Wesley Methodist Church his ministry and also held roles in the Sunday and the Singapore Malaysia Youth Annual School, Women's Society of Christian Service Conference to better equip himself to serve. and the Choir Ministry of the church. Her knowledge in music was particularly useful in The church’s Sunday School, Youth Ministry, the latter.   Men’s Fellowship, Choir Ministry—Mr T. Jeevanantham found joy in his service within When asked how we can love our neighbours, all of them. His involvement in these areas not she replied thoughtfully, “Psalm 136:23 says that only enriched his own spiritual life, but it can be God remembered us in our lowly state, so we said to have been instrumental to the growth too must remember—by helping and serving— of our church in her early years. Under his our neighbours who are in need. Also, we leadership, the church choir even performed should never forget Ephesians 1:4, that God has regularly over Radio Singapore (Tamil Section) chosen us in him before the foundation of the at festivals like Christmas and Easter. world to be holy and blameless in his presence.” In addition, he and other church leaders banded Long may our church continue to endeavour to together to start tuition classes, particularly for “love God by loving our neighbours today and the children of lower-income families in the together”, in gratitude to him whose goodness, neighbourhood of Pasir Panjang who struggled grace and mercy have carried us through the with subjects such as Math and English. past 95 years!   July 2022 — Methodist Message 9

News Angeline Boden Cheang is a member of the TRAC WSCS ExCo. / Photos courtesy of TRAC WSCS A Yam-my way to sayang our pastors and their families Food plays an important part in the lives of many of us in Singapore and is often used to express love and care. The ladies from the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) did just that with Sayang Sayang 2022, where WSCS members from across Singapore came together to produce 96 yam cakes with which to sayang (meaning ‘love’ in Malay) our pastors and their families. Sayang Sayang 2022 formed a part of TRAC WSCS Day 2022 celebrations. With the easing of Covid-19 Safe Management Measures, WSCS members were able to gather to bond and be purposefully engaged in making yam cakes for their recipients. They volunteered for 4-hour shifts in the morning (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.) and/ or afternoon (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) during which they would prepare the yam cakes, and package and deliver them to the recipients. “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.

Fifty WSCS sisters wielded their knives to Here are some heart-warming responses clean, peel, slice and dice yam, sausages, mushrooms, onions, chilli and all manner from our recipients of ingredients for making yam cake. As they worked, the ladies exchanged Wow, what a logistical and loving effort. introductions, anecdotes, testimonies and God bless everyone for their work in the culinary tips, and plenty of smiles. All this planning, arrangements, purchasing of took place at the kitchen facilities of TRAC ingredients, preparatory work, cooking, WSCS Advisor Choo Lai Eng’s F&B business. containing, washing up, packing, distribution and every other task! We are all spoilt. All the food preparation was completed Thank you to all the lovely WSCS ladies ahead of schedule and the ladies went on to prepare the labels and packaging for and their supportive families. the yam cakes. The label with the Chinese character, 爱 (meaning ‘love’ in Chinese), Jacqueline Huang was designed by Lai Eng’s daughter, Joy. Wife of Rev Kenneth Huang Kampong Kapor Methodist Church The yam cakes were prepared following a recipe from Wendy Goh of Paya Lebar Being a pastor’s wife is a calling I believe Methodist Church. This recipe was included all pastors’ wives go into with keen and in the cookbook, Tribute to Heritage – growing awareness of the challenges and Generation to Generation by Paya Lebar responsibilities that come with. In my short Methodist Church, and all helpers at journey so far, there are times that it can be Sayang Sayang 2022 were gifted a copy of challenging but many more times, rewarding this book, allowing them to replicate the to see the part that we can play as wives to yam cake in their own homes. our husbands, and in extension, to the church as well. The WSCS’ encouragement spurs me The ladies worked so efficiently that, by on in this journey. Thank you, WSCS, for the the time the afternoon shift arrived, most love, care and support! May God enrich WSCS of the work had been completed. The day in your many ministries and may you continue ended with delivery rounds, and messages and photographs from the happy to shine for Jesus. recipients started coming in, expressing their appreciation for the thoughtfulness Kelly Lee and love behind the blessing of yam cake. Wife of Rev Allan Lee Methodist Church of the Incarnation Pastor Gilbert and I are thankful to all the ladies who lovingly planned, cooked and delivered this ‘Sayang Sayang’ gift. We are touched that you sacrificed your public holiday to send us love in this way. May God continue to bless the good work of TRAC WSCS. Grace Lok Wife of Ps Gilbert Lok Barker Road Methodist Church July 2022 — Methodist Message 11

Content and photos by the Methodist Girls’ School Communications Team Here, for a Purpose MGS CELEBRATES 135 YEARS Methodist Girls’ School celebrates her 135th We speak with three alumnae of the school anniversary this year. Commemorating who have each found their purpose in the Founder’s Day on 25 July, the school gives work they do, and are drawing strength from glory to God for his abundant love, grace God to serve and enrich the lives of others. and faithfulness over the years, which have They reflect on their faith and beliefs shaped empowered generations of girls to embrace by the education at MGS, which anchors and live out the school motto—To Master, To them in a life of giving and service across Grow, To Serve. diverse sectors, contributing meaningfully to Singapore and beyond. The school’s theme for 2022—‘Here, For a Purpose’—brings the MGS community together to reflect on her shared ethos and values that have enabled the school to continue realising the vision and mission of founder Miss Sophia Blackmore, who, among her many areas of service, dedicated a significant part of her life to education for girls. In the same spirit, the school has launched MGServes, a movement to bless others through acts of service. MGServes carries the torch of Miss Sophia Blackmore, reflecting her drive and zeal to contribute positively to the community. 12 Methodist Message — July 2022

Making student well-being a priority Mrs Brenda Ow school every day, feeling happy and secure in the knowledge that there is a trustworthy Year Head (Middle Primary) adult here whom they can turn to, for this Methodist Girls’ School will contribute positively to their academic MGS Class of 1995 learning. It is heartening to see the children beam when I can identify them by name, or Iaccepted Christ in Secondary 1 as a student remember them from a previous encounter. in MGS. Through chapel and daily devotions, and the testimonies of teachers and friends, I Our theme verse Romans 8:28 tells us that grew in my faith. MGS is like a second family God has a plan for each of us and we will to me, providing a safe environment where we not understand how everything that we go are valued for who we are. through adds on to the puzzle that God has created. With each challenge that we face, it As a teacher in MGS, the well-being of every may not make sense or seem really daunting child in the school is important to me, as is when we are going through it, but each of their acquisition of life-skills. It matters to me these challenges has a purpose, whether it is that a child should look forward to coming to to draw us closer to God, shape our character, or to acquire skills that will prepare us for other things God has planned for us. This belief in a bigger purpose gives me the strength to do the work that I do, especially when fatigue sets in or challenges are met. July 2022 — Methodist Message 13

Here, for a Purpose Shaping special lives for significance Ms Esther Kwan that each of them is created by him and he makes no mistakes. Therefore, to love them Principal of Grace Orchard School as he does will give them hope. My prayer is MGS Class of 1996 that by providing them a glimpse of this hope through the school, they will desire for the Although I had a brother with special needs, greater hope that is found in knowing Christ. working in special education was farthest Most days I look at the awesome responsibility from my mind. I did not choose to embark on that I have and it overwhelms me. Many this path, but God placed me here. stories of grace have helped me to rejoice even through the tough days and rough At Grace Orchard School—a special education seasons. But seeing the students blossom (the school that serves students aged 7-18 years old sparkle in the eyes when they do something with mild intellectual disability, including those independently for the first time; doing things with autism—I have been able to invest in lives confidently that they never thought possible for over 16 years in various capacities. We desire before) and grow (making good choices; for those with disabilities to have access to life’s holding jobs that they are proud to be doing; opportunities. Our aim, enshrined in our school raising families) keeps me going. mission statement is to shape special lives for significance where they are rooted in values, The important phrase in our theme verse prepared for life and empowered to make a Romans 8:28 is “those who love God”—a difference. relationship with Christ gives one a very different worldview. It allows one to live with Students, parents, and caregivers who step uncertainty, ambiguity, and trials, because through our school doors come very broken, of the confidence that “suffering produces both physically as well as mentally. Some have endurance, and endurance produces been through challenges that I cannot even character, and character produces hope, fathom, others are just so beaten down from and hope does not put us to shame, because all the grieving and hurt, yet God reminds me God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5). There have been many challenges along the way, yet in each of them, I have tasted his goodness and faithfulness and that gives me the confidence to say that “all things will work together for good”, the good that God desires and God knows. 14 Methodist Message — July 2022

Rebuilding communities affected by war Ms Jemima Ooi Working in war-afflicted places has allowed me to witness God’s movement amid Missionary to East Africa suffering. How he is close to the broken- MGS Class of 2003 hearted, binding wounds, restoring hearts, and providing for the destitute. Many people ask Ihave worked as a missionary for 10 years how I can still be joyful after working years in in East Africa (Congo, Rwanda, Kenya and these “hard places”, but what I’ve seen gives Uganda), rebuilding communities affected by me great hope in life. I have seen time and war. My ministry focuses on refugees, genocide time again, the majesty of our Good Shepherd, survivors, and families living in active conflict- attuned to the cries of his sheep, gently zones. Through close partnership with local leading them back to life. leaders, we create access to education, food security, agriculture, housing for refugees, Romans 8:28 is a powerful verse. Instead small businesses and micro-financing. of retreating into cocoons, wary of things beyond our control, this verse allows us to I became a missionary because God shared his live fully for God. heart for the broken and forsaken with me. His love makes me whole, and I knew it could do Jesus said, “my food is to do the will of my the same for others. It’s beautiful beholding father”. Knowing that I’m doing what he’s our refugees coming alive in the deep-seated asking of me at every juncture, is deeply knowledge that they are loved and seen by nourishing to my heart. I may not be the most God. This brings my heart great joy. ambitious, but I do know that I serve a big God who does unimaginable feats, and he has dreams enough for the both of us! That has become my simple purpose in life, to walk with God every day of my life. I believe that if we walk with our Maker, we won’t miss the purposes he has created us for. July 2022 — Methodist Message 15

Feature Pauline Phoon is the founder of COMEBACK and SOOS OIO, both organisations that deal God with gaming dependency. She conducts and gaming Game Addiction talks at schools, and coaches parents and educators on managing game dependency in young people. Pauline has been at the forefront of youth culture for more than a decade, being part of the team that introduced the YouTube wave to the Asia Pacific, working with first generation Asian American YouTubers. With the increasing popularity of gaming among youth in the past five years, she has spent a considerable amount of time understanding games and the motivations of gamers. Through the process, she developed programmes and activities to harness the positive benefits of gaming. She worships at Cornerstone Community Church. What parents need to know Kids game, while parents frown. There is a The draw of games gap between these diametric responses of parent and child to gaming. Our end What makes games so attractive to gamers? objective in mitigating this gap is not to Accessibility, multiplayer interactions, pulsating swing to one or the other side but to meet action, appealing aesthetics, rewards, and in the gap, where the focus is no longer on many more factors combine to form an almost games but on each other. irresistible presence that has invaded our youth culture. While the razzle-dazzle of games is   fascinating, their power to dominate draws from \"And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their the needs of the gamers. Great entertainment children and the hearts of children to their and a place to hang out with friends—at its core, fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a a game is akin to a playground. decree of utter destruction.” Malachi 4:6 ESV.   But danger lurks in a playground, even Trends as it offers fun and excitement. There are possibilities of falling and getting hurt, In 2020, our COMEBACK team’s survey of encountering dubious strangers, and about 2,700 Secondary School students found bullying. Yet, families and children still swarm that roughly 1 in 5 of them exhibited some playgrounds because the dangers can be level of game dependency.[i] At SOOS OIO managed and mitigated. The most common and COMEBACK, we prefer the term “game challenge for parents at the playground is not dependency” rather than “game addiction” the dangers, but getting the child to end the as it is a more accurate description of the underlying psychological states driving gaming behaviour. “Dependent” means reliant for support and implies that there are underlying conditions which lead to the need for such support. To understand game dependency, we need to examine the motivations of gamers. At COMEBACK, we differentiate the four gamer- player types to break down the motivations namely: Achievers, Gurus, Explorers and Socialisers.[ii] I will not go into the details of the types of gamers here but look instead at the relationship between the parent and the child who games. 16 Methodist Message — July 2022

session, especially when they are having a great If the parent-child relationship is healthy time. By the same token, the most common and tight, getting the child to transit out of struggle for parents about video gaming is their gaming may be challenging, but not getting the children to put down their devices. impossible. But if the rope that links parent  So, the problem is not the games per se but and child is thin and weak, a strong tug to pull the transition out of enjoyment that parents the child up or out of a situation might snap need to address. The immersive nature of video the rope. This is the scenario we want to avoid. games does make some parents feel that they   are battling with the games over their child. It might be helpful to recall our own teenage However, while games may seem to be the years when we struggled to obey our parents. enemy, the real issue can be as basic as the The emotional turmoil within a young person exercise of self-control, which most children can be very intense, and sometimes explosive. need to learn, and work to strengthen over time. A strong parent-child bond coupled with a firm and sensitive approach is needed to navigate through the gap I alluded to above. Parents: Remember, The push factors your fight is not against The assumption that gaming is the only games. factor pulling our child away from reality is what often creates a wall between the parent What can parents do? and child. In fact, there are also many possible push factors that drive them towards gaming. Introduce video games to your young children Gaming is used as a mechanism to cope with the same way you would introduce them to the pressures of life and psychological distresses a physical playground.  You spot potential such as anxiety, fears, hurt and sadness, just as hazards, and caution your child. You hold their a painkiller provides a short relief for physical hands or even carry them away from danger pain. Parents need to be discerning and not add if necessary.  From you, your child learns how on to these push factors, or even become one to play safely in the playground. Note that the of the push factors themselves. As difficult and emphasis is not on setting a time limit for play, personal as it can be, parents must constantly but on the presence of the parent to provide self-evaluate as their child’s needs change with guidance and safety. Finally, your child follows their different seasons of growth. as you transit together out of the game.   A strong relationship enables the parent to As your child learns to assess the dangers and address unseen psychological push factors how to take care of themselves in gaming, like anxiety, fears and stress, to name just a allow them to play more independently. This few. When the push factors are dealt with, it is is where setting boundaries is important, so easier for the child to break free from the pull of that they play within a safe and reasonable gaming.  space. The child applies on their own what they have learnt from you on transiting out, The parents’ fight with some reminders. Parents: Remember, your fight is not against games. Your fight is for your child. Fight to get past the surface behaviours to help them through their inner struggles, which sometimes they themselves are not yet able to identify and articulate. No matter what, love them unconditionally, as God loves you. Look beyond the games to find your child in the gap. Persist in your prayers. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to parent support groups, seek pastoral care or even professional help if necessary. [i] https://www.comeback.world/category/reports/. Read more at https://www.co meback.world/2022/05/14/what-is-gaming-addiction/ [ii] https://www.comeback.world/2020/05/14/gaming-or-studies-motivations-of-an-achiever/ and https://www.comeback.world/2020/11/06/ conversations-with-the-four-player-types/ July 2022 — Methodist Message 17  

God and gaming She was a gaming addict, As my brothers strategised ways to complete now she games for good the stages, my parents would watch and comment. Once my parents played against Ruth Lim studied Game Development and each other in a game called Marvel vs Capcom, and we had lots of fun watching them fumble Computing Science and works as an Esports with the controls. I think my mum won. Coach at SOOS OIO. A competitive gamer, she has won many titles and represented But after every game, each one would disperse Singapore in gaming tournaments. She to do their own thing. Left behind, I remember attends Cornerstone Community Church. feeling bereft. Iam Ruth, better known as potatofluff to I started buying games and consoles to relieve gamers. my loneliness, playing games to the point that I could no longer distinguish night from day. I am super-passionate about gaming and I have a Diploma in Game Development. I Knowing that my parents would scold me for conduct DOTA 2 workshops at the Esports staying up late even on school nights, I would Academy, and have coached and managed pretend to sleep before sneaking into the DOTA and FIFA Online 3 teams that computer room to play. This meant getting only represented Singapore. Does this mean about 4-5 hours of sleep daily, even on tiring anything to you? How about if I told you I had days with badminton CCA and school work. played 200 game titles by the time I graduated from University? In class, I had trouble concentrating, either falling half-asleep or day-dreaming about So why did I play so much, or get into games in how I could advance in the game and how to the first place? strengthen my game-characters. My earliest memory of gaming was when My grades slowly dropped. I only started to I was three. My brothers would play on the care about them just before my GCE O-Levels Super Nintendo console while I sat between when I had already played most of the games them. Sometimes my parents would join us. available, and the new ones were not as I remember vividly that these were the only appealing. times my family would be together. But my efforts to pay attention to my studies were too little, too late. Math was my strongest subject, but I blanked out during my E-Math paper and did not complete the last page of my A-Math paper. It was excruciating taking the exams knowing that I would not do well and waiting three months for the results. I remember wanting to give up on the papers and retake them the following year. One night, while I was sleeping, 18 Methodist Message — July 2022

I heard a low, unique yet familiar voice saying satisfied my curiosity and reduced my “Jeremiah 29:11”. I awoke in shock to find out it obsession with the game. Nothing beats the was morning and there was no one there. fun of playing, but I had to compromise. With the encouragement from my lecturer and Opening the Bible, I read the verse, “For I know friends, I managed to overcome my addiction. the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, Now I use my experiences, knowledge and “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, skills to coach youths, teaching them skills plans to give you a hope and a future.” As I such as teamwork and communication to help read this, I heard the same voice say “Temasek”! them achieve their goals through esports. I figured it must be God speaking to me. And so I ended up studying Game Development in Temasek Polytechnic. I thought I might go crazy binge-playing, with so much exposure to games. On the contrary, the more I learned, the less I played. Understanding the psychology behind gaming and what made it addictive demystified gaming and empowered me. The journey was not smooth-sailing. In He craved recognition between, there were moments when I could from his peers not control my gaming habits. It was during my final year, when I volunteered at a Game Addiction Centre, that it suddenly hit me—I was a gaming addict. I had always been in denial. There is stigma associated with being an add, and although my close friends and family could tell that I was one, it was hard to talk about it as many could only make unhelpful or exasperated comments like “just stop playing” or “see lah, play some more, carry on! Now got problem, then start crying!” Finally, I confided in a trusted lecturer, with Poh Xing Yong is an Associate Psychologist whose help I started to be accountable for my playing times and, most importantly, to be at COMEBACK, a game dependency intervention conscious of the games I chose to play. This service for gamers, by gamers. He attends City was important because I found some types of Harvest Church. games difficult to end. While some gamers are attracted to sandbox games like Minecraft My family first got a computer when I was and Roblox, my weakness was for games with in primary school. Whenever possible, I storylines and turn-based battles. would game from morning till past midnight, school holidays or not. On school days, I To curb my addiction, I would read up on often slept in class, or played truant using the plot and watch YouTube videos, which forged parents’ letters or medical certificates I bought. I even ran away from home once July 2022 — Methodist Message 19

God and gaming during my Polytechnic years when my father time, there were classmates who applauded hid the modem to prevent me from gaming. my courage to stand up to the bullies and My parents were busy working to clear a these classmates became my friends. It was heavy debt. My father worked full-time in also at this point, in Secondary 2, that a friend the day and took on odd jobs at night. On invited me to church. When I eventually gave nights while I was playing, I would hear him my life to Jesus and began attending a cell preparing to go to work. I would stop my game, group regularly I finally felt like I had a place in pretending that I was awoken by the sounds, the real world. but really because I wanted to spend time with him. We would go to eat bak chor mee And then, there was a turning point in my at Bedok 85, then I would wait for him while studies. I scored well for my English and he drove a busload of foreign workers to their Humanities subjects. When my English destinations. I treasured those moments, for teacher read out my compositions in class I otherwise, I was pretty much on my own. It got felt extremely proud. Such affirmation drove worse when my father had to work overseas my desire to score top place for those two in China for many years, leaving my mum to subjects. I was willing to set aside gaming to handle both her own job and the household. complete my homework, which had never happened before. Academically, my report card would be filled with red ink except for English, which I barely Well, I did manage to achieve the top score passed. The worst part of primary school for each of those subjects in my N-levels in was that I had very few friends. I was socially Secondary 4. Not only that, my overall score awkward and a loner, so I was bullied by three made me the top student in the cohort. classmates while in upper primary school. Everyone was shocked. I did not have friends to help me and I was My story had many more ups and downs, but afraid to tell my family for fear of burdening two things are apparent. Firstly, my gaming them; at the same time, I felt ashamed, behaviour was rooted in a desire to gain thinking the bullying was somehow my fault. It recognition among my peers. Secondly, when escalated over time, getting so bad until there I was consumed by gaming, studies and faith were days when I persuaded my mother to let could not seem to coexist with it. They were me bring an umbrella to school on the pretext very much separate worlds, and I could only that I feared it might rain, but really to use as a inhabit one or the other—or so I thought. weapon to defend myself. I was very distressed for most of my upper primary school years due God has a mysterious way of working, as my to the incessant bullying and so I coped by gaming struggles and psychology background skipping school and gaming. have led me to this job where I help young gamers struggling with gaming dependency. The gaming world was a place where I felt Games, which used to affect me negatively, are capable, acknowledged, and accepted—the now my language to connect with others. opposite of my real life. With my poor PSLE scores, I ended up in a school well-known for delinquents and bullies. I became even more socially withdrawn: it was the perfect recipe for being bullied again, and I retaliated aggressively as before. However, this 20 Methodist Message — July 2022

Feature Youth Ministry: What the pandemic taught us Youth Ministry leaders share about the challenges they went through during the last two years when physical meet-ups were curbed, and how they plan to move forward now that safe distancing measures have relaxed. Focus on hearts, with our friends to look forward to, without not programmes the exciting activities of the Youth Ministry in church, we could see into our hearts more Abraham Sui is the Chairperson of clearly than ever. Youthphoria, the Youth Ministry of Aldersgate Methodist Church. I have a feeling that those whose hearts were warm with the presence of Christ would Icome from a church named after the famous have seen the pandemic as but a minor place of John Wesley’s heartwarming interference to our faith. What is a pandemic encounter—Aldersgate Methodist Church. when neither height, nor depth, nor anything The pandemic was a unique opportunity for else in all creation can separate us from us young people to examine our hearts in the God's love? (Romans 8:39) The pandemic way that Paul urged the Corinthian believers was like the rain described in Matthew 7 that (2 Corinthians 13:5). Without any opportunity destroyed the fool’s house but left unscathed for our parents to nag us to go to church (for the wise man’s abode. some, to be literally dragged), without time During the pandemic, some used the extra time on their hands to participate in a month- long Youth Discipleship Programme, meeting online twice daily for fellowship, prayer and July 2022 — Methodist Message 21

What the pandemic taught us learning the Word. The pandemic was a life- This highlighted the importance of the changing period of blessing for them. But for support structure and care for our leaders. many others, the pandemic was a period of We relied on them to be in contact with the languishing and resultant guilt. youths. However, the lack of touch points and in-person interactions with the youths made Through the pandemic, God led our youth discipleship difficult. This led to leaders feeling leaders to recognise that what matters is not burnt out. our methods or programmes but the hearts of our youths. It is of utmost importance that As for our online services, we had to try they should personally encounter and enjoy different methods of engaging youths; the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the spiritual sustaining their attention was one challenge, vaccination that we need against mediocrity, and re-creating a spiritual atmosphere over a worldliness and sin that will leave our hearts screen was difficult. strangely warmed. Segments of the service were pre-recorded The pandemic was to overcome the limitations of the equipment God’s way of available to us but it only added to the feeling refining our of disconnect. We tried calling watch parties Youth Ministry for services in Cell Groups but that didn’t succeed as well as we had hoped. Maverick Leong is the Lay Pastoral Staff (Youth Ministry) at Aldersgate Now that we are re-gathering physically, we Methodist Church. realise that the pandemic has conditioned us to isolate ourselves from others, not just Ithink God used this crisis to refine our physically but relationally as well. Therefore, we Youth Ministry, to bring us back to our true must now intentionally work to foster real life- purpose. on-life discipleship. Our leaders had many questions: can we still Even though not all the lessons are new, the disciple our youths without meeting in-person pandemic has shown up the core principles of or in large groups? How can we still be a Youth Ministry more clearly. We pray that God church and a community? continues to help us to refine our ministry, for the ultimate purpose of making our youths At Youthphoria, we concentrated our efforts in true disciples of Christ. two areas—our Cell Groups and weekly Youth Online Services. We tried to be as consistent as possible in the face of the changing pandemic restrictions, but it was truly stressful for our cell group leaders during this time. 22 Methodist Message — July 2022

We gave our best have fun in the midst of it all, to trust, and by persevering, surrender our youths to his loving hands. being intentional With all the time spent “alone”, some youths and creative grew closer to God. A few found it less intimidating and eased into the group more Tiffany Wong is a Youth Leader easily behind a screen. Ironically, those usually at the Youth Ministry (The TackleBox) busy with many other commitments could make of Faith Methodist Church. time for online meetings! God even pointed us to opportunities to serve locally despite cancelled The pandemic was uncharted waters for plans for overseas mission trips. everyone. We could not do things the same way anymore. Zoom fatigue was real, Going through a period of not being able to dynamic communication was harder than physically meet definitely taught us to treasure before, and technical difficulties did not help. the times that we could. We have relearnt All this caused a strain on relationship building. the significance of communal worship, and My fellow youth leaders and I felt helpless, the need to reconnect with the larger church and we were worried that our youths would community. We know now the importance of find it difficult to bond with one another. Yet, being flexible, to continue assessing the real despite our concerns and struggles with the needs of our youths and adapt accordingly. We lack of control, uncertainty and absenteeism, gained a confidence to be bolder in thinking God was good—he reminded us that anything out of the box, to allow God to speak and work was possible, as long as we were willing to in new ways in our ministry. In losing some of partner him and each other, and to change our the limiters we placed on God, we gained a perspective. renewed heart to walk and serve in his ways. So we evaluated our old methodologies. We were challenged to be more intentional and creative in engaging our youths, facilitating online discussions, and simply persevering despite the tough times. A typical conference call was not engaging enough, and many of the experiential games we had used as hooks had to be adapted. God was faithful and provided ideas and resources. We employed more visual cues through slides, spent time and effort to curate interactive activities with virtual spaces like gather.town for special occasions, utilised online-friendly platforms for quizzes, fellowship and games, produced homemade videos to celebrate significant moments. We learned to give our best and July 2022 — Methodist Message 23

What the pandemic taught us Good shepherding is the key Rev Adrian Ng is the available to their youths are more likely Youth Ministry pastor at to retain them. We ran online lessons on Wesley Methodist Church. relationships and apologetics, encouraged short mid-week prayer meetings, had online When authorities began announcing safe meals together and even converted some management measures in 2020, we had services to online gaming sessions. Not over 300 youths in the middle of an awesome everything worked, but youths appreciated Youth Alpha campaign, who were looking the prizes and rewards (bubble tea!) we sent forward to a 3D2N overseas camp as the their way. The leader's consistent presence highlight. Staff and volunteers also scrambled with them signalled that they mattered and to livestream services and the learning curve were valued. It is this consistency, combined was steep for everyone. Even as an IT-savvy with personal touch, that brought back many pastor, no words could adequately express my lost sheep that were temporarily displaced. discouragement as precious youths (and their   parents and leaders) slipped away despite our Be an actively engaged shepherd—Listen, best efforts. What did we learn? Here are my Learn & Love (v14) pastoral reflections based on John 10. Good shepherds seek to know and engage   their sheep. We trained ourselves to harness Be a shepherd that is genuine (v11) online engagement tools. Instead of recorded View the pandemic like a wolf that catches teachings, we opted for Zoom with real-time sheep and scatters them. But shepherds are service and created segments for youths God's solution to the wolves. Shepherds take to share their struggles, testimonies and personal responsibility for the relationships of empowered them to pray for each other. the entire church. Shepherds will not give up Sermons included quizzes, polls, and word- in connecting with their sheep. People can clouds that allowed everyone to participate. tell the difference between a shepherd and a We listened discerningly to their responses, hireling who drops out when the going gets learned about their struggles and prayed for tough. Shepherds inspire others through their the concerns they raised. We milked every love, care and personal sacrifice. The resolve to possible way to keep the community engaged be a shepherd is a necessary conviction from in real-time to preserve relational authenticity. the start (v18).     No attack lasts forever. Shepherds know Be a consistent voice (v16) the importance of trusted relationships When wolves appear (and they will), sheep while battling wolves. A shepherd's faithful scatter as the environment becomes commitment to the flock will ultimately pay unpredictable. A clear and consistent voice off as surviving lost sheep find their way home. helps lost sheep orientate themselves. Leaders Don't wait for the next attack to build trust. need to find spaces to make themselves Start today to be a shepherd who is genuine, known and heard. From carefully curated consistent, and engaged. teaching content to mid-week social engagements, leaders who make themselves 24 Methodist Message — July 2022

Young Voices Dylan Kwok is a 22-year-old video game designer studying at Nanyang Technological University. He has been teaching Sunday school at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church to Upper Primary students for the last three years. / Illustration by Caitlin Low Why aren’t our youth studying the Bible like they study for exams? In spending part of my growing up years in What I find curious, then, is that when it church in Singapore, and now as a university comes to spiritual training, some churchgoers student and Sunday school teacher, I’ve do an about-face. Parents driven to get their observed something curious. children into top schools seem unconcerned about what their kids learn about the Bible. At age three, Singaporean children start And youth driven to study esoteric topics learning two languages. At seven, they like medieval Asian history and quantum spend 30 hours a week in school, with tuition mechanics so that they can secure places classes and CCAs pushing this nearer to 40. in prestigious tertiary institutions begin to At age 12, they take a national exam that will question why they should study parts of the determine their future for at least the next Bible they deem irrelevant to their daily lives, four years. By age 16, they will have learnt like the Old Testament kings and prophets. rocket science. Why the stark contrast? I wonder if it is While a lot of ink has been spilt over whether because churchgoers prioritise secular training the student workload in Singapore is too heavy, and education over biblical training. rarely does the public debate the difficulty of the material itself. We seldom hear, “Is calculus If so, this begs the question: why is this so? too difficult for teenagers to learn?” Why don’t we give biblical training the time and seriousness it deserves? After all, we are Instead, there is a presumption that given talking about the Book that instructs us about enough time, students will master it. the eternal consequences of our life choices. From my observations, I believe there are two main factors: the first seems to be a tendency to avoid teaching advanced biblical truths to the youth. Fearing perhaps that their charges will not understand and thus lose interest, or that they are already bogged down with school work, the youth are taught stripped down Bible stories, with shortened narratives and simplistic lesson points. If we taught children math and science in the same way, they would never get past fractions. However, because this meagre spiritual training creates little impact in the lives of the youth, many end up perceiving biblical training as being ineffective. July 2022 — Methodist Message 25

Why aren’t our youth studying the Bible like they study for exams? From my experience of teaching Bible studies are trained in first aid, but rarely will they have to and Sunday school, I believe this conclusion is perform CPR even once. incorrect. Rather than simplifying content, I feel we can teach biblical truths with all their complexities The Bible is bigger than that. Yes, there are points in and nuances. Children are far brighter than we the Bible that are easily understood. But there are give them credit for. Are they forgetful? Probably. also points that take time, patience, prayer and the Unintelligent? No. In fact, I suspect one main Holy Spirit’s guidance to learn. If we as Singaporeans reason children lose interest in any subject is understand that to be really good at calculus, ballet, because they think they already know all there is to piano or a second language, we need to put in know. If we challenged them with higher levels of hours of training, then perhaps we should be more biblical truth, I wonder if they would not become patient with our study—and teaching—of Scripture. more engaged and more impacted by God’s Word. We need to realise that it also takes a significant chunk of time to study the Bible to the point where, The second observation is that some churchgoers guided by the Holy Spirit, the biblical worldview somehow expect biblical content to be becomes our worldview and we live and act in the immediately relevant and applicable in their lives. way God intends for his people. They expect to be able to walk into church on any given Sunday, hear one message, and be able to As I observe many of my Christian peers studying apply its key points to their daily lives immediately. hard and achieving their dreams in secular life And if that does not happen, they conclude that (school, career, and more) but yet stagnating in biblical training is ineffective. their faith—or worse, losing their faith entirely—I wonder if one of the root causes is this unfortunate However, I believe this expectation is unrealistic in gap between what they’ve invested in their earthly three ways. First, it suggests biblical content should lives versus their spiritual lives. be digestible in one sitting. This is not true for most areas in life. Most curricula require extensive As we think about our approach to biblical and background knowledge to make sense of any secular education, my prayer is that more of us statement. Even the “simple” statement, “Jesus churchgoers would honestly reflect on where our forgives all your sins”, requires at least four pieces focus and attention has been. of information: What is sin? Why does it need to be forgiven? Who is Jesus? And finally, why can he What is our attitude towards spiritual training? forgive sin? What would it take to produce Christ-loving, gospel-minded, neighbour-loving Christians who The second issue is about what information is will honour God with their lives? “relevant”. It seems to me that many feel, especially when it comes to the Bible, that it is possible to Living only by training in secular skills but not in learn practical applications without first learning the spiritual life results in Christians unprepared for principles. They believe it is possible to love and obey the hard knocks of life and what it truly means God with only a vague understanding of who he is. to live out the Bible’s words, “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Worse still, such I’m sure none of us would like our pilots to only have Christians are not prepared to give an account a vague understanding of aviation when they fly. of their lives when they see God face to face (2 Corinthians 5:10). The final issue—that every Bible passage has application for our daily lives—is also problematic. There are eternal consequences at stake, and I pray Yes, there are passages like that, but there are also that as we reflect, we will encourage one another passages specific to certain situations. Many people to invest more in our eternal lives. 26 Methodist Message — July 2022

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. / Illustration by Caitlin Low youngOn nurturing the An article published on the CNA website This trend is not unique to Singapore. In in 2021 states that according to the the United States of America, for example, Singapore Census 2020, “20 per cent of millennials are leaving the Church at an Singapore residents had no religious alarming rate. affiliation in 2020”. This group, which forms a fifth of the population, is now the second- Reporting the findings of a study conducted largest group after the Buddhists (31.1 per by the Pew Research Centre in 2019, The cent). The third largest group, at 18.9 per cent, Washington Post states that: comprises Christians.   … America’s religious landscape found that although religious beliefs and practice have been declining at a rapid pace for people of all ages, the drop-off has been most pronounced among people ages 23 to 38. In 2019, roughly two-thirds attend worship services “a few times a year” or less, and 4 in 10 say they seldom or never go. A decade ago, it was more than half and only 3 in 10, respectively.[3]   There are many reasons behind this trend. Worryingly, the census also showed that   younger people are more likely to have no Some young people are so overwhelmed by the religious affiliation, as compared to older commitments and responsibilities that come adults. “In 2020, 24.2 per cent of those aged at this stage of their lives that religion is not 15 to 24 years old reported having no religion, given priority. Others are so influenced by the which was higher than the 15.2 per cent prevailing secular culture that religion seems for residents aged 55 years and above”, the to have lost its relevance. Still others are so article reports.[1] disappointed with organised religion that they   decide to sever ties with their churches. According to Dr Mathew Mathews, Principal   Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Whatever the reason, parents, guardians and Studies (IPS), this is “an expected trajectory”. pastors must be aware of these trends, and “Religion as an institution is no longer playing a nurture the young people in their care with major role in one’s life and so fewer people will extreme attentiveness and vigilance. This pass faith down to their children”.[2] effort must be intentional for the spiritual maturity of our children and youth cannot be left to chance.   July 2022 — Methodist Message 27

On nurturing the young In an interesting blog published on the Biola Myth #3: It’s not worth the effort University website, Dave Keehn highlights three myths we must recognise and reject Some parents think that their children are if we are to disciple the next generation in a merely undergoing a season in their lives as responsible manner.[4] they make the transition into independence.   Thus, it may be better to just leave them Myth #1: The spiritual nurture of our children alone—they will come round once they happens by osmosis outgrow this phase of their lives. However, Keehn warns of the “long-term impact of As Keehn explains, this refers to the misguided allowing a spiritual vacuum to exist”. notion that “our children will catch our spiritual   values by simply being around the parents and The danger of this has become all too evident the Church”. in the trend involving millennials in the US.   Once they have left the organised religion There is, of course, some truth in this­—values of their childhood and early youth, they are are more often caught than taught. However, unlikely to return. the fact remains that if children are not given   proper instruction, they may not receive the The Bible anticipates these modern myths encouragement and guidance they need to let surrounding the nurturing of children and the Word of God shape their lives. young people, and gives this counsel to   parents, pastors and Sunday school teachers, Furthermore, Keehn offers the sobering reminder that “our children don’t always see Train up a child in the way our best side; they may catch the wrong values, displayed in our moments of weakness”. he should go;   Myth #2: The job of nurturing can be left to even when he is old the professionals he will not depart from it. This is quite a common mistake. Instead of taking up the responsibility of nurturing their Proverbs 22:6 children, some parents prefer to rely on the Sunday school teacher or youth pastor.     Above all, we need to pray unceasingly for This, of course, does not suggest that pastors, our children to stay firm in the faith. As Sunday school teachers, Christian counsellors, we nurture our young people, we ought mentors, and small group leaders should not to follow John Wesley’s exhortation to his play their part. Just as it takes a village to raise co-labourers—to “work and preach as if a child, so it takes the entire church to nurture everything depended on [us], but pray as if a child to become a man or a woman of God. everything depended on God”.[5]   [1] Chew Hui Min, “No Religion: Why more in Singapore are turning away from traditional faiths”, CNA, Jun 29, 2021. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ singapore/no-religion-humanist-society-singapore-census-2003576. [2] Ibid. [3] Christine Emba, “Why millennials are skipping church and not going back”, The Washington Post, October 27, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost. com/opinions/why-millennials-are-skipping-church-and-not-going-back/2019/10/27/0d35b972-f777-11e9-8cf0-4cc99f74d127_story.html. [4] Dave Keehn, “Passing On Our Faith – One Generation to Another”, September 10, 2014. https://www.biola.edu/blogs/good-book-blog/2014/passing- on-our-faith-one-generation-to-another. [5] Quote attributed to John Wesley in ‘A Few Things About Preaching and Prayer’ in The Evangelical Repository Vo. IV, 277. 28 Methodist Message — July 2022

Outreach Noel Tam is the Area Director (Nepal) at the Methodist Missions Society. He worships at Pentecost Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Noel Tam It is a great privilege to be a part of the ministry in Nepal during this critical phase of the development of the Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN). Over the last three years, the emphasis has been on preparing our leaders, encouraging and leading them, as we empower them with greater responsibilities. One key aspect of our ministry is developing the youth in MCN as part of the leadership development strategy. It is encouraging to witness the enthusiasm of our youth in leadership and ministry. God is raising up a younger generation to gather in the harvest in the nation of Nepal! On a recent visit to Nepal in March 2022, I had the privilege of speaking to the youth through an online Youth Fellowship Service. It was a divine appointment with these 100 youths from our MCN churches and preaching points. The message for them was clear: there will be challenges in the real world and it is important for them to be equipped to manage these challenges in a manner that will be pleasing to God. They need not feel daunted for they will not be alone. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 The youth in MCN are slowly but surely finding themselves in the real world. Some of them, having completed their basic education, are pursuing tertiary courses in the universities, while others have taken up jobs to help support their families. They find themselves in the company of friends and colleagues who are pre-believers and have different values and beliefs. Our youth will have to cope with social pressures that they have never experienced before. These include “free and easy” lifestyles and July 2022 — Methodist Message 29

Raising the next generation of the Church in Nepal influences propagated by the social media that where there are pre-believers. The spiritual they are increasingly exposed to, desiring to be legacy of our families and our church belongs accepted according to new social norms and to them. As leaders and parents, we have an craving for wealth and success to the extent of important role to play. We need to recognise compromising the Christian values that they their potential and prepare them for their roles had learnt. as the next generation of leaders of MCN. MCN has a responsibility to guide our There is an encouraging trend among the youth, youth to “flee youthful passions and pursue not only in Nepal but also in the other Methodist righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with Missions Society (MMS) mission fields. They are those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” receptive and hungry for the Word and are keen (2 Timothy 2:22) We need to walk with them, to to serve the Lord. The youth meet regularly for encourage, to strengthen the foundation that prayer and worship in their local churches and as we have built in them since childhood, and not a community of young believers at the Annual to condemn them or condone their behaviour MCN Youth Seminars. Their Youth Fellowship whenever they make wrong decisions. We need Meetings are characterised by fervent worship to intercede for them with our prayers, to help and prayer, worshipping in spirit and in truth. see them through the challenges of being in a They are the core of the worship teams in our real world, and to be guided by spiritual truths. churches. There is so much passion and love for We need to be understanding and reassure Christ as they praise, worship, and pray! them that when they feel down and out, that they are not alone, and they can turn to Our youth represent the future of our ministry Scripture and to the leaders for support. They in Nepal. They will grow in strength and need to realise that God has a plan for each of spiritual maturity and as they choose the path them. Our youth leaders must note the words of righteousness, they have His promise to from 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for hold on to. your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, As we support and pray for our youth, what can we learn from them? They are the face plans for welfare and not for evil, of Jesus—in their homes and the community to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 30 Methodist Message — July 2022

Family conflict and divorce can be damaging Like the other residents, Emma was given to children. Studies have shown that an individualised care plan with targeted children with divorced parents are more likely to interventions, overseen by her counsellor engage in risky behaviour like alcohol and drug Belinda Tan. abuse, and suffer from mental health issues, than their peers from intact families. With empowerment being one of the five guiding principles of TIC—alongside safety, In the case of 17-year-old Emma*, growing up choice, collaboration and trustworthiness—MWS in a broken home took a major psychological GR put Emma in the driver’s seat of her own toll on her. As a child, Emma witnessed trauma recovery process. domestic violence and was exposed to abuse and neglect, including having her parents For instance, Emma was taught to manage burden her with their adult and marital trauma symptoms associated with her ACEs to problems. She also often found herself caught regain control of her life. Expressive therapies in the crossfire between her warring parents, like sandplay and art therapy, as well as and torn by divided loyalties. Her parents’ bodywork sessions which married movement eventual separation brought her feelings of and mindfulness, helped her to reduce anxiety grief and loss. and stress. Emma also acquired healthy coping skills to manage emotional overwhelm when By the time Emma was 14, she was diagnosed they occur, as well as strategies to break her with major depression and also exhibited negative thought patterns. symptoms of social anxiety. To cope with her feelings, she resorted to chain smoking, drug Empowered to drive positive change use and self-harm. She also played truant due In addition, narrative therapy was used to help to anxiety, and struggled with negative thought Emma tap into her strengths and resilience to patterns and attachment issues. resolve difficulties in her life. This type of therapy encourages one to reframe their life stories A turning point in a way that is healing and externalises their In February 2021, Emma was referred to MWS problems so they can address them in a more Girls’ Residence (GR), a rehabilitative haven for productive way. troubled and at-risk girls aged between 15 and 21 years old. Through a holistic programme By becoming aware of how her life experiences built around Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), MWS have impacted her, Emma started to set healthy GR aims to improve the overall well-being boundaries with her parents and learnt to listen of residents who have all suffered Adverse to herself and make her own choices. Gradually, Childhood Experiences (ACEs). she was also able to heal from the pain of her parents’ divorce. July 2022 — Methodist Message 31

Moving beyond trauma “Emma was able to let her parents know that she didn’t want Help young trauma to get involved in their adult problems. She asked them to communicate with each another directly, instead of relying on survivors like Emma to her to be their messenger or mediator,” explained Belinda. build a better tomorrow. MWS GR also worked with school professionals to facilitate As we celebrate Youth Day, stories Emma’s resumption of studies. Due to her social anxiety, Emma like Emma’s shed light on the plight had individual lessons with teachers until her N-Level exams, of youths in Singapore who are which she passed. working to reclaim their lives in the wake of childhood trauma. Support Seven months after joining MWS GR, Emma reported that she troubled and at-risk youths at MWS no longer felt depressed, and discontinued antidepressants and GR to chart a new course for their psychotherapy sessions at a medical clinic. “Emma is now able to lives through your generous giving. regulate her anxiety and low moods such that she can function Your donations go towards creating normally on a daily basis. She can now stand up for herself and is a safe environment and funding not afraid to express her own needs,” shared Belinda. rehabilitation programmes for at-risk girls like Emma with emotionally Today, Emma works as a service crew at an F&B outlet. She impoverished upbringings. MWS is happier, healthier, and faces the future with a newfound GR’s work is part of MWS’ broader resilience. She says, “I feel more confident and better prepared purpose to help alleviate poverty in now to overcome challenges in life.” all its forms beyond material lack, so that our beneficiaries may be * Not her real name empowered to have life to the full.  To donate, visit mws.sg/give

You and 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. Beware the desire to return to the past It has been a few months since Singapore The first group, which I am guessing is small shifted to “living with Covid” and treating it as in number, comprises those who are fearful endemic. Most restrictions for gatherings and that the virus is still lurking as a health threat. dining have been lifted and more workers have Indeed, their belief is not irrational—in late May, returned to their workplaces. as I write this, reported infections in Singapore hovered around 2,500 daily. Food outlets and shopping malls are once The second group, another silent minority, again abuzz with customers. Traffic congestion are those who have caught a glimpse of the and crowded MRT trains are becoming possible benefits of a “new normal”. Many who commonplace. What a stark contrast to the had to work from home saw that some tasks empty food outlets and quiet roads during the could be effectively managed from home, height of the pandemic not so long ago. reducing the hassle of commuting to and from work. Others found time to attend to both Most appear keen to return to the pre- work and home responsibilities. Yet others pandemic days. There are, however, some found opportunities to get more connected reluctant ones. They can be divided into two with their families. groups. July 2022 — Methodist Message 33

Beware the desire to return to the past Some of my counselling clients are not at Without a doubt, we all experienced curbs all happy about things returning to pre- to personal liberty during the height of the pandemic normal. They are concerned that the pandemic. We had to make changes, adjust relative calm recently enjoyed in their marital and adapt. relationships will be disrupted by their spouses returning to their previous work routines. Rather than mindlessly returning to the old Their anxieties come not so much from their norms, however, let us not forget what we spouses’ work per se but rather the after-office saw as qualitative improvements in our lives. activities like entertaining customers and the For instance, when going out in big groups freer intermingling between men and women was restricted, families learnt to spend time in the workplace. meaningfully together doing things like playing board games or baking, or eating Sadly, all who shared their regret are women. more meals at home instead of sitting across One said that with flights resuming, she feared strangers in food courts. And when stores were her husband might restart his philandering shut, evening walks in parks replaced aimless ways. Another was concerned that with the wandering around shopping malls. re-opening of KTVs, her husband might feel the urge to make up for lost time and resume As we adapt to living with Covid, let us not coming home in the wee hours. Yet another be hasty and \"throw the baby out with the was concerned that the lifting of curbs would bath water”. May we be more intentional in restart her husband’s propensity to drink using our precious time and being available without limits. to important others. Let it not take another pandemic for us to remember to value what Talking with some of the husbands, I heard we have. some who felt they lost their independence during the circuit breakers. Some felt forced to spend more time with the family, to slow down from a mad rush of work or to engage in some form of exercise—changes which they admitted to actually experiencing as good. The sad reality, though, is that many of these changes seem to be only temporary. With the lifting of restrictions, many seem to have returned to their old habits with a vengeance. 34 Methodist Message — July 2022

Worship Justin Chan is a Programme Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. As a reformed rock musician, he believes hymns and heavy metal can co-exist for the glory of God. / Photo courtesy of Justin Chan too emoAre worship songs of the youth ? Ireceived Christ when I was 13 years old, In particular, I commend the theocentricity of and so my faith was in its infancy during the lyrics, which is a breath of fresh air from the tumultuous teenage years. Back then, the anthropocentric “I-me” in some songs. doctrinal accuracy of the songs I sang wasn’t A line in the chorus­—“It’s Your breath in our as important as how the songs made me feel lungs”—strongly resonates what Romans 11:36 connected to God. (NIV) says, “For from him and through him and   to him are all things. To him be glory forever. This is not to downplay the role of doctrine in Amen.” What a thought, that God even gives song. Indeed, music and lyrics have been used us breath to praise, hearts to engage, and for didactic purposes throughout history, and hands to raise for his glory! Songs like this even secularists concede, “let me make the help lift our youth’s eyes from their focus on songs of a nation, and I care not who makes personal problems to see the hope in Jesus, its laws.”[1] However, it would be foolish of the true I AM. those of us in church leadership to dismiss the   emotional power of music and its role in the So, the next time you hear the youth lead life of a young believer. a song with the bridge repeated for the   umpteenth time, don’t dismiss them as being We may be quick to dismiss the songs our unnecessarily emotional. The song might be youth enjoy just because we feel the lyrics are helping them have a personal encounter with “not deep enough”. However, songs are not their Saviour. lectures, and neither are lectures meant to be songs. Each has their place in ministry. I can still vividly remember those midnight Justin at 16 years of age worship sessions as a teen, armed with just an acoustic guitar, pouring my whole heart [1] Andrew Fletcher, 1653–1716, Scottish writer, into worship, and feeling the Father’s smile politician and patriot, Commissioner of the old with each and every song I (badly) played. Parliament of Scotland, quoted in Donald J. Grout, Those songs I sang wouldn’t have won prizes A History of Western Music, 1973. at seminaries for their doctrinal content, but they certainly helped me transform my chaotic teenage angst into tempered devotion. One such song is “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons & Daughters. Although the lyrics are relatively few compared to many other worship songs, they are permeated with the truth and hope of God’s word. Its simple vocabulary and accessible musical range make the song easy to pick up even for those less musically inclined. July 2022 — Methodist Message 35

Are worship songs of the youth too emo? Great Are You Lord (CCLI Song # 6460220) © 2012 Open Hands Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing, Integrity’s Praise! Music, and Integrity’s Alleluia! Music Verse: You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken Great are You, Lord   Chorus: It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only   Bridge: And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord

People Deveraj Daniel worships at Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street and serves in the Pastor Parish Relationship & Staff Committee and the Board of Presidents. / Photo courtesy of Deveraj Daniel That’s exactly what I have done for the past 40 years. My journey with the Methodist Church started in 1981, when my leader in The Navigators (an international, inter- denominational Christian group) introduced me to Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street. It was a step of faith for me, being a recent convert from Hinduism. Though the concept of church was new to me, I decided to give it a go. M is for Methodist, but it also means Model my life after Christ. My journey started with Adult Fellowship. Then I served in Sunday school for several years. Soon God had a surprise for me—I moved on to become the Worship & Evangelism Chairperson. Though I was new and reluctant to take on this role, I soon learned the ropes and reached out to Indian migrant workers. This ministry, which started in 1991 has grown and evolved. Now M means Move on and trust God. Our life today is like living in a maze controlled by many factors and issues. Work, family, church…the list goes on. Being a Methodist to me is not how we start but how we finish the race living a Meaningful life! by Kopikaki team

Looking Ahead PARENTING: THE TEEN YEARS 16 July 2022, (Saturday), 1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. 1 Woodlands Road #04-03 The Tennery, Singapore 677899 Register at https://fathers.com.sg/programs/teen/   Adolescence should not be a phase that parents merely endure and hope for it to end as soon as possible. It is the Age of Opportunity, according to Laurence Steinberg. Parents have an important role in helping their teenage children grow into successfully independent adults. In this workshop, parents will gain insights into the mind and behaviour of their teens. They will learn about their teen’s cognitive, social and emotional changes and needs. Parents will also learn how to nurture a close and lasting relationship with their teen by acquiring skills in communication, connection and collaboration. While it is a workshop on parenting teens, parents with a 10- or 11-year old can start to attend this workshop to prepare themselves for what is just around the corner.   Organised by the Centre for Fathering MMS SUMMIT PRAYER SESSIONS 2022 5, 19 July / 2 August, (Tuesdays), 8.00 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. via ZOOM Register at https://tinyurl.com/MMS-SP22   As part of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) 30th Anniversary celebrations, MMS is holding an MMS Leaders’ Summit in August 2022 to review and renew MMS’s vision and goals. Prior to this summit, three evenings of prayer will be held fortnightly to seek the Lord’s heart and vision for missions. Join us and pray together!   Organised by Methodist Missions Society INTRODUCING WORLD RELIGIONS 13, 20, 27 July / 3, 10, 17, 24 August, (Wednesdays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. via Zoom (Maximum Class Size: 100) Register at https://ttc.edu.sg/english/equip-evening-courses/ introducing-world-religions-asian-religions-and-christian-faith/ $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students—Registration Required)   Living in multicultural and multi-religious contexts means that we come into contact with people of different faiths and religious traditions almost every day. In a world rocked by cultural/ethnic insensitivities and torn apart by religious fanaticism, it is important that we have a basic understanding of the nature of the faith of our neighbours. This course seeks to introduce the origin, history, and basic tenets of each of the major religious traditions in the Asian context and explores the implications for mission and evangelism.   Organised by EQUIP THE GIVING METHODIST 2022: STEP OUT OF THE BOAT Give Donation, Give Voice and Give Time campaigns—now till December 2022 thegivingmethodist.sg [email protected]   Spearheaded by The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), The Giving Methodist takes place each year to galvanise Methodists to show acts of kindness and love to those in need. With the Covid-19 pandemic raging on, let us take courage to step out of our boat and uplift those who need help to ride out this storm.   You can join in by “Giving Time” through volunteering with MWS or a Methodist church’s social concerns ministry, “Giving A Donation”, or “Giving Voice” to the disadvantaged and distressed by spreading the word about this campaign.   Organised by Methodist Welfare Services