Methodist Message Mar 2021

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 027/11/2020 THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 123 No 3 MARCH 2021 WHAT ARE YOU GIVING UP FOR Lent

Church life 3 Contents Methodists in the world 19 1 Bishop’s Message Christian living 22 2 Coming Up MwCWWaiaecthnrehErhItatrilf’eisteyvcRhwceyealeokeEordooutsuah,ocLr:ndtoddaOuchttoneteosetaOint?nwmsvslrhKatidieCatebgyimIegaclNuotnpdMthhntum?GiteuctoIyssDolsbe@nlFeo!veuoPsOseumsshiSyrRstknoduroieesaaltrbVpluvtotsa-gieOho,grwelniroiLornedskt—aUrgds:iept,aNnoitohnwsowenTretyserEr.drpi:ooiEdtsrteattaR:sriohpnwgtbSyeoeeg.o!orsdrc?oscugoiokottDrmhnrarohateirircettvniysibilcmoepudl/ewui!tigsegiDsthnPiapot/tfrokhamoypgoeloooratmafopuekrpshemeehhaoodMsiacdftivsa/oMeee?srv/a?saean:anybtwntoesoyatthtttyhheheeirelnpryg 3 Church Profile—Telugu Methodist Church 5 One MCS—ETAC Highlights 6 Home—The Rev Philip Abraham 8 Home—On the road to peace 10 Home—Make time for our youths 13 World Methodism—Methodist Tapestries Collection 15 Home—Dr Cheah Fung Fong 18 News—CALM 19 Welfare Services 20 Missions 22 You & Your Family 23 Hymns & Songs 24 Soundings 26 TRAC Bible Matters 28 News 29 Looking Ahead 30 THINK EDITORIAL BOARD The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. Adviser and Publisher All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 Council on Communications 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg Editor [email protected] Sheri Goh fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg Sub-editor Tan Chiu Ai Design & Production by Londonbob Design — Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Communications Executive Jason Woo Proofreader Tan Sheng Ling

BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020. He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2013–2020. The year of the Ox that knows God? T he Year of the Ox has begun. I confess my God is heartbroken because it seems as if his own ignorance and indifference toward any supposed human children do not seem to know or acknowledge blessings or characteristics associated with the him, whereas the ox and the donkey do! The ox knows Year of the Ox. I know only that I happen to have who its master is, but God’s children do not know who been born a Chinese ox! (So Math wizards now know I their Father is! celebrate a birthday this year that is a multiple of 12. Here’s a clue: I’ll be at least 24!) What made God in Isaiah’s day say that his children did not know him? I know little about the zodiac ox, but I know a little about the biblical ox. For example, the apostle Paul It wasn’t because the people had stopped attending says a pastor or church worker is an ox (1 Cor 9:9). (In worship services (Isa 1:13). my case, both calendar and church agree!) The Hebrew It wasn’t because they weren’t offering animal prophet Isaiah also mentions the ox, curiously in verse sacrifices in thanksgiving and praise (Isa 1:11). 3 of both his opening and closing chapters. Here’s what It wasn’t because they stopped holding prayer he says about the ox in his opening oracle: meetings (Isa 1:15). God was heartbroken because his people were not The ox knows its owner, and the donkey prioritising good deeds to neighbours in need (Isa its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, 1:17). To use one of Jesus’ quotes: they weren’t “loving their neighbours”. And if we don’t love our neighbours, my people do not understand. then we aren’t loving God! (Matt 22:37–39). (Isa 1:3) Similarly, Isaiah says: If we don’t help our neighbours in need, then we don’t really know God! An ox knows its Master. Do we? May this Year of the Ox teach us to know our Master. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 1

Coming Up METHODISTWALK 2021 THE METHODISTWALK IS A BIENNIAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY THE METHODIST SCHOOLS’ FOUNDATION (MSF), ON BEHALF OF THE METHODIST SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE. TRADITIONALLY, ON THE LAST SATURDAY IN MARCH EVERY TWO YEARS, STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL 15 METHODIST SCHOOLS GATHER TOGETHER WITH TEACHERS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS FROM THE METHODIST CHURCHES, TO WALK TOGETHER AND RAISE MONEY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF THEIR SCHOOLS. EACH STUDENT WOULD ALSO HAVE A PLEDGE CARD WITH WHICH THEY COULD SEEK DONATIONS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS. DUE TO SAFE-DISTANCING REGULATIONS AMID THE ONGOING PANDEMIC, METHODISTWALK 2021 WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A DIFFERENT FORMAT.    WE HELD OUR PRE-WALK LAUNCH ON SATURDAY, 30 JANUARY 2021 WITH THE  GUEST OF HONOUR MR LAWRENCE WONG, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AT ANGLO-CHINESE JUNIOR COLLEGE.    FOR FUNDRAISING, INSTEAD OF A PLEDGE CARD, MSF HAS SET UP A CAMPAIGN PAGE FOR EACH SCHOOL ON THE FUNDRAISING PLATFORM, GIVING.SG. FOR THE PHYSICAL COMPONENT OF THE WALK, INSTEAD OF GATHERING TOGETHER WITH OTHER SCHOOLS AT THE END OF MARCH, EACH SCHOOL WILL BE EMBARKING ON ITS OWN DISTANCE-BASED GOAL. METHODISTWALK 2021 WILL END ON 29 MARCH 2021 AND THE DONATIONS WILL CLOSE ON 31 MARCH 2021. PLEASE DONATE AT http://bit.ly/msfgivingcampaign  OR SCAN THE QR CODE >> |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

Church profile ¢ Telugu Methodist Church The Rev Anil Samuel is the Pastor-in-charge of Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) / Photos courtesy of Telugu Methodist Church Our Sunday School kids meeting via Zoom Our congregation during on-site services Embracing Telugu-speaking expats for Christ T elugu Methodist Church (Singapore) is committed to share the Gospel and win the Telugu-speaking friends talks and kits have been made available for our dorm brothers. for Christ. Over the last two decades, God has been good The church distributed food to show care and love in action. to the life and ministry of the church, helping us build the Every Sunday, the worship services are streamed live on the community, and our ministries have grown and taken various church’s YouTube channel, especially for our church brothers shapes in serving many people. in the dorms who are unable to attend the services. The migrant brothers in the hostels, along with the families During these challenging times, the church remains from various neighborhoods, make up a beautiful worshipping steadfast in seeking God for opportunities to partner fabric of the church congregation. In the recent past, the large with and sow the seeds of the gospel among the church influx of Telugu-speaking families and expats have paved brethren, establishing them in the faith and fellowship the way for the church to step out and reach other families with discipleship as its key component. in order to embrace them with Christ’s love, subsequently equipping them to serve the Lord with their gifts and talents. A new initiative of the church, “CONNECT”, aims to connect The families comprise people with diverse career backgrounds with the church brethren, both local and overseas, to help such as in IT, banking, science and technology, engineering, them discover their potential for ministry and mobilise them business and marketing, construction, education, medicine for theological education. and the humanities etc. This rich diversity provides great opportunities both to serve and to tap into the potential to If you know of a Telugu-speaking person of family who is looking build the worshipping community. for a church or in need of pastoral assistance, please contact us. Our church community is a safe place to belong, worship, TELUGU METHODIST CHURCH grow in the Lord and be His witnesses. The church organises (Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference) regular prayers, Bible study for families and cell groups for brothers to build the community. Disciple Bible Training 8 Short Street, S(188214) classes are conducted to equip disciples and sharpen 8611-7374 their focus towards spiritual formation. The Sunday school www.sgtmc.org ministry continues to nurture young minds to soar high with [email protected] God’s Word and enjoy growing in His love. Telugu Methodist Church Singapore The ministry among the migrant brothers and friends in need Our ongoing ministries enable us to live out social holiness. During Christmas and Sunday worship service: 7 p.m. other special occasions, goodie bags and the message of God’s Sunday School: 11 a.m. love are shared. Whenever the need arises, proper medical WSCS Prayers: Fridays, 8 p.m. care, skills support and counselling services are rendered to Cell groups: Saturdays, 8 p.m. the brethren. During public holidays like Chinese New Year, Bible Study: every second Friday, 8 p.m. special evangelistic meetings are held. On other occasions, Maids Prayer Fellowship: second and fourth Sundays outings, talks and fun events are conducted for the church Missions Prayer: last Friday of the month, 8 p.m. family and their friends for spiritual edification and bonding. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 3 To cope with the pandemic, the church conducted Zoom prayers to support and strengthen the brothers in the dorms and sisters (foreign domestic workers). COVID-19 awareness

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

One MCS ¢ ETAC Highlights The Rev Philip Abraham is the President of the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference, and the Pastor-in-Charge of Jurong Tamil Methodist Church and Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church. The season of Lent W e thank God for another season of Lent to be vegetarian fasting. They donated the money they saved observed. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends while abstaining from meat to the church, which was the day before Resurrection Sunday (Easter). channelled to social concerns ministries and missions Sundays are not counted as it was the day our Lord was work. After we got married, my wife and I continued to resurrected. It is a day of celebration. fast during Lent period. We also taught our children to do this. During Lent, we remember the sufferings of Christ on the cross, the cost of our salvation and the depth of God’s I believe that fasting in the Lent period involves sacrifice. love for us; we examine how serious our sin and its It is not just about stopping something, such as food, or consequence are. We approach the throne of God with having a social media break. It’s a matter of the heart. repentant hearts, seeking His grace and mercy. It is a Whatever I abstain from must be replaced with some time time for self-reflection on our own spiritual condition and of prayer and devotion, where I give space for God’s grace journey, and for drawing closer to our heavenly Father. to challenge and change me from inside out. Many fast during Lent to draw closer to God. Fasting is a How will I observe Lent this year? I want to fast one meal spiritual discipline mentioned in the Scriptures. Fasting of the day—my lunch. During my lunch breaks I plan to go throughout the Bible has been linked with an extra for prayer walks, conducting flash prayers for the people I dimension of power. In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ fasted pass by. This is just a little sacrifice on my part to show my for 40 days and nights to acknowledge His dependence love for my Lord. He was burdened when seeing the great on the Father, and to gain spiritual strength through the multitude and had great compassion on them. I want to reliance on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Nehemiah pray for the people—the helpless and the lost. fasted for confession, repentance and favour in the sight of the king, for the great mission ahead. In the pursuit to grow spiritually towards a transformed and renewed life, I want to continue to pray like the There are many types of fasts. Some people fast for 40 Psalmist: “Search me, God, and know my heart; days with just one meal a day; some forgo one meal test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there of the day, such as breakfast or lunch. Many, especially is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way Indians, opt for a vegetarian fast. My parents observed everlasting.” (Ps 139:23–24 NIV) |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 5

One MCS ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of the Rev Philip Abraham Meet the Annual Conference Presidents: The Rev Philip Abraham (ETAC) The Lord provides The Rev Philip Abraham (second Dedicating a church at from right) with his family Triveni in India in 2018 T he Rev Philip S. Abraham is a man with a mission. mother was the sole breadwinner with five children. In Nov 2020, he was appointed President of the They trusted in their Lord and Saviour to provide, and He Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC), which has met all their needs from when the Rev Philip started consists of seven Tamil-speaking and one Telegu- theological education at Trinity Theological College in speaking Methodist church in Singapore. He is also the 1984 till today, 33 years into his full-time ministry. Pastor-in-charge of Jurong Tamil Methodist Church (MC) and Pasir Panjang Tamil MC. In 1988, the Rev Philip married Gnanamany Philip, now a master teacher at the Academy of Singapore Teachers, A child of God Ministry of Education. They have two sons, Joshua and Elisha. After migrating to Singapore from India, the Rev Philip’s “He who calls you is faithful” parents began worshipping at Pasir Panjang Tamil MC. As committed Christians who believed that every first The Rev Philip has relied on God’s promise that “He who fruit belongs to God, they dedicated the Rev Philip, their calls you is faithful” (1 Th 5:24) over his years of pastoring eldest child, to God’s ministry. Toa Payoh, Sembawang, Pasir Panjang, Jurong and Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Tamil MCs. While “the journey has not been The Rev Philip grew up in church and was involved in easy”, reflected the Rev Philip, God has always provided. many ministries, including the Sunday School and Youth ministries. When Jurong Tamil MC was established as One instance was when he was posted to Sembawang a new church in 1977, he moved to worship and to Tamil MC after ordination as an elder in 1992. They were serve there. He was elected as its first Methodist Youth engaged in a joint building project at Yishun Street 11 Fellowship president. and finances were tight. They had raised enough funds to cover their share of the project, but had money enough At the age of 23, while the Rev Philip was attending the only for chairs instead of pews. When the Rev Philip Jesus Calls Convention at the National Theatre, the Lord shared his burden with Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon convicted him to serve Him full-time. It was a huge leap Hup, then the Pastor-in-charge of Paya Lebar MC, he and of faith because his father had passed away and his the church leadership donated 56 pews! |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

God has also rallied support from fellow pastors and Methodist churches. The Teck Whye Outreach Point ministry was started with support from the Rev Derrick Lau at the Methodist Church of the Incarnation to reach out to the Indians in the neighbourhood. The Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey provided a place of worship at Sengkang MC for the outreach ministry started together with AMK Tamil MC. Besides ministering together with AMK Tamil MC in local missions, the Rev Philip was able to dedicate three churches in India. The Rev Philip (front row, first from left) with other ETAC members at Sembawang Tamil MC Being installed as President at the closing service of the ETAC When asked about the biggest challenge in sharing the 45th session in Nov 2020 gospel with the Indian community, the Rev Philip shared: “The Indians’ basic philosophy is that all rivers lead to The future of ETAC the ocean. With a number of deities, they often accept Jesus as one of the gods. This makes it difficult to share As the Rev Philip shepherds ETAC over the next the gospel that Jesus is the only God and that there is no quadrennium, he hopes to help grow the eight churches other name given on Earth.” and their leadership, which has been stagnant for some time. ETAC’s vision for 2021–24, “Towards Harvest 2024”, Karma is another difficult idea to surmount. He said: focuses on church growth. “1.1.1. Prayer Waves” was “Suffering is explained through karma. Many Indians also launched to encourage ETAC members to pray every accept their suffering and bondage as a form of retribution day at 1 p.m. for one minute for one of their unsaved for their collective actions. But Jesus’ salvation is free; neighbours, friends or family. In addition, ETAC pastors He can break every chain and bond, and the truth will set visit one another’s churches once a month to pray for the them free from the past.” pastors, leaders, members and church growth. “We need to pray,” the Rev Philip says, “that God will One of ETAC’s major goals for this quadrennium is to encounter these pre-believers personally.” recruit two new pastors. Currently, some pastors hold two or three portfolios in their local churches, potentially How can we pray for ETAC? leading to fatigue. The ETAC leadership is working to strengthen the Methodist Young Adult Fellowship and Pray that identify leaders to serve, in the hope that that more • God will give wisdom to the pastors, young people will enter full-time ministry. leaders and churches to share His love The road ahead through good and loving deeds The Rev Philip is thankful for the opportunity God has given • our churches will be caring communities him to serve as ETAC President. “God has His purpose to with the mind of Christ (Phil 2:1­–5) place me here. My prayer is to listen to His voice daily, submit to his leading, walk humbly in His love, and serve • our churches will grow in disciple-making him with fear, putting my trust in Him alone,” he said. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 7

Home ¢ The Rev Bernard Chao is a Lecturer in Practical Theology at Trinity Theological College. Make time for our youth or lose them over time I n January, Christians in Singapore were jolted by news greater outsourcing of the primary parental responsibility of a “self-radicalised” 16-year-old “Protestant Christian” for discipling our children to Sunday schools and youth who had planned to carry out a violent attack on Muslims ministries. Increasingly, we have grown in over-dependence at two mosques.1 We know little of the context or causes on full-time children and youth workers for the discipling that led him to such ideas and actions. This troubling news of our young. is an uncomfortable reminder to attend faithfully and fully to our core concern of Christian discipleship. Intentional parenting recovers the ancient role of parents as primary religious educators. In Deuteronomy 6, the If we pay attention to and make time for our youth, commands concerning the nature, worship and love of we inoculate our youth against, and create a social God are followed immediately by instructions for parents. environment that is resistant to, radical, dehumanising Parents are tasked with the work of discipling our children and destructive ideologies that have nothing to do with to know and follow our Lord. We are to model faithfulness, Jesus. This requires intention and constant and consistent engage our children in spiritual conversations about God attention. There are many ideologies and activities that and life, be alert to teachable moments in the course of life compete for the attention and loyalty of our young people and surround our lives with reminders of God’s goodness, and call them away from Christ and Christian community. grace and commands. Radical extremist ideologies are just one. Intentional parenting is not optional. We are all called to Loving, engaging, involving and discipling our youth is how active, intentional and competent parenting. We spend the church is called to disciple and teach our young. We an inordinate amount of time studying (and paying) for either make time for our youth or lose them over time. I certificates and degrees for our careers. How much time suggest three ways in which we can meaningfully engage and effort do we put into learning how to parent? Many our young people: intentional parenting, shifting our focus parents start strong in preparing for the birth of babies from Church programming to persons, and modelling and the early life of toddlers. Few prepare intentionally friendship across ethnic and religious lines. for the adolescent years when the challenges are both profound and nuanced. Intentional Parenting Developing a relationship with our adolescent children so The primary youth ministers in the Church are parents— that they feel safe to share uncomfortable thoughts, deep not the Sunday school teacher, not the youthworker, not feelings, frustrations and unsettling questions takes time. It the youth cell leader. A slow confluence of social shifts also takes a consistent practice of exercising patience, faith and changes in congregational practices has resulted in |8 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

and courage to hold our own anxieties in check and make Are we able to shape communities of faith for youth where time and emotional space for our teens to speak without they have a keen sense of belonging, have peer support interruption. Learning about adolescent development and and encouragement, difficult questions are welcomed appropriating new parenting knowledge and skills are and critical thinking is taught and encouraged? Our helpful. However, the first and biggest step that parents congregations and youth ministries can serve as a second can take is to make (more) time for our children. safety net, a place where our young people are discipled and experience loving communities of acceptance, learning We need to examine our preoccupations with work or and where unhealthy and dangerous ideas and propensities other activities. Intentional parenting means setting aside can be addressed and redirected toward what is pure and consistent time to “waste” with our children because holy (Phil 4:8). the deep and important conversations usually surface in unscripted ways. These deeper conversations about their Modelling Friendship Across Ethnic and friends, what they read and see on social media, their Religious Lines social media or gaming communities, their sense of self- esteem, passions or sense of injustice that they have about The third way we can engage and disciple our young people various issues, cannot be hurried. is by modelling—as parents, Christian adults and youth workers—how we make friends across ethnic, religious and Shifting Congregational Focus from also social-economic lines. The Bible describes Christians Programmes to Persons as people who love, bless, offer hospitality to, befriend and seek the welfare of those they live among (Jer 29:7). Our congregations support parents in the discipling of our young people. We can only become aware of what Churches and parents can (and must) take the lead in our youth are thinking and doing and be alert to youth modelling how we make friends and maintain friendship starting down dangerous paths if we have made time to with people of different ethnicities, faith, and economic develop close and intimate relationships with our youth situations. We can begin by sharing meals and celebrating as parents and congregations. To do so as congregations, our different festivals. We can also expand our common we must focus our energies where it really matters. space by learning to partner with one another in doing There is a growing realisation among youth workers in good for our communities. Singapore that ministry with youth in our churches tends to be unduly focused on programmes and, in particular, 1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/16-year-old- the “production” of youth events. singaporean-detained-isa-planned-attack-2-mosques-14052400 Many of our churches are large. A side-effect of trying Christian Parenting Courses to minister to many is a commodifying mindset of trying to manage the church and efficiently “reach” as many are available at youths as possible. Consequently, youth within the church sometimes feel fatigued by the pace of activities and with Focus on the Family Singapore putting up a “show” instead of being ministered to and https://family.org.sg/fotfs/downloads/focus_ discipled. Other youth who do not care for existing modes progmenu_2021.pdf and activities simply drop out or do not come. Alpha Singapore Have our regular programmes become sacred cows that https://singapore.alpha.org/parenting no longer serve their intended purposes? If our youth ministries and churches are to be safe spaces for youth to feel engaged and able share intimately, we need to make time and space in our life together for meaningful engagement and conversations. We need to prioritise persons over programmes. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 9

Home ¢ Timmy Ng is a Christian Ministry Staff at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). He worships at Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church. On the road to peace “Violence should never be solved with peace”.1 Furthermore, Jesus has never taught His followers to use violence to bring about peace and in His ministry; T hese were the words that was found in the He practised what He preached. In fact, Jesus said, document written by the 16-year-old Protestant “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).5 When Christian who was recently arrested by ISD for He was about to be forcefully captured, He said, making “detailed plans and preparations  to conduct “Put your sword back in its place… For all who draw the terrorist attacks” against Muslims. sword  will die  by  the sword” (Matt 26:52).  To a representative of one of the most powerful empire in This young person had apparently spent a lot of his history, He said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it time online and alone, which was perhaps the cause— were, my servants would fight… My kingdom is from or the result—of the little face-to-face meaningful another place” (Jn 18:36). Finally, He demonstrated how communication he had with others. to respond to those that sinned against Him: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). It is important for young people to develop deep relationships with others from different racial, religious, A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet and cultural and socio-economic groups. These deliberate interact with an Ustaz from a mosque, to learn about interactions will facilitate the reduction in the divides2 his work among the youths attending the mosque between social class, anxiety3 and bias4. and since then we have gone on to become friends. |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

We were able to meet and to develop our “Start children off on the way friendship with weekly meetings because the they should go, leadership in our religious groups encouraged us to continue in the relationship. and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Our leaders themselves also invited each other to attend specially organised (Prov 22:6) outreach community-building events and even religious events (e.g. for iftar during “And he gave the apostles, Ramadan, Holy Communion/baptism during the prophets, the evangelists, church services). We even facilitated the the shepherds and teachers, youths under our care to organise outdoor events so that they could spend time with to equip the saints for the each other, getting to know each other and work of ministry” even sharing our faiths. (Eph 4:12) I would like for our youths to do this “Violence should never be solved with peace”. But violence themselves, but these conversations and will never be solved with violence either. We need to help our relationships are difficult for many to even youths to embody what it means to be the ekklesia—the “the start. In my 12 years of serving in the church called-out ones”—to be a living testimony of Jesus’ gospel to youth ministry, I have noticed that, in every the all the world. It is only when selfless love, like that of Christ, cohort, youths expressed their desire to is lived out in the lives of all, that there will truly be peace. connect deeply with peers and mentors, and the desire to be helpful to others. They wanted to engage others in meaningful ways—not just within their homogenous social groups, but also in groups comprising of people from different racial, religious, cultural and age groups. However, not many have the skills, experience, emotional resilience and motivation—and perhaps opportunity and personality—needed to take the first step, to interact deeply and then continue the conversation. They require elders, leaders and parents who 1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/16-year-old- are willing to model how that can happen, as singaporean-detained-isa-planned-attack-2-mosques-14052400 well as people who will accept them, spend time with them, journey with them, help them 2 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/cnainsider/regardless-class- to create those opportunities, and even to race-religion-survey-singapore-income-divide-10774682 walk them through it. I believe that, this way, we will be able to by God’s grace, reduce—and 3 https://stanford.app.box.com/s/1iupcxgs89yf74fc3nmugoxup6wm19aa perhaps even eliminate—the possibility for self-radicalising among our own youths and, in 4 Manisha Aggarwal-Schifellite, “Unlearning Racial Bias,” The Harvard an indirect way, help the youths in our society. Gazette, 6 Jan 2020, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/01/ tools-to-reverse-implicit-negative-prejudice-in-children 5 All Scripture referred to in this article are from the NIV. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 11

14 METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

World Methodism ¢ Liz Walsh lives in the beautiful North Pennine hills with her husband and two rehomed greyhounds. She is interested in local history and also participates in living history events relating to the 6th to 11th centuries, where she plays musical instruments relevant to the period. Although rheumatoid arthritis precludes her assisting with the sewing, she is delighted to be involved with the Methodist Tapestries Project as its Administrator. / Photos courtesy of the Methodist Tapestries Collection Methodist tapestries collection Methodism’s global story through the medium of needlework Artist transferring sketch to linen with lightbox The first stitches of the project Concept design of one of the panels Built in 1760, High House Chapel in northern England had, Each panel will be 50 x 50 cm square with an image in a 30 until recently, boasted of being the oldest Methodist cm diameter central circle telling a story, accompanied by Chapel in continuous use. Wesley preached there 13 a short text (150 words) detailing the narrative. On receipt times and, at the height of the 18th-century lead-mining of the finished panels, The Weardale Museum will have industry, this small village chapel  had  over 1,000 Sunday them mounted, framed and displayed within the Methodist worshippers. However, in recent years repair costs proved Tapestry Collection in the historic High House Chapel. beyond the budget of the ageing membership, forcing the fellowship to cease worship there in September 2019. We are seeking expressions of interest from Methodist Societies, craft groups and embroiderers who would like to Located high in the North Pennine hills, near to the source take part in this exciting venture. of the River Wear, both the Chapel and a nearby monument that marks the spot where Wesley first preached in the Methodist Tapestry Collection area are nationally protected sites. Fortuitously, or, as many firmly believe, through the will of God, in 1984 the For more information, please contact Weardale Museum was founded in the adjoining former [email protected] preacher’s house. This small, independent folk museum, fb.com/methodisttapestrycollection run entirely by volunteers, has now purchased the chapel and after the renovation will use the building to display Panel subject matter its collections. This will continue mission through heritage • General Methodist history by telling the Methodist story through an exciting and • Local stories of Methodism innovative set of embroideries: a Methodist Tapestry. • Suggestions available on request Taking inspiration from The Bayeux Tapestry, the Quaker Medium and requirements Tapestry and the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, the aim is to • Linen panel (with design applied) and initial set of create a set of embroidered panels telling many of the wonderful stories of Methodism not only from the UK but threads supplied from around the world. • Use any embroidery techniques appropriate for An artist at The Weardale Museum has already designed framed item sketches that tell the story of High House Chapel and • Return to Weardale Museum for framing and display Methodism in Weardale, as a means of explaining the concept to interested parties. The Durham Embroiders Guild Process is creating the local “High House Story” panels, but the aim • Agree subject and design with Tapestry team; advice is to go much further than this. Individuals and groups are invited to take part in providing both well-known and more available throughout obscure Methodist stories from around the world. • Keep and share photographic record • Return to Weardale Museum for framing and display |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 13

Registration at our Columbarium Office (Level 5) Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (Closed on Public Holidays). Tel: 6479 8122 HP: 9670 9935 or Fax: 6479 6960 Email: [email protected]

Home ¢ With the TRAC and CAC ladies during a Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Dr Cheah Fung Fong mission trip to Manila, Philippines, in 2012 Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly Dr Cheah Fung Fong and her family today W hen asked what she would tell her younger self, privilege of reaching out to the kids in the community with Dr Cheah Fung Fong responded: “Love God, and the gospel and rooting them in the Word of God. love your family.” Even after stepping down as the Children’s Ministry co- It is a path she has faithfully walked—not just paid lip ordinator, she continued to serve in ministries involving service to—over her many years of serving God. And she will children and youth. From 1998 to 2011, she was a Board stay the course in the coming years and beyond, after being Member of the Fairfield MC Kindergarten. While she was elected the Vice President of the Trinity Annual Conference advisor to the Youth Ministry between 2003 and 2011, the (TRAC) last November. ministry piloted the Pre-Teens ministry. She also served as the TRAC Board of Children’s Ministry chairperson from 2004 The post of President of the Annual Conference is held by to 2016. She is currently serving as Fairfield MC’s Associate a member of clergy, and Vice President by a lay person. Lay Leader, after an earlier stint from 2007 to 2011. Fung Fong is the first female Vice President of TRAC, the connection of 21 English-speaking churches of The Methodist Church in Singapore. A love for God Fung Fong has been serving at her home church, Fairfield Methodist Church (MC) for decades. Her firm belief in raising up the next generation and families to love God led her to serve in the Youth Ministry for years. In 1995, she took up the position of Children’s Ministry co-ordinator. “I believed that God would equip me as I stepped into a ministry that I had never previously served in, and God indeed did just that. He raised a team of like-minded fellow servants who believed that children are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the disciples of the church today,” she shared. She and her Children’s Ministry team had the On a TRAC crisis relief trip to Pakistan in 2004 |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 15

Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly An evangelistic rally during a mission trip with FFMC Children’s At Fairfield MC’s 73rd anniversary in Jan 2020 Ministry to Cambodia in 2010 A love for people “Our Family, Children and Youth services build the future of the next generation who come from low-income Fung Fong studied Medicine at the National University of families by improving their literacy skills from a young Singapore and practised as a doctor in various postings age and supporting them through their school education with the Ministry of Health and later as a Senior Family through tuition classes in core subjects. We also provide Physician with Raffles Medical Group. workshops for parents to equip them with skills to improve parent-child relationships to build strong and With her passion for helping people, God called her to happy families,” she added. serve the community through Yong-en Care Centre, a social service agency affiliated with Fairfield MC. There, In 2019, Filos was appointed by the Ministry of Culture, she served there as Deputy Executive Director and was Community and Youth, as the Volunteer Centre for Bedok involved in setting up services targeted at dementia and Town. It functions to bring together private and public preventive healthcare for the elderly. She also continued organisations and individuals to care for and serve the on her mission to help young people by working with needs of beneficiaries in the eldercare, children and children and youth, especially in sexuality education and youth, and disability sectors in Bedok Town. with those at risk of dropping out of school. A love for family As a Family Life educator, Fung Fong has spoken extensively to parents in schools and the community. Fung Fong and her husband Christopher were classmates She was invited to be the speaker for the Ministry of in medical school and served together in the Varsity Education’s inaugural COMPASS Speakers Series in 2013. Christian Fellowship. They have three children. John, She often contributes to various media outlets to share 29, is a personal trainer who represented Singapore in advice on families and parenting. weightlifting at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Grace, 27, followed in her parents’ footsteps and is now training She is currently the Executive Director of Filos Community to be a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Esther, Services, which has a mission is “to build resilience and 25, is a diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. empower individuals and families”. She elaborates: “We provide integrated health and social care services Fung Fong has not taken for granted the need to juggle for seniors living in the East (Kembangan, Chai Chee career, ministry commitments and family life. To spend and Kampong Chai Chee). These include Active Ageing time with her children in their formative years, she programmes, Befriending programmes for isolated decided to eschew full-time clinical work—a decision she seniors and Case Management services. We are also has never regretted. the community mental health provider in our location, providing services for persons living with mental disease, Being at home with the children gave her time to coach so that they can better integrate into community living.” them in their schoolwork, and also to play and have recreation. “We tried to carve out time for them to have |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

a day of rest, in a model of the Sabbath rest, but that Different gifts meant holding them accountable for their schoolwork on the other days of the week.” In the Church worldwide, women outnumber men.1 However, the opposite is true of its leadership, where As busy parents, Fung Fong and Christopher found a way women make up a visibly smaller proportion. to spend time together as a family to read God’s Word and pray together on a daily basis during the half-hour car ride But Fung Fong says she has not experienced any to school. Deuteronomy 6:5–7 (NIV) formed the basis for significant prejudice as she served God in leadership their family devotions: roles with the local church and in various Christian organisations which were often male dominated. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. “There was a mutual respect that we had for each other as we served as co-workers, whether male or female, These commandments that I give you today in God’s service,” she said. She takes inspiration from are to be on your hearts. Impress them Huldah, a female prophet described in 2 Kings 22:14– on your children. Talk about them 20: “When King Josiah discovered the Book of the Law when you sit at home and when you during the repair of the temple of the Lord, it was Huldah walk along the road, when you lie down that he sought advice from, not the greater prophets and when you get up.” like Jeremiah. […] Huldah’s modelling encourages me to step up to serve God, when called to do so, with the As the children progressed to teenagerhood, the family gifts and talents that He has blessed me with, for the made a point to re-connect each night and to work through purpose of bringing glory to God.” issues of identity and worldviews during their family prayer as well. Their nightly prayer time continues to this day. Fung Fong is also inspired by the work of the female lay workers—often called “bible women”—from the early “The Bible is very clear in instructing parents to be the days of The Methodist Church in Singapore and Malaya. primary nurturers of faith for the children God has given Despite their minimal training, these women used their them. I need to have that personal relationship with God, ability to speak the vernacular languages and worked reading His Word, loving Him and growing in faith in Him with foreign missionaries such as Sophia Blackmore to myself. I can then lead and teach my children to do so evangelise the locals. too,” she emphasises. “In our times,” she says, “where there is openness and greater opportunities for women to serve God in many kinds of ministry—even in leadership roles, perhaps much more than in previous generations—I would encourage women to look to God and to obey Him as He calls them to rise up to serve and to lead. As Paul teaches: ‘We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement, if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently’ (Rom 12:6–8).” And, in all the ways we serve and do all things, we should “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Representing TRAC Singapore at the 1https://www.pewforum.org/2016/03/22/the-gender-gap-in- TRAC Malaysia session in 2017 religion-around-the-world |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 17

News ¢ Ponseeta Paul is a member of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). / Photos courtesy of the Rev James Nagulan CALM Malaysia brothers and sisters Care and Love Malaysians at the inaugural CALM event 2 020 was a year like never before. So when we entered As the evening drew to an end, the congregation was the year 2021, it was not with the usual hope and joy encouraged to spread the word and invite their Malaysian for the New Year but with panic and uncertainties. friends to come and be blessed through future CALM meetings. Those who had attended were given a bento Among those who faced a very troubling year were our set and a small gift—an EZ-Link card with the contact Malaysian friends in Singapore. Strict measures had led details of the pastors. to borders between Singapore and Malaysia to be closed. Many, without having the privilege of time, had to make Those who had attended the session had a blessed time. tough decisions. One of the participants, Sara, shared, “Please pray for us. We had to leave behind two children ages two and six CALM (Care and Love Malaysians) is a collaborative back in Malaysia in our helper’s care. We miss them so Outreach and Social Concerns initiative by Seletar Tamil much.” Another sister, Shalini, said that God’s promise in Methodist Church and Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street. Deuteronomy 31:8 gave her strength: “It is the LORD who The initiative was birthed through a vision to reach out goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave to our Malaysian neighbours who have stayed behind in you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Singapore during this pandemic. CALM hopes to gather all Malaysian Christians for a time of worship and prayer, Another CALM session was held on 27 Feb 2021 at 7 Tamil provide opportunities for fellowship, and provide help and Methodist Church, Short Street. support where needed. We thank God for His The EZ-Link The initiative kicked off its first session on Saturday 30 Jan faithfulness and for giving card that was 2021 with a one-hour service, which included worship, us the opportunity to share His given to the testimony sharing, a time of prayer, and a short exposition love with our neighbours. attendees, on Matthew 11:25–30: Through the continued efforts of which lists CALM, we hope to serve as a the contacts “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, loving community and further details of the and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and reach out to those around us. pastors learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, If you have Malaysians friends you and you will find rest for your souls.  would like to invite to future sessions, For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” please contact (Matt 11:28-30) the Rev James Nagulan at 8608-7221 We were reminded to look to God at all times despite our or the Rev Vijay Joseph at 8311-3393 circumstances. God’s comfort carries us through tumultuous waves and troubling times. Through the comfort we receive We would like to work towards providing them from God, let us comfort others and draw others closer to with prayer, counselling, jobs, accommodation Jesus’ love. and other areas of support. |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

Welfare Services ¢ By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo courtesy of MWS Persevere in doing good for the vulnerable and needy Suet Ehr (right) “Some volunteers travel long distances weekly to where brings Chinese MWS SAC – GreenTops@Sims Place is located. They also make New Year cheer available themselves when we are short of volunteers. I to Mdm Chan know of a volunteer who is rather elderly and has family commitments, yet she will make time to help out even though she stays at West Coast,” she said. T he circuit breaker to curb the spread of the COVID-19 Suet Ehr is a positive example of a Methodist who perseveres pandemic in 2020 was a period of social isolation. in doing good. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for Many of us could not see our loved ones in person at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give and had to adapt to attending church service online. up.” (Gal 6:9) But Mdm Chan Ah Choo’s situation was far worse than a loss Let us take this season of Lent to rally our family and friends of personal freedom. On top of having to adapt to COVID-19 to bring love and hope to those facing social and emotional measures, Mdm Chan, who is in her early seventies, was poverty, so that they may have life to the full. Although we then the main caretaker of her terminally-ill husband. The may be facing a difficult time ourselves, let us reach deep couple have no children, and external family support was into our hearts to give others a warm and friendly face, also limited. Due to her injured shoulder and leg, caring for heartfelt camaraderie and caring fellowship to tide them her bedridden husband was an immense challenge. Mdm through tough times. Let us be the friend they need now. Chan was also frustrated by her difficulty in obtaining basic essentials like food and toiletries during the circuit breaker. The Giving Methodist invites you to be a When her husband passed away in Aug 2020, the grief she friend and more had to deal with made her extremely vulnerable. In the spirit of helping those like Mdm Chan, we invite MWS Senior Activity Centre – GreenTops@Sims Place you to join MWS’s Persevere in Doing Good campaign by (MWS SAC – GreenTops@Sims Place) staff Lee Oi Wei and reaching out and befriending those who are isolated and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) volunteer Teo Suet Ehr distressed, for a period of six to 12 months. subsequently befriended Mdm Chan. She was initially shy and reserved, but the MWS befrienders helped Mdm Chan MWS will connect you with socially isolated seniors, emerge from her shell by regularly visiting her home and disadvantaged and distressed families and individuals, they have since become her welcome companions. The and disadvantaged children in need of meaningful, longer- MWS befrienders also encouraged Mdm Chan to attend term friendships, advice and emotional support to guide activities and make friends at the SAC, as well as use the them through the struggles in their lives. gym to improve her physical health. Join the Persevere in Doing Good Suet Ehr, who worships at Geylang Chinese Methodist campaign in these 3 ways: Church, sees volunteering as a Biblical commandment to serve and bless those in need. She is further motivated by Give Time the faithfulness of MWS volunteers, which serve as constant Be a Befriender to a child, a senior or a family in need. encouragement in her volunteering journey. Give A Donation Empower over 8,000 disadvantaged and distressed individuals and families. Give Voice Encourage someone to give. Pray for the last, lost and least. To sign up as a befriender and find out more about the campaign, go to https://thegivingmethodist.sg or scan the QR code. If you have any other enquiries, please email [email protected].

Missions ¢ Juliette Arulrajah is the MMS Area Director for Cambodia and Laos. She is also the Chairperson of the MMS Training Committee. / Photos courtesy of MMS Kids Missions Adventures Dreams & Discoveries! Thav Veasna (right) sharing about COSI, the children’s home in Cambodia where he grew up Facilitator Cindy Ho shares about Timor Leste, one of MMS’s mission fields “Dream from young to discover how KMA kicked off with creative investigative icebreakers God is calling us!” excitedly shared a Lower and worship led by children from Grace Methodist Church. The children were then prepared to go on their own Primary participant in Kids Missions Adventures (KMA) mission adventures with the stirring “live” testimony of after “travelling” to Timor-Leste on the zoom digital Thav Veasna. Veasna grew up at COSI (a children’s home) platform and “interacting” with Rita, a young student in Cambodia, met Jesus, saw first-hand God’s intervention at St Paul Methodist School. Rita has a dream to in his life and that of his family (including the miraculous make a difference in her community by becoming an healing of his terminally ill mother), his graduation to educator and is currently taking little practical steps to fulfil his dream of becoming a civil engineer, and then fulfil that dream. hearing God’s call to serve as a Methodist pastor in Cambodia for which God led him to Singapore and Trinity In response to how God was calling us to reach out to Theological College, where he is currently studying. children during the year-end school holidays, KMA was organised by the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) in “My daughter had such an interesting and fun-filled time partnership with the Boards of Missions of the Chinese with the other 10 children in her breakout group,” said a Annual Conference (CAC), Emmanuel Tamil Annua mother after the event. Working in pairs, 72 facilitators Conference (ETAC) and Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), (aged between 20 and 70 from different churches) as well as the CAC Board of Family Life and TRAC Board provided a meaningful God-centred time for the children in of Children Ministry. their breakout groups. In these small groups, the children shared their impressions about life in other nations as A first for Singapore Methodists, KMA was an engaging well as how this impacted them, prayed, learnt a Nepali and hands-on programme where 321 children (170 in song, and penned encouragement notes to a missionary Lower Primary and 151 in Upper Primary) from the 46 of their choice or to someone of a different culture. churches of our three Annual Conferences had mission adventures in three different countries (Cambodia, Sharing their “takeaways” readily and joyously after their Nepal and Timor-Leste), moving seamlessly from one to return from the breakout sessions, the children were another from 10 a.m. to noon on 14 Nov 2020. |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

Encouragement and well-wishes the children at KMA sent to Veasna after the event inspired collectively by a short video to go, share, pray and “Show me your ways, give. After this came a spiritually empowering time when Lord, teach me your paths. they committed themselves afresh to Jesus, covenanted with God to try to discover and follow His dream for their Guide me in your truth lives even as they were commissioned to go forth in the and teach me, Wesleyan fashion as the world is our parish. for you are God my Savior, Indeed, God moved far beyond our expectations and and my hope is in you imaginations! Many facilitators shared how they were all day long.” blessed by the children’s passion and insights even as they themselves learnt new things about missions and Psalm 25:4–5 made friends with facilitators from different churches and Annual Conferences. When they received the post- |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 21 event follow-up materials for their children, parents shared that their children had a positive experience at KMA! Veasna was touched by the encouragement and well wishes he received through photos of the children’s messages sent by some facilitators via WhatsApp and several the children themselves mailed to him. In addition, Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church WSCS was spurred further into missions caring and giving. Barker Road Methodist Church also ran a contextualised adapted KMA with MMS resources just before Christmas 2020 for their Primary Sunday School, again with positive outcomes.

You & Your Family ¢ Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. Change, obsession and keeping up I am not sure when it happened. Neither do I know physical body knows it is not so. But what about other how it happened. What I do know is its signs. What I aspects of our lives like the cognitive and emotional? am referring to is losing the fight with change. Do they “age” at the same rate and manner? There are also those who are so ready to embrace stagnation that It began with a feeling and then the realisation that they may actually age faster. “Use it or lose it” we are I was having difficulty keeping up with change. reminded. An earlier-than-useful resignation to the Following this realisation was resignation and a slow process of aging may lead us to reject trying new ideas disengagement, at least in certain aspects of life. For and things with the excuse that we are “old already”. example, after being hounded to adopt a paperless So, my suggestion is to adopt an attitude that is open mode of staying in touch with my bank account, I tried to change and resist the urge to age before our time. several times to set up a e-banking. But after several When it comes, it comes; we need not rush toward it. failed attempts, coupled with much frustration, I gave up. Secondly, quit whining. The “good old days” are gone, Change, we are often told, is a constant. In order to so comparing the present with the past is futile. As progress—nay, survive—in the modern world, we must adapt believers, we should stop comparing and complaining and change. Swim with the tide of change; or be engulfed. because we have the hope of a much brighter future with incorruptible bodies that will neither age nor tire. It seems that there are two slopes on the trajectory of change. We are either on the upward incline, moving The third suggestion is to trust not so much in the up the change curve, or on the downward decline. constancy of change or on our ability to keep up with it. Emotionally, we may either feel anxious about keeping Instead, view change through the lens of God as sovereign up or setting the pace of change, or be sad about losing over all. If God, in His infinite wisdom, deems fit for us the familiar and fearful about being able to cope. to keep up with some changes, so be it. And if some changes pass us by, we need not be anxious because What should our attitude towards change be? Let me our dependency is on Him. He knows exactly what needs make a few suggestions for consideration. updating, replacing and improving and what does not. Firstly, we can embrace change and innovation. This As we prepare for the season of Lent, let us reflect if we mindset works on the premise that we can continually should surrender to Him our obsessions or anxiety about adapt and grow, and there is no upper limit to growth. keeping up with change. Now, the sceptic in me reminds me that with age, my |22 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

Hymns & Songs ¢ Amelia Leo is a programmes executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. As a new mother of one, she is still learning what sacrifice means. Meekness and Majesty 2 020 was a year in which many of us had to give up many Meekness & Majesty things. Families and friends gave up holiday plans, birthday parties, weddings and graduation ceremonies. Whole industries Meekness and majesty, ground to a halt and many had to give up their jobs for new ones, if manhood and deity any. Workers gave up their usual work schedules, and students their in perfect harmony— timetables. Churches could no longer hold their weekly gatherings and the Man who is God. church camps in the same way. Lord of eternity dwells in humanity, Amidst a time of great disorientation, giving up something in Lent kneels in humility to honour God might be the last thing on our minds. One might be and washes our feet. tempted to avoid broaching the subject with God altogether. “Give up? Sacrifice? Haven’t I already given up so much in the past year? I would O what a mystery— really like to have a break from having to sacrifice.” meekness and majesty! Bow down and worship, Scripture does have a word for us in times like these. The journey of for this is your God! every disciple ought to be marked by sacrifice; this path is laid down This is your God! by none other than Jesus Himself, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but Father ’s pure radiance, emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the perfect in innocence, likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself yet learns obedience by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” to death on a cross. (Phil 2:6–8). Suffering to give us life, conquering through sacrifice. Notice the fourfold magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice—from God to servant, And as they crucify servant to man; and as man, he suffered, and then he died—not just in prays “Father forgive”. an ordinary way—but violently and most painfully on the cross. How is it that, as the song by Graham Kendrick says, the Lord of infinity would Wisdom unsearchable, stoop so low to lift us up to the heights of his throne? One can only God the invisible, conclude with Kendrick in the chorus—“O what a mystery!”—and bow love indestructible down and worship God. in frailty appears. Lord of infinity, Perhaps the tumult of the past year has revealed what you had stooping so tenderly, unknowingly placed above Jesus, and hence what you need to give up lifts our humanity for this season. Or maybe you are doubting God’s presence with you to the heights of His throne. as you sacrifice your work for your family, your personal time for your children, and your own plans for others’ sake. Whatever your situation, Words and Music: Graham Kendrick (1986) remember Jesus’ sacrifice. He is surely with you as you make sacrifice after sacrifice in honour of Him. Copyright © 2003 Thankyou Music (PRS) (adm. worldwide at CapitolCMGPublishing.com excluding Europe which is adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family. [email protected]) All rights reserved. Used by permission. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 23

Soundings ¢ Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg). A lenten prayer O ne of the most beloved fathers of the early O Lord and Master of my life! Church is St Ephrem the Syrian. Born in the Take from me the spirit of sloth, city of Nisibis (Turkey) in approximately Faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. AD 306, Ephrem was a deacon and a hermit who But give rather the spirit of chastity, made enduring contributions to the theology humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. and spirituality of the Christian East. Yea, O Lord and King! His voluminous writings include theological Grant me to see my own errors treatises, spiritual works and commentaries on and not judge my brother; the entire Bible. But Ephrem also composed For Thou are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen. some of the most profound theological poetry for the Church, the most famous of which is arguably this Lenten Prayer. “Serving families for a decade and more...” 24-HR HOTLINES PAUL & DANIEL +65 8321 3355 TOLL-FREE 1800-777-2422 www.AmazingGraceFunerals.com Amazing Grace has prepared these few measures to allow families to have a meaningful and dignified farewell for their loved ones: A. Online Ticketing Complimentary online ticketing system to allow visitors to reserve a visiting time slot and plan their visits, allowing families to keep within the regulated maximum number of persons at any one time with minimal coordination. B. Online Memorial allows friends to find updated information and offer their sympathies to bereaved families C. Live Streaming this option is available to enable friends and families to participate in the wake/vigil and funeral services online D. Donations families may appoint a PayNow account of a family member to receive donations. This will be posted on the online memorial. Christian Funeral Packages • International Repatriation • Pre-Planning Seminars

In this prayer, the venerable father (i.e. a sainted monk), as The lust for power is thus a form of spiritual depravity, a he is called, whose feast day is celebrated in the Orthodox blinding and toxic self-centredness. The lust for power is world on 28 January, asks God to take away and to give. blinding because it misleads us into thinking of ourselves as the absolute centre of the world. It is toxic because it Ephrem asks God to remove four vices from his life, the causes us to treat others with utter disrespect, and even first of which is “the spirit of sloth”. Here sloth does not with contempt. refer to the moments of laziness that all of us—if we are honest with ourselves—experience occasionally. The final vice in Ephrem’s prayer is idle talk. Sloth is a spiritual disease, a condition of the heart and In all of God’s creation, only the creatures that have been the soul. It is a kind of disinterested lethargy that robs given the privilege of bearing the image of their Creator the believer of spiritual vitality and purpose. Sloth is the have the gift of speech. Like freedom, speech may be absence of genuine motivation to love God and serve regarded as one of the most exalted gifts that we have Him. It makes the life of the Christian one tremendous received from God. But it is for this very reason also the spiritual waste. most dangerous. Sloth leads to the next vice we find in Ephrem’s If the attendant danger in freedom is rebellion, the prayer: faintheartedness. Faintheartedness is spiritual attendant danger in speech is blasphemy. The spoken despondency—an infirmity of resolve and a lack of courage. word can be the means of human self-fulfilment. But it can also be the means of self-destruction. The spoken The spiritual writers of the Church down the centuries word can inspire and save. But it can also deceive and kill. consider despondency as a great danger to the soul. It robs the Christian of the theological realism that After dealing with the four vices, Ephrem turns his acknowledges the saving presence of the sovereign God attention to the virtues: chastity (self-control), humility, in this fractured world. patience and love, which is the crown and the fruit of all the virtues. In short, faintheartedness is a symptom of unbelief. That is why some theologians in the Christian East describe it Space does not allow us to discuss these virtues. Suffice as nothing less than the suicide of the soul. to say that Lent for Ephrem is not just about “putting off” the old nature; it is also about “putting on” Christ (Rom Sloth and faintheartedness together bring about the lust 13:14; Col 3). for power. In other words, these spiritual diseases pervert the heart, causing it to nurture a depraved and destructive The saint ends his prayer with this petition: “Grant me kind of love that the ancient spiritual writers call lust. to see my own errors and not to judge my brother.” This prayer safeguards the petitioner from pride, which, according to ancient theologians is the most a subtle and insidious sin. May Ephrem’s prayer accompany us throughout this season of Lent! May its words urge us to examine our lives and repent of our sinful ways. And may this ancient Lenten Prayer draw us ever deeper into the holy love of God. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 25

TRAC Bible Matters ¢ The Rev Anthony Lee has been a TRAC pastor since 2009 and is currently serving as as Pastor-in charge at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church. Pastor Anthony loves wrestling with God in the pages of Scripture, with the help of other saints of course. Should we take numbers in Revelation literally? Are there only 144,000 saints? COVID-19, for all its menace, Verses 5–8 then list 12,000 from each and before the elders. No one could learn serendipitously uncovered the of the 12 tribes (Judah, Reuben, Gad, that song except the 144,000 who had presence of South Korean cult Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, been redeemed from the earth. It is these Shincheonji in Singapore.1 Shincheonji Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin) who have not defiled themselves with proclaims its founder Lee Man-hee has to total 144,000. women, for they are virgins. It is these donned the mantle of Jesus Christ and will who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. take 144,000 people with him to heaven Firstly, if the passage is to be taken These have been redeemed from mankind on the day of judgement. Rather ironically, literally, may I humbly enquire where as firstfruits for God and the Lamb, and in it reached a point when Shincheonji the four corners of the earth are located? their mouth no lie was found, for they are members exceeded the available places. Sure, I acknowledge the discovery that blameless. (Rev 14:1–5) As a result, members are made to vie for the earth is a sphere was long after God’s a slot and pursue converts to earn their revelation to John but surely a God who Putting aside the scholarly dispute rightful place among the 144,000.2 knows all could well have revealed a whether the 144,000 here are the same different reality to John? Rather—and this as the 144,000 listed in 7:4, we must If only Shincheonji’s members knew that is how I believe God worked in inspiring not miss the difficulty presented here. the 144,000 in Revelation is not to be Scripture—I believe God chose to work If the 144,000 is taken literally, only taken literally and being counted among with John’s understanding of a flat earth men who are virgins are included! Oops, the number is not the main purpose of and the “four corners” was never meant a thousand apologies to women and John’s Revelation. to be understood literally. married men (including those among Shincheonji adherents)! Revelation 7:4 Secondly, if taken literally, the 12 tribes include only the sons of Israel. That means Genre of Revelation— To see why we cannot read the numbers you and I are NOT included. And neither Apocalyptic literature in Revelation literally, let us look at Rev are the adherents of Shincheonji. 7:4 and its immediate context. Since rightly interpreting Scripture is Revelation 14 of utmost importance, every believer After this I saw four angels standing at needs to understand that sound biblical the four corners of the earth, holding back Our hope of being included as God’s interpretation begins with identifying the four winds of the earth, that no wind redeemed people is not the driving force and respecting the genre of the book. might blow on earth or sea or against any behind why we cannot read the 144,000 tree.  Then I saw another angel ascending literally. Let’s look at Revelation 14, where According to renowned New Testament from the rising of the sun, with the seal there is another mention of the 144,000: scholar Richard Bauckham, Revelation of the living God, and he called with a contains three genres of literature— loud voice to the four angels who had Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion apocalyptic, prophecy and letter.3 been given power to harm earth and sea, stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea who had his name and his Father’s name Since the verses that mention 144,000 or the trees, until we have sealed the written on their foreheads. And I heard a occur in what scholars regard to be the servants of our God on their foreheads.” voice from heaven like the roar of many apocalyptic sections of Revelation, we waters and like the sound of loud thunder. will concern ourselves here primarily And I heard the number of the sealed, The voice I heard was like the sound of with apocalyptic literature, a genre 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the harpists playing on their harps, and they most of us are unfamiliar with. Symbolic sons of Israel: were singing a new song before the language is the chief characteristic of throne and before the four living creatures apocalyptic literature. |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021

The Use of Symbols Returning to Revelation 7:4 the sacrificial death of all faithful and 14:1 followers of the Lamb.6 One helpful way to understand how symbols are important and point towards How then should the symbolic figure of Seen in that light, the virginity of the a larger reality is to imagine yourself 144,000 be interpreted? 144,000 is a symbolic metaphor for in a foreign country where you have absolute faithfulness to God. It does absolutely no way to communicate with While some have tried to resolve the not mean literal sexual asceticism, but the locals except by signs and symbols. literal problem by seeing the 144,000 points towards purity of heart to be How would you communicate that you as a special class of God’s people, I willing to die for Jesus our Lord. want to eat, for instance? Most of us believe a far likelier interpretation is would put our fingers together and that 144,000 means a combination John is inviting his readers to be bring our hand to our mouth, right? This of the twelve tribes of Israel and numbered amongst the 144,000 who simple hand-to-mouth action is a symbol the twelve disciples. This number represent all God’s faithful people— of our desire for food. In a similar— encompasses both Old and New past and present—who respond rightly but far more complex way, because Testament believers. After all, 12 x through sacrificial obedience—even God is completely otherworldly—God 12 = 144. The number 1000 signifies death on a cross (Phil 2:8), completely communicates His intentions and a large number of completeness.5 single-minded and unafraid because desires to us using symbols familiar to This is confirmed by Rev 7:9–10 which they are confident of a far greater reality. us humans. (Unfortunately, while the describes a great multitude that no symbols in Revelation are familiar to one could number (not only 144,000) Conclusion John and his original readers, they are from every nation, from all tribes and largely lost to modern readers. This huge peoples and languages. As Richard Bauckham rightly asserts, gap of time, culture, and context is why Revelation offers not so much an Revelation is so difficult for many of us!) The 144,000, then, points towards the esoteric and encoded forecast of future fullness of God’s people—after all, we events but rather a theocentric vision of Another helpful way to understand the are all God’s sons (and daughters) as the coming of God’s universal kingdom, reason for apocalyptic literature is to the spiritual and eternal Israel. contextualised in the late first-century imagine yourself in a war context. How world dominated by Roman power and would you communicate to your own Symbols demand a response ideology. The 144,000 symbolically troops without revealing your game plan refers to all faithful believers, past to your enemies? I recall learning several What I wish to emphasise from Rev 7:4 and present, who accept God’s call to hand signals during my National Service and 14:1–5, however, is not the 144,000 confront the political idolatries of the days. Raising my hand in a closed fist but the descriptions of these believers. time and to participate in God’s purpose position, for example, signalled stopping in Knowing a symbol does not mean one of gathering all the nations into His our tracks and dropping down on one knee would naturally obey it. I may see my kingdom by being completely resolute.7 to prepare to engage enemy fire. platoon sergeant raise a closed fist but may choose to keep walking on (to The views expressed in this article are Revelation has both these dimensions my own detriment of course). The true personal and may not reflect the official of pointing towards a larger reality test of one’s correct understanding of a position of The Methodist Church in Singapore. without being too explicit. For example, symbol is an appropriate response. This version of the article has been edited for in chapter 17, John shares his vision brevity. The full article can be found at http:// of a woman. At first glance, she might In the case of 144,000, as Rev 14:4 www.trac-mcs.org.sg/index.php/resources/ seem to be a goddess of Rome, in all reveals, these believers are described bible-matters?layout=edit&id=265. her glory, a stunning personification as those who follow the Lamb wherever of the civilisation of Rome, as she was He goes. 1https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ worshipped in many a temple in the news/singapore/shincheonji-south- cities of Asia. But as John sees her from Question: Where did the Lamb go? korea-singapore-covid19-investigate- God’s point of view, she is a Roman Answer: The Lamb of God went to the cross. mha-12480918 prostitute, a seductive whore and a 2https://www.thejakartapost.com/ scheming witch. For good measure there Consequently, to “follow the Lamb news/2020/02/27/shincheonji-the- are biblical overtones of the harlot queen wherever He goes” marks (pun intended) secretive-sect-in-south-korean-virus- Jezebel to reinforce the impression. In this a Christian’s willingness to suffer and outbreak.html way, John’s readers are able to perceive die as a consequence of faithfulness to 3Richard Bauckham, The Theology of something of Rome’s true character—her God and the Lamb. Christians who have the Book of Revelation, New Testament moral corruption behind the enticing given their allegiance to God and are Theology, ed. D. G. Dunn (Cambridge propagandist illusions of Rome which consequently symbolically and indelibly University Press, Cambridge: UK, 1993), 2. they constantly encountered in their marked on their foreheads with the 4Ibid., 17–18. cities.4 Yet, the word “Rome” is never name of God and of the Lamb. Just as 5David E. Aune, Apocalyptism, Prophecy, used in the entire Book of Revelation. Jesus was “blameless” and yet crucified, and Magic in Early Christianity (Baker so too being “blameless” really means Academic, Grand Rapids: MI, 2008), 72. 6Ibid., 77. 7Bauckham, 2. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021 27

News ¢ Annalisa Daniel is a Christian Ministry Staff at Anglo-Chinese Junior College and a member of Ang Mo Kio Tamil Methodist Church. What does being a Methodist mean to you? Love God and love your neighbour (Matt 22:36–40) T his is the greatest commandment as laid out by Jesus. It is through The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) that I have grown to understand and am learning to live out this commandment as a disciple of Christ. I grew up in a Methodist church and was also brought up in Methodist schools—it was where I grew in my desire to know God. It was where my faith was shaped by the Christian values instilled in me. It was where I discerned God’s calling for me, leading me to study at Trinity Theological College and now serve as a Christian Ministry Staff. It was through the connectionalism of The Methodist Church, seen in the Aldersgate celebration services and other combined church events, that I was discipled in God’s Word and built friendships with others from the Methodist family. I came to recognise that despite our being from different annual conferences, we are one big family and play an important role in nurturing the next generation. MCS is also where I grew to love my neighbours through social action and evangelism in various ministries, from schools to homes for the elderly. MCS plays an important part in society and we have been given this platform to serve the needs of our neighbours. Being a Methodist means being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ where we, as one big family, obey His commandment of loving God and serving our neighbours together.

Looking Ahead ¢ Scan to see events online! MARCH A LENTEN JOURNEY 2021 12 Mar 2021 (Friday), 8 p.m. “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”—An Evening of Lenten Song and Meditation 19 Mar 2021 (Friday), 8 p.m. “Being in the Kingdom of God” Live online via ZOOM Register at tinyurl.com/lent2021 (ZOOM links will be emailed separately) 6767-5258 Lent is a season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate Good Friday and Easter. Come be a part of a series of online events comprising of webinars and a worship service that have been specially planned to help you make your heart ready for remembering Jesus’ passion and celebrating His resurrection. Organised by Methodist School of Music MARCH ETHOS CONVERSATION 2021: RELIGION AND POLITICS IN SINGAPORE 20 Mar 2021 (Saturday) 9.45 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. Bible House (7 Armenian St, Singapore 179932) if situation permits or via ZOOM as an alternative Attendance is free. Registration is required. Love offering will be collected. Register at ethosinstitute.sg/conversation2021 6304-3765 In 2018, the government made some amendments to the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (MRHA), a Singapore statute which was enacted by the Parliament on 9 Nov 1990. What are these amendments and how will they impact the ministry and mission of the churches in Singapore? What is the relationship between religion and politics in Singapore as set out by the MRHA? Does the separation of religion and politics imply that the Church has no role in public debates and that religious leaders have no right to comment on societal issues? Organised by ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity MARCH EQUIP COURSE: FAITH AND WORK–WORKPLACE THEOLOGY 23, 30 Mar / 6, 13, 20, 27 Apr / 4 May 2021 (Tuesdays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Via ZOOM Please register online via TTC website at www.ttc.edu.sg $100 (Fee waived for TTC Alumni) We spend the most healthy and energetic part of our lives working. Yet we seldom reflect on the significance of faith in our work. What does the Bible have to say about work? How can we affirm that the whole people of God are serving in “full time” ministry Monday to Friday, and often Saturday as well? Starting with the definition of work as “purposeful activity, whether manual or mental or both, whether remunerated or not” we will explore both the biblical basis of a theology of work and then wrestle with the contextual implications. Having a theology of work is critical both for those people engaged in a societal occupation and also for pastors, whose primary challenge of equipping the saints includes empowering people for the primary arena of their service to God in the world. Organised by EQUIP JULY D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2021 30 to 31 July 2021 (Friday and Saturday) Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, S(149604) d6family.sg fb.com/d6familysg [email protected] 6304-5286 D6 is based on the principles of Deuteronomy 6 and it urges the church and home to work together to implement generational discipleship within the churches, homes and families. The objective of D6 Conference is for the attendees to understand how they can best apply the principles of Deuteronomy 6 in their lives in order to pass on a spiritual legacy for future generations. The D6 Conference 2021 is a place where parents, pastors, church and ministry leaders can look to be equipped with practical next steps and strategies in discipling the next generation. Organised by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship

THINK ¢ Christopher Goh was a student of ecclesiastical history at the University of Cambridge and, when not watching Fulham FC, is pursuing a Masters at Tel Aviv University. He worships at Bedok Methodist Church. Radical christianity in singapore T he arrest of a 16-year-old Protestant we agree with the finer theological love not only our neighbours but also Christian for planning a terrorist points of die-hard pacifists, we must our enemies, to forgive them not seven attack has sparked conversations acknowledge that radical Christianity is times but 70 times seven; to seek first about religious radicalisation in also a force for peace and justice. the Kingdom of God; to seek justice, Singapore. The overwhelming narrative love mercy, and walk humbly; and is that religious radicalism is bad and “Moderate” Christianity, a Christianity to love the Lord our God with all our should be avoided. that hangs back and does not challenge hearts. It calls us to submit to the ruling society into change, can be just as authorities while also obeying God However, Christianity is an innately complicit in violence as religious over man. It is incredibly difficult for a radical faith. To be radical means to extremism. Moderate and mainstream Christian to live these out, especially in push for fundamental changes in the Christianity did not argue against the a secularising society. status quo. It is impossible to adhere brutal Atlantic slave trade and was to biblical teachings without being complicit in it. The moderate Christianity Radical Christianity is uncomfortable for radical. As Singaporean Christians, how of the established Anglican Church even people in power and for the privileged, then do we reconcile the call to be encouraged colonial expansion. and even for many in the institutional radical in a nation-state that seems to Church, because it would be easier for abhor radicalism? “Moderate” Christianity is at odds with a camel to pass through the eye of a what we are called to do—to leave needle than for them to abandon their “Radical religion”, as used in public behind our old lives and follow Jesus. earthly positions in order to enter the discourse in Singapore, refers to violent Jesus did not shy away from radical Kingdom of God. It is uncomfortable extremists, such as Islamic jihadists and change. He often contradicted the because it calls for a reimagining far-right Christian nationalists. However, status quo and shook the foundations of the comfortable status quo and a to view all religious radicalism as violent of society, leading to opposition from fundamental reform of society. reflects a narrow understanding of it. both ends of the religious-political spectrum, from the “conservative” We must not let the discourse following Radical Christians have often been radical Hebraic Pharisees to the “liberal” the afore-mentioned incident affect to the point of dogmatic pacifism—many Hellenistic Sadducees. His ministry was our pursuit of a radical Christian life. I conscientious objectors who refused a radical reimagining of the way God’s would argue that the answer to religious to take up arms in the World Wars did Kingdom would appear on earth. Until violence would be for Christians to so because their radical Christian faith Jesus comes again, the status quo will be more radical. Embracing a radical made them reject all killing as murder. always be imperfect, and Christians Christian faith means understanding At other points in history, it has been should never be satisfied with leaving that earthly violence, which leans on radical Christians (including many it unchanged. Christ called Christians, our own strength and understanding, known in Britain as “nonconformists” having been born again by water and is rarely the solution for metaphysical or “dissenters”, such as Wesley himself) the Spirit, to go forth into the world as issues. Christians cannot be cowed into who were at the forefront of movements transformed and transforming people. being less “radical” just because of to dismantle systems of structural how it is used and misunderstood as a violence. Spurred on by his evangelical In Romans, Paul exhorts us not to “dirty word” in our national discourse. faith, William Wilberforce worked to conform to this world, but to be We are called to a radical faith to bring abolish slavery, and likewise for many transformed by the renewing of our the transformative power of the Gospel anti-apartheid activists. Whether or not minds. Radical Christianity calls us to into all the earth. |30 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2021