Methodist Message: Nov 2021

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 027/11/2020 THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 123 No 11 NOVEMBER 2021 MISSIONS

Contents 1 Bishop’s Message Methodist Message 2 Events—Coming Up 3 Church life—CAC Highlights needs your help! Do you have a way 6 News—MSM Conversations with words? Can you draw—on paper 9 Church Life—Bedok MC’s Food Blessing Project or in digital media? Can you design? Do 10 Church Life—Prison Fellowship Singapore you like writing? Do you take photos? 12 News—Bishop Dr Wong at the SCGM Annual Lecture 2021 13 People—Daniel Loo We’re looking for volunteers! 16 People—Lyndon Gan 18 Reach Out—Missions Writers: to help cover events, write book 22 Reach Out—Welfare Services reviews / poems / any other article 26 Relationships—You & Your family 27 Hymns & Songs contributions Sub-editors: to edit articles 28 Opinion—Soundings Proofreaders: to help check out layouts 31 What does being a Methodist mean to you? Photographers: to contribute photos of events 32 Opinion—THINK they have attended Illustrators: to draw 34 Looking Ahead comics / infographics / anything else that might be inspiring If you have these skills, or any others that might make MM a better read, contact us! newmm@methodist.org.sg 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 newmm@methodist.org.sg 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 newmm@methodist.org.sg 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. Partners in mission “Your mission, should you choose to accept it …” Not every local church has the budget to finance a missionary, but other churches do. And if we partner with When someone said “mission”, I used to imagine holy one another, we together contribute to the wonderful work hat-wearing humans in hot and humid huts, preaching the of the Gospel. happy Gospel of God’s love. MMS would love to partner with you, and help you partner But, as our Methodist Missions Society (MMS) reminds us, with other churches. Whether you are a local church, or an everyone can be involved in God’s holy Mission. Here’s what individual, there are many different possible ways in which I wrote on the theme of everyone being a partner in Mission, we can be partners in the wonderful mission of sharing the which first appeared in MMS’s Harvest Force magazine Good News of God’s love in Christ Jesus. Please get in touch earlier this year. with MMS and explore these many different possibilities. The missionary apostle Paul begins his letter to the disciples I was asked recently to define my understanding of success in Philippi by thanking God for their “partnership in the in ministry. Let me offer you an answer from Edward Hale gospel” (Phil 1:5 NIV). Every one of us can be partners in again. “Together—one of the most inspiring words in the God’s Mission of sharing the Good News. English language. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. When we think about the problems that confront us, and Working together is success. our world, it is easy to lose heart and give up. We become Let’s choose to accept the Mission to Love God By Loving Our paralyzed by despair. We might think, “What’s the use? I Neighbours, and let’s do it together. Amen. am only one person in a world of seven billion. Even if I try to do something, it won’t change anything.” I confess I feel like that very often. But Max Lucado’s paraphrase of clergyman Edward Everett Hale’s exhortation spurs me on: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” That is the beauty and power of partnership. I may be only one Pastor Tharwin (left) and Pastor Pisut (right) baptising a member person, but if I partner with you, we are more than one. If we from the preaching point of Santi Methodist Church at Mae Pun each do what little we can, we can do much more together. Not Lang Village. Kampong Kapor MC is one of the churches that has all of us have the aptitude or availability to be a missionary in a partnered with MMS to plant churches, and support education and foreign country. But some of us do. And each of us can partner community projects in foreign mission fields with those who are able to go out as missionaries. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 1

Events ¢ Coming Up ANGEL TREE RUN S THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECONCIL HELP US GIVE INMATE E WITH LOVED ONES! Journey Together with Us! Your donation empowers our beneficiaries towards positive change. For every 7 km individual run registration, a 2nd run registration will be matched by us to gift and uplift an Angel Tree beneficiary. You can also select a team to run together for the 70 km team event; or the 490 km team challenge! To get updates when the Angel Tree Run launches, do follow the PFS Facebook page by scanning the QR Code or visiting https://www.facebook.com/PrisonFellowshipSingapore/. For more information, please contact 70x7 via https://www.70x7.sg/find-us. #JourneyTogether

Church Life ¢ CAC Highlights By the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photo and graphics courtesy of the CAC Communications Team, BoYM and BoSM Affected but adapting, limited but learning LOVE EXCELLING (CHRISTIAN PERFECTION) Board of Youth Ministry Methodist Young Leaders’ Conference 2021 18–19 June 2021 T he CAC Board of Youth Ministry (BoYM) Methodist Young Leaders’ Conference (MYLC) 2021 was held online from 18­ to 19 June this year. Participants gathered on Zoom and joined in on this conference from their homes. Organised annually by the CAC BoYM, MYLC aims to gather and build up young leaders across our various CAC Churches. After being put on hold for the year 2020 due to Covid-19, MYLC 2021 returned with speaker Rev Wilfred Leow sharing on the theme, “Love Excelling (Christian Perfection)”. Together, a total of 167 attendees from 16 different CAC churches explored the spiritual life journey of John Wesley, the idea of Christian perfection and its biblical foundations. We hear from those who attended MYLC 2021 on how this year’s conference went for them. Pr Gareth Yeo, Grace MC (Mentor at MYLC 2021) God has been real to each of their lives. The same God is working and impacting them differently. I had the “This surely won’t be very impactful.” That’s what I opportunity to be used by God—to speak into their thought when I knew that MYLC 2021 was going lives and encourage them to pursue the God I knew to happen, but entirely on Zoom. I carried little loved them deeply. Yes, it was less than ideal and not expectations but tried to do my best as a mentor. I as impactful as an in-person conference, but it was thought through the games, did nonetheless an opportunity to see God at work—even some reading up on Christian during the pandemic through digital platforms. perfection, prayed for my group members the day before, and Elena Yeo, Telok Ayer CMC (MYLC 2021 participant) wrote digital cards for them. Oh how good it is, when the family of God As expected, the relationships between group Dwells together in spirit, in faith and unity. members did not grow deep over the one-and-a- Where the bonds of peace, of acceptance and love half days. However, group sharings were honest Are the fruit of His presence here among us. and vulnerable, and their So with one voice we’ll sing to the Lord responses to the theme And with one heart we’ll live out His word talks earnest. I could sense Till the whole earth sees, the Redeemer has come a kindling of the group For He dwells in the presence of His people. members’ sincere desire to grow the fruit of the Spirit, —“Oh, How Good It Is” by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Russ and pursue lives filled with Holmes & Stuart Townend Christ’s love. Copyright © 2014 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) Parakeet What I found most meaningful Boots Music & Townend Songs when serving as a mentor was the chance to hear how |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 3

Affected but adapting, limited but learning MYLC 2021 took a new LET US SING HIS PRAISE turn as we moved online. Some perks from this Board of Senior Ministry 33rd Anniversary year’s conference include Thanksgiving Celebration having an ever-active 7 Aug 2021 and humorous chat that ran on the side; seeing T he Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Board our youths and young of Senior Ministry (BoSM) held their 33rd adults turn up punctually Anniversary Celebration “Let Us All Sing His for each segment (we did not have to wait for the lift this Praise” on 7 Aug 2021. Board Chair Rev Dr David Koh time!); being able to see everyone’s faces in the group kicked off the online event as he welcomed the many photo, and having our unique MYLC culture hold true seniors who have come from various CAC churches. even though we were all online. The committee thanks everyone for their active and committed participation, President Rev Dr Gregory Goh greeted BoSM with well and we pray that relationships will continue to be forged wishes. Referring to 2 Timothy 4:2, he encouraged our across our CAC churches. Let us continue helping each seniors to remain faithful to the Lord, to continue to other grow in our ministries, towards Christian perfection, grow in Christ-likeness and to hold fast to preaching and nurture and build the younger generation. the Truth and Love of God to the people around us, including our children and grandchildren. Jerry, Ang Mo Kio CMC (MYLC 2021 participant) I am just so thankful to be able to be here this year. Thanks In his sermon “Let Us All Sing His Praise”, Bishop to COVID-19, MYLC 2021 was indeed a little underwhelming Emeritus Dr Chong Chin Chung shared three out of the as compared to previous years. Yet, it was wonderfully seven directions given by John Wesley when it comes timely. Instead of having three days filled with activities— to singing praises to God: intense worship, sermon sessions and exploring our beloved Johor Bahru—MYLC 2021 took a homelier turn. • Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep, I always remember having a tonne of fun meeting and but lift up your voice with strength. warming up to new friends in my CAC family, so it was a HUGE bummer to be unable to meet my groupmates • Sing in time. Don’t sing too slowly. Bring the face to face this year. But this year, God very graciously same energy for the subsequent verses as you did introduced me to amazing people with such a fire for His the first. Kingdom. They seemed shy during the games segment, but their words of prayer and encouragement, as well • Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in as their openness in sharing their woes for their sheep, every word you sing; sing to please Him. Let your revealed their amazing hearts for Jesus! singing be such as the Lord will approve of and reward when He cometh in the clouds of heaven. MYLC 2021 made me revisit my faith seriously after being dulled out by the health restrictions and the start of my CAC BoSM records two firsts in this year’s celebration: National Service this year. Far from the standard, sin seems the first time it was presenting programmes mainly to be living with me; “overcome, but not rooted out”. in Chinese dialects; and the first time having seniors However, I am reminded present their performances online. that sin is and can be destroyed by God’s work Various senior fellowship members from participating of sanctification, and to CAC churches read the Scriptures and presented their not let this slow period of songs of praise in the different Chinese dialects used in life dictate God’s work in their church services. Through this year’s celebration, my life. He is still moving; BoSM had the opportunity to help participants hear He is still refining me. more about the CAC churches that offer services in Chinese dialects. |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

Psalm 103:1–7 Psalm 103:8–13 Psalm 103:14–18 read in Hokkien, read in Hakka, read in Teochew, Geylang CMC Hakka MC Paya Lebar CMC “Come Before the Lord All Ye “We Build Our New Home “The Ever-Deepening Love of Believers” sung in Hokkien, Together” sung in Hakka, God” sung in Teochew, Telok Ayer CMC Hakka MC Paya Lebar CMC Psalm 95:1–7 Psalm 96:1–7 Psalm 98:1–6 read in Hokchew, read in Cantonese, read in Hinghwa, Foochow MC Kum Yan MC Hinghwa MC “The Saviour Is My Beloved” “In His Love and Grace” Ukulele song medley sung in sung in Hokchew, sung in Cantonese, English, Mandarin and Malay, Foochow MC Kum Yan MC Grace MC Scarf dance to “As the eagle soars”, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, CAC Virtual Choir Ang Mo Kio CMC —27 members from 15 CAC Churches With a final word of thanks from Board Chair Rev Dr You’re welcome to revisit and re-watch the celebration and Koh, and blessings from President Rev Dr Goh, the programmes at https://youtu.be/Y8Hbi39Smvk celebration came to a joyous close. or scan the QR code. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 5

News ¢ Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music (MSM), and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of MSM CONVERSATIONS: Online Worship Insights & Reflections “CONVERSATIONS: a series of fora aimed at providing then was far from what we have today but the church a platform for churches to share and discuss issues leaders creatively used the tools and resources they had encountered in worship and the music ministry.” This is then. In the same way, we need to make use of the God- a new programme which the Methodist School of Music given gifts we have today. (MSM) launched on 25 Sep 2021. Justin highlighted that technology comes with a cost and The first episode featured “Online Worship: Insights has to be used wisely, responsibly, creatively and with and Reflections” moderated by Justin Chan, a Program due diligence. We therefore need to be good stewards— Executive at MSM. It was an insightful and thought- both in finance and in practice. The financial implications provoking conversation among two seminary professors may be high but with proper identification of what the and a lawyer: Rev Dr Bernard Chao (Trinity Theological Church needs and good recommendations from the College), Dr Calvin Chong (Singapore Bible College) and experts, the Church will most likely acquire what is best Justin Yeo (Queenstown Methodist Church). While all for them. Further, Justin strongly believes that employing three did not claim to be experts in the subject matter, these gadgets will have to be done with the utmost care they agreed that it is a timely and important topic that and consulting the experts is always wise. churches need to discuss and engage in. Three questions were brought to the table: In order to have a smooth worship flow, Justin emphasised that the tech team needs to realise the What is online worship at its best? importance of reducing technical glitches. The worship team has to engage the congregation and encourage or Justin Yeo expressed his opinion that online worship— enliven their participation. The worshipers in turn need like physical worship—should enable us as the Body of to have the proper attitude in attending worship online. Christ to come together to bring our sacrifice of praise to Rather than using it to fill a gap in our schedule, it is best God and to glorify Him. In both practices, a proper heart to attend services regularly at a fixed time. Justin used of worship is required for the leaders and worshipers. the word “attend” and not “watch”—attending connotes Justin spoke about how the Church responded to the 1918 commitment and involves participation while watching is pandemic—publishing the liturgy in the newspapers and quite passive and may tend to be consumeristic. using the telephone to reach the people! The technology |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

Taking a biblical perspective, Dr Chong referenced four scripture passages: Deuteronomy 6:4, Amos 5:21, Haggai 1:2 and Malachi 1:10. As the Shema (Deut 6:4) begins with the verb “hear”, our first duty in worship is to listen. Unless we listen first, we might get our concept(s) of worship wrong. He pointed to the messages of the Shema and the prophets Amos, Haggai and Malachi, which equate worship to loving God and being mindful of social justice. He shared an article by Craig Greenfield about how the themes of social justice and concern for the poor, widows and orphans are not quite captured in the songs we sing in worship. We might be too focused on the things we do and forget the essence of worship. Dr Chong suggested that this might be a good time to take stock of our worship music repertoire and consider adding more songs that speak of love for God and of social justice. From a theological perspective, Rev Dr Chao raised his Is online worship compatible with current concern about how our practices are being informed by Christian practices? our theology and how our theology is informed by our practices. He acknowledged the challenges brought about Dr Chong saw the pandemic situation as an opportunity by online worship, i.e. the practices in physical worship not just to figure out how online worship should be that cannot be duplicated online like passing the peace done, but also to relook at whether parts of our and hearing one another as we sing or respond to prayer. physical worship services need to be revamped. Rev Dr The changing landscape has called for innovations on Chao highlighted that the Methodist movement has a the part of the churches. He also highlighted our limited heritage of “de-traditioning” (for instance, John Wesley imagination of worship and Church, the digital space as a departed from the practice of his time by preaching new arena, our sacramental theology being challenged; his sermons outdoors), and so the Church ought to and the Church’s response to the digital realm. be flexible to ensure it is relevant and engaged with technology. Nonetheless, Justin Yeo cautioned that we Rev Dr Chao shared his view that there are many new have to be careful to not let online worship (which possibilities open for the Church to explore. These include started as “better than nothing”) slide into something a new space for the love and presence of God and His that is “better than everything” due to our own self- people to inhabit, a “flattening” of the Church, enhanced interest and convenience. connection and communication, and moving from Church- centric thinking to a mission-centric trajectory. Through the thought-provoking and rich discussion, participants learnt much about how one could think How do you connect online worship and about online worship (both theologically, spiritually and the kingdom of God? Or online worship and practically) and how God is present even in the digital spiritual formation? space. He is also powerful enough to wield a medium that is often associated with the immoral and profane to Justin Yeo pointed out that online modality allows us to make the good news of the gospel reach to the furthest reach people—from those who do not step into church ends of the earth. to those far beyond our boundaries. Dr Chong shared how technology has expanded pastoral and missional CONVERSATIONS may be accessed possibilities for him as he shared his experience in co- through MSM’s YouTube Channel creating worship music with a large range of people https://youtu.be/lQLZUgqsb0k across the globe. Rev Dr Chao raised an interesting insight about how we perceive the sacred and the secular, which seem to have an unnamed and underdeveloped theology. Dr Chao believes that we need time to test, innovate, practise and create new habits in order to develop a deeper theology of online worship. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 7

ACS (International) Admissions Seminars for 2022 ACS (International) Singapore is a Post PSLE Seminars distinctive international secondary 24 November, 2pm & 4pm school open to all Singaporeans & 25 November, 9am & 2pm other nationalities, offering an all- round English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Senior Leadership Team Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon 26 November, 9am & 2pm Principal Vice-Principal 27 November, 9am Mr Christopher Hayward Dr Kristopher Achter RSVP admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg Vice-Principal Vice-Principal Seminars will be held on Campus with school tours where possible. Virtual seminars and tours will be organized instead if there are social gathering restrictions. Attendance is limited and by reservations only. Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 For earlier appointments, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg

Church Life ¢ Bedok Methodist Church Dawn Ng is a marketing director at a software company. A mother of two teenage girls, she is currently serving as treasurer for Bedok Methodist Church (BMC) WSCS. She is also part of Mustard Seeds DG. / Photos courtesy of Bedok Methodist Church BMC members with RC representatives in Changi Village Ps Aaron Tay receiving thank you certificate from Dr Maliki Osman Bedok Methodist Food Blessing Project T he COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many Pastor Aaron Tay met up with the DG members and families, upending livelihoods and causing financial organisers and was presented with a certificate of and emotional stress. In view of this, the Inter- appreciation by MP for East Coast GRC Dr Maliki Osman. Racial, Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC) has been He also accompanied Dr Maliki to distribute the items partnering with various religious groups to provide to several households. assistance to families in need. Pastor Tay said, “If we are to be disciples of Christ, we must In conjunction with BMC’s celebration of its 75th follow Him, to do what He does, to have His heartbeat. anniversary in Oct 2021, a key initiative was to be an In the Gospel, we see Jesus being full of compassion for active and engaged partner with the community in the lost, the vulnerable and those in need. It was so its vicinity. In July, an opportunity to give back to the encouraging for me to see our members being not just in community arose when the People’s Association (PA) DGs, but acting in faith and love together to be Christ’s Siglap Community Centre connected BMC with IRCC for its disciples in blessing those in need.” food distribution initiative. Sally Cheong of Shammah DG added, “Now with COVID, By God’s grace, BMC’s Poor and Needy Fund gave $3,000 we have fewer opportunities to do outreach. So, this for the Food Blessing Project. Edward Fang and Jean Wee project was really good for us to serve together as a DG, of the Christian Outreach & Social Concerns Committee encouraging us to be mindful that we represent the body spearheaded the project. They recruited members of Christ, doing our part to help the less fortunate.” from BMC’s Disciple Groups (DGs) and co-ordinated the purchase of items—oil, sugar, canned sardines, pasta and “We meet regularly to study the Bible so it was great rice—for the food packs. to apply some of the things we learn. It was also a wonderful bonding time and served as a good reminder On the morning of 11 Sep, 30 church members from six that we can help others in our community,” said Mark DGs put together 100 packs. Because of the many hands, Wong, from Generation Transformed DG. these packs were assembled quickly for distribution to beneficiaries in Bedok and Changi Village areas. Looking ahead, BMC hopes to connect DGs with more charitable organisations to serve the vulnerable and The DG members connected with the local Residents’ needy, with each group taking ownership of a charity Committee (RC) representatives in each zone. Together, organisation and establishing ongoing projects to build they went door to door distributing the food packs to the long-term relationships with beneficiaries. Sustained beneficiary families. Praise God for the joy of witnessing befriending enable us to gain their trust and share the the recipients’ happy smiles! good news of salvation with them. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 9

Church Life ¢ Chua Kok Wan is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship (PFS) / Visuals courtesy of Prison Fellowship Singapore PFS staff and volunteers Prison Fellowship Singapore P rison Fellowship Singapore Ltd (PFS) is a non- Through Care profit, inter-denominational fellowship of Christians who are committed to embracing Our Through Care ministry provides beneficiaries with a full prisoners, ex-offenders and their families in Singapore range of services: with God’s love and transformative power to turn their brokenness into wholeness. • Pre-sentence counselling for first time offenders and to their families to prepare them for incarceration. Integrated Ministry Strategy • In Care programmes conducted in prison, such as Our work is organised into three key ministry areas of one-to-one counselling; weekly Chapel Services and In-Care, After-Care and Family Care, which are brought Bible Studies; and other rehabilitative programmes. together holistically under our “Integrated Ministry” strategy that was launched in 2020. • Prison Gate where PFS staff or volunteers will be on hand to greet the beneficiaries at the prison gate We seek to: upon release, to offer them transitional assistance as • transform the lives of inmates, ex-offenders and their part of their reintegration into society. families with the Word of God and His love; • After Care Support covers areas such as employment guidance and short-term financial assistance to • support the rehabilitation of inmates / ex-offenders support the ex-offenders’ initial transition. We in collaboration with our After-care partners; provide a network of care and guidance through our weekly Men and Women Support Groups to facilitate • restore broken relationships between the inmates / assimilation into society in the long term. ex-offenders and their loved ones; Family Care • break the inter-generational cycle of crime through befriending children of the incarcerated, counselling PFS not only supports inmates and ex-offenders but we also and other forms of support and interventions; aid their loved ones, who often find themselves saddled with unexpected concerns and problems when someone • strengthen community partnerships to promote the in the family is sent to prison. Apart from a sudden loss reintegration of ex-offenders into society; and of income resulting in financial hardship, children are also separated from their incarcerated parent(s). • rally partners and supporters to foster a vibrant After-care Support Network to address the needs of ex-offenders and their families. |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

To help such families, volunteers from PFS’s Family Care Around September every year, inmates are encouraged Ministry befriend them to provide support. We believe by PFS to write letters seeking forgiveness from, that family is integral to an ex-offender’s reintegration and reconciliation with their family members. These journey. Hence, our programmes aim to strengthen reconciliatory letters will be delivered to the inmates’ the family unit, promote reconciliation and facilitate families by our volunteers during Christmas. Gifts assimilation to the community. sponsored by individual and corporate supporters will accompany these letters to bring Christmas cheer to the Our Family Care programmes include a Care Club for recipients. children and youths, providing educational support such as tuition classes and computers to facilitate Home- In 2020, close to 700 beneficiary families were blessed Based Learning (HBL). These programmes which focus through the Angel Tree Project with the support of 38 on the next generation are the only preventive work of churches and over 1,000 volunteers. Despite the challenges PFS. We believe that by ensuring children remain in our posed by the pandemic, we are aiming to bless 800 education system through our one-on-one volunteer beneficiary families in 2021. tuition programme, we have a good chance to break the inter-generational cycle of crime. In 2020, PFS had four How to be involved Care Club children who completed their Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE). We were overjoyed that With over 1,000 beneficiaries to support, we certainly need all four students were promoted to secondary school, more volunteer hands on deck. PFS partners with churches, notwithstanding the difficulties of having to adjust to para-Christian organisations and the community at large to HBL and COVID-19 challenges at home. This success enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being was a great encouragement to everyone, especially the of men, women and their families in Singapore’s prison volunteer tutors. system before, during and after imprisonment. However, a lack of immediate helping hands on the While we currently have a volunteer pool of around ministry frontlines is a cause for concern. Robin Low, 850 representing 170 partnering churches, we continue our Integrated Ministry & Care Club Coordinator, recently to welcome more to journey together with us to serve shared that Care Club is in urgent need of more volunteer the lost, the least and the last in society. It takes the tutors to support our children and youth beneficiaries. community, you and I, to make a difference in these lives, which have been adversely impacted by incarceration. “Why do we need volunteers? Many of our beneficiaries come from broken families with low income. They do In-Care ministry can be a wonderful opportunity for the not have the privilege of sending their children for church to serve in the mission field without leaving the tuition, hence volunteer tutors are vital to support this country. After-Care can greatly enrich the church and bless work,” explained Robin. her with the discipleship journey experience alongside fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Family Care is “When caregivers are assured that their children’s needs really about community outreach to those in need in our and education are well taken care of, they will have one neighbourhood. We invite you to share God’s love with your less thing to worry about. Caregivers will then be able local community and serve alongside us today! to focus on managing livelihood issues such as earning income and putting food on the table.” Find out more about PFS or to give or volunteer, visit: https://pfs.org.sg The Care Club is currently seeking female tutors for or scan the QR Code primary school-going children, who can commit for at least 1 year. Interested applicants may contact Robin via Find out more about the Angel Tree Project at his email at robinlow@pfs.org.sg. https://www.70x7.sg/angel-tree-project Other than the Through Care and Family Care ministries, there are other meaningful ways that PFS supports our beneficiaries. One such way is through our annual flagship event, the Angel Tree Project, where we raise funds and awareness to support prisoners, ex-offenders and their families, instilling hope of restoring broken relationships with their loved ones. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 11

News ¢ Jason Woo is Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of the Singapore Centre for Global Missions Blessed are the Peacemakers Singapore Centre for Global Missions Annual Lecture 2021 Bishop Dr Wong Wendy Wong preaching at the doing visual SCGM Annual notes for the Lecture 2021 lecture 2 021 marks the 41st year of the Singapore Centre In conflict management, the apostle James called on for Global Missions’ (SCGM). Since its inception believers to rein in the impulse to use worldly wisdom in 1980 by a team of local pastors and missions and instead employ “wisdom that comes down from leaders, SCGM has played a key role in coordinating above” (v17). God’s peacemakers are called to “sow in missions efforts among Singapore churches and peace [to] reap a harvest of righteousness”. promoting partnerships in various missions endeavours. “The apostle James writes that heavenly wisdom or ‘the One of its keynote events is the SCGM Annual Lecture. wisdom that comes down from above’ is displayed when Now in its 10th edition, the Annual Lectures feature we engage others in a peaceable tone, when we are speakers who share spiritual insights on the challenges gentle in our approach, when we show an interest in and issues that missionaries may face in the field. what the other side is trying to say and when we come across as compassionate and sympathetic,” explained Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was invited to speak at this year’s Bishop Dr Wong. Annual Lecture, which took place on 16 Sep evening at Toa Payoh Methodist Church. The lecture, “Blessed are “Have you ever been a part of a church or company, or the Peacemakers”, was based on James 3:13–18. family that has had to deal with a serious disagreement in opinion over what is the best thing to do? Would Sowing in peace you describe the manner or tone of the discussions or letters or email that circulated over the disagreement as Bishop Dr Gordon Wong began by highlighting what ‘serene, soft-spoken, sensible, sympathetic’?” Christians should not exhibit when they go about making peace. The apostle James lists two qualities that come Bishop Dr Wong also emphasised the importance of how up tops in derailing the process of peace-making: zeal the people who the Church is trying to reach perceive our and ambition. While these two traits may sometimes handling of disagreement and conflict. Do they see us as be desirable when doing Kingdom work, James warned truly sowing in peace? specifically against zeal (or “jealousy” in some Bible translations) and ambitions that produce bitterness “I suspect the apostle James would prefer that we rather than peace. do not use the phrase, ‘to fight for God’s truth and righteousness’, instead he would perhaps prefer ‘to sow Bishop Dr Wong explained that we should watch how seeds for God’s righteousness’”, mused Bishop Dr Wong. we conduct ourselves when facing opposition in our work for Christ. Very often in moments of conflict where “If our mission aim is to reap a harvest of God’s both sides see their points of view as the only truth, righteousness and truth in the world, then let us be the situation degenerates quickly into partisanship that peacemakers who sow in peace. Blessed and wise are creates rivalry and strife. peacemakers who sow in peace.” When this happens, even if we might see ourselves as Scan the QR code to view defenders of God’s truth, we are in fact, acting otherwise. the entire SCGM Annual Lecture 2021: “Human anger does not produce the kind of righteousness Blessed are the Peacemakers. which God desires,” said Bishop Dr Wong. |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

People ¢ Pastor Daniel Loo and his wife, Sharon, are full-time missionaries under the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). They have been serving at the Little Candles Ministry in Phrao, Northern Thailand, for 14 years. Sharon also serves at the Grace International School in Chiang Mai where their children—Sammi (18), Caleb (15), Alicia (12) and Hannah (10)—currently study. They receive missionary support from Charis Methodist Church, of which they are members. / Photos courtesy of Pastor Daniel Loo Daniel with his parents at the opening of Little Candles in 2012 A field m i s s i o n a r y ’s journey Daniel (second from left), his wife Sharon (third from right), with their four children in a family photo from Christmas 2019 Sawadee Krup. My name is Daniel. I have been Three years into working life, I decided to explore the possibility of full-time ministry. I went to Kuala Lumpur, a missionary in Thailand with my wife, Sharon, and Malaysia, where I was invited to do an internship in youth our children since April 2008, and under the Methodist ministry at my fiancée’s church. We were eventually Missions Society (MMS) since 2016. married in the church, with the commitment that we would serve the Lord as missionaries together. My missions journey began as a youth leader at the South Camberwell Uniting Church in Melbourne, where I Following the internship, a door opened for me to do a grew up after my parents emigrated from Singapore. My short-term missions placement in Thailand under MMS at the pastor gave me the book, Operation World, by Patrick Rangsit Methodist Church in Bangkok. I was posted to the Johnson. It lists the religious statistics of every nation, Surisuksa Primary School to teach English for two months. and how one can pray for the evangelism of the different people groups in that country. I took it as a challenge to There, I met a 10-year-old girl by the name of Yeen. pray through the book, one nation a day. As I read of Being born partially deaf, she had not learnt to speak the challenges missionaries faced, I often found myself clearly other than to babble grunts. It troubled me to see wiping tears from my eyes. I prayed, “Lord, if I can be of her trying her hardest to be accepted by her classmates, any help, USE ME.” only to be made fun of. The Lord placed in me a burden to get her a hearing aid, which the doctor assessed could The years of prayer passed by. At 23, after completing help Yeen relearn speech. my Computer Science degree and while working as a programmer, I felt frustrated that the long hours and When I visited her home to meet her parents, I discovered endless work commitments prevented me from serving that it was a makeshift house beside a rubbish tip. Upon the Lord more. Weekends were fully devoted to church my third visit, her mother said to me, “Now I know that but Monday mornings came with a sinking feeling of “if your God is love, because I can see the love you have for only I had more time for God”. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 13

A field missionary’s journey my daughter.” Her words confirmed the call to missions that had been stirring in my heart since the time I was praying for the nations. She then asked me to take Yeen and her younger sister to church every Sunday, and they both came to accept Jesus into their lives. Through this experience, I began to realise that God could work through me to help more Thai children know His love. After this assignment, I returned to Australia and enrolled myself into Bible College with the goal of going back to Thailand as a full-time missionary. The four years it took to complete the course followed by three years of serving as a youth pastor while we waited on the Lord seemed like eternity. During this period, my thirst for missions was quenched only through short-term mission trips to Thailand twice a year. One particular trip almost changed my mind. After an exhausting three days of school teaching in an impoverished rural village in north-eastern Thailand, I retired that moonless night to use the toilet. As I gazed down the dug- out hole, engulfed by the total darkness of a suffocating tin shed, using one hand to swipe at mosquitoes and the other to hold a torch so I could keep an eye out for invading cockroaches, all the while clenching a roll of toilet paper between my teeth to keep it from falling to the muddy ground, I thought, “I am never ever coming back here again.” Daniel preaching at Little Candles “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

But even as I locked my eyes on a giant rainbow- many tests to determine how to remove the AVM. coloured lizard staring at me from the corner, I heard the Yet it was also a time that brought our family closer Lord responding, “This is nothing compared to what you together and rooted deeper our trust in the Lord, as and your family will have to go through for My sake”. It well as brought many concerned supporters to our was enough to remind me that my life belonged to Him help. We finally settled for open skull surgery which and not to myself. was successfully performed out five months after the initial incident. It was seven years of waiting and preparation before the Lord finally opened the door for us to move to Thailand. As we look back over our 14 years in Thailand, one passage We set up base in a small rural village called Phrao, of Scripture stands out as our source of encouragement 100km north of Chiang Mai. Our first project was to and strength all along. It is God’s promise to His people establish a boarding house for hill tribe children from in the midst of their struggles in a foreign land: “For I remote villages so that they could attend local schools. know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Looking back, the years of waiting were vital in hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11) preparing us. Indeed, we have faced numerous challenges far worse than toilet concerns, especially in our initial years of struggling with the language and cultural sensitivities. At the same time, we have been blessed by the many Thais the Lord sent to help and even protect us from those seeking to harm us 24-HR HOTLINES and our ministry. PAUL & DANIEL One of the challenges which almost forced us off the field was finding a stable education arrangement for our +65 8321 3355 children, wh“oSheravdinbgefeanmjiulimespfionrgabdeetwcaedeen ahnodmmesocrheo...o”ling TOLL-FREE 1800-777-2422 www.AmazingGraceFunerals.com OeaanrnrdriovlemldoeciannltPshicnrhatooootlhas.atlYopecaatvleitdknEitnwhlaEdyaeceasohwrcgnhaowaeyuriwtrtlfeihofinteerhilt,udswaisetbshstftoueednrweaddsyaebtwusanre,gbisehIl,iftmsfheihyrrouse’astpsaterfssu,,lafinll,d fears; Christian school eventually. living for self or in His will; Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, After only a week , we were trouObnlelyd wtohahte’asrdSoanmemfoi r ChrisShtawroinlltelaacshtin. g the children in their kindergarten in 2013 chanting, often unconsciously, prayers of the local - C.T. Studd religion after getting home each evening. It then dawned on us that we should start our own school to teach the children prayers and songs of praise to our Lord Jesus instead. Thus, we set up a small nursery which grew into a kindergarten, and is now in the process of being extended into a primary school by OMMS. At the same time, we formed a parents and staff fellowship group which has noEnwlaycoghrnowewitlnihfeiit,nsatobfuearwdfueblnrlyise,fhyoepaerss,, and fears; registered Methodist church. Each with its days, I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; In January 2021, tragedy struck. SOamnlmy ionsueffliefree,d‘twaill soon be past, brain hemorrhage and had a seizure.OWnelyrwushhaetd’shdeorne for Christ will last. to hospital only to discover that she had an abnormal - C.T. Studd tangle of blood vessels (an AVM), which had burst. Although the bleeding stopped, the AVM could rupture again at any moment. The following months were Sammi at the hospital clouded with fear and uncertainty as she went through |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 15

People ¢ Lyndon Gan is a Lay Ministry staff at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church serving in the area of missions since 1994. / Photos courtesy of Lyndon Gan Church families getting involved in missions. KKMC WSCS demonstrating how to make lo hei to the Lahu ladies of Water of Life Methodist Church (Thailand) in 2018 Serving in missions in a local church How did you get involved in missions? it meant getting a few years of work experience before Fresh out of university in the late 1980s, I had a vague getting theologically equipped in Trinity Theological sense of wanting to be involved in God’s mission. College (TTC). The bible was clear enough in Matthew 28:18­–20: Make While studying at TTC, my then pastor, the late Rev Dr disciples of all nations. How would I, as a fresh graduate Clarence Lim, made a case that I should also get some with my whole life ahead of me, respond? experience working in a local church, particularly in the area of missions. I felt that made sense. I thought I would It was during the era when the Church heard the clarion work in the local church for a few years at most before call: There are unreached people groups with little or no heading overseas for cross-cultural missions. access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many such people groups were found on the so-called 10/40 Window—a term However, much as I prayed about going overseas, it was coined by the Christian missionary Luis Bush in 1990 to the conviction to stay and serve the local church in missions refer to places located between 10 and 40 degrees north that grew stronger. I became convinced that for a church to of the equator, where people had the least access to the be effective in sending cross-cultural missionaries, there Christian message. had to be a strong sending base of partners who would provide the prayer, logistical, communications, financial The Methodist Church in Singapore also seemed to be and moral support. gearing up to a new era of missions endeavour when the Methodist Missions Society was inaugurated on 30 To develop such a base of supporters, we need to September 1991 as an agency under the then Council educate and expose church members to missions. To of Missions. challenge people to become cross cultural missionaries, we need to mobilise the Church. There is also the need There was a buzz around the Christian churches about to develop the administrative structures to support the missions as well, leading to the first GoForth Missions missions endeavour. conference in 2002. In short, I became persuaded that for a local church to My circle of friends involved in missions tried to model have a sustained involvement in God’s world missions, a our lives under the watchword “preparing to go”. For me, lot of missions work had to be done in the local church. |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

Do you feel any regret at not becoming an What is some of the work in missions that needs overseas cross-cultural missionary? to be done in the local churches? Initially, some friends who had become cross-cultural Perhaps now more than ever, there is work to be done missionaries abroad would ask why I was still hanging in mobilising the home base for missions and raising new around in Singapore when there was so much to be done missionaries. in the overseas fields. The global pandemic and hostility to Christianity in some They are certainly right that the fields are indeed ripe for parts of the world have perhaps made churches more risk- the harvest and the best way to bring the gospel to people averse in the sending of missionaries. When is “safety is to live among them. first” a prudent and wise course of action and when does it cross over to become an idol and obstacle to missions? However, the question may also betray a misconception Does “safety first” betray a lack of confidence in God? That that the cutting edge of missions is undertaken by those there is no easy answer shows that apart from just being who go while those who serve as senders are somehow a “goer”, there is work to be done in missions. playing a lesser role. Further down at the bottom of the scale would be the disobedient uninvolved Christians What are some of the joys you experience in who neither go nor send. working in missions in the local church? One of the joys of working in the home base is to see However, Romans 10:14–15 tells us that those who send Christians embrace their identity as God’s children sent are as important as those who go. into the world. When this happens, it is like mobilising 100 firefighters to put out the fire rather than me going But how can they call on him to save them unless as a lone firefighter. they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how Another joy is to see how my church has developed can they hear about him unless someone tells them? mission trip programmes that see children, youth and And how will anyone go and tell them without being adults make annual mission trips. These mission trips sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful have supported our Lahu missions and helped to build are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” bridges of friendship between my church members and the Lahu people we work with. Starting work from It can be crippling and even guilt-inducing for some a single village in 1998, we have helped to establish Christians when their involvement in missions is reduced to three Lahu Methodist churches that are on the way to whether they are a “goer” or a “sender”. becoming disciple-making churches themselves. More important than what we do is our identity. As children Over the years we have also supported our church members of God, we are citizens and agents of God’s kingdom. That and sent them as missionaries all over the world. means every single one of God’s sons and daughters is sent to live our lives in such a way that people can clearly As some of our missionaries return, retire or move on to see what it means when Jesus is indeed king. This is our new stages in life, it is also a joy to see them re-enter well. missions identity and it is not limited to those who cross cultural and linguistic barriers to proclaim the gospel. All Some of the joys of working in missions in the local church is to see of us are sent on God’s mission, undertaking the Great members growing in their involvement in missions, such as in this Commission. As long as we live out that identity, we should missions education and exposure workshop in 2018 not feel that we are not playing our part. We should not downplay the many challenges that those who are called to go face. The best way to bring the gospel of Jesus to those who have not heard is to live among them, but more importantly, I believe that all of us should be prepared to go wherever God calls us. For me, that call has been to work in missions in the home base. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 17

Reach Out ¢ Missions Opportunities The article is extracted from Harvest Force 2021 issue 3 to serve MMS provides widening opportunities in CAMBODIA the harvest fields—evangelising, equipping • Secondary and primary school teachers to teach and nurturing new believers, making disciples, at as well as empower teachers at the Methodist establishing mission endeavours, and church School of Cambodia especially in Science, planting. Mathematics, etc. • We believe it is God’s timing for The • Human Resource, Admin and Finance Personnel to Methodist Church in Singapore to move serve at the school. up to the forefront of missions. With more Spirit-led “open doors” before us, let us step • Prayer and financial supporters for pastors of the forward to join other Methodists in missions Methodist Church of Cambodia, who are receiving to touch and transform lives of those below the national minimum wage. needing the Lord Jesus Christ. • Missionaries who seek to be disciple makers. Mission Partners & Volunteers (MPV) is a special group of people who are willing to be used EAST ASIA by God—to bring His blessings with a greater potential at a larger extent of outreach! • Professional trainers to conduct enrichment courses, leadership development, young adult counselling. IN THE FIELD • Partners to support social work and community The fields are ready for harvesting—but there development programme, especially for medical are so few labourers. In the seven countries that services. MMS is serving, we continue to be needful for the following: LAOS • Full-time missionaries. We are asking the • Fulltime personnel to serve in Singapore Mission Lord to send pastors, church planters, ministry School (SMS) and develop partnerships. workers, mentors and teachers. • Short-term workers who are able to spend • Kindergarten and Primary teachers familiar with the between two weeks and six months to help Singapore curriculum to teach at SMS. Teachers can our missionaries. Please raise your own opt to serve a one-year term or longer. financial support. • Prayer partners to pray for our ministries and missionaries. What to do if you sense the LORD calling you into His mission field: • Speak with your pastor and ask them to help examine your calling to missions. • If your church pastor and leaders affirm your calling and are prepared to support—praise the Lord! Call MMS straight away. • If your church pastor and leaders affirm your calling but are unable to provide full financial support for you—call MMS anyway! Some of our missionaries are supported by the combined efforts of multiple Methodist |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

NEPAL VIETNAM • Donors and sponsors for the Sophia’s Home girls who • An Assistant Pastor (with theological qualifications, are continuing their studies in various disciplines in with at least a Diploma in Bible and Christian the local university in Kathmandu. This enables them Ministries); Pastoral Assistant; and Ministry Staff to complete their professional studies, be financially (experienced Bible Study group leader without independent, serve their communities and MCN, and theological qualifications) with a willing heart be blessings to many. to learn and understudy to serve in International Christian Fellowship (ICF) and MMS-International NGO. • Trainers to conduct online training on Discipleship, Financial Stewardships and Spiritual Leadership. • Tentmakers; Business People; Social Entrepreneurs; English and/or Chinese Language Teachers qualified • Missionary to serve in Nepal. to teach TEFL/TESOL; and Professionals to worship and serve in ICF while working in HCMC. THAILAND Exploration of New Geographical Missions • Short-term helpers to organise programmes and Partnerships (NewGMP) activities for BB, GB and Children’s Ministry at Rangsit and Song-Roi Phee tuition centres. • MMS is exploring collaborative partnership with local Methodist churches in countries such as Indonesia • Qualified Kindergarten and Primary levels teachers and Myanmar. to conduct teachers’ training at Vineyard Methodist School and Little Candles Methodist School. • If the Lord is leading you to serve in places beyond the seven countries where MMS has some form of • Mission teams to conduct evangelistic events, ministry, please get in touch with us. community services, etc at our Methodist churches. AT HOME (in Singapore) TIMOR-LESTE You can also come alongside as Mission Partners and • Teachers to volunteer for one year to provide Volunteers (MPV) at home to encourage and empower instruction for students in Grades 7 to 12 at the God’s work and workers to incarnate the love of Jesus St Paul Methodist School (SPMS), or mentor local Christ to make a difference in the mission fields. teachers in basic curriculum design and instructional strategies for at least a month. Communications and Publications • Be an English-Chinese translator. • Short-term volunteers to provide English, Science, or • Be a photographer or videographer. Mathematics tuition for Grade 10–12 students in the • Be a graphic designer. Sundermeier Home. • Be a web designer. • More sponsors are needed for students enrolled Office Assistance at SPMS and high school residents at Sundermeier • Be our MMS Event Coordinator. Home. Please support the MMS Student Sponsorship • Be part of our Fund Raising Team. Scheme (SSS) for children and youth from poor • Be our Fellowship Mailer Team. families. Financial Assistance • Be a sponsor through the Student Sponsorship Schemes. For more information about these opportunities, kindly email mms@methodist.org.sg. Be in prayer with us as we seek God’s direction to challenge and mobilise our Methodist community to serve Christ. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 19

Reach Out ¢ Missions Cheryl Chen is currently a home-based missionary with the Methodist Mission Society (MMS). She worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church with her husband, Rudy. Together, they seek to live out God’s great adventure wherever He calls, and dream of building a rock-climbing wall in their home someday. / Photos courtesy of Cheryl Chen Home-based missions Mentoring and teaching digitally L ife has changed dramatically since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic caught the world unawares. In a time of restricted air travel when mission teams are grounded, how can we continue to be involved in reaching the nations? Exploring how digital missions could work, Rev Dr Lorna Khoo of Holland Village Methodist Church (HVMC) recruited volunteers from different churches in Singapore to tutor students of St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) in Timor-Leste. In March 2021, the eight volunteers began meeting with their student once or twice weekly for an hour and a half over Zoom

MMS missionary Cheryl Chen or WhatsApp video call to coach them individually in Christian education and mentoring also take place English or Mathematics. Today, the pool of tutors has as most sessions begin with prayer and a short expanded to 26 volunteers, which translates to having devotion. The tutors exemplify Christian values in their 80 per cent of the SPMS Grade 10 to 12 SPMS students interactions with the students. Some tutors, like Peter engaged in one-on-one personalised learning. from Aldersgate Methodist Church, use the Bible as a text to teach English. Peter, who at 83 is the most senior Some volunteers are retired educators. Ebenazer from volunteer, hopes this approach can help his student St Paul’s Church wanted to use her years of teaching to learn the language and “better understand the experience “to help children who do not have the Christian way of life, grow spiritually, and understand same chances as our children” in Singapore. Other the teachings of Christ”. volunteers have full-time studies or jobs but choose to give their time to be involved in this new home-based However, digital missions has its challenges too. approach to missions. As Hannah, 17, from HVMC said, Unstable internet connections and the lack of smart IT “I decided to volunteer because God prompted me to devices are part of the inherent infrastructure issues. share my time and knowledge with underprivileged Most Timorese do not have laptop computers and often kids. Although schoolwork is piling up, I think this is a one mobile phone is shared among a family, which very good way for me to develop the habit of giving limits students’ access to online learning. Yet, as with a cheerful heart.” Suat Khoh from Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church shares, the “poorer communication and limitations With a heart to serve, many volunteers just want to in explanation due to distance learning” has helped “help someone to be able to do better in their studies,” “shake us out of Singapore comfort zones to bear fruits as Boon Hwee, a senior manager worshipping at of patience and perseverance”. Wesley Methodist Church, puts it. With God’s help, all these humble heartfelt intentions can go a long way in Home-based missions might sound paradoxical but helping build a young nation through sowing into each loving our neighbour is still possible with the help individual student. of technology and a willing heart. If you would like to volunteer as a tutor, donate a pre-loved device In a time of school closures in Timor-Leste to manage (laptop, tablet, smart phone) or contribute your the spread of COVID-19, the digital tuition programme time and expertise in any way, drop us an email at also complements and reinforces the students’ home- heart4timor@gmail.com to find out more about based learning with a coach who can provide timely how you can be involved in home-based missions! feedback on their work. SPMS Principal David Chan believes that the personalised coaching stretches and PLEASE PRAY challenges his students academically in ways that would not be possible in a large classroom setting. • for the SPMS students who are in the digital In addition to the increased exposure of speaking and tuition programme. May they continue to be learning in English, students are also practising values keen to learn. and life skills of being responsible and diligent, and taking ownership over their learning by keeping their • for the serving volunteers to persevere in virtual appointments with their tutors. their good work. • for more volunteer tutors. • for God’s provision of the resources for this digital tuition programme. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 21

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of MWS Doing good from 2,700km away Running to empower more than 8,500 beneficiaries of MWS D espite being away from Singapore, two teams established by Singapore Methodist churches in partnership with the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) and based in Timor-Leste have signed up for the MWS Empowerun. A virtual run/walk event, MWS Empowerun is a platform to fundraise $600,000 that will go towards blessing over 8,000 beneficiaries served by MWS. St Paul Methodist School Never too young or too far to make an impact Another group that shares this desire to bless is the team from St Paul Methodist School (SPMS). A team of Timorese staff and students from SPMS are planning to complete 400km collectively in four hours, by running in teams of four, each covering 40km. Dunamis Hostel ministry They are led by a faithful missionary family from Aldersgate Methodist Church, David and Jessie Chan and their three Blessed to be a blessing children, Isaac, Joy and Isaiah. The students at SPMS have been encouraged to do their best with whatever they have. One of the teams is formed by the residents of Dunamis David and Jessie see MWS Empowerun as a great opportunity Hostel, a ministry of MMS and Bedok Methodist Church that for SPMS staff and students to be a part of God’s bigger has enabled youths in rural areas to access higher education picture to make an impact by blessing the last, the lost and and pursue their dreams. Being recipients of kindness, the least. Whether as a runner, donor or fundraiser, students the residents are eager to give back by raising funds for at SPMS are learning that they are not too insignificant or far Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). away make be a positive impact. “The hostel residents have registered for MWS Empowerun “We believe that everyone can give. The Timorese may not have because they desire to share their blessings with students in the capacity to give financially, but they can give their energy by need, and families who are struggling to place food on the running and raising funds. We run, you give!” says David. table,” shares Rev See Swee Fang, overseer of the Dunamis Hostel ministry. Give generously With no time to lose, the 12 residents at Dunamis Hostel Just as our fellow brothers and sisters in Timor-Leste have have been building up their stamina for the run, and giving recognised their God-given blessings and stepped up to praise and glory to God as they train hard. For the actual give back in their own ways, may we be inspired to give run, the residents will cover a coastal trail from their hostel generously and support those in need. Your donations will to Cristo Rei, a famous scenic spot, in two groups. go towards uplifting the low-income and/or distressed families, disadvantaged children, at-risk youths, the destitute, sick and/or frail elderly, and the socially isolated, regardless of their race and religion. |22 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 MWS Empowerun To donate and find out more about MWS Empowerun, please visit  www.mws.sg/ empowerun  or scan the QR code.

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo courtesy of MWS MWS at 40 An MWS staff talks about the privilege of caring for and empowering .palliative patients in their final days. This year, Methodist Welfare Services celebrates 40 years of empowering life to the full. This is one of a series of stories from people who felt empowered to empower others through MWS over the years. Get involved and join MWS in empowering lives. Learn more by visiting https://mws.sg/mws40th/ Melissa Chatting with Patient The calling to be a nurse came when stress stemmed from deep-rooted, Melissa joined St John Ambulance unresolved issues within the family. As As an Assistant Nurse Clinician Brigade at Paya Lebar Methodist his condition was rapidly deteriorating, with MWS Home Care & Home Girls’ Secondary School and had the we had to race against time to help Hospice, Melissa Fong cares for opportunity to be attached to a hospital. him and his caregiver reconcile. With clients ranging from those who are “I remember shadowing nurses as the chaplain’s help, we managed to do socially isolated to those who are frail they went about their ward duties, so before he passed on peacefully and and facing the end of their lives. In all feeling very intrigued. So I resolved to freely,” Melissa recounted. her years in palliative care, she has join the healthcare sector one day… had her fair share of deeply emotional it didn’t matter what role it was!” Over the years, she has learnt to cope encounters, difficult conversations laughed Melissa. Upon graduating from with grief and the loss of patients. “My about pain and death, and faith- university, she did a two-and-a-half- family and church community have affirming moments. year stint at a local hospital but felt she been great pillars of support whenever wanted more autonomy in her patients’ I encounter seasons of distress,” said “One of the most common questions clinical care. Following a mission trip Melissa. Journaling has also been that patients and their families to Indonesia, she felt a prompting to helpful as it forces her to be “utterly ask is: ‘How long more do I have?’ go into home care and in 2014, joined honest with myself and God”. Sometimes, the patient may not really Methodist Welfare Services as a home want to know the answer. More often hospice staff nurse. Melissa revealed that what keeps than not, the patient is acutely aware her going is remembering God’s call of their deteriorating health condition, Beyond attending to medical and nursing to care for those in need, and her and the truth can be hard to bear. In needs, Melissa often finds herself drawn privileged position to do so because of times like this, I may encourage the into the sphere of patients’ private lives. her professional training. “To be able patient to ponder over their feelings “When I was caring for a patient who to journey with the patients and their and come to terms with the end of had been diagnosed with nose cancer, caregivers, holding their hands when his life. At other times, a comforting his initial complaints were about his they feel lost and hopeless, right till the presence or a reassuring pat is all that excruciating pain and giddiness. Yet, he end... I’m glad to be given a glimpse is needed,” shared Melissa. would always resist pain medications. As of their world. Watching our chaplains we continued building rapport with him, minister to the patients’ spiritual he began to open up and we realised needs and how some of them have he was holding on to a massive amount resultantly experienced physical relief of guilt towards his family and his past. has also helped me appreciate the It soon became apparent that much of many dimensions of life and what being his physical pain and the caregiver’s human really means.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 23

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team MWS holds 40th AGM and marks 40 Years of Empowering Life 2 021 marks the 40th Anniversary of Methodist began as the Methodist Home for the Aged Sick at St Welfare Services (MWS). In a year plagued by George’s Lane for six elderly sick residents has today the persistent global COVID-19 crisis, we put our grown to a network of 20 centres and programmes, trust in God’s providence and are thankful for what we serving over 8,000 beneficiaries. have achieved for the financial year (FY) 2020/21. MWS Chairperson, Mrs Fong Loo Fern, and Chief Executive Because of the pandemic, volunteers have become Officer, Ms Junie Foo, presented the key highlights even more invaluable in supporting MWS’ work. In and achievements at our 40th Annual General Meeting FY2020/21, MWS formed the Volunteer Leaders Support (AGM), held on 18 Sep 2021. Group where identified volunteer leaders guide other volunteers and shared best practices in volunteering. In Mrs Fong began by acknowledging the pioneer group addition, MWS launched the Befriender’s Toolkit and the of Methodist volunteers who first saw the needs in the MWS Community Portal, a one-stop online platform that community and answered the call to set up MWS. What offers volunteers a holistic view of their volunteering

journey. The first ever Timebanking Rewards Programme was also NEW AND RE-ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS introduced, allowing volunteers to bank in their volunteering hours and redeem them for rewards. BOARD OF GOVERNANCE Despite the challenges presented in the past FY, MWS served ( 2 0 2 1­– 2 0 2 3 ) almost 8,800 persons, which represented a 5 per cent increase in the number of direct clients and service counts. In particular, Chairperson there was a 35 per cent increase in the number of low-income Mrs Fong Loo Fern families who approached MWS for financial assistance. Almost $2 million was disbursed to low-income families across Singapore Vice Chairperson in FY2020/21. MWS Family Service Centres also worked with the Mr Lam Wei Choong government and other public agencies to rehouse individuals made homeless when the pandemic first broke out. Honorary Secretary Mr Raymond Khoo Peng Ann Against the very challenging economic climate, MWS achieved commendable results by raising $13.8 million. We continued to Assistant Honorary Secretary maintain a very efficient fundraising cost ratio of 4.8 per cent, Ms Mak Wei Munn which means that 95 cents of every dollar went directly to MWS centres and programmes. Honorary Treasurer Mr Tan Chian Khong To do good well, MWS is also always expanding to meet the growing community needs. In July 2020, MWS embarked on a Assistant Honorary Treasurer partnership with Christalite Methodist Chapel to manage MWS Mr Terence Wee Jin Zoo Christalite Student Care Centre. The Centre provides affordable student care services for seven- to 14-year-olds in Geylang Board Members East. MWS also won a Ministry of Health tender in June 2020 Mr Yow Chi Mun which will see us operate a new Senior Care Centre and Nursing Dr Tan Hai Chuang Home at Eunos. The new Senior Care Centre is expected to begin Ms Joanne Low Eu Min operations in early 2022 while the new Nursing Home is slated to Ms Chew Kim Ling open in 2023. These new services will enhance MWS’ continuum of eldercare services in the community. Mr Philip Oh At the AGM, new Board of Governance office holders and members Co-opted Board Members for the new two-year term were also elected. CEO Ms Junie Foo Rev David Gwee Hock Soon expressed immense appreciation to several former MWS board Rev Jason Phua Kok Yong members who have stepped down, namely Rev Dr Daniel Koh, Mr Eugene Toh, Mr Robin Cheong, Mr Albert Lim and Mr Wendell Mr Soh Kok Leong Wong, for their years of faithful service. Although Rev Dr Koh, Mr Mr Samuel Tay Toh and Mr Lim will no longer be on the main Board of Governance, they will continue to serve in our Centre Governance Committees Mr Wilson Sampath and other committees. Dr Teo Li Bee For details, please see the Representative, The Methodist Church in Singapore MWS ANNUAL REPORT FY2020/21 Mr Darius Chua by scanning the QR code, visiting https://mws.sg/annual-governance-reports/ Secretary of the Trustees of The Methodist Church in Singapore or checking out our microsite at https://mws.sg/annual-report-fy2020-21/ Mr Guan Yeow Kwang Find out more about our 40th Anniversary celebrations |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 25 and how you can be a part at www.mws.sg/mws40th/

Relationships ¢ You & your family Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. Social distancing and safe connections T he COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in so many and others have attended more Zoom-facilitated talks ways. Around the world, millions of deaths have and church meetings. But this access is not available to been reported and an unknown number suffer everyone. Nor is everyone comfortable with technology- the ravages of long COVID. The economy has been in a mediated interactions. Moreover, being able to meet tailspin with businesses shutting down, many losing jobs someone over coffee or to reach out and comfort another and others forced into unpaid leave for months on end. with a gentle touch is irreplaceable. As I am not a medical expert, I am not going to speculate Another truth is that though this pestilence is not if and when Singapore’s COVID-19 case numbers might rise specifically named in the Bible, this crisis—like many or fall. Amidst the cacophony of opinions and predictions others that make the news today—have all been foretold. of how things will pan out as well as the shifting sea of Have we not been warned “of wars and rumours of war” information that has left many confused and despairing, (Matt 24:6)? In the midst of all the cataclysmic news is it is helpful to be reminded of some truths or things that the reassurance that nothing is out of God’s control and do not change. everything is according to His plan before Christ’s return. An area where many have been hit, and in which I have Another truth to hold on to is God’s promise in Jeremiah some expertise, is our emotional and mental health. 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Anxiety, depression and interpersonal conflicts have risen LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a as a consequence of living in such trying times.  One big hope and a future.” If we believe our Lord’s Word to be contributor to these ills is the uncertainty and loss of true, we can have hope. What I am suggesting is not that control over the future. These are factors we may not be we bury our heads in the sand pretending that there is no able to address directly or any time soon. pain or suffering as long as we do not see it. We must not lose sight of the reality that hard times are upon us but However, what compounds mental ill-health is the loss of can be confident that even now, there is hope for a people social contact and connection as face-to-face interaction with a future with God.  with family and friends has had to be cut back to protect ourselves and others. This brings to mind the truth that as The focus of this issue of Methodist Message is missions. human beings, we are made for connection; that within us We do not have to look far to see opportunities for missions. is a special need for relationships.  Our mission should be to bring the message of His love to the many we know who are disconnected, to those who In these times of social distancing, some of us are fortunate are feeling lonely and discouraged. Whilst observing the to be able to harness technology to stay connected. In rules for engaging others safely, let us safely connect so fact, some have reached out to distant family members that others may also connect with Him. |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

Hymns & Songs ¢ Justin Chan is a Programme Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship & Worship Department. As a reformed rock musician, he believes hymns and heavy metal can co-exist for the glory of God. Shout to the Lord I once had an opportunity to serve as a musician on a mission trip worship The Methodist School of Music (MSM) team during the Christmas period. We were invited to lead a rally at the equips and edifies both the individual and the host church, and our worship leader planned a setlist of songs matching church through music and the performing arts. the message. After all, that’s the hallmark of a good program: a seamless, integrated experience from start to finish. However, when we met with the fellow Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. musicians from the host church for rehearsal, as it was going to be a combined team, their worship leader looked at our “perfect” setlist and politely remarked, Shout to the Lord “We don’t know any of these songs. May we suggest songs we know?” My Jesus, my Saviour, Just like that, all our planning and pre-mission trip rehearsals went out the window. Lord there is none like You I was bracing myself for a sleepless night of listening and practicing, but when the revised setlist came back to us, we were pleasantly surprised: the host church’s core All of my days I want to praise the repertoire consisted of songs from 20 years ago, songs that we all grew up with wonders of Your mighty love and could play from memory. But a voice was nagging at the back of my head: “The songs don’t match the message at all!” My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength Trusting in our hosts, we went ahead with their setlist. And when it came to the rally, the experience was electrifying. I had never seen people sing with such gusto Let every breath, all that I am never and excitement, jumping as high as they could, belting at the top of their lungs. cease to worship You And it all came to a climax with “Shout to The Lord”, a song that we musicians, if we’re honest, roll our eyes at because of how clichéd we feel it has become.  Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing But there was something different about that rendition we led at the rally. Aside from hearing it in their native tongue, the atmosphere was bursting with deep Power and majesty, praise to the King spiritual hunger for God’s presence. We didn’t have to understand what the people were saying—we could see it on their faces, we could hear it from their loud voices Mountains bow down and the seas will resonating through the worship hall, and we could feel it as they raised their hands roar at the sound of Your name or bowed their knees. There were so many responses to the calls of salvation and recommitment that I wondered if the response would have been different had we I sing for joy at the work of Your hands insisted on our initial setlist, as polished and seamless as it was. Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand “Shout To the Lord’” is still in the CCLI Top 100 list, and is one of the most widely translated songs today. Its lyrics declare Jesus as the incomparable ruling Saviour Nothing compares to the promise who comforts, shelters and performs wonders. He is worthy of the praise given to I have in You Him by all creation, bringing Him glory, and the themes of the song are easy for unbelievers to comprehend due to the accessible language of the lyrics. Worship Words & Music: teams will do well to memorise this song so that they can play it without practice Darlene Zschech in the mission field! © 1993 Wondrous Worship (1993) (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd [Singapore Branch]) In time to come, when we can cross borders to share the gospel again, let us exercise greater care in our mission trip song choices, with a flexibility to change |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 27 our well-crafted plans if the situation calls for it.

Opinion ¢ Soundings Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg). Salvation in the City “Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding. T he modern city is a complex and enigmatic The Book of Acts gives an account of the first missionary phenomenon. A conglomeration of a myriad of activities of the early Christians who have been empowered different people groups, cultures and languages, the by the Spirit on the day of Pentecost to be witnesses city often defies simple characterisations. of the risen Saviour. And many of these were what we would describe today as urban missions. What the American philosopher, Lewis Mumford, wrote about the city some 60 years ago still holds true today: The apostle Paul conducted missionary activities in some of the most prominent cities of his day: Athens (the No single definition will apply to all its intellectual centre of the Graeco-Roman world), Corinth manifestations and no single description will (one of the most successful commercial hubs), Ephesus cover all its transformations, from the embryonic (the religious “capital” of the Roman Empire) and Rome social nucleus to the complex forms of its maturity (the political powerhouse of the Roman world). and the corporeal disintegration of its old age. The origins of the cities are obscure, a large part Paul understood the importance of cities and their of its past buried or effaced beyond recovery, and influence in the surrounding regions and made it his main its further prospects are difficult to weigh.1 strategy to bring the Gospel to these urban centres. As John Stott has rightly observed, “It seems to have been Some readers may not be aware that the Bible contains Paul’s deliberate policy to move purposefully from one numerous mentions and descriptions of cities. The word strategic city-centre to the next.”2 itself occurs some 1,250 times, and about 140 different cities are cited. The Church’s ministry in the city is multi-faceted and complex because the city is an intricate and constantly morphing MCS Careers ¢ Join our team The MCS Communications department is looking for a DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST  Do you love connecting with people, have lots of creative ideas, and want to help to tell stories of Methodists and Christians in Singapore?  Can you plan and create digital content for a wide audience?  Are you able to help Methodist Message go digital?  Can you create videos and podcasts?  Are you familiar with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)? Check out details for this job opportunity at https://tinyurl.com/dmsatmcs or scan the QR code >> ABOUT MCS The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is a connectional church comprising the General Conference, three Annual Conferences, local churches, and various agencies and organisations. The General Conference (GC) is the highest body of the MCS, responsible for legislation, policy, and the overseeing of its various agencies, including the programme agencies responsible for education, missions, and welfare services. w w w. m e t h o d i s t . o r g . s g

mosaic. The city presents the many hues and shades of and Patrick Miller define Shalom as “a harmonious, what may be broadly described as the human condition, properly functioning, life-giving order to society”.4 depicting both the majesty and the misery of man. And because Shalom can only be achieved when human The city is full of energy and vitality, a bustling hub of beings are rightly related to God, the Church must pray human activity and social intercourse. But it is also a place of for the spiritual transformation by the power of God of profound loneliness and alienation for some of its dwellers. every city-dweller, their regeneration and sanctification. Some modern cities are icons of success, affluence and City churches therefore have a profound responsibility of prosperity—exemplars of human flourishing. Yet, in sharing the Gospel of life and hope to every inhabitant. the back alleys of these same cities we find poverty, They must bear witness to the public truth of the Gospel marginalisation and disenfranchisement. with the unwavering confidence that the message of the cross can bring salvation and change lives. The World Health Organisation estimates that about one- third of urban populations across the world is living in The early Church gradually won the entire ancient slums and shantytowns.3 These ghettos are hotbeds of Graeco-Roman world to Christ by bringing the Gospel a variety of social vices such as crime, abuse, substance to cities. The Gospel transformed these cities by vending and usage and rape. humanising their dwellers. The Church’s mission in the city must be truly As Rodney Stark has depicted it so well in his fascinating “incarnational” if it is to be authentic and life-giving. book, The Rise of Christianity: This means that the Church must be fully present with the people in the polis. She must reach out redemptively To cities filled with the homeless and to the wealthy business magnates in the business area impoverished, Christianity offered charity as as well as the prostitutes in the red-light districts. well as hope. To cities filled with newcomers and strangers, Christianity offered an immediate Incarnational urban mission also entails investing in the basis for attachments. To cities filled with city. This means utilising the various economic systems widows and orphans, Christianity provided a strategically in the service of the common good. new and expanded sense of family. To cities torn by violent ethnic strife, Christianity offered Then finally—and most importantly—the Church must a new basis for social solidarity.5 intercede for the Shalom of the city. Walter Brueggemann 1 Lewis Mumford, The City in History: Its Transformations, and Its Prospects (New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1961), 3. 2 John Stott, The Message of Acts: The Spirit, the Church and the World, Bible Speaks Today Series (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1990), 293. 3 Margaret Chan, “Hidden Cities: Unmasking and Overcoming Health Inequalities in Urban Settings”, WHO/United Nations Habitat, 2010. 4 Walter Brueggemann and Patrick D. Miller, The Word that Redescribes the World: The Bible and Discipleship (National Book Network, 2006), 169. 5 Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries (San Francisco: Harper, 1997), 161–162. |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 29

14 METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

People ¢ David Leong is a Local Preacher cum Itinerant Children & Families Educator at Grace Methodist Church. He was brought to church when he was nine years old by his Primary Three Form Teacher and her then-fiancé. He is married to Cynthia and they have three children who are young adults now. / Photo courtesy of David Leong What does T wo things come to my mind about what being a Methodist means to me: music and missions. being a Methodist Methodists love to sing and I am one of them! Our mean to you? Methodist forefathers, John and Charles Wesley, published 56 collections of hymns in 53 years. Charles Wesley wrote some 8,989 hymns. During my youth days, I was involved in our church choir and also as one of the Sunday School and church worship leaders. Our founding pastor, Rev Alfred C. H. Yeo, has modelled for us in Grace Methodist Church what it means to be involved in God’s missions. When I answered God’s call in 1990 to serve as a full- time missionary with Scripture Union Singapore, my church leadership and members were very supportive. In July 2013, when I became an itinerant children and families educator on a freelance basis, the church continued its strong support. I believe that these can be attributed to the strong emphasis on missions that our founding Methodist fathers had. What John Wesley said—“The world is my parish”—has inspired me to serve the Body of Christ worldwide. I thank God that in my 53 years of being a Christian, I have experienced the unique richness of the Methodist music and missions heritage that God has used together with other ministries to bring people of all ages and backgrounds to Jesus in worship and witness for the glory of His Name.

Opinion ¢ THINK Dr Cheah Fung Fong is the Vice President of the Trinity Annual Conference. She worships at Fairfield MC, where she is also serving as Associate Lay Leader. / Photos courtesy of Dr Cheah Fung Fong What in the world are you doing? That sparked off a wonderful time of conversation with the ladies, as the door opened for faith conversations and for wholistic ministry to their physical and spiritual needs. Me, a missionary? God had planted a seed in my heart for missions when I was an undergraduate in the Varsity Christian Fellowship at the National University of Singapore. I was convicted that God has called all of us to obey His Great Commission—to go and make disciples of all nations. For some, it would be as missionaries to whom God has given a clear call to serve full time in the missions field. For the majority, it would mean involvement through praying, giving, as well as going on short term missions trips to bring the gospel of Christ to the nations. Being involved in short term missions over the decades has taught me several lessons. Dr Cheah Fung Fong on during a medical missions trip Ministry to ladies in Manila I sat in the front seat of a four-wheel-drive that was Serve with your gifts climbing up a steep slope. The ride brought me to a small village nestled high in the mountains. The village was God has given all of us with unique gifts that we can use to now a tent city—all the houses had been destroyed during serve the body of Christ. As we offer these gifts, in short- or a recent earthquake. I entered one of the tents and was longer-term missions, God uses it to bless others. greeted by a group of ladies huddled there. They had not seen a doctor for many months as they preferred to be seen My medical training opened doors for me to serve in by a female doctor. After the salutatory greetings through situations where extra skilled manpower was needed, my interpreter, I settled down to attend to them. e.g. in situations where the community did not usually have access to medical care, or in crisis situations where My first patient was a young woman who stared at me there was shortage of medical aid. This helped the local through listless eyes, silent and sad. The other ladies church in the missions field to extend their reach to the fussed over her and told me that she had not eaten for communities they were ministering to. several days. She had lost her only child, a two-year-old toddler, during the earthquake. As I tended to her, the ground started to shake and move beneath us. We were experiencing an aftershock. “Aren’t you afraid?” one of the ladies asked. I smiled and said, “In God I trust.” |32 METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021

In one of the short-term missions trips that I joined the years—he has just turned 99 years old this year. It has in with TRAC WSCS to Oikos Helping Hands in Manila, been a humbling experience to have had the opportunity Philippines, I saw ladies on the team who brought their to serve alongside him in the earlier years as he did the talents in manicure/pedicure services to teach these hard work of tilling the ground in outreach to the Ibans skills to women who were living in poverty. This sparked and seeing him raise a team of local leaders who could a microenterprise that brought a measure of hope and join him in the work of church planting. I have been richly sustenance to the ladies there. It helped the missionaries blessed through his role modelling and to observe his long to achieve their goal of finding sustainable solutions to and faithful years of unflinching service to the Lord. lift families out of poverty. When you serve in the missions field, even on a short Even children and youth can serve God with their talents term missions trip, you also have a front row view of in the missions field. For several years, I led a team of the miracles of transformed lives, touched by God. I children and youth from my home church to run a Vacation remember visiting an Iban longhouse that, I was told, was Bible School for students at the Methodist School of the last longhouse in the area that still had not come to Cambodia. The kids from Fairfield Methodist Church used Christ. This was because of an influential witch doctor that their gifts and talents to befriend the Cambodian children lived in this longhouse. That night, our missions team of and share their testimonies about God with them. As kids university students shared our testimonies as well as the ministered to kids, Cambodian children were ushered gospel to the villagers who had gathered to hear us. To into God’s kingdom. The Christian Cambodian youth were our immense surprise and delight, the witchdoctor gave impacted by what they saw the Fairfield kids do. They his life to Christ that night! The next morning, the whole then organised themselves and got their church’s support longhouse held a ceremony as they burnt all their idols to send them to bring the gospel of Christ to the remote and images of the gods they had previously worshipped. villages in Cambodia. So the offerings of the children’s We went away rejoicing, knowing that we left behind a talents used in service to God catalysed other youth in the whole village transformed for Christ! missions field to use their talents to serve God too! Seed the Gospel Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to earth for our salvation. And He has left us a clear command in Matt 28:19–20: “Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” A short-term missions trip ministering to youths at the Methodist We will be obeying Christ’s command and following in School of Cambodia His footsteps as we bring the gospel cross culturally to the nations. It may be difficult now to travel to other Stretch your faith and perspectives nations as we continue to grapple with living with the COVID-19 pandemic. But opportunities abound, such as Meeting missionaries on the field and observing their being involved in praying and giving to the missionaries selfless service and sacrifice to God has inspired me in my our churches are supporting as well as the work of the own walk and service to God. Methodist Missions Society. The nations are also at our doorstep, with foreigners who live amongst us, who are here for their work or their studies. Count Zinzendorf once said, “Missions after all is simply this: Every heart with Christ is a missionary, every heart without Christ is a mission field.” On my first missions trip, I met an Australian missionary Let’s join in work in the missions field, near and far. The who was serving in the remote villages amongst the fields are white for harvest! Iban tribe in Sarawak. I kept in touch with him through |METHODIST MESSAGE — November 2021 33

Events ¢ Looking Ahead Scan to see events online! NOV NOV PRAY FOR THE 46TH SESSION OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCES ETAC 12–13 Nov 2021 / CAC 15–18 Nov 2021 / TRAC 22–25 Nov 2021 For more information, please contact your respective Annual Conference office. Come together as a Methodist family to pray for God’s guidance as the clergy and lay delegates gather to discuss future plans as a conference and share about their ministries. Pray also for the logistics and preparation of meetings, including all technical details and measures required. Organised by the respective Annual Conferences. NOV DISCIPLE 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DEC 4 Nov 2021 (Saturday), 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive S(149604) and online disciple.methodist.org.sg 6765-5301 (Whatsapp) disciple@methodist.org.sg Celebrate DISCIPLE’s 30 years in Singapore! Register now and join Disciple Agency onsite or online to celebrate God’s faithfulness and abundant grace together. Organised by Disciple Agency. TRAC SENIORS MINISTRY: GRANDPARENTING 13 Nov 2021 (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2ta6u72m Whatsapp Priscilla at 9220 8954 Grandparenting means watching your family grow. It means enjoying time with the little ones—often without all the pains of parenthood. But is there more to being a grandparent? Join Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon, a grandfather of four, as he shares how you can give the next generation a spiritual legacy as you share your knowledge and experience of God and make a difference in their lives that will last for eternity. Organised by TRAC Seniors Ministry. METHODIST FESTIVAL CHOIR ADVENT 2021: COMFORT MY PEOPLE 12 Dec 2021 (Sunday), 5.00 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2zm5mece Admission is free. This musical worship presentation aims to provide a platform for fellow Methodists and Christians of other denominations to sing together and to have fellowship and support one another in the music ministry. Join them as they present an Advent service to prepare us for the season of anticipation! Organised by the Methodist School of Music.