Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications
Communications Manager
Lynn Tan
Managing Editor
Alvin Tay
Editor
Lianne Ong
Communications Executive
Kathrynn Koh
Sub-editors
Lucy Cheng
Janice Khoo
Tan Chiu Ai
Elliot Soh
Proofreaders
Kenneth Lee
Christabel Tan
Methodist Message is the official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore . Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK) unless otherwise stated.
3 New chapter of care: MWS dedicates latest nursing home
/ Features /
4 Sharing life, health and peace through Jesus—Behind the scenes with "You & Your Family" columnist Benny Bong
6 Rehabilitation doctor wakes up from a coma after nearly 5 years
9 Intentional love: Strengthening the heartbeat of Christian community
/ Opinion /
12 Soundings: The foundational role of the family in society
14 THINK: A quick guide to Christian denominations
/ Outreach /
18 He was just 17 when MWS helped him —now he sits on its Board
22 Singapore Mission School Kindergarten officially opens at new premises in Laos
/ Relationships / 24 At The Well
/ Worship /
28 Is true worship also learning to sit at a table together as a family?
/ People /
33 Trust is about not having all the answers CONTENTS
COVER ART BY NICKY RAYSA
Nicky Raysa is a London-based Indonesian visual storyteller. Inspired by self-reflection, her work explores themes of faith, human connection and the beauty in everyday moments through painting, drawing and digital illustration. She is a recent graduate of the Royal College of Art, where she studied illustration.
The family unit as the cornerstone and bedrock of society
Bishop Philip Lim was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2024. Previously, he served as a missionary in Cambodia under the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), and as Executive Director of MMS from 2012 to 2018.
In recent years, it seems that the institution of marriage and the concept of family have come under great pressure and scrutiny. In actual fact, it has been under attack since the beginning of time. When we look at the first family (Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel), we see so much dysfunction and brokenness.
If we look at the state of family today in Singapore, what do we see? We may see the positive outcomes of strong families, but more likely, most will see vicious cycles of pain and estrangement, misunderstanding and more.
Even after Section 377A of the penal code was repealed to decriminalise gay sex in November 2022, the Singapore government has repeatedly affirmed their stance on supporting "the family unit, the cornerstone and bedrock of Singapore society".1 Fortunately, more than two years after the repeal, marriage in Singapore is still recognised to be between one man and one woman. This stance aligns with the belief that children are, ideally, a fruit of marriage and that they can grow best within the protection and stability that marriage gives.
All of us, whether by blood or bond, have some sort of family, and because mankind is fallen, the state of family reflects that brokenness and fallenness. The time to stand in the gap and intercede for families is always now. It can be argued that, more so than any other social issue, the issue and strength of families is transcendent. It affects any and all. The Church must face the reality that the family has been, and will continue to be, under attack.
When we look at God's response to Cain's act of murder (Genesis 4:15), we see a just God meting out punishment for sin, but we also see his mercy when he marked Cain to protect him from being killed by others, thereby allowing him the chance at a new life in a different place.
We need to continue to pray for the covering of the blood of the lamb and God's mercy for families in Singapore. As with God and Cain, while we see the consequences of sin in the cycles of pain in our families, we can extend grace and mercy, and cling on to the hope of healing and reconciliation.
1 Yeo, M. (2024, May 25). Government policies will continue to strengthen role of families: PM Wong. The Straits Times . https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/government-policies-will-continue-to-strengthenrole-of-families-pm-wong
LECTURE
scriptural holiness
Growing Together in Holiness
Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon
23 May (Fri)
7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. In English
23 & 24 MAY 2025
AYER CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH (TA2)
Both the lecture and celebration service will be held onsite . aldersgate.methodist.org.sg
CELEBRATION SERVICE
The Priesthood of All Believers
Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon
24 May (Sat)
5.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m.
In English with Mandarin translation
Registration is required if you are staying for dinner
Scan to register or to find out more methodist.sg Follow us
New chapter of care: MWS dedicates latest nursing home
(above left)
MWS Nursing Home – Eunos
(above right)
Bishop Philip Lim with key MWS leaders at the dedication of
MWS Nursing Home – Eunos
"This is an extension of a movement within the Methodist community to (enrich) lives—a movement grounded in compassion for those around us, especially those in need, and grounded in dignity, because these are souls precious before God," said Eugene Toh, Chairperson of the MWS Board of Governance.
He was speaking at the Dedication Service of MWS Nursing Home –Eunos (ENH) on 8 April 2025, attended by about 70 representatives from the Board of Governance and Centre Governance Committee, members of the Methodist community and MWS staff.
Key leaders from the Methodist community came together to dedicate the Nursing Home, its residents and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, to the Lord.
"At the heart of our mission is the deep Methodist ethos of caring for those in need. We are reminded of Jesus' teachings to love our neighbour—and we live this out in service to others," said MWS CEO Calvin Ngo in his opening address.
Located alongside MWS Senior Care Centre and SingHealth Polyclinic, the 171-bed MWS ENH is part of an integrated care ecosystem—offering seamless access to primary healthcare, rehabilitation, and palliative care in one place.
As MWS' third Nursing Home, ENH marks a major milestone in our commitment to holistic, 24/7 residential care and customised rehabilitation for seniors—made possible by the generosity of Wesley Methodist Church (WMC), MWS ENH's founding church partner.
Bishop Philip Lim, MWS Patron, delivered the Scripture message and led the Dedication prayer, joined by Rev Reuben Ng (TRAC), Rev S Kumar (ETAC) and Rev Raymond Fong (WMC).
We commit MWS, ENH and future nursing homes to God's hands. To him be the glory!
Meet the first resident of MWS Nursing Home – Eunos
From gloomy to glowing— that's how Mdm Koh Ah Hua (bottom right), 64, described the transformation of her 86-yearold mother, Mdm Yap Eng Hway (bottom left), the first resident admitted to MWS' third Nursing Home on 10 March 2025.
For years, Mdm Yap was cared for by her three children on a rotational basis. But as dementia worsened her long-standing behavioural issues, the strain became too much. Balancing caregiving with work and family left Mdm Koh and her siblings physically and emotionally exhausted. "I lost nearly 5kg from the stress," Mdm Koh shared.
Since her mother's admission, the change has been profound. "She's like a different person now— pleasant, cheerful, and socially engaged," said Mdm Koh. "She even looks prettier!"
Janice Khoo serves in the Choir and Media & Comms Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Benny Bong
Sharing life, health and peace through Jesus
Imagine having to submit an essay to your school principal every month, the said principal having a reputation for sternness and being a stickler for the proper use of the English language. This is what family and marital therapist Benny Bong agreed to when Mr Earnest Lau, who was his principal at Anglo-Chinese School, asked him to write a regular column for Methodist Message (MM).
Behind the scenes with "You & Your Family" columnist Benny Bong
has more than 40 years of experience in counselling and therapy
"He was on the editorial committee and I could not say 'No' to my principal," recalls Benny, 68. The late Mr Lau served as Associate Editor from February 1998 to March 2011 and was a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
"I was prepared for honest feedback when I submitted the first draft. Mr Lau said it was okay and it was with relief that I continued to write the column," Benny said.
The column was named "You & Your Family" by Mr Lau. One article led to another and 19 years later, Benny has written over 200 articles for the column.
Selected articles from Benny's monthly contributions have been compiled into a book, Restoration: Rebuilding Four Areas of My Life . It is distributed at no cost with MM's May issue. (If you are holding a print edition of MM, chances are you would have received a physical book. The book is also available as an e-book online and is free to download).
"I have always had an interest in the human condition," says Benny, when asked what had led him to become a therapist. "I did not know what I wanted to study in university. By divine providence, I was admitted to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the National University of Singapore. After graduation, I was exposed to counselling work at the SAF Counselling Centre. I liked it and later had the opportunity to study at The Counselling and Care Centre under the late Anthony Yeo."
(far left) Benny
(left) As a trainer, Benny conducts regular talks and webinars
Mr Yeo, also known as the "father of counselling" in Singapore, was the first Asian director of The Counselling and Care Centre, a joint initiative of Wesley Methodist Church and St Andrew's Cathedral.
Born to Christian parents, Benny attended Kampong Kapor Methodist Church from the age of two.
Benny sees clients of varying backgrounds and faiths but his objective to bring about reconciliation between parties and within individuals remains unchanged. He explains, "If my clients are Christians, I bring them back to what the Bible says. If they are not Christian, I don't mention the Bible, but the underlying values still apply. My Christian values are personal to me, not my client. As a counsellor, I'm there to help people, not to convert them."
And help them he does, by working alongside his clients as they grapple with issues. For clients who know God, Benny's work is not unlike that of a pastor in that he turns them towards how God wants them to lead their lives. Lengthy conversations often ensue, and he acknowledges a common struggle: "We know the law but how do we live it out? It's often less about ignorance and more about making hard choices."
Work as a counsellor can mean being exposed to the suffering of others when the pain is conveyed by the client. In other words, the counsellor experiences secondary trauma. When that happens, Benny's faith supports him and he is reminded to turn to God because God knows the person's pain more than he, the counsellor, can. Benny says, "I surrender my clients to God's care. I do my best and often end the session by praying and committing that person to God. I pray the same prayer for the Christian and non-Christian because God knows and loves them."
Having been in practice for more than 40 years, Benny maintains that a counsellor aims to work himself out of a job by helping clients
develop skills to stand on their own feet. He observes that, while people turn to counsellors more now than in the past, there is still the stigma of having to acknowledge that one has failed and needs help. Benny says, "Counselling should not be the last resort, but it should not be the first, either." Expanding on this in the context of Christians, he says, "I feel we need to teach people to be more resilient, to have a good relationship with God and learn to depend on him."
Benny is cognisant that his "You & Your Family" articles may be read by both Christians and non-Christians. He says, "As a Christian asked to help people, I know that sometimes the simple direction of 'What would Jesus do?' doesn't go down so well. In my column, I tend to talk about my clients' struggles so that the readers can see how they can be true to their faith amid what they are facing."
He applies the same philosophy for MM's "At The Well" column where he also serves on a panel of counsellors who respond to relationship questions.
Faced with the issues and pain his clients share with him, Benny recognises the need for authenticity in his role as a counsellor. He elaborates, "It is important that my readers know that I am human, and I may struggle with some of the issues they struggle with too." His readers will know that Benny shares candidly from his own personal and family experiences. "I am careful with issues of privacy when I write about some client experiences. But my wife is supportive of me sharing from our personal life and I do tell her before it goes to print."
Grinning, he adds, "Sometimes."
More information on Restoration: Rebuilding Four Areas of My Life is found on the back cover of this issue. The "You & Your Family" column is paused this month to give Mr Bong a well-deserved break.
Janice Khoo serves in the Choir and Media & Comms Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Preima Doraisamy
Dr Preima Doraisamy shares her story of God's miraculous healing from a coma with Methodist Message.
Preima Doraisamy was born in 1946 to a family of faithful believers spanning generations. Her father, Theodore Royapan Doraisamy, was Bishop of The Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore from 1973 to 1976. Hers was a close-knit household where the family sang hymns and prayed together nightly, with her mother doing daily devotions with the children in the taxi ride to school. Young Preima attended Tamil Methodist Church at Short Street, where her father was the pastor.
Following her primary and secondary school education at Methodist Girls' School, Dr Doraisamy attended pre-university at AngloChinese School where she enrolled in the Medicine Class. She went on to Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, India to train to become a doctor. On her return to Singapore, Dr Doraisamy was posted to the Rehabilitation Unit at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, a job which she approached with much reluctance and which
she initially sought to leave.
But God had other plans for her. In her autobiography, Before and Beyond Coma: Memoirs of a Victim, she writes, "I had changed my mind. I had started to love rehabilitation medicine …" 1
Subsequently, Dr Doraisamy embarked on specialist training in rehabilitation centres in England and Scotland, becoming the third person and first woman in Singapore to specialise in this area of medicine. She says, "I considered myself an expert in brain injury because there was no one else here at that time who was interested." Among her accomplishments was developing the Coma Arousal Programme to expose patients to stimuli to trigger their senses of touch, smell, taste and vision, with the intention of aiding brain recovery. All this became significant years later when she herself suffered injury to the brain.
(above left) Bible stories with Dr Doraisamy's parents: (from left) Padhma, Preima, Mrs Doraisamy, Heima, Rabi and TR Doraisamy
(above right) Dr Doraisamy in Oxford, 1989
Going under the knife for a brain tumour
Things changed in 2014 when Dr Doraisamy was found to have a vestibular schwannoma, or in layman's terms, a brain tumour. She underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for the tumour. Before undergoing radiosurgery for the brain tumour in 2014, she prepared her will, Lasting Power of Attorney and an Advanced Medical Directive with a "Do Not Resuscitate" order.
When the tumour recurred, she had to undergo open surgery to excise it in 2016. Unfortunately, it led to complications including meningitis and seizures. Her medical reports described her as being "left with permanent disability due to brain stem stroke". 2
As result of the brain injury, Dr Doraisamy's physical and cognitive functions were impaired. Her movements were weak and uncoordinated, and she became forgetful and confused. Surrounded by a supportive network of family and friends who lovingly cared for, encouraged and prayed with and for her, Dr Doraisamy spent almost five years in the daze of a coma. She herself became in need of the Coma Arousal Programme that she developed years earlier.
The lost years
"From February 2016 to December 2020 … These were the years that I lost. I have no memory of them except what I have been told in 2021 and 2022." 3
Dr Doraisamy was told that she had fluctuated from Coma I to Coma III; in other words, she was mostly unresponsive and would respond only at times. "I recognised visitors at times and was completely unaware at other times. I had a blank look on my face and my voice was like a child at times … I was totally dependent on my carers for mobility and all activities of daily living."4
Those years were spent in hospitals and then a nursing home before Dr Doraisamy was able to return home.
Assessing her condition through a doctor's eyes and based on medical reports and family members' observations, she says, "Coma IV is when you are completely unaware. Coma III is when you respond to pain. Beyond that, you are only minimally conscious. I made my own diagnosis that I was actually fluctuating between all the stages. My friends and family say I used to talk to them and tell them things during those coma years but I cannot remember any of it."
Dr Doraisamy (first on left) with visitors in 2019, just before the pandemic
Rehabilitation doctor wakes up from a coma after nearly 5 years
While in a coma, Dr Doraisamy came close to returning to the Lord as several medical close calls had her family prepared for the worst.
"I cannot explain it scientifically"
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Dr Doraisamy's condition deteriorated. Restrictions to hospital admissions because of the pandemic meant that she could not go to National University Hospital (NUH) where she usually went. She ended up at Changi General Hospital (CGH). There, she came under the care of Dr Chris Lien, a friend and former colleague.
Dr Lien took Dr Doraisamy off many of the medicines that she had been prescribed so that he could focus on treating the blood infection she was suffering from. She explains, "He decided not to put me back on the medicine for treating seizures. It was a risk that he took. That was divine intervention. I never had an epileptic fit after that. Instead, I awoke from my coma."
Dr Doraisamy says, "Somehow, I was sent to CGH and Chris decided to take on my case. That, I feel, is where the miracle happened."
Speaking as a doctor, Dr Doraisamy says, "I cannot explain it scientifically. It must be something greater. It can only be a miracle. I have treated a lot of patients in my career and I have never seen patients recover to this extent." She continues, "I don't know why God gave me that miracle and let me recover. Pastors I have spoken to say there would be a reason, but the fact remains that this was an answered prayer, and it is testimony of God's power to heal. I am very grateful and in awe that it happened."
Having awoken from her coma, Dr Doraisamy diligently applied herself to the myriad exercises needed for rehabilitation. As a rehabilitation physician, she knew very well what she needed to do to aid her recovery.
At 78, Dr Doraisamy has now recovered much of her memory, which she painstakingly
regained by looking through old photographs and written records as well as having many conversations with family and friends. Much like the young woman she describes in her autobiography, she is still lively, quick-witted and gifted with a ready smile. Food is still something she enjoys, albeit with concessions made to her age rather than her medical history. She jokes, "I don't know where my disability ends and old age starts." She goes to the gym regularly and visits malls to window shop with the help of her personal mobility device. "I'm planning to travel to Vellore for my CMC reunion, God willing," she says, as she continues to stay connected with friends and family in Singapore and around the world.
Returning to the question of God's purpose for healing her, Dr Doraisamy, who currently joins online services at Barker Road Methodist Church, says, "My friend says my purpose is to give my testimony, to tell people about the miracle God did in my life."
And sharing her story of God's miraculous healing is just what Dr Preima Doraisamy now does.
of a Victim, Singapore: Preima Doraisamy, 2024, 60.
2 ibid., 106.
3 ibid., 104.
4 ibid., 144.
Dr Doraisamy challenged herself to write her memoirs in order to aid her rehabilitation process
Dr Morgan Zhou is the Chairperson of TRAC Board of Children's Ministry and core team member of the Methodist Fathers Movement. He is also Vice-Principal of ACS (Academy) and worships at Fairfield Methodist Church.
Intentional love: Strengthening the heartbeat of Christian community
In a world that celebrates the loudest voices and those with stellar achievements, it is easy, even within families, to overlook the quieter roles or unseen efforts that hold everything together. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 on the other hand, reminds us that every member of the body is indispensable, no matter how visible or hidden our contributions may be.
Paul likens the Church to a human body that is diverse in its parts yet unified in purpose. Each part—the eye, hand or foot—is different but each one is essential. "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!'" (1 Corinthians 12:21 NIV). This is a message that everyone in our homes and church families needs to hear again and again: no one is too small, too young, too old, too quiet or too weak to matter.
Take the humble toe, for instance. We rarely think about our toes until one of them gets
stubbed! And yet, toes are vital for balance and mobility. There is even an annual World Toe Wrestling Championship held in England, giving honour to this overlooked part of the body in a rather humorous way. But humour aside, Paul's point is noteworthy that even the "weaker" parts are necessary.
This principle has powerful implications for our homes. We might applaud the breadwinner, the decision-maker or the one in charge of household affairs. But what about the child who encourages a sibling?
The parent who does laundry late at night? The grandparent who prays daily over the family? These hidden acts of love are the very heartbeat of Christian community within the home.
To further illustrate this truth, consider the story of Dr Paul Brand, a medical missionary who served in India. He noticed something fascinating about the way families cared for patients in hospital. Often, loved ones would bring hot meals, sleep on the floor beside the patient's bed and massage their limbs through the night when pain flared up. Initially, Dr Brand found these practices unsanitary and disruptive. But over time, he saw something remarkable and realised that patients who received this tender, loving care needed less pain medication and recovered more quickly and fully. These family members were not trained doctors but their love and presence brought healing in ways medicine could not. These acts of love are not unlike the spiritual support that forms the heartbeat of Christian community where members can experience "healing through presence, not just prescription".
This is the essence of Paul's teaching in verse 26: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it." The body of Christ works as God intended when it feels, responds in love and supports one another as one.
Our own family experienced this truth over the past year and a half when my wife Angela faced a serious health challenge. What began as abdominal cramps escalated into emergency surgery. Doctors discovered not just a ruptured appendix but also cancerous cells within it. In a matter of days, Angela had to undergo a second surgery to remove part of her large intestine.
It was a trying season emotionally, physically and spiritually. But amid fear and uncertainty, we experienced what it meant to be part of a larger body. God ministered to us through our family and community: Fairfield Methodist Church leaders, cell group members, friends, relatives and even acquaintances we had not connected with for years. They cooked meals, watched over our boys, and shared songs, verses and hand-drawn cards. They prayed, visited and supported us in countless ways and gave us space when we needed it by interceding in the background. This outpouring of love and solidarity sustained our family through the storm.
Our then Pastor-in-Charge, Rev Wendy Tay, who was going through her own health challenges, regularly checked in and prayed with Angela, and ministered to her through a meaningful time of prayer before the second surgery. Our cell group organised prayer vigils during Angela's hospitalisation, surgery and subsequent chemotherapy sessions. They even processed the situation with our sons and gave them opportunities to express their emotions by checking in periodically on how they were coping. Amazingly, our boys ministered to us in quiet, powerful ways too. We praise God for how they have matured!
Angela, usually strong and independent, learnt to receive care and support. She later shared that it was through these "angels" —in texts, prayers and presence—that she experienced God's love and reassurance, especially during moments when everything felt silent and she felt alone.
In all of this, I am reminded that every person in our homes and communities plays a vital role in the body of Christ. As we intentionally love, support and honour one another daily, may we reflect God's love and strengthen the heartbeat of Christian community.
Practical ideas for strengthening our families and building community
● Affirm every contribution and build a culture of care
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Whether it is a child setting the table, a sibling offering a hug or a parent praying in secret, every act matters. Celebrate these efforts during meals or family devotions. Like the families Dr Brand observed, comfort and healing flow through small acts of service and thoughtful presence. This fosters a culture of care in the home.
● Model interdependence
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ."
~ Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Teach children that needing help is not a sign of weakness. It is okay to lean on others and ask for help. Lead by example by reaching out when you need support and expressing gratitude when others serve you. This openness keeps the family connected and united.
● Spot and nurture hidden gifts
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
~ 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Not everyone will be the star on a stage, but a family member might be the peacemaker or the quiet listener. Help each other discover and nurture these gifts to keep your family spiritually vibrant.
● Be present in times of suffering
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it."
~ 1 Corinthians 12:26a (NIV)
When one person suffers, the whole family is affected. Create safe spaces for talking, praying and supporting each other through struggles. Sometimes, a listening ear or shared tear speaks louder than words.
D6 Conference offers a great opportunity to equip your family for spiritual growth. Receive practical resources, learn from workshops and be inspired to strengthen your home and community.
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.
The foundational role of the family in society
In a speech delivered at the launch of National Family Week at Suntec Convention Centre on 4 June 2022, then-Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, articulated the Singapore government's unwavering commitment to support the family in these memorable words:
Strong families are the bedrock of our society. They are crucial to develop resilient individuals. Our families mould our character and values. They shape our personality and beliefs. They anchor our sense of belonging in our society.1
These words express truths about the importance of the family that can be described as universal, transcending time and culture. They convey the very kernel of the Christian understanding of the family and its importance for the well-being of society.
The Christian faith has a high view of marriage and family because of the belief that they are the institutions ordained by God, and not merely a social construct as it is sometimes perceived by contemporary society. The origins of marriage and family can be traced to the very first book of the Bible which tells the story of God uniting Adam and Eve in marriage and giving them the mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:26-30).
Because marriage and family are instituted by God, they bear certain normative features which cannot be subject to revision or adaptation in response to the changing whims of culture. Following the Bible, the Church teaches that marriage is between a man and a woman, and that children are a gift from God as the result of the conjugal union.
The family is the fundamental and primary environs where moral and spiritual formation takes place, the school of humanity, as some writers have put it. Parents are the spiritual shepherds of their children, nurturing and guiding them in such a way that they imbibe values such as love, kindness and respect for others.
Most importantly, Christian parents are to teach their children the commandments of God as found in his written word, the Scriptures. This is articulated clearly in Deuteronomy: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
The family also plays a formative role in that it is in this context that children learn the importance of practices such as prayer, Scripture reading and worship. That is why theologians such as John Chrysostom in the
fourth century have described the Christian household as a "little church".
The family is where children first learn to relate to others with the love and respect that they themselves have received. In other words, the family serves as the child's first community—a nurturing environment where they are introduced to the principles of justice, mutual respect and the common good.
Families therefore contribute—however imperfectly—to the stability and flourishing of society. They do so by nurturing and preparing their youngest members to be socially responsible individuals in the larger community as well as engaged and active citizens.
Alternative marriage and family structures such as same-sex civil unions and marriages, same-sex parenting and transgender marriages and families, which are being mainstreamed in the West, have also challenged the traditional norms of marriage and family. Not only do they signal a radical departure from Christian teaching concerning these institutions, they are also a perversion.
Church, society and the state have the responsibility to address these seismic shifts in sensibilities that threaten to relegate marriage and family as they are traditionally understood to obsolescence.
The Church can do this by faithfully upholding the biblical teachings about sexuality, marriage
Church, society and the state have the responsibility to address these seismic shifts in sensibilities that threaten to relegate marriage and family as they are traditionally understood to obsolescence.
The foundational role of the family in society is eloquently articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church :
The family is the original cell of social life. It is the natural society in which husband and wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life. Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the family constitute the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within society. 2
However, there are powerful developments in our time—some subtle while others not so— that are slowly eating away at the fabric of the traditional family like acid. Writers as diverse as the American sociologist Charles Murray and the late Pope John Paul II have sounded the alarm that the traditional family has come "under assault" and is being undermined by social and cultural forces.
In the West, rabid individualism and the sexual revolution which erupted in the 1960s and which resulted in significant shifts in sexual mores are the chief sources of opposition to the traditional family.
and the family and resist the pressure to conform. Societal institutions can also contribute by reinforcing the value of traditional marriage and family through education and awareness. And the state can protect the traditional family by introducing more pro-family policies and by not acquiescing to the pressure to enact laws which make it easier for couples to terminate their marriage or legalise samesex union or marriage.
The three institutions—Church, society and the state—can work collaboratively to foster a culture where traditional marriage and family are valued and supported for the common good.
1 "Transcript of speech by PM Lee Hsien Loong at the launch of National Family Week at Suntec Convention Hall 403 and 404 on 4 June 2022," Prime Minister's Office Singapore, accessed Feb 3, 2025, https://www.pmo.gov.sg/ Newsroom/PM-Lee-at-the-Launch-of-NationalFamily-Week-2022.
2 Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992), para 2207, https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/ en/part_three/section_two/chapter_two/ article_4/ii_the_family_and_society.html
Rev Dr Andrew Peh is a lecturer in mission and world religions at Trinity Theological College (TTC). He is an alumnus of TTC as well as Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, USA. He is ordained as a diaconal minister in the Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Singapore and is attached to Bukit Panjang Methodist Church. His research interests are in colonial missions history of Southeast Asia (particularly Singapore) and the missions history of East Asia (particularly Japanese Christianity).
A quick guide to Christian denominations
It has often been said that there are too many denominations in Christianity, which is overly confusing for those without and perhaps also for those within. It should be noted, however, that denominationalism is not unique to Christianity since it is an equally common phenomenon evident in all the major world religions.
The dictionary definition of the word renders denomination as "a particular religious group which has slightly different beliefs from other groups within the same faith." 1 It is perhaps important to make a distinction between
denominations and cults; 2 where the former is understood as a branch that may have varying emphases and practices, yet are all aligned with the major tenets of doctrine of the faith, whilst the latter holds on to the view(s) of particular charismatic leaders that is (are) at variance and regarded as apostate (unorthodox or heterodox). In short, a Christian denomination is one that holds on to the major tenets of the Christian faith, as articulated by such as the Nicene Creed or the Apostles' Creed, but exhibits a particular or unique emphases in polity and practices.
1534
Anglicans
Major schisms
Historically there have been a few major schisms that have splintered the Church, giving rise to various denominations. We are perhaps more familiar with the denominations such as Anglicanism, Lutheranism and Presbyterianism which arose as a result of the Protestant Reformation, catalysed by Martin Luther's posting of the ninety-five theses at the door of the castle church in Wittenburg in 1517. It should be noted that Luther's post was not intended to fracture the Roman Catholic Church but instead marked his desire to bring attention to the ecclesial authorities including the Pope, the need to return to the Scriptures especially regarding the practice of the sale of indulgences (a practice that was contrary to the counsel of the Scriptures). Not unlike human institutions, the medieval Church had become increasingly bloated with its own power and wealth. The moral laxity of the clergy, the growing general apathy towards the Scriptures, a stifling obduracy to traditionalism and a sense of impassivity to the work of the Holy Spirit sparked separate movements across Europe.
Hence the Reformation should not be perceived as one monolithic movement, but instead multiple reform movements which
Anglican Communion (1534), Episcopal Church of America (1789) and others linked to the Anglican communion
1517 Lutherans
1607 Congregationalists
emerged in different geographical contexts with quite differing foci, albeit as a response to the deterioration within the Roman Catholic Church. In response to pomp and pageantry of Roman Catholic practices, the reformers' emphasis on the five "solas" 3 sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus , and soli Deo gloria —became foundational for understanding the Gospel and particularly the doctrine of salvation.
Church historians have classified the Reformation in two movements—the first is the Magisterial Reformation, where "mainstream reformers worked closely with the state and city officials (thus the term "magisterial"), seeing the Reformation as involving both church and state."4 Alongside this, is what has been termed as Radical Reformation, where the protagonists of these movements felt that the magisterial reformers were too restrained and had not gone far enough in bringing about a more thorough reformation in returning the Christian faith to its biblical roots. They were referred to as "Anabaptists" for their rejection of paedobaptism and emphasis on re-baptism.
While we often locate the development of denominations primarily to the Protestant
Evangelical Free (1884), United Church of Christ (1957) and others
1609 Baptists
Baptist Union (1813), Southern Baptist Convention (1845) and other Baptist denominations
1738
Methodists
UMC (1784/1964), Wesleyan (1843), Free Methodist (1860), Nazarene (1895) and other Wesleyan denominations
1901 Pentecostals
Evangelical Lutheran (1818/1988), United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (1948) and other Lutheran denominations
1525 Anabaptists
Mennonites (1537), Quakers (1570), Amish (1693), Brethren (1708) and others
Presbyterian Church of England (1876), Reformed Church in America (1792) and others associated with the Reformed Churches
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ● Headed by the Roman Pontiff in Vatican
EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH ● Includes various Greek-speaking Orthodox Churches as well as national patriarchates of Bulgaria, Georgia, Serbia, Russia and Romania
MIAPHYSITE CHURCHES ● Various Oriental Orthodox Churches - Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian and Syriac
CHURCH OF THE EAST ● Assyrian Church of the East, linked with Mar Thoma Church of India and others
FAMILY MINISTRY CONFERENCE 2025
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∙The Impact of AI on Parenting and Ministry by Carol Loi
∙Faith at Home for the Busy Parents by Elvin and Esther Foong
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Reformation, there are perhaps three other points in the history of the Church that have resulted in splintering the Church. At the Council of Ephesus, 431 AD, more than theological discussions/debates, it was political manoeuvrings that resulted in the "establishment" of the Church of the East, an oft misrepresented and yet missional Syriac-speaking ecclesial community that brought the Gospel to India as well as Tang China in the 7th century. 5 A second break occurred when the debates on the nature and person of Jesus Christ at the Council of Chalcedon resulted in what we refer to as the non-Chalcedonian churches, that is, the Miaphysite Churches.6 The most (in)famous split is perhaps the division between the Latin-speaking churches in the West (of the Mediterranean, under the Pope) and the Greek-speaking churches in the East (under the Patriarchs, notably the Patriarch of Constantinople) over the filioque7 controversy as well as differences over papal/patriarchal primacy, polity and practices (such as the dates of Easter and clerical celibacy)! 8
Let me explain this visually with a simplified timeline (see page 14-15).
United but unique
In John 17, Jesus prayed for his disciples, that they may be one. We understand oneness as being of "one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God" (Ephesians 4). And this is perhaps why denominations cause us to pause and question our oneness. We should note
that oneness, however, does not negate our uniqueness; and that unity is NOT uniformity. Insofar as a church upholds the Word of God and the theological dogmas articulated in the historic creeds, both of which helpfully guard against theological excesses and errors, there is room for diversity (including structural and cultural variations), wherein Paul employed the analogy of the body in highlighting that "there are many members, but one body". For Paul, the mark of Christian unity is when the different parts of the body exhibit the "more excellent way"—that of Christian love, in the passage of 1 Corinthians 13.
Practically, in our local context, this "more excellent way" is demonstrably enacted in the way the four denominations (Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians - the 4Ds) have collaborated especially in the Chinese churches. Another notable example is the establishment of a union college, Trinity Theological College, for the theological training of pastors and church workers, not only for the founding churches but also for the greater Christian community in Singapore. Such collaborations and cooperations exemplify the body analogy of Paul in 1 Corinthians and put into action the prayer of Jesus— "that they may be one".
1 Collins Dictionary - see https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/denomination
2 It should be noted that the word "cult" in its original context does not necessarily have a negative connotation as it is used today. The Latin word "cultus" references the adoration and care given to the god(s); specifically, it is "to tend, to take care of", from which we derive the word "cultivate". The current usage tends towards a more negative connotation, one which highlights the doctrinal difference between what is understood as "mainline" and "orthodox" and that of the cult, which is regarded as heterodox.
3 See https://www.logos.com/grow/5-solas-reformation/
4 Robert Solomon, The Reformation - the thoughts, lives and legacy of the Reformers, (Singapore: Armour, 2017), 31.
5 Samuel Moffett, A History of Christianity in Asia Vol 1, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1998) 2nd ed, 168-184
6 Mark Noll, David Komline, and Han-luen Kantzer Komline, Turning Points - Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2022) 4th ed, 46-64.
7 A seemingly small and extremely divisive addition to the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, the Latin word filioque, which means "and from the Son," was included in the creed without consultation with the Greekspeaking churches in the East. This further fuelled the East-West power politics.
8 Mark Noll, David Komline, and Han-luen Kantzer Komline, Turning Points, 107-127.
THe was just 17 when MWS helped him—now he sits on its Board
he year was 1981. Terence Wee, a 17-year-old student at Anglo-Chinese Junior College, was awarded the Methodist Scholarship (later renamed the MWS Bursary)—a financial assistance scheme by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) to support children from low-income families with schoolrelated expenses. Rooted in the belief that education is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty, the bursary gave students like Terence a vital leg up.
The eldest of three children, born to a factory production foreman and a homemaker, Terence grew up in modest conditions—his childhood home was a rented room above a shophouse in Chinatown, then known for gang fights and gambling dens. "Our per capita household income after CPF deductions was
slightly over $200," he recalled. "We recycled wastewater, used just one light at night, and didn't turn on the fan even during the hot June and July months."
Against the odds, and thanks to his parents' unwavering belief in the value of education, Terence graduated with a degree in engineering and steadily rose through the ranks in the corporate world. At the peak of his career, he led a 1,200-strong team across the Asia Pacific and managed an annual operating budget of over US$100 million.
Coming full circle
Decades later, Terence's journey came full circle. The former bursary recipient returned to head up the very committee that had once supported him: the MWS Bursary Programme Committee.
It all began with an act of generosity. In 2006, after 18 years in the corporate world, Terence stepped off the fast-paced corporate treadmill by accepting a retrenchment offer.
"With some money on hand, I began looking for meaningful causes to support—and as a Methodist, I naturally looked within the community," recalled Terence, who worships at Wesley Methodist Church. "I was especially drawn to student and education-related causes, so the MWS Bursary Programme immediately caught my eye."
A directed donation to the MWS Bursary Programme led Terence to connect with then-Group Executive Director Jenny Bong. In their conversations, he shared his passion for education and giving back. Over the next two years, that connection opened the door for him to volunteer with the MWS Bursary Programme Committee—a journey that eventually led him to serve as its Chairperson.
"My role was largely administrative—going through pages of A3 printouts in size 10 font, checking and validating applicants' eligibility, cross-referencing with past recipient lists, and aligning awards for siblings from the same household," he recalled. "Imagine sifting through hundreds, nearly thousands, of applications to identify those who qualified."
It was while serving on the Committee that Terence began to reflect: beyond financial aid, how else could MWS make a lasting impact? "If I had had a mentor back then, I wouldn't have stumbled so much—or made as many mistakes and U-turns," he shared in a 2013 speech to MWS Bursary recipients.
That insight sparked the birth of Torch (JC)—a mentorship programme for junior college bursary recipients, pairing them with mentors in their fields of interest to provide both guidance and encouragement.
The MWS Bursary Programme has since been integrated into the MWS Family Development Programme (FDP)—a holistic initiative offering counselling, casework and financial
literacy training to help families clear debt and build sustainable saving habits.
From beneficiary to board member: a journey of giving back
In 2015, Terence began serving on the MWS Board of Governance (BOG). He currently chairs the Information Technology SubCommittee, drawing on over 30 years of experience in IT consulting to guide policy, governance and long-term planning.
The 61-year-old father of two also sits on the Finance Sub-Committee and previously served as Assistant Honorary Treasurer. He is also helping to set up the IT infrastructure and services for ACS (Academy)—a special education (SPED) school by Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) in partnership with MWS— which is slated to begin operations in 2026.
Additionally, he is a member of the Steering Committee for The Healing Nation—an MWS social outreach initiative marking the 140th Anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore (see sidebar)—where he contributes to strategic planning to maximise impact.
Balancing volunteer commitments with a demanding career was not always easy. Until his retirement last year, Terence held a senior leadership role overseeing operations across 12 time zones—from Algeria to New Zealand—which meant long hours and frequent travel. "Thankfully, the shift to remote engagement during Covid-19 made it possible to stay involved—whether from home or 6,000 kilometres away," he shared.
Terence Wee, then Chairperson of the MWS Bursary Programme Committee, presenting an award to the parent of a bursary recipient in April 2013
Walking alongside you with compassion and care ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39
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"While we can't offer a comforting hand over Zoom, it still allows us to stay connected and serve, even from afar."
Not just giving—also gaining Volunteering, Terence believes, has shaped him into a more empathetic leader.
"Sure, my corporate background helps with understanding P&L statements and formulating strategy," he shared. "But it's through volunteering that I've learnt to pause, listen and see people as individuals with stories—not just numbers on a spreadsheet."
He recalled a colleague in the Philippines who showed up for work tired every morning. "I learnt that she had to wake up at 4.30 a.m. and commute for two and a half hours," he said. "She needed the job to support her family. I didn't let her go; instead I restructured her working hours."
Reaping the blessing, sowing it forward
For Terence, volunteering is deeply tied to his Christian faith. "I became a Christian and started volunteering at 17, so the two have always gone hand in hand. Being a Christian means being a volunteer," he shared.
He draws strength from Matthew 25:35-40 and 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, which remind him to serve with purpose and discipline. "These verses call me to do good, stay faithful in service, and 'love our neighbours
as ourselves'—so my actions reflect what I believe and preach," he said.
Terence likens volunteer support to "building bricks" that pave the way for transformation. "We're simply passing along a brick to help someone build a better future," he shared. "One brick alone doesn't change a life, but many—combined with the person's own grit and hard work—can. And when someone is uplifted, the impact can span three generations."
"Each of us can offer a brick—to touch a life, transform a future, and uplift a family."
Reflecting on his own journey, Terence added, "People who've been uplifted often look for ways to give back. I'm a simple testimony of that. Before 1981, someone set up a scholarship that changed my life. Today, decades later, I'm paying it forward and hope it helps the next generation."
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
- 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Bring hope and healing to those in need by offering your gift—whether it's your time, talents, or resources. As The Methodist Church in Singapore marks its 140th Anniversary, its social concerns arm, Methodist Welfare Services, is rallying members to contribute 1.4 million volunteer hours—that's about 35 hours per person—to uplift lives and reflect Christ's love in action.
Scan the QR code to take the first step towards serving others.
Terence at the dedication of MWS Christalite Student Care Centre in 2021
Woo Li Chun is the MMS Country Coordinating Officer for Laos. / Photos courtesy of
Singapore Mission School Kindergarten officially opens at new premises in Laos
On 27 February 2025, the Singapore Mission School (SMS) in Laos, one of the schools under Methodist Missions Society (MMS), reached another milestone in its 15-year history with the opening of its Kindergarten at new premises.
Since 2023, there had been an exponential growth in enrolment from 65 students to 148 students in January 2025, of which 55 students are in the Kindergarten classes. Anticipating this growth, SMS searched for an additional premise to house the Kindergarten in 2024. By God's grace, a premise was available just a few shophouses away from the school, enabling the three Kindergarten classes to move over. Operations began at the new premises in December 2024.
This was made possible with the help of donations from members of Methodist churches in Singapore, which were given towards the rental and renovation work of
the new premises. In addition, four more classrooms in the existing SMS school building were created to make provision for the new secondary school expansion slated to take place soon.
At the thanksgiving ceremony, which was graced by Guest-of-Honour Dr Eileen Aw, former Chairperson of the School Board of SMS, all 148 students gathered to witness and participate in giving thanks to God.
Principal Jayanthi Ramaiah (Shan) began the ceremony by inviting Dr Aw to address the children and guests. Dr Aw spoke to the children about loving each other and to always remember that God loves them and would always help them. Rev Vincent Lim, MMS' Regional Director for Laos, then prayed for the children and SMS.
The ceremony ended with a song by the Primary students and the singing of the school song followed by a tour of the new
(above) The Kindergarten children showed their commitment with their handprints on a painting, "Like a tree planted by streams of water"
(above inset) Rev Vincent Lim, SMS Principal Jayanthi Ramaiah and Dr Eileen Aw
Kindergarten premises. The new premises has two floors, offering three air-conditioned classrooms for the Kindergarten classes, a teacher's room and dining-cum-playrooms for the children. Located at the back of the building is a water play area and sand pit for outdoor activity time. With the upgraded facilities, it was encouraging to see how happy the children and teachers were.
The next day, SMS held a student leaders installation ceremony. These included class monitors and student leaders to lead in specific areas like library, environment and sports. Almost 30 students were given appointments and encouraged by Principal Shan to take the lead and set an example for their peers. At the end of the investiture, the School Board members were each surprised by handmade cards presented by the Primary 5 students. Staff
were also recognised at the Long Service Award ceremony where three staff were given a gift for their 5-year-long service and another, a 10-year Long Service Award.
SMS is now reviewing plans to start Secondary school with one Secondary One class soon. The challenge is to engage and recruit sufficient Secondary school teachers for English, Mathematics and Science. As SMS operates a dual curriculum programme, subjects are offered in Lao and English. However, there are very few teachers who are competent in English in Laos and hence, there is an urgent need for trained or retired teachers who are willing to commit to teaching for one to two years in SMS. Please pray for the provision of favour, resources and expertise to bring the plans for SMS' Secondary school expansion to fruition.
(right)
SMS Principal Jayanthi Ramaiah with the School Board of SMS
(far right, top & bottom)
The new K3 and K2 classrooms
(right) Installation of student leaders
Rev Joey Chen is currently pastoring at Paya Lebar Methodist Church, and oversees the Family Life, Youth and Young Adult ministries. Prior to pastoring, Rev Joey had stints in the public and private sectors doing communications work. She is married to Andrew, whom she met in seminary.
Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars. Benny has helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more than 19 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
Sue-Lynn Teo is a registered psychologist with the Singapore Psychological Society and is trained in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She specialises in assessments and therapy work with children who have learning, behavioural or special needs. She worships at Toa Payoh Methodist Church with her family.
Need advice? Scan the QR code or visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mm-atthe-well/ to submit your question. Due to space constraints and repetition of topics, we may not be able to feature all questions submitted.
Dating & Marriage
I cannot go on any longer in this marriage
I have been married for more than 30 years. I do not have a healthy relationship with my husband as he tends to be critical and even verbally abusive. I've wanted to divorce him many times over the years but didn't because I know God does not want divorce and I stayed on because of the children. I bear with him because he came from a broken family and perhaps doesn't know better. Now that my children are grown up and things have not changed, I am thinking that I should think about myself in my later years. In fact, my children have encouraged me to leave my husband because of how he treats me. I have suggested going for counselling but my husband is not open to that. Even when I tried to explain how I feel, he ends up blaming me. I feel that I cannot go on any longer in this marriage and don't know what to do.
Exhausted
Benny says
Dear Exhausted,
We are all rational beings and make decisions in life based on things that mean something to us. Like you, many parents stay on with unfulfilling and even pain-filled marriages because they believe that this somehow may be good for their children. Others, like yourself, have values and beliefs that tell them to submit themselves to the greater will of their God and faith. And then there are others who tolerate the bad behaviour of their spouses because they think that these originate from a place of ignorance or a lack of personal volition. These are all sometimes seen as push or pull factors for change or for keeping the status quo.
What happens when some of these reasons shift in importance? This forces you to rethink why you should continue to remain married. What makes the current situation of unhappiness and sadness meaningful to you?
One of my clients who married late discovered within a few short years of marriage that her husband's health was in a bad way after
disappear to pay for his medical bills. But as a believer and as a decent human being, she felt compelled to do so. She knew that it was not driven by love for him but by compassion towards an old colleague, a friend and to a fellow human being. Her compassion was not because of his merits, but because of who she is as a compassionate person.
So Ms Exhausted, you need to rethink if you have any good reason to still stay in this marriage because the old reasons are no longer valid. Perhaps, having very open and honest conversations about this will help. Drawing on who you are as a person will provide the answer. Lastly, do not neglect yourself. Care of self is important if we are to sustain ourselves in our care of our marriage and our family. Whilst it is wonderful if our spouses can care for us or if the care for each other is mutual, you have a duty to care for yourself too.
Dating & Marriage
Is it possible to remarry in a Methodist church?
negligent behaviour and felt that she was left
I'm a divorcee and I'm looking to get married again. My ex-wife and I divorced because of her money habits. She had lent various people/family members over $40k without telling me and had issues about saving money, amongst other issues that led to mental neglect. Our divorce was not due to infidelity.
Now, I have found someone that I would like to settle down with and give marriage a second try. Would it be okay for us to get married in a Methodist church? Would a Methodist pastor be able to solemnise our wedding? If not, would it be okay to use the church hall but have a non-Methodist pastor solemnise our wedding?
Joseph
ACS (International)
ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & 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)
• Exceptional examination results, strong value-added achievement and an all-round holistic education
• 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage
• Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8 7 : 1
• 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups
• Over 200 formal student leadership positions
• Scholarships for four Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP
Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides Achievements
• Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP
• 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years
• Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years
• Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore
• PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities
• Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu.
Senior Leadership Team
Joey says Dear Joseph,
There isn't a uniform position on divorce and remarriage across the board for Methodist pastors. Whether or not a Methodist pastor will be willing to conduct your wedding depends on his/her personal conviction.
Most pastors recognise that while God designed marriage to be a lifelong covenant, there are biblical grounds on which divorce—though not recommended—may be permissible. Scripture speaks of divorce being permitted when there is sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9) or when there is abandonment (1 Corinthians 7:15). Some pastors hold to the view that if the wedding vows are violated, the covenant is null and void. For instance, if there is abuse (emotional, mental or physical), it violates the vow to "have and to hold" and to "love and cherish". Some may also recognise neglect (Exodus 21:10-11) as acceptable grounds for divorce.
Pastors also hold differing views on whether remarriage is permissible. Some hold to the view that while divorce is acceptable, remarriage is not as long as the former spouse is alive, as only death releases them from the marriage covenant (Romans 7:3, 1 Corinthians 7:39). Others believe that our God is a God of second chances, and having had a broken marriage—especially when one is on the receiving end of infidelity, abandonment or neglect—does not preclude one from remarriage.
My recommendation is for you to speak with the pastor you'd like to have conduct your wedding about your intention to remarry to find out his/her position. If (s)he is agreeable to conducting your wedding, (s)he will also likely want to assess how ready you are for remarriage and prepare you to have a resilient and healthy marriage.
Dr Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship & Church Music at the Methodist School of Music and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
Is true worship also learning to sit at a table together as a family?
The world is messy. We see conflict, division and broken relationships everywhere. A small irritant can cause one person to snap—and what begins as a petty argument can lead to silence, estrangement or even the breaking of a lifelong relationship. So we ask: How do we fix it? Where does healing begin? Is it with the family? With worship? With the Church?
There’s a familiar African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child." It speaks to the role of community in shaping a person. But before the child ever enters the village, there is the family—the place where life begins, where patterns are formed and where identity is first shaped. For this reflection, let us imagine the village as the church. Ideally, a child who
is nurtured at home and then grows up in the church will find a beautiful continuity: the values lived out in the home are echoed in the body of Christ.
But what exactly does the child learn from home and church? At the core, the child learns that they are first and foremost a child of God—loved, cherished and created with purpose. In the family, they learn love, forgiveness, trust and worship through simple, daily rhythms: praying before meals, saying sorry, giving thanks and singing songs of faith. In the church, these values are affirmed and practised in community: loving others, serving and worshipping together.
As the child grows, they carry these values into the wider world. Faith becomes action.
Image by freepik
Grace becomes a way of life. In this way, family and church form the foundation of a just and compassionate society, where values are not just taught but lived out. In God's divine design, worship does not start on Sunday morning. It begins in the everyday moments of family life and grows into a way of being that touches the world. Having lived in Singapore for 19 years now, I often find myself longing for the closeness of family. My children's friendships and communities have been shaped by experiences very different from my own upbringing. Even their cousins are growing up in cultures that do not necessarily mirror our traditions. My parents passed in 2013 and 2014, and since then, there have been moments I wish our family was not scattered across
This vision of worship is taking shape in the everyday, making room for one another across generations and cultures. It can come alive in practical ways, too.
What if, instead of letting our civic calendar shape our Christian lives—letting exams, holidays and school breaks dictate our priorities—we allow the Christian year to shape our families’ rhythms instead? What difference might it make if our children knew the significance of Advent before the rush of Christmas, or understood Lent as a season of reflection and not just a countdown to Easter eggs?
May our families, however near or far, be places where Christ is made known, and worship becomes a way of life.
the globe so that we could share more of life in the same space.
During a recent trip to the United States, I travelled with a mission: to gather around a table, share a meal and reconnect with family and friends. We shared stories, laughed about the old days and reflected on how much life had changed. In those moments, I felt the warmth of belonging. But I also became aware of how some had unintentionally been left out over the years. This realisation stirred something deeper in me: a longing for a table big enough for all, where differences were not divisive but enriching.
Maybe the goal is not to preserve sameness, but to make room for difference. And maybe worship—true worship—is about learning to sit at the table together, to listen deeply and to delight in one another as we are. This, too, is part of the divine design of the family.
In June, the Methodist School of Music is holding a children’s camp—Worship Generation Children's Camp—centred on music and worship, shaped by the life of Christ as told through the Christian year. This is more than just a camp. It is an invitation for children to encounter the story of Jesus not just as a set of lessons, but as a rhythm that gives shape to life. The hope is simple but profound: that families begin to live out a Christ-centred year together, learning to worship not only on Sundays but through the seasons— anticipation, birth, growth, suffering, resurrection and mission.
For more information, scan the QR code.
CONNECT2 MARRIAGE PREPARATION WORKSHOP
Session 1: 15 May (Thu), 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m., online via Zoom
Session 2: 22 May (Thu), 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m., online via Zoom
Session 3: 24 May (Sat), 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m., in-person at the Focus Singapore office
Online via Zoom and in-person at Focus Singapore, 9 Bishan Place #08-03 Junction 8 Office Tower, S579837
Register via https://family.org.sg/event/connect2-marriage-preparation-workshop-7/ $380 per couple (inclusive of participants' workbooks, online relationship assessment and $70 rebate, subject to conditions)
The Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop is facilitated by a trained husband-wife couple and aims to help couples address issues that they may face as newlyweds, build a solid foundation in the early years and learn how to really love each other for life! Designed for couples who are considering marriage, engaged, or in their first year of marriage. Learn to:
• Understand what love, marriage and your vows symbolise
• Identify each other's differences and love languages for effective communication
• Manage healthy conflict and have a good grasp of your family finances
• Understand sexual intimacy, the importance of romance and family planning
• Learn how to manage expectations from your spouse, children and in-laws while balancing work-life
Organised by Focus on the Family Singapore
MSM LECTURE | KEEPING WORSHIP SACRED AND RELEVANT
21 June 2025 (Saturday), 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
Plaza Hall, Level 1 at Wesley Methodist Church Register by 10 June via https://msmusic.edu.sg/events/keeping-worship-sacred-and-relevant/
$32.70 (inclusive of GST)
How does culture shape the way we worship? How can we honour tradition while embracing change? This interactive lecture by Dr Lim Swee Hong explores how cultural contexts influence worship, using real-world examples, theological insights and practical strategies. Designed for pastors, theological students and seminary faculty—but open to all.
What you'll gain
• A deeper understanding of how culture shapes worship practices, music and language
• Insights on balancing tradition and innovation in worship
• Practical strategies for leading worship that is both culturally sensitive and theologically grounded
Organised by Methodist School of Music
CREATION CARE CONFERENCE 2025 | ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
12 September 2025 (Friday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. & 13 September 2025 (Saturday), 9.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
(Registration from 6.30 p.m. and 8.30 a.m. respectively)
Faith Methodist Church & Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, S149604
Details on https://ourfathersworld.sg/conference/ Register via bit.ly/ccc25signups
$60 (excluding fees), early bird rate of $45 till 22 June 2025
The Creation Care Conference is Our Father’s World’s flagship event for Christians in Southeast Asia. Through inspiring talks and practical workshops, attendees will not only deepen their awareness but also experience a radical reimagining of their relationship with God’s creation, and their role as faithful caretakers of the Earth. This event will encourage collaborative action, rooted in the belief that creation care is not just an environmental issue, but an expression of worship and obedience to our Creator.
Organised by Our Father’s World
GARDEN OF
Eternal Peace
THE AIR-CONDITIONED COLUMBARIUM
Open daily: 8am-8pm | Public Holidays: 9am-2pm
• Located next to Commonwealth MRT Station
• 99-year lease commencing from 1964
• Clean and peaceful environment
• Transfer of urns or exhumation can be arranged
OPEN TO ALL CHRISTIANS
Single and double niches are available with the following donations:
REGISTER AT OUR COLUMBARIUM OFFICE
400 Commonwealth Drive
Faith Methodist Church
Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (Level 5)
Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (Closed on Public Holidays)
Tel : 6479 8122 | HP : 9670 9935
Fax: 6479 6960
Email: gepc400@gmail.com
For booking of niches, please contact the columbarium office to arrange for an appointment.
Louis Isack Kumar worships at Ang Mo Kio Tamil Methodist Church and serves as Chairperson of the Finance Committee. He is the Associate Lay Leader of ETAC and Chairperson of ETAC's Board of Archives & Communications, as well as council member of the Council on Communications and the Council on Archives & History. / Photo courtesy of Louis Isack Kumar
is about not having all the answers
Life has a way of bringing unexpected challenges, and for me, one of the greatest struggles was learning to trust God in uncertain times. In 2010, I migrated from India to Singapore, filled with hope and uncertainty. For almost a decade, my family and I faced numerous struggles trying to settle down. The journey was filled with challenges—adjusting to a new culture, securing stable employment and navigating the complexities of life in a foreign land. There were moments of doubt when my prayers seemed unanswered, and I felt lost.
Yet, in that season of waiting, God was working in ways I could not see. Through Scripture, he reminded me of his faithfulness: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6 NIV). Slowly, I learnt to surrender my worries to him. Doors opened unexpectedly, opportunities arose and God, in his perfect timing, helped us make Singapore our second home.
Through these struggles, God not only strengthened my faith but also guided me in my career, church ministry and service at ETAC and at the General Conference. The greatest lesson he taught me was that trust is not about having all the answers, but believing he is in control no matter what happens. Looking back, I see how he was shaping my path, even in my weakest moments. Today, I walk with confidence, knowing that his plans are always greater than mine.
Louis Isack Kumar with his wife, Paulin, and children, Adrian and Fiona
NEW BOOK RELEASE in celebration of
RESTORATION
Rebuilding Four Areas of My Life
Also available in e-book
Brokenness is a heartbreaking, and sadly, common experience. It is an outcome of our mistakes and folly, or that of those around us. It affects our relationships with others and regrettably even with the very ones we love the most. It can also impact our walk with God and ultimately our sense of self.
This book is a collection of different encounters with brokenness gleaned from Benny Bong’s many years of counselling and curated from his long-running column in Methodist Message . He urges us to rebuild and restore four important areas of our lives—our personal being, our relationships with our community, our spouse and our children.
We hope readers will find hope in Restoration: Rebuilding Four Areas of My Life . May you be encouraged and be an encourager to others.
As an experienced family therapist and committed Christian, Benny uses the stories of people he has helped in his work to put forth wise principles, biblical frameworks, and encouragement for those who struggle with their relationships in life. In so doing, he highlights the faith, hope and love we can find in Christ who leads us to the joys of abundant living.
~ Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars. Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column in Methodist Message for more than 19 years and is one of the panellists in its relationship advice column, At The Well.
