Methodist Message: April 2023

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 031/11/2022

Vol 125 No 4 APRIL 2023

Proclaiming Christ in the Marketplace 3 Kingdom businesses: An agri-tech firm, a social enterprise helping former drug offenders, and an art gallery The Christian business leader

Contents Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

Communications Manager

/ Bishop’s Message /

Lynn Tan

/ News /

Managing Editor

3 To sing the cause of ACS forever

Alvin Tay

6 Obituary: Jusuf Kam (1961-2023)

Editor

10 CAC Ash Wednesday Service | Not falling into temptation

Lianne Ong

12 Wesley Methodist Church's 138th Anniversary | The wise invest in eternity

Communications Executive Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Feature / 15 Our business is doing God's Kingdom work:

Breakthrough Missions, Netatech and Sound of Art

/ Opinion / 22 Soundings: The Christian business leader

/ Outreach / 24 Feeding friendships 26 Using business as missions to transform lives 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 unless otherwise stated.

29 Taking the ego out of worship

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936

30 You and Your Family: Surmounting differences with love

6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg

/ Worship /

/ Relationships /

/ People / 33 Blessings of being in a small church

communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share?

Email us at

communications@methodist.org.sg Layout by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd

ON THE COVER: Little Boy's Lunch by Swasti Wonowidjojo Reproduced with permission from Sound of Art. Read more on pg 15-21.

Whatever, wherever Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.

(Colossians 3:23 NIV)

W

hatever you do, work … as working

Typing, teaching, cutting hair

for the Lord.

Making music, and childcare

The Bible assures us that work in the home

Building flats and cleaning rooms Corporate meetings held on Zoom1

or marketplace ("whatever you do") can, and should, be done in service of the Lord Jesus.

We'll do it all for Jesus (repeat 3 times)

This issue of Methodist Message offers

He's done so much for us

examples of marketplace work done in service to God. An old Sunday school song

Charles Wesley wrote a prayer hymn to

also made the point:

consecrate daily labour as work done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In the house and out of doors Brushing shoes and scrubbing floors

Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go,

Washing, ironing, brewing tea

my daily labour to pursue

Sometimes making Hokkien mee (or

Thee, only thee, resolved to know

spaghetti!)

In all I think or speak or do. 2

We'll do it all for Jesus (repeat 3 times)

So, whatever you do, work at it with all your

He's done so much for us

heart, as working for the Lord. Amen.

We could easily add another verse.

1

Additional lyrics by Janice Khoo

2

United Methodist Hymnal, 438

April 2023 Methodist Message 1

Coming up

2 Methodist Message April 2023

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. She is an alumnus of Methodist Girls' School and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. / Photo courtesy of Benjamin Lee from Eyeconic Studios

News

To sing the cause of

A

ACS forever

nglo-Chinese School (ACS) is

Association (ACSOBA), the mood of

expanding into a new mission field.

the 250 or so attendees was reportedly somewhat contentious. 1 The Straits Times

On 9 Feb, ACS, together with MOE,

said in an opinion piece on 25 Feb, "… the

made a spectacular announcement that

resulting unhappiness within the ACS

it will start a special education (SPED)

community was left to dominate headlines

school. It will be the fifth SPED school

and social media feeds, deflecting public

in Singapore. No less earth-shaking

attention from the pride the move should

to the ACS community were the other

have generated."

announcements made alongside: in 2030 ACS (Primary) will move to Tengah, a

Undoubtedly, an established and well-

new heartlands precinct, from its current

loved school moving from its central

Barker Road campus, and enrol girls as

location to an HDB new town is a huge

well. ACS (Junior), currently operating at

deal by any reckoning. But policy changes

Winstedt Road, will eventually move into

for admission to Primary 1 (P1) have been

the Barker Road site.

implemented in recent years by the Ministry of Education (MOE) with the

Expected or not, reactions from alumni

intent to level the playing field for non-

and parents were fast and furious.

alumni. More places are now government-

Petitions were started against the move,

mandated for children whose parents

and opinions aired included the complaint

have no affiliation to the school. Going a

that stakeholders (alumni, parents,

step further, in 2022 MOE consolidated the

students) had not been consulted. At

registration phases to a single registration

a 22 Feb townhall with the ACS Board

phase for alumni members. 2 Hence, the

of Governors (BOG) and ACS Old Boys'

chance of securing a place for a child of

April 2023 Methodist Message 3

To sing the cause of ACS forever

an alumni member has diminished, while

school has fostered in them the notion of

the same chance has increased for those

giving back to it. Generations of ACS boys

who live closer to the school. It is also

have benefitted from the generosity of

notable that as the current ACS primary

their predecessors.

schools are located in wealthier enclaves without public housing nearby, it is those

However, the school Oldham planted was

non-alumni who can afford to live in these

never meant to be a closed-off, insular

areas who will have an advantage in P1

community, but one to be nourished,

admissions for their children, compared to

grown, and shared. In Oldham's own

other non-alumni.

words, it is "For God and Humanity".

Is selflessness not the essence of

The move to Tengah will therefore, more

Christianity ?

likely than not, radically change the profile that girls will be accepted into what has

Trajectory of events: A decade of closed doors

always been an all-boys primary school.

It is important to understand the

Forgetting that ACS has had girls before

decisions that have been made in the

and even now, some are concerned that

context of the trajectory of events that

the school's strong male traditions and

has spanned a decade.

of ACS students, not to mention the fact

culture will be lost with the move. They will not be lost, only altered, for history

It was not for fear of a pushback that

remains forever. It is true that the familiar

stakeholders (alumni, parents and

feels safe, that growth entails pain, and

current students) were not consulted

change is difficult to embrace. But it is too

beforehand. A select group of the school's

speculative to conclude that a reborn ACS

leadership and The Methodist Church

(Primary) will be for the worse.

in Singapore were in the know, but they were "constrained" to keep the matter

Adrian Tan, a litigator and ACS old boy,

confidential as it was market-sensitive.

is among those who agreed that the

"We wanted to ensure we had views

Tengah move is a good idea. He writes on

from a cross-section of our stakeholders

his LinkedIn page, "ACS (Primary) is an

and so, at an appropriate time that we

outstanding school. It transforms lives. I

were afforded, we sought the views of

know because it transformed me … The

the entire set of our Board of Governors

day I entered its gates, I walked into a

and Old Boys' Association Management

world I wouldn't otherwise have glimpsed

Committee, which is not a small group

from my flat in Commonwealth Close. I

and is elected to represent the views of

was nourished by its wonderful teachers.

the larger ACS family," Mr Richard Seow,

I formed lifelong friendships with my

chairperson of the ACS Board of Governors

classmates, and, in absorbing its values,

(BOG), said.

I became a better man. The ACS spirit moved me."

For many years, ACS had wanted to start another school. "If you allow us, we would

The gist of his message is that, with the

open more schools," Mr Seow added,

"ACS spirit", a plebeian can become a

detailing at the 22 Feb townhall the

king. Many loyal alumni will agree that

repeated rejections by the authorities over

this intangible spirit cannot be so easily

the years to allow new ACS schools to be

broken, come what may. Aside from the

set up. 3

friendships made and values imbibed, the

4 Methodist Message April 2023

Consequently, the BOG decided to focus

"I wish I could tell you how clever we had

on starting a SPED school. In 2014, ACS

been to plan all of these moves. But we

first spoke publicly of its intention to do

were not. This is God's timing and his

so. Mr Seow said to The Straits Times then

work," Mr Seow said at the townhall.

that a special needs pilot programme within the existing ACS schools was in

The best is yet to be

the works, subject to the approval of

The new campus at Tengah will have

the Government. The plan was to build

the hallmarks of Methodist schools, for

a "school within a school" so that there

example, daily devotions and weekly

would be opportunities to interact daily.

chapel. Having a Methodist church is also

4

on the cards, replicating the model of a But the road to starting the SPED school

Methodist church located at or associated

was not a smooth one. MOE did not accept

with each Methodist school.

ACS' SPED school proposals three times.

The ACS community should feel proud At the same time, the BOG had to consider

about this forward-thinking move. It

the future of ACS (Junior) because the URA

should remember that first and foremost,

lease of its site at Winstedt Road would

Bishop Oldham was an educator-

expire in 2039. Where would it go?

missionary who founded the mission school in an old shophouse which is now

It was during the pandemic that the

ACS across six campuses in Singapore

doors unexpectedly opened. ACS was

alone. Its 137 years of history is a legacy

first offered to move one of its primary

that will remain cherished and dear. We

schools to a site in Tengah, situated next

are simply carrying on his work in a new

to a SPED school—but not one that ACS

mission field, where more amazing years

would be managing. As talks progressed,

of history will be written by us and future

ACS was subsequently invited to run

generations. We imagine Bishop Oldham,

this SPED school in partnership with

dauntless hero to the ACS community,

Methodist Welfare Services. The parcel

would be proud of what ACS is, and will

of land offered at Tengah would enable

become. As he wrote in his retirement

ACS to house both its primary school and

letter to the Education Department of the

the SPED school. A decade-long prayer

Malayan Government, "… may God prosper

was answered at last. MOE's criteria was

the Anglo-Chinese Schools and may the

that the school must be co-educational

future be brighter than the past has

in order to support Tengah's young

been." 5

families. The fact that ACS (Primary) runs the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) sweetened the deal.

1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/acs-barker-road-tengah-townhall-parents-concerns-affiliation-moe-3298541

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/single-phase-forchildren-of-alumni-in-p1-registration-from-2022-as

2

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/acs-is-not-anexclusive-school-and-would-open-more-schools-if-it-could-says-board-chairman

3

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/acs-plans-to-start-specialneeds-school 4

5

Malaya Tribune, 10 Jan 1935, pg 11.

April 2023 Methodist Message 5

News

Robin Viva Thevathasan and Irwin Seet serve in the Worship & Music Ministry at Wesley Methodist Church as chairperson and steward respectively. Additional reporting by MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of Nicholas Tan, Christopher Leong, Rachel Lim and Wesley Methodist Church

Jusuf Kam, a worship minister for more than 30 years, has died Jusuf Kam passed away on the morning of 2 March 2023. He was 61 years old.

Best-known for giving well-known Methodist works new tunes, he is survived by his wife, Susanna; son, Jovan; daughter, Nadia, and son-in-law, Joshua.

Jusuf Kam (1961-2023) seen here conducting at Wesley Methodist Church, 2019

The making of a worship minister

While serving as the Youth & Worship

Jusuf Kam (born Jusuf Julianto

Pastor in Acts Baptist Church, he was

Kamadjaja) called Bandung, Indonesia, his

recruited by then Pastor-in-Charge of

first home. He was trained in a wide range

Wesley Methodist Church (WMC), Rev Dr

of music in Indonesia. His formal training

Kang Ho Soon, in September 1993 to be

was in civil engineering, after which he

the Lay Ministry Staff for Worship & Music.

pursued education studies where he met

His mandate was to expand and enrich

his wife Susanna, graduating together

the Worship & Music (W&M) in WMC.

with Honours. In 1987, the couple came to

God blessed Jusuf and Susanna with a

Singapore and attended Singapore Bible

daughter Nadia (who recently married

College, each graduating with a Bachelor

Joshua) and a son, Jovan, during this time.

of Church Music (cum laude).

The whole family served the Lord faithfully.

6 Methodist Message April 2023

W&M focuses on the traditional worship

when I moved house in 1999 I asked

services with more than 60 ministry/

Jusuf for help. He obliged without

sub-ministry groups involving over 600

hesitation, wholeheartedly moving boxes

volunteers—more than a tenth of WMC's

and furniture, including cabinets! It

congregation. Hence Jusuf was closely

certainly was a back-breaking day, but

associated with WMC's worship life and

it truly exemplified what Jusuf is like—

known by many.

humble and genuine in friendship," said Samuel Wong, Worship Leader of the

Jusuf the Servant

Dawnbreakers Choir.

Jusuf was the embodiment of service with a God-given passion. He never missed an opportunity to touch people with music, convicted that music is a tool used by God to complete worship, reaching the innermost person.

He was known to be demanding during interviews or auditions for W&M volunteers, not just for musicians but also ushers, worship leaders and communion stewards. But his high standards came from the conviction that serving the Lord required only the best—in talent, but more importantly, commitment and the right heart.

Yet, he cared for those under his charge,

Jusuf with the Wesley Young Ensemble after Easter Combined Services in 2015

often finding time from his busy schedule to fellowship with all the sub-ministry groups.

Jusuf the Musician Those who participated in the key

Jusuf the Friend

services—such as church anniversary,

Behind the scenes, Jusuf was known to

Easter, Christmas—always marvelled at

be a loyal friend, stepping forward to help

how he pulled the services together. The

those who needed a hand.

end result for these services was always uplifting, inspiring and worshipful, with

"I first met Jusuf in the early 90s and

the elements of liturgy, programming and

was inspired through his leadership to

performance coming together seamlessly.

participate in music projects at Wesley.

The Lord used Jusuf as his willing

One significant project was 'Christmas

instrument to achieve this.

at the Fort' in 1996 where we had to sing to choreography and dancing,

With his classical music training and

and that was certainly new to me then.

background, he had a particular interest

From that experience, I learnt from

in encouraging the use of sacred music

Jusuf that service to God often meant

from the classical masters such as

having to come out of our comfort zones.

Mozart, Handel and Bach, as well as the

We soon became good friends due to

old Wesleyan hymns. These hymns are

our interactions in these projects, and

an integral part of traditional Methodist

April 2023 Methodist Message 7

Obituary: Jusuf Kam

worship, deep in meaning, and have withstood the test of time. Jusuf's particular interest was to re-tune old pieces. His best-known tune is the "Wesley Tulus", which he composed for "The Lord's Prayer" and is now sung in many Methodist churches.

His prodigious talent was also evident in how he seamlessly moved between composing, arranging, conducting and performing. He was a skilled pianist and keyboardist, and could also play the guitar and ukulele. He set up sub-ministry groups for various instrument groups: angklung, ukulele, string ensemble, and wind ensemble.

A particular success was in drawing out the youngest musicians in Wesley's congregation. Who can ever forget the Wesley Young Ensemble musicians who were barely as tall as the cello!

Christmas Combined Services in 2013 at Wesley Methodist Church

Tributes "Jusuf is a dear friend, an excellent co-worker for Christ, and an inspiration to me for close to the 30 years I have known and served with him.

Wesley is truly blessed to have such a committed and passionate staff who has faithfully

The pandemic brought different

stewarded his wonderful gifts and abilities for

challenges to church life, which

the glory of God.

required putting services online and new skill sets. Jusuf stepped up to the plate, developing skills in digital audio mixing and video editing, all because

He will be dearly missed." ~ Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-Charge, Wesley Methodist Church

he was driven to ensure worship could continue uninterrupted, albeit online.

Jusuf the Teacher and Mentor Jusuf willingly and joyfully participated in each sub-ministry's meetings, gatherings, celebrations and Bible studies—coaching and sharing his abundant talents. He spent

"On my last retreat with Wesley's pastoral team, Jusuf and I were seated in a sampan (a tiny boat) steered by an oarsman towards a Sarawakan longhouse when the sight of steep mountains around and calm waters below us electrified Jusuf. He composed 'I Lift My Eyes To The Hills' (based on Psalm 121).

many hours coaching individuals, so

The tune of this song is 'Air Tenang' or 'Peaceful

that others could serve in excellence.

River' which encapsulates the meaning of the

Jusuf typically signed off on his scores in the same fashion as J S Bach, with "Soli Deo Gloria". On 2 March, he bade his final goodbye to us. We will miss his warm, welcoming smile and his beautiful sonorous tenor voice. But we know that he is singing and smiling for his beloved Lord and Saviour, now and for eternity.

8 Methodist Message April 2023

three Chinese characters that make up my name 江和顺. He presented the composition to me as a farewell gift when I was leaving Wesley at the end of 1994, for another posting. Jusuf will always be a precious part of me—a dear and faithful friend who ministered with me, and to me in his own unique way." ~ Rev Dr Kang Ho Soon, retired Methodist pastor now worshipping at Trinity Methodist Church

Jusuf chatting with members of the Soli Deo Gloria Orchestra at One Christmas 2015 held at Suntec City

Highlights of compositions and works by Jusuf Kam •

The Lord's Prayer (Tune: Wesley Tulus)

•

Besarlah Kasih Mu (How Great Is Your Love)

"Jusuf leaves us the 'Wesley Tulus',

•

a beautiful setting of 'The Lord's Prayer'.

You Are The Anchor Of My Life (also in Mandarin)

•

I Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills

We will miss his new tunes,

•

I Shall Praise You, Lord

but will keep singing the old ones.

•

We thank God for the beautiful music

O Lord, You Are My Hiding Place

•

From Many Shores (Music with Bishop R Solomon)

•

The People Of The Way (Music with Rev M Huang)

•

Give Me The Faith Which Can Remove (Music arrangement of CW 300 Faith)

•

O Lord, We Pray, Bless Singapore (O Singapore)

•

Merry, Merry Christmas

•

A Mother's Love

he leaves behind!

May light perpetual shine upon him." ~ Dr Judith Laoyan-Mosomos, Director of Worship & Church Music, Methodist School of Music

"Jusuf wrote the music for seven of my songs, including my first song, 'I Shall Praise You, Lord'.

He had the knack for discerning the spirit of songs and came up with appropriate tunes that fit well with the lyrics. It was a joy to work with him.

Jusuf played a key role in the annual Aldersgate conventions by arranging stirring music provided by instrumental ensembles and choirs.

His able musical directorship made the services particularly memorable. He worked very hard and was diligent in his service for the Lord.

Even in the most stressful of times, he was willing to help and serve with a smile.

While his death is unexpected, we can be sure he has joined the hosts of worshippers, singers, and musicians in heaven praising God with perfect harmony and joy." ~ Bishop Emeritus Robert M Solomon

For Sunbeams Children's Choir: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Silent Night My Soul ­­­­Shall Praise Your Name You Are The Anchor Of My Life Great Are You Lord You Are My Light Give Me Here Our Heart We Bring God He Is Good Great Almighty God Find Him Now Go, Go My Friend Jesus Gloria (3 versions) We Follow The Star Nothing Is Impossible with God I Surrender All To You My All For You

April 2023 Methodist Message 9

News

By CAC Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church

CAC Ash Wednesday Service

Not falling into temptation

Top: Ashes prepared for the ritual of the imposition of ashes Left: Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey preaching at the CAC Ash Wednesday service

Q

ueenstown Chinese Methodist

40 days and how Jesus overcame each

Church (QCMC), Ang Mo Kio Chinese

temptation with the Word of God.

Methodist Church and Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church came together to

With reference to the three sources of

organise a combined Ash Wednesday

temptation singled out by theologian and

Service on 22 February 2023. While

philosopher Thomas Aquinas, namely,

the service was jointly organised by

our Flesh, the World, and the Devil, Rev

the District 4 churches in the Chinese

Dr Niam delved into the importance of

Annual Conference (CAC), all CAC church

recognising where our temptations could

members were welcomed to attend.

come from so that we may better face,

Members from different churches filled

fight and overcome them.

the sanctuary pews of QCMC that evening.

But each person is tempted when he is Preaching on the topic of not falling into temptation, Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey began by stating how temptations are all around us and that the fight against temptation is a

lured and enticed by his own desire.

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully

lifelong one. She recalled Jesus' experience

grown brings forth death.

of being tempted in the wilderness for

~ James 1:14-15

10 Methodist Message April 2023

The temptations of the World refer to its values, standards and ideologies that are in opposition to God's design. Drawing from Romans 12:2, Rev Dr Niam reminded us of how we are "not (to) be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind". In the spirit of Lent and in exhorting us to remain steadfast in worshipping and serving the Lord (Matt 4:10), she called on all to practise three disciplines: to pray, fast, and do good.

These habits would help us to look up and connect with God; to look within and overcome ourselves; and to look outwardly to offer help to those in need.

A time of prayer and reflection

Finally, we were prompted to be watchful amidst hardship for the Devil, who Rev Dr Niam explained that not all

"prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking

temptations originate from external

someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Rev Dr

forces but come from our own Flesh. We

Niam elaborated that the devil often

were cautioned that the more we allowed

attacks us with feelings of doubt, despair

ourselves to be exposed to our fleshly

and hopelessness during our moments

desires, the more likely we would succumb

of suffering, tempting us to seek only our

to temptation. Thus, Rev Dr Niam urged

wants instead of the will of God. We were

us to flee from them, avoid circumstances

thus reminded to be alert and to draw

that would tempt us further, and to

strength in the name of our Lord to ward

remember—as Jesus did—that we live not

off the attacks of the Devil.

by meeting the needs of our flesh alone but "by every Word that comes from the

With the imposition of ashes, we

mouth of God" (Matt 4:4).

remembered our sinful and broken nature, and our need for ongoing repentance.

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ~ Genesis 3:19b

May the Lord forgive us for our iniquity, create in us a clean heart, restore to us the joy of our salvation and sustain in us a willing spirit. May we follow God more closely, love him more dearly and know Worship after the imposition of ashes

him more clearly this season of Lent and beyond. Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

April 2023 Methodist Message 11

News

The wise invest in

eternity

Wesley Methodist Church's 138th Anniversary

I

f people in this world are willing to

The message was timely as we move

make every effort in securing their

into the post-pandemic world, with the

earthly future, what then should be said

government lowering the DORSCON

of children of God's Kingdom who need to

level from yellow to green barely a week

secure their eternal future?

earlier. This has allowed us to resume many pre-Covid activities, but it also

Speaking at the 138th Anniversary of

means many things compete for our time

Wesley Methodist Church on 19 February

and attention.

2023, Rev Stanley Chua posed this question and drew on lessons from the

Rev Chua, who is the President of the

Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke

Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC),

16:1-13 to send home the message that

suggested two ways we could invest in

Jesus Christ wants us to be wise by

our eternity: Invest more in people than in

investing in eternity.

things, and invest more in our souls than in our material security.

12 Methodist Message April 2023

Rev Stanley Chua preaching at Wesley Methodist Church at their 138th Anniversary Service

Invest more in people than in things

"In the light of the brevity of our life

"The (shrewd) manager in the parable

need to be wise and pay attention to the

used people for his own ends; he was not

things in eternity," said Rev Chua. "We

being generous when he decided to bless

need to be concerned and invest in the

the people who had owed his master

welfare of our souls as we do the welfare

money. Rather, he did what he did to

of our temporal lives."

on earth, Jesus is saying to us that we

benefit himself," said Rev Chua.

On how we could invest in our souls, "In contrast, Jesus is saying to us that we

Rev Chua gave the congregation three

are not to be like the manager, but we are

questions to ponder:

to use our possessions and resources to bring eternal benefits to others."

What is your relationship with Jesus?

"Some of us may have been Christians

The key verse is Luke 16:9 (NIV), "I tell you,

for 10 or 20 years, and we think that by

use worldly wealth to gain friends for

just coming to church every Sunday, it

yourselves, so that when it is gone, you

is enough," said Rev Chua. "We don't

will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

take time to read the Bible; we don't set aside time to do devotion and pray. We

"To the rich man, the most important

are relying on our past experiences with

thing was to look after his needs in this

Jesus some 10 or 20 years ago."

world, even if that involved dishonesty," said Rev Chua.

Referring to Dallas Willard's book The Great Omission, he asked, "Would you

On the contrary, "Jesus was teaching his

really be comfortable for eternity in the

disciples to take a different approach. He

presence of One whose company you have

said to them, while you have them, (i.e.

not found especially desirable for the few

worldly goods), use them in such a way

hours and days of your earthly existence?"

that when they have ended their use in this world, they will continue working to

Are you becoming more like Christ?

your advantage in eternity."

Rev Chua said Christ did not just save us only to have eternal life. He saved

Invest more in our souls than in our material security

us so that we might also become more

Rev Chua also urged the congregation

others and draw others to Christ. But he

to invest more in our souls than material

lamented that the frequent refrain that

gains. No matter how much we care for

he hears from non-Christians is that they

our physical body and how much we

are often stumbled by many Christians

make elaborate plans for our earthly life,

they have encountered in their lives.

like him and be a positive influence over

the reality is that one day, our body will wear out and death is inevitable.

Rev Chua raised the example of Mahatma Gandhi, the famous Indian civil rights

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 103:1516: "The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more."

leader. "He was asked by a close friend, 'If you admire Christ so much, why don't you become a Christian?' Gandhi famously replied, 'I would have become a Christian if I had seen one.' "

April 2023 Methodist Message 13

The wise invest in eternity

Are you using your gifts to serve God? "Scripture does not say that our previous lives will be of no eternal significance. In fact, it says exactly the opposite," said Rev Chua as he pointed to Jesus' teachings on such matters, including the Parable of the Talents, the Parable of the Ten Minas, and the Parable of the Tenants.

From these parables, "… we would know that there is some kind of a reward system when we get to heaven," he said.

"God has created us to do good works.

He has a lifetime of good works for each of us to do according to the gifts, talents

"Do not play games with your eternal future. Be wise to invest in things that count!

Be wise and invest in people and invest in your souls." ~ Rev Stanley Chua

and resources that he has given us. And he will reward us according to what we do with them."

In conclusion, Rev Chua said Jesus clearly stated in the Parable of the Shrewd Manager that there are some things that last, and some things that do not; some things that are of true value, but others that are of temporal value only.

WE ARE HIRING!

PROPERTY MANAGER To apply and view other Employment Opportunities at MCS, visit

bit.ly/mcsjobs

Alternatively, send your resume to

hr@methodist.org.sg

Feature

Janice Khoo serves in the Choir and Media & Comms Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Breakthrough Missions, Netatech and Sound of Art

Our business is doing

God's Kingdom work

I

n Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us "… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". Giving priority to God

can take place in many aspects of our lives. How do we translate it to our daily work? Methodist Message finds out from businesses that are different in what they do but have the same focus on serving God and his people.

Breakthrough Missions

A

n opportunity for a fresh start. This is what Breakthrough Missions

("Breakthrough") offers former prison inmates who seek to be rehabilitated.

Originally a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts with an evangelical objective, Breakthrough has since expanded its activities to become a social service organisation that provides a diverse range of services: book binding, furniture restoration, food and beverage, landscaping, and even foot reflexology.

Established in 1981 by Pastor Simon Neo, who had himself broken his addiction

Creating woodburn art which will be put up for sale

to drugs with the help of a Christian drug rehabilitation centre, Breakthrough

However, there is no religious

introduces its residents to the Christian faith

discrimination. Freddy Wee, Deputy

in the hope that the faith will motivate them

Director at Breakthrough, says, "Ours is

to seize their second chance and start over.

a faith-based Christian programme that

The programme structure guides residents

occupies, educates and equips residents for

to observe the spiritual disciplines of daily

rehabilitation. All are welcome, whether or

devotions and prayer. It also provides

not they believe in Jesus."

training so that they are equipped with the skills and positive work attitudes that will

Shortly after it was established,

serve them when they find work. Group and

Breakthrough began to offer book binding

individual counselling sessions are provided

and picture framing services from the small

to guide residents in self-management.

workshop on their premises, for the simple

April 2023 Methodist Message 15

Our business is doing God's Kingdom work

Residents of Breakthrough Missions start the day with quiet time and Bible study

reason that those were the only skills that

"Every person has to do their best so that

the staff and residents had at the time. As

they can glorify God," says Freddy. "We

the number of staff and residents grew,

tell our team that the community pays

and as more space was made available,

us for our services and we must give

more services were offered. Staff at

them a high level of service so that they

Breakthrough identify the residents' God-

are willing to continue to engage us."

given talents and guide them towards jobs

He proudly shares that Breakthrough's

that suit their abilities. More able ones are

customers include large organisations

encouraged to take the lead and impart

whose high standards and expectations

their knowledge to the others. Experts in

are met by the services offered by

the various vocations could be members of

Breakthrough. "This is our testimony to

the staff, residents or volunteers. In each

everyone—we are not perfect but we are

vocation, hands-on training is provided

changed by God and we give our best."

and the experts are tasked to assess the trainees to ensure that the quality of their

Former residents at Breakthrough have

work meets the expected standards.

gone on to work with other employers but the alumni still meet once a month

Freddy explains, "We trust God to provide.

for fellowship and prayer meetings.

We run Breakthrough in a way that enables

Freddy notes with satisfaction that they

us to cover our costs and earn a little, but

retain the discipline and values learnt at

we do not work on Sundays because that is

Breakthrough. "They start their day with

when we go to church. It is very important

morning worship, they work hard and

that we put God first."

they have learnt to be responsible." All this helps them re-integrate into society

Nonetheless, Breakthrough is firm about the need for everyone to do a good job.

16 Methodist Message April 2023

while living new and meaningful lives.

Netatech

W

hen David Tan ran his business of computerising supply chains during

the dot-com era over 20 years ago, he told God, "This is my blueprint. Please bless me and I will go and bless your people." He called it his "business with a mission".

A farm worker using an automatic seeding machine on Netafarm in Singapore

But God had other plans: the dot-com bubble burst and his business folded.

When he recovered from the crisis, David, who was born into a Methodist family, asked God for direction. God opened doors and led him to the founding of Netatech, a company which provides environmental engineering solutions. David, now 57, describes his new company as "a mission with a business".

A member of the farming community in Maetho using the irrigation automation system

"We choose to work with someone in the

David (third from left) and his team with local smallholder farmers in Netafarm Thailand

David's company, Netatech, helps

marketplace with a heart for God. We

clients implement solutions such as

get to know them, share each other's

irrigation, rainwater harvesting, high-tech

challenges and pray together. We take our

greenhousing and vertical farms. But

time to grow the relationship. As farmers,

"missions comes first" even while dealing

we know we can only plant the seeds and

with scientific solutions. He cites the

tend to the plants, but the Lord brings the

example of a project in Maetho, Thailand, in

harvest." These Netafarm greenhouses

which David's business partners provided

produce enough Chinese spinach, lettuce,

funds to build 40 greenhouses in the padi

coriander and cabbage to be shipped back

fields belonging to the mother-in-law of a

to Singapore twice a week. Better yet, the

colleague, Tinnakorn John.

harvest includes more than just vegetables.

April 2023 Methodist Message 17

Our business is doing God's Kingdom work

David adds, "We need partners who are

Currently, Netatech is working with

business people who can create a viable

Breakthrough to set-up a vegetable farm

business for the community. We take care

to support the farm-to-table concept for

of the technology and the finances. We

the latter’s food and beverage business.

are a for-profit business so that we can use

This will also help Breakthrough to be

the profits to help people. But we are not

more self-sufficient when they grow their

missionaries who teach the gospel. For this,

own vegetables.

God provides a spiritual guide, such as a pastor. The people realise that our interest

This modelling of Christian values in a

in them is not just financial. They also realise

business setting is a testimony of God's

we care for their spiritual well-being. Our

work in the lives of David and those in his

motivation for helping them comes from

team who are believers. He says, "We want

something bigger—the love of God. We love

to help people whether or not they are

them and build relationships with them."

Christians, especially young people. They need a hope and a guiding light. When they

While David is clear about his mission

know the light doesn't come from us, they

objective, he is equally clear about how

can build a relationship with the source. We

Netatech should be run. "We want to be

just point them in the right direction."

known for our business first. Our faith is woven into our personal lives. We are all not perfect and we need Christ. And because Christ died for everyone, we hire and work with people regardless of their faith."

Greenhouses for growing vegetables in Maetho Lamon getting baptised in 2019

18 Methodist Message April 2023

The owner of the land in Thailand on which Netatech built 40 greenhouses is Lamon, who is also the mother-in-law of David's Christian colleague, Tinnakorn John. Lamon is reputedly a shaman and, being attuned to the spiritual realm, was able to sense that something was different about David and Netatech. As part of David's arrangement of caring for the spiritual lives of his business partners, he befriended the pastor of the village church, who became a mentor to the employees on the farm. They turned to the pastor for spiritual guidance despite not being believers. As a result, Lamon herself eventually converted to Christianity and was baptised in 2019.

Left: Galven at Sound of Art's gallery in i12 Katong Right: Byambajargal painting in Saihanii Hutul

Sound of Art

N

early 20 years ago, Galven Lee's parents

Galven evaluates the pieces on their theme

commissioned an artist friend to

and skill of execution. Although it may be

produce a painting for their new home.

subjective, the artwork should also be one

They requested, among other things, that

that he thinks most people can appreciate.

the painting should have a biblical theme

He says, "My family knows we cannot

and cause the viewer to sense the presence

compromise on excellence. God has given

of God. This request led to the production

us special giftings and we want to uphold

of three paintings that capture the gospel

that standard."

message. More than that, it drew the artist back to God and kick-started the Lee

Kingdom work, in this context, also takes

family's venture into the Sound of Art, an

the form of supporting Christian artists

art gallery with a mission.

such as Byambajargal, or Byamba, a young Mongolian artist. Recognising Byamba's

Galven, 33, who works in the telco industry

talent and growing potential as an artist,

but also helps out with the family business,

Sound of Art chose to represent him in

considers his involvement with Sound of

its gallery here. Byamba is a committed

Art more of a ministry than a business task.

Christian who uses his art as a way to

His interaction with artists and clients on

express his faith, and his paintings convey

behalf of the gallery allows him to explain

his testimony of God's work in his life. His

how the artwork can be used to share the

paintings were sold out at a Sound of Art

gospel, and where his contacts are not

exhibition of his work held in Singapore in

believers, it is an opportunity for him to

2022.

make a connection and to pray for them.

Galven is clear on the objectives for the The gallery describes the art it supports

artists. He says, "We want our artists to

as that which "inspires and speaks to the

become world class. We don't want them

soul, with an emphasis on the themes

to be pigeonholed as Christian artists. We

of faith, hope, love and shalom". Using

want the world to say, 'This is a great artist

this guideline, artworks submitted to the

and by the way, he is a Christian.' For this to

gallery are reviewed on their own merits,

happen, the artists need financial support,

regardless of the artist's faith. As its curator,

encouragement and opportunities."

April 2023 Methodist Message 19

Eternal Peace GARDEN OF

THE AIR-CONDITIONED COLUMBARIUM Open daily: 8am-8pm | Public Holidays: 9am-2pm

• • • •

Located next to Com m onweal th MRT Sta ti on 99 -year lease co m m en cin g f rom 1 9 6 4 Clean and peace f ul env iron m en t Tra ns fer of urns or ex h um ation can b e a rra nge d

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)

TIERS

SINGLE

DOUBLE

Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (Closed on Public Holidays)

1 or 7

$2400

$4200

2 or 6

$3100

$5800

Tel : 6479 8122 | HP : 9670 9935 Fax: 6479 6960 Email: gepc400@gmail.com

3 to 5

$4000

$7200

For booking of niches, please contact the columbarium office to arrange for an appointment.

Our business is doing God's Kingdom work

In December 2022, the gallery organised an event called "The Art of Christmas" at i12 Katong, where its gallery is located. The event included an art exhibition featuring paintings related to Christmas, including those by artist Dominique Fam of Wesley Methodist Church. It provided an opportunity for members of the public to experience Christmas through art and musical performances put up by churches in the neighbourhood.

"We view our business through the lens of Christian outreach and we do not hide the fact that we are Christians," says Galven. "At the same time, we are conscious of the need to be sensitive to other religions. Our mission is to be enablers and our medium happens to be art."

Still, to be able to continue its business, Sound of Art has to be profitable. Galven explains, "Our end goal is more for the mission than for the financial gain. We believe that the business must grow for it to make an impact. For that to happen, we need to turn a profit so that we have the resources to expand." That many may hear God speak through the art that it supports surely makes the Sound of Art an unusual but creative channel to do Kingdom work in the marketplace.

LITTLE BOY'S LUNCH

by Swasti Wonowidjojo "In this novel depiction of the miracle where Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand, the artist chooses to focus on the little boy. His complexion is ruddy, his gaze earnest though apprehensive, and his arms grasping the lunch items tightly against his chest.

Is the little boy counting the cost of giving up his lunch? Or is he worried that his contribution can scarcely feed even a fraction of the 5,000 gathered in the field?

The little boy understood that when we choose to surrender our possessions, even our lives, to be used for a greater good, it has a profound multiplier effect that blesses many others." ~ Galven Lee, Sound of Art

Top: (from left) A hospice patient, artist Glacy Soh, Galven and Alice from Sound of Art

Right: Galven giving a tour of the gallery at i12 Katong

April 2023 Methodist Message 21

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.

Stock image/ Shutterstock.com

The Christian business leader

I

n the past several decades, there has

The English word "vocation" is derived

been a steady stream of books on

from the Latin vocare, which simply

business leadership.

means "call". On the basis of 1 Corinthians 7:17 ("Only let each person lead the

Many of these works are written from

life that the Lord has assigned to him,

a secular perspective. Some approach

and to which God has called him."), the

leadership from the standpoint of

Reformers teach that God has called every

personality traits (trait theories), while

individual—not just the ordained priests—

others focus on behaviour (behavioural

to serve him in the different arenas of life.

theories). Still others try to combine the two approaches while also considering the

The Christian business leader must

context (contingency model).

understand his role and work as nothing less than a vocation, a calling from God.

A Christian perspective on business

This means that the role that he plays and

leadership, however, must begin with the

the business that he does simply cannot be

theology of vocation. This concept was

bracketed away from God's own work and

given renewed emphasis in the writings

purpose in the world.

of the 16th century Protestant Reformers, although its origins in the Christian

In providing leadership and running his

tradition are much more ancient.

business, the Christian business leader is

22 Methodist Message April 2023

by God's grace participating in the divine

Philosophy of business

redemptive activity. This is surely both a

The Christian business leader must conduct

great (and undeserved) privilege as well as

his business in such a way that it not

an awesome responsibility!

only generates profits, but also serves the common good and supports the well-

In order to fulfil his vocation in a way that

being of society. He must consider that the

brings honour and glory to the God who has

products produced, the services provided

called him, the Christian business leader

and the jobs created are all integral to the

must follow Christ in all that he does.

good life of the community, the nation and humanity as a whole. He must avoid

But what does this entail? We look very

any practice that would undermine

briefly at the philosophies of leadership

human flourishing—such as corruption,

and business that lie behind the Christian

exploitation, and the destruction of the

business leader.

environment. More positively, he should explore ways to actively serve human needs

Philosophy of leadership

and contribute to the welfare of society.

According to scholars, there are basically three types of leadership: Transactional

In an article entitled "A Goal Greater than

leadership,1 transformational leadership2 and

Profit", Cardinal Bertone insists that the

servant leadership.

business leader should be an innovator

3

and never a speculator. The speculator, the Transactional leadership may prove

Cardinal explains, simply aims to maximise

inadequate as it is fundamentally

profit—"For him, business is a means to an

based on a reductive understanding

end, and that end is profit."

of the relationship between the leader (employer) and his followers (employees).

"It should be immediately clear," he insists,

Transformational leadership, where the

"that the speculator is not the model of

leader clearly expresses his values and

business leader that the Church holds up as

seeks to foster moral transformation in his

an agent and builder of the common good."4

followers, may lead to a possibility of the leader becoming manipulative, draconian

Jesus said, "From everyone who has been

and legalistic.

given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with

Servant leadership is arguably the most

much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:

consistent with the Christian faith and the

48 NIV). The Christian business leader has at

example of Christ. Under this model, the

his disposal tremendous resources, and the

leader leads primarily because he wishes to

Lord expects him to use these resources to

serve others. He hopes to follow Christ, who

honour him by serving his neighbours.

"did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

The servant leader respects the dignity of those who work with him. He recognises their potential and strives to help them achieve both personal and professional growth. The servant leader also develops moral and ethical principles of leadership and governance based on moral virtues such as justice, fortitude and temperance. Furthermore, his consistent application of these moral principles will in turn shape his character.

J. M. Burns, Leadership (New York: Harper & Row, 1979).

1

B. M. Bass, Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations (New York: Free Press, 1985).

2

Kenneth H. Blanchard, Servant Leadership: How You Can Achieve Great Relationships and Results (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003).

3

4 Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, 'A Goal Greater than Profit', https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/ library/view.cfm?recnum=9645.

April 2023 Methodist Message 23

By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services

Feeding friendships

A big thanks to the CMC WSCS ladies for sponsoring the food!

"How many children do you have? Eight?!

Wow!" That was a slice of a conversation between Bishop Dr Gordon Wong and an 87-yearold client at MWS Senior Care Centre – Eunos. It was a balmy Tuesday afternoon, when Bishop Dr Wong joined 10 volunteers from CMC WSCS (Christ Methodist Church Women's Society of Christian Service) for a luncheon with 22 clients of the Centre.

Over the course of an hour, chitter-chatter about everything from eating styles to

fellowship and unconditional love,

family history were exchanged over bento

volunteers host a meal for socially isolated

box lunches and silky soya beancurd.

seniors or low-income families at their home, church or an MWS Centre. It is

The luncheon was hosted and sponsored

hoped that the bonds built through the

by CMC WSCS as part of "Eat Share

breaking of bread will help to build a more

Connect", the 2023 theme for The Giving

inclusive community.

Methodist (TGM), a community outreach initiative galvanising Methodists to

"When Jesus walked on earth, he often

perform acts of love during the season of

just sat down to eat with people. It’s a

Lent. Based on Jesus’ example of table

way of expressing friendship and care,

24 Methodist Message April 2023

Bishop Dr Gordon Wong chatting with a senior at a TGM Eat Share Connect event held at MWS Senior Care Centre – Eunos on 21 February 2023

and symbolises God’s desire to fellowship with us," said Bishop Dr Wong. "Especially during Lent, the Methodist Church wants to remind our members to show friendship and care to everybody, and coming together to eat is a great way to do that."

Besides sponsoring the meals, the volunteers engaged the seniors in conversation. Bishop Dr Wong said, "It was good to be able to spend time with the seniors here. Most of them don’t hear so well, or are unable to speak very much, but I think they enjoy seeing new faces and having someone to eat with them, and Bishop Dr Wong distributing exclusive MWS cutlery sets to the seniors after the event

that little bit of change in routine."

Ms Tina Neoh, who led the initiative by CMC WSCS, said, "Food is the simplest

"Many of them are now able to recognise

Asian means of connecting, and we can

us, even if they may not know our names,"

also use food to express love. The seniors

beamed Tina. "They are just as important

shared that they genuinely appreciate the

in God’s eyes as anyone else, even if they

food and company. It’s important that we,

don’t know the Lord yet. We are not going

as Methodist church members, are able to

to evangelise to them by talking about

bless the older people in our community

Jesus, but it is our hope and long-term

and to exhibit God’s unconditional love."

goal that they may come to know the Lord through our care and love."

This, however, was no one-off gesture. The MWS Board of Governance Chairperson Mrs Fong Loo Fern (in red) joined 22 seniors in the luncheon

CMC WSCS volunteers are looking to build long-term relationships with the seniors, and they have been making fortnightly visits to the seniors since January 2023, engaging them in craftwork, games and sing-along sessions.

Want to share your blessings with those in need during this Lenten season? Join us, from now through 6 April 2023, to Eat Share Connect with socially isolated seniors or lowincome families over a meal.

For more information, visit www.thegivingmethodist.sg or scan the QR Code to donate.

April 2023 Methodist Message 25

Lim Tiong Hock is the chairperson and one of the founding directors of BAMBOO Foundation. He is a member of Grace Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Missions Society

Using business as missions to

transform lives

pastors were not adequately supported by their members, who were mostly subsistence farmers. Consequently, the pastors needed supplementary income to feed their families.

A team from BAMBOO began to travel frequently to Kampong Speu and Siem Reap to train the church leaders and members to start small businesses and teach them about tithing. Subsequently, the Cambodians submitted proposals for business projects to support their livelihood. The BAMBOO team would assess the proposals and approve the most Visiting a farmer in Kampong Speu

B

feasible and sound ones for microloans.

Chicken farming, a business with low

AMBOO, which stands for Business

barriers to entry, topped the list. We

As Missions, Blessings, Outreach and

saw good potential to improve yields in

Opportunities, was started in June 2013

chicken farming by getting the farmers to

by a group of members and pastors from

use electric incubators instead of allowing

various Methodist churches in Singapore.

broody hens to incubate their eggs.

It was incorporated as a wholly private

Vegetable and tapioca farming were also

entity. The founders were on the lookout

popular proposals.

for a specific project that BAMBOO could channel its resources and collective knowledge to.

Cambodia was selected as the country most suited for the launch of BAMBOO’s services. At the time, the Methodist churches in Cambodia planned to set up The Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC). However, during the interim period of setting up the provisional body, there was an urgent call to help improve the livelihoods of the church pastors. These

26 Methodist Message April 2023

BAMBOO team after a rain-soaked trip to a Kampong Speu farm

From July 2016 to October 2018, we also sponsored a project that created good social impact through sewing classes for single or underprivileged mothers.

Thereafter the General Conference WSCS stepped in to fund the sewing classes.

One of the most poignant experiences from our trips to Kampong Speu was when we visited Madam "SD" (using only her initials) in a desolate part of the countryside. The first thing that struck Top: Distribution of preloved clothes from Singaporean well-wishers

us was the makeshift thatched hut which she and her young daughter called home.

It was kitchen, bedroom and chicken roost all at the same time. Her husband had lost one leg in a landmine incident

Left: Kampong Speu farmers after a busy day of harvesting

and was working in a different province.

She requested BAMBOO for a small loan to do chicken farming. To her credit, she completed her project diligently and repaid the loan in June 2019, less than a year after taking the loan. I have been told she is worshipping in Kampong Speu Visiting a Kampong Speu farmer’s home, which also serves as a house church on Sundays

Methodist Church. Praise be to God! From our visits, we have seen that vegetable and fruit harvest time is when more casual workers have to be hired. This creates opportunities to share the gospel.

Although we are unable to communicate in Khmer, we could involve the Cambodian pastors in such outreach.

We thank God for his leading and protection, especially when travelling in the countryside during the monsoon season. We would also like to acknowledge the kind cooperation of the staff of the Methodist Missions Society in Phnom Penh and the staff of the Methodist School of Cambodia. We also thank President Lun Sophy, President of MCC, for his insights and counsel.

April 2023 Methodist Message 27

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).

Senior Leadership Team

Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides • 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

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Achievements include • 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

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg

• 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.

Kathryn Cheng is the Assistant Programmes Executive at the Methodist School of Music and a member of Foochow Methodist Church.

Worship

Taking the ego out of worship

Y

ears ago, I worked as a composer on a

message that is being proclaimed? What

film project. After many hours of work,

skills in my toolbox can I use to achieve this?

I produced what I believed was the perfect

Will this inspire the people listening to it?

soundtrack—it hit all the correct emotional

Will this glorify and uplift God's name?

moments, the mixing was skilful, the musicians performed their parts beautifully.

One inspiration I draw on comes from

Pleased with myself, I hit 'Send File',

church music history itself. In the

confident that the director would love it.

formative years of church music, the style of music employed was plainsong.

To my shock, the reply was the opposite:

This type of music had no accompanying

Thanks. It's nice, but not what this project

instruments, no harmony, not even a

requires.

time signature. The focus was always on the natural rhythm of the liturgical text

Every professional artist is familiar with

instead of the music itself.

this scenario and must be careful not to let their perfectionism run away with them.

Although this feature of music has become

The client's vision always comes first, even

less mainstream over time, I try to keep

before their own artistic instincts. Why then

it in mind whenever working with text

would art produced to glorify the Lord be

intended to be set to music. I ask: How can

any different? After all, he is the ultimate

the music be used to enhance the listener's

director, the one who can see the big

understanding of the text? Which words can

picture of our life's story.

be given more prominence? Which chord progression will highlight the message?

Since that project, I have learned a lot as a musician and composer, and was

A quote from Matt Redman's song "Heart of

eventually called to serve at the Methodist

Worship"—"I'll bring You more than a song,

School of Music. With a platform like this, it

for a song in itself is not what You have

is more important than ever to remember

required"—is a useful reminder.

to take my ego out of the equation. It is not about me. Now, whenever I sit down

Being blessed with the gift of music is a

to produce music, I ask myself these

huge privilege. I believe that the best use of

questions: How can I best convey the

it is in praise to the one who gave it to us.

April 2023 Methodist Message 29

Surmounting differences with love

Holy Land Tours Israel & Turkey 20 Years of Experience in Organising Bible Land Tours

‫שָׁ ל ם‬ Shalom Tour shalomtour@singnet.com.sg (65) 9777 3721

A

scenario I sometimes use when

to arrive at, but a mutually acceptable

training counsellors is one of a family

resolution usually involves a strategy of

in conflict over a daughter's wish to live

compromise. It could take the form of the

with her boyfriend. After a year of living

father agreeing to meet and get to know

at home since returning from three years

the daughter's boyfriend. Or the young

of study abroad, the daughter says her

man being prepared to visit the family's

boyfriend from overseas is moving to

church and learn about the faith that

Singapore to work and they plan to live

means so much to them. Or the daughter

together. Her parents are taken aback as

being open to delaying moving in with

she had not shared much about the young

her boyfriend whilst deepening their

man, or about moving in with him. The

relationship. With time, small steps in

church-going family holds conservative

compromising can lead to a narrowing of

views about co-habitation before marriage.

differences.

To complicate matters, I add that the boyfriend is of African descent and has no

As we all know, not every family conflict

professed faith.

ends in such a fairy tale-like manner. The critical ingredient is whether parties in

My trainee counsellors are asked how they

conflict have an all-or-nothing or a win-

plan to work with such a family, following

win approach to their situation. Are they

which they engage in role play as the

determined to have their own way at

counsellor and various family members.

all costs, or do they believe that there is something deeper and more valuable in

I find it interesting to see how my trainees

their relationship than the positions they

interpret and respond to the scenario.

each take?

Many themes emerge through this exercise. For instance, the daughter's

The need to bridge and to live peacefully

right to independence and recognition

with differences is even more crucial in

of the time for cutting the apron strings

our world today. The East-West and North-

versus the need for her to listen to her

South divides, and gender and culture

parents' advice and importance of showing

wars are but some of the differences at

gratitude. Themes around racial prejudice

a transnational level. Within our own

and suspicions of foreigners also come up.

communities, how do we embrace diversity presented by various ethnic groups, by old

Sometimes, the "arguments" amongst

and new, and by people of different gender

trainees playing the family members

orientation? I believe one starting point

become so intense that there are threats of

is to look for what we have in common.

disowning the daughter should she choose

Then to appreciate what we value over

her boyfriend over her parents' wishes. This

and above our personal views, values and

is often met with criticisms of bigotry, of

dreams. We also need to listen deeply

old-fashioned and closed mindsets and

and communicate clearly to deepen our

even of the parents being poor Christian

understanding and affirm the bonds that

role models who care only about saving

we share. These are expressions of love for

face and not their daughter's happiness.

one another, a love that can help bridge differences.

There is no one correct resolution which the trainee counsellors are expected

April 2023 Methodist Message 31

14

METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

Rachel Ng is the Youth Ministry Co-ordinator at Changi Methodist Church. She really enjoys working with kids and young people but loves good food just as much (if not more). / Photo courtesy of Rachel Ng

Blessings of being in a small church As a result, we were all given many opportunities to serve in different roles from a young age. When I was just 14 years old, I started co-leading worship in the main service, and became a youth leader.

While there are days when I wonder why our church is so small, and lament that the members therefore have to serve in various capacities, every role has been a blessing in my spiritual journey. Working closely with the pastors that have been posted to our church has also been key in my spiritual growth.

I

count myself blessed to be able to experience both the warmth and personal touch of a being in a small church, as well as have the opportunity to grow with a larger church body as a Methodist.

I grew up having five other peers in Sunday school and our Youth Ministry began with just three or four members.

When I had the chance to fellowship and share with fellow young leaders at the Young Methodist Leaders Conference, I realised the impact of my own journey.

Getting to know the other leaders from the Chinese Annual Conference has been important in my journey as a leader, as we got to understand how each of us faced similar yet unique joys and struggles in our local churches (regardless of size).

Being a part of the Methodist family has truly been a blessing.

Kopi kakis by Lau Peng Leong, Yen Tun I and Zachary Yong

April 2023 Methodist Message 33

ETHOS CONVERSATION 2023: MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CHURCH 18 April 2023 (Tuesday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. (Registration starts at 7.00 p.m.)

7 Armenian Street, Bible House, Level 4, S(179932). Free Admission.

Register by 11 April via https://https://ethosinstitute.sg/ethosconversation2023/ There has been a rise in mental health awareness in recent years. Join speakers Dr Adrian Loh and Mr Leow Wen Pin as they seek to address some pertinent questions on the Christian perspective on mental health and its associated conditions.

Organised by ETHOS Institute

THE METHODIST FESTIVAL CHOIR PRESENTS: I AM 16 April 2023 (Sunday), 6.00 p.m.

Worship Hall (Level 4) at Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, S(149604) Details on https://msmusic.edu.sg/events/mfc-presents-i-am/ Come and reflect on Jesus’ “I AM” statements with the Methodist Festival Choir, and rediscover—in music, song, Scripture, and prayer—the meaning of these claims upon each of our lives, and on the world today.

Organised by Methodist School of Music

SexED TRAINING 20 April (Thursday), 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

21 April (Friday), 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

22 April (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

RNN Conference Centre, 137 Cecil Street Cecil Building #04-01, S(069537) https://events.family.org.sg/sexedtraining/ $480 per person Guiding the younger generation on sexuality matters can feel nerve-wracking. SexEd Training equips individuals with the foundational framework of a holistic sexuality education for youth and young adults so that they have the knowledge and skills to conduct their own sexuality lessons, start conversations relating to sex and sexuality and dialogue confidently and effectively.

Suitable for all working with children and youth: Social service practitioners / Educators and trainers / Counsellors / Community leaders / Parents Organised by Focus on the Family Singapore

D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2023 28–29 July 2023, 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Wesley Methodist Church Register at https://d6family.sg before 30 June 2023 $120 per person (fee includes printed conference materials and tea breaks for both days) Be inspired to sharpen church and home partnership towards generational discipleship with all our heart, soul and strength. Glorify God with a stronger and better-connected family and church!

Organised by Sower Institute™ for Biblical Discipleship