Methodist Message: August 2022

Vol 124 No 8 AUGUST 2022

Faith and

Politics ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021

The army I serve: From soldier to pastor MP Lim Biow Chuan "I wear my faith on my sleeve" Roe v. Wade: What does the Lord require of us?

Contents Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher

/ Bishop’s

Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson Council on Communications

Message /

/ News /

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

3 TRAC WSCS Breakthrough in the VUCA World

Managing Editor

5 WFCMC 8th Missions Conference

Alvin Tay

8 TRAC Young Methodist Leaders Conference

Editor

12 PLMC Conference

Lianne Ong

/ Feature /

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai

Proofreaders

14 Lim Biow Chuan—I wear my faith on my sleeve 16 Rev Lai Kai Ming—The army I serve 18 Roe v. Wade—What does the Lord require of us?

Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/

Opinion /

22 Soundings: Christians and the State

/ People / The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in

24 Donald Leow—Missions by media 33 Terence Chua—Our Wesleyan heritage

Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the

/ Outreach /

official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

27

Counselling isn’t only for crises

28 Politics and Christian Missions

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936

/ Worship /

6478-4793 | 6478-4763

30 A patriotic Christian?

message.methodist.org.sg www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg

/ Relationships / 32 You and Your Family: Legacy of wrath

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Cover photo by Wesley Loh (Memphis West Pictures) Special thanks to Fairfield Methodist Secondary School

Bishop’s Message Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020.

He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2013–2020.

In politics, be the salt of the earth

Have you heard of Obadiah?

Yes, life in politics can be pretty dangerous!

Obadiah? Who was he?

So, who was Obadiah then?

He was King Ahab’s office administrator. Like the President’s Chief of Staff, or Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

You can read Obadiah’s story in 1 Kings 18. He served under the terrible administration of Israel’s king Ahab and his ruthless wife Jezebel.

You mean he was directly involved in politics and government?

How could a devout believer in God serve under such a terrible political administration?

Indeed he was. And the Bible says he was “a devout believer in the LORD”.

It must have been tough for him. But the Bible says that because of his position, Obadiah was able to save the lives of many by warning the prophets about the plans which Ahab and Jezebel had devised to arrest and silence them.

You thought wrongly. The Bible highlights several devout and courageous believers who were very influential in politics.

Like Joseph!

That's right, the Joseph in Genesis who became Prime Minister in Egypt, and steered the country through a seven-year economic crisis. Don't forget Daniel, Babylon’s prime minister in the days of King Nebuchadnezzar.

The same Daniel who was thrown in the lion’s den?

Sort of like, God’s secret agent for good?

You could say that! Or we could say what Jesus said: he worked like the salt of the earth. Salt is invisible when rubbed into the meat, but it preserves what is good and protects against decay.

Praise God for salt!

Yes, and let us praise God for politicians who seek to do good for many, whilst ever under the threat of being thrown to the lions!

Ahab had summoned Obadiah, his palace administrator. (Obadiah was a devout believer in the LORD. While Jezebel was killing off the LORD's prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.)

1 Kings 18:3-4 NIV August 2022 Methodist Message 1

Illustration by Caitlin Low

But I thought devout believers are never involved in politics.

Coming up

2 Methodist Message

August 2022

News

By Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) / Photos courtesy of TRAC WSCS

Breakthrough in the

V

iruses, wars, runaway inflation and natural disasters are part of our daily diet of news. Add our complex human relationships and financial and health challenges, and we get a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world.

How do we break through such chaos?

This was the theme of this year’s Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) conference: “Breakthrough in the VUCA World”. After three years since the last on-site VUCA conference, great excitement and joy filled the worship hall of Toa Payoh Methodist Church (TPMC) when nearly 300 ladies gathered on 25 June. Nearly every TRAC church was represented, joined by sisters from other Annual Conferences and nonMethodist churches.

Conference speakers and TRAC WSCS President, Ms Neo Lay Tin (second from right)

VUCA 2022 kicked off with a welcome by Rev Benjamin Lee, Pastor-in-Charge of TPMC, and an opening prayer by TRAC WSCS President, Ms Neo Lay Tin. To prepare hearts for God’s Word, Crystal, Amanda and Kaeyan of Paya Lebar Methodist Church led us in a time of worship.

uity big am

complexity

ty

i atil

Some exercises before the settling down for the next talk

uncertainty

v ol

VUCA

World

Dr Cheah Fung Fong, TRAC Vice-President, was the first speaker. Her message, entitled “Behold, I will do a new thing,” was based on Isaiah 43:14-21. She emphasised that in seeking breakthroughs, we need first to remember who God is: our Redeemer, the Holy One, our Creator and King. He is sovereign and in control of this VUCA world.

Secondly, we are to release the past—be they trophies and successes in days gone by, or the hurts, unforgiveness and bitterness we harbour. Thirdly, we are to receive God’s grace in the ordinary activities of daily life.

With eyes of faith, expect the unexpected from our God who is preparing a “new thing” for each of us. Lastly, recognise God’s purpose for our VUCA experiences. Each breakthrough is for his praise and glory.

Thus, have faith that God works in ways we cannot see or expect.

Mrs Janette Chong’s talk on “Raising an unexpected gift” roused laughter and sympathy as she shared experiences of coping with one child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and another with Asperger's Syndrome. Through it all, God has taught her to trust him more fully and transformed her to being more patient and even-tempered. She concluded that God sometimes places “Goliaths” in our lives for us to find the “Davids” within us.

Mrs Grace Lim never expected a fish head meal to cause a near-death experience when a tear in her oesophagus required two operations and prolonged hospitalisation.

This incident led her to realise that God had preserved her for a purpose and to seek his plan for her life. The Covid-19 pandemic also turned her jet-setting lifestyle into a Zoom world, where she has connected with hundreds of people across more than 40 countries through the Freedom in Christ ministry. God has also used her passion for disciple-making to touch many.

August 2022 Methodist Message 3

Breakthrough in the VUCA World

After a short break, Dr Victoria Lim led the ladies in breathing and relaxation exercises. Refreshed, we were ready to listen to an extraordinary testimony

by Ms Hannah Chun. Imprisoned for drug offences, she had her first child behind bars. The pain and shame spiralled into a vicious cycle of more drugs and cover-ups. Eventually, God spoke to her through John 3:17. Like the prodigal son, she felt she came from a pigsty. Yet, our Heavenly Father welcomed her with open arms. It was not an overnight recovery. By God’s grace, she has persevered and now ministers to ladies, locally and abroad.

Worship team from Paya Lebar Methodist Church

Rev Irene Thung then spoke on Micah 2:13, which reveals God as “Ha Poretz”, the One who breaks open the way. Spiritual breakthrough begins when we have radical faith, identify ourselves as God’s beloved children and grasp the power of prayer. Rather than going to God with a wish list of

wants, communing and identifying with him teaches us to listen and obey.

And as we declare his Word, we align to his will.

As the conference drew to a close, the altar was opened for ministry.

Many ladies responded to the call and gathered to be ministered to.

More than four hours had flown by. Challenged, encouraged and hopeful, the ladies departed to seek breakthroughs in their VUCA world.

The VUCA 2022 organising committee is thankful to God for his guidance and provision of inspiring speakers.

TRAC WSCS is also grateful to TPMC and the pastors for hosting the conference.

To God be all the glory!

News

By the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Joshua Khoo, Kong Kum Cheong and CAC

Living a missional legacy World Federation of the Chinese Methodist Churches 8th Missions Conference | 9-13 June 2022

(top) Praise & Worship led by worship team from Hong Kong (bottom) Sermon by President Lam Chun (right) and interpreted

by Rev Timothy Ang (left) (right) Overseas Conference Bishops, Presidents and representatives

E

very Missions Conference, participants from Chinese Methodist Churches from around

the world gather physically at the host country for a lively and vibrant meeting. This was what happened in Hong Kong in 2017 and should have happened in Singapore this year.

However, as effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to be felt, the 8th Missions Conference (8MC) became the first World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC) Missions Conference to be held online. As many brothers and sisters in Christ were unable to travel to Singapore, they joined us online. There were 1,200 registered participants, and many non-registered participants who joined segments of the 8MC that were open to the public.

While most of the conference programme was held online, the Opening and Closing Services and the keynote addresses took place

August 2022 Methodist Message 5

WFCMC 8th Missions Conference

on-site, with the help of Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (QCMC) and Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church (TPCMC), allowing participants in Singapore to enjoy in-person fellowship.

We were encouraged by Conference Bishops, Presidents and representatives from overseas, who travelled to Singapore to participate in the 8MC, despite the risks and inconveniences posed by the pandemic.

The Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) in Singapore welcomed our overseas guests with local food during their short stay here.

CAC President Rev Dr Gregory Goh, District Superintendents and guests gathered at TPCMC or the nearby eateries to enjoy delicious meals and fellowship before tuning in to the online conference together.

President Lam Chun from The Methodist Church, Hong Kong, kicked off the conference with a message on “Passing On & Receiving

(top) Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot stepping down from his 25-year role as the WFCMC General Secretary and “passing the baton” to Rev Dr Su Chii Ann (bottom) Announcement for the 9th Mission Conference Host Region and Handover of Missions Conference Flag

(left) Conference participants at Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (top) Council members at Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church, with overseas members joining over Zoom

the Baton”. He noted that the legacy of

At the Closing Service, Rev Dr Goh spoke

faith is not a one-off event and that it

about “Methodist Missional Life of Holiness”.

ought to be developed into a culture of

He said that while the Methodist Church

the church. As we pass on or receive the

involves itself in a lot of social concerns such

batons of ministry, we should also impart

as running schools, hospitals and other social

the conviction of succession, ensuring that

services, the Methodist mission is not about

the baton continues to be passed on and

social concerns and the value of social actions

received. Towards the end of his sermon,

per se. Behind these activities and at the heart

President Lam Chun highlighted that God

of the Methodist mission lies a deep love for

has a different plan for each of us where no

God, as well as the personal and collective

two people walk identical paths. Those who

striving towards sanctification. He emphasised

receive the baton are not to blindly follow and

that the Christian life is a missional life where

imitate, but rather to internalise the spirit of

one life should and will impact another

the experienced and to seek renewal and the

through the pursuit of holy living.

Lord’s guidance for the path ahead.

Plenty of time and heart went into the Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon

preparation and running of the 8MC and

delivered three keynote talks at the

we thank God for his faithful and sovereign

conference. He shared the importance of

guidance through it all. We give thanks also

being one with Christ and one with each

for the speakers, pastors, church staff and

other before we can be one in ministry to all

volunteers who contributed to the event.

the world. He began by reminding us that we—the branch—need to be fully dependent

Echoing what President Lam Chun expressed

on God—the true vine, for apart from him, we

at the Opening Service, we pray and hope that

could achieve nothing of lasting significance.

this conference has benefited everyone who

BE Dr Solomon asserted that it is precisely

participated and that their experience will

in the God-given diversity of gifts that the

have an impact on their ministries.

Christian community is called to replicate the unity of the Trinity. He reiterated in his final keynote talk that only with one heart and one mind can we attain missional unity.

You can watch parts of the conference at

http://tiny.cc/8mcyoutube

August 2022 Methodist Message 7

By Rev Allan Lee, Young Methodist Leaders Conference (YMLC) Committee / Photos courtesy of YMLC 2022 Media Team photographers, Matthias Ho, Hazel Heng, Joash Lee, Shimone Kow, and Rachael Koh

News

Worshipping together in-person for the first time in two years

YMLC delegates engaging current TRAC leaders in the forum

21st Young Methodist Leaders Conference

What should the Methodist Church look like in the future?

“Welcome to YMLC! Have you been prayed for?”

However, personal renewal was only a small part of the YMLC. Since its inception, YMLC has

These greetings filled the atrium of Wesley

sought to raise the next generation of leaders

Methodist Church as youth leaders from

in the Methodist Church. With that in mind,

Methodist churches arrived to attend the 21st

the theme for this year’s YMLC, “Re:Inspired:

Young Methodist Leaders Conference (YMLC),

Imagining God’s Methodist Vineyard for the

the first in-person YMLC since the pandemic.

Future” invited delegates to consider the question, “What should our Methodist Church

For Glennis Ooi from Christalite Methodist

look like in the future?”

Chapel, it was for a time of connection, renewal, and being refreshed in the Lord. She recounted,

The purpose of this was to challenge and

“Before YMLC started, I was struggling with my

inspire our delegates to consider the future

faith and almost lost my faith. I told God that

of the church and their roles, and also to

if Christianity is for me, speak to me at YMLC.

remember our Wesleyan heritage.

Long story short, he worked in so many different ways to show me that even if I’m undeserving

The first plenary kicked off with a look at

of God’s love, I’ll find my way back to him. God

“Traditioning into the Future”. Rev Dr Bernard

works in many ways and will never forsake us.”

Chao discussed how the early Methodist

8 Methodist Message

August 2022

The forum between current and future leaders of TRAC was moderated by Rev Dr Bernard Chao (far left). On the panel were (from left to right) TRAC Vice-President Dr Cheah Fung Fong; TRAC President, Rev Stanley Chua; TRAC Lay Leader, Mr Henry Tan; and District Superintendent for District 4, Rev Dr Edwin Wong

Mentors praying with delegates who responded to God’s call

movement began as a “future-facing tradition

of the limitations with the Methodist system,

that started with and grew with innovation”. In

he made it clear that “Despite our limitations

particular, he noted innovations in five areas:

and weakness as a Church, we can still grow

spirituality, social concern and social justice,

and that is proof that God has not left The

liturgy and worship, evangelism and missions,

Methodist Church in Singapore.”

as well as organisational leadership.

This resonated with Bryan Ho of Cairnhill Having seen what God had done in the

Methodist Church, who shared that one of his

past, the second plenary focused on the

greatest takeaways from YMLC was that “The

question, “What is God doing in our Methodist

Methodist Church was not built upon the work

churches?”

of any one man, but by the Holy Spirit. Even the greatest work of man could not match

Taking the bull by its horns, TRAC President

up against the smallest work of our Almighty

Rev Stanley Chua began by asking delegates

God—this we have seen in the undying passion

a bold question: “How many of you have ever

of our Young Leaders for Christ over the last 22

thought about leaving the Methodist Church?”

years through the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

In response, it seemed as if nary a hand remained unraised. Going on to address some

The greatest highlight was undoubtedly

August 2022 Methodist Message 9

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.

TRAC Young Methodist Leaders Conference

the forum between the young leaders and

The final day gave delegates an opportunity

current TRAC leaders. A panel comprising

to connect with delegates from the inaugural

Rev Chua, Vice-President Dr Cheah Fung

YMLC. This took the form of a recording

Fong, Lay Leader Mr Henry Tan, and District 4

featuring Rev Dr Isaac Lim, who had first

Superintendent Rev Dr Edwin Wong engaged

mooted the idea of bringing together young

delegates in a time of dialogue.

leaders as the next generation of leaders in the Methodist Church, and a panel of YMLC alumni.

Lynette Quah from Paya Lebar Methodist

It was somewhat poignant that delegates of the

Church shared, “I appreciated the invitation

1st YMLC prayed for delegates of the 21st YMLC,

to craft the future of our Methodist Church

painting a picture of one generation of leaders

together and even challenging traditions that

passing on the torch to another and inviting our

may not have worked well. It was heartening to

young leaders to be co-workers in God’s Church.

see the young people as well as the older people come together, united by a love for our Church

As YMLC concluded, we left not only having

and a desire for the Methodist Church to grow.”

been fed by the Lord, but also with a renewed sense that having seen God’s hand at work in

There was also a time for delegates to Re:Align,

our history, we know that it is he who had kept

as Rev Reuben Ng challenged the conference

and sustained us. We could go forth assured

to be obedient to God’s call on their lives and

that God was not done with the Methodist

serve him regardless of the circumstances

Church yet. The question is, will we continue

each faced. This was followed by a time of

to carry the Wesleyan flame and heart of

commitment and prayer.

Methodism in this generation?

The mentors—all TRAC pastors—had set aside three days of their time to journey with our young leaders during the conference. As Pastor Joseph Chean remarked, he had never seen any other church or denomination send their pastors to serve as mentors for young leaders.

“Perhaps this could be said to be an ‘innovation’ by the Methodist church today,” he said.

Check out the YMLC Instagram account

@ymlctracsg for more snippets and pictures from the conference.

The team of YMLC Mentors, all of whom are TRAC Pastors, led by Rev Wendy Tay (standing, 6th from left), Chairperson for YMLC 2022

August 2022 Methodist Message 11

By Paya Lebar Methodist Church Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Paya Lebar Methodist Church

F

rom 16 to 19 June 2022, the inaugural PLMC Conference saw more than 1,000 attendees at

the English, Mandarin and Children’s Tracks. The Conference was one of the major events in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC). With the theme of “Tapestry - Generations Unbroken”, it featured many prominent and gifted speakers to meet the diverse needs of the attendees.

In the spirit of the Conference’s theme and the call for fellowship and communion, the programme included an array of decentralised bonding activities for everyone.

The co-chairs of the Organising Committee, Jonathan Lim and Angela Lim, shared about the conference theme and a deliberate move to involve young people in the committee. “At PLMC’s 90th Anniversary, we wanted to honour the different generations in our church. God is the master weaver, and the church is his loom. He weaves his tapestry by uniting believers together in our love for him and his people,” Jonathan said.

“It is our desire that the Conference will be a platform to raise the next generation in our church.

These young people are precious gems and we want them to be more engaged in church and establish their roots with the rest of the church family, for church to be relevant to them,” Angela said.

Some of the participants were asked what spoke to them most and what their takeaways were. Here are some of their responses: Conference organisers 12 Methodist Message

August 2022

(top) Rev Edmund Chan, English Track keynote speaker (left) Rev Dr Chern Hock Chye, Chinese Track keynote speaker (bottom) Rev Nicholas Choo, Children's Track speaker

“For me, a central theme was one of

surrender—Surrender

my dreams, desires and fears. Surrender my children. I constantly struggle with the question of whether I am surrendering or giving up.

It is my hope and prayer that all who attended the conference and have been called to surrender will find encouragement in knowing that they are not the only ones struggling, and to reach out to trusted brothers and sisters who can pray alongside them.”

“Dr Tam an

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were inspirin

They helped

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me not to

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to benchmark

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They remind

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Su Mei Lenden

achieve their

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Allen Chen g

“The topics were relevant and I’m glad the church was able to address sensitive topics through a truthful and loving discussion. The sessions deepened my understanding of

God’s design and helped me

embrace his love for us as his creation. With the many reminders I got from the conference, there is a greater need for obedience, too!

God wants our availability over our ability.”

Rianna Charisse Cardano

ence, e Confer h t m o r “F am ed that I r u s s a s I wa

n

ng u o y o o t ot n ch to help i Christia

urch.”

n Chua

“The

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activit ies wer e creat and en ive gaging for allyoung and th the e youn This C g-at-h onfere eart. nce org the you anised ng lead by ers wa s very and re r e freshin levant g to the theme.”

Sally S

eow August 2022 Methodist Message 13

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Lim Biow Chuan and Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church

Feature

“I wear my faith on my sleeve” MP Lim Biow Chuan shares what it's like to be a Christian in the public eye

The path to Christianity

Lim leading worship during Good Friday service this year

A

s Singaporeans, we have certain principles ingrained in us from our schooldays, thanks to National Education—“No one owes us a living”, “We must uphold meritocracy and incorruptibility” and “We must preserve racial and religious harmony”. Our multiethnic, multi-religious social fabric has been so carefully built and the peace we enjoy should never be taken for granted, we are often reminded. Mutual respect for other religions is codified into law and the government, and regularly enforced.

Has this made Christians in our political arena err on the side of caution and be less open about their faith? When thinking of Christians in Singapore politics, some names often come up—Speaker of Parliament, Tan Chuan Jin, who often shares about his faith in his social media posts and Mayor for Central Singapore District and MP for Jalan Besar GRC, Denise Phua, who is well-known as a disability advocate.

Another parliamentarian who readily declares his Christian faith is Mr Lim Biow Chuan, 59, MP for Mountbatten SMC, who has served in various leadership roles in Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church (AMKMC) since the early 1990s. “I wear my faith on my sleeve,” he says matter-of-factly. A quick Google search will unearth incidents where he stuck his neck out in sharing his views as a Christian.

14 Methodist Message

August 2022

The youngest child in a Taoist family, he attended a reading programme as a child in a neighbourhood Baptist centre. “The seeds were planted then but I remained a Taoist until I was in university,” Lim says.

It was his friends in the Law faculty and Raffles Hall at the National University of Singapore who were instrumental in leading him to Christianity. They frequently invited him to attend the Varsity Christian Fellowship or to go to church. Lim became a Christian in 1986 during his third year as an undergraduate.

Lim meeting with his constituents

“I became a Christian because I needed God’s help. At that time, I was struggling with my studies, wondering whether I could make it through University or not. But many Christians showed me kindness and care—I guess God put me in the right place at the right time,” he says. He attended St. John’s-St. Margaret’s Church with his friends as it was just around the corner from Raffles Hall.

After graduation, he attended the 7.30 a.m. service at Wesley Methodist Church, which was near his home at Rochor Centre, and eventually joined its Young Adult Fellowship.

After a few years, Lim and his then fiancée decided to start afresh at another church.

They married and settled in AMKMC and have been there ever since.

The young lawyer caught the eye of the MP of his constituency, Dr Lee Boon Yang, who suggested that he serve the community with his legal skills. He was appointed to the Town Council and the Community Welfare Committee in 1989. Thus began Lim’s journey as a grassroots volunteer.

Busy with building his legal career and grassroots activities, he started serving in church leadership only in 1993. His wife, Mdm Woon Cheng Yee, was then serving as the treasurer and he joined her in the LCEC.

Entry into the political arena In 2005, he became AMKMC’s lay leader. Just as he was settling into the role, Lim was asked to stand for the 2006 General Elections. “The People’s Action Party (PAP) leadership was looking for someone who had served in the grassroots for many years, and I fit the bill.”

Initially, Lim was torn about entering politics. Would he be able to fulfill both roles? He consulted AMKMC's then Pastorin-Charge (PIC), Rev Stanley Chua (now TRAC President). “I wanted to be sure that Rev Chua had the support he needed as a PIC from the lay leader, not one who was too busy with work.”

They concluded that if Lim were to step down from church leadership to run for elections, it would send the wrong signal. “It would be saying politics comes before God, and God shouldn’t take second place,” Lim recalled.

“At the end of the day, I felt that if God had called me to both roles, and I was going into them with a willing heart to serve, then God would provide and lead. I just had to follow.”

With Rev Chua’s encouragement, he stood for election in the Marine Parade GRC. The PAP won in an uncontested walkover and Lim became a Member of Parliament.

As a Christian thrust into a public role, has he had to walk on eggshells when interacting with the public? “Being in the public eye, there’s less privacy but it comes with the territory. Whether you’re a church leader or a politician, it’s the same—people do observe you and you have to live up to certain standards.”

Hence, he falls back on these basic Christian tenets: “Love God and love others as yourself.

Do so by showing love, care and concern for all through your actions.” Lim sets out to look after the vulnerable in the constituency and by assisting residents who need his help during Meet-the-People sessions.

Lim also makes it a point to attend functions organised by other religious groups, such as Taoist or Buddhist groups, an act that is always appreciated by the organisers as they know that Lim is a Christian.

Does he face awkward situations during these social events? Lim says he always explains to organisers before the event that he is unable to hold joss sticks as a Christian.

However, he partakes in meals with them and extends greetings to the devotees. Each time, the organisers have always respected his wishes and simply appreciate the fact that he does not disdain their practices. “People respect you if you respect them,” he says.

Today, Lim serves as the chairperson of AMKMC’s governance committee and the joint management committee. His weekends are filled with either church or constituency events, so balancing and prioritising his time is key. Living life in the public eye can be tiring, but he is grateful to have the support of his wife and two daughters, Samantha and Rebecca. Church time is also family bonding time.

To Christians in the marketplace, he has these words of encouragement: “We all have influence in our place of work and in the community space. If we behave in a way that shows our Christian discipleship and our faith, then others will say, “Wow, your religion makes you someone that I hold in high regard. I want to know more about your faith.” Always pray and ask yourself: Is this what God wants? If yes, then do it to the best of your ability.”

August 2022 Methodist Message 15

Rev Lai Kai Ming is a pastor at Barker Road Methodist Church. Prior to the pastoral ministry, he served as an infantry officer in the Singapore Armed Forces from 1991 to 2000. / Photos courtesy of Rev Lai Kai Ming

Feature

Onward,

Christian Soldier The army I serve I learnt that the powers given to me were a solemn responsibility, not a weapon of ego.

Once, a recruit almost lost his life because, as I realised later, I cared more about my performance than the welfare of my soldiers.

In my next appointment as an instructor in Officer Cadet School, I was firmly taught that even if only one man out of a hundred managed to stay awake during my instruction (due to lack of sleep) I must still give of my very best to him. It was during this period that God gave me the spiritual gift of teaching so that I could communicate effectively with my trainees. I had never been a public speaker (even in private, I’m known to be quiet!) and this was the tentative beginnings of my preaching vocation.

Rev Lai Kai Ming

I

did not expect to receive an overseas education, much less to serve full-time in the Singapore Armed Forces. But both were gifted to me not long after I entered National Service in 1988. With a government scholarship, my future seemed determined. Yet God had other plans. First, I became a Christian and was baptised within three months of my arrival in London. Second, I received “the call” six months later while watching the late John Stott preach at St. Martin-in-the-Fields (Trafalgar Square). Me, a pastor? But how, Lord? I had another two years of studies, and then an eight-year bond which I could not afford to break—be it financially or morally.

“Wait” was the reply. And so I waited.

I returned to Singapore in 1991 with a view of becoming a pastor one day. Meanwhile, I would serve the Lord while I served my nation.

Little did I know that God was using my years in army fatigues to prepare me for my decades in priestly robes. As a platoon commander,

16 Methodist Message

August 2022

Perhaps the most important lesson that God used the military to teach me was that of humility. Three incidents come to mind. The first was when a lance corporal wrote me (then a captain) a letter telling me how bad my men-management skills were. The next lesson came in the form of a verbal rebuke by a fellow Christian who was my sergeant in the scouts (recce) platoon. In short, he chided me for a disregard of safety regulations in my zeal to impress my superiors. The third humble pie was served to me one afternoon when I was a staff officer in the Ministry of Defence, about a year before my bond ended. A female colleague who had taken issue with my work ethic, which to her lacked compassion for others, said to me, “Are you sure you want to become a pastor? I’m not really sure you would make a good one.” Till today, I hold these and numerous other experiences close to my heart—grateful that God had used many to tame this proud war horse.

And so here I am.

I left the SAF in 2000 and entered the pastoral ministry three years later. Although I was never involved in any physical war, my decade in the military has readied me for wars that matter for eternity.

If you are a parent of a son, having read my testimony this far, you might be asking, “Must military service be the mandatory way for my son to serve the nation?” Or if you are a young man awaiting enlistment, you might be wondering if it is right for a Christian to participate in military service––which could, in unfortunate circumstances, require the killing of human life.

Our Methodist Social Principles contain the following statements with regard to “The Christian and military service”: 1.

We believe that, in general, war goes against the teachings and example of Christ and that the influence of the Church should be on the side of every effort seeking to remove the seeds of war. In the event of widespread threats to peace and justice, war may be supported as a last resort.

2.

The Methodist Church teaches respect for civil authority that is properly constituted.

It encourages both love of country and of all people. It believes that the security and defence of the country is the responsibility of every able-bodied citizen.

These principles are consistent with what the Bible teaches about military service and citizen responsibility. An early example of military service amongst God’s people was when Abraham’s nephew Lot was taken hostage by the king of Elam (Genesis 14).

Rev Lai when he was a Platoon Commander, 1993 (front row, 6th from left)

We read that Abraham speedily summoned 318 “trained men” to pursue the Elamites, thereby rescuing Lot and his household.

Throughout the Bible, the ethics of military service is not questioned. It was assumed that every nation, even Israel, needed to defend herself from enemies and oppressors.

Most battles in the Old Testament resulted in deaths (e.g. 2 Samuel 18:6–7). On rare occasions, we read of “just war” practices that pre-dated the Geneva Convention (2 Chronicles 28:8–15, referencing Bishop Dr Gordon Wong’s recent AldersgateSG sermon).

In the New Testament, neither Jesus nor Paul, or any other biblical writer, disparaged military service. Instead, Jesus praised a Roman centurion for his faith (Matthew 8:10) while Peter baptised the household of another (Acts 10).

Not only was the “soldier” not frowned upon, he was often used as a metaphor to describe the Christian and his journey of faith. For instance, Paul describes Epaphroditus as a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). In Ephesians 6, Paul called upon believers to put on the “whole [military] armour of God”! Jesus himself, hours before his arrest, instructed his disciples to sell their cloaks and buy swords if they did not have one (Luke 22:36). Why? Because we live in a fallen world, and selfdefence and God’s divine protection are not mutually exclusive.

Dear parent, as far as God’s Word is concerned, your son is fulfilling an honourable duty by doing National Service (NS). Dear soon-tobe-enlisted brother, see your call to NS not as something regretful, but as an opportunity to serve God with dignity and distinction. God has called us to be His witnesses. Why not let the military camp be the ordained place to shine His marvellous light and love (1 Peter 2:9)? In light of the current Russia-Ukraine war, let us be reminded that military service is ultimately an act of sacrifice for the people and the country we care about.

August 2022 Methodist Message 17

Feature

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is the Associate Pastor at Sengkang Methodist Church.

What does the Lord require of us?

O

n 24 June 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States of America reversed the decision in Roe v. Wade. At the

risk of oversimplifying a complex legal discussion, the case of Roe v. Wade affirmed in 1973 that the fundamental “right to privacy” enshrined in the United States Constitution included a right to abortion. This landmark ruling has now been overturned by a 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court judges.

In short, they ruled that abortion is not a constitutional right falling within the “right to privacy”.1

In anticipation of the 2022 decision overturning Roe, 13 US states had passed so-called “trigger laws” that would severely narrow the circumstances under which one could opt for a legal abortion. After the 2022 decision, other states have sought to legislate bans on abortion, triggering legal battles as supporters of the right to abortion sought injunctions to block these laws. 2

18 Methodist Message

August 2022

Although this is ostensibly a matter

Still, even though complex situations may

of American law and bioethics, it has

surround the act of abortion, compelling

nonetheless resulted in widespread global

us to offer a nuanced pastoral response,

condemnation on one hand, 3 and celebration

the moral ground seems unassailable: the

at the reversal of what was deemed to be

most basic of all God-given rights is the

an unjust ruling on the other. According

right to life. Since life begins at conception,

to Christianity Today, evangelicals have

all abortions—even those performed on the

been “most opposed to abortion”. 5 Whether

most compassionate grounds—terminate

justified or not, Christians are seen as the

life. The MSP affirms the Christian doctrine

main drivers of the anti-abortion movement.

that all life is sacred.10 The overturning of Roe

I briefly outline in this article how we

thus deserves our praise, if for nothing else

may respond to the decision to overturn

than to help lessen the number of sacred

Roe, through postures derived from our

lives that would otherwise be lost to elective

Methodist Social Principles (MSP), organised

abortions.11

4

through the lens of the famous verse in mortal, what is good. And what does the

Love mercy: Loving those who struggle

Lord require of you? To act justly and to love

The MSP wisely calls Christians to prayerful

mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”6

inquiry in situations where abortion might

Micah 6:8-9 (NIV): “He has shown you, O

Act justly: Loving the unborn

be contemplated, and to seek appropriate counsel.12

Underlying the MSP’s response to abortion is the theological belief that “life begins

Here is a salient reminder that abortion, even

at conception”. Therefore, “we… do not

if it amounts to as grave a sin as murder, is

subscribe to abortion except on medical

not unforgivable. It is the responsibility of

grounds.” The German pastor-theologian

the Church to foster an environment where

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

people struggling with abortion might have

7

“To kill the fruit in the mother’s womb is to injure the right to life that God has bestowed on the developing life.

Discussion of the question whether a human being is already present confuses the simple fact that, in any case, God wills to create a human being and that the life of this developing human being has been deliberately taken. And this is nothing but murder.”8 Yet, Bonhoeffer goes on to acknowledge some compelling reasons why one might be forced into undergoing an abortion. At one point he even says that when abortion is a deed of despair, “guilt falls often more on the community than on the individual”.9

a genuine encounter with the reconciliation and forgiveness bought for us at the great cost of Christ’s own life. Christ, the Lamb of God who was slain, has proved decisively that legally sanctioned acts of deliberate killing do not have the last word in God’s kingdom.

In the numerous motivations for abortion, I agree with Bonhoeffer that the guilt often lies with the community as much as with the individual. That there are people for whom abortion feels like the only way out, is cause for society’s repentance.

We must not lose sight of the humanity of those who have opted or might opt for abortions. Both the mother and the unborn child have dignity and sanctity before the

August 2022 Methodist Message 19

Roe v. Wade: What does the Lord require of us?

face of God and pregnancy binds them

of Roe, O. Carter Snead observes: “Roe and

both in inextricable bonds. We need to

its progeny have wounded the nation in a

heed the words of O. Carter Snead, who

way that is even more relevant now; Roe

rightly describes the pregnant woman as

eliminated the need for us to talk to one

a “vulnerable, dependent member of the

another in the political sphere in a way

community, who is entitled to the protections

that has real and concrete meaning for the

and support of the network of uncalculated

laws and policies that bind us… We need

giving and graceful receiving that must

to re-learn how to talk about abortion as a

exist for any human being to survive and

precondition of self-governance.” 16

flourish”. Since we hold that every woman 13

who is pregnant should bear responsibility for what is sometimes an unchosen obligation, then she too, by virtue of her pregnancy, is an unchosen obligation that binds the body of Christ to respond to her vulnerability and need. These unchosen obligations do not end with childbirth. The networks of uncalculated giving and graceful receiving are vital throughout the human life span.14

Walk humbly: Loving before we speak One more disposition is necessary in any Christian response to Roe. The MSP calls on churches to provide safe counselling spaces to guide and offer support for anyone who “has had or may be contemplating abortion”.15 The MSP is not calling on us to baptise abortion, whether in individual cases or in the realm of public policy. Rather, we are reminded that even when we oppose abortion on moral and theological grounds, we are still called to love our neighbours. This should guide us to genuinely love people enough to suspend our instinctive rush to judgement. We must understand that talk of restricting or banning abortion will genuinely feel like a loss. The surety of our moral position should not result in hardness of hearts for the many caught in the web of complex personal, social, legislative and political issues surrounding abortion. In his reasoned commentary on the overturning

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August 2022

To engage in conversations about morality, laws and policy requires both moral confidence and an intentional humility on our part. To walk humbly with our God is also to walk humbly with those whom

1 “US Supreme Court overturns landmark Roe v Wade abortion ruling” https://www.channelnewsasia.com/ world/us-supreme-court-overturns-roewade-abortion-rights-decision-2769261

our response to all whose personal histories are

“Abortion: What does overturn of Roe v Wade mean?” https://www.bbc.com/ news/world-us-canada-61804777

intertwined with abortion, as well as to the broader

3

God loves. This posture of humility applies both to

Christian response to Roe. The reflections of Nigel Biggar on how Christian ethics should be applied in public are salutary: “To look before one thinks and speaks is simply an expression of love. To speak in love is to speak with the intention of benefiting, and we cannot expect to benefit what we have not taken the trouble to understand. And in order

2

See, for example, “World leaders react to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade” https://www. cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-roev-wade-abortion-rights-internationalresponse/

“Goodbye Roe v. Wade: Pro-Life Evangelicals Celebrate the Ruling They’ve Waited For” https://www. christianitytoday.com/news/2022/june/ roe-v-wade-overturn-abortion-supremecourt-ruling-pro-life.html

4

5

Ibid.

their concrete predicaments, it is not enough

6

New International Version, 2011.

to hoist one's prejudices over them. An ethicist

7 Methodist Social Principles, “The Sphere of the Family”, §4b.

to understand particular human beings in

who is Christian should want to follow his Lord

plays prophet. For the only people a prophet

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ethics, ed. Ilse Tödt et al., trans. Reinhard Krauss, Charles C. West, and Douglas W. Stott (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2005), 206.

has the right to prophesy against are those

9

he has first cared to make his own.” 17

10

and Master in loving the world. And if he would love the world, he will play pastor before he

The moral ground is clear even though our

8

Ibid.

Methodist Social Principles, “The Sphere of Social Well-Being”, §4c.

Opposing abortion on moral grounds is not hoisting

11 It is also fitting to point out that to call abortion “birth control” is painfully accurate – it is not a form of contraception, but rather “controls” birth by ending its possibility.

prejudices. However, as Biggar points out, we should

12

understanding and experience of the ramifications of this watershed moment in American history will vary.

first be a pastor to those struggling with abortion and the reversal of Roe, before we play the role of prophet.

Our response should be born out of loving conviction.

Conclusion In responding to the latest developments on Roe v.

Wade, these three postures—doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly—are exemplified in the advice articulated by our MSP. It is my prayer that Methodists in Singapore will embody these virtues bestowed on us by divine grace—a grace that has come to bring light, not heat, to a polarised world.

Methodist Social Principles, “Family”, §4b.

O. Carter Snead, What it Means to be Human (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press: 2020), 180.

13

14

Ibid., 180-182.

Methodist Social Principles, “Family”, §4c.

15

“Opinion: Roe was very bad for America. The court gives us a chance to reset” https://edition.cnn. com/2022/06/24/opinions/courtdecision-roe-was-very-bad-for-americasnead/index.html 16

17 Nigel Biggar, Behaving In Public: How To Do Christian Ethics (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2011), 112. Emphasis added.

August 2022 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.

Soundings

Christians and the State I

n his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul

It is on the basis of this fundamental insight

carefully instructs his readers on how

of the Reformers concerning the State that

Christians should regard the State when he

theologian Emil Brunner could write that:

writes: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority

… the Christian recognises the State,

except from God, and those that exist have

which exists whether he will or no, and

been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).

whose peace and authority he “inherits”

“Therefore,” the apostle adds, “whoever

as a gift of God, as a divinely salutary

resists the authorities resists what God has

means of discipline; to adjust oneself to

appointed, and those who resist will incur

the State and to accept it is both an act of

judgement” (Romans 13:2).

discipline and an act of repentance.2

That this injunction is meant for every

This, however, does not suggest that the

Christian is clear from the context. As the

State itself is somehow exempt from Original

New Testament scholar C.E.B. Cranfield

Sin or immune from its dire effects.

explains: “In its context ‘every person’ is ‘every Christian (in Rome)’. The phrase is

Theologian Helmut Thielicke clarifies that

emphatic. No Christian is to imagine himself

“the State, when it restrains evil, is not

exempt from the obligation indicated.”

aiming at sin itself—in whose representation

1

it has a share—but simply contesting This passage is the locus classicus of the

the excesses of selfishness. It resists the

New Testament’s teaching on the nature of

selfishness which is inimical to order.” 3

the secular governing authority, the basis for a Christian theology of the State.

The State, like the rest of creation, is fallen.

That God has brought it into existence and

According to Paul, the State was instituted

given it a specific role does not imply that it

by God to serve a specific function, which is

possesses some intrinsic quality that allows

to reward the good and to punish evildoers

it to surmount her fallen condition. Rather, it

(Romans 13:3-4). This has led the Magisterial

signals God’s unmerited grace.

Reformers of the 16th century such as Martin Luther and John Calvin to develop their

The fact that the State is fallen, sinful and

understanding of the State in light of the

imperfect implies that Romans 13 can never

primordial fall of man.

be read as an injunction for Christians to submit themselves unquestioningly to it. For

The State, the Reformers argue, exists

the just State of Romans 13 could become

as a sign of the fact of Original Sin. Put

the demonic State of Revelation 13.

differently, it is because human beings are sinners—fallen and sinful creatures—that

The State becomes demonic when it

society needs a State in this form to maintain

blasphemes God by demanding Caesar is

some semblance of civility and order.

to be worshipped, and when it makes war

22 Methodist Message

August 2022

with the people of God. History has indeed produced many examples of such anti-God States that have abused the authority that God has given to them.

The submissive obedience of Christians to the State therefore can never be absolute—it must always be a conditional and qualified submission. This is clearly articulated in the Augsburg Confession: Christians, therefore, must necessarily obey their magistrates and laws, save only when they command any sin; for then they must rather obey God than men (Acts 5:29) [Emphasis added].4 Cranfield similarly notes that there must be exceptions to Paul’s injunction in Romans 13:1 when he writes that “Paul is enjoining no uncritical obedience to whatever command the civil authority may decide to give…” Christians are required to obey civil authorities “so far as such obedience does not conflict with God’s laws…”5 Christians are to obey civil authority only insofar as it does not require them to disobey God. Thus, if the State commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, then Christians no longer have a duty to obey the State.

At the end of the famous story about paying taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17), Jesus made this remarkable statement in reply to the Pharisees, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”.

Jesus’ injunction clearly encourages Christians to be loyal to the State, but at the same time it sets limits to that loyalty. Simply put, while the Christian may give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, he must never give to Caesar what belongs to God! This command therefore rejects any attempt to absolutise the State or any earthly power and authority. For to do so is to treat the State as divine— it is to allow it to usurp the place of God. Put differently, to do so is to commit the treacherous sin of idolatry.

1 C.E.B. Cranfield, Romans: A Shorter Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1985), 320.

Emil Brunner, Divine Imperative: A Study in Christian Ethics (Louisville, KY: Westminster Press, 1947), 446.

2

Helmut Thielicke, Theological Ethics. Volume II (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969), 252.

3

Quoted in Philip Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 1966), Vol III, 16, 17.

4

5

Cranfield, Romans, 321.

August 2022 Methodist Message 23

Terence Chua worships at Living Hope Methodist Church and is studying at Trinity Theological College. / Photos courtesy of Donald Leow

People

Missions by media Once Upon a Time with Donald Leow

Donald Leow

W

hen it comes to missions, we usually think of church volunteers going abroad on short-term mission trips and full-time missionaries living among the natives. Donald Leow, a movie-maker, however, calls himself a “media missionary”.

Growing up in Singapore, he discovered his passion for films while volunteering at Great Joy Media Center (GJMC) in the 1980s as a teenager. GJMC screened movies in churches on weekends as a form of evangelism. Often, a church leader would speak after the movie and Donald was struck by the responsiveness of the audience. “I saw the impact of what a movie could do,” he recalls.

Unfortunately, GNPI closed in 2007. But all was not lost. “It’s been said that when God closes the door, he opens a window,” Donald says. “In my case, it was never a window—that would mean having to climb! It was always a wideopen door!” This door was an invitation to fill a Senior Producer position in a production company in the United States—the filmmaking capital of the world—and so Donald and his family moved to the USA. In 2012, Donald started his own production company, StoneTable Films, together with a business partner.

Films about everyday experiences In the last decade, Donald has produced four films. His latest film, released on 24 June, Once Upon a Time in Mongolia is a romantic comedy that tells a story of love in recognisable forms—parental, romantic, and divine. Prior to this, Donald produced Badge of Faith (2017), Touched by Grace (2014) and For the Glory (2012). Badge of Faith tells of the inspiring true story of police officer Bryan Lawrence, in an era of anti-police sentiments in the USA, and Touched by Grace casts Amber House, who has Down Syndrome, in a story about bullying.

Filming an outdoor church service scene

Fuelled by what he saw, Donald embarked on film production work. With GJMC, Donald was involved in the production of Blessed Family—a six-episode television programme about Singaporean families. In 2003, Donald filmed his first production with Good News Productions International (GNPI), The Source of Love, a Hong Kong-based feature film starring actress Deborah Sim.

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August 2022

Although the themes of his films vary, they have something in common. “All my movies feature everyday conversations with common people addressing a common issue,” he says.

Mention Christian faith-based movies and inspirational films like War Room, Courageous and Fireproof come to mind. Donald’s stories are different.

“I don’t sense that my calling is to tell stories to believers specifically,” he shares. “Rather, I want to tell stories that impact non-believers.”

Missions in the filmmaking process Behind this heart for missions is a conviction, to paraphrase Blaise Pascal, that there is a God-shaped void in every man’s heart that only God can fill. Donald hopes to awaken that longing with his movies.

Donald's films can be likened to “short-term” mission work. Targeted at the unreached, Donald intends his films to be a lighthearted avenue for Christians to reach out to their non-believing friends, hoping they can spark faith-based conversations.

“I want Christians to be able to bring their non-Christian friends to watch my movies and not be embarrassed about it,” says Donald. “It was partly for this reason that Once Upon a Time in Mongolia was produced as a romantic comedy.”

The “long-term” aspects of Donald’s mission occur behind-thescenes through his efforts to train others in media production.

“Today, there is a team in Mongolia equipped with professional gear to do media production,” Donald says. “They are producing excellent material. I am so proud of them.”

Now that they are trained, these Mongolian Christians are better poised to be financially independent and are equipped to produce more work—both Christian and secular content. “If the team can make a living from production and, on top of that, serve God, why not?” Donald says. “If any organisation, including those from the West, needs filmmakers in Mongolia today, this team is the one they go to!”

Where needed, Donald adapts to the cultural context of his locale in his media missions. While filming a scene for Once Upon a Time in Mongolia, he conceptualised an outdoor service to showcase Mongolia’s beautiful landscape. This was a foreign concept to the Mongolians but he strove for it anyway. Yet, in filming another scene, he honoured the Mongolian practice of designating specific areas in the gers, which are traditional tents commonly found in Mongolia, for different genders.

With his mission firmly in mind, Donald hopes that they bring about opportunities for interaction between people. “I don’t think of a movie as an end in itself. I think of it as a vehicle for evangelism.”

Once Upon a Time

in Mongolia After her mom dies, Mya finds an old photograph that sends her to Mongolia in search of her long-lost father. Along the way, she saves a young widower’s daughter, and in gratitude, he (Bataa) agrees to help her in the quest.

Their journey through the gorgeous countryside brings them through horse racing, archery and wrestling contests, debates about God, dead end leads and ultimately falling in love. There is one problem, however. Bataa has already been pledged to another woman in an arranged marriage.

Will Mya find her father? Will Bataa go through with arranged marriage?

Can they live happily ever after? All these questions are answered in this romcom located this side of the Great Wall of China.

“Someone still needs to drive it.”

Where you can catch the movie Private screenings are available till the end of 2022.

Contact EagleWings Cinematics hotline at 9848 7777 to book entire hall(s) 10 days in advance of event.

August 2022 Methodist Message 25

Cast and crew of 'Once Upon A Time in Mongolia'

14

METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

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

Counselling

isn’t only for crises It helps prevent them

S

uzanne* and Mark* have been arguing over how he meets his buddies for drinks after work. From her perspective, he is prioritising his friends over her. Suzanne is frustrated about how little they communicate, and suggests that they go for counselling but Mark refuses. Feeling hopeless, she is seriously considering divorce.

Stories like Suzanne and Mark’s may seem familiar. Individuals often consider counselling only as a last resort, after they have failed to resolve problems on their own or when problems affect their work or relationships.

Covid-19 has forced families to be together for long hours, exacerbating seething tensions.

The past two years have also seen rising numbers of divorce applications and reports of family violence. Incidentally, more people in Singapore have also sought counselling.

Should we only seek help when we are close to breaking point?

Social stigma of getting therapy The reluctance to seek help early might have something to do with the social stigma long associated with counselling, that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness.

But if we thought about our physical health in the same way, is it a sign of weakness to see a doctor when we are unwell? Or should we consider medical treatment only at the brink of collapse?

Perhaps it is time to look at counselling as a form of preventive or supportive care too, rather than purely remedial. If conducted before problems fester, counselling can build up mental resilience and possibly avert interpersonal crises.

Timely preventive counselling can help Preventive counselling should take place when we are aware that there is a problem but find that it is still manageable enough to discuss and work through amicably.

One sign could be how often the same argument comes up or how easily we lose our temper. Children and adolescents also show signs that they are not coping well when they verbalise stress or fears, frequently cry over high-stakes events such as national exams, have regular nightmares, or lose sleep or appetite.

Help is at hand Families remain the closest support system for many in Singapore. Preventive counselling and therapy can strengthen families to weather another crisis like Covid-19 in the future.

Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) recently introduced the Strengthening Families Programme@Family Service Centre (FAM@ FSC) initiative. An initiative of the Ministry of Social and Family Development, trained counsellors, family therapists and social workers at MWS FAM@FSC provide services and support to couples and families with early risks and stressors.

Know someone who may benefit from this?

Find out more by visiting

mws.sg/centre-location/famfsc/ *Names used in this commentary are pseudonyms.

This article is adapted from a commentary penned

by Yeow Ming Zhen, Head of Strengthening Families Programme@Family Service Centre at Methodist Welfare Services, and first published in ChannelNewsAsia.com August 2022 Methodist Message 27

Prof Dennis Lee serves as Area Director in Methodist Missions Society.

He is a Visiting Professor with Copenhagen Business School, a Fellow with Singapore University of Social Sciences, and an alumnus of Regent College (MTS '88 & MDiv '89). He worships at Kum Yan Methodist Church.

O

n 2 April 2020, Akinyemi O. Alawode published an article “Politics in Christian Missions” 1 in which he states that Christian missions and politics each have different goals, and asserts that “there has always been a conflict between politics and Christian missions where politics seeks to play a controlling role…”,2 resulting in hurt to the mandate of Christian missions. He further asserts that politics does no good to the work of missions and recommends steps to be taken to avoid politics in Christian missions.

This may not be an uncommon view.

But can politics and Christian missions ever be kept separate? If not, what should Christian leaders do? And how should mission organisations, missionaries, and church members behave in the face of politics?

In his article, Alawode defines politics as the acquisition of power, control and manipulation in any society, group, organisation and leadership. Politics (Greek: Πολιτικά, politiká, 'affairs of the cities') is the set of activities that is associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.3 For Harold Lasswell, politics is about “who gets what, when, and how”.4 And David Easton calls it “the authoritative allocation of values for a society”.5 Aristotle’s rather kindly view was that “to be political… meant that everything was decided through words and persuasion and not through violence”.6

28 Methodist Message

August 2022

The word “politics” may be used positively or descriptively as “the art or science of governing”, but unfortunately it often carries a negative connotation.

A variety of behaviours are employed in politics, including promoting one's own views and interests, negotiating with others, making laws and policies, and exercising influence or force directly or indirectly. People often form parties, formal or otherwise, to represent their views and interests. Whether it is intentionally done or not, “social manipulation to secure and maintain influential positions” is also political behaviour.

On the other hand, Christian missions are organised efforts to spread the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ to the unreached. They involve sending individuals and groups across boundaries, most commonly geographical boundaries, to evangelise and plant churches while also providing for other needs of the society being reached such as education, medical or other social services. The goal is to fulfil the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:1920 and is well summed up by the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:28 (NIV): “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”

For the love of Christ compels us. Paul even uses a political metaphor to describe our engagement as Christ’s representatives in the

ministry of reconciliation—we are, he says, “ambassadors for Christ”(Greek: ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν) (2 Cor 5:14,18 & 20).

Politics and missions are inseparable Politics and missions are inseparable, given that politics is the way that people living in groups make decisions. It is about the making of agreements between people in order to be able to co-exist in tribes, communities, cities, or countries.

In everyday life, the term ‘politics’ refers to the ways that peoples in countries are governed, and to the ways that governments make rules and laws.

So as long as there are human institutions— whether externally in the form of governments of countries (with their laws, regulations, and policies) or internally within organisations, churches, mission agencies (with their constitutions, regulations, and policies)—we will unavoidably engage with politics.

What should Christian leaders do?

Very often, when (external) government or (internal) organisation policies impede or appear to impede mission mandates or practices, leaders and policy decision makers adopt the mindset that policies must prevail, and practitioners should comply.

The emphasis is therefore on the hierarchy of decision making. For Christian leaders in decision making however, what should the biblical emphasis be?

How should mission organisations, missionaries and church members respond?

The corollary is, when (mission) practitioners encounter laws, constitutions, policies, or regulatory requirements that seem to impede mission mandates or practices, their tendency is also to focus on hierarchical decisions and view them negatively. Instead, what does Scripture teach us?

Paul exhorts the church in Corinth to be subject to the governing authorities… “for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed and those who resist will incur judgement… for the authorities are ministers of God” (Rom 13:1, 2 & 6).

Furthermore, he wrote to Titus to remind the church “to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Tit 3:1-2).

These may be hard instructions to obey, especially in democratic societies that place a premium on individual rights and freedom.

But they are the Word of God. May God grant us the courage to change the things we can, serenity to accept the things we cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.7

The biblical imperative is found in Micah 6:8— God has shown humanity what is good! What does the Lord require? To practise being fair, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with him.

August 2022 Methodist Message 29

Justin Chan is a Programme Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. As a reformed rock musician, he believes hymns and heavy metal can co-exist for the glory of God.

Worship

A patriotic Christian?

I

have sometimes found patriotism and my

Far from ignoring or being indifferent about

Christian faith incompatible. Songs, both

the political landscape, Paul reminds us to

new and old, about eschatological hope

be active intercessors, keeping our leaders in

provide rich imagery of our destiny when we

prayer regardless of religious background so

are finally with the Lord, but also, sometimes

that they may be instruments of justice and

inadvertently, promote dissatisfaction with

righteousness, which pleases God.

our current state of affairs. Indeed, no earthly 1

government will surpass the majesty and

Stanza 4 looks to the future, but unlike other

perfection of the Son of God (Isaiah 9:6). But

songs, we are not whisked straight to heaven.

alas, while we are still part of this earthly

We have heard it preached that “at the name

home, how do we balance such tension?

of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every

Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon and

tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to

composer Jusuf Kamadjaja demonstrate

the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-

through their song “From Many Shores”

11). However, perhaps not many of us have

that there is a Christian approach towards a

imagined what it may look or sound like if

Singaporean patriotism. The song addresses

that were to happen here in our land.

different aspects of national identity—history, community-building, vocational aspiration—

With the simple line, “let every street and

under the sovereignty and grace of God. It

heartland”, it is a very sobering reminder that

recognises that God is the ultimate source

the name of Christ must be echoed beyond

of all things we get to enjoy, even the land

the four walls of our polished churches. Where

which we call our home. We thus praise God

is Christ’s name in the coffeeshops, the wet

who has mercifully nourished, protected and

markets, and the void decks? This is where

blessed our nation.

the refrain pulls it all together, galvanising Christians to be faithful witnesses, blessed to

Noteworthily, stanzas 2 and 3 turn our

be a blessing unto others near and far.

attention towards our earthly neighbours with whom we share the land. As the apostle

There need not be a dichotomy between

Paul instructs, “First of all, then, I urge that

being a faithful Christian and being a loyal

supplications, prayers, intercessions, and

countryman. As the song demonstrates, our

thanksgivings be made for all people, for

faith in Christ informs our patriotism to be

kings and all who are in high positions, that

good countrymen, where we are required “to

we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly

do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk

and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

humbly with [our] God” (Micah 6:8 NIV).

1 “This World Is Not My Home” (A.P. Carter, 1931) and “Heaven” (Chris Tomlin, 2010) are good examples of casting the eyes of the believer to the eschaton, but in my analysis, also promotes dissatisfaction with where we currently are.

30 Methodist Message

August 2022

From Many Shores © 2004 Robert Solomon & Jusuf Kamadjaja (12 August 2004)

1 From many shores you gathered, our fathers, mothers all And gave as home this island, so precious though so small They toiled and built our nation, as You blessed them with grace O God of our salvation, we seek Your holy face Chorus:

Bless Singapore our home with peace, and make us a blessing, to the nations near and far, we worship You our King, may everyone know who You are!

2 We’re many tongues and colours, teach us to live as one Bless all our dreams and labours, in all Your will be done Help us to honour, cherish, all that is good and right Let all Your people flourish, as we live in Your light 3 We pray for all our children, our leaders, workers too That we would all be open, to trust Your word as true Let righteousness and justice, Your mercy and Your love Be found in home and office, as we each other serve 4 We know our strength is in You, our future in Your hands Our nation Lord come renew, come heal and bless our land Let every street and heartland, echo the name of Christ To every heart and home extend, Your love Your grace Your light

August 2022 Methodist Message 31

You and Your Family

Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Legacy of

wrath

T

he similarities among three clients struck me recently. All three are men. All three are capable high achievers with respectable jobs. And all three have issues with managing their anger.

Sadly, these issues have seen them lash out and hurt family members. Although one has shown flashes of his impatience to colleagues, their displays of anger have mainly been directed at their families. All three men recognise that their angry and violent behaviour is wrong and have struggled to control it for years.

Growing up as male children in their households also accorded them some privileges and little responsibility. While their sisters were expected to help cook and clean, the boys got to study or play. A sense of entitlement carried into their adult lives.

To try to explain my clients’ propensity to use violence as something that they internalised from observing their fathers’ behaviour would be an oversimplification. After all, they were raised in homes where Christian values and teaching were emphasised. They all attended Sunday school and later, Bible seminaries in preparation for full-time ministry. I found that they held the notion that what they had experienced was correct and not to be questioned. On becoming heads of their own households, they felt their role was to lead and the family’s to obey and follow. Deviation and disobedience had to be corrected. Using physical punishment for correction was acceptable and justified.

One other similarity caught my attention. All three are intelligent, talented individuals with high expectations of themselves. Their exacting standards are also applied to their family members, with “failure” to match up looked upon as their personal failures. These demands on self and family only exacerbate stress and make for a toxic environment. In such a tinderbox of emotions, it does not take much to spark a raging fire of anger and abuse.

Looking at this rather small sample of three, what are some things we can learn?

For one, they had witnessed their fathers use violence against their mothers and themselves.

One saw knives and a chopper being drawn.

The others saw hitting, slapping and objects being thrown at home. Accompanying the violent behaviours was verbal and psychological abuse—put-downs and insults which made others feel small and insignificant in their presence. All reported that their fathers were domineering and ruled the home with an iron fist. Their fathers justified their control by their position as the head of the household and their making all the major decisions as being in the family’s best interests.

32 Methodist Message

August 2022

These men are perpetuating a pattern of behaviour learned from their fathers. Their fathers may well have gone through the same negative experiences. The fathers’ legacy of wrath was probably not intentional—they may in fact have thought they were doing the right thing to prepare their children for life in a tough world. The examples of these three show that it is so easy to live our lives on wrong ideas.

If your growing-up experiences mirror those of these men, the good news is that you can break free from the negative legacy. Get help, work with a counsellor and pray with your pastor. We can be set free from destructive patterns of the past. Stay tuned for next month’s article when I shall cover some ideas on how to break free.

Terence Chua worships at Living Hope Methodist Church and is studying at Trinity Theological College. / Photo courtesy of Terence Chua

Our Wesleyan

heritage B

eing a Methodist means being inspired by a founder who believed tradition was to be respected but not slavishly followed, who embraced innovation but did not do so mindlessly, and who freely pursued Christian perfection without being burdened by any expectation of achieving perfection in this life.

that God though far can also be experientially near, that joy can be holy and holiness can be joyful—I’ve found all this to be true.

It means being a part of a tradition that believes in equipping the lay, seeks authenticity and sincerity in communities and relationships, and passionately desires to extend God’s goodness to all of society.

It’s comforting knowing that I am always within God’s sovereign grace, whether before or after believing in Christ, that everyone I know and love—believing or not—fall within this sovereign grace, and that God’s sovereignty and our personal freedom are both real.

That holiness may simply be a principle within, a simple pain to feel sin near. And that a faithful life can be good enough even if we still make mistakes.

Following Charles’ hymns, John’s sermons, and Aldersgate, it’s been said that Christian faith can be both supernaturally strange and personally warm,

Amazed by God’s love and awakened to the fact that my heart is free, what remains is to simply rise, go forth, and follow Him.

by Kopikaki team

CALM OVER CHAOS SERIES 17, 19, 24, 26 August 2022, 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. via Zoom Register at https://fathers.com.sg/programs/calm-over-chaos-series/ $10 per workshop / $30 for the complete series The Calm over Chaos Series touches on the emotional aspect of motherhood, in particular the area of mum guilt and stress. While we may not always be able to control our circumstances or even what we feel, we can learn how to better cope with them. By understanding and managing our emotions first, we can then model healthy ways to ride the emotional waves from day to day and guide our families through theirs.

Organised by Mums For Life

ME, A MISSIONARY? 27 August 2022 (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. via Zoom Register at https://tinyurl.com/MeAMissionary Free Me, a missionary? What qualities do missionaries need? What are the ministries they do? How do I prepare myself and my family spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially to go on to the cross-cultural field? Explore these questions via ZOOM so that you can be better empowered to be a missionary or to send others to cross-cultural fields.

Sign up now! Hear some leaders share their experiences in serving cross-culturally including financial considerations, family matters, and the fundamentals of preparation like connecting with one's home church and training.

Organised by Methodist Missions Society

TRINITY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE 2022 31 August 2022 (Wednesday), 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Trinity Theological College, 490 Upper Bukit Timah Rd Register at ttc.edu.sg/english/OpenHouse2022 Considering a theological education? Come join us for lectures, and worship at our chapel. You can also dine with our community, tour our campus, and interact with our faculty and students.

Organised by Trinity Theological College

THE GARDEN OF EDEN: CHRIST’S CREATION, OUR CARE 9-10 September 2022 Katong Presbyterian Church Visit https://creationcare.sg/conference/ to buy tickets $15 per person / Concessionary rate of $5 per person for students and NSFs In the past decade, there has been a global shift towards environmental sustainability, nature conservation, and a rising generation of young people who wish to live in a more sustainable world. How should Christians respond in such a time? Should, and if so, how can the Church address and lead in the push for sustainable development in a devastated world? Does caring for creation have anything to do with the gospel?

This conference will serve as a gathering place for Christians to explore and be equipped with a biblical understanding of Creation Care as well as to be inspired and empowered to express this in their churches and in society.

Organised by Creation Care SG