Methodist Message: Jul 2024

Contents

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

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

Managing Editor Alvin Tay

Editor

/ Bishop’s Message / / News / 3 AldersgateSG 2024: Created to be good, to do good

Lianne Ong

6 Medical team comprising Charis Methodist Church

Communications Executive

and other Methodist churchgoers bring medical and spiritual aid to the slums in Manila City and Navotas City

Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai Elliot Soh

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Feature / 10 Workplace inclusivity: Voices from the field 15 She deals with death daily while serving grieving families 20 Methodist Social Principles:

The Bible doesn't talk about tech and AI, so what should we do?

/ Opinion / 24 Soundings: AI and the future of work

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.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg

/ Outreach / 26 "God pulled my mum out of death's jaws" 28 Annual MMS fundraising banquet aims to raise $700k

/ Relationships / 30 You & Your Family: Memories – what we choose to remember

and what we try to forget 32 At The Well

/ Worship / 36 Using art to balance technology's dominance in worship

fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg

/ People /

@methodistsg

39 Finding my calling in social work

Have something to say or share?

Email us at

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

Faithfulness at the workplace She said to her mistress, "Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy." So Naaman went in and told his lord, "Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel."

2 Kings 5:3-4

W

e don't even know her name, but I'm sure

girl, somehow, by her conduct and character,

God does.

has forged a positive relationship with her boss, positive enough that she felt able to

And God has put her story of faithfulness in the

suggest a recommendation to her mistress

Bible as an example for us to consider how we

(2 Kings 5:3). The positive relationship must

too might be faithful witnesses of God's love

have been mutual because her mistress does

in our places of work. Do we sometimes find

not dismiss the suggestion as senseless or

ourselves in departments or work situations that

sinister. She raises the little girl's proposal to

we would much rather not have been assigned

her husband who also considers it.

to? This little girl almost certainly would have preferred to be assigned elsewhere. She was

To cut the scriptural story short, this girl's

taken away (perhaps even kidnapped) by Syrian

faithfulness in a far from ideal work situation

soldiers who had invaded her country and home

played a most significant part in the process by

in Israel (2 Kings 5:2). She was made to serve the

which Naaman, the Syrian commander, came

wife of the commander of the Syrian army that

to place his faith in the God whom this little

had successfully invaded and plundered Israel.

girl worshipped and trusted in. "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in

In what way might she show her devotion and

Israel" (2 Kings 5:15 NIV).

faithfulness to her own God and country? Perhaps she would do it by plotting to contaminate or

May the faithfulness by which we do our

poison the morning tea of her mistress, or by

work and build positive relationships with our

courageously refusing to lift a finger to serve the

colleagues and commanders play a positive

Syrian commander who orchestrated the attack

part in the way people come to trust in the God

against her own people. This would probably lead

whom we love, the same God who loves Israelites,

to her being flogged and consigned to a dark

Syrians and every nation on earth.

dungeon, but at least her defiance would have made clear where her loyalties lay.

But no, this is not how she demonstrates faithfulness to God and God's people. We see her, instead, offering a prayer and a wish that her captor, the Syrian commander, would seek help from Israel's prophet for his ailment, some form of skin disease. This little July 2024 Methodist Message 1

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.

News

Elliot Soh is a Sub-editor of the Methodist Message.

He worships at Barker Road Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Dominique Wang and Daniel Lie

Created to be good, to do good

Annual formal portrait of clergy and MCS leadership taken at AldersgateSG 2024

T

he roots of Methodism can be traced

Ming Shun, a lecturer in Church History

to John Wesley, after his heart was

at Trinity Theological College and an

strangely warmed on Aldersgate Street in

ordained minister with the Trinity Annual

London on 24 May 1738. We are reminded

Conference, began the lecture by sharing

of God's faithfulness to The Methodist

how MCS is historically affiliated with

Church in Singapore (MCS) through our

the United Methodist Church (UMC). He

annual Aldersgate celebrations, and how

mentioned how missionaries such as

the three Annual Conferences are united

James Thoburn, Sophia Blackmore and

as one Church to be a beacon of God's

Benjamin West introduced Methodism

light in our society. This year, we visited the

to Singapore, though MCS eventually

topics of whether the end of Methodism

separated from the UMC and has its own

is imminent, and how we can love God by

Book of Discipline.

doing good to our neighbours.

Rev Dr Chiang then analysed the health

The end of Methodism?

of the Methodist Churches in America and

The AldersgateSG 2024 celebrations began

Britain. In America, he commented how

on 23 May with a lecture about "The end

Methodism is waning due to the increasing

of Methodism?", with an attendance of

age of and lack of diversity among its

approximately 200 people who braved

congregants, and with schisms within the

the rain to come down to Faith Methodist

Church. Likewise in Britain, he cited how the

Church, along with another 1,300 views

Church has been losing 10,000 members a

via livestream. The speaker, Rev Dr Chiang

year and had just 136,000 members in 2022.

July 2024 Methodist Message 3

AldersgateSG 2024—Created to be good, to do good

He attributed this decrease to an ageing

among denominations", once Jesus comes

population, a lack of focus on missions

again to unite the Body of Christ.

and evangelism and an absence of strong visionary leadership. Finally, he compared

The Q&A session brought many insightful

the state of these Churches to the Church in

questions from the floor. One notable

Singapore. He commented how there seems

question asked how MCS could avoid

to be increasing porosity of congregants

following in the footsteps of the UMC in

moving between the Methodist churches

terms of losing members. In response, Rev

and other denominations.

Dr Chiang said that it is vital to know the Bible as we will lose our bearings if we

"I think what may end us is our people not

are not grounded in Scripture. Another

knowing what Methodism is all about. How

question was whether it is helpful to

can we be Methodists if people don't know

focus on denominational affiliation,

what Methodism is?" said Rev Dr Chiang.

which could appear to be competitive rather than collaborative, in the pursuit

To this end, Rev Chiang referenced The

of holiness. Rev Dr Chiang reaffirmed

Character of a Methodist written by John

what he shared in his lecture—that it

Wesley. He listed three characteristics

is not necessary to harp on differences.

of Methodists that Wesley highlighted—

Instead, it is more crucial to focus on what

that we do not assent to any specific set

unites Christians, and not what divides

of notions or pay heed to opinions that

us, since our differences are miniscule

do not strike at the roots of Christianity,

compared to our similarities. Yet another

that we are not attached to any mode

question was if Methodism should stop

of speaking or expression and that we

being taught or preached, even to the

always rejoice in the Lord. Rev Dr Chiang

extent that Aldersgate should stop being

concluded that Methodists do not need

commemorated. Rev Dr Chiang stood

to labour to distinguish themselves from

by his belief that it was more important

other denominations. Rather, he argued

to strive to be the best Christian we can

that Methodists should simply aspire to be

be. The session concluded with a call to

the best Christians they could be. Therefore,

action to spur one another on in our faith,

the desired "end of Methodism" would be

equipping ourselves through learning and

when there is "no more need for distinctions

applying the Methodist Social Principles.

4 Methodist Message July 2024

(above left) Presidents of the Annual Conferences and Bishop (above right) Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun (right) was the speaker at Aldersgate Lecture while Rev Isaac Tan (left) hosted the event

(above left) Bishop Dr Wong ended his sermon with a song (above right) Congregation at AldersgateSG 2024 Celebration Service

Loving God by doing good to our neighbours

He further elaborated that when we do good

The next day, congregants from the

to ourselves by fulfilling the purpose which

three Annual Conferences packed the

God created us for. He shared the example

sanctuary for the AldersgateSG 2024

of Wendy, a resident of MWS Bethany

Celebration Service which commenced

Nursing Home, who found joy in making

with a triumphant procession of banners

paper flowers for the staff and residents of

into the sanctuary to the hymn "O For a

the Home despite suffering from Parkinson's

Thousand Tongues", as the congregation

disease and a degenerative spinal condition

praised God. The service continued with

which paralysed her legs and an arm.1 To

music by the Methodist Festival Choir and

conclude his message, Bishop Dr Wong

the Methodist Festival Orchestra as the

reminded the congregation of John Wesley's

congregation joined in lustily.

summary of the Great Commission—to "[d]o all

to our neighbours, we are also doing good

the good you can, by all the means you can, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong shared this year's

in all the ways you can, ... to all the people

message in a unique manner—using a

you can, as long as you ever can."

conversation between an owl and a lion to explore what it means to love God by doing

Following the Bishop's message, the

good to our neighbours. In answer to the

President of the Chinese Annual Conference,

question of what the meaning of life is, he

Rev Dr Gregory Goh, led the congregation

shared how Ephesians 2:10 says that we can

in the covenant renewal as we ratified

find such meaning from God's purpose for

our commitment to deny ourselves, take

us—that he created us for good works to

our crosses and follow Jesus. The service

share with our neighbours as part of the

concluded with a benediction from each

Great Commission.

of the Annual Conference Presidents and the Bishop, as the latter encouraged

Bishop Dr Wong took care to point out that

the congregation to say to one another,

doing good works is not a means to salvation

"Tzetchem l'shalom" ("Go in peace").

since no one can be saved by doing good works alone. Instead, it is through faith and by the grace of God that we have been saved, with good works being the fruit of our faith.

1 To know more about the story of about Wendy, you can refer to MWS' Uncommon Voices newsletter: https://mws.sg/uncommon-voices/ living-life-in-full-bloom/

July 2024 Methodist Message 5

News

Huang Yifang is a member of Charis Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Isaac Goh

Medical team comprising Charis Methodist Church and other Methodist churchgoers bring medical and spiritual aid to the slums in Manila City and Navotas City

F

rom 22-26 May 2024, Charis Methodist

into the sex trade. With no access to

Church (CMC) and Cru Singapore

medical services, many are left helpless

organised a medical mission trip to

with health conditions that contribute

the Philippines. The mission team,

significantly to the high mortality rate

comprising 23 members from various

among marginalised Filipinos, especially

churches including Wesley Methodist

children," said Isaac, who is now the

Church and Barker Road Methodist

Missions Chairperson at CMC.

Church, went to slums in Manila City and Navotas City, united in a shared mission of service and compassion.

The trip is part of a series of medical missions to the Philippines over the past few years: CMC member Isaac Goh, 48, found out through a friend, Joseph Yang, about the local communities' needs.

He was subsequently introduced to a pastor from the Vision Help International Care Foundation (VHICF) who was recruiting medical professionals from Singapore to bring care to impoverished areas in the Philippines. "I was shocked to learn that many children in the Philippines were abandoned by their parents and left on the streets or sold

6 Methodist Message July 2024

(top left) Dr Foo Chek Siang conducting a surgical procedure (top right) Some of the mission trippers who provided health education pictured here with the children they served (left) Isaac Goh with two patients

Spurred to action, Isaac

"After being prescribed with her reading

contacted Belinda Goh, 66,

glasses from our eye clinic, an elderly

a Cru Singapore missionary

lady was very happy she could read the

and CMC member, who was

gospel tract. Slowly, she shared about the

instrumental in forming a

tragic loss of her family members during

medical team. Together,

Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. My

they led mission trips to

co-counsellor, Ann, and the lady were

the Philippines in April

both from Leyte Island, which had been

and November 2019, and

badly hit by the typhoon. God had divinely

November 2023.

arranged for Ann to counsel her," said Belinda, who co-led the missions team.

During the most recent trip in May, the team distributed water filters in the Tondo slum in Manila City and set up a two-day medical clinic in Navotas City. The clinic featured multiple stations offering (right, top) A mission tripper, Yong En (with mask), prescribing glasses

medical consultations, dental care, surgical procedures, circumcisions, pain management, prescriptions for glasses, health education and prayer.

At the health education station, team

(right, bottom) Dr Ng Ting Wei providing medical consultation

members provided valuable lessons on healthy eating and oral hygiene, distributing toothbrushes and toothpaste to the community. "The residents live in severe poverty and have limited access to basic medical care. A simple pair of glasses costing $2 can drastically improve someone's life, enabling them to see clearly and secure employment," said Isaac.

The team provided care to approximately 1,040 patients and attended to 30 children

The mission trip was a test of faith

at the orphanage run by VHICF, a charity

and perseverance. The team faced the

focused on fighting human trafficking,

daunting task of packing over ten large

exploitation and abuse in the Philippines.

bags filled with health supplements, gifts and glasses. The arduous road trip in a

Apart from providing medical aid, the team

rugged van was a physical challenge, with

also shared the gospel. Prayer stations

some team members battling motion

became sanctuaries where patients shared

sickness along the way. Yet, the team's

their life stories and challenges. Many

spirits remained unbroken in the face

of them, moved by the compassion and

of physical discomfort. The team's joy

support they received, also gave their

and dedication shone brightly through

lives to Christ, finding spiritual healing

it all as a testament to their unwavering

alongside their physical care.

commitment to serving others.

July 2024 Methodist Message 7

Medical team comprising Charis Methodist Church and other Methodist churchgoers bring medical and spiritual aid to the slums in Manila City and Navotas City

Hear from the

MISSION TRIPPERS! "We met impoverished souls that hunger and thirst for God, whose lives have been deeply transformed by the gospel upon encountering the love shown by Christ's disciples."

Dr Tag Wan Yi Medical doctor Charis Methodist Church

Dentist Barker Road Methodist Church

Served at eye screening station Charis Methodist Church

"My first mission trip was in 1999 as a junior Medical Officer and I heard the calling again last year. The call was truly irresistible, especially with the opportunity to provide surgical services.

I'm drawn to a longer term commitment to return."

Joy Goh

Dr Foo Chek Siang Surgeon Wesley Methodist Church 8 Methodist Message July 2024

"I went prepared to provide health education and share the gospel with the children and their parents, hoping to touch lives and help the community. However, God opened my eyes to experience his greater work and witness his providence.

Through the service of other co-labourers from different nationalities, I saw humility, unity and leadership.

They worked tirelessly behind the scenes—wiping down every chair, setting up the clinic and assisting us at our stations."

Dr Tag Wan Yi providing medical consultation

Homemaker Charis Methodist Church

City

Dr Neil Tan

ila

Lim Ling Li

"We are gifted different talents by God and called to use them for his kingdom and not be slothful and afraid, as the Parable of the Talents teaches us (Matt 25:14-30). Being a dentist, I am thankful for the opportunity to use my talents to serve in multiple medical/dental mission trips over the years. This trip was no different and it will not be my last."

Man

"A mother of nine children needed an eye check.

During the consultation, I noticed a 5 cm suture mark on the posterior region of her left forearm. She revealed that she had been stabbed by her husband and dismissed it with a smile. We prayed for her and she started to sob uncontrollably. She shared that she did not feel peace and love at home but felt loved at the medical clinic.

It must be the love of God that moved her!"

ta vo Na sC ity (top) Group photo of medical mission trippers (left) Belinda Goh (centre) at the prayer station

"My biggest takeaway is that we can serve beyond our gifts even with limited resources. A simple prayer can be more powerful than actions because our best human efforts are nowhere close to what God can do. I really enjoyed seeing the kids sing and dance to worship God even if they may not fully appreciate the lyrics.

It was a joy to watch them and sing along."

Dr Ng Ting Wei Medical doctor Charis Methodist Church

"At the health education station, the children shared their greatest fear: losing their parents and dying young.

We shared our testimonies, led Christian songs and presented the gospel using coloured beads. Many of the young boys raised their hands, showing they wanted to believe in Jesus. I am thankful that I could witness this wonderful sight."

Percy Low Social services practitioner Charis Methodist Church

July 2024 Methodist Message 9

Feature

Photos courtesy of Alister Ong, Felicia Toi and Teresa Ng

WORKPLACE INCLUSIVITY:

Voices from the field

W

orkplace inclusivity for persons with disabilities (PWDs) has made some strides in Singapore, though there is still a long way

to go. Koinonia Inclusion Network (KIN) interviewed three differently abled Christians, all working and thriving in their respective vocations.

They share about their workplaces and how their faith has guided them.

Alister Ong , in his 30s,

Joanne Toi, in her

Teresa Ng, in her

was born with cerebral

late 20s, has worked

50s, has worked

palsy due to oxygen

as a packer at a floral

for eight years

deprivation at birth,

retail company since

as a guide and

impairing his hands

graduating from an APSN

facilitator at a social

and legs. Despite his

school. Born with Down

enterprise and has

challenges, Alister is active

Syndrome and enlarged

been a consultant

and mobile, often seen

tonsils that initially

with KIN for two

attending meetings and

muffled her speech,

years. Diagnosed

events in a motorised

Joanne has overcome

with optic atrophy

wheelchair. He serves

these challenges with

at age 10, an eye

as the Vice-Chairperson

extensive training from

condition that

of the Purple Parade

her mother, Mrs Felicia

degenerates the

and is a recipient of the

Toi. She excelled in

optic nerves, Teresa

Goh Chok Tong Enable

swimming, earning gold

has dedicated

Awards. Currently, Alister

and silver medals at the

her life to raising

is the Diversity, Equity and

Special Olympics at age

awareness about

Inclusion Client Solutions

12. Currently, she trains

her condition and

Lead at Michael Page (a

with the Special Olympics

advocating for the

professional recruitment

badminton team. Joanne

inclusion of persons

consultancy). He also

and her family worship at

with disabilities

serves as Deputy Chairman

Wesley Methodist Church.

in church. She is

of KIN and as a missions

Joanne and Felicia both

an active member

ministry leader at City

contributed to this

of Covenant

Harvest Church.

interview.

Presbyterian Church.

10 Methodist Message July 2024

Share your journey of how you landed at your current company and role.

Teresa:

I started my career as a full-time tutor, a role I held for over 20 years. I made a career

Alister:

switch and joined a media company as a

My career began at Singtel, where I

media representative, a role which required

greatly appreciated their efforts to make

extensive travel to manage exhibitions

the workplace accessible. They not only

overseas. Since my two boys were young at

widened the entry gate for my wheelchair

the time, I resigned after a year.

but also automated the doors on my floor and adapted the card access readers to

As my children grew older, I re-entered

sense the RFID tag I wear, which allows me

the job market. Remarkably, opportunities

to move around effortlessly.

quickly emerged. The first position I secured was with my current organisation,

As my career progressed, I aimed to have

which I discovered by calling the Singapore

a more direct impact on individuals with

Association for the Visually Handicapped

disabilities. This opportunity arose at

hotline. Later, I began part-time work as

Michael Page when they were looking to

a sensory panellist for a perfumery, and a

form a new team led by then-global CEO

few years after, an opportunity at KIN also

Steve Ingham, who, after becoming a

presented itself.

permanent wheelchair user due to a nearfatal accident, was deeply committed to

I didn't face too many challenges during

advancing equal opportunities for people

my job search, likely because I have a

with disabilities.

clear understanding of what I want and my capabilities, particularly in roles that

Currently, I lead this team, focusing on

involve teaching and facilitating.

securing suitable job placements for candidates with disabilities. We support both the new hires and their employers postplacement, ensuring a seamless transition

What kind of challenges do you face daily in your work? How do you overcome them?

and integration into their new roles.

Alister: Felicia (Joanne's words in italics):

A significant challenge in my work

APSN Delta offered Joanne two routes to

is managing the unconscious bias of

learn from—hospitality and horticulture.

colleagues. People often don't realise they

The hospitality work environment was not

harbour these biases, and in our Asian

suitable for her. When Joanne graduated,

context, colleagues may not openly ask

MINDS helped to secure her employment

about their doubts. For example, some

at a local flora and horticulture company.

wonder why I have a room for calls— because I use the hands-free speaker

I just want horticulture only. I'm the only

mode as it's hard for me to hold a phone

packer. I pack fertilisers and pebbles.

to my ears. Or why I wear shorts instead of formal pants—simply because they make

Presently, Joanne manages the packing

restroom visits easier for me.

of bulk items. Her responsibilities also include arranging potted plants, cleaning

Being open, real and vulnerable helps

flowerpots and maintaining their

others understand my context better,

cleanliness. On weekends, she assists in the

which may encourage them to show

retail section, helping customers as needed.

greater empathy and compassion.

July 2024 Methodist Message 11

Workplace inclusivity: Voices from the field

Felicia:

Psalm 139:14 is another; we are "fearfully

Joanne has challenges with understanding

and wonderfully made". According to the

instructions. When she doesn't understand,

world's perspective, how am I wonderfully

she does the job wrongly. This causes time

made? But I know that I am created in

and resources to be wasted as repacking

God's image. Therefore, my life is not a

is required. I often advise her to repeat

mistake. It will not go to waste.

instructions back to her supervisors to ensure she's understood correctly. When

These verses have transformed my

assigned new tasks, Joanne requires more

perspective from feeling burdensome

time to learn the procedures. I often help

to becoming a blessing. Instead of just

by breaking down the steps, enabling her

receiving, I can also give. My workplace

to perform better.

is my mission field where I use my ability to connect with others, advocate for the

Teresa:

voiceless, and bring hope to the hopeless.

One of my biggest challenges is the use of technology. Preparing and presenting

Joanne:

PowerPoint slides are particularly difficult.

Love, joy, peace. The fruit of the spirit.

Thankfully, my colleagues at KIN assist

Patience to the customers. Love my family

with the slides, allowing me to focus

and neighbours.

on speaking and imparting knowledge during workshops.

Teresa:

Years ago, God gave me a vision that In another organisation that I work in,

strengthens me to this day. I found myself

many of them are fully blind, while I am

in a farm where there was a cave nearby.

partially blind. Because of this, I sometimes

Standing next to the cave was Jesus, who

receive less support. More attention

was holding a lamp. As I walked towards

naturally goes to those with no sight.

him, he beckoned me to go into the

However this results in a higher risk of

cave. Although it was pitch dark inside,

falls, which happened to me recently, as I

I took the lamp from him and stepped

lacked a shoulder to lean on when walking.

forward in faith. As I progressed, I saw a

Communicating about each other's needs

small distant light that gradually became

can help to avoid such mishaps from

a beam, guiding my way. Eventually, I

happening unnecessarily, creating a safer

emerged from the cave to find Jesus

workplace for everyone.

waiting, and it felt like stepping into a brand new world. I felt great relief.

What key beliefs and promises guide your life, and how have they shaped your perspective towards work?

This vision teaches me about the importance of having faith. Life may have its dark periods, but with faith, I'm

Alister:

reminded that I am never truly alone.

The Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV), "For I

Jesus, the light, is always with me.

know the thoughts that I think toward you,

Whenever I feel excluded or isolated, I

says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not

reassure myself with this truth and find the

of evil, to give you a future and a hope." I

strength to overcome any challenge.

remembered thinking, "God, is there even a future and hope for someone like me?"

Yes, there is! He has been faithful to remind me of this time and again.

12 Methodist Message July 2024

How has your current company supported you in your growth and work challenges?

Alister:

understanding of disability. Initially, my

During my hiring interview at Michael

grasp of the Bible was quite superficial,

Page, I proposed redesigning some job

but KIN's emphasis on being doctrinally

responsibilities to leverage my strengths.

sound in our teaching has pushed me to

Specifically, I suggested focusing on roles

delve deeper into Scripture. I appreciate

that require convincing, influencing and

the thorough training that helps us

bringing people together, as my ability to

understand God's word better and the

speak effectively utilises the strengths and

supportive environment that allows me to

skillsets God has given me. Thankfully, they

explore and clarify my doubts.

agreed and adapted my role. Now, I lead a team with diverse strengths, allowing us to complement each other effectively.

What advice would you give to a person with a disability seeking employment or facing challenges at work?

Felicia (Joanne's words in italics):

I'm delighted that Joanne's bosses and

Alister:

colleagues treat her just like any other

Hold fast to God's promises. Whenever we

employee, allowing her to experience

face setbacks at work, we should spend

real working life. Going to work daily has

time seeking him and letting his Word

made her a responsible individual with a

renew our minds. With God's strength, we

sense of purpose.

gain the confidence to try again and start anew. He will make a way for us.

Because I'm packing manager.

As Christians, we are different because we This designation has greatly boosted her

have God within us. We can view challenges

self-esteem. She is proud of this role and

as opportunities to develop the fruits of

eagerly looks forward to her workdays, where

the Spirit. For instance, during job cuts

she can meet and talk with her colleagues.

when everyone is stressed and anxious, as children of God, we can embody the peace

I enjoy talking to customers. When they

that surpasses all understanding. This

ask me something I don't know, I'll ask my

influences how we respond and interact,

supervisors. When I cannot manage my

allowing us to shine for Jesus.

task, I'll ask my staff to help me. They are always willing to lend me a hand.

Felicia (Joanne's words in italics):

Admit our mistakes.

Joanne affectionately refers to her male colleagues as her staff. They assist her

Joanne has the humility to admit her mistakes

with physically demanding tasks, such as

even when she does perform her tasks well.

retrieving heavy boxes from shelves and

She desires to improve herself and feel more

loading them onto lorries.

confident of her contribution to the company.

Teresa:

Teresa:

I am deeply grateful for the training

Self-awareness is crucial. Understand your

provided by my current organisation, which

capabilities and limitations. For instance,

has significantly enhanced my public

when interviewed by KIN for the role of

speaking, facilitation and storytelling skills.

Consultant, I told them in all honesty, "You can let me run a workshop, but please don't

Working at KIN has also deeply enriched

make me do administrative work; I'm only

my spiritual growth and theological

good at talking." Thankfully, they understood

July 2024 Methodist Message 13

Workplace inclusivity: Voices from the field

my needs and were supportive of me.

person's needs and context, especially for those with disabilities, while respecting

Also, never give up on your job search.

their privacy. This approach minimises

Continuously upskill yourself by taking

assumptions and enhances understanding.

courses and learning new things.

Felicia (Joanne's words in italics):

Maintaining a willingness to learn ensures

Good friends. Talk to me.

your growth. Most importantly, pray for wisdom. Seek advice from a mentor or

Joanne appreciates when her bosses

confide in a close friend to feel supported.

and colleagues are friendly and take

Be mindful not to isolate yourself.

the initiative to engage with her. For workplaces to be inclusive, especially

How can employers and employees make the workplace a more inclusive one?

for those with intellectual disabilities, supervisors must demonstrate patience and clear communication.

Alister:

Teresa:

An inclusive workplace values everyone as

We should consider the needs

individuals, celebrating each person based

of others alongside our own. For

on their strengths and gifts. Our worth

instance, while I might ask sighted

should not be measured by outcomes,

colleagues to accommodate my

intellect, or job grade. It's also crucial to

needs, it's important to consider theirs

create an environment where meaningful

as well. Everyone has limitations that

conversations can take place about a

others can help address.

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Feature

Grace Tan is a communications professional and worships at Wesley Methodist Church where she serves in the floral ministry. / Photos courtesy of Wesley Loh, Memphis West Pictures and The Garden of Remembrance

She deals with death daily while serving grieving families Wendy Heng is the General Manager of The Garden of Remembrance

W

hen most people think about

Heng and her colleagues walking the

memorial sites at Old Choa Chu

grounds to address various matters and

Kang Road, The Garden of Remembrance

helping their clients.

(TGOR) is not a place that instantly comes to mind. For those who are not familiar with

Despite the nature of her job, Wendy

TGOR, it is a private Christian columbarium

exudes warmth and a quiet assurance. One

established by The Methodist Church in

wonders how Wendy came into this line of

Singapore to help those who have lost their

work which requires her to encounter death

loved ones have a place to honour and

and grief constantly.

remember them, and a resting place to house the cremated remains.

An unexpected calling to change careers

When one steps into TGOR, they will be

Wendy had not worked in the bereavement

greeted with a sense of peace that can be

service industry before. In fact, she was a

felt amidst the luscious greenery and the

general manager in a relocation company

stone-cobbled brick walls that make up

and had always honed her skills in sales

the modern facade of the columbarium. It

and marketing. She spent over 15 years in

is common to see General Manager Wendy

the relocation services after 12 years in the

July 2024 Methodist Message 15

She deals with death daily while serving grieving families

"We don't turn non-Christians away. We have families who are of mixed faiths, and it is our belief that pre-believers may not stay pre-believers forever."

- Wendy Heng

hospitality industry. But her career path

I was a churchgoer, I'm the last person

took a different trajectory after she was

whom my friends and family would expect

baptised in 2012.

to work for the Church."

"Suddenly, I started facing many obstacles

"My friend shared with me that TGOR

in my job. I was burnt out and stress took

was looking for someone who could help

a toll on my body. It started to make me

them rebrand the Christian columbarium

question if I should take the plunge and do

after the renovation, and my experience

something different, and I did."

in sales and event management would be relevant for this role. More

Wendy left the relocation services industry

importantly, death was not a taboo topic

subsequently and after a brief stint of trying

for me—I am not 'pantang' (a word that

her hand at a web portal on relocation

means superstitious)."

services with her husband, she wondered where God was leading.

That gave Wendy the first push to send in her resume and eventually, she was

It was around this time in 2016 that a

offered the job. She started doing her

friend from Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church

calculations as she knew that the new role

shared with Wendy about a job opening at

would likely be a step back in terms of

TGOR and told her to consider applying for

remuneration. Wendy also started praying

the position. Her friend was persistent and

to God to ask if this was the next season

kept encouraging Wendy to send in her

he had in mind for her.

application.

"When they told me the salary for this "I didn't think much of it initially because

job, I knew in my heart that this was

my impression of someone who worked in a

God's sign to me because it was the exact

Christian columbarium was that they were

number I had calculated and it wasn't

probably very staunch Christians. Although

even a round number."

16 Methodist Message July 2024

One of the four headstones from the former Bidadari cemetery at the foyer of TGOR

A realtor who became a client

Looking back, Wendy remarked that

Since working at TGOR, Wendy has

she realised how her previous stint in

witnessed many situations where God was

marketing was extremely valuable in her

present. A particular encounter was etched

new role at TGOR.

in Wendy's mind.

"My first presentation was at the General Wendy's realtor, a young lady, had helped

Conference to our own church members

her sell her previous home before she

and I proposed to use the six memorial

started her job at TGOR. Some two

hall spaces we had for church retreats, and

years later, Wendy received a call from

at no cost. Many people laughed at my

her realtor, who shared the devastating

ideas and even asked funny questions like

news that her husband, in his 30s, was

'Oh, so we bring sleeping bags?' However,

terminally ill and needed her help in "pre-

I was determined to invite people to come

planning", i.e. planning for one's funeral

take a look at the new revamped Garden.

and end of life matters.

We chartered buses for retreat groups and paid for them to see what a beautiful

Both of them were first-generation Christians

facility TGOR is."

in their respective families, and Wendy recalled that after her realtor's husband passed away,

Wendy's efforts paid off tremendously and

her in-laws came to the columbarium. It was

the perception of the space changed. It

her husband's wish for his family to accept

took almost a year to increase foot traffic

Christ. "Her father-in-law, a non-believer, had

at TGOR, which was Wendy's goal. Today,

his arms folded across his chest the whole

an average of 30 to 40 events (aside from

time. He was not able to accept his son's

funeral wakes)—primarily church retreats—

passing and was extremely angry with God

are held at the memorial space each year.

for taking his son away so early."

TGOR also has a meditation area called "The Way of the Cross" and many Christians visit

Today, the realtor's father-in-law is attending Bible study. Once a hardened

during the Lent season to meditate.

man, he opened up to God and is now a

Walking alongside grieving families

completely different person. Wendy also

TGOR serves not only the Methodist

witnessed how God slowly helped her

community, but the entire Christian

friend piece her life back together over

community, including Catholics. The

the years.

columbarium can house up to 30,000 niches and to date, approximately 6,000 are occupied.

Wendy explained that she and her realtor friend were convinced that their paths had

"We don't turn non-Christians away. We

crossed for a reason and she could see

have families who are of mixed faiths, and it

how all the dots linked. "I see God's hand

is our belief that pre-believers may not stay

everywhere and everything made sense."

pre-believers forever," said Wendy.

The facelift that changed mindsets

A unique aspect of TGOR that Wendy

TGOR went through a facelift in 2017, more

initiated is the ability to customise the

than two decades since its establishment

plaques of their loved ones and it provides

in 1995. "The place became brighter

a great healing journey for the bereaved

and more welcoming, with new toilets,

families. Some of the plaques show black

corridors and memorial rooms. I resolved

and white photo collages of the deceased

to change the impression people had of

and their loved ones, whilst others are

the brand, starting with our own Methodist

intricately designed to tell the life stories of

community," said Wendy.

the people who have passed on.

July 2024 Methodist Message 17

Celebrating 25 years of service

C E L E B R AT I N G

LIFE ETERNAL

Every funeral: A beautiful farewell, a lasting memory • Six fully air-conditioned rooms • Tranquil and peaceful surroundings • Floor-to-ceiling windows with natural light • Unobstructed views of lush greenery • Free high-speed Wi-Fi connection • Ample free parking spaces

• Chapel with seating capacity of up to 150 persons • Memorial room with a furnished outdoor patio available • Rooms are also available for private memorial services • Award-winning Christian columbarium

View our video here “The beauty and serenity of the place, and the clean, spacious and pleasant hall that we used gave me and my family a sense of calm and comfort during this period.” -Elizabeth Tang

Visit

remembrance.sg

Contact us at remembrance@methodist.org.sg 6795 8978 9836 0950

The Garden of Remembrance is a Christian columbarium wholly owned by The Methodist Church in Singapore

The tension of having empathy while holding her own emotions at bay is a daily requirement. "I have learnt to be more desensitised because it is also unprofessional to be crying alongside the families who are grieving."

Wendy's vision is for TGOR to be the leading Christian bereavement services provider and to bring more families to Christ and educate them At TGOR, memorial plaques share the life stories of loved ones

about pre-planning.

Wendy also hopes for more volunteer pastors to come on board. "There is a genuine need for families to have volunteer pastors praying alongside them or helping to conduct the memorial services. We welcome pastors to support these families, especially those who may not have a church membership when they pass on."

Part of the service TGOR offers is to assist

Dealing with the passing of a loved one

families in collecting the remains from

is never easy. Despite all the deaths and

Mandai crematorium. "If the families

grieving that she has witnessed, she knows

purchased a niche from us, there is no

that God is always there. That is precisely

need for them to wait at the crematorium

why she chose to place this Bible verse

to collect the remains; we do it on their

from Psalm 100:5 (NIV) at the front office of

behalf. After going through the passing

TGOR's premises: "For the Lord is good and

of my father, I decided to change some

his love endures forever; his faithfulness

of the procedures we had to help families

continues through all generations."

and make it easier for them."

Even the urns that were on display in Wendy's office were also beautifully designed and ordered by her and the team. "An urn doesn't need to be just white and plain."

Death not a matter of "if" but "when" The passing of elderly persons are often seen as a celebration of a long life, but deaths of young persons are always difficult. "I stopped questioning why and know that it is not something I have answers for, that only God would know."

For Wendy and her team, their role is to be there for the families and support them in the bereavement journey.

July 2024 Methodist Message 19

Feature

Rev Dr Bernard Chao is Lecturer in Practical Theology at Trinity Theological College (Singapore) and a Methodist pastor. He was part of the steering committee for the State of the Church: Singapore 2022 study and has spoken and taught on online worship and churches' response to digital innovation and disruption. He was an editor of Becoming a People of Light: For a Phygital, Hyperconnected and Fragmented World (2023).

Methodist Soci a l Principles

The Bible doesn't talk about tech and AI, so what should we do?

Every Christian aspires to obey God, avoid evil and do good.

But some modern-day predicaments are not discussed specifically in the Bible.

How, then, can we apply biblical principles to our lives? In this 9-part series, The Methodist Church in Singapore shares reflections on its Social Principles which, more than ever before, can help believers live by God's firm principles in today's volatile and complex world. Here, Rev Dr Bernard Chao looks at The Sphere of the Internet, Sciences and Technologies, our struggles of an increasingly digitalised society and how the Church can respond through a biblical lens, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. / Part 4 of 9 /

Engaging the post-pandemic Church

Globally, churches have been slow and

What should our attitude towards the

reluctant to engage the digital world for

internet, science and technology be as

decades. Even as the internet emerged,

Christians and churches?

gaming culture and social media swept the world, online commerce

Should the relationship be one of suspicion,

expanded, video content exploded, and

competition or fearful distance?

entertainment migrated from cinemas to online streaming, churches in general

Or can there be a more hopeful and

have been hesitant to actively consider

mutually respectful engagement between

how Christian witness and mission may

the Christian faith and the digital world,

be imagined and experienced through

scientific knowledge and new technologies?

various digital media and platforms.

20 Methodist Message July 2024

churches had regular online ministry

Taking digital engagement from superficial to authentic

of any sort.

Christian social principles can guide

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, few

thoughtful, faithful and holy engagement The Covid-19 pandemic forced a seismic

with The Sphere of the Internet, Sciences

shift in attitudes and practices in Singapore

and Technologies.

churches. As restrictions tightened on physical meetings, churches pivoted to

Three out of four sections of the Methodist

online services and conducting various

Social Principles relating to this sphere,

forms of ministry using videoconferencing

for instance, recognise the internet's

and other digital modes and apps.

"ubiquitous presence in modern life".

Our pre-pandemic fears and discomfort

This is an implicit recognition of how the

with the use of digital modes were

internet dominates our life and how the

quickly jettisoned.

world is mediated through digital means for most people today.

Post-pandemic, the State of the Church: Singapore 2022 study showed that

The digital sphere can be an educational,

the pandemic was a hotbed for digital

commercial and social tool that can be

innovation and 77 per cent of the 144

used for the good of humanity and even

churches surveyed continued with

Christian living and mission.

livestream services after the pandemic.

Furthermore, digital or online When compared to pre-pandemic

communication and relationships are

practices, more than half of the churches

not necessarily "superficial or fleeting"

surveyed had shifted between 25 per cent

and can be authentic, "life-giving

to 75 per cent of their activities online.

expressions of mutual love" even if in-person interactions can never be

Although churches have now restarted

adequately replaced.

most of their pre-pandemic in-person activities, the new normal has witnessed

However, the digital environment is also a

changed patterns in both society and

space in which evil and anti-social behaviour

church.

can be easily propagated and accessed.

There is now a significant preference for

These include the spread of falsehoods,

working from home, holding meetings

anti-religious or anti-Christian rhetoric,

online and an emerging exploration of new

pornography, paedophilia, hate groups,

digital ministry and mission.

terrorist ideologies, and the theft of intellectual and financial property.

However, churches have yet to develop a coherent theology for digital ministry,

It is not the source of such social

let alone construct and settle into new

evils. However, evil can be served and

liturgies or practices.

propagated via the internet.

July 2024 Methodist Message 21

Walking alongside you with compassion and care

ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

HOSANNA BREAVEMENT SERVICES PTD LTD

Christians should view the digital sphere

of society if they are used with spiritual

as they would any other physical space,

wisdom and not abused.

social context, or tool which can be used for good or evil.

As such, Christians should engage the sciences in conversation and view technology

We are not called as Christians to isolation

as a help, subject always to the scrutiny of

and distancing away from the world, but

Scripture and careful spiritual discernment.

towards thoughtful and faithful engagement through "patient and faithful public witness

Such a hopeful posture towards the

to the Gospel", including on the internet.

internet, science and technology reflects John Wesley's keen sense of God's omnipresence.

In his 1788 sermon, On the Omnipresence of God, Wesley declared that "there is no point of space, whether within or without the bounds of creation, where God is not."

Wesley had in mind the words of Jeremiah 23:24 (NLT): "Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?"

A God who is everywhere

To understand that God is present

Our commission as followers of Jesus

everywhere has profound implications

in the fast-changing digital space is to

for our understanding of both space and

actively participate in and shape the

mission. God is present in both physical and

thinking about and use of the internet in

digital spaces.

ways that extend divine design for social holiness, seek the shalom of people, and

To conceive of divine presence and activity

advance the mission of God.

extending into cyberspace challenges the Church to reconsider our tepid engagement

We seek then, in the words of the

with the internet.

apostle Paul, to be the Church of Christ that expresses "the fullness of

To comprehend of God's sovereignty over

him who fills everything in every way"

all creation, knowledge and truth dispels

(Ephesians 1:23 NIV).

the fear and any inadequacy Christians and churches may feel in engaging scientific

I take the hopeful posture that the internet

knowledge and technological changes.

is our parish, recognising that there is no sphere in which our God is not present and

With such a scriptural, Wesleyan and

ahead of us in accomplishing his mission

hopeful perspective, Christians and

to redeem the world.

churches can reimagine and engage with new missional zeal the internet as our

Christian social principles apply a similar

parish, the sciences as a conversation

approach of hopefulness to technology

partner, and technology as a helper for the

and the sciences by regarding all science

mission of God today.

and technology (including the internet) as a divine gift that can serve the good

This article was first published in Salt&Light on 15 April 2024.

July 2024 Methodist Message 23

Soundings

Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity.

AI and

the future of work

E

ven a cursory glance at the plethora of

the dawn of a jobless future—with disastrous

articles on online news media platforms

ramifications for both individuals and society.

will show just how much attention artificial intelligence (AI) technology and its impact on

Several studies have been done in the past

society has been receiving of late.

decade to "predict" the impact of AI on the workforce and on human work.

Enthusiasts are predictably sanguine about the advance of AI and the way in which it

For example, in 2013, Carl Benedikt Frey and

will change the world for the better. Others,

Michael A Osborne from the University of

including many governments, are more

Oxford conducted a famous study which

cautious, mindful of how this powerful

grimly predicted that 47 per cent of total

technology can become a very dangerous tool in

employment in the United States was at

the wrong hands.

high risk of disappearing over the next couple of decades.1 The cyber-futurist Ray

Among the many issues surrounding the rapid

Kurzweil prophesied that by 2029 there

advances of AI, one that touches large swaths of

will be almost no human employment in

society is surely how it will change the nature of

industrial production, agriculture and the

human work.

transportation industry.2

Indeed, in most developed and in some

However, in a massive study conducted in

developing countries, AI is on the verge of

2018 by MIT's Work of the Future Task Force, a

penetrating every major industry including

different picture emerged.

healthcare, logistics, finance, advertising, and legal practice. Furthermore, it is also true to

This institution-wide initiative is purposed "to

say that AI is reshaping these industries in

understand how emerging technologies are

surprising and unanticipated ways.

changing the nature of human work and the skills required—and how we can design and

The rapid pace at which all this is happening

leverage technological innovations for the

even as AI continues to evolve can be unnerving.

benefit of everyone in society".3

Some observers wonder what all this would

Its report, which was published in 2020,

mean for the future of human work. Some even

concluded that the world will not see a

speculate if human work as we know it has a

situation where there is not enough work

future! They worry that technology will one day

for people to do due to the increasing use of

replace human labour en masse resulting in

sophisticated automation.

24 Methodist Message July 2024

Although the findings of these studies on the

The disruptions that AI introduces have serious

scale of disruptions and job losses that we will

implications on what the Judeo-Christian

witness because of AI are inconclusive, the fact

tradition regards as fundamental principles

remains many will lose their jobs and remain

associated with human work and the human

jobless if they are not afforded opportunities to

worker. These principles include work as a

upgrade their skills.

divine vocation, the worker as the created cocreator because he bears the divine image, and

Only time will reveal the true impact that AI

the fact that it is humans, not machines, who

will have on human work as new technologies

are mandated by God to exercise dominion.

take time to diffuse, to be implemented and to reach their transformative potential.

However, this does not mean that the Christian faith demands that we should all be Luddites,

Job losses and its impact on livelihoods,

shunning all technological advances including

however, is not the only concern pertaining to

AI. But it does mean that we must exercise

the invasion of AI in the workplace.

profound prudence and control.

Some commentators have warned that while

As the co-authors of the insightful book The

the pervasive use of intelligent technology can

Age of AI put it:

improve efficiency and increase productivity, it exacts certain costs that we would be wise

Ultimately, individuals and societies will

to avoid. I am referring to more fundamental

have to make up their minds which aspects

human loss in aspects such as motivation, skill

of life to reserve for human intelligence

and creativity.

and which to turn over to AI or human-AI collaboration … Our task will be to understand

In 2023, the Humanities and Social Sciences

the transformations that AI brings to human

Communications journal published an

experience, the challenges it presents

interesting article which examines the

to human identity, and which aspects of

impact of AI on decision-making, laziness

these developments require regulations

and privacy concerns.

or counterbalancing by other human commitments. Charting a human future

According to the article, "[t]he findings show

turns on defining a human role in AI.5

that 68.9 per cent of laziness in humans, 68.6 per cent in personal privacy and security issues, and 27.7 per cent in the loss of decisionmaking [sic] are due to the impact of artificial intelligence in Pakistani and Chinese society".4 In the arena of healthcare, while AI-powered systems such as diagnostic algorithms can assist in the diagnosis of medical conditions, there is a growing concern that over-reliance on such technologies can erode and diminish the diagnostic skills of physicians.

In the realm of the creative arts, there is a concern that generative AI, which can produce remarkable pieces of art, music or literature, can also induce what some have described as "creativity complacency": the erosion of the motivation to imagine and create.

Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael A. Osborne, "The Future of Employment: How Susceptible Are Jobs to Computerisation?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change 114 (17 September 2013), https:// www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/downloads/academic/ The_Future_of_Employment.pdf.

1

Ray Kurzweil, The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence (New York, Penguin Books, 2000), 17-39.

2

"MIT Work of the Future", IPC MIT Industrial Performance Center, accessed May 9, 2024, https:// workofthefuture-taskforce.mit.edu/.

3

Sayed Fayaz Ahmed, et al., "Impact of artificial intelligence on human loss in decision-making, laziness and safety in education", Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 10, 311 (2023), https:// doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01787-8.

4

Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt and Daniel Huttenlocher, The Age of AI (Great Britain: John Murray Publishers, 2022), 183.

5

July 2024 Methodist Message 25

Outreach

By MWS Communications Team. / Photos courtesy of MWS

"God pulled my mum out of death's jaws"

"God, can you stop taking everyone I love away from me?" Karen Tang recalled praying this on the morning of 13 November 2021, after learning that her 75-year-old mother, Lilian, critically ill from a Covidinduced heart attack, had suffered another attack while in the hospital.

The 43-year-old described facing the possible loss of her mother as her "biggest nightmare", having already lost three family members in 20 months: her father, her sister and her grandmother.

On the brink of death It all started after Lilian recovered from Covid-19 on 24 October 2021. "The very next day, my mum's workplace called, saying she looked 'as white as a sheet'. I told them to call an ambulance and send her to A&E right away," Karen shared. While waiting to be admitted, Lilian was put on oxygen support due to breathing difficulties.

Two days later, with her oxygen level dangerously low, Lilian was intubated.

That same day, she suffered a heart attack, which doctors said was likely due to Covid-19. Despite oxygen support, Lilian required sedation.

"While in the ICU, my mum caught pneumonia and suffered a stroke. An MRI revealed a blood clot and bleeding in her right brain," recalled Karen.

"The doctors said she could pass away anytime. I was distraught and prayed to 26 Methodist Message July 2024

the Lord not to take my mum because she is all I have left."

(above left) Lilian and Karen Tang

On 30 October, Lilian's condition worsened, and she was placed on the dangerously ill list.

(above middle) Lilian in the ICU

"The Lord impressed three songs on my heart when my mum was in the ICU: 'I Am The God That Healeth Thee', 'God Will Make a Way' and 'Give Thanks'. I wondered how I could give thanks to God while my mum was still in the ICU," Karen shared.

Two weeks later, her mum, due for a tracheostomy, suffered a second heart attack.

"I was devastated," Karen said. "Nonetheless, I decided to entrust my mum to Jesus and kept reminding myself to believe in miracles and Jesus' healing power."

That day at the hospital, Karen asked her mum three questions: "Do you believe Jesus will heal you?" Lilian nodded. "Do you believe Jesus will get you out of here?" She nodded again. "Do you believe you will go back to work?" She nodded a third time.

A healing miracle The next day, Karen learned her mum had not suffered any heart damage. "A nurse said she was the only patient to survive two weeks in the ICU," shared Karen. "God pulled her from death's jaws."

From there, Lilian embarked on the fast track towards recovery, and was discharged on 24 December.

(above right) Lilian (second from left) attends weekly colouring sessions at MWS Active Ageing Centre – Teck Ghee Vista

God's healing power was evident in subsequent health tests. In March 2022, a coronary angiogram showed no heart blockages, and appointments with her neurologist and physiotherapist confirmed she had recovered.

"The neurologist decided to release her after reviewing her CT scans from the ICU and post-discharge. The post-discharge scan showed the blood clot had dissolved," shared Karen.

"He said he had never seen such a rapid recovery from a stroke; it was as if the stroke never happened! My mum returned to work after two months, and the physiotherapist noted her recovery was exceptionally fast compared to typical stroke patients, who usually take years to recover even with rehab."

A second ordeal Unknowingly, Lilian was entering a second ordeal.

After being replaced at her former job, Lilian found a six-month position elsewhere.

However, her subsequent job search turned futile, forcing her into retirement.

Once kept occupied by work, Lilian now felt overwhelmed by grief, hopelessness and inadequacy.

"I spent most of my time at home feeling useless and life seemed meaningless," recounted Lilian. "I cried often, missing my late husband and elder daughter, and felt very down all the time."

Karen, who lives with her mum, noticed she was "showing signs of depression and becoming very clingy and emotionally needy".

Power of purpose It was then that her sister's friend from Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church recommended visiting MWS Active Ageing Centre – Teck Ghee Vista. There, Lilian discovered joy and purpose in an array of activities like sewing, colouring and exercise programmes.

Despite her health setback, Lilian has made progress in regaining strength.

"After being discharged from the hospital, I was very weak and needed a wheelchair.

Thanks to daily exercises at the Centre, I can now stand up on my own and don't tire as easily. While I still use a walking aid, my strength and confidence have improved," she said.

Over time, Karen noticed her mother becoming happier and dwelling less on her bereavement. "That helps me stay positive too," she said. "Despite feeling the loneliness after our losses, the Centre has been instrumental in easing my mum's pain."

These days, Lilian's life is filled with purpose and fulfilment. "Since joining the Centre, I feel more alert and energised with a variety of activities filling my days," she shared. "I have something to look forward to each morning, and my life has meaning again."

Karen expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank God for this Centre; it has truly supported my mum and given her a new lease of life."

Social isolation among elderly is a growing concern in ageing Singapore. Many older adults struggle with loneliness due to factors like bereavement, retirement, and health issues. In line with the Healthier SG initiative, MWS empowers seniors to take charge of their own health and well-being through a wide range of activities at our seven Active Ageing Centres islandwide.

Visit www.mws.sg to learn more about our work and partner us to combat elderly loneliness and enhance their social support for better quality of life.

A version of this story first appeared in MWS' Uncommon Voices publication.

July 2024 Methodist Message 27

Outreach

Grace Chung is MMS' Stakeholder Engagement and Home Director.

She is the Chairperson of the MMS Banquet 2024 Committee. / Photos courtesy of MMS

Annual MMS fundraising banquet aims to raise $700k Funds raised will support Mittaphab Methodist Church, Thung Yao Preaching Point and top up field deficits

M

ethodist Missions Society (MMS) will be

our efforts to develop national church

hosting a fundraising banquet on 25

leaders and provide resources for church-

August 2024 at the Fullerton Hotel. The annual

building projects in our mission fields. MMS

"My Father's Business" banquet has been titled

church building projects are a testament to

"Ask of Me" this year, based on the Bible verse

the goodness of our heavenly Father, your

in Psalm 2:8, with the focus on galvanising

bountiful generosity and our commitment

support for the mission in Thailand and other

to mobilising the Methodist community in

MMS mission fields. The cost of the banquet

Singapore to make disciples and multiply

has been fully sponsored by a donor, so that all

indigenous churches in this region."

funds raised can be channelled towards church planting work and community development

The evening will bring together

efforts. The fundraising target for the banquet

church partners, donors, leaders and

is $700,000, which MMS hopes to raise from

representatives from the mission fields.

its supporters in the Methodist community.

Methodist School of Music will provide

Bishop Dr Gordon Wong will be the guest-of-

the worship and music segment for the

honour for the banquet.

evening, while a group of Shan youth will present a traditional dance item. There will

Rev Derrick Lau, Executive Director of MMS,

also be an update on the status of St Paul

said, "We are reaching out to our valued

Methodist School, which has been built

supporters and members of the Methodist

from funds that were raised at an earlier

community, to actively pray for and support

fundraising banquet in 2019.

28 Methodist Message July 2024

(top) Site of Thung Yao Preaching Point (above left) Mittaphab Methodist Church Family Day (above right) Thung Yao Paddy Plant Children's Club which operates on Saturday mornings during the school term

The funds raised will directly contribute to

2. Thung Yao Preaching Point

the following three areas.

SFMC, together with Rev Cassandra Lee, a missionary from MMS, started

1. Mittaphab Methodist Church

the Paddy Plant Children's Club in June

A Shan service was started on 12

2012 at the invitation of the Thung Yao

June 2016 as a preaching point under

village chief. The Club uses Thung Yao

Shineforth Methodist Church (SFMC),

village's multi-purpose hall to hold

located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 2019,

its activities. In January 2016, Thung

the Shan group officially established

Yao Preaching Point (TYPP) started to

a local church—Mittaphab Methodist

reach out to and make disciples of the

Church (MPMC), which operates at the

Paddy Plant children, their parents and

multi-purpose hall of Vineyard Methodist

guardians. TYPP is led by Pastor-in-

School. MPMC currently has about 10 Wa

Charge, Rev Niwet Jawwin Naikham,

families, with local preacher Ah Chan

and supported by Rev Cassandra Lee.

Surin teaching in the Wa language.

In March 2020, TYPP purchased a piece

There are plans to start a Wa service for

of land with an area of 1,600 square

the Wa people who are an ethnic group

meters near the present Children's

originating from the northern part of the

Ministry area, with the intention to

Shan state in Myanmar.

build a church building.

MPMC has outgrown its current space

In Thai culture, a visible place of worship

and facilities. More facilities are required

is essential, as it symbolises God's

to cater to MPMC's present membership

presence in an area where the majority

needs and future growth. MMS missionary

are Buddhists. The acquired land has

Angela Sng and her husband are now

about seven villages within a 2 km radius

spearheading this ministry.

with 5,000 residents. These villages are located near Wat Mae Kaed Noi

Mittaphab, which means "friendship" in Thai,

School, which has about 1,000 students,

will be a church that connects with the Shan

and Mae Cho University in Chiang Mai,

community, works with the village heads, and

providing further opportunities for

establishes God's presence through sharing

outreach and evangelism.

the Word of God and community services, with the aim of introducing them to the

3. MMS General Fund

greatest friend of all, our Lord Jesus Christ.

To maintain the stability and continuity of the MMS fields' church planting and community development efforts, the mission fields rely on annual financial top-ups from the MMS General Fund to cover operational deficits. These top-ups are crucial in ensuring that outreach work can continue without disruption.

For more information on how you can partner MMS, contact Grace Chung at grace.chung@methodist.org.sg or call MMS at 6478 4818 .

July 2024 Methodist Message 29

You and Your Family

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column for more than 17 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Memories: What we choose to

remember and what we try to forget

M

y German friend pointed out

I asked my friend how it felt to be

seven brass objects shaped

reminded of such events—to have

as cobblestones in front of a house.

this sense of collective guilt stirred

Inscribed on them were the names of the

up again and again, especially when

seven members of a Jewish family who

the perpetrators were from another

once lived there. They were evicted and

generation. His answer was that while it

sent to concentration camps, never to be

made him feel uneasy, there is concern

heard of again.

that if such memories are forgotten, history might repeat itself.

This is just one of several reminders of the tragic events of Hitler's "Final Solution"

This conversation set me thinking about

when millions died.

memories—how they serve us and how

30 Methodist Message July 2024

they afflict us. How we try to treasure

The other important point about

some and how they so easily slip away.

memories is that they lie in past

How they hold important lessons for us

events that we cannot change. What

and yet are so quickly forgotten.

we do have some control over is the present. Even though one may have

The topic of memories is especially

been raised in a way that made us

important in my work as a counsellor.

feel insignificant, now that we are

Some clients are dealing with

older, we can take control over how

memories of traumatic events they

we view ourselves. No longer do we

went through. Although the events

have to see ourselves through the

may be from many years ago, the

eyes of others. We can deliberately

effects still haunt them. For example,

choose to reflect more accurately on

children who grow up with abusive

our good points. Remember, the key

and neglectful parents may develop

word here is accurate, rather than

difficulties trusting others. They

just focusing on either our positives

may also have very negative views

or our negatives.

of themselves and feel unworthy of being loved and treated decently. Such

Going one step further, after

individuals can live under a cloud of

developing an accurate and unbiased

self-loathing and social anxiety.

view of yourself, you may give some thought to how your parents raised

Painful events can shape the way we

you. Most of the time, I find parents

view the world and even ourselves. The

generally do the best they can, even

difficulty of dealing with painful memories

if their ways are not always right nor

is that our memories can sometimes be

helpful. Being caned for minor faults

unreliable, biased and incorrect. They are

or humiliated in front of our peers is

based on our recollection and perception

seen as harsh and cruel by today’s

of things which may be very personal.

standards. But some of our parents did not know any better.

In the early 80s and 90s, there were cases of individuals who were helped

Seeing painful events in a new

to recover memories of some past

way does not make them more

trauma. In so doing, they found

acceptable but hopefully, it reduces

greater self-awareness of their

their toxicity. If, however, you are

struggles and gained better control of

troubled by some things that may

their lives. But being able to uncover

have happened to you in the past,

some of these "repressed memories"

do see a counsellor.

can be tricky as overly enthusiastic helping professionals may either

Finally, we can choose what

uncover these memories or implant

we want to recall and how to

false ones. This is why the mental

remember the past. If nations

health community is very cautious

and generations of people must

about working with unclear or

live with a painful past, surely, as

unstable memories.

individuals, we can too.

July 2024 Methodist Message 31

Benny Bong has over 40

years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more than 17 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Rev Tay Li Ping is currently

pastoring at Christalite Methodist Chapel. Trained as an Industrial-Organisational Psychologist before becoming a pastor, Rev Tay is particularly interested in the intersection of Psychology and Theology. She is married and has five sons.

Koh Ai Jin is a registered

clinical counsellor with extensive experience in marriage and family counselling, mental health concerns and psychological trauma. She runs her own practice and currently serves as Vice-President of the Association of Christian Counsellors (Singapore).

Need advice? Scan the QR code or visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mm-atthe-well/ to submit your question. Due to space constraints and repetition of topics, we may not be able to feature all questions submitted.

At The Workplace

Should I date my boss?

My boss has been hinting that he is interested in me and has asked me out more than once.

I have politely declined up to now because I'm not sure about how it will look and affect my relationship with teammates.

To his credit, he has been professional at work.

What should I do?  Love Actually

32 Methodist Message July 2024

Dating and Marriage

My wife is discouraged by our lack of success with IVF My wife and I have been trying to have

Benny says Dear Love Actually, Relationships with someone at the workplace can be exciting and complicated affairs: exciting, that is, if you welcome it and it is a legitimate one; complicated, because in some work settings, it is discouraged, even forbidden, to be romantically involved with a colleague, much less between a superior and a subordinate. Some employers might see such relationships as possibly compromising personal judgement, fair play or putting company or clients' interests at risk. Under such circumstances, do not enter into this relationship. If there is strong mutual attraction, then only pursue it when one of you leaves the company.

a child for several years. We have tried IVF but so far have not been successful.

The whole process has not only been costly, but also emotionally draining and stressful for our relationship. She has mood swings and is depressed. It has come to a point where she refuses to come into contact with any children or pregnant women. Whenever she attends family gatherings with children around, she would come home angry and wallow in self-pity, while venting her anger at me. I now attend family events on my own and give excuses whenever my relatives ask where she is.

I feel helpless and frustrated. What can I say to her to help her?  John

If strict prohibition does not exist, you are right to be concerned that your colleagues may perceive favouritism. Some may wonder

Li Ping says Dear John,

if you are going along with the attention of a superior only because you feel pressured

Allow me to use the biblical story of another

to do so. I take it that in your context, this

couple in a similar situation (1 Samuel 1:1-18)

thankfully might not be so.

to frame my advice.

If the above circumstances are not

In verse 8, Elkanah tries to console his

applicable, and if you are open to exploring

childless wife, Hannah, by asking if he

this possibility, how should you approach

was not worth more to her than ten sons.

this? May I suggest doing so, slowly. You

Unfortunately, words like these that appeal

have a wonderful chance to observe and

to logic cannot change a person’s desires.

study each other at a distance. See how

Instead, sincerely acknowledge your wife’s

he interacts with others, with those in

pain without trying to change how she feels.

power and those of humbler status. How does he respond to stressful situations? In

In verse 14, the priest Eli assumes that

summary, consider proceeding only when it

Hannah’s fevered prayer is the result of

is permissible and desired.

drunkenness. Similarly, we often assume

July 2024 Methodist Message 33

At The Well

we know the exact problem (and hence

support from a pastor or trusted Christian

solution) the person is facing. While your

friend. Hannah herself was no longer

wife is clearly distressed about being

downcast after Eli exhorted her in verse

childless, her strong emotions suggest that

17 to go in peace, trusting that God has

more could be swirling beneath, such as

heard her prayer.

what being childless means to her. When she is calm, invite her to share with you why

Finally, you mentioned the stress that this

this means so much to her.

has caused your marriage. When your wife is not distressed, you may gently ask how

In verse 10, we learn that Hannah

you can tackle this together as a couple,

intercedes directly with God, knowing

including sharing in a non-judgemental way

that only he can grant her what

how this has been affecting you, as well as

she yearns for. If faith is part of your

exploring other options such as adoption.

relationship, pray together about this, and

Again, the support of a pastor, Christian

truly surrender the outcome to God. To

friend or counsellor may be helpful if you

that end you may find it helpful to seek

find it hard to do this on your own.

34 Methodist Message July 2024

Family

Dealing with my son's sex-change My only adult son, who is single and lives with me, is undergoing a sexchange surgery to become a woman.

I am a committed Christian who has been attending church for many years. I know what the Church's view is on such matters. As a mother, my heart is broken. I can see his features becoming more feminine and dread the day where I will have to call him "daughter". I wonder how I will face my relatives and church friends who have seen him grow up. I have decided that I will still love him, but I know it will come at a price. Perhaps I will have to leave the Church as I do not want to be judged further by the Christian community.  Struggling

Ai Jin says Dear Struggling, It must have been overwhelming trying to grasp and understand your son's psychological struggle with gender identity, as well as coming to terms with the decision he is making to undergo sex-change surgery.

Your decision to still love him is important and helps you stay focused on the parentchild relationship and protect familial bonding and acceptance. You are not responsible for the decisions made by your adult son, and you should not need to leave the Church or feel ashamed. Instead, be open that you would be able to find God's comfort, empathy and support from the Church. You do not have to journey alone.

I hope you can find a trusted friend, pastor or counsellor who can support you in addressing any unhelpful emotions such as self-blame, guilt or shame, and to find ways to help you overcome your fears in facing your relatives and church friends.

July 2024 Methodist Message 35

Kathryn Cheng is an Assistant Programme Executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship and Music Department. She is a member of Foochow Methodist Church.

Worship

art

Using to balance technology's dominance in worship

T

echnology is an inescapable part of life.

Philosopher Marshall McLuhan foresaw

Zoom conferences, artificial intelligence,

this when he wrote his General Theory of

image generation—much has been said

Media. He described a pattern: "When a

about its merits and drawbacks, questioning

form of media is pushed to its extreme, it

whether technologies intended to make our

eventually reverses in on itself and works

lives more connected and convenient are

in direct opposition to the very human

stunting our hearts and minds.

capacity it was originally intended to

36 Methodist Message July 2024

enhance." He gave the smartphone as

The integration of art into worship

an example, pointing out how a device

offers a tangible medium through

intended to improve communication has

which people may connect on a deeper

also caused a rise in isolation as people

level. The physical act of creating

grow increasingly addicted to their devices.

or engaging with art requires a presence of mind and body that digital

So what can we do? Surprisingly, art may

experiences often lack.

offer the answer. Tactile experiences are one thing that technology is currently

This engagement encourages

not able to substitute. In the digital age,

mindfulness and a sense of grounding,

genuine human connection is a rarity.

countering the disconnectedness that can come from excessive screen time.

In his book Analog Church, Jay Y Kim

After all, discipleship to Jesus is not

suggests that art could be the key to

possible if we are unable to empathise

balancing out technology's dominance.

with others.

"I am simply stating the need for a shift away from our carefully manicured,

Art also has the power to evoke

perfectly professional digital presentations

emotions and provoke thought in ways

that come across as far too pristine and

that technology often cannot. Within

not nearly personal enough. The quality

corporate worship practice, when art is

of creativity and artistry is key. We must

used with thoughtfulness and careful

consistently engage the creatives and

creativity it can invite contemplation

artists in our communities to lead the way

and reflection.

and tell the story of God alongside us."

While technology undoubtedly offers Within the context of worship, art allows

numerous benefits, its overuse can

for unique ways of storytelling, providing

lead to unintended consequences

congregants with the chance for authentic

such as isolation and superficiality.

emotional expression. Through interactive

By incorporating art into worship, we

art installations, mass dance, videos

can cultivate deeper connections and

created to accompany the prelude and

foster genuine human interaction. It

aesthetically pleasing PowerPoint slides,

might be worth exploring how art can

incorporating art into worship fosters a

provide a necessary counterbalance to

sense of participation in the congregants.

technology.

The integration of art into worship offers a tangible medium through which people may connect on a deeper level. The physical act of creating or engaging with art requires a presence of mind and body that digital experiences often lack.

July 2024 Methodist Message 37

Nicholas Ho worships at Living Hope Methodist Church and serves as a member in the nominations committee and co-leads a cell group. / Photo courtesy of Nicholas Ho

Finding my calling in social work

I

work in the social work arena as a Social Assistance Officer.

I attribute my social work calling to Christ because I would

not have taken this route otherwise.

Christ showed compassion to the last, the least and the lost. This struck a chord in me, so I decided to sign up for an internship with a non-profit organisation in my final year of polytechnic studies. After that internship, I confirmed my calling to work in this field.

This was tough news for my parents to take. As their only son, they questioned if I would get paid or be paid well enough to support my family.

I clung to this verse, Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

I prayed and asked God to convince my parents, just like how he had convinced me. I thank God my parents eventually gave me their blessings. Almost 15 years has passed since I received my calling.

Nicholas with his son, Levi, and his wife, Clara

This vocation is challenging. I have been burnt out many times because I relied on my own understanding. I have often asked God if this work was really meant for me, but he has never failed me and has provided what is needed for me to persevere and continue living out my calling.

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

July 2024 Methodist Message 39

ODB MINISTRIES BIBLE CONFERENCE 2024 | THE DAUNTING PRIVILEGE: REACHING CHILDREN WITH THE GOSPEL 13 July 2024 (Saturday), 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Bartley Christian Church Register by 6 July via https://odb.sg/events/the-daunting-privilege/ Want to impart the gospel to your child—but don’t know how or where to start?

Whether you are parents, grandparents or spiritual parents, you may, at times, feel ill-equipped, unprepared or simply overwhelmed with the tasks and responsibilities of parenting. Yet, God has called us to this daunting privilege of raising our children to know, love and serve God. If you have a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the next generation, join us for a time of encouragement and equipping from God’s Word.

The speaker for this event is Mr Lim Chien Chong, a preacher and educator with over two decades of experience in youth evangelism and development. Zoey & Robey’s Big Fix, a picture book designed for parents to share the good news of Jesus Christ with their children, will also be launched at this conference.

Organised by Our Daily Bread Ministries

MISSIONS FOR EVERYONE | STORIES ARE EVERYWHERE 27 July 2024 (Saturday), 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

Online via Zoom Register by 13 July via https://www.wycliffe.sg/events Free Storytelling has been regarded as a ministry for Sunday School children or elderly people. Come and learn how it, in fact, applies to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Listen to an expert and ponder the role of stories in your own lives, as well as with your family and friends, and in the Bible. You will learn good storytelling techniques and get to try them out!

The instructor for this session is Marcus Choo from Wycliffe Malaysia.

Organised by Wycliffe Singapore

TTC OPEN HOUSE 2024 21 August 2024 (Wednesday), 8.30 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.

Trinity Theological College, 490 Upper Bukit Timah Road, S678093 Pre-registration is required. Register by 18 August via https://www.ttc.edu.sg/english/open-house/ Do you desire to be equipped to serve God in the church and the world? Is God calling you to be theologically trained for ministry? As the oldest seminary in Singapore, Trinity Theological College has been engaged in equipping Christians for ministry since its founding in 1948. Join this Open House and discover how TTC can help equip you for more effective ministry.

This Open House follows a structured programme, best experienced in full.

Organised by Trinity Theological College

40 Methodist Message July 2024

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