methodist message Vol 116 No 10 • Oct 2014
inside
this issue...
The Methodist Church in Singapore
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 199/01/2014
message.methodist.org.sg
GC-WSCS Journey of Sisterhood
Nick Vujicic Father’s love
Presbyterian Community Services Nurturing those with special needs
pages 12-13
page 15
page 20
Christian think tank launched Christina Stanley is Editor of the Methodist Message and has been a member of Wesley Methodist Church since 1987.
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n integral part of our Christian witness today must be to engage with the many challenges and issues of society. Difficult ethical issues arising from advances in science and technology. Changing norms on relationships, marriage and family. Growing affluence and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. The lure of social ills often camouflaged with glamour. The adverse effects of the borderless and information-rich world we live in. Called to be the salt and light of the world, and to let our light shine before men (Matthew 5:14, 16), how then can we be effective witnesses in the face of these changing paradigms and standards?
After all, as said by Dr Roland Chia, Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College (TTC), “Our faith is not just a personal faith, but a faith that will impact people for the common good.” Three distinguished Christian institutions in Singapore which will draw collaboratively from their rich network of resources have come together to form a Christian think tank – the ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity. Launched recently in midAugust 2014, ETHOS is set up by the National Council of Churches of Singapore, TTC and The Bible Society of Singapore to help the Christian community view and approach issues through the lens of Scripture, combined with the rich theological and scriptural heritage of the Church. Studies, lectures, seminars and conferences will be held. Resources will be provided to Churches,
Christians and the NCCS. In addition, ETHOS will “communicate good biblical principles that the church needs to hold on to and be able to discuss the same in the public square,” says its Chairman, Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup. Dr Chia will serve as the Institute’s Theological & Research Advisor, and will spearhead its project initiatives. ETHOS will be working with theologians as well as scholars in different disciplines – economics, politics, medicine, science, education, media, social sciences and the arts, and across different Christian traditions and denominations. There will also be collaborations with other Christian think tanks across the globe – such as Theos in the UK, and the Centre for Public Christianity in Sydney. Such collaborations will be absolutely vital if ETHOS is to make significant contributions to public discourse in our globalised world. n
COMING UP
Raise funds for our schools Stepping out in service
Saturday 28 March 2015 • 7 am Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 121 Dover Road Organised by the Methodist Schools’ Foundation In conjunction with the 130th Anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore
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nce again, it’s time to walk for FUN – and to raise FUNDS to ensure that our Methodist schools get all the support they need to maintain a cutting edge. MethodistWalk 2015 Pledge Cards will be given out to all students in January 2015. Every dollar raised by students will go back to the Schools they belong to. Wesley Methodist Church is the main sponsor for the 2015 event, and their donations will help offset operational costs. This will help to ensure that the funds raised can be ploughed back to the Schools as much as possible. The aim is to raise $1.5 million. Donate generously to the MethodistWalk 2015, and be prepared for some serious fun: ◆ All guests, including VIPs, will be encouraged to mingle freely and easily with participants after the Walk ◆ ‘Picnic on the Turf ’ with snacks and refreshments, including a Milo van ◆ Entertainment from church bands and alumni ◆ New theme song ◆ Daylight screening of happenings in churches and schools, etc. n How the MSF Supports Schools • The Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF) was started in 1997. It manages the MSF Endowment Fund. • The Methodist Church in Singapore injected $5 million seed capital into the MSF Endowment Fund, which has today grown to more than $10 million through prudent management and blessed investments. • Over the years, through revenue earned from investments, and major fund-raising projects like the MethodistWalk, more than $7.5 million has been given away to Schools for upgrading, building and teaching aids, and other programmes. • The Fund has to be replenished every year, so that it can be used to earn more revenue from investments. • Two other Funds were also set up to extend financial assistance to needy students – the MSF-Chen Su Lan Financial Assistance Endowment Fund and the MSF Financial Assistance Endowment Fund.
Photos featured are from the last MethodistWalk in 2013
methodist message
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 New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Our address
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Let us have your views
Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairman, Council on Communications Editor Ms Christina Stanley Assistant Editor Ms Grace Toh Sub-editor Ms Tan-Ngooi Chiu Ai Editorial Executive Ms Chia Hui Jun
Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and if appropriate, your contribution could be published.
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Quick fixes and slow solutions Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2012. He has been a Methodist pastor for 29 years.
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s I write this, I am in the midst of the Annual Mission Conference of The Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC). The MCC was birthed from the union of five missions of Methodist churches from other parts of the world, that had earlier started work in Cambodia independent of each other. Last year, we handed the superintendency of the Mission to a Khmer local, in a process whereby the MCC would eventually become an autonomous national church. The process of reaching autonomy was a journey that we in The Methodist Church in Singapore experienced a few decades ago. It is very tempting to tell the Khmer Christians what they should do to overcome the challenges they are facing, based on our experience. That would be a quick-fix approach to the task, like simply pumping in funds to deal with their financial shortfall. The other approach is to adopt slow solutions. The latter will require the Khmers to learn the fundamentals from which they can devise their own solutions. Borrowing an analogy from technology, it is like we are the ones who have developed a software application to be used in growing the church. The Khmer Methodists have downloaded this application and are
learning how to use it, with some coaching from us. In time they will know where the bugs are, and which aspect of the software is not working well for their situation. We continue to coach them so that they know how to design their own software applications. We will then pass on to them the codes for them to upgrade the software to an edition that is suited for application in their context. There are many areas in life where quick fixes are detrimental in the long run. Leapfrogging into a situation where we cannot adjust well to the environment can choke us to death, or cripple us for life should we be rescued in time. We end up never being able to rise to our fullest potential. Slow solutions have always been around: raising children, learning skills, making wine, cheese and other traditional delicacies, educating the young, changing the culture. For slow solutions to work, there are a few essentials to bear in mind. First, we have to resist the urge to intervene unnecessarily. The rice will not cook well if we keep lifting the lid of the cooker to check, because by doing so we unnecessarily release the steam essential for the cooking process.
Second, we must give allowance for failure. Stumbling and falling are part and parcel of learning how to walk. Failed ventures can become great teachers. If improvement and refinement follow, then progress will take place. Third, we must be willing to endure the pain experienced in the two above. Bite our tongues, grit our teeth, and shed tears should they come. The modern obsession with success and the desire to develop it quickly – in fact, instantaneously if possible – has robbed us of developing well-rounded and healthy individuals, families, churches and organisations. The wise man in Ecclesiastes reminds us that “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV). There is room for quick fixes too, especially in crisis situations. Yet one wonders, if slow solutions had been in process, whether so-called ‘crises’ could have been handled in stride. Returning to my Khmer brethren, when I heard a little about their ‘plight’, my discomfort with slow solutions triggered ideas of how I might organise events, get sponsors, etc., in urgent response to the situation. Then as I talked more with a few of them, I realised that they were contemplating possibilities to deal with their situation. This slowed me down and helped me see that they were not all that helpless. After all, when we are building the church, we are merely workers in the construction team. The architect and contractor is Jesus Christ Himself. He has been at it for more than 2000 years. He is the Master of slow solutions. n
The modern obsession with success and the desire to develop it quickly – in fact, instantaneously if possible – has robbed us of developing wellrounded and healthy individuals, families, churches and organisations. METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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NATIONAL DAY AWARDS 2014
Congratulations! Methodist Message congratulates the following who have received the 2014 National Day Awards:
CHURCHES ALDERSGATE METHODIST CHURCH Mdm Woo Mei Yin The Long Service Medal ANG MO KIO METHODIST CHURCH ME6 Tan Teck Ling Thomas The Commendation Medal (Military) & The Long Service Medal (Military) LTC (NS) Koo Thim Peng Ivan, The Commendation Medal (Military) PBS BARKER ROAD METHODIST CHURCH Mrs Mildred Tan The Public Service Star Miss Beatrice Chong* The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Mr Elkan Lim The Commendation Medal Ms Audrey Wong Su-Hsien The Public Service Medal Mr Chew Siong Huat The Public Service Medal Mr Chaly Mah Chee Kheong The Public Service Medal Mr Edwin Khew Tech Fook The Public Service Medal Mrs Hazel Loh-Voo Khi Tshin The Long Service Medal Assoc Prof Paul Chang Chee The Long Service Medal Cheng Mr Chay Yuen Fatt The Long Service Medal LTC Lim Kok Ann, PP The Long Service Medal (Military) BEDOK METHODIST CHURCH Mdm Phyllis Tng Pheck Lek, PBM The Public Service Star BUKIT PANJANG METHODIST CHURCH SLTC (NS) Kho Kevin, PP The Long Service Medal (Military) CHRISTALITE METHODIST CHAPEL Mr Gabriel Wong Ee Chung The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) COVENANT COMMUNITY METHODIST CHURCH Ms Anita Fam Siu Ping The Public Service Star Prof Andrew Wee Thye Shen The Public Administration Medal (Silver) FAIRFIELD METHODIST CHURCH Mr Morgan Zhou You Qin The Commendation Medal Mr Khoo Tse Horng Mr Mark Tay Mr Tan Boon Lay
FAITH METHODIST CHURCH The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) The Long Service Medal The Commendation Medal
GRACE METHODIST CHURCH Mr Tan Kia Jin The Public Administration Medal (Silver) Ms Sally Ng Gek Tuan The Long Service Medal LIVING WATERS METHODIST CHURCH Dr Jeann Woo-Tan Lay Beng* The Commendation Medal TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH (SHORT STREET) Mr Surendran Edward Robinson The Public Administration Medal (Silver) WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH Ms Jacqueline Poh Mae-Jean The Public Administration Medal (Silver) Miss Lee Sue-Ann The Public Administration Medal (Silver) Mrs Wai Yin Pryke The Public Administration Medal (Silver) Mdm Sabrina Suvanaris The Public Administration Medal (Silver) COL Tan Tuan Loy Alex The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) (Military) & The Long Service Medal (Military) * indicates recipients listed under both churches and schools. All names of recipients and awards were as provided by the churches and schools.
WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH (cont’d) Ms Chung Lai Thoe Kelly The Commendation Medal Mr Johnny Lim Peng Siah The Public Service Medal Mdm Woo Mei Yin Chelsie The Long Service Medal Mdm Low Wan Yin The Long Service Medal Mr Chan Tat Keong The Long Service Medal Miss May Chew The Long Service Medal Ms Lim Hua Yen Yena The Long Service Medal Mr Andrew Tan Kok Kiong The Long Service Medal SCHOOLS ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (PRIMARY) Miss Tay Kwee Hong The Commendation Medal Mdm Senthamarai Manickam The Long Service Medal ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (BARKER ROAD) Mr Peh Chin Cheok The Commendation Medal Mrs Mildred Tan The Public Service Star ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL (INDEPENDENT) Dr Jeann Woo-Tan Lay Beng* The Commendation Medal ANGLO-CHINESE JUNIOR COLLEGE Miss Beatrice Chong* The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Miss Tan Chee Chian The Commendation Medal Mdm Julie Lim Seok Cheng The Long Service Medal Mdm Fabiola B Lip Yoke Suet The Long Service Medal Mr Daniel Sun Yee Dat The Long Service Medal FAIRFIELD METHODIST SCHOOL (PRIMARY) Ms Ng Mei Yun The Commendation Medal FAIRFIELD METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) Mdm Tan Phaik Hoon The Commendation Medal GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (PRIMARY) Mrs Jessie Soh (Mdm Lim The Commendation Medal & The Long Chieh Sze) Service Medal Mdm Ros'mariati Bte Sulaiman The Long Service Medal GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOL (SECONDARY) Mdm Khoo Ming Fern The Commendation Medal Mr Eka Tanu The Efficiency Medal Mr Mohamed Said Bin Haron The Long Service Medal Ms Yee Siau Foon The Long Service Medal Ms Ng Peck Suan The Long Service Medal METHODIST GIRLS' SCHOOL Dr Eileen Aw, PPA(E), JP The Public Service Medal Ms Grace Ng The Public Administration Medal (Silver) Mdm Tang Yen Yen The Commendation Medal PAYA LEBAR METHODIST GIRLS' SCHOOL (PRIMARY) Ms Chua Soh Leng The Long Service Medal PAYA LEBAR METHODIST GIRLS' SCHOOL (SECONDARY) Prof Hum Sin Hoon The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) The Commendation Medal Mrs Esther Chee (Mdm Lee Chui Eng) Mdm Tan Soh Hua The Long Service Medal
SAYS THE TRAC PRESIDENT
Worship anywhere and everywhere The Rev Dr Gordon Wong was elected President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) in 2012 for the quadrennium. He has been a Methodist pastor for 28 years, and was a lecturer at Trinity Theological College since 1995.
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hat do Mount Olympus, Mount Sinai, and Mount Fuji have in common? They are considered by many different people to be sacred places of worship. The same is true for sanctuaries, temples and cathedrals: there is something special about ‘sacred’ places which seem to make it easier or more conducive for people to ‘worship’. The popularity and prevalence of sacred mountains and temples was also true when Jesus was on earth. The Bible records a conversation he had with a woman from Samaria. She said: “Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” (John 4:20) The Samaritan lady said that her people regarded the mountain as the best place for worship. (She was probably pointing to either Mount Ebal or Gerizim which were, and are, located on either side of Samaria.) Jews, on the other hand, regarded the Temple in Jerusalem to be the more sacred place for worship.
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.”
“Our ancestors worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
John 4:20
Jesus offered her (and us) a larger understanding of worship. “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.” (John 4:21) Jesus does not want us to think of worship as best done only in ‘sacred’ places. He envisages a day when true worship is not linked to some ‘sacred’ location or getaway. Jesus invites us to think of how true worship can (and should) be offered in ‘secular’ or more mundane locations in life. In bedrooms and boardrooms, in schools and offices, in buses and trains, on highways and streets. Everywhere and anywhere. But what kind of worship can this be? It must be a kind of worship that is not dependent on lighting candles or singing with organ accompaniment. There is nothing necessarily wrong with those. But Jesus speaks of a worship that does not need these special or sacred surroundings. It is worship in the spirit, and from our hearts and spirits, for “God is Spirit” (John 4:24). It is worship that, to borrow John Wesley’s phrase in his sermon entitled ‘Spiritual Worship’, is “the happy and holy communion which the faithful have with God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost”. Let’s learn to enjoy this “happy and holy communion” as we talk and pray (in other words, commune) with God, not just in sacred spaces, but anywhere and everywhere, all of the day and every day. n
John 4:21
METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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YOU & YOUR FAMILY
What are your teenagers ‘catching’?
If fathers feel overwhelmed by the enormity of this task, we only have to turn to our Heavenly Father for inspiration, wisdom and strength. 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 in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
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he family names are different but the situation sounds all too familiar. The adolescent first began to assert himself by pushing the boundaries of certain rules in the home, like how late he was allowed to ‘hang out’ with his friends. Then came an endless series of ‘why’ questions – “Why can’t I get a tattoo?” or “Why can’t I work at a club during weekends?” As each request was rejected, more followed in quick succession. Then came the pulling away from family activities. Being seen with the family was deemed ‘uncool’. The adolescent began to surface doubts about his parents’ views, and later rejected them altogether. The views that were once sacrosanct now came under question. In the meantime, the parents felt under attack. Some parents would close ranks, uniting to present a firm and uncompromising stance. Others would wonder where they had gone wrong. Unfortunately, still others end up blaming each other for how their child had turned out. The usual accusations can include either parent being too hands-off, too permissive, or overly indulgent. A family that consulted me last week also saw their teenager turning away from the faith he grew up with. He felt that the God he heard of in Sunday School was no longer relevant to his needs. Furthermore, questions he had were unanswered. How
could a loving God condemn people like his friends, who were not Christians, to a fiery eternal Hell? How could an all-powerful God seem powerless to stop poverty and famine or disease from going rampant? This story may sound very familiar because many of us may be having or have had similar experiences. Perhaps our teenager’s testing was not as belligerent. Perhaps we drowned our doubts with the words of the hymn “Trust and Obey”. Or perhaps our parents were not as closed to compromise. In the previous issue of Methodist Message, I raised the question: Whose job is it to shape the values of our young? I placed parents as the people who should be responsible for the education of values in their young. Parents may enlist the help of others like teachers and the Church, to help them transmit some of these values. But ultimately, they hold primary responsibility for this. This responsibility cannot and should not be abdicated to others. However, it is not easy to do this task well. It begins with the assumption that parents are well-grounded in what values Christians should hold on to. Then, we have to know how to transmit these values. Using the right medium and message at the right time is often an art rather than an exact science. Furthermore, passing on these values goes beyond speaking about them to demonstrating them in our lives. This is why I believe parents have the main responsibility for this task. In the formative years of our children’s life, parents are usually the child’s constant caregiver. Domestic helpers and even grandparents may be present for some periods of time, but for most families, it is the parents that remain. As is often observed, values are best caught rather than taught. So what are your children ‘catching’ from you? This does not mean that our children will be free from influences by others outside of the home. That can only happen if we cocoon our children and isolate them from the world. As a child grows, these influences will only increase. But I believe that a strong grounding in the earlier years acts as a good ballast for later years. For the family I counselled, the teenager saw his Christian parents behaving inconsistently, and also had a troubled relationship with his father for many years. I believe that how our children develop a relationship with their Heavenly Father is influenced by their relationship with their earthly father. Fathers have a crucial role to be a model, albeit an imperfect one, of what it would mean to have a relationship with a Heavenly Father. Perhaps it was time for this earthly father, noting the current troubled times with his teenaged son, to demonstrate grace, compassion and a willingness to listen to his son instead of continuing to play the role of an authoritarian father. If fathers feel overwhelmed by the enormity of this task, we only have to turn to our Heavenly Father for inspiration, wisdom and strength. n
NATIONAL DAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE
How will God set things right? Grace Toh is the Assistant Editor of Methodist Message and has been a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church for most of her life.
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e are here today,” declared Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, “because of men and women in Singapore, in the past, whose prayers God had answered.” The Methodist Bishop was speaking in his role as President of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) at the 10th National Day Thanksgiving Service (NDTS), held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on 14 August this year. Referring to Psalm 9 and Psalm 10, he noted that both psalms are prayers to God that speak of oppression by enemies, and also of how God rescues the oppressed and defeats their enemies. “But in the very centre of it all, God is there. God would bring about justice.” However, we often think that justice seems so slow in coming – or that it would not come at all, or come too late. Even the psalmist cries out that justice has not yet come; the wicked abuse the weak and mock God but seem to prosper, and the oppressed feel helpless and forgotten. We see this even today, in events all around the world: brutal rapes in India, the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine by rocket fire, the senseless killing and beheading of minorities by terrorists in Iraq and Syria. “It is not inappropriate for us to ask: When will it all end? Will it ever end?” In the midst of oppression and injustice as described in the psalms, the psalmist was lamenting to God. This indicates confidence in God’s salvation – he would only do that because he believed that God would, could, and does intervene. “God works even today to set things right. How does He do that? How would He respond?” The Bishop pointed out that the biblical narrative was filled with persons whom God called his anointed ones, to bring about hope and deliverance: among them Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. “How does God bring about restoration, righteousness and justice? He sends people!”
“Even as we are praying and expecting God to bring about justice, righteousness and judgment in answer to our prayers, it is also important to know that we may be the answers to our own prayers. If we pray for justice and righteousness, we may be the very agents that God may call to bring about these. If not in Singapore, perhaps for the rest of the world.” In Singapore, we have not had to experience the tragedies that we see others experiencing. The Bishop noted that about 40 years ago, there were already people praying for Singapore, and this has continued with movements such as the Global Day of Prayer (which seeks to gather 50,000 Christians in the Sports Hub next year, Singapore’s 50th, to pray for the nation). He said: “I believe that because of all these prayer movements and groups around Singapore, God has answered our prayer.” The Bishop noted that as a nation who has received so many blessings, we ought to give – especially in the area of sending people, which was harder than collecting and giving money. “Even as we continue to intercede for Singapore and the world, we must ready ourselves to be the answer to our own prayers – being ready to become His agents wherever He may send us.” Indeed, as the congregation earlier sang: “Bless Singapore our home with peace, And make us a blessing to the nations near and far.”
It was heartening to see Christians from various denominations and churches joined in corporate prayer for the nation of Singapore, in one voice though expressed through various tongues. From a majestic orchestral fanfare to a moving guitar solo to the rich timbre of various choirs, the Church offered its best praise to the Lord. The ‘Boat Song’ by the Mar Thoma Syrian Church Choir was a delight to experience, with its rowing actions and lively beat. The Bishop remarked: “What I look forward to every year at the NDTS is the variety of worship experience we have here… it is part of the rich heritage and tradition of the churches in Singapore.” An annual event organised by the NCCS, this year’s NDTS saw the sanctuary packed to overflowing with worshippers. May we continue to return, year after year, to worship and intercede with our fellow Christians, and be ready as God’s agents to fill the needs of the world! n
Photos courtesy of the National Council of Churches of Singapore METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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MISSIONS
Secular and sacred work The Rev Erick Tan is married to Shanti and together with their three children – Spencer, Eleanor and Sean – they returned to Singapore after 12 years of missionary service. Having led inter-cultural ministries in the past, he is looking to motivate missional entrepreneurs to use businesses to meet the challenges of the poor, marginalised, and the disenfranchised.
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y family served as Methodist Missions Society missionaries in South Asia for more than 12 years. By the time of our third year in the field, I was an equal partner in a foreign direct investment, setting up a restaurant together with other missionaries from various denominations. The company is still in operation and there are currently 25 employees. It is located in a part of the city that was initially underdeveloped, but has benefited from the development of food and beverage businesses, with more than 500 jobs created within the community. The initial purpose of starting the business was primarily to obtain a visa to remain in-country for ministry purposes. As a result of this strategy, we experienced growth in the ministries initiated together with national pastors. The ‘ministry’ success seemed to justify our investment of time, money, and other resources in pursuing ‘commercial’ success. However, this view seems to divide matters into ‘sacred’ or ‘secular’ categories, and develops a ‘holy hierarchy’.1 Business owners who are Christian may misinterpret Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13, adding stress compounded with the fear of commercial failure, ethical ambiguity, and even the fear of failing to be good participants of God’s missions strategy. But can our ‘secular’ work be a force for good?
‘Do-Good’ moments in business I was on duty at the restaurant’s ‘front-of-house’ one day when a group from the nearby United Nations headquarters came for lunch. One of the waiters showed them to a table, took their orders, and served the group according to our stipulated timings and standards. One member in the group did not begin on her bowl of laksa immediately, as she was sharing about a programme she had crafted that would solve poverty issues in the country. After her passionate presentation, she began to dig in but discovered a strand of hair (about 30 cm long) staring at her from the top of the noodles. She summoned me with a wave and demanded that I note that strand of hair while she remarked about the poor working attitudes of the entire country which, in unimpressive ghetto style, let mistakes like these slip through the cracks! There is a ‘mantra’ in the restaurant industry that says: “The customer is always right.” So, dutifully, our team replaced the defective product with service standards that do Singapore proud. On the other hand, I needed to affirm the cook who prepared the meal that he had performed flawlessly, as I was sure that hair did not come from him. At that point, the words of James 4:13–17 flashed across my mind: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them”. I said to the customer, “Please accept my apologies for the delay in your lunch. I have taken this item off your total bill.” Smiles beamed out. I continued matter-of-factly: “But, I have to say, that hair in the noodle did not come from my staff. Nevertheless, he has done well to provide you a replacement bowl of laksa.” From this experience, we could conclude: Never ask a missionary for business advice! Nevertheless, James continues to challenge us to do the good we ought to do (verse 17) in the midst of our everyday business. Ultimately, the Lord’s will be done, where the secular encounters the sacred in the good work that we do. n
Rundle and Steffen, Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions (IVP Books, 2011), page 12. 1
WELFARE SERVICES
Helping families Get Out of Debt The ‘GOOD’ logo represents both MWS and its beneficiaries, with blue being MWS’ logo colour and green representing the debts of the poor. Each letter represents a person (top view), with the first ‘O’ shown clasping the hands of the second ‘O’, followed by the others behind. The clasped hands can represent giving guidance, a gentle lift, a helping hand, or a friendly touch.
‘G
OOD’ – which stands for ‘Getting Out of Debt’ – will be launched by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) to commemorate the 130th anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2015, which also coincides with the Golden Jubilee or 50th year of Singapore’s Independence. Through the ‘GOOD’ programme, MWS hopes to partner with the Methodist family to bless needy families in the community by helping them to clear chronic debt. Biblical basis of the Jubilee As prescribed in the Law of Moses, every 50 years, all monetary debts would be cancelled and slaves set free so that all had the chance to start anew in the Jubilee year. “Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.” (Leviticus 25:10) Why help to clear debt? Despite Singapore’s outstanding economic growth, real income growth for lower-wage earners has been stagnant, with the lowest 10 per cent actually seeing a drop in per capita income in real terms. Debt management experts have long reiterated the importance of helping those with debt focus on clearing their debts. It will empower them to build assets that can generate intergenerational social mobility.
With the clearing of debts, people may experience the freedom to start saving. Savings cushion families against crisis, and allow them to make investments that will result in generating intergenerational social mobility. Our ‘GOOD’ beneficiaries MWS hopes to raise $1.7 million for the ‘GOOD’ programme to help 850 families struggling with chronic debt to give them a fresh start. We aim to clear an average of $2,000 of debt per eligible household. The key criteria to assess families are: Housing Type HDB rental one, two-room flats HDB two, three and fourroom flats Income Gross per capita income of < $1,500 Other criteria Singapore Citizen / Permanent Resident Outstanding debt of > 6 months Debts are incurred from daily living e.g. Housing rental/mortgage, Town Council bills, utilities, essential household items bought on hire purchase.
$1.7million MWS hopes to raise $1.7 million for the ‘GOOD’ programme to help 850 families struggling with chronic debt to give them a fresh start.
The helping process Clearing of debt Bills will be collected from the beneficiaries, and direct payment to the creditors will be made. The debts will be cleared before National Day 2015 to celebrate the Jubilee. Financial education The families can learn how to better manage their debts and finances through educational collaterals. Church engagement programmes Methodist churches can engage beneficiaries and their families through financial and debt management talks. Churches may also take the opportunity to befriend beneficiaries and their families, providing on-going support as part of their Social Concerns efforts. Desired outcomes for beneficiaries Motivate beneficiaries blessed with a FRESH Start to take concrete steps out of the poverty cycle such as cancelling more debt, getting rid of bad money habits, and starting to save, budget and plan forward. Empower beneficiaries to have life to the full. As the burden of debt falls away, beneficiaries may feel more optimistic and confident. With a more positive outlook on life, family harmony will be restored and work life enhanced. As a Methodist community, we can change lives! MWS will be working with Methodist churches in the coming months to make ‘GOOD’ happen. We are looking for ‘GOOD’ advocates to champion fundraising, rally the church community, and organise engagement activities in the local churches. Please approach your church leadership if you are moved to help. n
For more information or to donate towards the ‘GOOD’ Programme, please contact u Ms Yap Lee Lee, Director (Communications & Fundraising), at yapleelee@mws.org.sg
$2,000 We aim to clear an average of $2,000 of debt per eligible household.
METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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CHURCH PROFILE
Christ MC:
Building in Faith Elena May Gudgeon grew up in Christ Methodist Church and now works as the youth ministry staff there. She fosters intimacy with God by tramping about in the wilderness.
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fter a three-and-a half-year wait, Christ Methodist Church’s (CMC) new building has finally been unveiled. It officially opened on June 1 this year, and excitement was palpable in the first few weeks as worshippers explored our technologically advanced, purpose-built church. For the 1,500 worshippers – many of whom live in the East Coast, Frankel, Telok Kurau, Marine Parade and Katong communities – thanksgiving ran deeper than just appreciation for the new facade. God had provided several miracles during the rebuilding process. This included a timely change in the plot-ratio stipulation, allowing us to build higher than originally planned and accommodate greater capacity. We badly needed this because our ministries, worship services and staff had been expanding over the years and could no longer fit into the old premises. In the interim, God had also graciously provided Saint Patrick’s Secondary School just across the road as an alternative worship venue. A big “thank you” to sister churches who have supported our rebuilding effort! CMC also celebrates its 84th anniversary this year. Originally born as the Geylang Methodist Church English congregation, we shared a building along Aljunied Road together with two other congregations – the Geylang Chinese Methodist Church and the Geylang Straits Chinese Methodist Church – for almost 30 years. As God blessed each congregation and numbers grew, the English congregation leadership decided to bid for our current piece of land at an auction, and won it. CMC was officially opened by Bishop Hobart B. Amstutz on 9 December 1960, and has stood at its present location for over 50 years now. With 60 adult care groups, eight youth care groups, four Mandarinspeaking groups and a growing domestic helpers’ fellowship, CMC’s strong small-group culture is in line with her vision of Intentional Discipleship. In recent years, CMC has undertaken an annual church-wide ‘campaign’ where all groups are encouraged, for several weeks, to focus on a particular aspect of Christian discipleship and respond creatively. This August, their ‘Hands & Feet: Let’s Make a Difference’ campaign encouraged them to connect with communities outside the church, especially through acts of kindness and extraordinary giving. The kind acts which followed and new friendships forged have been a great inspiration to all.
Pictures courtesy of Christ Methodist Church and K2LD Architects
Christ Methodist Church members in action in the ‘Hands & Feet’ campaign held in August this year.
Current Pastor-in-Charge, the Rev Edmund de Souza, has held the fort since 2000, his second appointment there. Pastors who have helmed this church since the 1930s include the Rev E.S. Lau, the Rev Ong Chaik Ghee, and the Rev Dr George Wan. Moving forward, the Rev de Souza senses that the church needs to not only intentionally make disciples but also develop a healthy dependence on God, who alone “gives the growth”. He would like to see a spirit of worship, prayer and seeking after God sweep over the church. n
We continue our series of profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, there may be opportunity to forge cross-church partnerships and collaborations. Christ Methodist Church (Trinity Annual Conference) 597 East Coast Road, Singapore 429082 Sunday Service: 8.30am (English, Traditional), 8.30am (Cantonese), 10.30am (English, Contemporary), 2.30pm (Mandarin) Thursday Service: 8pm (Hokkien) Contact: 6345-3934 or www.cmc.org.sg
SOUNDINGS
Beauty eclipsed Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College. He worships at the Fairfield Preaching Point in Woodlands.
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hristian mystic and philosopher Simone Weil wrote in her famous work Waiting for God, published posthumously more than 60 years ago: “Today one might think that the white races had almost lost all feeling for the beauty of the world, and that they had taken upon themselves the task of making it disappear from all the continents where they have penetrated with their armies, their trade, and their religion.” Had Weil lived to witness the savage iconoclasms of this period we have nebulously tagged as ‘postmodern’, she would have been truly appalled. For in this so-called ‘postmodern turn’, where cultural narcissism, a plurality of psychological identities, and radical relativism dominates and corrodes human society, beauty (together with the true and the good) is slowly being eclipsed and forgotten. This is seen supremely, although not exclusively, in art. The American art critic and philosopher Arthur Danto, observing the erosion of beauty, wrote in The Abuse of Beauty that “Beauty …disappeared not only from the advanced art of the 1960s, but from advanced philosophy of art of that decade as well… [It] rarely came up in art periodicals from the 1960s without the deconstructionist snicker.” The eclipse of beauty is also seen in the church, especially in its worship, music, architecture and art. This is both alarming and sad because beauty has always occupied such a central place in the Christian heritage. In music, for instance, we
have such marvellous epiphanies of created beauty in the haunting monody of Gregorian chant, the uncommon splendour of the choral motets of Palestrina, and the majestic cantatas of Handel and Bach. Beauty so profoundly pervades the Christian tradition simply because the God that Christians worship is beautiful. The glory of God may refer to many things, but it points most significantly to his majestic beauty. Reflecting on the implications of this truth, Richard Viladesu writes in his captivating book, Theology and the Arts: “To say that God is beauty is to affirm God as the horizon of every human experience of the beautiful, in all aspects: intellectual, moral, interpersonal and aesthetic.”
“Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding.
The world that God created is beautiful because it reflects the divine beauty. There is therefore that profound analogy between earthly or created beauty and the beauty of God, its Creator. “The world”, writes the great 19th century poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, “is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil.” Thus, while the
divine beauty transcends all its visible manifestations, God is their source and final cause. If God is Beauty, then, his selfdisclosure must also be beautiful. And if, as Scripture has taught us, God has revealed himself universally in the created order, every experience of beauty is in some sense an encounter of the revelation of God. In all its imperfections, earthly beauty affords us a glimpse – however slight – of the glory of God. But the beauty of God is seen most supremely in the fullness of his revelation in Jesus Christ. For the incarnate Son is the icon, the image and the form of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Looking at the eternal Son clothed in humanity in the incarnation, John could testify: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) And since Christ is the definitive self-disclosure of God, to see the glory of the Son is to behold the glory of the Father (John 14:8-9). In addition, there is in every human being an innate sense of beauty, and therefore also an ineffable longing for God. A Christian view of man cannot but affirm this, its great doctrines concerning human fallenness and rebellion notwithstanding. Augustine saw this very clearly when he spoke of the restless human heart that can find its ultimate repose only in God. Pascal also recognised it in his marvellous metaphor of the God-shaped vacuum in every human heart. Perhaps this is why despite the philistinism of the postmodern culture, beauty has not totally disappeared and still survives in some strands of culture. And perhaps this is also why despite the onslaught of secularism and atheism, more than a third of the global population still believe in the God of the Bible. n
METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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GC-WSCS
Journey of Sisterho Christina Stanley Editor, Methodist Message, talked to Ms Dorothy Lim, President of the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS), one rainy afternoon and came away feeling excited and upbeat about the on-going ministry of the WSCS.
Members of the GC WSCS Executive Committee conducted a Financial Stewardship & Governance Seminar in April this year. They are: (L-R) Mrs Choo Lai Eng, Treasurer; Ms Flora Chew, Treasurer; Mrs Irene Tan, Finance Chairperson; Mrs Gracie Chan, Governance Chairperson; and Mrs Dolly Chia, Constitution Review Chairperson.
The newly-formed WSCS chapter from Telugu Methodist Church (Singapore) presenting a song item at the World Federation Day event in November 2013.
“If we are built up today, we can then put the groundwork in place, so that women in future can do better because of what we have done today. ”
Ms Dorothy Lim, President of the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (GC-WSCS)
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omething quite special happens when women get together – regardless of whether they are top-ranking professionals, home-makers, stay-at-home mothers, or retirees. We let our guard down. We feel a sense of sisterhood. And as our conversation flows from serious topics to trivial issues, from bringing up children to schooling, hobbies, travel, relationships and a sharing of recipes and the latest ‘makan’ places, we feel assured that we can better identify with each other, with a greater sense of acceptance. As Ms Dorothy Lim, President of the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (GC-WSCS), says: “Ladies are more willing to open up to each other. What sets us apart as women is the unchanged fact that we remain mothers, wives, daughters, and are required at the same time to juggle work and community commitments.” Dorothy was just 38 years old when she became the President of her local church (Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church) WSCS in 1997. At that time, she was expecting her fourth child – the other children were six, seven and nine years old. She had chosen to stop working when her first child was born, and by then, she had already toned down her involvement in church, other than serving in the choir. Today, she has been in the GC-WSCS President’s seat since 2008 – and is at the moment mid-way through the second quadrennium. Dorothy said: “I had only planned to serve for a two-year term. But God changed my heart over time. I saw the need to build up women spiritually so that they can face their own circumstances. While we cannot remove the circumstances that they are in, we walk alongside them. “For me, building up women to have stronger and a more resilient faith in God was important. Yes, the Women Charter protects women today, but we would rather help to repair relationships and bring about reconciliation. We try to restore families, and to ensure children are not negatively affected.”
ood
Participants at the Young Women’s Leadership Seminar held July 2014 in Korea, holding a completed ‘peace quilt’. Present were Ms Evelyn Pang from Paya Lebar Methodist Church (standing, second from left), Ms Michelle Titis from Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (seated, third row, fourth from right) and Ms Ho Hui Ni from Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church (seated, second row, third from right).
Dorothy has witnessed a divorce that had terrible consequences for a family. The father was given custody of two children, and the mother given custody of one. Not only was the couple separated, but the children were as well. Celebrations like Chinese New Year were a struggle for the children. “The main purpose of the WSCS is to build stronger, more grounded women of God. We believe that this will help them to be more resilient when faced with challenges and in times of crisis.” “In addition, the WSCS is a platform for women to serve. In the general church setting, more women are followers, rather than leaders. Of course this is fast changing, especially with better-qualified women coming to the forefront in the marketplace. Within WSCS, however, there is greater opportunity for women to lead in the four pillars of the Church – Discipleship
& Nurture, Witness & Evangelism, Missions, and Outreach & Social Concerns. “For many women, the WSCS is a non-threatening environment, and I believe people grow better in such an environment, as they feel more free to be themselves.” When asked about what she thinks God has done in these past six years, Dorothy replied: “In the first quadrennium, we took the time to review our different policies and our constitution. Going into my second term, we moved more into ministry, and put in place programmes to train the coordinators at all local church levels. “Our theme for Witness & Evangelism and Outreach & Social Concern for this quadrennium is ‘Love in Action’. Training is now on-going to help us better serve the community, helping the poor and needy, and caring for their spiritual needs. These are ways to demonstrate ‘love in action’. We also recruited a Christian Ministry Staff who develops our curriculum and does the training as well. “If we are built up today, we can then put the groundwork in place, so that women in future can do better because of what we have done today. When the new team comes in, they should not have to start in first gear, but they should be able to continue driving, to gain momentum. Let’s work with a long-term plan, so that we can be a united sisterhood, not divided by conferences.” n
PRAY for top priority needs u Groom leaders with passion for women’s work u Train and equip women to actively serve in the Body of Christ u For the local church WSCS chapters to participate in all Church ministries For more information on membership and opportunities to serve, please contact Ms Siah May Ling at mayling.siah@ methodist.org.sg or 6478-4760.
FOCUS • The WSCS structure models that of the Church, for women to be nurtured, equipped and sent forth to serve their families, church and community • Equipping women – e.g. helping senior women keep up with technology, mentoring young mothers, career guidance for young girls, helping women deepen their spiritual life • Outward-looking – participate in the four pillars of the church, network within conferences to share resources and experiences, raise women to take a bigger role in missions and evangelism, and to have a WSCS chapter in every Methodist church in Singapore FACTS • Subscribing Membership of just 2,200 members, although about 70 per cent of church members are women • Partnership with Methodist Welfare Services in Residence @ St George’s, a safe and secure environment for young female offenders and troubled teenage girls • 2015 plans in the pipeline include a Thanksgiving Service on 24 Jan, Holy Week meditation guide for members, WSCS Sunday in May, Leadership Development in July and a Family Day in Sept that will unite all 37 Local Church WSCS chapters. Mission trips have also been planned for Nepal and Cambodia.
Photos (except background picture) courtesy of General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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HOME
Father’s
love
Michelle Lee is 13 years old and attends One Community at Covenant Community Methodist Church. She conducted an exclusive interview with inspiring motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, about what Christian fatherhood means to him.
How has your understanding of God deepened since you became a father?
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hen my wife Kanae was pregnant with Kiyoshi and I felt him kick, I loved him. I loved him even before I saw him. I had tears in my eyes, saying to my wife, “Baby, I love him.” I never saw him smile, he never did anything to make me love him. I just loved him because he was mine. So that helped me understand the father’s love that God has for us because we are his children. The Bible says He knew us even before we were born. I can relate a little bit to that because I knew Kiyoshi’s name before he was born. So, I am very thankful for the unconditional love and the new life God has for us. How is this understanding shaping your relationship with your son? It helps me to be a better father. There is no better father than our Heavenly Father. He is the most patient, the most caring, the most forgiving, the most self-controlled. I know I am not going to be a perfect father, but I want my son to be happy. I want him to know Jesus and I want whatever God wants for him. Although my parents did not know what God had for me, God always has a plan. All I need to do is to encourage Kiyoshi about this.
Photos courtesy of Nic k Vujic
I still want to discipline him so he’s not a spoilt brat. I want him to be thankful for what he has, to work hard, save. Also, I am not going to bully him. And if he gets a B at school, or a C at school, that’s okay. I had Cs and Ds at school sometimes, but I am happy and successful. You don’t need As or Bs, but you need Jesus. I’ll push him, but at the same time, I’m not going to push him that hard. How would you define Christian fatherhood? Being a father who knows God has helped me so much. I can’t imagine being a father with my own wisdom, in my own strength, and my own patience. Fathers need God’s patience, God’s wisdom, and God’s strength. Without God, I can’t even be a good husband. It’s like picking up your cross, denying yourself and following God. So, you need to love more than you are loved, forgive more than you are
forgiven, and be more patient than the patience you receive. It’s striving to become the best that you can be because of God’s love. So, it’s about reminding yourself of the promises of God and in reading the Word. When I’m home, my wife and I always read the Bible together in the morning for 20 minutes to 45 minutes no matter what is happening. We have coffee, Kiyoshi runs around, and we read the Bible. I read out loud and we pray for each other. That’s how we start the day. We see the benefits and the blessings and the presence of God when we do that. n
Reprinted with permission from Covenant Community Methodist Church’s quarterly magazine, Loaves + Fishes (Apr/Jun 2014 issue)
An exclusive interview by Michelle Lee ic’s F aceb
o ok
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Nick Vujicic was born with a rare condition called tetra-amelia syndrome which resulted in him having no arms and legs. He turned his disability into a strength and now travels the world giving motivational talks and spreading the gospel. Nick married Kanae Miyahara in 2012 and their son, Kiyoshi, was born the next year. METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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HYMNS & SONGS
Hymns for children? Judith Mosomos is Acting Director of Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
I Sing the Almighty Power of God I sing the almighty power of God, that made the mountains rise, that spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies. I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day; the moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey. I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food, who formed the creatures thru the Word, and then pronounced them good. Lord, how thy wonders are displayed, Where’er I turn my eye, if I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky. There’s not a plant or flower below but makes thy glories known, and clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from thy throne; while all that borrows life from thee is ever in thy care; and everywhere that we can be, Thou, God, art present there.
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hildren’s Day is celebrated in October, and many churches will have a Sunday set aside to highlight their Children’s Ministry. There are many great resources for children’s songs – but how about hymns written for them? In the year 1715, a collection of children’s hymns was published under Divine and Moral Songs for the Use of Children. This was the first children’s hymnal published. It was Isaac Watts’ concern for the spiritual formation of children that motivated him to work on such a project. At that time, parents took excerpts from the collection for their children to memorise as part of their moral upbringing. In the preface of that hymnal, Watts ended with a prayer: “May they (the children) be a glory among the nation, a pattern to the Christian world, and a blessing to the earth.” Among the hymns in Divine and Moral Songs for the Use of Children is ‘Praise for Creation and Providence’. This is now listed as ‘I Sing the Almighty Power of God’ in the United Methodist Hymnal – UMH 152. While this hymn was intended for children, it is also a great hymn for adults, thus its inclusion in the UMH and other hymnals. The text speaks about God with His power and wisdom that reigns above all. It also talks about His presence in our daily lives. In this hymn, Watts uses images from the following scripture passages: Genesis 1; Psalm 19:1-3; Psalm 95:3-6, Psalm 104, and Jeremiah 10:12-13. The tune used is FOREST GREEN. An alternative tune may be KINGSFOLD (UMH 179, 258, 606). Do children sing this hymn today? Maybe, but not that often. Yet, it is rich in biblical imagery. Perhaps the text can be set to a new melody to make it more accessible to children. It is a good hymn to use as the Affirmation of Faith during Children’s worship or during an intergenerational worship service. As for placement, it is appropriate that this hymn be positioned at the start of a general Sunday worship or services that focus on Creation and providence. n
Text: Isaac Watts (1674-1748) – Public Domain
METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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WORLD METHODISM
Peace and justice – possible in our lifetime? Bishop Ivan M. Abrahams is the fourth person and first South African to serve as General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, beginning his tenure in 2012. He wrote this message in the August 2014 issue of the First Friday Newsletter, the monthly newsletter of the World Methodist Council.
“I
write to you this month (Aug 2014) in the midst of trying times – the downing of the Malaysian Airlines flight over the Ukraine, continuing conflict in Syria, Iraq, Sudan and Nigeria, and the latest clash between Israel and Palestine. Over the last few weeks we have witnessed the people of Israel and Gaza being caught up in the vortex of violence resulting in the loss of more than 1,200 lives. The casualties have mostly been of innocent civilians and more than 3,000 people maimed and injured, not to speak of the thousands who have been left destitute by the fighting. The Holy Land is a place that inspires a degree of reverence and causes us all to take pause. For many years, the subject of Israel and Palestine has been on the agenda of the World Methodist Council. It is an issue that often stirs passions. The Old Testament calls us to pray for peace in Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), a city sacred to three religions, but unfortunately this reverence has been shattered by the events unfolding there. I am deeply saddened by the choices made by those in positions of power and authority. I know that tears and outrage alone will not stop the conflict. We need a commitment from all on the ground to stop the violence. I am a person who has the blood of both Jews fleeing persecution in Russia and Europe, as well as that of the indigenous people of my continent, coursing through my veins. In many instances this has helped me to be a bridge-builder, reconciler and peace-maker for the cause of Christ in my country and further afield – I have been part of ecumenical delegations to meet with religious and political leaders in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Israel and Fiji. My ministry has always been weighted on the side of peace, justice and reconciliation, and I write not just as a passive observer to injustice and oppression, but as one whose life has been shaped on the anvil of the South African liberation
struggle. I belong to a restless and impatient generation whose mantra was ‘Freedom in our Lifetime’, and it is from that deep faith perspective and clear understanding of the demands of the Gospel that I am driven to work for change. I pray that when the modern history of Palestine and Israel is written, our children will not judge us as they read about the current conflict and ask: “Were you also complicit by your silence? Was your theology Islamophobic and dehumanising? Were you an accessory to the crimes against humanity? How could you have allowed this warfare to happen?” I urge you to revisit the World Methodist Council’s 2011 Resolution on Israel and Palestine. Let us use every form of nonviolent means at our disposal as we commit ourselves to restoring dignity, justice and peace to all God’s children. I believe that we need to pray for peace in Jerusalem more than ever before. Matthew tells us that Jesus cried out; ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone the messengers God has sent you! How many times I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would not let me!’ (Matthew 23:37, Good News Translation) Luke records that Jesus ‘wept over’ Jerusalem, saying: ‘If you only knew today what is needed for peace!’ (Luke 19:41-42, Good News Translation) We must never allow war and violence to have the last word – peace and justice is possible in our lifetime, and God can guide us there. May God comfort and strengthen those affected by war and fighting throughout the globe, the victims as well as their families, and may we be used as instruments to champion a just peace throughout this world.” n
Reprinted with permission from the World Methodist Council.
Background photo courtesy of Ms Christina Stanley METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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UNITY IN SPIRIT – PCS
Nurturing those with special needs Chia Hui Jun is Editorial Executive of the Methodist Message and worships at Foochow Methodist Church. She put this article together with valuable input from Mr Tristan Gwee, Community Support Manager, Presbyterian Community Services.
The Integrated Playgroup gives toddlers (18 months to three years) opportunities for early socialisation, hands-on learning and parent-child bonding
Snigdho (left) interacts with a peer.
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nigdho*, 5, has Norrie Disease, an inherited eye disorder that often leads to blindness and causes developmental delay in motor skills such as sitting up and walking. He has never attended preschool and was quite withdrawn, until he attended the Intervention cum Education Programme. This one-on-one specialised intervention programme is provided and subsidised by Presbyterian Community Services (PCS), where children with special needs can learn alongside their peers in a mainstream setting. Since then, Snigdho has learnt to feed himself, express some of his needs and is more willing to try different foods. His parents are also happy to note that he now enjoys going to school. Forerunner in special needs education This is just one of the many projects PCS runs, having identified a service gap in this area in the early 1980s. Some of their childcare centres offer an integrated programme for children with special needs between two to six years old, where they learn, play, socialise and grow alongside their mainstream peers. Most of these children are autistic or have delayed development issues. The Integrated Playgroup gives toddlers (18 months to three years) opportunities for early socialisation, hands-on learning and parent-child bonding. The Bee-a-reader Literacy Programme aims to give children from lowincome families a head start in primary school.
PCS also runs Grace Orchard School for students who have been diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disability and Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), with an Intellectual Quotient (IQ) within the range of 50-70. This joint project between PCS and two Presbyterian churches allows these students between seven to 18 years old to receive special education. Formerly known as Presbyterian Welfare Services, PCS was started as the social service arm of the Presbyterian Church in Singapore 40 years ago. Over the years, they have strived “to meet challenges and needs of the community in Christian witness to touch lives” – their mission statement. To cater for diverse needs in our population, they have expanded their scope of services to include infant care, pre-school education, student care, special needs programmes, a residential home for teenage girls, a youth-at-risk programme, and eldercare services. Emergency Relief Scheme (ERS) One such group PCS serves is those who have come under sudden financial difficulty. When Eric* met with a road accident shortly after getting married, he suffered multiple fractures and needed several operations. During his months of recuperation, PCS provided his family with short-term aid under the Emergency Relief Scheme. Through generous donations from churches and the general public, they have disbursed over a million dollars to individuals and families since the inception of the scheme. The timely aid has tided them over financial crises arising from sudden death, imprisonment or illness of the breadwinner, or abandonment of the family by a spouse or children. Training and Research Academy (TaRA) Another flagship project is the Training and Research Academy located at Jurong Point Shopping Centre (TaRA@JP), in partnership with the National University Health System. It is a hub for research and training of eldercare professionals in the care of elderly with dementia and depression. The Jurong Ageing Study, which targets a cohort of 2,000 elderly people in Jurong, aims to reduce the 10-year cumulative rates of depression and dementia through screening, early detection and intervention.
HOME
Reaching out the hand of fellowship The Rev Gabriel Liew is a pastor of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. tment. edical appoin ed for her m rt co es is dy An elderly la
“Personally I am committed to Jesus Christ and His hopes for (hu)mankind and I would share my saviour with others, but I would also reach out the hand of fellowship to those who are seeking on other paths in the name of our common humanity.” – Bishop Dr H. B. Amstutz
E Housekeeping assistance is provided for frail elderly.
Other services In fact, PCS started its first project, Heng Teck Centre, in 1974 – it included a playgroup and an outreach centre to the elderly staying in the Bukit Merah View neighbourhood. Their first eldercare project, Dorcas Home Care, started in 1992 with a meals-on-wheels service for the frail elderly living in Chinatown. Later on, they expanded the scope of their services to housekeeping, medical escort and personal hygiene assistance. Today, the home-help service covers the southwestern region of Singapore. PCS also runs Sarah Seniors Activity Centre (SAC) and Evergreen Circle SAC. PCS also celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, and launched the PCS-Network as part of their celebration. The PCS-Network consolidates community services offered by various Presbyterian churches for greater visibility of the social services. Going forward, Executive Director Mr David Lim said: “PCS must continue to stay relevant, be perceptive in realising service gaps and be compelled by God to act with compassion and swiftness.” n
*Not their real names
very year, Muslims around the world practise the discipline of fasting during the month of Ramadan as an integral part of their spirituality. Following the end of Ramadan, they celebrate the joy of Hari Raya with the gathering of family and friends. At the invitation of Mr and Mrs Jaafar Mah from the Ba’alwie Mosque, Ms Irene Lim, Mr Poh Zhi Hui, Ms Sophie Liew and I visited our Muslim friends at their home on 28 July 2014. We met some Muslim friends dressed in their traditional attire, the people of other faith communities and the leaders of the Inter-Religious Organisation. Mr and Mrs Mah opened their hearts and home for people of different religious persuasions to gather together for fellowship over food. Their hospitality helped us to break down the social barriers and enabled us to expand our circle of friendship as fellow pilgrims in the journey of life. n
The Rev Gabriel Liew (standing, centre) enjoying the hospitality of Mr Jaafar Mah, (standing, right) and Mrs Mah (seated, centre). They were joined by others from Kampong Kapor Methodist Church: Mr Poh Zhi Hui (standing, left), Ms Irene Lim (seated, left) and Ms Sophie Liew (seated, right).
Photo courtesy of the Rev Gabriel Liew METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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POEMS
Soaring On Eagles’ Wings The everlasting God… gives power to the weak… But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NKJV)
Leong Kwok Thye is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
Amidst challenges and strife, We run the marathon of life. Everyone must participate; How we run decides our fate. It’s an arduous journey, All will be weak and weary; Everyone will need strength, To complete the entire length. But we are not on our own, The Creator is on the throne; He gives power to the meek, When they are weary and weak. Lord, as we wait on You, Our ebbing strength renew; Empower us by Your grace, To run with steadfast pace. That dispirited no more, On eagles’ wings we soar, Upward to finish the race, To see You face to face.
Used by permission of Leong Kwok Thye, Copyright 2014, from Time Belongs To God & Other Poems, 2014, by Scripture Union.
October ATTENDING THE ‘FIRE2014’ EVENING GOSPEL & HEALING RALLY
11 Oct (Saturday), 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) Singapore Expo Max Pavilion, 1 Expo Drive, #02-01
Invite your pre-believing friends and family to hear the Good News at this Rally – part of the ‘fire2014’ conference, where Reinhard Bonnke and Daniel Kolenda will be speaking. Organised by Christ For All Nations. Admission is free, and first-come-first-served.
oct
11
For more info, visit www.fire2014.org, email Singapore@cfan.org.sg, or call 6345-9880.
REGISTERING FOR THE RESTORING THE FAMILY SEMINAR
17-18 Oct (Friday – Saturday), 9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. The 3rd Space, 18 Cross Street, #B1-05, China Square Central
Mark Sandford will conduct this seminar about God’s design for the family, the parental couple as a foundation, the roles of fathers and mothers, incest and other boundary violations, healing our children and healing the family tree. Organised by Elijah House. Register by 11 October. Fee: $120 per person ($50 for full-time ministry staff and seminary students)
oct
17-18
For more info, visit www.bible.org.sg/programmes/in-around-singapore/elijah-house-publicseminar or email ehseminar@gmail.com
PLAYING IN ALPHA SINGAPORE’S 5TH ANNUAL GOLF DAY
31 Oct (Friday), 1.30 p.m. Sentosa Golf Club, Tanjong Course
Have a fun and good-spirited golf competition among friends as you raise funds to support Alpha’s on-going work in Singapore. Organised by Alpha Singapore. Register by 20 October.
oct
31
For more info, contact Mr Joseph Chia at joseph@alpha.org.sg or 6469-5085.
REGISTERING FOR CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE DONATION DRIVE
By 1 Nov (Saturday)
Participating churches and organisations will be given ‘gift tags’ to hang on their own Christmas trees, on which donors can write down their donation amount and to which ministry – in-care, after-care or family care. Prison Fellowship Singapore will pick up the written ‘tags’ weekly. Organised by Prison Fellowship Singapore. Churches and organisations to register and indicate the number of tags they need by 1 November.
nov
1
For more info, contact Mr Peter Lim at 6475-6136.
REGISTERING FOR THE EAGLES OASIS RETREAT
14-16 Nov (Friday – Sunday) Thistle Hotel, Johor Bahru
Experience God’s presence, power and provision as we consider four milestones in Moses’ journey to the Promised Land to guide us in our individual journey. Organised by Eagles Communications. Register by 17 October. Fee: $290 per person.
nov
For more info, contact Ms Mimi Govinden at mimi@eagles.org.sg or 6419-5012.
14-16 METHODIST MESSAGE • OCT 2014
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THINK
Sexuality: Our divine nature Ben KC Lee serves as a bi-vocational minister. He was born in Sabah. Ben has enjoyed assignments such as accountant, church-planter and pastor, but his favourite role is being husband to Dinah and dad to their twins, Daniel and Deborah.
A
recent ministers’ event on same-sex attraction (SSA) called us to address sexuality even as we address sexual issues such as SSA. What exactly is sexuality? Sexuality is our masculine and feminine nature itself – like a unique thread, woven throughout each part of our lives: emotional, physical, social, intellectual and spiritual. It’s a fundamental component of personhood in and through which we, as male or female, experience our relatedness to self, others, the world and God. At the heart of sexuality is a longing for union with someone who will know us and love us unconditionally. At its core it’s a powerful energy and an aching longing to connect. Sexuality is an awareness of separateness according to Ronald Rolheiser. His book The Holy Longing describes sexuality as an awareness of having been cut off. He explains that the word ‘sex’ has a Latin root, secare. This means “to cut off ”, “to sever”, “to amputate”, “to disconnect from the whole”. If you go to a tree and cut off a branch, you have ‘sexed’ that branch. It would know in its every cell that if it wants to continue living and especially to produce flowers and bear fruit, it must reconnect itself to the tree. That is precisely how we wake up in the world and this is experienced as an aching loneliness, an irrational longing. Then sex is the complete union of two people – body, soul and spirit. It is becoming one. It is giving one’s body, heart and emotions to another. God has given us a deep desire for intimacy. This desire for sexual intimacy points to a greater reality – our desire for oneness and intimacy with God. Oneness is at the heart of the Godhead. The three Persons share oneness. God has made us male and female, sexual beings, to lead us into this reality. Eve came out of Adam. Adam and Eve are one being. They are two persons but they come from one being. God is one being but three persons. Danny Burk in his book What Is The Meaning of Sex? lists the subordinate purposes of sex as the consummation of marriage, procreation, love, and pleasure. They are good and Godhonouring but insufficient to understand why God created sex. The ultimate purpose of sex is to glorify God as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
God has given us a deep desire for intimacy. This desire for sexual intimacy points to a greater reality – our desire for oneness and intimacy with God.
How do we address sexuality in the congregation? Start with teaching the theology of sexuality and relationships, marriage and singlehood. Get the issues talked about in worship services, small groups and seminars. Encourage people struggling to come forward to talk with the pastoral team. Hiding is a problem in sexuality, which only perpetuates the problem. Ministers must share honestly about personal struggles. This is not laying everything on the line. It is admission of weakness because everyone struggles. Men and women need to be prepared to engage in their sexual development, desire and growth while we move through the seasons of life. There needs to be an open discussion around what singlehood looks like at 37 when marriage is nowhere on the horizon or at 27 when engaged and just days from saying “I do”. Such conversations need to acknowledge that it’s not easy. There will be temptation and desire while waiting. There can also be joyful anticipation while waiting. “Where the river flows everything will live.” (Ezekiel 47:9) To be human is to live as a sexual person. Our sexuality embraces our embodied ways of living in the world as female or male. Our sexuality is to be celebrated while also put in submission to Christ. I encourage you to offer yourself to God by trusting Him with your life. He wants an intimate relationship with you. n