HARVEST FORCE CONNECTS YOU WITH THE METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY
ENHANCED
Equipping Christians for Mission in a Complex World
This programme is a robust exploration of theoretical and theological frameworks with hands-on practice learning by theologians and experienced missionaries from Trinity Theological College (TTC) and the Singapore Centre for Global Mission (SCGM)
Who is this for?
Missional entrepreneurs who are innovating or ideating new ways of reaching di erent groups of people
Senders who are members of local church missions committees, denominational missions boards, or missions agencies
Short-term missionaries preparing for cross-cultural assignments of 6–24 months
Everyday Christians who wish to be intentional and reflective participants in missional and missionary endeavours
What’s in the programme?
This self-paced programme will take between two to eight years to complete. It comprises two parts: TRAINING and a PRACTICUM
TRAINING | Eight online, weekday evening courses and an in-person workshop held over three Saturdays. The EQUIP course schedule for two years is available at ttc.edu.sg/english/ EQUIPcourseschedule
Every course comprises seven two-hour Zoom sessions
1. Old Testament Survey*
2. New Testament Survey*
3. Christian Doctrine*
4. Missio Dei: Historical & Holistic Perspectives
5. Theology of Mission
6. Introducing World Religions
7. Issues in Christian Mission
8. Contextualization and Mission
*Those with theological degrees are exempted from these courses
In-person workshop held over three Saturdays Understanding Church Planting and Holistic Mission
PRACTICUM | Either an overseas 5–7 day missions exposure trip OR 40 hours with a local missions partner over no more than three months, and pre- and post- practicum activities
How do I register?
To register or to get more information, please email equip@ttc.edu.sg
Get more information also via this QR code or ttc.edu.sg/english/ EQUIP-LMP
Methodist Missions Society (MMS) is the missions agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore. MMS is given the mandate to establish indigenous churches supported by mission endeavours in communities across this region where there is no Methodist presence. Harvest Force is published three times annually and distributed free. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Work in Creative Access Nations is not published; please email mms@methodist. org.sg for more information and engagement. All information published is correct at time of writing and may be subject to change. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version, unless otherwise stated.
PERMIT NUMBER MCI (P) 014/01/2024
ADVISOR nov 2024
Rev Derrick Lau
EDITOR
Leongheng
PROOFREADER
Wendy Tan
CHINESE PROOFREADER
Goh Tuan Gee
TRANSLATORS
Henry Wang, Thng Pheng Soon
PHOTO CREDITS:
Joshua Khoo, Quek Koh Eng, Sharon Goh
DISTRIBUTION & SUPPORT
Eileen Lim, Helen Tan, Tan Poh Ling & Delighters
DESIGNER
Pure Design Pte Ltd
PRINTER
Print & Print Pte Ltd
PUBLISHER
Rev Derrick Lau
70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 Tel: 6478 4818
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COVER Go Tell The World
PHOTO CREDIT Stock Image with digital illustration. Richard Soh
FIRst WoRD
g Go Tell The World
WAZZUP!
g Country Information
g Opportunities to Serve
FIeLD FeAtURe
g Dedication Service of St Paul Methodist School in Timor-Leste
HF sPeCIAL
g The Urgency of Reaping the Harvest
g Interview with Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng
g Politics and John Wesley’s Urban Mission
HoMe In on… g MMS Family g MMS Missionary Retreat 2024
g MMS ‘My Father’s Business’ Banquet 2024
If you need the magazine to be printed in larger font size, please let us know by emailing to mms@methodist.org.sg
Tell The World Go
Rev Derrick Lau 刘作丰牧师
We need to be there to feel the ground and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit challenging our hearts to proclaim the gospel to these precious souls!
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36, esV
Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and ministered to the large crowds that had gathered around him. The people witnessed the incredible power of divine transformation including the healing of disease and affliction. Naturally, when the hearts of these people were touched and transformed, they became “ambassadors” and went about sharing their experiences to those in their villages and cities.
If we were in that city, I think we would feel and experience the revolutionary heartbeat of those who had experienced the touch of Jesus! The atmosphere would have been earth shattering! And they could not contain that irrepressible discovery within themselves! The spread of that positive energy must have been contagious!
In the same manner, when we have tasted the goodness of the Lord, we would want to share it with our immediate family, community, and nations around us. I had the privilege of sharing the good news with my family members and neighbours, and I recalled vividly my first overseas mission trip when I was in my early twenties!
Executive Director of MMS. He has many hobbies including having fun with drones.
The trip organised by the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) Board of Missions was to Sibu and Kapit in East Malaysia. I travelled with a group of church leaders and members from Singapore. It was truly an eye-opening experience. A different language and culture did not create obstacles as we were set to communicate the love of Jesus to them. We interacted with the youth leaders in Iban with the assistance of interpreters. While we shared the Word of God and ministered His grace, our team received God’s remarkable blessings on our endeavour!
Hence, a short-term mission trip (of 1 to 2 weeks) is generally a good start to the path of missions pursuits and maybe, God willing, it could also be a prelude to longer-term missionary service! It provides a window of opportunity to see those that need the redemptive message of Christ and of whom the Lord has laid a conviction in our hearts. It is different from just reading about these people groups and viewing a video associated with them. We need to be there to feel the ground and experience the presence of the Holy Spirit challenging our hearts to proclaim the gospel to these precious souls!
Kristian Stanfill, an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and worship leader from Atlanta, Georgia, USA wrote:
This is a call, now everybody follows.
Go tell the world that Jesus reigns.
Go the broken, go to the helpless.
Go set the captive free.
Come one, come all.
Come young, come old.
Come everyone.
Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38, esV
The call is urgent as several MMS missionaries have retired, and some are retiring in the next few years. We challenge you to respond to the call of God to serve in the mission fields.
传遍世界 将福音
耶稣走遍各城各乡，在各会堂里教导人，宣扬天国的福音，医治各种疾病、各种病症。祂看见群众，就怜悯 他们，因为他们困苦无依，像没有牧人的羊一样。
马太福音 9:35-36（新译本）
耶稣宣讲天国的福音，并服侍围绕在他身边的众多群众。人们亲眼目睹了耶稣许多神圣的转变能力，包 括疾病和病症的医治。自然而然地，当这些人的心灵被触动并转变后，他们就成为福音的“使者”，到各自 的村庄和城市中与他人分享他们的经历。
倘若当时我们身处那座城市，我想我们一定能感受和体验那些经历耶稣疗愈者激荡的心潮，那种氛围必 定震撼人心！他们无法抑制也无法言喻那种感受！那股正能量的传播一定是势不可挡！
同样地，当我们尝到主的美善时，必定渴望与我们的家人、社区以及周遭不同的民族群体分享这份喜讯。
我曾有幸向家人和邻居分享福音，至今仍清晰地记得自己二十出头时第一次海外宣教的经历！
同样地，当我们尝到主的美 善时，必定渴望与我们的家 人、社区以及周遭不同的民 族群体分享这份喜讯。
那是由三一年议会宣教委员会组织前往东马诗巫和加帛 的短宣。我与一群来自新加坡的教会领袖和信徒一同前 往，那真是一次令人开阔眼界的经历。不同的语言和文化 差异并未构成障碍，因为我们致力要向他们传递耶稣的 爱。在翻译同工的协助下，我们与伊班族的青年领袖互动 交流。在分享上帝的话语及祂恩典的过程中，我们的团队 也领受了上帝奇妙的祝福！
因此，一般为期一至二周的短宣，往往是投入宣教服侍的 开端。若是神的旨意，它或许会成为长宣服侍的前奏！它也 为我们提供了一个机会，借着短宣让我们看到主的心意， 去接触需要基督救赎福音的人群。这种经历与仅仅靠阅读 这些族群的资料或观看与他们相关的视频是截然不同。我
们需要亲临其境，感受圣灵的同在，心被圣灵触动，挑战我 们广传福音，赢取这些宝贵的灵魂！
美国佐治亚州亚州特兰大市的当代福音歌手、词曲作者和 敬拜领袖克里斯坦·斯坦菲尔（KristianStanfill）写道：
这是一个呼召，现在每个人都要听从。
去告诉世人耶稣掌权。
去帮助破碎的人，去帮助无助的人。
去释放被囚的人。
来吧，一个人来，所有人都来。
来吧，年轻人；来吧，年长者。
大家都来吧！
于是（耶稣）对门徒说：“要收的庄稼多，做工的人少。所以， 你们当求庄稼的主打发工人出去收他的庄稼。
马太福音 9:37-38
呼召是紧迫的！多位卫宣宣教士已经相继退休，未来几年 还有部分宣教士即将退休。我们诚挚邀请您回应上帝的呼 召，投身宣教禾场服侍。
oPPoRtUnItIes to seRVe
In tHe FIeLD
The fields are ready for harvesting – but there are so few labourers. In the seven countries that MMS serves, we continue to be in need of the following:
• Full-time missionaries. We are asking the Lord to send pastors, church planters, ministry workers, mentors, and teachers.
• Short-term workers who are able to spend between two weeks and six months there to help our missionaries. They would need to raise their own financial support.
• Prayer partners to pray for our ministries and missionaries.
What to do if you sense the LORD calling you into His mission field:
• Speak with your pastor and ask him/her to help examine your calling to missions.
• If your church pastor and leaders affirm your calling and are prepared to support you – praise the Lord! Call MMS straight away at 64784818.
• If your church pastor and leaders affirm your calling but are unable to provide full financial support for you – call MMS anyway! Some of our missionaries are supported by the combined efforts of multiple Methodist churches, agencies, and individuals.
At HoMe
You can also come alongside us as Mission Partners and Volunteers (MPV) at home, to encourage and empower God’s work and workers to incarnate the love of Jesus Christ and to make a difference in the mission fields.
Building, Construction & Maintenance Committee
• Professionals in the Building and Construction industry to volunteer services
Cambodia
Office Assistance
• MMS Events Coordinator
• Member of Fund Raising Team
• Member of Fellowship Mailer Team
• Graphic and Web Designer
Financial Assistance
• Give towards Student Sponsorship Scheme. Please refer to page 27.
• Personnel needed (whatever talents, skills, experience, age, etc.) to empower local Cambodians especially children, youth, young adults in varied ways including disciple-making in our different ministries (COSI, COSY, Hope House, different Hostels, etc.)
CoUntRy InFoRMAtIon
To find out more about the different fields, please email these persons at their respective email addresses:
Cambodia vincent.lim@methodist.org.sg
East Asia mms@methodist.org.sg
Laos lichun.woo@methodist.org.sg
Nepal mms@methodist.org.sg
Thailand vincent.lim@methodist.org.sg
Timor-Leste cheryl.chen@methodist.org.sg
Vietnam mms@methodist.org.sg
• Principal and Vice-Principal needed for the Methodist School of Cambodia to manage and lead the school towards academic excellence and Christian character development.
• Secondary and primary school teachers to teach as well as empower teachers at the Methodist School of Cambodia especially in English, IT, Science, Mathematics, Mental Health awareness, etc.
• Financial Support for more than 200 underprivileged children (about a quarter of enrolment) studying at the Methodist School of Cambodia through the SSS programme.
• Online ministries to teach, befriend and empower local Cambodians.
• Prayer and financial supporters for pastors of the Methodist Church of Cambodia, whose income is below the national minimum wage.
For more information about these opportunities, kindly contact us via email at mms@methodist.org.sg. Be in prayer with us as we seek God’s direction to challenge and mobilise our Methodist community to serve Christ.
east Asia
• A missionary with a passion and commitment to serve in our Diaspora Missions (DM) to reach out to Chinese tertiary students (华侨 & 华裔) on campuses. One who loves the Lord and has a passion to engage tertiary students and initiate outreach activities to bring them the good news and to disciple believers. The missionary will be based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• Trainers to conduct leadership development and counselling courses.
• Church teams to engage communities through community services and development projects.
Laos
• Full-time staff (single or married couple) to serve in SMS and to develop partnerships and community development with the churches and communities in Laos.
• Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary school teachers familiar with the Singapore curriculum to teach at SMS. Teachers may serve for a term of 6 months or longer to teach English or other subjects, or provide short-term courses for teachers’ development for one week to two months.
• More SSS supporters and partners to support and participate in our outreach projects such as the Vientiane Home hostel ministry.
Nepal
• Donors and sponsors for Sophia’s Home girls who are continuing their studies in the various disciplines in the local university in Kathmandu. This enables them to complete their professional studies, be financially independent, serve their communities and MCN.
• Trainers to conduct online or on-site developmental training on Discipleship, Spiritual Leadership, Financial Stewardships, Administration and IT.
• Donors and sponsors for the needy youth within MCN to continue their tertiary education. This enables the future development of MCN financial stability and self-sustainability.
Thailand
• Short-term helpers to organise camps, programmes and activities for BB, GB, Children’s, and Youth ministry at our Methodist churches.
• Qualified Kindergarten and Primary level teachers to conduct teachers’ training at Vineyard Methodist School and Little Candles School. Focus areas are English and Mathematics.
• Mission teams to conduct evangelistic events, community services, etc with our Methodist churches.
• Missionaries and teachers who can teach our Thai teachers English.
• Online ministries to teach, train and empower. They include English Or Chinese language teaching, training and disciple making for children, youths and adults.
timor-Leste
• Families in Singapore willing to open their homes to host Timorese students on internships in Singapore (different durations ranging from 2 weeks to 1 year).
• House parents for student hostels: Missionaries to serve in Sundermeier Home (high school students) or Dunamis House (tertiary students).
• Volunteers to serve as short-term house parents for 1-2 months when missionaries return to Singapore for home leave.
• Experienced educator to serve as Vice-Principal in St Paul Methodist School (SPMS).
• Primary and Secondary school teachers to serve from 1 month to 1 year in SPMS to do teacher training and build general staff capacity.
• Volunteers with vocational/business skills to partner with SPMS to offer short-term training workshops and mentoring.
Vietnam
• Mature Christian to come as tentmaker to help International Christian Fellowship (ICF) grow a small group. And be willing to be trained, learn, and understudy at ICF.
• Volunteers to provide short-term relief teaching or organise learning camps for private school and home for children (kindergarten/primary level). A team to consist no more than four people.
• Teach English at Sunrise Girls Shelter, Lotus Girls Shelter, or Sunlight Boys Shelter during the holidays.
• Qualified TEFL / TESOL teachers; Business entrepreneurs to set businesses (e.g. Crematorium or Language [English/Mandarin] tuition centres) by providing capital investment and advice/guidance, and using their businesses to give job opportunities to other Christians as well as to bring in ministry staff/ tentmakers from Singapore under their business umbrella.
Exploration of New Geographical Missions Partnerships (NewGMP)
• MMS is exploring collaborative partnerships with local Methodist churches in countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, and Japan.
• If the Lord is leading you to serve in places beyond the seven countries where MMS has some form of ministry, please get in touch with us.
Timor-Leste
In FAItH We MoVe, In HoPe We LIVe,
In Love We Exist
In Faith We Move
God’s work always begins with His call and mankind’s faithful obedience. More than 14 years ago, God gave MMS a vision to build a school in Timor-Leste. In 2013, God called David Chan to build a school without walls, to love the orphans and widows. In faith, David, his wife Jessie and their three children (Isaac, aged 14; Joy, aged 11; and Isaiah, aged 8) responded in obedience and moved to TimorLeste in 2015. The family had embraced God’s heart for the Timorese and were sent as MMS missionaries by Aldersgate Methodist Church.
We
give thanks that the Methodist community in Singapore
is participating in God’s call to love Asia’s youngest nation!
Editor’s Note: The abridged version of this article was first published in the September 2024 issue of Methodist Message.
In 2016, the first Methodist school in Timor-Leste was born when David and Jessie started the first class with 18 Grade 7 students. St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) was established by MMS with the aim to provide quality, affordable, Christianbased education at Grades 1 to 12. Faithfully offering a Grade 1 and Grade 7 class every year, the school expanded as student enrolment increased rapidly. The school initially operated out of the Chans’ home and a rented Primary School, and eventually had to operate across 3 temporary locations to accommodate growing student numbers. Today, SPMS is a full 12-grade school with 779 students! Praise God for His faithfulness whenever we move and respond to His call in faith.
The Chan family today: Jessie, Joy (20), David, Isaiah (17), and Isaac (23) serving together in SPMS
Dr Cheryl Chen Country Coordinating Officer for Timor-Leste. On her second trip to Timor-Leste, Dr Cheryl Chen divinely met her husband who was serving as a missionary in the field. Together, they now serve as MMS non-residential missionaries supporting the ministry in Timor-Leste, and worship at Aldersgate Methodist Church.
SPMS earlier years in a temporary rental location
As the student population grew, MMS sought to acquire a piece of land to build a permanent home for the school and eventually leased a 3-hectare plot in Metinaro, a suburb of Dili, in 2021. Phase 1 of the school building project with 2 classroom blocks for 700 students, 2 hostel blocks for 60 students, mission trippers and missionary quarters, a multipurpose hall with canteen, admin building, and football field commenced in 2022. Phase 1 was completed in December 2023. On 7 July 2024, SPMS was dedicated by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong to the glory of God. More than 450 people gathered to celebrate God’s goodness with the completion of Phase 1 of the SPMS Development Project.
In his sermon, Bishop Dr Wong explained that Paul, the apostle, was quoting from ancient philosophers in the theme verse of the Dedication Service. “For in (God) we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.” (Acts 17:28, NLT)
This demonstrated that “truth about God can be learned from outside the Bible”. Bishop declared that students in SPMS could learn from everything good that God has created in the world by receiving a well-rounded education in Language, Mathematics, Science, Music, and the Arts. He said that this good education students received
from SPMS would help them to learn the good truth about God: that we are all the offspring of God (Acts 17:28). He also reminded all parents and guests that God is nearer to us than we think, since “in God, we live and move and exist. In our living and moving from place to place, God is with us.”
Bishop Dr Wong ended his sermon with an invitation to sing along to an old song, “What the World Needs Now Is Love”, with the words “sweet love” replaced with “God’s love”. He prayed that SPMS would help the world find the greatest love of all.
A group activity taking place during class time
SPMS site plan: God provided a 3-hectare site for the school (Phase 1 development in white, future phases in colour)
St Paul Methodist School Phase 1: 2 classroom blocks, 2 hostel blocks, 1 canteen/ multipurpose hall & Admin building
In Hope We Live
In addition to local government leaders, students and their families, teachers and staff, more than 60 partners and supporters from Methodist churches and other denominations throughout Singapore made a special trip to Timor-Leste to witness this milestone. Most of the guests from Singapore had journeyed
with SPMS since the early days when operations took place in the Chans’ missionary home, and the Methodist churches represented had sent mission teams, contributed time and resources in partnership with MMS to achieve the vision of building a permanent home for the school.
These guests rejoiced to see the beautiful new building with proper classrooms and ample outdoor space to conduct The Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade programmes—a far cry from the three temporary sites the school had been operating out of previously. After 14 years, MMS’ vision and hope of establishing a well-run school for the Timorese had finally come to pass!
MMS Executive Director Rev Derrick Lau (centre) exploring the Science Lab with Timor-Leste Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Mr Alex Tilman (right) and Singapore’s charge de affairs to Timor-Leste Mr William Chik (left)
Bishop Dr Wong ending his sermon with a song
Bishop with the crowd
In Love We Exist
For this official Opening Ceremony and Dedication Service, volunteers from Singapore joined the SPMS teachers to plan for the event, working collaboratively to set up the sheltered space for 450 guests, prepare food for the dinner reception, and organise a tour of the school.
MMS Chairman Mr Alvin Tan appreciating Bishop Dr Gordon Wong and Timor-Leste Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Mr Alex Tilman for gracing this significant occasion
(from left) Bishop Dr Wong and H.E. Alex Tilman, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Singapore, honouring partners in Singapore and Timor-Leste: Rev Dr Lynette Sathiasingam, Aldersgate MC PIC; Mun Kwok On, Holland Village MC LCEC Chairperson; Rev Raymond Fong, Wesley MC PIC; Jacqueline Seah, Ang Mo Kio MC Missions Chairperson; Ho Lip Jin, SPMS Development Project Manager; Rev Teresa Wilborn, SPMS Development Consultant; Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, MMS Field Director & Regional Director overseeing Timor-Leste; Joseph Lau, Consultant Architect from LAUD Architects; Director Yao, HEFU International Construction
The Aldersgate Methodist Church Family celebrates in Timor-Leste
Of special mention is the dance team led by Sharon Liew, a member of Wesley Methodist Church. Even though Sharon had never been to Timor-Leste before, she had heard about SPMS and felt led to serve with her dance expertise for the service. Sharon single-handedly produced and choreographed eight dances which were performed during the 5-hour programme to portray the story of the school and God’s hand at work. For the entire month of June, she stayed in SPMS to identify and train the 250 student dancers. This required her to take a leap of faith and close her dance school in Singapore for that period.
Sharon also mobilised others to serve God with their gifts and talents, such as sewing costumes and producing videos. One of these volunteers was Lily John, a choir mistress who came to Timor-Leste for three weeks to set up SPMS’ first choir.
The team from Singapore had a glimpse of the wider kingdom work taking place in Timor-Leste when they had the opportunity to dine at a restaurant school set up by Brazilian missionaries, to train and empower vulnerable girls and young women with the skills to earn a livelihood. Guests also visited the site of Pelican Paradise Resort, Timor-Leste’s first five-star hotel with conference facilities. The resort is a multimillion-dollar investment by Singaporean Datuk Edward Ong to train and employ young people, with the hopes of reducing the nation’s youth unemployment rate.
There are many more missionaries and ministries labouring in Timor-Leste, and we give thanks that the Methodist community in Singapore is participating in God’s call to love Asia’s youngest nation!
Dance performances
Singapore team visits Sundermeier Home, MMS student hostel in Gleno
Sharon and some of the dancers
Hear from SPMS partners and supporters
“I am awed by how much the ministry at SPMS has advanced and grown so quickly. Indeed, God is at work through the faithful work of David and his team. I’m inspired by the potential of this ministry and look forward to greater things to come!”
Rev Adrian ng, Wesley Methodist Church Pastor
“David Chan is equivalent to a Sophia Blackmore in Timor-Leste, and a David who conquers and kills many Goliath-sized problems. David has uprooted his family from a comfortable place like Singapore to start the school from ground zero, and he has made it. Praise the Lord!”
Joseph Lau, LAUD Architects, SPMS Development Project Consultant Architect who worships at Fairfield Methodist Church
“I have been ministered to by the stories of faithfulness in tithing, sowing and waiting for God’s timing … I will continue to pray for the people who work the ground in Timor on a daily basis, long after the visitors have left— for their faithfulness and dedication to the work that God has called them to and also for the eyes of faith to see the Lord’s hand moving in the land.”
Loo Ming Yaw, Aldersgate Methodist Church Lay Leader
“This trip amplifies the opportunities for churches either as a local church or in collaboration with other churches to be involved at SPMS, Sundermeier Home and Dunamis House (MMS hostels). I believe a Christian education will develop the young in Timor and will give this generation a hope for the future and open their eyes to know that there is a God who loves them.”
Mun Kwok on, Holland Village Methodist Church LCeC Chair
“The trip provided good exposure of the two MMS ministries, SPMS and Sundermeier Home (a student hostel in Gleno). Travelling by ground transportation on the challenging terrain between Dili and Gleno … helped me to appreciate the hardship that mission workers need to go through.”
Jacqueline Seah, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church (TRAC) Missions Chair
Visit to Pelican Paradise Resort: A kingdom investment to develop the young people and grow the nation’s economy
tHe URGenCy oF ReAPInG tHe HARVest
Chern Siang Ling MMS Regional Director for Cambodia, Nepal, and Vietnam. She is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and previously served as Lay Executive Staff there after a season as a missionary. Her comfort food is ice-cream; it is a very spiritual food because it is made up of milk and honey!
We, the disciples of Christ, are sent to the crowds with the heart of Jesus to make a difference for the kingdom of God.
When we talk about harvest, these verses in Matthew 9:37-38 will inevitably come to mind. It says: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (NIV)
Every good Bible student would have been taught that one of the essential considerations to sound Biblical interpretation is to read the scriptures in context. From Matthew 9:37-38 and the context of the passage in which these 2 verses sit, I want to share 3 reflections on “The Urgency of Reaping the Harvest”.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the MCN Herald (11th
Issue) in Nepal.
The first reflection is the “CROWDS”, and here it is the needs of the people. In the pretext leading up to Matthew 9:37-38, we see Jesus ministering to the needs of the crowds. Jesus brought a dead girl back to life; Jesus healed a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years; Jesus restored sight to the blind; Jesus drove out the demon from a man and enabled him to speak again. Jesus ministered to the needs of the people – their physical needs, their emotional needs, and their spiritual needs. The crowds were all kinds of people from all walks of life. These were a rich ruler, an ostracized woman, two forgotten blind men, and a demon-possessed man. These people made up the crowds and they had real and immediate needs. And
Jesus met their needs. Jesus shows us the urgency of meeting people where they are, and in doing so, we make the gospel relevant and relatable to them. Our God meets us where we are, and when He meets us where we are, He leads us to Himself.
Following this reflection of the crowds is our second reflection and that is “CoMPAssIon”.
Compassion shows us the heart of Christ. Jesus’ teaching, preaching and healing ministries were not mechanical nor clinical. It was not a mere addressing of their needs. Jesus had compassion. He felt for the people because everyone has been made by God in His image. And the crowds were lost, they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Lost because they did not know their loving and gracious Maker; harassed and helpless as they wrestled with the taunts and temptations of the Evil One. Jesus saw the crowds in their lostness, harassed and helpless, and He had compassion on them. In the urgency of reaping the harvest, let
us not forget the heart of Christ and His compassion for the people. And as we join in the harvest reaping, Jesus grows our hearts to be more and more like His and we are transformed to be more like Jesus. With that heart of Jesus and a compassion for the crowds as we see that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, we are led to the earnest plea and fervent prayer to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.
We have seen the needs of the crowds, and we have resonated with the compassion of Jesus. But if we know the needs and feel for the lost, helpless and harassed, and we stop there, we will not change the world and make it a better place. We will not bring the kingdom of God and the will of heaven to earth. Christianity, through missions, is practical religion. Hence our third reflection, which is “CoMMIssIon” or a sending out. We know that the crowds have needs, and we have the compassion of Christ. With that as a foundation, Christ now commissions and sends out His disciples to advance the kingdom of God. We, the disciples of Christ, are sent to the crowds with the heart of Jesus to make a difference for the kingdom of God. Jesus sends His disciples into the world to bring in His harvest.
It is interesting that Jesus uses an analogy of the harvest field. Maybe it was harvest time as Jesus taught the disciples. Imagine the disciples listening
golden harvests before their eyes. If you have been a farmer, or understand agrarian economics, you will know that the harvest cannot wait. When the crops are ready for harvest, there is a window of time to do the reaping. The window waits for no man or woman. If the reaping is not done urgently and the window of time passes, the crops will die. And thus, Jesus commissions and sends out His disciples with urgency to reap the harvest. Just as sickles and shears are necessary for reaping a harvest, Jesus equips the disciples and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and heal every disease and sickness as He sends them out into the harvest fields. We do not reap the harvest on our own. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit as we reap the harvest with Christ and for Christ.
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Jesus sends out his twelve disciples into the harvest.
How would these mere twelve disciples make an impact and bring in all of the harvest. And this is no small harvest, because according to our Lord, this is a harvest that is plentiful.
The twelve disciples, given every reasonable consideration, would not have been able to bring in all the harvests. It would be practically impossible given their limited capacity in time and space. But if each of the twelve disciples go on to make twelve other disciples, and each of these go on to make twelve other disciples, the capacity to reap the harvest will increase exponentially. As disciples of Christ, we are all called to make disciples who will go on to make other disciples, and who will go on to make other disciples. We are to be “disciple-making” disciples of Christ, and as we do so, we will be able to urgently reap the harvest for Christ.
The plentiful harvest is before us, or as they say, we have our work cut out for us. There is the urgency of
reaping the harvest as we partner with God in His mission to bring the good news and salvation to the unreached peoples.
Are you already a “disciple-making” disciple of Christ? If you are not, will you ask God for His grace to help you to be a “disciple-making” disciple that will make an impact for His kingdom here on earth. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Our Lord needs workers to urgently come forward to reap the harvest for His kingdom so that His kingdom comes, and His will will indeed be done on earth as it is in heaven.
InteRVIeW WItH
COL (RET) QUEk kOH ENG
Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng has been serving MMS for 20 years and 6 months (2004 to 2024). He will be retiring at the end of 2024 as our Field Director and Regional Director. He also served as Home Director, Operation Director, Area Director and Church Engagement Director for some years. We are very appreciative of his leadership. Let’s read his reflections for these 20 plus years of faithful service. We wish him a blessed retirement.
Listen to the ground; their views may be quite diverse from country to country.
Looking back on your two decades with MMS, what have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career?
My most rewarding moments were those opportunities of meeting different groups of people, sharing the word of God with them, and visiting remote places and villages on all kinds of transportation, whatever was available.
Missions is about people. Therefore, I find great joy to be able to interact with people and be immersed in their cultures. I am blessed to be able to discern the heartbeat of God in translating ideas into reality by helping to promote church planting and community development (like hostels, schools, etc.) to transform lives and communities.
Col with his wife, Shelley.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your roles as Field Director and Regional Director, and how did you overcome them?
I think we need to understand that the field situation is not routine but dynamic; things do not go according to plan most of the time. When any issue or problem arises, we must try to find out the source of the problem and nip it in the bud before it gets too big. For example, the need to exercise patience and understanding in dealing with the authorities at a national level for visa applications, licenses, registrations, etc.
How do you feel your leadership has impacted the seven mission fields you’ve overseen? Are there specific projects or initiatives you’re particularly proud of?
One of the biggest challenges faced in the field is to do church planting and disciple making under very strict security and the threat of prosecution. We need to be innovative and constantly alert to avoid trouble. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us to fulfil God’s mandate.
I adopted the following leadership principles based on my military experience:
(1) To be intentional in what you are doing.
(2) Maintain an attitude of openness to listen, consult and understand the issues before giving advice or instructions to propose the next course of action.
(3) Stay on top of the situation and do not procrastinate.
(4) A decision made whether right or wrong is better than no decision made.
Col with his family.
I had to consciously rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to discern, and to make concerted efforts to change the mindset of the national leadership which had been entrenched for more than two decades. I managed to convince the Thai national leadership not to be entirely dependent on the financial support from MMS but progressively, to take care of their own field operational and programme costs. The motivating factor is to achieve a good degree of self-reliance before the transition to a Provisional Annual Conference in 2027. One of the barriers of faith is conformity, so we need to exercise courage.
Another example was starting a training school to train our own church planters and evangelists in a Creative Access Country to support our 14 mission centres.
Could you share a memorable experience or story from your time in the mission field that has stayed with you over the years?
One of my most memorable experiences was during the early trips with Rev Teresa Wilborn to Gleno, Ermera District in TimorLeste. We noticed that many of the high school students were walking and travelling in various modes of transportation to school. There was only one High School in Gleno serving the children from 7 subdistricts in Ermera. We were told that many students dropped out of school because when it rained, they were not able to attend school as the rivers were flooded and the roads became very muddy.
God gave us this divine realization to build a home in Gleno for these potential students who stayed in distant sub-districts, and to provide them a safe place to live, study, and be able to attend high school regularly. In addition, it afforded them an opportunity to develop their spiritual lives to be disciples of Christ. God brought to MMS a donor who sponsored the construction of Sundermeier Home, that would provide shelter to 40 high school students over two years. Praise God that over the last 10 years, the Home under our house parents, Joseph and Grace Mannar, had produced graduates who are not only spiritually mature and proficient in English but also highly successful in pursuing their tertiary education and other vocational trainings. This is a wonderful testimony of serving the need of the community, transforming lives, and building capacity for the nation.
During your time as Church Engagement Director, how did you see the relationship between the church and mission fields evolve?
I saw the need to have a close and evolving relationship with the church, and to develop a win-win strategy that gives synergy and alignment with God’s mandate and commandments.
The ability to understand the church’s missions policy was needed to propose platforms to establish a working partnership to fulfil God’s mandate and field goals. During my time, we developed a strategy of identifying three categories of churches. First, churches which are in some form of partnership with MMS but have more potential for growth. Second, churches which indicated interest to start a project or endeavour with MMS. Third, churches which have no partnership with MMS at all.
Working with the MMS Stakeholder Engagement Manager for over two years, we were able to engage almost all churches.
What were the key responsibilities you handled as Home Director in the earlier years, and how did that role prepare you for your subsequent leadership positions?
When I took over the Home Director appointment in 2004 from the late Rev Juliette Arulrajah, one of my key responsibilities was to engage the Methodist churches to be covenant partners with MMS. During my time, I managed to bring in about a dozen churches as strategic partners of MMS.
The other responsibilities were to improve the processes and working SOP with supporting documentations i.e. MMS Operation Manual; Student Sponsorship Scheme; Missionary Life Cycle, etc.
I initiated the formation of several committees to strengthen our processes and management in support of the field goals and objectives. These committees were the Education Committee, the Building Construction & Management Committee, and the Training Committee. These committees were formed under the leadership of Dr Grace Hsu, Mr Ho Lip Jin and the late Rev Juliette Arulrajah respectively.
How has your time with MMS influenced your personal and spiritual growth?
Even while serving in MMS, I was deeply involved in my church, serving in the LCEC and chairing the seniors ministry i.e. Charis Vineyard League. I have had the opportunity to work closely with all the MMS Executive Directors since the late Rev Dr Clarence Lim’s time as well as with all the Bishops since Bishop Emeritus Dr Solomon’s time. My involvement in planning and organising MCS 125th, 130th and 135th Anniversaries, GoForth 2018 Missions Conference, and the annual Aldersgate Celebrations has immensely strengthened my personal and spiritual life. Working at this level of leadership has helped me to develop my spiritual fervency and understanding especially on matters related to Methodism.
In MMS, all staff are encouraged to go for further studies and personal development. We meet every week to pray and spend devotional time to study the word of God.
Col in Thailand.
What advice would you give to the person stepping into your role, especially in managing diverse mission fields?
Listen to the ground; their views may be quite diverse from country to country. And never assume they think the same way.
Work as a team in humility and with respect for one another. Mission fields involve spiritual battles hence it is important to unleash our persistent prayers and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God.
My wife, Shelley Quek, is my spiritual journeyer and best companion. She headed an intercessory prayer group in my church that would cover me with prayer during all my trips. On one occasion in a creative assess country, we were blasted by the national security, but the urgent activation of prayer saved us from being put into detention.
As you retire, what are your hopes or visions for the future of MMS and the mission fields you have nurtured?
I hope to see, in the near future, that the discipleship movement will take root and grow in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Nepal. And that the churches will achieve a certain level of sustainability and independence. I hope to see the Cambodia church becoming an Annual Conference (AC) and the Thai & Nepalese churches to become made Provisional Annual Conferences (PACs) in 2027 and 2032 respectively.
I also hope to see the Methodist schools in Thailand and Laos to be able to purchase land and start their secondary schools so that they can continue to provide excellent education and to inculcate Christian values.
What final
message
would you like to share with your
colleagues, mission partners, and the communities you have served with over the years?
Missions work is all about people and their cultures. Therefore, we should not impose our ways of life, thinking, or expectations on them. We need to cultivate a deep understanding of their culture, local expression as well as their thinking processes. We should spend quality time to develop relationships and trust before introducing any major changes.
Never assume that you know everything. It is important to develop a consultative approach with regular dialogue at various levels. It is very essential to continue to equip and train the national pastors and lay leadership.
Col in Vietnam.
On a lighter note, what do you plan to do after your retirement?
I would want to continue to serve God as long as I still have breath, in my church and other parachurch ministry. Also, to spend more time with family, my children, and grandchildren.
I would love to pursue painting, reading, and attending ukelele jam sessions. Maybe, God willing, I would love to write a memoir of my life, and try to capture over 30+ years in the SAF, over 6+ years as Marketing Director with ST Engineer, and over 20+ years with MMS.
Col strongly believes that prayer is an essential part of missions because it moves the hand of God.
PoLItICs AnD JoHn WesLey’s
MMS
URbAn MIssIon
The word “politics” is derived from the Greek word politiká, which means “affairs of the cities”, and is based on the word polis, meaning “city” or “city-state”. The main idea is about governance, organisation and the affairs of communities and societies. Enter John Wesley proclaiming, “The Gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness.” I pray that readers here will internalise this Wesleyan norm for cross-border missions in increasingly urbanised fields.
I pray that readers here will include this Wesleyan norm for cross-border missions in increasingly urbanised fields.
Humanity began when God “planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed” (Genesis 2:8), but culminates in “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:2). In between Eden and the new Jerusalem, the Bible is peppered with manmade cities, full of shortcomings.
In John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament, he commented on the first city built by Cain, providing some perspective towards politics and mission while highlighting implications of this early urbanisation, which is eerily similar to his and even our contemporary experience:
Beginnings of civilisation
In Genesis 4:17, Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch. Wesley notes that this establishes “the first human cultural institutions: urbanisation, pastoral agriculture,
music and metallurgy”. Humanity seemed to flourish despite his earlier actions (the murder of Abel) and Cain’s subsequent banishment from Eden.
Human industry and culture
The descendants of Cain, particularly Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain (Genesis 4:20-22), are credited with significant contributions to early human culture, such as livestock herding, music and metalworking. Wesley sees these developments as evidence of human creativity and industry. He acknowledges these abilities as gifts from God, even though they were being used by a lineage marked by sin.
Cities during John Wesley’s time were plagued with social and moral
Rev Erick Tan
Director of the Centre for Missions Analysis, Reconstruction and Development. He has two fur kids: a toy poodle named Niko and a cat (Persian/Rag-doll) named Nala.
issues. Wesley’s holistic ministry addressed many of these issues through spiritual guidance and practical interventions. For example, working tirelessly to bring about social reform and improve the lives of the coal miners in Bristol, he sought to address both the spiritual and physical well-being of the people he served—not for popularity, but increasing longevity—fostering a sense of community, all of which he believed were essential for individuals to pursue and attain Christian perfection.
Sadly, Wesley and the people called Methodists came under fierce criticism from the bishop of Exeter, George Lavington, who must have felt like herding cats when he thought of John Wesley. “The Georgian Church of England prided itself on its rationality, its moderation, its staid and decorous worship, he attacked the Methodists for their ‘enthusiasm’ and manifestations: ecstatic visions, raptures, and mortifications, wailing, and convulsions.”1 The philosopher and historian Elie Halévy, on the
contrary, recognised the Methodist movement during John Wesley’s time as an antidote, potentially sparing England from undergoing a revolution similar to the French Revolution.
In his work, The Halévy Thesis—A Working Hypothesis? English Revivalism: Antidote for Revolution and Radicalism 1789-1815, Halévy proposed the idea that Methodism in the 18th century played a crucial role in addressing social grievances and providing a moral and spiritual outlet for the working classes, which in turn helped to mitigate revolutionary fervour in British society.
Footnote:
1 Colin M. Haydon, “Bishop George Lavington of Exeter and The Enthusiasm of Methodists and Papists Compar’d,” Southern History 37 (2015): 62.
Halévy argued that the Methodist movement promoted social cohesion and moral discipline, offering a sense of community and purpose that potentially diverted energies that might have otherwise been directed towards divisive and destructive revolutionary activities. This, he suggested, helped stabilise English society during a period of significant social and economic changes that could have led to unrest and rebellion.
Our social principles in The Book of Discipline (BOD) have captured the Wesleyan norms for cross-border missions. In the section The Sphere of Politics (BOD ¶86.3), is a clarion call to building a world community The wisdom and insight of those who wrote the social principles serves to guide our missionary service in the context of cities.
The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) now has ministries in seven countries, many being Creative Access Nations (CANs), where traditional missionary activities are intentionally targeted by local
governments. The situation calls for innovative yet culturally relevant methods of discipleship and spiritual formation. Even under systemic opposition, we still see churches planted, communities helped, and nations uplifted. Glory to God!
By supporting faith communities strategically positioned in urban centres to usher in the gospel holistically, we are asking God to fill the cities that we serve in with His presence, offering community of the triune God to all. As the first homegrown denominationbased missionary-sending agency in Singapore, may we, “affirm our historic concern for the world which belongs to God and strive for all persons and peoples to enjoy full and equal membership in a truly world community”, even amid divisive and destructive activities, in the Wesleyan spirit!
oUR GIFts FoR MIssIons
We would like to support MMS so that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed to the ethnic Cambodians, Lahus, Laotians, Nepalese, Thais, Timorese and Vietnamese, by giving to:
General Donation (where it is most needed)
Crisis Relief Fund (General)
Rev Dr Clarence Lim Missionary Development Fund
Student Sponsorship Scheme (Non-Residential)* General @ S$60 per month (wef 1 August 2023)
Cambodia / Laos / Nepal / Thailand / Timor-Leste
Student Sponsorship Scheme (Residential)* General @ S$145 per month (wef 1 August 2023)
[ ] COSI (Cambodia)
[ ] COSY (Cambodia)
[ ] Sophia’s Home (Nepal)
[ ] Mettakij Hostel (Thailand)
[ ] Term Fun Home (Thailand)
[ ] Sundermeier Home (Timor-Leste)
Cambodia
Church Planting Ministry
Staff & Ministry Support
Methodist School of Cambodia
COSI
COSY
Post COSI Integration Programme
National Pastors Support
east Asia Ministry Support
more information on the Student Sponsorship Scheme, please login to http://www.mms.org.sg/sss
MMS is committed to ensuring the security of all personal data she collects. MMS shall use and disclose such data only for her necessary purposes and if so, shall adhere to the guidelines of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). All personal data shall be kept strictly confidential at all times. If ever MMS has to disclose any personal data to any third party, she shall do so only with the prior consent of the owner of the personal data. Information collected via this form will be used strictly to process the donation, sponsorship, and subscription only. To withdraw or limit consent, please email to mms@ methodist.org.sg.
Please apply glue here
“I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing”
2 Samuel 24:24
“I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing”
2 Samuel 24:24
MMS Executive Director Methodist Missions Society 70 Barker Road #06-01 The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE PERMIT NO. 08175
MMS FaMily
Welcome
We welcome our new Regional Director (Cambodia, Nepal, and Vietnam), Chern Siang Ling, who joined MMS from 1 July 2024. She worships at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
We are glad to have Preacher Anna and Rev Yeung joining MMS as Missionaries to Timor-Leste. They went to Timor-Leste in July 2024 to start a prayer ministry. Preacher Anna is from Aldersgate Methodist Church while Rev Yeung is from the Chinese Annual Conference.
Dear Lord, we thank You for Siang as she steps into leadership over the Cambodia, Nepal, and Vietnam ministries. Grant her wisdom, strength, and compassion in her decisions and daily work. May she lead with grace, inspire her team, and be a source of hope and guidance for those she serves. Bless her with Your peace, protection, and the joy of seeing the fruit of her labour as she walks in step with Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Welcome
Dear Lord, thank You for calling Preacher Anna and Rev Yeung to serve in Timor-Leste and for their commitment to starting a prayer ministry. We ask for Your abundant blessing over their work, that their hearts may be filled with Your Spirit and their ministry be a source of encouragement and transformation. Guide them in building strong connections with the people they serve, and may their prayers be a channel for Your healing, peace, and power. Protect and strengthen them as they embark on this journey, and may they be uplifted by Your grace and presence each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Welcome
Rev Vincent Lim is our new Non-Residential Missionary. He becomes our Country Coordinating Officer (CCO) for Cambodia and Thailand with effect from 1 August 2024.
Dear Lord, we thank You for Ps Vincent as he returns from Thailand with his family to serve with the Home Office. We ask for Your guidance and strength as he takes on the responsibilities for Cambodia and Thailand. May he draw upon his experiences as a missionary to inspire and lead effectively. Bless him and his family with peace and joy as they transition into this next phase of life. May their work be fruitful and impactful, reflecting Your love and purpose in every endeavour. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
MMS MiSSionary retreat 2024
MMS organised a Missionary Retreat from 27 to 30 August 2024 at Capri by Fraser, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Every two years, we set aside a time and space for our missionaries and their families to gather in one place to foster fellowship and interaction among missionaries and MMS Home Staff. There was much quality time to rest and get to know one another via fellowship over meals and shopping!
The theme of the retreat was “Voice”. During this retreat, we had the privilege and opportunity to learn from Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey. She shared on the voice of the rulers of the world, the voice of God’s anointed, and the voice of God concerning the nations. The theme verse was Psalm 2:8: ASK of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession. (MEV)
The Missionary Kids who came along also had a time of fun and learning during the retreat. Our Non-Residential Missionaries (Gloria Khoo, Hazel Mui, and Cheryl Chen) prepared a children’s programme which included lessons revolving around the retreat theme.
One of the highlights of the retreat is the authentic testimonies shared by our missionaries. They shared openly their callings and ministry journeys as well as their hopes and fears. These greatly encouraged and inspired everyone especially the younger missionaries.
Time was also allocated for the Missionary Service Member Care committee members
to share some updates and highlights on personnel matters. The missionaries also took the opportunity to clarify certain issues. We thank Michael Khor, Deborah Chou, and Jimmy Tay for taking time off to be with the missionaries at this retreat. Our MCS Finance Manager, Joseph Yoong, also had some airtime to present some finance matters.
Rev Derrick Lau closed the retreat by celebrating the Holy Communion and challenged all to pray and share the Gospel to the nations.
The missionaries gave positive comments and feedback on the retreat:
This being my first retreat, I think my favourite experience was getting to know the bigger MMS family through the sharing, outings and meals. – Q
Encouraged by the testimonies of the missionaries; faith building & fellowship during meals & free time; to hear the voice of God from all over the world. – A I would have liked to have more small group discussions on practical ministry matters to hear from other missionaries on how to problem solve. – R
Theme speaker, Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey MR2024 Organising Team Leader, Grace Chung
MMs ‘My FAtHeR’s bUsIness’ BANQUET 2024:
A testAMent to FAItH AnD GeneRosIty
On the evening of 25 August 2024, MMS hosted the “My Father’s Business” Banquet at the historic Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. This biennial event, inspired by Luke 2:49, gathered about 300 businessmen and professionals, united in a common goal in advancing God’s kingdom through the power of missions.
The banquet’s theme verse, Psalm 2:8, echoed through the hearts of attendees: “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.” This call to missions was made to support two significant church-building projects
in Thailand: Mittaphab Methodist Church and Thung Yao Preaching Point, as well as contribute to the MMS General Fund.
Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, the guest of honour, set the tone for the
evening with a heartfelt greeting. His rendition of “For the Healing of the Nations” left an impression of hope and peace, reminding everyone that missions is not just about building structures, but about healing hearts and transforming communities. The event also featured inspiring performances by youth from Mittaphab Methodist Church, Thailand, who shared their rich cultural heritage through traditional Shan and Wa dances.
The banquet’s programme included a time of worship led by the Methodist School of Music, the screening of MMS’s corporate video, and an update on the opening of St Paul Methodist
Guests at MMS Banquet 2024
Guest of Honour, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong
School, a project made possible by funds raised at the previous two banquets. These moments underscored the real-life impact of faithful giving and encouraged the audience to remain steadfast in their commitment to the mission.
In his message, MMS Executive Director, Rev Derrick Lau, shared that MMS is currently touching about
10,200 lives though our Integrated Strategy of Church Planting and Community Development. A challenge to Pray, Give, and Go was delivered by Grace Chung, MMS Home Director, reminding everyone that mission work is not reserved for a select few but is the responsibility of every believer.
The night was filled with prayers led by our Methodist leaders for both Mittaphab Methodist Church and Thung Yao Preaching Point, seeking God’s continued provision and protection over these new church communities.
Guests left with a simple yet heartfelt token: a box of dried fruits from Thailand, symbolising the fruitful work of missions made possible through the generosity of many. We also express our deep gratitude to the Delighters (volunteers) who came together to make this event a success.
Guests worshipping and praying together during the banquet
Guests playing an online jigsaw game together
Guest of Honour, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong
Grace giving a challenge for the guests to respond
The “My Father’s Business” banquet was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a reminder of the powerful role we all play in His mission. As we look toward future projects, we invite you to continue walking alongside us in prayer, giving, and going into the field. Let us boldly “Ask of Him” to extend His kingdom across the nations.
Staff having an informal group photo with Missionaries and Delighters (volunteers)
Methodist School of Music was invited to lead worship and present songs during the banquet. MMS is grateful for the collaboration.
Guests filling in their responses
Rev Philip Abraham saying grace Master of Ceremony Roslyn
Rev Philip Lim praying for Mittaphab MC
Rev Kenneth Huang praying for Thung Yao PP
Rev Derrick Lau presenting his speech
Dance performances by youth from Mittaphab MC
MIssIon AnD
tHe GooD CoMMIssIon
Rev Dr Gordon Wong
Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore.
so whether or not we become disciples who go to other nations, all of us who love God have a calling and a great commission wherever we live and work.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, NIV)
It is common for a Missions Society to quote Matthew 28:19 as their inspiration and raison d’etre. That verse is especially appropriate because it records our Lord Jesus telling his disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations”. “All nations” gives the widest possible scope to mission agencies which typically see their focus to be on places beyond their own local shores. The grammatical Greek form that is used to record the words of Jesus here (the accusative neuter plural, if you must know!) allows us to understand Jesus as saying, not only that we should make disciples in all the (other) nations, but also that we make disciples to the other nations. In other words, here is also a commission for churches, and mission agencies, to raise up disciples who are willing to go to other nations, baptizing and teaching others in all nations to love God.
May our Methodist Missions Society continue to be an agency that helps to “make disciples who are willing and trained to go to all nations” with the wonderful good news of God’s love. This is certainly a great and glorious commission.
Editor’s Note:
Bishop Dr Gordon Wong is retiring in December 2024, after serving as bishop for a term of four years. He will be succeeded by Rev Philip Lim, the Bishop-elect.
I do not know the history of when or why or by whom Matthew 28:19 came to be known as The Great Commission. It certainly is a great and far-reaching command from Jesus to his disciples. But the actual words that are normally used to denote a commission or a calling or a charge are not found here in Matthew 28:19.
This is why, personally, I prefer to cite Romans 8:28 as The Great Commission
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. (RSV)
All who love God are called or commissioned in accordance with God’s purposes and will. And what is that calling or commission form God?
God calls (or commissions) all who love him to work together with God in everything for good.
This 1952 RSV translation is similar to the alternative rendering offered in the NIV footnote to Romans 8:28.
And we know that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good -- with those who have been called according to his purpose.
Paul uses a Greek verb that corresponds to our English word “synergize”. In Greek, as in English, to synergize usually
means to work with someone rather than to work for someone.
This is why I think that Paul’s point is better conveyed in this footnoted translation. Verse 28 is not primarily a promise that God will work for our personal good and benefit. It is a calling – a commission – to those of us who love God, to work together with God in everything for good.
So whether or not we become disciples who go to other nations, all of us who love God have a calling and a great commission wherever we live and work. It is a commission to work with God to do good in this world where there is so much that is not good.
May our Methodist Missions Society and churches be faithful always to this Great and Good Commission.
使命与 大使命
“所以，你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，奉父、 子、圣灵的名给他们施洗。”（太：28:19） 宣教机构常会引用马太福音28:19作为他们 存在理由。这节经文特别恰当，因为它记载了 我们的主耶稣对门徒的嘱咐：‘你们要去，使 万民作我的门徒’。‘万民’这个词赋予宣教机 构最广泛的使命范围，宣教机构通常将事工 聚焦在本地以外的地方。耶稣的话语以希腊 语语法形式记载，让我们能够更理解祂的意 思，是要我们不止于在其他民族群体中领人 成为门徒，更要培育那些门徒也进入万民中 塑造门徒。换句话说，这也是对教会和宣教机 构的托付，培育愿意前往万民中传福音的门 徒，给他们施洗并教导他们爱神。
愿我们的卫理宣教会持续成为一个帮助“受 装备门徒进入万民中”的机构，传扬上帝爱的 福音，这无疑是一个伟大的大使命。
对于《马太福音》28:19何时、为何、由谁开始 被称为“大使命”的历史，我并不清楚。毫无疑 问，它确实是耶稣给门徒的一个伟大而深远 的命令。然而，在《马太福音》28:19中，并没有 出现通常用来表示“使命”或“呼召”的字眼。
“我们知道，上帝使万事互相效力，使那些爱上 帝，就是上帝按自己的旨意呼召的人得益。” （当代译本）
所有爱上帝的人都按照祂的旨意和计划被呼召 或差派。那么，这种来自上帝的召唤或差派是什 么呢？上帝呼召（或差派）所有爱祂的人，与祂一 起同工，一起成就美善的事工。
上面的译文与和合本的译文注脚，如出一辙。
“我们晓得，万事都互相效力，叫爱上帝的人得 益处，就是按祂旨意被召的人。”
保罗使用了一个希腊动词，对应于英语中 的“synergize”（协同合作）。在希腊语里，正如 在英语一样，“协同”通常意味着与某人同心协 力，而不是为某人工作。因此，我认为保罗的意 思通过这个译文注脚得到了清晰的传达。第28 节的重点并不在于承诺神会给予我们个人利益 和好处，而是向我们这些爱神的人发出呼召，要 我们与祂在一切事上同工，成就祂美善的工作。
因此，我个人更倾向于引用《罗马 书》8:28作为“大使命”。
因此，无论我们是否成为进入万民中的门徒，所 有爱神的人在各自的生活和工作的岗位上，都 负有一个召命和大使命。这是一项与神同工，要 在这个充满不友善的世界中行善工的使命。
愿我们卫理宣教会与教会始终忠于这项伟大而 美好的大使命。
因此，无论我们是否成为
进入万民中的门徒，所有 爱神的人在各自的生活和 工作的岗位上，都负有一 个召命和大使命。
