Knowing John 101

By John Sihoe

What brought you to LCOR as a Parish Worker?

A deep interest and an opened door. Since 2019, I have been studying again the basics of Christian Theology, particularly from the Lutheran perspective at my alma mater, Trinity Theological College.

This was deeply invigorating and after a couple of years of learning, I desired more and more to be involved in church life so that Theology can be lived out in a community.

When you are not working, where could one find you?

About once a week, I would be in my living room, building and painting a scale model of an aircraft or a tank or a sci-fi robot with my primary school friend who shares the same passion. Twice a week, I would be at the Aikido class in Toa Payoh, throwing or being thrown onto the floor.

Some days I would be jamming on my saxophone alone or with friends or family at a music studio or KTV place. And some days, perhaps mostly, I am at home catching up with mundane household or administrative chores.

Is there a movie or TV series that you have watched more than 10 times – and why?

There is Apocalypse Now! (1979), there is Blade Runner (1982), Band of Brothers (2001); but currently (i.e. in recent years), I have been re-watching episodes of an American crime series called Columbo. It was originally screened from 1968 to 2003 and stars Peter Falk as the crime solving Lieutenant Columbo, a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department.

I like the cinematography and designs of the 1960s and 70s; and also Peter Falk’s acting with the light-hearted, thick-skinned persistence that he portrays in his character. In that sense, he is a comfortable role model for a not-so-young adult like me.

What’s been your biggest joy in ministry?

There are several “biggest joy” in ministry at LCOR. It includes having the privilege to work with Pastor Nick and Pastor Richard who have provided me with a very nurturing environment. In particular, they have been significant examples to me in terms of their demeanor and experience in ministry, in preaching, teaching and relating to people. We often share openly and candidly about ministry and other stuff. Hence, I feel part of a ministry team and relish the camaraderie. I think the opposite would be loneliness and isolation in ministry, and that usually does not have a happy ending.