Women in Church and Society

Experiencing God’s love for seafarers through the International Lutheran Seafarers’ Mission (ILSM)

By Andrea

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.

The Lutheran Church in Singapore - Sisters’ Fellowship (LCS SF) was rebranded as LCS - Women in Church and Society (WICAS) in 2021. It continues its commitment to encourage Christian women to grow in faith, be active in service and passionate in mission. On a regular basis, the WICAS working group organises outreach activities to worship and serve God.

Last September, the WICAS working group organised an excursion to the Jurong Fishery Port to experience the mission work of the International Lutheran Seafarers’ Mission (ILSM) in Singapore – an affiliate of the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS). Held over two weekends (3rd and 10th September), we were blessed to have 26 participants, young and old, join us on this mission trip to witness God’s work through the unwavering services of Rev. Andreas Latz and Mr Yuen Ho Tian.

As we enjoyed the warm hospitality they extended to us and munched on the delicious snacks that Rev Latz had prepared for us, we learned about how they reach out, care for and support seafarers and fishermen, who are often away from their homes and families for extended periods of time. We also came to know of the many challenges faced by seamen – isolation, lack of support, and limited access to basic necessities. In addition to their physical and material needs, many of them suffered emotionally and spiritually while they endured the harsh and long hours at sea, for months together.

It was heartening to hear Rev Latz and Mr Yuen graciously share about their work and how God uses them to show care and compassion towards the seamen – offering them hope and comfort regardless of their religious faith. In general, they have limited time to interact with the seafarers (as most boats or ships don’t dock for long or the seamen are not permitted to get off their vessel), so they often prepare all the essential supplies, such as food and personal care items, ahead of time. This includes running errands to buy specific items requested by the seafarers. Whenever seafarers are allowed to get off the vessel, the Seafarers’ Welfare Centre serves as a welcome retreat for them to rest and relax, access free Wi-Fi to contact their loved ones, or pick fresh shoes and clothing. Occasionally, the chaplains are allowed to board the vessel and speak to seamen – moments that pave way for prayers and sharing of God’s message of love.

Thankfully, we also had the opportunity to briefly interact with the seafarers and hand out some supplies. Despite the language barrier, we could see the joy in their faces when we attempted to chat with them. It was a touching and heart-warming experience for all involved.

As we prepared to depart from the Jurong Fishery Port, we reflected on the good work of Rev Latz and Mr Yuen and most importantly, God’s love, grace and mercy. As children of God, we are blessed that Christ lives in us. We pray that

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Living a life on mission with God

Hilda Mok

It was a great eye-opener to realise the crucial importance and emphasis on mission for Christians in the Bible. Though I have been a Christian for many years, it did not occur to me that as a disciple of Christ, I need to actively share the gospel instead of just living life as per normal and share when I feel like. I feel that this course is necessary for all Christians to go through once in their life so that they are made aware of their purpose as a Christian and ways that they can go about doing it. I attended the Kairos course which lasted 9 weeks (once a week on every Tue) from 1Mar 2022 to 30Apr 2022. The course was mind boggling at first but it gets easier and more interesting as the week goes by.

The Kairos course has given me a big picture of God, His mission and His passion for the world. I have learned of the true meaning of the Great Commission in MATTHEW 8:19

It’s God’s desire to gather to Himself a people from all the nations of the world through a redeemed people. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. God’s mission is to redeem the world from sin, death and the devil and renew his whole creation. I now realized that mission is the basis of the Bible. As followers of Christ, we are part of the mission to share the good news, the blessings and the obligation to be involved in cross-cultural ministry. The Great Commission is like a double bonus, not only do the unreached benefit, so do the reached. The unreached get reached and the reached get perfected.

I have also learned of Mission Movements, the types of Strategy in Mission, forms and structures, understanding cultures, cross-cultural evangelism and their challenges. A church must place at the heart of its ministry agenda, God’s heart for the lost world, in order for it to be considered a ‘biblical church’. Whatever ministry we are involved in, we must not lose sight of bringing the gospel to the unreached people. Likewise, we must aim to be Biblical Christians with the right perspective in worldview, beliefs, values and behavior. The highlights of the course were the videos. I found them very interesting and helpful to further understand the relevant topics we learned. I would encourage all believers to attend this Kairos course. It will open up a whole new perspective and understanding on God’s Mission and His redemptive plan. My heartfelt thanks to the Kairos organizers, trainers and facilitators for their time and effort in conducting the Kairos course. Their dedication, support and encouragement are exemplary.

Persis Lim

This Kairos Course brought me back to the memory lanes of my experiences in mission fields and mission trips. Sweet and sour memories.

I enjoyed the videos very much. I am much emboldened and inspired by them. Thank God for rekindling my hope and confidence in Him for future missions. Some of these videos are old ones and sometimes, I wonder what happened to the long-forgotten missionary labours. I find comfort as I come to know or read of how God preserved the fruits of His faithful servants. Long-term or shortterm mission works, we may never guess how our work will last. In a way it is good because it is God’s mission, and he is behind everything we planted in faith. Strategies without partnership with God but done in the flesh do not bring about lasting fruits. Though I do not particularly enjoy the course on zoom which ‘killed’ much connection within the big group, I was glad to know some new young friends from my small group. I am sure that if it is on site, there will be much more life lessons I can learn from interacting with other experienced participants. Perhaps, it will be livelier too, with contribution and responses from the participants. Below are some sharing from my new younger friends from Woodlands Evangelical Free Church.

Gabriel Loh, Woodlands EFC

It was a great eye-opener to realise the crucial importance and emphasis on mission for Christians in the Bible. Though I have been a Christian for many years, it did not occur to me that as a disciple of Christ, I need to actively share the gospel instead of just living life as per normal and share when I feel like. I feel that this course is necessary for all Christians to go through once in their life so that they are made aware of their purpose as a Christian and ways that they can go about doing it.

Ng Kai Ern, Woodlands EFC

Kairos is a great introductory course for anyone who has no idea what missions is about or what existing mission fields look like now.

I learnt how missions fitted in with God’s plan, how far we have come and also how much further the church needs to commit and go to reach all nations in the world. Calling all young people and youths to see where and how missions can be part of your life and walk with God now! Don’t wait until there is “a calling” but come just as you are to answer Jesus’ Great Commission!

Jess Loo, Woodlands EFC

The Kairos course opened a lot of perspectives about mission for me. It is interesting to learn about the strategies for mission work. One session that I benefited from was “what is the type of arrow am I”. It reminds me that I need to be more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to be more intentional to the ministry that I am serving. Kairos affirmed my calling to go where I need to.