THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 027/11/2020
Vo l 1 2 3 N o 8 A U G U S T 2 0 2 1
METHODIST SOCIAL PRINCIPLES:
The Sphere of Economics
Contents 1
Bishop’s Message
2
Events—Coming Up
3
Church life—CAC Highlights
5
Church life—TRAC Highlights
6
Events—MSM worship symposium
8
People—MCS Youths
11
Opinion—Your first job
14
Reach out—Welfare Services
16
Reach Out—Missions
18
Relationships—You & Your Family
19
Hymns & Songs
Methodist Message
needs your
help! Do you have a way with words? Can
20 Opinion—Soundings
you draw—on paper or in digital media?
23
Books—Season of Creation
Can you design? Do you like writing? Do
24
Opinion—Christian hope
26 Opinion—THINK
you take photos?
WE’RE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS! Writers: to help cover events, write book
28
What does being a Methodist mean to you?
reviews / poems / any other article
29
Events—Looking Ahead
Proofreaders: to help check out layouts
30
People—In Memoriam
Photographers: to contribute photos of
contributions Sub-editors: to edit articles
events they have attended Illustrators: to draw comics / infographics / anything else that might be inspiring If you have these skills, or any others that might make MM a better read, contact us!
newmm@methodist.org.sg
EDITORIAL BOARD
The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church.
Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson Council on Communications
Editor Sheri Goh
Sub-editor
All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg newmm@methodist.org.sg
Tan Chiu Ai
fb.com/Methodist.SG
Communications Executive
@methodist.sg
Jason Woo
Proofreader Tan Sheng Ling
Design & Production by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd
Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg
BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020. He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2013–2020.
Sowing in peace
I
was recently asked what advice I would give to young
Are we, indeed, a generation who have “turned hate into
adults as they pursue or complete their university
an asset”?
education. The natural assumption seems to be that
young adults will play a crucial role in the shaping of
Do we justify passionate anger as the only way to get
our nation which celebrates her 56th birthday. I’m sure
our way?
they will, as will the not-so-young adults amongst us. And so I offer the same advice to young adults as
Lord, have mercy on us.
to myself and older generations. Advice that comes directly from Holy Scripture.
Help us consider the wisdom of Your Word: “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God… But
“Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,
(James 1:20 NIV)
impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness
gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James
Someone lamented that our culture seems to “turn
1:20; 3:17–18)
hate into an asset”. Many have said that we live in “a culture of suspicion, mistrust, and us-against-them”.
If we hope to reap “a harvest of [God’s] righteousness”,
And in such a culture, most feel that the only way to
let us try to make peace by sowing in peace.
cancel (counter) what is wrong and unjust in our world is through “bombast and bloviation”. So we express our
And may the God of Peace save us from becoming a
anger through condemnatory rhetoric and unfriend-
nation that “turns hate into an asset.” For “human anger
ing protests on as many social media platforms as we
does not produce the righteousness of God”.
can find. The many “likes” that our angry and rude comments garner only spur us on.
1
John Perkins as cited in Scott Saul’s A Gentle Answer (p. xvii).
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Events ¢ Coming Up
D R A O B C S A R R O T I N E S Y F R O T S I MIN
Church Life ¢ CAC Highlights By the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photo and graphics from BOFL webinar courtesy of the CAC Communications Team
Sharing
our resources and growing together LEARNING ABOUT MARRIAGE Board of Family Life (BoFL) Building Up Your Family: Step-By-Step Webinar Series 2021 The first two webinars of the BoFL 10-session webinar series 2021 were conducted on the topic of marriage. Here are some of the key takeaways from both talks.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt 28:19–20)
Marriage is built on the creation of God.
10 tips on Family Communication
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen 1:27)
•
Listen when others are speaking [Prov 18:13]
•
Be prudent in speech [Prov 15:23, 28, 29:20]
•
Speak the truth in love [Eph 4:15]
•
Don’t use silence as a weapon
•
Know when to quit a fight [Prov 17:14]
•
Respond in love and kindness [Prov 15:1]
•
Don’t nag [Prov 10:19]
•
Admit your wrongs and forgive the wrongs of others
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” (Gen 2:18) God, not your spouse, is the Lord of your life. You are two imperfect people coming together; recognise that only God can fill the void within your hearts and satisfy your deepest longings and needs. God is the establisher of marriage.
[James 5:16, Eph 4:32, 1 Cor 13:5]
•
Restore using words of encouragement and edification [Gal 6:1, 1 Thess 5:11]
Seek and depend on God, for He is the source of love and wisdom; the provider of direction and growth; and the giver of the Holy Spirit who guides us.
•
Cultivate a HERO in marriage, one of Hope, Encouragement, Resilience and Oneness.
The above contents were taken from the webinars
Walk with God together. Pray together.
President Rev Gregory Goh and Stronger Together:
Develop a new “we” identity as Mr and Mrs. “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matt 19:6) Commit your marriage and family to serving God.
Try to understand other’s opinion and seek the interest of others [Phil 2:1-4]
Marriage
Established
by
God
( 神所设立的婚姻 )
by
Discovering the Powerful Identity of Marriage & Family by Timothy and Patsy Tan. Upcoming webinars will be conducted on the topics of parenting teens, fathering and mothering. Follow CAC BoFL Facebook (@cacbofl) to get the latest updates and information on the webinars!
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Jos 24:15b) METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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ACS (International) Admissions Seminars for 2022 ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an allround English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Senior Leadership Team
Pre PSLE Seminars 9 July, 2pm 6 August, 2pm 17 September, 2pm 1 October, 2pm RSVP admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg
Post PSLE Seminars Mr Gavin Kinch Principal
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal
24 November, 2pm & 4pm 25 November, 9am & 2pm 26 November, 9am & 2pm
Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal
Mr Chia Choong Kiat Acting Vice-Principal
27 November, 9am RSVP admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg Seminars will be held on Campus with school tours where possible. Virtual seminars and tours will be organized instead if there are social gathering restrictions.
Attendance is limited and by reservations only. Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475
For earlier appointments, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg
Sharing our resources and growing together
LEARNING ABOUT MARRIAGE Board of Laity (BoL) LCEC Induction for New Leaders: Training and equipping new leaders Since 2013, the Board of Laity of CAC has run the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) Induction once or twice yearly. The session welcomes both new and long-time LCEC members, Members-on-Trial (MOTs) and pastors. It aims to provide a better understanding of the way LCEC should function so that newly-elected members may quickly and effectively integrate into the system of leadership in their local churches. This year, the trainers and attendees met online on Zoom on 10 July 2021. The Board is happy to see the participation of close to 60 LCEC members from the CAC, Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) and Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) churches. The main trainer, Ms Kwok Wan Yee, shared that all leaders must understand their calling as they serve, the concept of connexionism as a Methodist distinctive, as well as the organisational structure of MCS. Using examples and multiple choice questions (MCQs), participants were engaged in active learning about the conduct of LCEC sessions according to The Book of Discipline. As Christian leaders, we are also to recognise that our identity lies in Christ—as disciple, servant and friend. Even as we serve, we must not neglect our discipleship, for it is in Christ that we shall find wisdom, strength and truth. Spiritual leadership is where we open ourselves to the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit, keeping God in the conversation and communal discernment. This will ensure that our leadership role is performed in servanthood and dependence on the One who gives wisdom and strength.
We give all glory and thanks to the Lord for being the head of the Church and for loving and caring for us through the generation of people He has raised up to lead His Church. We eagerly invite you to join us in praying for the following: •
for the Lord to continue guiding, empowering, inspiring our leaders through the Holy Spirit as they serve His Kingdom
•
for the well-being and godly leadership of our pastors, Presidents and Bishop
•
for Methodist churches and leaders all around the world to stick close to the heart and will of God as they influence and contribute to the running and development of Methodist churches
Other than LCEC Induction training, BoL will also be conducting a Nominations Committee training (providing guidance on identification, preparation and election of members for serving), PPRSC training (providing greater understanding of Human Resource matters in the church context), Christian leadership training (happening next year) and PEAKS Personality Profiling training (leadership development based on this internationally acclaimed tool, developed by Dr Shirley Lim). Trainings will be publicised to churches via email and they will be open to relevant individuals from CAC, ETAC and TRAC churches.
If you are a member of the LCEC and you have missed the session, we are glad to share that the session’s recording and PowerPoint slides are available to you online, upon request. Please email resources.cac@gmail.com or submit your request via https://www.cac-singapore. org.sg/enquiry.
CAC’s BOL LCEC Induction conducted via Zoom
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Events ¢ Dr Low Wye Mun is a medical doctor who serves in the Worship & Music ministry of Holland Village Methodist Church. He plays acoustic & bass guitar and leads songs of praise in the Sunday services. / Photos courtesy of the Methodist School of Music
MSM Worship Symposium 2021 My cup runneth over “WFH” (work from home) has become a buzzword, so when the Methodist School of Music (MSM) announced their 2021 Worship Symposium, I signed up immediately to WFH: Worship From Home. The theme “Flow: the ancient way to do contemporary worship” was intriguing, and the topics seemed to flow from the MSM Certificate of Christian Worship course I had attended last year. (Top to bottom)
Comprising plenary lectures with parallel panel discussions (online chats with experienced Christian worship leaders and thinkers), there were also skills training sessions. I chose the Worship Leader track while others opted for those for worship musicians, song writers, children’s worship or choir. Presented in English and Chinese, the sessions formed the basis of the threeday gathering of kindred hearts and spirits. And Spirit there was—introducing the concept of FLOW and the ancient traditions undergirding our church worship, the sessions literally flowed into the notion of blended worship. From this arose issues that challenge us all in the “new normal” of presenting church worship services via online platforms. What drew me into the WS2021 sessions each day were: •
the speakers and panel discussion servants who freely and generously shared their deep experience, theological foundations, helpful ideas and personal thoughts;
•
worship services that “walked the talk” of flow, diversity and deep central focus on God;
•
a Zoom format that enabled interactions where I “met” and was enriched by other participants sharing freely using the “chat” function; and
•
interaction with the MSM team who put WS2021 together— getting to know them by name, sending them messages, and feeling their humble (and immensely hardworking) efforts to bring about the symposium.
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Panel 1 (English track) Panel 2 (Chinese track) Panel 3 (Chinese track)
THE INVITED SPEAKERS I left WS2021 with two main thoughts.
FOR THE ENGLISH TRACK
First, how we worship in our churches today continues to evolve, especially in the area of music and communication styles. But just as it has been the challenge through the ages, the symposium showed me that ancient traditions underpin the spiritual core of our worship. Thus, we need to remain faithful to liturgical tradition (authenticity) while reaching out to new generations of worshippers (relevance). Churches approach this in different and innovative ways, but ultimately all converge on the central principle of placing God at Dr Lester Ruth
the centre of our worship.
Duke Divinity
Second, the COVID-19 pandemic-induced shift to online worship services and outreach presents significant challenges that are common to churches of all sizes and available resources. Even while trying to bring the worship service from familiar sanctuary settings into the sacred worship space of private homes or wherever people might worship, wonderful opportunities have emerged. These include reaching those who might otherwise not be able to be present in a church, finding new ways to enable extemporaneous worship that is innovative, spontaneous and participative, and engaging younger generations of IT-savvy worshippers in the blending of the worship experience.
Dr Adam Perez Duke Divinity
I signed up for WS2021 not really knowing what to expect. God smiled on me, blessing me so richly that I lifted my eyes heavenward and said: “Lord, my cup runneth over.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by the range of speakers and depth of their sessions. I learnt about the centrality of Jesus Christ in preparing for our
Julie Tai Fuller Theological Seminary.
role as worship leader, and grew in my confidence to pursue ‘blending’ or helping to make the ‘flow’ of the service a meaningful experience and encounter for the congregation we serve.”
THE INVITED SPEAKERS FOR THE CHINESE TRACK
—Anonymous, Wesley MC
“I learnt to lead with generous authority and hospitality. I need to increase my passion towards video production as I saw how good videos can impact us. We can also be creative with reading the Scriptures in worship and be intentional with silence and passivity. The Worship Symposium changed my negative perspective about doing worship on online platforms.”
Dr Simon Ng Alliance Bible Seminary and Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary in Hong Kong
—Jenny Han, Paya Lebar MC
“I was able to broaden my perspective of worship from this Symposium and was inspired to make my ministry work more culturally relevant, yet Christ-centered.” —Fiona Yu, Central Baptist Church, Australia Yvette Lau Founder of the Anabas Ministry in Hong Kong
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People ¢ Jason Woo is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of Caitlin Foo, Andre Chan and Thaddeus Lee
MCS youths:
The ones who stayed Caitlin came to Christ at 13 when she found a God who “kept showing up” in her life and became real to her. However, growing up at PLMC in her formative years did not shield Caitlin from experiences that caused her to question her faith. “There was a time when many friends and people I grew up with decided to leave for another church or Christianity altogether. That was a huge period of testing for my faith. The youth ministry was something that meant a lot to me, and I had to witness it unravel,” said Caitlin.
Some of the PLMC youths with Rev Wendy Tay
I
t is often said in Christian circles that the Church is always a generation away from extinction.
For The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), the need to engage and retain the youth in our churches has become more urgent, particularly as many appear to be moving to megachurches that are generally non-denominational, or leaving the faith entirely. Enter the “Why I Stayed” social media campaign. Initiated by the General Conference Communications team and launched in May on the MCS Instagram page, the campaign featured Methodist youths and young adults sharing how issues and challenges in church and in life made them question their faith. Despite this, they chose to remain in their respective churches. Three of the stories are highlighted here.
“I felt abandoned, lonely and quite bitter. I was disillusioned about the Church, and there was not much guidance to help me navigate this. The main issue I struggled to reconcile was the disconnect between what the Church was supposed to be (a loving and welcoming community) and the reality surrounding me (that many of my friends had deserted). “During these times, I was still involved in church activities, but my faith was not growing, and there was no joy. There were lots of painful prayers and just grieving over what was lost.” Still, Caitlin chose to remain and serve God, mainly because of the leadership responsibilities she was given. “Through those responsibilities, I had the opportunity to witness God restore a broken community. At that point, I was dependent on God’s direction, and He showed me people and solutions for the problems around,” Caitlin explained. “Leaving the Church at that point of time would have been disobeying Him.” God brought people to minister and engage her through different seasons of her life. She counted among them the fellow leaders who faithfully stayed the course, pastors who connected her to a healthy and consistent cell group whose members treated her warmly despite not knowing her well.
“God kept showing up!” Caitlin Foo, 26, Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC)
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“What helped was simply their fellowship, sincerity when listening, genuine prayer and their availability,” she shared.
Today, Caitlin continues to work with the youth in church. She actively engages them in honest conversations that constantly point them towards an unfailing God who is deeply interested in their lives. To those who may be disillusioned by the Church, Caitlin says, “Ultimately, the Church is made up of broken and sinful people. So do not be surprised when there is conflict and pain within its walls. At the same time, do not withdraw from the Church, because Jesus Christ gave His life up for it,” she said. “If you have suffered hurt from the church, honestly seek God for restoration. Ask Him to reveal the beauty and necessity of the Church. While I have seen people leave the Church, I have also seen people return to it.”
The prevailing sense around Andre that religion stood in the way of rational thinking slowly chipped at his own faith. Andre found himself drifting away from Christianity, seeing it as a way to exercise independence to feed his desire for self-sufficiency. After all, his contemporaries’ reasons for moving away from their own religions seemed logical. “My friends did not see the objective truth in the faith they had grown up with. Rather, they saw belief as a cultural norm that ties society together. However, when Christianity/Islam becomes a cultural norm, it can lead to judgement against people who do not fit into such norms. This makes faith quite unattractive,” said Andre. The dissonance within Andre gradually grew unbearable. Things came to a head when Andre went through a painful breakup. He felt constantly distracted and could feel the devil urging him to commit suicide. Hoping to find some solace, he attended a church service. “That day in church, I was overwhelmed by a desire to escape my hurt with death. So I put on my bag and got ready to leave the sanctuary, till something the worship leader said stopped me in my tracks. I cannot remember what he said. Then one of my friends who was sitting beside me noticed that I was troubled. We had grown up in church together so he hugged me. I broke down as I experienced God’s love in my friend’s arms.”
“The Church is a family that restores” Andre Chan, 25, Barker Road Methodist Church (BRMC)
Andre Chan spent his entire childhood worshipping in BRMC where, in his words, he “continuously imbibed Christian culture in [his] mind and spirit for many years”. Everything seemed peachy for the young Andre. That his Christian worldview would be upturned seemed impossible until he entered Yale–NUS College at 21. There, Andre was exposed to a melting pot of peers of various religious and spiritual backgrounds. “One of my closest friends came from Tunisia, which has Islam as its official state religion. Another came from Serbia, which is predominantly populated by Eastern Orthodox Christians. Yet they were not religious,” described Andre. Studying in an institution that so prized reason and open-mindedness to other philosophies also meant that Andre had to contend with a plethora of ideologies that threatened to undermine and subsume his Christian worldview. Andre witnessed many giving up their faith, whether temporarily or for good.
Through this, Andre came to an important realisation: “I believe that Christ saved us to be a part of a body of believers. Through our love for one another, He is bringing restoration to our lives so that we can bring healing to the world. I am still in church because I want to bring gospel renewal to my church in terms of our life together as the body of Christ. This means carving out time to support and love one another.” Spurred by his experience, Andre is now actively involved in journeying with fellow young adults whom he used to lead in his youth group. “I aim to be someone who they can turn to whenever they need help. I also want to help them to read the Bible and comprehend how it all points to Jesus who redeems the world.” “The gospel of Christ teaches us that no matter how far we run or how much we doubt, we are equally saved by grace through faith in Him. Go ahead and question the sturdiness of Christianity so that your faith is not built on how much conviction you have, but on the historical proofs and the robustness of Christ’s gospel that renews all things. “I was not committed to taking questioning seriously [before] and used my doubt as an excuse to push for my own sovereignty. To avoid this trap, I encourage youths to take Christ seriously and to question Him,” advised Andre. METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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“[The conversation was] what God used to really reach out to me, helping me understand my hurts and bring me back to His side. God helped me realise that I had been drowning in pride, bitterness and allowed self-centeredness to control me. As a result, it affected my relationship with people and God,” said Thaddeus.
“God never stopped chasing down my heart” Thaddeus Lee, 23, Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC)
Even though he has attended church since he was seven, the gospel never really made an impact on Thaddeus until he came to Christ in 2013 when he was 15, while attending PLMC. While a young Christian, Thaddeus wrestled with many questions surrounding his new faith. He delved into deep topics such as the conflicts between pre-determinism and pre-destination and that the God in the Old Testament seemed different from the one in the New Testament. However, these questions were not the ones which made him choose to leave the Church later on. In fact, Thaddeus was blessed to have many people in church who journeyed with him faithfully and gently in his search for answers to his questions. It was while doing National Service that he decided to leave the faith. “I left because I was unrightfully angry at God and the church community I was in. It was not any theological dissonance but rather one that was very emotionally driven. It began when I started to battle anxiety attacks along with feelings of loneliness and abandonment,” recollected Thaddeus. “I felt like I was in a rut from being physically and mentally exhausted from training while also being spiritually and emotionally drained from all that I was feeling. I snapped and turned away from everything I knew.” Yet although he walked away from God, God Himself never did. What ultimately led to his return to the fold was when Thaddeus sent off a longtime church friend, Joseph, at the airport. Meeting his ex-church friends was awkward for Thaddeus as he had previously severed ties with them on an angry note. Despite this, Thaddeus found himself welcomed by those whom he had spurned in a fit of anger. Just before leaving, Joseph turned to Thaddeus and asked him to speak to his mentor about his spiritual struggles. Thaddeus found himself agreeing to do it. God then made His move on Thaddeus.
After the talk, when Thaddeus decided to return to church, he was surprised and overwhelmed by the positive reception he received. He likened his experience to that of the prodigal son. He felt comforted by the very church friends who had every right to be angry with him for his lashing out at them prior to his departure, yet chose to forgive and rejoice at his return. “It was so clear in hindsight how everything was orchestrated so that I could come out of the battle having learnt more about myself and Him. I am nobody special— just an ordinary guy with an extraordinary God who never gave up on him. The only thing I had to do was stepping in and trusting Him; He’s already done the rest.” Thaddeus is now mentoring peers who are rising up as new cell group leaders as well as a 16-year-old boy, all the while juggling his university studies. He is keenly aware of the struggles that youth have with their Christian faith and the reality of teenage angst. Thaddeus has this encouragement for young people who may be fighting their own internal battles: “Dear brotheror sister-in-Christ. I know that what you are going through is tough. I am in no way undermining or belittling how you are feeling through this struggle. I know that the thoughts and the hurt can be overwhelming at times, even going so far that you cannot hear God. But I want you to know that you’re so very loved. Your heavenly Father has seen you through the worst of it and He will do it again.” “No two journeys are identical, and what is probably most helpful for young people is to have honest and open conversations about their thoughts and struggles throughout the various seasons in their lives. While these conversations can happen at the peer level, it is also crucial to have these conversations with mature Christians who are further along the path. Truth be told, most—if not all—Christians have struggled with their faith at some point in their lives. And because no two journeys are identical, open and honest conversations are where we can deliberately expose ourselves to, and experience the power, love and grace of God silently and yet strongly at work in all our lives.”
Anthony Lee Pastor-in-Charge, Ang Mo Kio MC
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Opinion ¢ Lucas Chow is the former CEO of Far East Orchard Singapore, Mediacorp Pte Ltd and Singtel Mobile. He now serves as the Director of the Thirst Collective, which includes Christian websites Salt&Light and Thir.st. He worships at Wesley MC and is a member of the MCS Council on Communications.
Your first job: Advice from a former CEO
L
ike many fresh graduates, I was eager to dive into the workforce after I left university. My urgency was driven by the attraction of being financially independent and climbing the corporate ladder—and also because I didn’t want to be left behind by my peers. But with hindsight, I now know that a career lasts for many years; I would have made fewer mistakes if I had spent some time planning my career before setting out. I hope this sharing of my personal experiences in selecting and hiring potential candidates will be useful especially to those who have just graduated and are looking for their first jobs.
Preparing a career plan Know yourself 1. What are your: skills, values and interests? •
Skills: What are you good at? We often learn from our past experiences how we can apply the skills that we have acquired.
When we were still in university, one of my schoolmates asked me to help him plan his wedding and banquet. The couple were on a tight budget and had to feed many hungry youths. An event of that scale required: detailed planning; organisation; problem solving; budgeting; creativity; resourcefulness; and communication skills. Although this happened many years ago, I still consider it as one of my major accomplishments. These skills are “transferable” and can be applied at work or under many different circumstances. You can identify your skills and build skill inventories by reflecting on your life experiences (especially from major achievements). This is particularly useful for fresh graduates with no or limited working experience. I find it useful to keep a skill inventories list, and to review and add to it periodically as I gain more experience and exposure in life. •
Values: What is most important to you? Our values are shaped by our backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. It is important to know what values that you will not compromise, such as family, integrity and religion.
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Your first job: Advice from a former CEO
For example, how you would like to spend your time, energy and resources? How willing are you to miss a family member’s birthday dinner because you have to finish an important assignment? How important it is for you to work in a company that promotes responsibility towards the environment? Is it a must that the company you work for conducts its business with integrity? Knowing your values will help to set your priorities. This will come in handy when you consider career-life integration and choose a company to work for. •
Interests: What are your passions? This may be what you enjoy but are not necessarily expert at, such as playing a musical instrument, art, cooking, etc.
I have a keen interest in food and enjoy watching skilful chefs at work. Whenever I dine at a Japanese restaurant and if the counter seats are available, I like to watch the chef preparing the dishes. While I don’t have the talent to replicate such dishes at home, I am inspired to learn more about the ingredients used, and the chef’s creativity in the food’s taste, texture and presentation. This interest and knowledge in food helped me when I was managing a food and beverage business. When your interests are aligned with your career, it can motivate you to develop the knowledge and skills in helping you to succeed.
When you first graduate, you may not have all the necessary skills and experience to be successful in your career. You need to identify the gaps and make realistic plans to bridge them. While some people may be naturally talented, most need long hours of practice and endurance to achieve excellence in sports, arts and music. The same can be said about one’s career. There aren’t, I am afraid, any shortcuts. It is thus useful to set career goals for the next five, 10 and 15 years, and to make practical plans. Here are some things you might want to consider: •
your age in five, 10 and 15 years’ time
•
your marital status
•
your financial status and desired financial needs
•
your desired level of position, e.g. director, manager, senior executive, etc.
•
your hobbies and leisure activities: how much time do you need to pursue them?
As we move into different seasons of our lives, our priorities, needs and financial responsibilities change, such as from being single and living at home to being married and with children. Different people have different definitions of career success. For me, it is simple: if you are happy, then you are successful.
How do I know what job and company are suitable for me?
My late father chuckled when I told him I was joining MediaCorp. He said that finally someone was paying me to do what I like!
Know the environment and available opportunities
2. What are your career goals? What would you like to be in five, 10 or 15 years?
In looking for a suitable industry and vocation, I suggest that paying attention to the following:
When I was in school, my favourite composition topic was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” While all of us have aspirations, a reality check is necessary to avoid disappointment. Knowing yourself will help you to set appropriate and realistic career goals.
•
global industry and market trends (short- and longterm)
•
factors that will influence the future
•
opportunities that best align with your skills, values, interests and career plans
You might highly value spending time with family and friends. But some careers might require you to work long hours in order to be successful. If you are not prepared to make such a sacrifice or compromise, then it may not be the right career path.
The global pandemic has had a major impact on many businesses and industries. For example, the demand for the travel and hospitality industries has plummeted. However, the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries have seen an increase in job opportunities. But how
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METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
long will this trend last? Governments around the world are already planning to move from treating COVID-19 as pandemic to endemic. Countries cannot shut their borders forever. With the pent-up demand, air travel cost is predicted to increase by 30 per cent when countries open up later this year. At the early days of the pandemic, the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks skyrocketed. We saw companies rushing to cash in on the opportunity. But with the oversupply of such products and the incidence of the virus decreasing in many countries, prices of such items are expected to fall. Thus, when looking for a job in such volatile situation, the key is to remain flexible and have a view of the long term.
Know the company Before you apply to a company, it may be worthwhile to find out more about it. Most companies’ or organisations’ webpages provide information about what they do, their vision and values. Better still, if you know someone who has worked for or is still working for the company or organisation, have a talk with them about the company culture.
Know the boss While it may not be easy, it will be helpful if you can find out more about the character of the company’s leadership. As key decision makers, they influence the company’s direction and working culture. Gathering information about the reputation of the leadership and management style of the company can go a long way in helping you decide if this company is suitable for you.
How do I prepare for a job interview? The interview is a good opportunity for you to observe the company’s culture and management style. From my experience of interviewing potential candidates, here are some pointers that may help you to improve your chances of being offered a job:
Before the interview •
•
Be punctual and arrive slightly ahead of time to give yourself time to calm your nerves. Few hiring managers like to see their candidates rushing to the appointment.
•
Dress appropriately for job you are hoping to get, but be yourself.
•
Have all your necessary documents such as educational certificates and referral letters well-organised.
During the interview •
Pay attention to the questions and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
•
Answer questions clearly in a succinct manner and to the point. Use your knowledge wisely but humbly.
•
It’s better to admit that you don’t know the answer to a question than to make up an inappropriate or incorrect one.
After the interview Regardless of the outcome, immediately follow up with a thank-you email to the interviewers. If it is appropriate, recap what was discussed and reiterate why you should be considered for the opportunity. This is a small gesture that will go a long way. Hiring managers look for candidates who are keen, are competent and have the potential to learn and grow in the company.
Most importantly, seek God’s guidance and go M.A.D. God has graciously given all of us different kinds of gifts, and I believe work is God-enabled. Without Him, we can do nothing. Whether we are looking for a job or preparing for an interview, let’s not forget to pray and seek His guidance so that whatever we do is aligned with His will. As Christians, we must be the salt and the light in the marketplace and prepare to go M.A.D. (make a difference). May God bless you abundantly and guide you to the career path He has chosen for you.
Do research and arm yourself with information about the company and the job you are interviewing for. This will increase your confidence and also show the interviewer that you are keen and have done your homework. Rehearse your answers if possible.
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo courtesy of Bishop Dr Gordon Wong
Spur each other on to good works Run to empower lives
B
ishop Dr Gordon Wong is well-known for his golfing skills and has won several local charity golf tournaments. And as every good golfer and sportsman attests, Bishop Dr Wong believes that playing well requires practice and discipline. “My fitness regime? I play golf once or twice a week with friends and my 99-year-old dad. I also try to fit in tennis once a week with my brother and friends, but doubles only, please!” shared Bishop candidly as he also revealed that he regularly clocks 10,000 steps a day. “1 Timothy 4:8 tells us that although spiritual health and discipline are the most important, physical health and discipline are also important,” he continues. As proof of his belief, Bishop accepted the invitation of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) to take part in MWS Empowerun, a virtual run held in conjunction with MWS’ 40th Anniversary celebrations this year. Participants may choose to complete 20km or 40km cumulatively from 23 Oct to 7 Nov 2021, and fundraise by getting supporters to donate to MWS. MWS hopes to raise $600,000, and all funds will be channelled towards its 20 critical programmes that serve the disadvantaged and distressed.
Bishop Dr Wong (extreme right) with his father and brothers
COVID-19 has surfaced new vulnerabilities in society. In addition to their financial constraints, many are struggling with their mental and emotional health. Between April 2020 and March 2021, MWS Family Service Centres saw a sharp spike in the number of people who experienced family violence, financial issues and family issues. While the virtual run is not a marathon, completing distances like 20km or 40km does require some level of mental toughness. By joining MWS Empowerun, participants demonstrate their own resilience and their enduring support for those in need, and encourage them to persevere through their challenges. “MWS helps us find ways to Love God by Loving Our Neighbour with acts of kindness and love. This is especially important in the midst of this very distressing and difficult period. I hope my participation in MWS Empowerun will remind us ‘to run the race’ and ‘spur each other on to good works’,” said Bishop Dr Wong.
SIGN UP TODAY
mws.sg/empowerun
MWS Empowerun Event period: 23 Oct to 7 Nov 2021 Run format: Complete a 20km or 40km virtual run (The distance can be cumulative over the event period)
Registration fee: $40/pax Participants will each receive • a runner’s pack consisting • a backpack and a runner’s T-shirt Fundraise $500 per pax and empower 8,000+ people in need
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For enquiries, please email METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
empowerun@mws.sg
Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of MWS
MWS at 40 An MWS nursing home resident shares her story of faith, receiving dignified care and regaining hope. This year, Methodist Welfare Services celebrates 40 years of empowering life to the full. This is one of a series of stories from people who felt empowered to empower others through MWS over the years. Get involved and join MWS in empowering lives. Learn more by visiting https://mws.sg/mws40th/
“Hello, how are you? Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea?” asked Madam Loo Jo Lee as she pointed to the menu. 50 -year-old Jo Lee is a resident at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chua Kang. She is also the cashiercum-front service staff of Café Joy, which is located within the Home.
Rising from challenges for self and service “I serve as a cashier here once every two weeks. The staff trained me on how to greet customers, take orders and use the cash register,” shared Jo Lee as she cheekily waved a stash of ‘play money’ in different denominations. “I really enjoy serving at the café, meeting and chatting with people. It feels good to contribute. Sometimes, I’ve even found myself
cheering up another resident!” Jo
precisely what MWS hopes to bring
Lee said.
to its beneficiaries.
Jo Lee came to MWS Bethany Nursing
Café Joy, one of the major additions
Home – Choa Chu Kang about six
of the recent Care Remodelling of
years ago. She had suffered a stroke
MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa
and just woken up from a three-
Chu Kang, is an example. Apart
month long coma.
from providing a cosy communal space for residents and visitors, it
“I was struggling with my health.
is designed to be run by residents,
My marriage was falling apart. My
empowering them with a sense of
daughters were teenagers then. I
independence and purpose. This
shut myself in and did not want to
is in line with the care philosophy
speak with anyone,” she recalled.
at MWS Nursing Homes, which is
“Up till 2019, I refused to accept that
resident-directed. The Homes are
this was going to be my life. But the
also designed to provide a home-like
MWS Bethany team really cared for
and dementia-friendly environment
me. Slowly, I turned to Christianity
so that residents’ care needs are
and, with the help of the clinical
addressed in an integrated and
and pastoral team, I began to see
holistic manner.
life more positively and feel hopeful again,” Jo Lee said, her radiant face
“Serving as a cashier at the café
a picture of calm and peace.
has been meaningful and fulfilling. Who knows, I may be able to return
Empowerment in all aspects of care
to work in future! I thank God and
This sense of empowerment—through
care, concern and patience. It feels
its
like my heart is blooming with hope
physical
care
environment,
programmes and care approach—is
the MWS Bethany staff for their love,
again,” said Jo Lee.
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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Missions ¢ Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng is the Church Engagement Director and Grace Chung is the Church Engagement Manager of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). / Photos courtesy of MMS (This article was first published in Harvest Force Issue 1 [2021])
We are not alone
A child learning to type Bible verses on one of the laptops donated by Living Hope MC. This was a community outreach computer programme by the Song-Roi Phee MC, Thailand, in 2020
M
MS was officially established on 30 Sep 1991 as the missions agency of The Methodist Church of Singapore (MCS).
Its primary mission is to establish indigenous churches where none currently exist. MMS aims to be a disciple-making movement that touches and transforms lives. Church Planting and Community Development are the integrated strategies for transforming lives and communities. 1
MMS’s mission comes alive as a testament shown by the past 29 years of partnerships with MCS’ Annual Conferences, churches and donors in Singapore, together with missionaries and hundreds of national pastors and co-labourers Aldersgate MC mission team members visiting the children at Hope House, Cambodia, in 2018
serving in Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, Field/Church Engagement
This can be achieved through a three-phase framework of
Director, emphasised that “MMS does not and cannot work
conducting a missions pulse survey, dialogues and forums
alone”, and this was of vital importance in developing
with the following key outcomes:
the Church Engagement Strategy. 2 We are encouraged that God has seen MMS through the years by bringing
•
Annual Conferences and all local Methodist churches
together faithful men and women to fervently contribute
in Singapore.
and carry out God’s missions work. We are also blessed by the Methodist churches and communities that have
Deepen the relationship and partnership with the
•
Receive
valuable
and
meaningful
feedback
to
come alongside MMS to pray, to love and to generously
customise and realign action plans for the collaboration
contribute their time, effort and resources toward our
in mission and ministries initiatives.
ministries and missionaries.
•
Have greater clarity in what is expected of MMS as a denominational missions agency, and a more
Moving forward, as a denominational missions agency,
coherent understanding of the roles and relationships
MMS endeavours to be an agency of choice amongst the
between MMS and the local Methodist churches and
Methodist community in Singapore. While we have come
the missions agency.
some way in establishing our work in seven countries over the past 29 years, we are nevertheless mindful of our inadequacies as we journey on. We believe we are now at
•
Enhance partner relationships, improve partnership retention and form new partnerships.
a point where we need to expand our partnerships, enrich
Rev Derrick Lau, MMS Executive Director, sets out one
our collective call and energise our congregations in the
of the goals in the Strategic Directions 2025 as having
area of missions.
Church Engagement be an essential initiative of MMS to engage, excite, encourage, equip and establish mission
The MMS Church Engagement Team (CET) desires to
interest, involvement and partnership in all our Methodist
build capacity by enhancing stakeholder and partnership
churches from CAC, ETAC and TRAC. 3
relations
strategically,
managing
expectations
and
engaging churches in a meaningful way to deepen
This initiative provides a clear sense of direction to
the partnership with all three Annual Conferences—
collaborate,
the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC), Emmanuel Tamil
establish long-lasting relationships. They are fundamental
Annual Conference (ETAC) and Trinity Annual Conference
to paving the way towards achieving the God-given
(TRAC)—as well as with all local Methodist churches and
mission. There are still much to be done in our fields to
missions committees.
equip, nurture, train and strengthen the pastoral and lay
encourage
strategic
partnerships
and
leaderships to become self-sustainable one day and fulfil the call God has placed on their hearts. As MMS enters into the new year, it is our hope that this initiative will invigorate and deepen relationships and collaborations with existing partner churches. Also, we hope to begin new dialogues with churches that have yet to become partners, to come alongside to intercede, contribute and support MMS in big or small ways. With one goal, one mind and one heart, let us push forth in living out the mandate given to us: to love God, to love our neighbour and to make disciples of all nations. Barker Road MC medical mission team members praying for missionaries in Nepal in 2018
Get in touch with us now; every partnership and all contributions count towards touching and transforming lives for God.
The Book of Discipline, ¶371. Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, Field/Church Engagement and Area Director’s Report, MMS Strategy for Church Engagement. 3 Rev Derrick Lau, Strategic Directions 2025 (2019). 1 2
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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Relationships ¢ You & Your Family 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, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
Living under a cloud
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has cast a menacing cloud over humanity and directly affected every country, rich or poor. Over the past year and a half, a staggering 187 million have been infected and more than 4 million have died.*
till who knows when and what will be allowed. Those wanting to study abroad do not know when it will be possible. Those trying to choose a field of study need to consider how the dynamic job landscape may be totally different in four or five years.
Singapore has largely been spared the worst in the pandemic. This is not to say that no-one has died or fallen ill, or that businesses and livelihoods have not been affected. For most of the general population, though, wearing masks and not eating in at our favourite food places or travelling overseas have been a prolonged big inconvenience.
As people become more isolated and uncertainty abounds, some experience mental health challenges in the form of anxiety and depression. People are worn down to the point of being less patient and more irritable.
The most commonly-voiced adverse effect is a loss of connection. Observing social distancing, working from home and being unable to gather in large groups means connecting less with others. For young adults, gone are the memorable graduation ceremonies, birthday celebrations and wedding banquets. For this article, I want to focus more on young adults. These individuals are completing their formal education, starting careers and making decisions about life partners. They are entering their most economically productive phase and are a country’s potential leaders across all fields. This is a critical age group, on which the nation often pins its hopes. Initially, I thought that this generation, digital natives whose lives revolve around social media, would have no problems replacing face-to-face with virtual communication. But it seems that they, too, yearn to meet in person and hang out in groups. The pandemic also seems to have reduced the desire for many to plan and to dream about the future. Uncertainty due to constantly changing safety measures means that big decisions may have to be shelved, recalibrated or re-evaluated. Those planning to marry have to decide whether to go ahead with current restrictions or wait
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Thankfully, though, the pandemic’s impact is not all negative. Amidst the clouds of gloom and doom, some silver lining has appeared. Not long ago, many of the older generation mourned the mushrooming of a “strawberry generation”, who— like delicate strawberries—bruise easily emotionally. The product of the older generations’ hard work and success, these young adults grew up self-absorbed, feeling entitled and unwilling to make sacrifices and endure hardship. A good number remain in this frame, perhaps hunkered down in their own unreal world, but I am observing the rise of a new generation. More and more young adults are more environmentally conscious, striving to reduce waste and consumerism. They are more open to being socially inclusive and caring for the less fortunate. They step out of their comfort zone and get involved, volunteering time and energy. They are ready to try new things and not fear failure. Gone is the mantra “You only live once, so live it up”; “You only have one life, so live it well” is now the guiding light. Observing these shoots of change sprouting gives me hope for our younger generation and for our future. Out of the shadows of the COVID-19 cloud, this generation is being roused. Out of adversity and challenge have come individuals hungry to find meaning and authentic connection. *Statistics as at the time of writing
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
Hymns & Songs ¢ Kathryn Cheng is an Assistant Program Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship and Music Department. She arranges music for MSM and mixes virtual choir performances by MFC
GOD OF THIS CITY
N
ational Day reminds everyone that strength and unity as a country is important, especially now, as the world undertakes its second year of living under COVID-19. Some countries have become more divided under the strains of managing the pandemic, while others have become more united.
The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the church through music and the performing arts. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg.
GOD OF THIS CITY You’re the God of this city
“God of this City”, performed by Chris Tomlin, describes the love of God on a large scale. The driving message of the song is that God’s love is not meant to be solely an introspective experience, but one that extends over the community. Though the words are simple, they shine a light of hope, reminding us that regardless of our present trials, something better and greater is coming. This brings to mind Romans 13:1: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” While our earthly leaders may come from backgrounds and faiths different from our own, they have been placed in positions of power to carry out God’s plan. What we can do is to pray that they will be guided by wisdom. So, as we all play different roles in the body of Christ, we should be reminded to be good neighbours to all in our community. In an interview with Aaron Boyd, who recorded the original version of the song, he said that he intended for the song to question what the Church is doing on a global scale to combat big issues such as climate change, poverty, human trafficking and so on. He further stated that we should all be the ones to pioneer change; we ought to have the attitude of serving the world with a Christ-like love. There are big issues indeed to be combatted globally. And locally, we have to grapple social and community issues brought about by COVID-19; indeed, greater things have yet to come if we all exercise our role to be partners with God in bringing light, hope and peace to this city.
You’re the King of these people You’re the Lord of this nation You are You’re the light in this darkness You’re the hope to the hopeless You’re the peace to the restless You are There is no one like our God There is no one like our God For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this city Greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this city.
Words: Bluetree, Richard Bleakley, Aaron Boyd, Peter Comfort, Ian Jordan, Peter Kernoghan, Andrew McCann Performed by: Chris Tomlin (2008) Copyright © 2008 Thankyou Music
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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Opinion ¢ Soundings Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg).
By suffering and blood “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.
O
ne of the dangers in the way that Christian mission is sometimes presented in some Christian circles is that it tends towards a triumphalism that dangerously distorts this vital work of the Church. Some of these accounts sound very much like Disney fairy tales where the hero always emerges victorious, while the villains are always vanquished. However, when we take a hard and truthful look at the (un-cosmesticised) history of Christian mission from its inception in the book of Acts to the present day, we will be confronted by a different and more complex picture. To be sure, the history of Christian mission does testify to the triumph of God’s grace. But let us not forget that it also tells the stories of countless missionaries and ordinary
Christians who have lost their lives because of the Gospel. The history of Christian mission is a bloodstained history. It is a history of suffering, sacrifice and martyrdom. A number of theologians and missionaries have warned against religious triumphalism. In his influential book Transforming Mission, the South African theologian David Bosch writes that “Mission is not a triumphalistic enterprise. It is by definition done in weakness”. 1 In a similar vein, Leslie Newbigin, the bishop-theologian who served in India as a missionary for more than 40 years, urges the Church to learn from the New Testament “what it means to bear witness to the gospel from a position not of strength but of weakness”. 2
Not only must the Church understand that she is to fulfil her God-given mission in weakness, she must also be prepared to face persecution and suffering.
killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. 5 Scholars have estimated that between 2011–25, about 150,000 Christians will die because of the Gospel every year. 6
Christian witness and mission will always be met with opposition. It is for this reason that Jesus sent the Seventy and the Twelve with these ominous words: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (Matt 10:16). (Read verses 17–42 for the full account of the persecution and opposition that the Church should expect.)
Yet, as Ronald Boyd-McMillan has rightly observed, “The fuller story of the contemporary persecuted Church remains a tragically untold story.” 7 But these are stories that need to be told and re-told, for they testify to the uncommon faith and courage of ordinary Christians for whom loyalty to Christ is more important than life itself.
The apostle Paul certainly could not conceive of his apostolic ministry apart from opposition, suffering and even the prospect of death. In perhaps one of the most moving passages in his epistles, Paul alludes to the extreme hardships that he and others like him had to endure for the sake of the Gospel. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8–9).
These are stories about Christian discipleship. They have much to teach us about what it means to say that we are Christians, and about the heavy cost that comes with confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord.
As Victor Paul Furnish writes, “Paul regards suffering not just as an occasional experience of apostles but as the essential and continuing characteristic of apostolic service.” 3 Hardship, suffering and the threat of death are therefore sine qua non of Paul’s ministry. The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have witnessed more Christians martyred for their faith than all the previous nineteen centuries combined. At least 45.4 million Christians were martyred during 1900–2000, more than all the centuries before combined (24 million). 4 From 2000– 10, one million Christians were
One of the most important theologians in early Latin Christianity, Tertullian (155–220), famously said that “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church”. This epigram was certainly true in Tertullian’s day where the Church grew rapidly despite the opposition, hostility and persecution it faced. It remains true in our day as well. Many scholars have observed that the Church is most vibrant in countries where persecution is intense. Persecution has resulted in the loss of many lives, but it has not prevailed against the work of God. Many of our brothers and sisters across the globe bear witness to the risen Lord in humility and weakness, unfazed by persecution, suffering and even death. Their humble faith shows forth the glory of God and testifies to the triumph of his grace.
1 David Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shift in Theology of Mission, American Society of Missiology Series 16 (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991), 182. / 2 Leslie Newbigin, The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission Today (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1995), 5. / 3 Victor Paul Furnish, II Corinthians, AB, vol. 32A (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1984), 283. / 4 David Barrett, George T. Kurian, and Todd M. Johnson, World Christian Encyclopedia: A Comparative Survey of Churches and Religion, vol. 1 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001), 11. / 5 Todd Johnson, David Barrett, and Peter F. Crossing, “Christianity 2011: Martyrs and the Resurgence of Religion,” International Bulletin of Missionary Research, 35(1), 2011: 28-29. / 6 Ibid. / 7 Ronald Boyd-McMillan, Faith that Endures (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Books, 2006), 13. METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021 21
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METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013
Books ¢ Dennis Tan firmly believes that the Church can do more to care for creation. He leads the Advocates of Creation Care and Environmental Stewardship at Sengkang Methodist Church. He is also a founder of Creation Care SG, a community that aims to equip fellow believers to care for creation by transforming their lives and churches.
Season of Creation
T
he Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration of prayer and action for our common home. From 1 Sep to 4 Oct, we unite with the global Church to pray and protect God’s creation. This year’s theme is “A Home for All? Renewing the Oikos of God”. Oikos is the Greek word for “home”. We proclaim that the Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it—yet the environmental crisis threatens the homes of millions of God’s creatures, including humans, around the world. It challenges us to ask the question: How can we claim to love our neighbours as ourselves, yet turn a blind eye to the devastation of our common home? While there are many resources overseas about creation care, there is still a dearth of resources for Christians in Singapore seeking to live out God’s mandate to care for His creation. Through the Season of Creation Devotional 2021, we hope to provide a resource adapted for our unique local context.
The Season of Creation Devotional
2021 is put together by Dennis and Michelle from the creation care team at Sengkang Methodist Church (MC) under the guidance of Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot. Dennis leads the team and is also a
We also hope to educate readers on how to care for creation in practical ways, through conscious acts of repairing our broken relationship with the rest of creation—human and non-human alike—in all areas of our lives. This devotional is a display of Methodist unity in caring for God’s world. We are thankful for contributions from Bishop Dr Gordon Wong and various Methodist pastors. This year, God has also grown our pool of writers significantly, with nine laypeople from all three Annual Conferences. As was the year before, the 2021 devotional is anchored by laypeople to express that caring for creation is the responsibility of all.
founder at Creation Care SG, an initiative that aims to equip fellow believers to care for creation by transforming their lives and churches. Michelle is a Local Ministry Staff with the Youth Ministry, anchoring the organisation and design. The team of contributors include three pastors
from
different
Methodist
churches: Rev Raymond Fong (Wesley MC), Rev Dr Andrew Peh (TTC, Charis MC) and Rev R Prabhu (Ang Mo Kio Tamil MC). Our team of lay writers hail from diverse
The Season of Creation Devotional will challenge your existing notions of what it means to create a home for all. It will compel you to reflect on what it looks like to live in a world that is inclusive, just and full of peace and hope. It will push you to unite in addressing the environmental crisis and its problems and embrace a life as a responsible steward of God’s creation.
backgrounds as researchers, educators
Readers will be able to access the Season of Creation Devotional 2021 via the various MCS channels in late August. However, while written for the Season of Creation, the devotional can be used by anyone at any time. Individuals, cell groups, and churches who wish to use the devotional will also be able to access versions without dates.
Winnie (Ang Mo Kio Chinese MC) also
and students. They are Ann Shin (Faith MC),
Benjamin
(Living
Waters
MC),
Jillian (Holy Covenant MC), John (Ang Mo Kio Tamil MC), Jonathan (Wesley MC), Michele (Barker Road MC), Prarthini (Charis MC) and Wilfred (Sengkang MC). contributed to the devotional’s design.
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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Opinion ¢ James Lau is a member of Barker Road Methodist Church.
Christian hope in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world
T
his note of encouragement is meant for those who are understandably despondent and forlorn about their future from the worldwide governmentimposed lockdowns and public health measures imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. I sat for my final undergraduate law examinations at the National University of Singapore shortly after President George H. W. Bush launched Operation Desert Storm in Jan 1991. Since then, I have learnt and re-learnt the same lesson during the various crises, including financial and health, which the world and Singapore have gone through— to trust Jesus and depend on Him.
Christian hope Let me start with what Christian hope is not. Christian hope is not optimism since it is not a denial of reality. According to English lay theologian, G. K. Chesterton, hope is hoping when things are hopeless: “Hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all... As long as matters are really hopeful, hope is mere flattery or platitude; it is only when everything is hopeless that hope begins to be a strength.” In a sermon titled “The Sweet Uses of Adversity”, Charles Spurgeon said: “And dost thou not know that hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity?” Scottish Baptist Minister, Alexander MacLaren, explained in his sermon titled “The Fruit of the Spirit” that hope in adversity comes from the abiding presence of God: “True peace comes not from the absence of trouble but
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from the presence of God, and will be deep and passing all understanding in the exact measure in which we live in, and partake of, the love of God.” Christian hope is not stoically trying our best to cope and turning to God only when things appear hopeless. Rather, it is going through each day together with Him, resting on His promise that He will never leave nor forsake us (Heb 13:5b). Even when we are unaware of His presence, God is with us, as the well-known poem titled “Footprints in the Sand” expresses so well: One night I dreamed a dream. I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life,
of the song “I Don’t Know About Tomorrow”, composed by Ira Forest Stanphill: I don’t know about tomorrow I just live from day to day I don’t borrow from its sunshine For its skies may turn to grey I don’t worry o’er the future For I know what Jesus said And today I’ll walk beside Him For He knows what is ahead Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand God comforts us in our adversities so that you and I can then be channels of God’s comfort and hope to others in their adversities (1 Cor 1:3–4).
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, There was only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you And I will never ever leave you during your trial and suffering. When you looked back at the journey of your life And saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” We are reminded in Matthew 6:34 of the futility of anxiety over the future: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”. Alexander MacLaren explained why you and I should not worry in his 1859 sermon titled “Anxious Care”: “And what does your anxiety do? It does not empty tomorrow, brother, of its sorrows; but, ah! it empties today of its strength. It does not make you escape the evil, it makes you unfit to cope with it when it comes. It does not bless tomorrow, and it robs today.” Let us cast all our cares on Him for He cares for you and me (1 Peter 5:7) and face our tomorrows resting in the knowledge that He knows your and my future. In the words
A hand-drawn banner of Colonel Tom Moore hangs on the railings in front of a war memorial to mark VE Day in 2020
Concluding remarks In 2019, 99-year-old retired British Army Officer Captain Sir Tom Moore (better known as Captain Tom) set a target to raise £1,000 for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) by doing 100 laps in his garden with the aid of a walking frame. He ended up raising £4 million for NHS and more than £33 million for NHS Charities Together. For this, he made an honorary colonel and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in July 2020, about six months before he passed away from COVID-19. Music has always soothed me and helped remind me of God’s abiding presence. Come up with your own selection of gospel songs to soothe you when you are anxious and to help remind you of God’s abiding presence. Each of us, you and me, can then become a channel of God’s comfort and hope wherever we are and to all peoples, regardless of race, language and religion, but especially to those who are of the household of faith (Gal 6:10).
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Opinion ¢ THINK Dr David Ang is a member of Kum Yan MC. He is Chairman of the CAC Board of Family Life, Chairman of the Methodist Fathers Movement, and serves on the MCS Judicial Council and Discipline Review Commission. / Photo courtesy of Dr David Ang
Work, workers and worship David Ang with his family
W
hen I was 37, my church asked me if I would
power, workplaces, supermarkets, community clubs,
consider going into full-time ministry and
offices, sports hall, etc.
becoming a pastor. But I knew that it was not
God’s calling for me, as I felt that my personality, gifts
It is on this premise which that I have set out my working
and passions made me more suited to serve God as laity.
ethos articulated in a “1-2-3” guideline: one God, two
(I responded—only half in jest—that if I were to become a
assignments and three practices.
church pastor, my parish would suffer a lot!)
One God From my years in the workforce, I have come to realise
The God we worship within the church is the same God
that, regardless of their career paths, believers everywhere
who is sovereign over the Church, economies, nations,
are able to live out their Christian lives through their
businesses and the entire universe. There is no other
acts and words of love. I have seen this in people inside
authority besides Him and His ways are as important in
and outside the church community, regardless of their
one domain as another. His desires and rules are the same
vocations as pastors, church staff or in secular jobs.
in church as in the workplaces.
And as I studied what really God wants of our lives, I
A workplace, office, factory, boardroom or meeting room
was led to the beginning of the Bible: “And God blessed
is not any less sacred than a church sanctuary. Wherever
them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply
you work, you should behave as you worship God during
and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over
your Sunday worship, or in your Friday night cell group.
the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens
God is deeply interested in the government, law and
and over every living thing that moves on the earth’”
order, material supplies and everything that is essential
(Gen 1:28). God’s desire is for mankind to reign and have
for people’s lives and livelihood.
dominion over what is in the world. As we are made in His image and of His kind, He wants us to populate the
Two assignments
world and represent Him everywhere in it.
Be an ambassador of God We are instructed to be the “salt of the earth” and
The prayer Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:10 reiterates His
“light of the world” (Matt 5:13–14). There needs to be a
desire for the earth to be filled with His kingdom as it
spiritual cognisance that, because we are of God and have
was in Genesis 1:28. This means that we should worship
Christ in us, we can relate, work and serve in the flow
God through and carry His heart into the corridors of
of God’s ways mirrored in kindness, helpfulness, other-
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METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
centredness, humility and composure. In that, there is
Three Ps to practise daily
also an absence of overt ambition because we know
Prayer
that it is God who will give promotion and vocational
Praying opens up a channel between God and man that
advancement. We do not need to prove ourselves and
ushers in the presence and will of God. Every Monday
outshine others, which will distinguish us from those
morning, the first thing I did was to pray for my
around us in the rat race.
company and its people. In prayer, heavenly blessings are translated into earthly ones.
This
rested
and
non-striving
personality
is
what
distinguishes a child of God from the rest. This
During these prayers, God put certain names of
differentiating element is in itself evangelistic as there
employees in my heart only for me to find out later
is something tasteful, attractively different and even
that they were actually going through work and/or
beautiful about it. It does not mean that a Christian
family challenges. In prayer, God also gave me spiritual
should be a doormat or a yes-man; this person has the
solutions for business issues. There was once when I was
mind of Christ that thinks, decides and acts according to
pitching for a major project and negotiations came to
the will of God.
a stalemate. During my prayer, God showed me how a simple adjustment in a contentious contract term could
Be an excellent worker
make it mutually agreeable.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col 3:23). While organisations place certain
People
standards on workers, the standard of a Christian is set
At the heart of all organisations are people of all
by what is pleasing unto the Lord. While being in the
departments and ranks. When I was Managing Director,
world, we follow benchmarks of heaven, which are way
God gave me the ability to work with and harness the
more noble and refined than those on earth. Beyond just
different expertise of the many people in my company. I
handing over a good piece of work, we hand it over with
tried my best to look after the well-being of my staff and
a posture that reflects God’s nature.
their families.
When I left my job as the Regional Managing Director
I once took all the fathers and staff of my company to
of the world’s leading water company, a country general
a DADs for Life conference when I was volunteering for
manager of a subsidiary under my responsibility wrote
the movement. They were each given door gifts, which
to me. He told me that I had been the go-to person for
included a wrist band. Years later, on the last day of my
any problems because I was always able to find solutions
work with the company, a father-worker showed me the
for them. Being excellent in our work and delivering on
DADs for Life wrist band and told me, “Mr Ang, thank you
our commitment is a more essential testimonial of who
very much. I remember this conference and it taught me
we are and who we worship than preaching and talking
how to be a good father.” Hearing that left me in tears.
about God. God favoured my stint while I was managing the Southeast Asia region as we were able to raise its
Productivity
profitability to become number two in Asia-Pacific.
In honour of God and His calling, we need to ask
My company was also known to have a very family-
ourselves how we can do better in our work tomorrow, as
oriented and conducive working environment. Due to our
compared with today. As I mentioned, we can honour God
reputation, we saw many applicants from the region and
and evangelise in our workplace by being an excellent
as far away as Europe applying for jobs at our company.
employee and have an attitude of constantly wanting to improve. Through the seasons, I have earned the respect of my bosses through the quality of my work, and thus their listening ear on issues of personal life and faith. Keeping these simple 1-2-3 working guidelines has helped me tremendously in my career and now I have implemented them in the companies that I started.
METHODIST MESSAGE August 2021
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People ¢ Ong Puay See is enjoying life as a wandering Methodist in Hong Kong, whilst remotely serving on the CAC Board of Communications and worshipping at Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church.
What does being a Methodist mean to you?
I
was not born in a Christian family. I never studied in a Methodist School. I only got to know Christ through a death in the family. At a neighbour’s invitation, we visited Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (TA) and somehow found the service reassuring. We have been worshipping at TA’s Chinese service since. That was how my Methodist journey began—me, an English-educated young professional who knew no one in the church, with only a smidgen of basic Mandarin, attending Mandarin service in one of the most traditional of Chinese Methodist churches here. I struggled to understand the sermons. In church, I was always known as my parents’ daughter, and the only church friends I had were the aunties and uncles in my parents’ cell groups! Yet somehow, even alone, I’ve always felt a strong sense of belonging to the TA family. That sense of belonging for the TA family extended to a love for the broader Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) and Methodist family, through which God led me to take up a role in the CAC in 2016, a defining point in my life as a Methodist. Whilst staffing the CAC discussions on central pooling, I had the precious opportunity to visit all 17 CAC churches. I attended Methodism classes, read through our doctrines and staffed the Annual Conference meetings. I got to know John Wesley and we worked his life stories into a cartoon series in CAC News. In 2019, I was posted to Hong Kong. Friends kindly introduced me to the churches catering to the expatriate community, yet God amazingly arranged for us to set up our new home next to the Methodist International Church in Hong Kong (MICHK). The service there was Spiritfilled, the sermons spoke to my heart, and there were many times I teared for it felt almost like God was right next to me, ministering to
Puay See’s church in Hong Kong
my concerns. After a few weeks of visiting other churches, we walked ourselves back to MICHK and settled there. To me, being a Methodist means surrendering my life to God’s plans and trusting that He will keep me growing in a family that cares for me, prays with me and deepens my spiritual maturity. “Methodist connectionalism” means looking after every single member of the family, giving them the assurance that they belong, even when they are alone or apart. These are troubling times and many events threaten to divide us. Let us focus less on the “methods” that define us, and more on the “connections” of not leaving any single sheep lost and alone, however different they are.
2021
Events ¢ Looking Ahead
Scan to see events online!
BUILDING UP YOUR FAMILY: STEP BY STEP Last Thursday of every month till Dec 2021, 8 p.m. to 9.15 p.m. Online via Zoom https://tinyurl.com/FamLifeWebinar (Registrants will be emailed the Zoom link before the webinar)
Organised by the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Board of Family Life (BOFL), the Family Life Webinars 2021 themed “Building Up Your Family: Step-by-Step” feature a series of talks by CAC pastors and experienced speakers covering the areas of: marriage; parenting children; parenting teens; fathering; and mothering.
SEPT
Organised by Chinese Annual Conference Board of Family Life
TRINITY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE 2021 1 Sep 2021, 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Online via Zoom openhouse@ttc.edu.sg 6767-6677 www.ttc.edu.sg (ZOOM links will be emailed separately)
Trinity Theological College believes that theological education is for everyone. Come and learn how you can prepare yourself for full-time ministry, and to witness effectively in the marketplace.
SEPT
Organised by Trinity Theological College
EAGLES LEADERSHIP CONVENTION (ELC) 2021 6 to 11 Sep 2021 Online conference elc2021.com elc@eagles.org.sg 8575-2163 (Ivy)
ELC is the three-day premier biennial thought leadership experience in Asia, showcasing distinguished international experts, effective role models, current thinking, latest research, and outstanding leadership practices. The convention seeks to grow and nurture leaders to be more value-centred persons by transforming their perspectives, developing healthy partnerships, and empowering them for quality performance in both church and the marketplace.
OCT
Organised by Eagles Communications
MWS EMPOWERUN 23 Oct to 7 Nov 2021 Register at mws.sg/mws40th. Registration opens 19 July. empowerun@mws.sg $40 per head. Special rate for students aged 13 to 18 who register through their schools at $20 per head.
MWS Empowerun is organised to commemorate MWS’ 40th Anniversary of empowering the lives of disadvantaged and distressed, regardless of race and religion. It is an open invitation to anyone who would like to give back to the community by participating in the virtual run conducted remotely for the safety of all. It is also an opportunity for participants who are also celebrating their 40th birthday this year to mark the milestone by running for a meaningful cause. Organised by Methodist Welfare Services
People ¢ Memoriam In 1973, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) approached Peter to take over as editor of Methodist Message (MM), which he did until 1985. It was a one-man show, and Peter did an outstanding job, producing MM every month without help from the kind of editorial, arts and design departments which most sizeable churches today would have.
Peter Joe Chia
(1935–2021)
Founder of Methodist Welfare Services, former editor of Methodist Message
M
r Peter Joe Chia was a man who wore many hats. His full-time job with the Anglo-Chinese Schools, where he served with distinction as a teacher, a disciplinary master and then as Vice-Principal of the Anglo-Chinese School (Primary). In a tribute to Peter, the Anglo-Chinese School Old Boys’ Association shared: “He knew how important discipline would be later in life and sought to instill it as early as possible. […] But this tough way kept the boys in line. And many of them have gone [on] to achieve great things. After all, how many men can claim the distinction of having caned the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore?” Beneath his tough exterior and stern disposition, students remembered him as a “softie acting from a place of love”.
In the late 1970s, a group of church leaders, many of them active with the old Council of Social Concerns, decided that it was time for MCS to provide more services to the poor and those who are struggling in the community. A group of leaders, which included Peter, with the blessings of the General Conference of MCS, set up Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) in 1981. Peter was a member of the Management Committee of MWS, and he also served as its Vice-Chairman from 1988–93. What started out as a dream shared by a few like-minded leaders has now been used by God to bless the lives of the sick, the lonely, youths at risk, the elderly, families in crisis, and people who are disadvantaged and distressed. Peter Joe Chia has touched many lives in the schools where he worked and at the social outreach agencies where he volunteered his time. We thank God for him. —Rev Dr Daniel Koh Kah Soon
“Kong Kong was a great man, and he was also our grandfather. Not only did he do a lot
The formative years of his Christian faith were cultivated mainly at Wesley Methodist Church (MC), where he was the President of Wesley’s Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) in 1956. In 1957, he led the Singapore District MYF as its President, providing leadership for the various Singapore–Malaya Annual Conference MYF chapters in Singapore. Through his adult life, he continued to be a faithful member of Wesley MC. He was also the District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Association from 1964–68 and the Assistant Chief Commissioner in 1973. He was a volunteer at the Singapore Children’s Society where he chaired the appeals committee from 1983–87. From 1986–92, he was Secretary of the Citizens’ Consultative Committee at Telok Blangah. 30
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for the community, he was also a very nice grandfather to us. He would talk to us and tell us stories about the past whenever we visited or called him. He was an inspiration, because he showed us that it is important to be kind and give to others. Even though Kong Kong is not physically with us anymore, he is still here with us emotionally as he watches over us from heaven. We love Kong Kong.” —Carys Chan, Peter Joe Chia’s eldest granddaughter
