Wesley Tidings Newsletter Issue 05 2015

T I D I N G S

Bi-monthly magazine of Wesley Methodist Church (Singapore)

WesleyISSUE 5 | September - October 2015

MCI (P) 005/01/2015

Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples.

All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.

Isaiah 61:9 (NIV)

Wesley Tidings ISSUE 5 | September-October 20152

Amidst this rich and elaborate tapestry of details, one wonders at the aspects of this mammoth undertaking we would find difficult to emulate today: the village togetherness (known as gotong royong in our part of the world) or the no-need-to-ask-but-just-do spirit, the collaboration of many hands, the conscientious attention to detail (literally, no stone was left unturned!), the spirit of perseverance; and most importantly, underlying these, an absolute obedience and faith in the Lord.

Indeed, the WW’s invitation is for us to reflect on whether there are parts of us that need restoration. The question then is: which part of your wall – and by extension, your life – is in need of repair? If it is our turn to take on a task inside and outside the community, be it in church, work or society as whole, do we have what it takes to be the “next to” person, the phrase which the chapter is rife with?

Re-read the WW’s ‘advert’! Serious words. Timely invitation. Weighty challenge.

Are you ready to take it on?

02 From The Editor

03 So Says Our PIC

ministries04 Missions

07 Wesley Cancer Support Group

08 Bible Reading Drive 2016

12 Christian Outreach & Social Concerns (COSC)

16 Counselling

18 Perspectives

on file20 Glorious Blessing Outreach

21 Book Review

23 Transitions

24 Photo Moment

from the editorcontents

Peggie Chan

Between August and November 2015, Wesley is embarking on a church-

wide study of Nehemiah, with a sermon series on the book. This is to bolster the spirit of doing Bible Study together following the success of Meeting Jesus at the Gospels (MJC) and the A2C (Acts 2 Church) campaigns. The Wesley Weekly (WW), in its publicity of the sermon series, says this:

Meet Nehemiah. The business of restoration hasn’t ended, and now’s your wall, your life, your turn.

This editorial focuses on one chapter of Nehemiah – Chapter 3. At first sight, it reads like a village register with its genealogy of relationships – whose son or daughters participated in which area of the rebuilding. The disparate occupations of the builders who toiled alongside each other are also revealed – goldsmiths, high priests, guards, merchants. Then, there is mention of parts of the wall in need of restoration – sheep gate, tower, garden, pool, fountain, stairs, etc. Finally, the book makes clear that the repair work is painstaking by any measure; it records in exact specifications the construction of beams, doors, locks and bars – a thousand cubits, over and against the going up, unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner – just like an architect’s book of specifications.

Are You A “Next-To” Person?

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the pastors. Another example concerns the hospitalised. Every so often I hear grumblings about a person not being visited by a pastor though the person had been cared for round the clock by other lay members of the church.

In both these examples, we forget that God has gifted certain members of the church with the gifts of mercy and encouragement. These may not be the gifts of the clergy. The clergy may be trained to extend care to these persons but God’s plan is that the best care is to be provided by the people with the appropriate gifts. We have a shared ministry but it is not necessarily the same ministry.

What then is the role of the clergy?Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (Eph 4:11-12, NLT)

The apostle Paul tells us that there are persons who have been ordained to particular offices, commonly known as the five-fold ministries of the church (we will defer discussion on these ministries to another time). As the clergy are involved in these five-fold ministries, their role “is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church”. The corollary, then, is that the laity are the people who do the ministry.

In short, the clergy are the equippers and the laity are the ministers.

If the laity doesn’t do the ministry, the clergy would gladly do so. But who then will be equipping God’s people? Who will be building up the church? When the laity does the ministry, not only are the people of God being ministered to (by one another), they release the clergy to fulfill their responsibility of equipping and building up God’s people.

Whenever we celebrate Laity Weekend and remember Reformation Day, let us all be reminded to serve God according to His design for us. If you do not know where to start, speak with one of the leaders of the church, laity or clergy, volunteer or pastoral staff.

Remember, you are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God”. Start serving God with what you have“that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Pet 2:9). Let us, clergy and laity, serve together “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13).

Pastor Shih Ming

so says our PIC

Same Access, Different AssignmentsOctober is a special month. Tradition has it that on

31 October 1517 Martin Luther posted what is known as the 95 theses on the door of the church at Wittenberg, Germany. This event was credited as the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation.

One key tenet of the Protestant Reformation is the teaching on the priesthood of all believers. One of the scriptural texts for this teaching comes from 1 Peter 2:5, 9 (NLT):

And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God… you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.

The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers teaches us that all peoples have the same and equal access to God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We are reminded of this doctrine when the Methodist churches of the Trinity Annual Conference celebrate Laity Weekend in October. On that weekend, we have lay persons to grace our pulpits. This is a reminder that we do not need any other mediator besides Jesus to enter into the presence of God.

But Laity Weekend also serves to remind us that we all share in the ministry of the church. This teaching does not come from the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, but from ecclesiology, the doctrine of the Church. Bible passages like Romans 12:4-5 clearly teach us that we have a shared ministry in the church.

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (Rom 12:4-5, NLT)

Ministry is not only the responsibility of the clergy. It is every believer’s responsibility. When we speak of shared ministry, we are referring to each of us fulfilling our role in ministry, which is largely determined by our calling, spiritual gifts, God-given passion and spiritual maturity.

From my experience, many Christians affirm the shared ministry by clergy and laity but in practice, this is realised only by a limited number of people in the church. Many still expect the ministry to be done by the clergy. For example, most people expect a pastor to be the one conducting wakes and funerals. There may be small group leaders who are very acquainted with the deceased or the bereaved, while the pastor hardly knows either, yet this ministry is still expected to be the sole domain of

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Missions In Medan

missions

Sukaramai is an area east of central Medan where about 40,000

impoverished and marginalised Chinese live. A slum ghetto, it has an unsavoury reputation due to its high crime rate and activities such as gambling, prostitution and occult practices.

Most of its people have little education, having dropped out of school due to poverty. They often face discrimination when looking for jobs. Many of them end up as low-skilled factory workers, trishaw riders, street hawkers, illegal gambling peddlers, fortune-tellers, prostitutes, drugs peddlers and home-temple mediums.

Light shining in darknessIn 1998, God moved a group of Indonesian Christians to set up Exodus Ministry to serve the poor in Sukaramai. The team rented a three-storey building to conduct programmes for the young. It also provides free tuition service and scholarships to children in need.

Every Saturday, the team drives around Sukaramai to bring children to its centre for a time of worship and to learn God’s Word. About 60 children attend the service. Many of them enjoy the activities and being with their friends. They spend a lot of time at the centre and consider it their second home.

The Exodus Ministry team also reaches out to the youth through camps and Sunday evening services. They also organise activities such as guitar classes to groom young talents and engage them in healthy pastimes.

Although the programmes are well-received and the centre is now bursting at its seams, there are still many children and youth in the community who would rather be working as mediums to earn an income than spending time learning about

God. The Exodus team wants to reach out to them too.

On weekday nights, the team, who are all volunteers, visits homes to establish contact and build rapport with the families. God has blessed their efforts and many parents have agreed to let their children attend their programmes.

Memorable experiencesWoo Li Chun, a Wesleyan tripper, recalls, “The visit was an eye-opener to the abject poverty and slum conditions they were living in. The residents have little or no education. Most are financially hard-pressed and unable to send their children to school. As a result, the children start to work at a very young age to help supplement the family’s living expenses.”

Another tripper, Patricia Wong, echoes her sentiments, “This experience was a

real eye-opener! We saw the poorest of the poor. This was enough motivation for us to say ‘Yes, we should help Exodus Ministry in any way we can to serve these people. It is our call to reach out and help the poor and needy. Here are the opportunities that God has opened to us and we should not ignore them.’”

You can help tooEvery year, Exodus Ministry organises Easter and Christmas outreach events. These are excellent opportunities for the children and youth to hear the Gospel and grow in their faith.

In December 2014 and April 2015, Wesley sent teams to support the ministry. If you have a heart for children or youth, do prayerfully consider joining the teams going in December 2015.

Missions Team

Exodus Ministry runs Saturday children’s service and also provides free tuition and scholarships to those from poor families.

Many families live in dilapidated apartment blocks surrounded by heaps of rubbish. Many flats are tiny, dim and dirty.

Woo Li Chun (second left) and Patricia Wong (far right) with their teammates who went to Sukaramai in June 2014.

Many families live in dilapidated apartment

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Bringing Cheer to Young Ones in Medan15-19 July 2015

As the thunders roared and the winds howled across the land, one of the

houses continued to stand firmly on the ground while another collapsed because of its weak foundation of sand.

This dramatic scene from Matthew 7:24-27 was the climax of a puppet show put up for a group of eager children from the Exodus Centre in Sukaramai in Medan, Indonesia.

And I was one of the Wesleyans on the missions trip that saw us picking up puppetry skills on the fly.

Who would have thought – me, part of a missions trip team?

As a fairly new Christian (only just two and a half years) I didn’t dare tell many that I wanted to join a mission trip as I always had the impression that it’s reserved for ‘super spiritual’ Christians.

I am not well-versed in theology, well-trained in music nor an established leader of any sort. I wasn’t sure what I could bring to the table for the team. The last thing I wanted to be was a nuisance to them. Perhaps I could wait and grow in my faith before serving God in the mission field, I thought.

I believe it was the Holy Spirit that prompted me to exercise my faith when I saw the final call for participants for a five-day missions trip to Medan in our Wesley Weekly – just one month away from the trip.

So I did. And off to Medan I went in July, with

an energetic team of seven others. We immersed ourselves whole-heartedly in helping to plan the activities for the children and youth.

While the young ones were understandably shy initially, the games, and of course, puppets, did the trick. We broke the ice and they literally roared into action, especially during the exciting competitive games.

We also put up a skit, acting as individuals struggling to fit into the lens of others’ instead of God’s. In my attempt to share the message with the children, I felt that God was personally ministering to me. Like the children, I needed the reminder that God loves us because of who He is and not who we are.

While I wasn’t sure of what I could contribute prior to the trip, it later dawned upon me how much of a senseless concern that was. For starters, there would definitely be something for me to do; there’s always something to do!

But more importantly, the trip uncovered for me God-given abilities which I was not aware of right up till then. At the same time, I saw my folly in thinking that missions trips are meant only for ‘super-spiritual’ Christians. I realised that to ‘qualify’ for a trip, one simply needs to have a heart that seeks to serve God.

Paige Lee Peiqi

Paige (third left) and her team enjoyed organising activities for children and youth in Medan. Paige welcomed God into her heart on 9 March 2013 and is currently serving in the Small Group Ministry.


Healed to be a Blessing4 July 2015 • Wesley Hall

13th Anniversary Celebration of Wesley Breast Cancer Support Group

W E S L E Y

Wo

me

n’s C

a n c e r S u p p or t

Gro

up

“We are part of an elite group,” said Katie Yung, a member of

WBCSG and a survivor, as she began to share her experience of ovarian cancer at the recent 13th Anniversary Celebration of the Wesley Breast Cancer Support Group (WBCSG) and inauguration of the Wesley Women’s Cancer Support Group.

She is right, for amongst the audience were woman who have lived through the dreaded “C” word – enduring surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments. Tested in the fiery furnace of fear and doubt, they bear testimony to God’s faithfulness in each and every step of their journey. They are acutely aware that God has spared them and sense His greater purpose for their suffering and healing. And indeed, this makes them a very special and privileged group of people.

The WBCSG was birthed in 2002 by a group of dedicated survivors – supported by Rev Melvin Huang and helmed by Vivien Goh and pastoral team

member Dr Esther Chelliah – to minister to those newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Through the years, the group has gathered regularly for Bible study, walks, talks by doctors and other specialists, art and craft and other activities. The group welcomes not only members of Wesley Methodist Church, but also women from other churches and faiths.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the group’s committee members, who are all cancer survivors themselves, this year’s celebration was especially memorable and meaningful. The first thing guests noticed upon arrival were beautiful flowers and corsages arranged by Pua My Linh. She and Karen Yeo did much of the planning for the event, Flora and Janet Ee ensured the guests received a warm

welcome. Karen Yeo also presented a video chronicling WBCSG’s many activities through its thirteen years. The

group was blessed by the presence of Rev Fred Tan, Pastor for Pastoral Care, who led the gathering in opening and closing prayers. PTM for Pastoral Care, Melvin Koh played the guitar and led worship.

The highlight of the celebration was the birth of Wesley Women’s Cancer Support Group (WWCSG) which will replace the WBCSG. The ministry will no longer confine its support to breast cancer patients but will also reach out to women diagnosed with cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers. A new logo was launched to symbolise this – the familiar pink ribbon synonymous with breast cancer is now intertwined with three other ribbons in teal, teal & white, and peach to represent all four types of women’s cancers. Balloons of these colours were also released during the celebration. Under its broader umbrella, the ministry will continue to provide a safe environment in which both survivors and new cancer patients can offer one another spiritual and emotional support.

Sharing her experience as an ovarian cancer survivor, Katie explained how God in His perfect timing had provided her a room and a bed in the hospital just in time to have a 200-gram ovarian tumour removed, the outcome of which saved her life. Later, an adrenal tumour was found and removed too; and today, she has to go for regular check-ups and testing. Quoting the apostle Paul, Katie said she felt as though “there was given me a thorn in my flesh” (2 Cor 12:7). She believes God has used the experience to keep her close to Him and to teach her that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Committee members with speakers.Front Row (L-R) Janet Ee, Katie Yung, Dr Chew Ghee Kheng, Mrs Fred Tan, Cathryn Tan, Karen Yeo and Pua My Linh

Back Row(L-R) Flora Yan, Dr Esther Chelliah and Rev Fred Tan

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All that I am, all that I haveI lay them down before You, oh Lord

All my regrets, all my acclaimsThe joy and the pain, I’m making them Yours

Lord, I offer my life to YouEverything I’ve been through, use it for Your glory

Lord I offer my days to YouLifting my praise to You as a pleasing sacrifice

Lord I offer You my life

Things in the past, things yet unseenWishes and dreams that are yet to come true

All of my heart, all of my praiseMy heart and my hands are lifted to You




What can we give that You have not given?And what do we have that is not already Yours?

All we possess are these lives we’re livingThat’s what we give to You, Lord






Lord I offer You my lifeLord I offer You my life

moments, Jesus brought a glimmer of light and hope which kept them going. Once healed, they know their debt to God and now choose to give back to others. Perhaps the words of the familiar song “Lord, I Offer My Life To You”, which the group sang during the celebration, express what they feel best.

wesley cancer support group

Melanie Francis

(2 Cor 12:9). When she came to Wesley In 2012, the first group she joined was the WBCSG in which she identified with those who have experienced God’s mercy and healing. Seeing her life as a living sacrifice to God, she now offers back to God the life which He has returned to her.

After Katie’s sharing and a sumptuous tea buffet, the group heard a talk on gynaecological cancers by Dr Chew Ghee Kheng, an obstetrician and gynaecological surgeon from the Singapore General Hospital. Her detailed explanation of risks and symptoms, and investigation, treatment and screening procedures proved most informative. We learned that endometrial cancer is the fourth most common in Singapore, followed by ovarian cancer in the fifth position and cervical in the tenth. Screening is only available for breast and cervical cancers, while blood tests may be used to monitor other cancer markers. Dr Chew encouraged all, both those who are healthy and those undergoing treatment, to eat a well-balanced diet. “Cancer likes everything”, she explained, not just sugar or meat, dispelling some common myths about food and cancer. A lively Q & A session concluded her talk.

Cathryn Tan, chairperson of the group and a breast cancer survivor of 23 years, shared how God equipped her through her own experience to reach out to new cancer patients. Remembering the shock and horror that came with her own diagnosis, she understands and empathises with those facing similar fears

today. An account of her experience is one of many collated in a booklet entitled Journey of Hope, which was distributed to attendees at the celebration. Each of the various women’s accounts chronicles God’s mercy and sustaining grace through her illness and healing. Though their circumstances vary, their stories share a common thread: in their darkest

Lord, I Offer My Life To YouDon Moen


Let’s Read the Bible Together

Earlier this year, the church launched a Bible reading plan to encourage all of us to read God’s Word and commune with

Him every day. We were given a choice of either a one- or two-year Bible reading plan. The journey started on 1 Jan this year.

So if you have opted for a one-year plan, you would have by 31 Dec 2015, read the whole New Testament and Psalms twice, as well as the entire Old Testament once. Congratulations to those on this track. You are almost at the finishing line!

For those who have opted for a two-year plan instead, you would have read all the 150 psalms, all the 27 books in the New Testament, as well as the first 14 books of the Old Testament by the end of Year 1 on 31 Dec 2015. We would like to encourage you to continue with the Year 2 readings in 2016. You would then read the remaining 24 books of the Old Testament as well as a second reading of Psalms and the New Testament.

For others who have yet to embark on this journey, it’s still not too late to do so. In fact, the Discipleship & Nurture Committee has put together a programme to encourage all of us to read the Bible together every day – starting 3 Jan 2016. We will follow the Year 2 readings of the existing two-year Bible reading plan. So we will join those already on this plan to read 52 of the 66 books during the year, covering 80 per cent of the Bible. You won’t be reading the first 14 books of the Old Testament. Every day, you will read just two chapters; on some days it will be three chapters.

In 2012, we joined our hearts to ‘write’ the Bible. In 2016, let’s join our hearts to read the Bible every day.

Just imagine all of us at Wesley reading the same chapters of the Bible on any given day. This will allow for reflections and sharing on the day’s or week’s readings when we meet in our Small Groups, or during church services on weekends. There are also plans for sermons, devotions, daily verses and DVD screenings to complement the daily reading of the Scriptures.

Is this yet another campaign like the Meeting Jesus in the Gospels or the Acts 2 Church campaign? Not at all! First, there will not be a participant’s guide with weekly lessons. Second, there are no weekly group meetings. Instead you will be encouraged to read the Bible on your own, but with a buddy to support you. Third, there is no time frame as with the Acts 2 Church campaign which lasted 50 days. In fact, we hope that you will make it a spiritual discipline to read the Bible every day, even after the reading plan ends.

Allow me to share this little personal story with you.I was baptised at Wesley many, many years ago. And for

years I had been asking God why He doesn’t speak to me. Until someone pointed out to me: “How can God speak to you when you don’t read the Bible?” It was then that I decided to sign up for the DISCIPLE 1 programme at Wesley in 2011. This was also after I witnessed first-hand how God worked in the lives of my two sons. DISCIPLE 1 is a 34-week programme with daily readings that will take you from Genesis to Revelation. In reading the Bible, I found God speaking to me through His Word all the time, teaching me how to deal with my life’s circumstances and also exhorting me to do what is right in His eyes. I have not stopped reading the Bible ever since.

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bible reading drive 2016 How does daily Bible reading help in our spiritual walk with God?

What the Bible says:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Tim 3:16-17)

Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

(Matt 4:4; Deut 8:3)

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Ps 119:105)

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps 119:9-11) Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

(1 Pet 2:2)

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

(Jn 15:7-8)

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt 7:24). But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

(Matt 7:24), (Matt 7:26)

What some Bible Study participants say:

Derick WongDaily reading of the Bible impacts my life at three levels:a) Relationship with God It is one of many ways to build my relationship

with our Heavenly Father. Reading His Word gives me direction and clarity to His voice, His will and His plans in my life. The same verse read at a different time and context has a completely different interpretation. Having a Quiet Time with His Word connects me to Him.

b) Relationship with self In this volatile, uncertain and complex world, His

words are the anchors of my beliefs and value system. They form the basis of my moral compass. While things in life may not go according to plan, His words are the promises and sanctuary to turn to and to seek strength to face all challenges.

>

In 2012, we joined our hearts to ‘write’ the Bible. In 2016, let’s join our hearts to read the Bible every day.

What we will be reading in 2016

• Two chapters a day; three chapters on some days

• 25 of the 39 Books in the Old Testament (from Ezra to Malachi)

• All 27 Books in the New Testament• In total, 52 of the 66 Books in the

Bible

Indeed, all participants of the DISCIPLE programme would have been familiar with this verse:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17).During Biblethon 2012, more than 3,000 Wesleyans were

involved in writing all 31,102 verses of the Bible by hand. Let’s pray that come 2016, we will see as many Wesleyans reading the Bible together – every day!

Alvin Tay


c) Relationship with others I use His Word to encourage, support, bless and edify the

people in my life. For my brothers and sisters in Christ, the Bible is our common lingo when we pray and fellowship together.

Giam Lay HoonI started reading the Bible seriously every day when I enrolled for the DISCIPLE 1 class in 2013. The course requires the discipline of daily readings through prescribed passages, re�ections of my human condition, and responses to the daily readings. It may appear demanding and daunting at �rst, dif�cult to understand at parts, but was rewarding in the end. Understanding God’s plan for the people He loves (that is all of us) and the consequences when we sin (we all do) allows me to encounter our Lord in a real way every day.

The �rst thing that I read every morning is God’s Word. God reveals through His Word how He wants us to bless others, to serve Him and to walk in His light. When Bible reading turns from chore to joy, He transforms us to be useful instruments to reach others around us, and re�ect the love of Christ in ways never before revealed.

Joy KhooThe Scripture nourishes my soul as food nourishes my body. Often, the Word of God helps me to focus my thoughts on God’s perspective on the different issues of life and relationships. It gives me direction and clarity when I am lost, brings me comfort when I am discouraged, and gives me peace when I am troubled. The Holy Spirit draws me closer to God when I read and ponder upon His Word.

I read the Bible daily because it is important that I guard my relationship and time with the Lord, as well as guard my spirit and heart. Only the Word of God is the mirror to my soul and it washes and refreshes me daily. Charlene HongGod has been faithful even during my years of rebellion. That is why I decided to seek Him. I see it as His grace.

After rejecting Him for years, I was very much burdened and wounded. Life had taken a toll on me. But He called out to me and healed me. He showed His love and mercy to me and also taught me how to love others. I would like to love Him in return. I would like to know this God who is so unbelievable in every worldly sense I know.

By signing up for a Bible study course such as Precept-Upon-Precept, I was able to keep to the discipline of reading the Bible and completing my homework. It slowed down my life and quietened my heart, thus allowing me to hear

Him. Precept was like an anchor that kept me close to God and not allowing me to drift too far away. Through it, God revealed my weaknesses and rebellious nature as well as His continued mercy and love.

God is serious about moulding me, and indeed all His children, into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This is indeed a daily rigour: the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. The struggle is very real: the disappointments, fears and pains. Daily Bible reading is necessary. It is a channel that the Holy Spirit uses to speak to me in my roles as counsellor, teacher, friend and parent. It is what keeps me focused on who I am to Him and who He is to me. It is a reminder of His love towards me and that He is able.

Joelyn OngI began reading the Bible daily because the time spent with God became sweeter as the years went by. During my younger days when I didn’t read and study God’s Word regularly, I felt much older in spirit than I feel now! When you are refreshed in the presence of God, you just want to do it and it is therefore not a chore.

Reading God’s Word helps me in my spiritual walk in four ways:1. Growing in spiritual maturity I have learnt that it’s only when I have a consistent

walk with God that I will be more sensitive to the way in which He is guiding me. The Holy Spirit, as I have found out, teaches progressively. With each lesson, He teaches and marks it with a purpose – be it helping me understand more deeply the character of God, or pointing out a �aw that I need to repent of, or simply leading me to rest and restoration; and through all this, He is leading me on the path to spiritual maturity.

2. Sensing God’s presence I know God is sending me an important message

when while reading Scripture, a random person, scenario or thought suddenly comes to mind, and which strings nicely with the topic of the session. But when nothing special happens, it means simply keeping faith in doing what God says is right to do.

3. Developing a personal relationship with God During times when I don’t feel like reading the

Bible, God reminds me that His delightful peace and grace are always available when I return -- no shame, just His open arms. Many times too, God has slowed me down in my reading of His Word which helps me understand the importance of comprehension and repetition over speed.

Let’s Read the Bible Together

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4. Having a reliable ‘GPS’ for life I thought of the Bible as a foolproof GPS (no batteries

needed). It points to a one-way route from the pit of hell to the pearly gate of heaven. The guiding voice is the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit: “Left turn at 20m”, “Obstacle ahead”, “Missed a turn, recalculating route”. I thank God for His instructions through the Bible – we will never be so off-track that we cannot get back to Jesus.

BeatriceDaily Bible reading provides spiritual food for thought and application as highlighted in Psalm 119:105: “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Indeed, God’s Word has been a primary source of guidance in my daily life decisions, whether big or small. It helps me to make sense of the chaos in my life and in the world.

Together with prayer, which is in response to His Word, my faith has matured over the years. Being part of a Small Group (SG) and serving in ministries have also played a part in this process. My regular SG Bible study and sharing has enabled group members to enlighten and sharpen one another’s understanding of God’s Word.

Time spent reading the Bible is actually meeting with Jesus, as reinforced through the church’s Meeting Jesus in the Gospels Campaign as well as the DISCIPLE 1 programme that I am part of. Jesus is the Word made �esh who desires to dwell among us (Jn 1:14).

Of course there would be days or times when I would succumb to life’s distractions and depend on my own understanding and strength instead of seeking Him �rst in Word or prayer. But Jesus remains faithful and would remind and lead me back to Him by revealing His Word through other ways. In one such recent situation, while checking my emails, I came across a blog by Bob Snyders who wrote that �nding that quiet place with a humble heart and listening ear will position us to grow in our relationship with God. He desires intimacy with us as revealed in Proverbs 8:17: “I love those who love me, and those who seek me �nd me.”

What a timely and gentle reminder from the Lord! Despite my lack of love for Him, He pursues me with His love,wanting to show Himself and His way. And it is only if we remain in Christ and His words remain in us, that we will know how to ask and receive that which will bear fruit (Jn 15:4,7).

bible reading drive 2016

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Tim 3:16-17)


Second trip – 2 to 8 June 2015A relief team of four partnered Gopal Sebastian again, Donash Lama from Shankhu Koinonia Church, Saul Shrestha and his brother, Pastor Vijay Shrestha from Bhaktapur Masihi Church in various affected locations. The team provided 30 kg of rice per family to a total of 246 families living in the District of Chaukivijayan. The team also provided zinc sheets for 40 families in Panchkhal, Kubhre, 92 families in Garjuri, Dhading, 45 families in Kavre District and 75 families in Tanahun. 15 families from the Methodist Church of Nepal were given zinc sheets too.

Koh Sian Ann

Relief Trips to Nepal

cosc Christian Outreach & Social Concerns

This year, two major earthquakes struck Nepal within weeks: the first with a 7.8 magnitude on 25 April 2015 followed by

a second with a 7.3 magnitude on 12 May. Millions of people – in 39 of 75 districts countrywide – have been affected. The massive quakes and aftershocks have severely injured and killed thousands of people, flattened homes, downed power, and destroyed infrastructure including access roads to affected populations. In response, Crisis Relief Wesley (CRW) sent three teams there, the first on 16 to 24 May, the second from 1 to 8 June, and the third from 8 to 13 July 2015.

First relief trip – 16 to 24 May 2015A recce cum relief trip comprising four members was sent to touch base with various partners, carry out need assessments and provide relief to the affected people. This was also to lay the ground work for subsequent teams. The team met with Gopal Sebastian and Pastor Saba Lephcha from the Methodist Church of Nepal, Saul Shrestha from Bhaktapur Masihi Church, Donash Lama from Shankhu Koinonia Church, and Phurpu Lhomi from Reaching Himalayas, a local non-governmental organisation.

The team provided food packs for 500 families. Each food pack consisted of 30kg rice, 3kg dhal, 1kg salt and 1l oil. Zinc sheets were given to 25 families from Koinonia Church and a contribution was made towards its church rebuilding. The team also operated a medical clinic for church members of Bhatapur Masihi Church.

Christina Phung

Crisis Relief Wesley

Houses which were almost totally demolished were a common sight

Food packs

Medical Clinic

Food packs

Medical Clinic

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Third trip – 8 to 13 July 2015A relief team of four worked with Pastor Ramkumar Bhudathoki, Principal of Nepal Ebenezer Bible College (NEBC) and a pastor of the Srijana Church Kathmandu. The team spent half a day in the NEBC chapel service and shared on psycho-social needs during disasters and the biblical response to calamity. In addition to interviewing some students,

My first exposure to sign language was back

in my school’s drama CCA. We were taught the simple alphabet and were able to spell words to one another. As a secondary one student, this was extremely exciting because my friends and I now had a secret code which we could use to communicate with one another.

My next encounter with sign language was in 2012 when I went to my first sign language class by Ministry of the Hearing Impaired (MHI). I took up Basic Sign Language A; and having learnt the alphabet already, it was quite easy picking up simple signs and using spelling. It was a thrill to be able to communicate with our hearing impaired teacher, Vanessa.

And this year, having joined MHI’s classes again, I have learnt more about signing in the area of worship. I come from a strong Christian background and have always liked worship through hymns and songs. And I feel that

using sign language brings worship to a whole new level as we do not just worship through our voices but express our praise through our whole body.

In addition, I have learnt more about the hearing impaired community. The

classes have provided an opportunity to fellowship with them and the hearing alike. Indeed, attending MHI sign language lessons is more than just picking up a new language. So do look out for its next round of classes in April 2016!

Karen Leow

It’s More Than Learning a Language!4 Jul - 18 Aug 2015

Zinc sheets

A team member befriending affected children

Ministry Of The Hearing Impaired Sign Language Classes

Students learning sign language in class

PHOTOS: ISABELLE LIM

alumni and staff of NEBC, the team also interviewed affected families from Srijana Church Sitapaila, Naikap and Bagdol. Instead of purchasing and distributing relief aid, we provided cash aid as this was a practical way of assisting the students and church members who live in different locations and have different needs.

Rosalia Mahendran

Team 3 with Pastor Ram visiting church members in Sitapaila


To know more about Wesley Seniors Activity Centre, please contact Kwok Sian Yee at [email protected] or call 62980195 to make an appointment to visit the centre.

Kwok Sian YeeSupervisor

COSC Elderly Ministry

Shih Ming were also present to support this wonderful celebration of God’s goodness in the community.

WSAC is a haven for the seniors who drop by the centre every day. Supported by a loving and compassionate team of volunteers from WMC and the community, it is a place where they learn new skills, find new friends, and grow old together with grace. Indeed, WSAC is a place which many seniors call their second home.

cosc Christian Outreach & Social Concerns

A Double Celebration1 August 2015

PHOTOS: CALVIN CHANG

In the blink of an eye, Wesley Seniors Activity Centre (WSAC), a partnership

between Wesley Methodist Church (WMC) and the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) is into its fifth year at Kelantan Court – a small HDB estate nestled in Jalan Berseh/Kelantan Road. The centre helps to manage social isolation by providing a place for seniors aged 60 years and above to spend their time in meaningful activities and programmes.

On 1 August, more than 100 members and residents of the housing estate gathered at a pavilion to celebrate National Day and SG50. Most came dressed in red and white. The event was supported by grassroots volunteers as well as the Singapore Supreme Court volunteers. The Supreme Court has adopted the centre’s National Day event since its inception in 2011. In addition, Wesley’s Youth Ministry stepped forward to run a photo booth for the seniors to have Polaroid shots taken with a myriad of props. The guests were also entertained with a lively dance performance. The atmosphere was festive and filled with laughter.

Ms Denise Phua Lay Pheng, Mayor, Central Singapore District, MP for Jalan Besar GRC, graced the event. Joined on stage by seniors and a volunteer, she led the singing of our national anthem, after which the pledge was recited in English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin. WSAC’s Chairperson, Mr Daniel Chan, MWS Chairman, Mr David Wong, WMC’s Lay Leader, Mr Leow Kim Liat, COSC Chairperson, Mrs Tan Ee Leng, and WMC Pastor-in-Charge, Rev Dr Kow

Wesley Seniors Activity Centre (WSAC)

Shih Ming were also present to support

volunteers. The Supreme Court has

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Wesley Befrienders to Older Persons (WBOP)From Befrienders’ Outreach Programme (BOP) to

This is a significant year for the Befrienders’ Outreach Programme

(BOP) at Wesley Methodist Church. It has existed since 1975 and began with visits to the elderly living in HDB 1-room rental flats, seeking to meet their social and sometimes financial needs. Over time, its work has evolved beyond visits. Today, volunteers provide support in kind as well as with their time. They accompany their clients to medical appointments, bring them on outings to places of interest, organise activities during festive seasons, for example, during Chinese New Year, there would be a reunion dinner for the elderly with no families. In addition, with support from Wesley’s Small Groups, volunteers take turns to deliver weekend meals to the homebound.

On April 25 2015, EXCO members, with staff members from the Christian Outreach & Social Concerns Ministry (COSC), gathered at a retreat. And they agreed it was time to review the ministry’s Mission, Vision and Core Values in view of the changing landscape of the ageing population and its needs.

On May 17, the EXCO – comprising BOP Chairperson, Alvin Chua and the Joint Vice-Chairpersons, Rita Lee and Elaine Soh, together with members, Liew Yuen Loong and Serene Tan met with PTM, Rosalia Mahendran and Administrative Team Members, Kwok Sian Yee and Stephanie Cen to come up with new Mission and Vision Statements. Rosalia brought everyone through an exercise which involved breaking down the main thrust of the ministry and what it hopes to achieve. There were pauses for reflection and prayer, and an opportunity for each person to share freely and openly.

The result was the following statements which the group came out with:

MissionA Christ-centred ministry to befriend the lonely and lost elderly.

VisionEvery elderly finds love and hope through trusted friendships.

Core ValuesTo achieve the above, the group also determined its core values as:Compassion and CommitmentHumilityRespectIntegritySpirit-ledTeamwork

RespectIntegritySpirit-ledTeamwork

To align the ministry with the church and to make clear its mission and vision, the group also decided to change its name from BOP to Wesley’s Befrienders to Older Persons (WBOP).

On August 15, the Wesley Weekly carried an announcement to make known this name change. That afternoon, the ministry also held its annual Thanksgiving celebration at Wesley’s chapel. It was attended by more than 40 volunteers from its various sub-ministries. Before the address by its chairperson Alvin Chua, there was a short presentation on the work of its sub-ministries. This helped volunteers to see and understand the impact they have had on the community. Pastor Benjamin Lee also shared a very encouraging and uplifting exhortation on how by listening to God’s voice and by being obedient to His call, the ministry members can go out into the world to bring love, compassion and empathy to the elderly they serve.

Kwok Sian YeeSupervisor

COSC Elderly Ministry

WBOP volunteers visit the elderly living in Indus Road, Bukit Merah, Jalan Berseh, and King George’s Avenue. They also serve at Bethany Methodist Nursing Home, Green Avenue Nursing Home as well as St Luke’s Eldercare-Golden Years Centre (Hougang). If you are interested to find out more about WBOP or wish to join us as a volunteer, please contact Kwok Sian Yee at [email protected] or give her a call at 6298 0195.

Bookmark created for WBOP


The Meaningful Life Workshop26 June 2015 • A Talk by Dr Joel Wong

At the start of the workshop, to their amusement, participants were

greeted by a picture of a massive tub of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Dr Joel Wong mused that if the tub of ice-cream was put in front of a dog who recognises and loves it, all it would ‘think’ is: Yummy, just eat! But for most people, before we reach out to eat it, we would have gazillion of thoughts – whether we would put on weight, and if we have been trying to lose weight, whether we are failures if we succumb to it. For some others, it may open a floodgate of memories that may not have to do with ice-cream at all.

And this, Dr Wong stressed, is exactly what makes us uniquely human. God has endowed us with the capability to extract and make meaning; even a tub of ice-cream can provoke the questions: who am I, and if I eat the ice cream, what does it imply? Human beings are thus

inherently meaning seekers and are on a perennial quest for the meaning of life.

Meaning in life – what it is not Dr Wong first made clear that there is a distinction between meaning in life and happiness or morality. Meaning in life is not happiness. One can be high on the happiness scale but may not find much meaning in life. For instance, a carefree person who does whatever he feels like may be happy but leads an unfulfilling life and conversely, a missionary may often be challenged by difficult circumstances and yet feel that his or her life is meaningful.

While meaning in life and happiness are strongly and positively co-related, meaning in life, unlike happiness, does not fluctuate from moment to moment. One may wake up feeling happy but go to bed miserable due to the events

of the day. Happiness is thus more present-oriented while meaning is more long-term oriented. Happiness is also associated with receiving while meaning, with giving. And notably, Dr Wong reminded the participants, one certainty that the Bible guarantees is suffering – the Christian life is not about happiness.

Meaning in life is also not just about morality. Christians know that life is more than just being moral; and our relationship with God is more than a moral transaction with Him – we are much more than how we relate to Him in terms of right and wrong. Rather, living a meaningful life is living a worthwhile life, that is, living for Christ.

Sources and dimensions of finding meaningRobert Emmons, a psychologist, has highlighted four main sources of the

counselling

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meaning of life: work/achievement, relationships, spirituality and self-transcendence (for example, dedicating one’s life to serving others in an important cause). Dr Wong pointed out that these sources can actually be summarised as work and relationships – which actually reflect God’s mandate and character as revealed in Genesis 1:26.

Genesis 1:26 clearly reveals God’s mandate for man to rule over the earth. Indeed, theologians have spoken of man’s dominion over the earth and the need to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. This is, in effect, work. And most people do seek meaning through work, be it paid work or volunteer services.

And in the verse, God is referred to as “us”, that is, His Trinitarian form – God, Jesus and Spirit. This throws light on the relational nature of God, and the essence of which is love. Made in His image, we thus embody and reflect His relational nature. And indeed, we draw meaning in our lives principally from our relationship with Him and others. The latter was illustrated when Dr Wong asked the participants to share a photo which they found meaningful and all the photos they picked had their loved ones in them.

Dr Wong then prescribed that one should look into one’s past and ahead to one’s future for the meaning of his or her life, for as delineated by Michael Steger, an authority on the subject, the two dimensions of a meaningful life are essentially comprehension and purpose.

Comprehension as defined by Steger is the ability to identify the significance of and connections between the past events and experiences in one’s life. In effect, the more one understands his past, the more meaning one will find in his life. Purpose is defined as highly motivating, long-term life goals which are often based on one’s values. It thus involves looking ahead to the future. We all have a unique purpose in life, and in living it out our lives become meaningful.

Biblical perspectiveDr Wong then directed our attention to the life of Paul in the Book of Acts – namely his comprehension of God’s hand in his life and the purpose of his life. He noted that Paul’s conversion story is told three times. The first account is simply a description by Luke while the second and third are from Paul’s perspective (Acts 22 and 26). The three are not contradictory but clearly different. This, Dr Wong explained, has to do with the audience whom Paul is addressing just like how we tailor our stories for different people while presenting the same message. And when we tell stories of our lives, it predicates on our interpretation of events and involves emphasising some details and leaving out some others. Hence Paul’s recounting is telling of how he perceives his life.

In Acts 22, Paul’s emphasis is on his previous fanaticism and wrongdoings against God, and his recognition of his redemption which led him to where he was now – an apostle of Christ. And in Acts 26, Paul is unequivocally clear about his mission in life which is to preach the Gospel. Paul’s reflection and interpretation of his past and his purpose from the time of his conversion is therefore a powerful illustration of Steger’s theory – that comprehension of one’s past and having a sense of purpose can give meaning to life.

Dr Wong concedes that even if we are not Christians, we can have comprehension of and purpose in our lives. However, what distinguishes us as Christians is that just like Paul, we can seek to understand the key events in our lives through the lenses of God’s grace and redemption. And this is crucial in clarifying our narrative identity and calling in life.

Our narrative identity and callingOur narrative identify is defined as the core theme of our lives. It is based on our interpretation of key events in our lives. The questions one can ask to clarify one’s narrative identity are whether

these events are related to each other, what they say about us as a person, and whether there is a central theme that runs through them.

Admittedly, the stories in our lives can be interpreted from multiple angles. Dr Wong illustrated this by sharing a core memory from his childhood. When he was about five years old, while his parents was singing in the choir during a Sunday service, he pulled away from his older sister who was looking after him. He found his way onto the stage and started singing. Consequently, he was spanked by his mum and for a long time after, he was constantly reminded of his misbehavior. He quipped that he could have interpreted this experience negatively, for instance, as how his life has been characterized by failure even as a child or how his parents had abused and shamed him and inflicted him with deep psychological wounds. However, what Dr Wong gleaned from this incident was that he has been endowed by God with an amazing gift – the lack of fear of being on stage; and he has since always lived with an acute awareness that he can and should use it for God’s glory.

The challenge then as a Christian, Dr Wong stressed, is to derive an interpretation of the events of our lives through the lenses of God’s grace, which is undeserved favour, and redemption. Importantly, redemption may not be a real change in our circumstances, but a change in our relationship with God and our character – that is, spiritual maturity and a development of character traits. And this would take us from a negative to positive state, for example the redemption from pride, ignorance and sin to humility, wisdom and restoration.

And when we comprehend God’s grace and redemptive work in our lives, we can better identify our purpose or calling in life. A calling is distinctive from one’s job or career. It is a deep, sacred sense of going beyond oneself to contribute to others and society. It is thus not necessarily linked to one’s profession but a life role, such as a parent, or volunteer

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work. For instance, Dr Wong feels that God has not called him to be a professor (his paid job) but rather to be an encourager – to his students and those around him.

And when contemplating our calling, Dr Wong stressed that it is useful to focus on our desired outcomes. For instance, his desired outcome is to help others see the potential in themselves. Similarly, a parent may treat his or her role as a sacred calling with the desired outcome of raising Godly kids that won’t blindly chase a materialistic way of life. In addition, we can clarify our calling through prayer, what others say about us, our values, strengths, skills, knowledge, interests, and personality.

Once we have identified our calling, we can enhance it by first, asking if we need to change our jobs especially if they are a mismatch. Second, we may have to change our attitudes towards our job, for example, by reflecting on the ultimate goal of our work and how we can serve others and contribute to the Kingdom of God through it. Finally we could attempt job sculpting, that is, changing the way we approach our jobs to include more opportunities to live out our calling. A specific example of this is how Dr Wong consciously carves out time from his heavy schedule to write notes of affirmations to others.

Throughout the workshop, Dr Wong led the participants in practical applications of what he spoke on. The first exercise was to help clarify their narrative identity; they reflected on and identified the core theme of the key events in their lives which reflects God’s grace and redemptive work. The second aimed to help clarify their priorities in life; they were asked to either imagine a near-death scenario or reflect on what they would like people to say about them after their death. The third was to contemplate their calling and what they may need to change in their lives to enhance this calling. And at the end of the session, in a culmination of the earlier exercises, they were asked to write a short summary of their narrative identity and calling, which would hopefully illuminate the meaning of their lives.

Julie Ee

Learning how to be a Father

perspectivescounselling

Dr Joel Wong Yang is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Psychology Programme at Indiana University, USA. Born and raised in Singapore, Joel is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a former lay counsellor with Wesley Counselling Services. At Indiana University, Joel teaches doctoral and

master’s level courses in counselling theories, counselling skills, and social psychology.

I was very arrogant when we had Gabriel, our first son. I was the chairperson of the Children’s Ministry (CM) and I have

worked with children before; as such, I thought I would be a great father.

I’m ashamed to say, I was dismal to the point where my mum had to tell me the truth, that I was hurting my son. If I did not change, I was on the way to growing a person to be a copy of the insecure and unbalanced self that I was.

Also, I was not ready to want to learn to father. Learning takes time and I had too many competing wants and commitments, such as starting a business or being a church leader, to take the time to learn.

Thankfully, I woke up sooner than later with the help of people who had the courage to tell me the truth. I realised I was fooling myself on how committed I was to being a good father. And I strongly encourage any father, who is in a similar state of denial that I was in, to do the same.

Here are some things I’ve learnt.

Use God as a ModelLearn to father from how God fathers us and who He really is. No matter how good or terrible our fathers were, God is our perfect Father and if we have a great relationship with Him, we will learn from His traits.

But if we don’t know His true character, we might get the wrong impression. For example, if we think He is an angry and judgemental God, we may treat our children the same way. If we think He is a God who gives in all the time, we may become a servant to our children – one Christian father I spoke to feared weekends because, in his own words, “I have to find ways to entertain my kids”.

I didn’t quite understand what great fathering was because I did not have a great relationship with God. But my relationship with Him has since improved. Consequently, my fathering has improved in many ways.

For example, I used to shame my children. God doesn’t hurt me with shame, I’ve learnt not to use it too.

Another example is my temper – when my children did not meet my expectations, I would go bananas. God doesn’t go bananas, so I try very hard not to too.

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One Muslim lady taxi driver taught me what it meant to spend time with one’s children – she schedules quality and quantity time with her children the same way she would schedule her taxi shifts. I asked her if it was tiring after driving 12 hours six days a week and her reply was something like, “We asked for kids and God gave us kids so it’s up to us to do what is right.”

If we don’t judge the people God uses to teach us, we can learn a lot.

Seek help from the Holy SpiritFathering is hard work. Once I have learnt something that works, the children grow up and I have to learn new things. Just like any father, I’ve gone through the gamut of negative emotions such as anger, fear and disappointment, and yes, guilt too. After speaking to many fathers, I am beginning to realise that many of us experience much guilt from thinking we are not doing enough for our children.

Thankfully, Jesus says He will send a Helper, His Holy Spirit, to help us in all our situations.

Indeed, the process of seeking help from the Spirit makes us better fathers immediately because it humbles us. I’m learning that underlying all good fathering is humility. It enables us to acknowledge our failures and shortcomings, and the need to seek help. And fathering – to bring up godly children – certainly requires help from the Spirit.

Finally, I have discovered that fathering is not just about our children. Fathering is about bigger, sensitive things and issues like our how we were brought up, our worldview, our values, and our relationship with God. That’s why it is so hard to want to learn to father because it shakes us right to the core. For me, it has been painful to look in the mirror to even catch a glimpse of who I really am.

But the good news is, God is a great and patient teacher. He will counsel and support us with generous portions of compassion when we turn to Him; and I pray that you would if you have not already done so, preferably sooner than later.

Stephen Yong

Another example is when I felt insecure, I would pander to my kids and over-indulge them to get their love. God doesn’t do that; so whenever I feel insecure, I would take some time out first and restore my sense of peace and security in Him.

Yet another example is when I was angry with my children, I used to, unintentionally and sadly sometimes intentionally, withdraw love from them. God does not withdraw love from me in any circumstance so I’m mindful not to do it anymore.

I have many more examples and I’m far from perfect. What a relief then that we have a Father whom we can learn from.

Learn from other parentsGod often uses people to teach us men how to father.

From my dear wife, I have learnt to look for creative and constructive ways to help our children grow without turning on the television. Because of her I have stopped watching television and am spending more time with the boys.

I learnt from the tender look a Christian father had for his teenage daughter, which showed the depth of their relationship. I said to this father, I want to have that too and he replied, “Great, spend time learning to talk to your kids”. Hmm, that word “learning” seems to be popping up everywhere.

Another Christian father showed me how to be kind and firm instead of being hurt and hurtful when my boys threw a tantrum. What a great lesson to learn.

Christians don’t have a monopoly on good fathering. I asked an atheist father for his secret to good fathering,

and he said, “Respect your kids, try to avoid disciplining them in public”. His words reminded me of the patience, grace and mercy which God has shown me. After that I started correcting my sons in private and I got heart-warming results.


Glorious Blessing Evangelistic Outreach19 July 2015 • Wesley Hall, 2-4pm

More photos at www.wesleymc.org - Life@Wesley!

on file

PHOTOS: JOHNNY KOH

Co-organised by Wesley Mandarin Ministry and Gospel Theatre, Glorious Blessing is a Mandarin evangelistic outreach featuring

inspiring performances and heart-warming testimonies by Taiwanese artistes Ling Feng , Qiu Hai Zheng and evangelist Zorina. More than 500 people turned up at Wesley Methodist Church with their friends and loved ones to hear the Gospel. Ten persons responded to receive Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Zorina Qiu Hai Zheng

Ling Feng

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Our Cup Runneth Over: A Journey to East Asia

book review

At the heart of this book are journey stories – put together lovingly by

a project team from Wesley Methodist Church. A Wesley publication, the book was distributed as a gift from the Missions Committee to families on Missions Sunday, 16 August 2015.

The eponymous “journey” in the title started all the way back in 1996. Then, Wesley decided to participate in the Adopt-a-People project in which church groups or volunteer agencies would select an Unreached People-Group to adopt – to pray for and to commit resources to them to improve their living conditions until they were able to continue the work themselves. The People-Group that Wesley adopted was the Yi in East Asia. It comprises some 26 tribes of about 4.5 million people.

This book tells that adoption story and the story of the Wesleyans who responded to the call to journey to and with the Yi. It is a story of their faith and dependence on God to fill their cup until it runneth over. Urban dwellers, like you and me, these sowers and harvesters of God’s Kingdom, went out of their comfort zones into unchartered territory – remote villages in unfriendly mountain terrain with its accompanying hazards – to serve others, blessing lives and saving souls as they shared God’s love and grace.

The main part of the book is the testimony of the blessed journey of Fong Loon Siong and Louise Fong who, despite

More than enough...

Published by Wesley Methodist Church Singapore, 2015ISBN 978-981-09-6081-0No. of Pages 108 pages (text; illustrations) 28 pages (photographs)Available at Church

their mature age, responded in obedience to God’s call to “go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mk 16:15) The Fongs spent 15 fruitful years with the Yi from 1998 to 2003. This is amazing when we note that the Yi are historically animists who follow rules and rituals closely for fear that misfortunes would befall them otherwise (page 7). Today, Yi believers testify that “Things are changing. By the Lord’s kindness, the

hearts of the local people are changing.” The Fongs more than met the objectives of the adoption project which were to first, establish a physical presence among the Yi; second, establish fellowship among them; and finally, see the establishment of a mature, outreaching community among them.

Partnering a host of people, various groups and organisations in community development projects, the Fongs planted seeds, touched lives, showed faith and action working together (Jas 2:17, 22). It is interesting how Louise’s brainwave of “10 Squares on the Ground” (see drawing on page 31) helped the Yi prioritise their needs. In this joint decision-making process, the Yi were asked to name the specific wants on their wish list (page 30), then cast votes with stones to finally identify waterworks as their topmost concern. In this and other situations, the Fongs never failed to pray, commit, trust, wait, respond and give glory to God. They overcame obstacles and testing times as He has always appeared to and guided them in His perfect time and with His divine plan. Nothing was impossible with an almighty and awesome God.

The pages that follow the Fong’s story are the personal accounts of seven trippers – fellow Wesleyans who served short stints with the Yi, encountered God and had their cup runneth over too. The trippers have gleaned many valuable lessons in trying to be salt and


book review

light to the Yi community. One tripper underwent a complete change of lifestyle – choosing to live simply, with no desire to accumulate wealth or possessions – after looking at how little the Yi had, and how much Singaporeans have taken for granted. Indeed, these inspiring missions stories, humourous at times, are themselves a blessing to their readers. As Pastor-In-Charge Rev Dr Kow Shih Ming pens in the Foreword: “You may not have had a part in this journey but you can have a part in the journey that is being written in God’s church by the same Holy Spirit.”

The book is written in a conversational tone and recounts the various journeys in simple unadorned language. Indeed it is very readable because of its language, style and presentation which include drawings to explain in detail the various project works undertaken. The picture on its cover of structures erected to lay a new bridge is appropriate – depicting the literal and symbolic building of bridges by God’s people to reach across terrain, language and culture. The

book’s chronological approach gives a sense of time and flow to the narratives that follow. Additionally, its content is substantiated with cited works and additional bibliography for further reading.

The photo essay at the end is also a fitting supplement

to this East Asian journey. The Fongs’ vision for the collection of photographs and caption story is based on many familiar biblical concepts. Among these are the fruit of

the Spirit which they have experienced and witnessed in the many community projects they undertook: building reservoirs for clean water, bridges, roads, schools, irrigation and drainage works for agriculture, biogas facilities for

Building new toilet – laying of bricks

Newly completed toilet

electricity, hygienic latrines, and running medical training and care programmes for health workers, counselling and teaching of personal hygiene.

Notably, the book begins with a lovely prayer to our Almighty God. It is the prayer of Wesley that God in his unfailing love may use the book to “excite every reader to envision a wider horizon … to proclaim the Good News to the Yi and beyond”. These reading encounters may or may not challenge one to step out in faith like the Fongs and their fellow trippers, but hopefully, it would leave a lasting impression of what it really means to answer God when He asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Is 6:8). Christians cannot live in denial of the Great Commission because “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Mt 9:37).

May God bless your reading with an understanding of His word and more.

Barbara Quek

Dedication of Bridge of Grace

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Wesley Tidings is published bi-monthly by Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore for internal circulation to members of the Church | Views expressed in the Wesley Tidings are the contributors’ and do not necessarily reflect that of the Church or the Editorial Board. | Materials in the Wesley Tidings may be reproduced with permission from Wesley Methodist Church or the authors. | Unless stated otherwise, all scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Contributions and enquiries are to be addressed to: The Editor, Wesley Tidings, 5 Fort Canning Road, Singapore 179493

The Editor reserves the right to make changes to the contributions if necessary.

Printed by Craft Print International Ltd

Pastor-In-ChargeRev Dr Kow Shih Ming

EditorPeggie Chan

Editorial TeamJulie EeKevyn LaiCatherine LimOng Joo HiangTan Kee CheongTham Soo Hian

ContributorsRev Dr Kow Shih Ming, Paige Lee Peiqi, Melanie Francis, Alvin Tay, Christina Phung,Koh Sian Ann, Rosalia Mahendran, Karen Leow, Kwok Sian Yee, Stephen Yong and Barbara Quek.

Photo ContributorsIsabelle Lim, Calvin Chang and Johnny Koh.

T I D I N G SThe Magazine of Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore

Wesley Tidings is also available at www.wesleymc.org

transitions

Marriages

AUGUST 2015 01 Dr Lee Jan Hau and Dr Katrina Heng Yi Ching

15 Mr Ashley Koh Wen Zhen and Miss Loh Xing Yee

SEPTEMBER 201519 Dr Leonard Eng Yong Tai and Miss Ang Yi Rong

26 Mr Kenneth Kwa Leung Sheng and Dr Orlanda Goh Qi Mei

Dr Lee Jan Hau and Dr Katrina Heng Yi Ching

Mr Kenneth Kwa Leung Sheng and Dr Orlanda Goh Qi Mei

AUGUST 2015 22 Benedict Hu Tsen Yi (Hu Zhen Yi)

Son of Mr & Mrs Davin Hu Kwang Liang

SEPTEMBER 201508 Sonia Lim Xin Hui

Daughter of Mr & Mrs Vern Lim Yong Zheng

Births

CONDOLENCESto the family & loved ones of those who were called home.

DeathsDeaths

AUGUST 2015 01 Mdm Tan Ah Phong

09 Mr Seah Cheng Hwee24 Mdm Ng See Yin

25 Mr Wan You Thong25 Mdm Lai Poh Choo25 Mdm Teo Sai Khim26 Dr Lau Liat Choon26 Mr Ang Kiat Sang

28 Mdm Tay Geok Suan

SEPTEMBER 2015 01 Mr Tan Kian Hua

06 Mr Chong Kim Sing08 Mr Tsao Ai Jey

12 Mr Toh Kee Seng18 Mr Leong Pak Seong20 Mdm Wu Yean May

25 Mdm Clara Ng Sout Mei26 Miss Tracy Tan Hwee Bin

27 Mdm Chang Yoke Lan30 Mr Albert Tan Heng Hua

Dr Leonard Eng Yong Tai and Ms Ang Yi RongDr Leonard Eng Yong Tai and Ms Ang Yi Rong


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Wesley Tidings Newsletter Issue 05 2015

Documents