Vol 117 No 9 • SEP 2015
inside
this issue...
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 079/03/2015
Methodist-linked bereavement services Called to a ministry of comfort
Asian Methodist Conference 2015 Facilitating transformation in Asia page 19
pages 12-13
1ST ETHOS INSTITUTE BOOK LAUNCH
Education: Learning how to live Grace Toh is Assistant Editor of Methodist Message and has been a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church for most of her life.
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s Christians, we’re all educators,” noted Dr Phillip A. Towndrow, a teacher-educator and educational researcher, at the 14 July launch of his book, Education and Society: A Christian Vision of Public Education in Singapore, the first in the ETHOS Institute™ engagement series. The series addresses pertinent issues in church and society from biblical and Christian perspectives, producing booklets as a resource for pastors, church leaders, and Christians in general who wish to reflect more deeply on current pressing issues. Education happens not only at school but at home, in churches, etc. Dr Towndrow asked: “Is the Church able to provide a wider perspective of education? A different way of thinking about knowledge?” As Christians, there are distinctives that will affect our vision of public education. For example,
knowing that we are “created in God’s image gives us a basis for self-worth and an inherently positive view of ourselves and others”, instead of basing our identity on “idiosyncratic human systems of earned merit”. The challenge, then, is to consider how we can “participate in positively influencing society from a Christian educative perspective”. Ms Victoria Woo, a trainee teacher at the launch, had questions about how Christian teachers can integrate their faith while educating students in such a results-driven system. For her, the launch was a reminder of how it is the little things done by the teacher, such as in their response or actions to the students, that can nurture relationships which help children see value in themselves beyond the academic pressures that exist. Mr Timothy Cheong and Ms Mak Moo Theng, who are passionate about working and volunteering to raise awareness of social issues among students, felt more churches and church leaders should be aware of the issues discussed at the book launch. They said: “Churches should listen to and look at what’s going on in schools and offices, and think about how we can do things differently. Let’s not narrow our vision of church to what goes on inside the church’s walls!” Dr Towndrow’s booklet on Education and Society is available from The Bible Society of Singapore’s Bible Resource Centre at $15 per copy. Visit bibleresource.net/ educationandsociety to order it online. n Photo courtesy of The Bible Society of Singapore
‘METHODISTS IN ACTION’ – SEPTEMBER In February’s Methodist Message centrespread, we debuted a calendar that included monthly ‘Methodists in Action’ suggestions – a small action that you can take to bless those around you. Here’s this month’s suggestion!
Appreciating Teachers:
– Thank those who taught, mentored or encouraged you People with the gift of teaching (not necessarily teachers by occupation) are uniquely placed to have a positive influence on the lives of others. Thank the people who have taught, mentored or encouraged you – send a note of appreciation, call or meet up over coffee or tea.
COMING UP
Christian unity in a multi-polar church?
Grace Toh is Assistant Editor of Methodist Message and has been a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church for most of her life.
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hallenges faced by the Church in Singapore today include multiple centres of influence, liberal secularism and radical conservatism. How united is the Singaporean Church in facing these challenges? What is the way forward towards greater unity? These questions and more will be discussed at ETHOS Institute’s inaugural Annual Lecture, an initiative by the Christian think tank which seeks to examine different ways the Church can contribute to debates on important societal issues in the public square. Since its launch in August 2014, ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity has been actively working towards its aim of helping the Christian community view and approach issues through the lens of Scripture, combined with the rich theological and scriptural heritage of the Church. This has been done through public talks, articles on its website, and most recently, its engagement series book launch (see cover page article). The Annual Lecture is the latest addition to its rich array of resources made available to churches and Christians in Singapore who wish to have thoughtful and informed engagement with current issues and challenges. The lecture will be held on 20 Oct 2015 from 8-9.30 p.m. at Wesley Methodist Church. Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairperson of ETHOS Institute™ as well as the National Council of Churches of Singapore, will speak about ‘Christian Unity in a Multi-Polar Church’. n
methodist message
The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Our address
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Methodist Message • #06-04, 70 Barker Road, Singapore 309936 Tel: 6478-4793 • Fax: 6478-4794 Email: newmm@methodist.org.sg MM website: message.methodist.org.sg Church website: www.methodist.org.sg
Let us have your views
Tuesday 20 Oct 2015 • 8 – 9.30 p.m. Wesley Methodist Church, 5 Fort Canning Road, Wesley Hall Speaker: Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairman of ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity
Register by 13 Oct at http:// ethosinstitute.sg/annuallecture/. For more information, contact Ms Jasmine Tan at 6304-3765 or email info@ ethosinstitute.sg. A love offering will be collected during the lecture.
Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairman, Council on Communications Editor Assistant Editor Ms Grace Toh Sub-editor Ms Tan Chiu Ai Editorial Executive Ms Chia Hui Jun
Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and if appropriate, your contribution could be published.
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
Grace and Truth came Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2012. He has been a Methodist pastor for 30 years.
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fter the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States on same-sex marriage, I read several online comments on the matter. I noticed two extreme positions. On the one hand, standing with the supporters of same-sex marriage, are those who appeal for love, acceptance, inclusiveness and respect for their views. On the other hand are those who voice opposition to the ruling because of their conviction of what the Bible teaches on the subject. In the former case, the appeal is on the grounds of grace. In the latter, it is based on truth.
When grace alone forms the basis of our position, the result is adaptation to the mood of the times. Over a longer period, this position becomes relative. As society changes, our behaviour goes with the flow. When truth alone is the foundation of our position, it soon slides into legalism. With the passage of time, our hardened hearts become merciless and inhumane. Phariseeism is the result. What has led to the situation in some supposedly progressive countries was the gradual erosion of truth. There is no longer any reliance on absolutes which are non-negotiable values of life. Everything is relative (“it all depends”). As Christians, we are to be grounded on truth as the root of our conduct. How we live is shaped by what we believe to be the revealed truth from God. Our conduct is guided by God-inspired motivations prompted by His Spirit living in us, and the revealed Word of God. We are to love even our enemy – that is grace – on the truth that is written in the Word of God. To exercise grace not founded on God’s Word may turn out to be “cheap grace”.
For the more conservative in our community, our response is supposedly based on truth. Yet for many of us, what was originally truth is today’s folklore. We do not really know why we believe what we believe. We accept these beliefs because they were handed down to us. As a result, what we think is truth has actually been shrouded with myths and half-truths, which often become the weapons used by those who are more fundamentalist among the conservatives. Often, such diversity is resolved by resorting to a “balance”. But our heavenly Father’s approach is not a balanced one.
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17, ESV
Jesus was the Father’s singular response to His own people who had rejected Him. To those who believed in Jesus (who is both grace and truth), there was salvation. Grace and truth came in a Person. These are not just theological concepts to be debated. In the end, they have to be incarnated. Grace and truth are to be embodied in a person who lives them out in action. This singular response that Jesus portrayed is seen in His words to the woman He saved from being stoned by the crowd. “Neither do I condemn you: go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11, ESV) With these words, He indicated to her that she had been living in sin. But He did not condemn her. He told her to turn her life around, i.e. repent. May all of us respond with such singularity, something that will only come about when we have moved further on in being Christ-like. n Background picture by hongchanstudio/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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HOME
New Book:
Methodists recount God’s grace during the Japanese Occupation
By the Council on Archives and History, The Methodist Church in Singapore
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ays of Darkness, Days of Light is finally published by The Methodist Church in Singapore, after we announced last month that it was coming up. It will be launched on Saturday, 12 Sept 2015 – the 70th Anniversary of the official surrender of the Japanese forces in Singapore in 1945. In perspective, the book’s stories are not meant to make us anti-Japanese; rather, they are to inform today’s generation of the pioneer generation’s experiences that helped strengthen the Methodist Church in Singapore. What stands out is that its stories bear witness to the experiences of The Methodist Church in Singapore as its members went through the bitter war years. It is to remind us of human weaknesses and failings, and also the courage God provides during trials. It is not for us to glorify human heroes, but to lift up our hearts to our Almighty God whose power is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) In Chapter 9, the Rev H. B. Amstutz, who later became a bishop in 1956, recounted his days as a PoW: “We had always the goal before us of the days when the war would be over and when, pray God, we might come back stronger men, ready to carry forward the great ideals and traditions back of us. The fulfilment of this solemn trust lay ever on us and to overcome the conditions found in our internment required fortitude born of great courage and lofty spiritual ideas.” In Chapter 14, the late Bishop Emeritus (Dr) T. R. Doraisamy said, “One fear I always had was whether I would break under physical torture and squeal. Thank God that never happened. Physical torture must have a variable breaking Call 6478-4775 /6478-4786 point for each person.” or email: May the generations archive.history@methodist.org.sg be blessed by what has to arrange direct purchase. been recorded in this book. n Available for sale at $20 per copy (with GST) from 14 Sept 2015 onwards at: ORDER FORM Archives and History Library The Methodist Church in Name: Singapore 70 Barker Road Address: #04-01 Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 Local delivery can be arranged at: $5 per copy (for postage) Mail the completed form to our above address, accompanied by a crossed cheque for the correct amount and payable to “The Methodist Church in Singapore”.
“Growing up, I heard stories from my parents and relatives of their generation recounting their experiences during the Japanese Occupation. A book such as this one serves to record similar experiences of those who lived through the Japanese Occupation, but with a major difference: here we read of the presence of God in the midst of the darkest period in the history of a people called Methodists in Singapore.”
The Rev Dr Wee Boon Hup
Bishop, The Methodist Church in Singapore Forewords from Annual Conference Presidents of The Methodist Church in Singapore: “This is a highly-recommended book to read as it details the experience of the Methodist Church under Japanese rule. This is also a good book to pass on to future generations as it bears testimonies of faith, hope and love resulting from the suffering of the Church.”
The Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung
President, Chinese Annual Conference
“Reading through this book gives us a clear picture of the difficult patch the Church had gone through. It was not smooth sailing all the time. There were challenges, crisis and struggles. The Methodist Church has survived all those tests with God’s grace. God was active in His church even in those moments of crises. Hence the title, Days of Darkness, Days of Light is a fitting one.”
The Rev R. Prabhu
President, Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference “Thank God for those who have contributed their thoughts and those who have worked so hard to put this wonderful book together.”
No. of copies ordered: Details of Cheque enclosed:
The Rev Dr Gordon Wong
President, Trinity Annual Conference Book cover graphic courtesy of Archives and History Library
Contact number:
Postal Code: Total Cost: $
Amount: $
Bank:
Cheque No:
(Note: Personal Data collected will be used for this stated purpose only)
(at $25 per copy: Book & Postage)
SAYS THE ETAC PRESIDENT
Gossip: A dangerous disease The Rev R. Prabhu was elected President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) in 2012 for the quadrennium. He is also Pastor-in-Charge of Ang Mo Kio Tamil and Seletar Tamil Methodist Churches.
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ossip is a disease commonly found everywhere, and the church is no exception. In fact, it is a deadly disease that causes much damage in the Body of Christ. Gossip spreads distorted truths, twisted facts, fabricated lies and exaggerated information. Although often spoken in private, it travels fast across borders and further than intended. Social networking and advanced communication technology have opened wide the doors to allow anyone to take part in gossip, and identifying the source is difficult. Once gossip is uttered, it can get out of hand and cause a lot of shame and guilt. The devil is the root cause of gossip and it is his technique to destroy us. Scripture contains many warnings. Our churches and missions suffer because of people who gossip – otherwise known as gossips. For instance, Diotrephes, a troublemaker in the church, was “spreading malicious nonsense” about John (3 John 1:10). In Romans 1:29, the apostle Paul includes gossips in the list of the wicked. God’s children are not spared from gossip. We often fall prey to it unconsciously, not realising its subtle nature and negative impact. Gossip normally begins in a healthy conversation, slowly picks up momentum and enters into vain talk. And when the conversation is about a person we do not like, we slip into gossip. Unprofitable conversation and idle talk will lead to gossip too. “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 10:19) I have seen people enjoying gossip and others who are keen to listen to gossip,
knowing that there is no truth. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” (Proverbs 18:8) What is said in a meeting quickly goes into WhatsApp with added or twisted details. Gossip slanders others, betrays fellow believers and breaks friendships. “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” (Proverbs 16:28) It brings division into fellowships as it breaks confidentiality and trust among believers for “[a] gossip betrays a confidence…” (Proverbs 11:13) It is like fuel that intensifies a burning fire: “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20) Friends, this little fox can destroy a whole fruitful vineyard. If gossip produces such damage amongst us, we need to guard against this evil. As God’s people, we need to watch over our spoken words and motives. “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3) Let us also deliberately dissociate ourselves from gossips. We have a powerful truth to proclaim. The Psalmist rightly prayed, “Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:15) Verbal communication is powerful and can be constructive. Instead of gossiping, we should pray: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) If you want to gossip, “gossip” the Gospel! n
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Proverbs 18:8
Picture by Creativa Images/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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YOU & YOUR FAMILY
Conflict and reconciliation 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 in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
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he week’s news is sadly all too familiar. Suicide bombings killing dozens, hate crimes targeting places of worship and an attack on a tourist site – mass murders, all in the name of ethnic or religious cleansing. By their frequency, these horrendous acts have reached a point of banality and no longer draw a shocked response from many of us. Today’s news reminds us that humankind appears more in conflict than at peace with itself. At the other end of the spectrum, we have conflicts not through the taking up of arms but by words and protest; conflicts not across nations but within social groups. We have groups of Christians who disagree very publicly over views on marriage and sexual orientation. There are also the day-to-day conflicts within the home that do not make the news unless you are a celebrity. Nevertheless, these conflicts are just as distressing and destructive. The good news is that all this conflict stands in direct contrast to the identity and message of believers. We are called not to conflict but to bring about peace. For those of us who are not statesmen, we may feel powerless in working towards a more peaceful world. Yet, each of us is called to be an ambassador of peace within our families and amongst our circles of contact. We are reminded by the apostle Paul of our calling to the ministry of reconciliation. We can exercise this in four practical ways. Firstly, when we have wronged someone, we need to take ownership of our actions by admitting our transgression and making restitution where possible. This is the first step in peacebuilding which the transgressor can and must do. Admission of our fault identifies the part we play in the breakdown of the relationship and also acknowledges the hurt caused to the other. Many victims of hurt suffer the dual pain of the initial offense and then the hurt of the lack of its recognition.
Understandably, this first act alone does not make for peace, especially if the transgressor commits the same offense repeatedly. The second action is for the transgressor to stop committing further offense of this nature. Saying one is sorry and yet acting the same way again and again invalidates any statement of remorse. The third action is now in the victims’ hands – they can choose to forgive and take steps to restore the relationship. For transgression between strangers, this restoration may not be necessary. Between family members, however, it is an essential step if one wants to move away from replacing open conflict with an equally destructive cold war. The act of forgiveness begins the process of freeing both transgressor and victim from the anger and hurt of the offense and preventing a cycle of aggression and retaliation from developing. Finally, the fourth action goes beyond reconciliation and can help build greater peace and harmony. This step involves being more tolerant and accepting of others. One of the characteristics of people with anger problems is that they are highly sensitive and take offense easily. To develop tolerance, we need to learn to suspend quick judgement of others and exercise more empathy. We can also remind ourselves that since Christ Himself loves us despite all our failings, should we not try to be more tolerant of others and practise more forbearance? n
Pictrue by urfingus/Bigstock.com
YOUTH IN FOCUS
Teaching teens how to renew their minds
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he world is full of counterfeit truth claims, but you can teach your teen to renew his or her mind and live according to God’s reality as the Bible defines it. When the mind is renewed, God’s will and reality become clearer. Here is how you can guide your teen in this important process. Preparation Begin by making sure your teen has the right set of expectations. For example, does the Bible promise that if you follow all the commandments, you will have no struggles in life? Of course not. But it’s not uncommon for a person to read the Bible with this kind of faulty expectation. Teach your teen to look for who God is and what His world is really all about. Help him understand that reading the Bible is having a conversation with God. As he reads, he can look for things that apply to his own circumstances and place in life. Perspective The next step in helping your teen to renew their mind is to give them a biblical perspective. Put God’s Word into the context of your teen’s everyday life. Many parents make the mistake of assuming their teen’s world is the same as their own world. Start by looking closely at your teen’s world. Walk in her shoes. Listen to the messages she gets when she watches a television drama or listens to a radio show. Then, help your teen gain a biblical perspective on these messages. For example, you can ask, “What are the promises that you heard on TV tonight? Are they true?” Personal time with God Next, help your teen carve out regular, daily time with God to study the Bible and pray. Encourage (don’t nag) your teen to commit to a specific time every day. Have him pick the time and spot. You should also make time for you and your teen to talk. Engage your teen with life questions that apply directly to his circumstances. For example, you might ask, “Have you ever read anything in the Bible that might apply to that?” or “Have you looked at Proverbs to see what God might have to say about that?” Quality time with God’s people Also, find rich environments where your teen can learn from God’s Word with her peer group. Often
that will be a Bible-focused youth group, but it also might be a Bible study you start in your home, or a conference for teens. Continually evaluate the quality of the teaching and converse with your teen about what she is learning. Quest for truth Finally, emphasise the importance of the quest for truth. Discovering what it means to live out our faith is a lifelong journey as we integrate what we believe with every area of life. Teach your teen that God desires to reveal His truth to us. He talks to us all the time: through creation, through others, and most clearly through His Word. Learning to think like a Christian requires renewing the mind. Teaching your growing teen how to do this and live according to God’s will – and why that’s important – is likely one of the best gifts you can give. n For more articles on issues of faith, identity, relationships, sexuality and values, visit our newly-launched Whole Life Discipleship website at www.family.org.sg/wholelife. Whole-Life Discipleship Symposium Faith | Identity | Relationships | Sexuality | Values Learn how these pillars can enhance your congregation’s discipleship process, and get a snapshot of the pulse of your church through the newlylaunched congregational assessment. Keynote speakers: Jose Philip from the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and Mark Holmen, Founder of the Faith@Home movement 11 and 12 Sept 2015 | More information at www.family.org.sg/wholelife Adapted from Teaching Teens the Life Skill of Renewing Their Minds by Marc A. Fey. © 2015 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Focus on the Family Singapore (www.family.org.sg), a local charity dedicated to helping families thrive through differentiated programmes, trusted resources and family counselling.
Picture by monkeybusinessimages/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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MISSIONS
Ready for God’s use anytime and anywhere Tan Chiu Ai volunteers as Sub-editor with Methodist Message. She adapted this article from an interview with Mr Benjamin Lee published in the August 2015 issue of Harvest Force, the official publication of Methodist Missions Society, which was used with permission.
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t the tender age of 12, Mr Benjamin Lee heard God’s call to missions. It is little surprise that his favourite Bible passage is Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus proclaimed the Great Commission, to “go and make disciples of all nations”. This conviction took him to Cambodia in early 2012, together with his wife Serene and four children Zachary Asher (12), Zoe Nicole (9), Ephraim Joseph (7) and Elizabeth Joy (5). In July 2014, Benjamin joined the Methodist School of Cambodia (MSC) in Phnom Penh and officially became its Principal on 1 Aug 2014. Youth have long held a special place in Benjamin’s heart. He has served God faithfully in the youth ministry since he was 13, as a youth leader at Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church and later full-time for six and a half years as a youth pastor with Full Gospel Assembly (FGA). At FGA, he met Serene, who was also serving in the youth ministry. Three years after their marriage in mid-2000, Benjamin enrolled in TCA College. At the Bible school, they were assigned to be Missions Directors for three years. For two years, Benjamin continued to disciple youth from FGA’s Chinese congregation. After graduating from TCA College with a Bachelor of Arts in Missions in 2006, Benjamin started a small company dealing in recycled computer parts with the intention of providing employment for delinquents from Singapore Boys’ Home. He had, after all, worked at Seagate Technology as an assistant engineer for more than a year after completing National Service. Sensing God’s leading, Benjamin and his family left FGA in 2008 to join Covenant Evangelical Free Church (CEFC). CEFC (Woodlands Centre) remains their home church in Singapore. At CEFC, they served in the Children’s Ministry worship for a year and in 2011, started a Filipino fellowship together with some Filipino friends. At the same time, Benjamin and Serene initiated a workshop in Changi Prison to help inmates develop skills and used it as a platform for disciple-making. Ever ready for God to use him, Benjamin went to Cambodia in 2012 because God said, “This is the time.” In Phnom Penh, while Benjamin serves as MSC Principal, Serene assists in an international school which they helped start. This school aims to provide affordable education for missionaries serving in Cambodia as well as to be a platform for outreach to
children of the many Chinese nationals residing in Phnom Penh. Among the challenges of being in Cambodia are communication and differences in work culture. Trying to find time to learn the Khmer language is difficult, particularly since both work in English-medium schools. Benjamin is also learning to shed the Singaporean work mentality and to adjust to the local working style while not compromising work quality and standards. He is learning to depend on God for wisdom and guidance when approaching the locals for specific tasks. The cost of four children attending the international school is another area for which they are trusting in God’s providence. Benjamin has gone out into the field believing that missions is a mandate for everyone. For him, missions is not bounded by countries. Rather, missions is bringing the message of the Kingdom to whoever God directs us to. Quoting John Piper’s “Missions exists because worship doesn’t”, it is Benjamin’s firm conviction that “we must be ready for God to use us anytime and anywhere”. n
PRAY
u for God’s strength for Serene and Benjamin to depend
on God’s wisdom and direction in all they do and not be discouraged, u for unity with people with whom they work, u for God’s providence to meet their monthly needs, u that their children will not feel lack of anything while in Cambodia and that they will see themselves as instruments for God’s service, u for the salvation of MSC’s teachers who are non-believers, u that MSC students will not see their weekly Christian Education class as a ritual and will find God through these classes, u for opportunities for missionaries from Methodist Missions Society involved in the School Ministry to speak life into the students, and u for the upcoming Christmas programme to be meaningful and have impact. Photo courtesy of Methodist Missions Society
WELFARE SERVICES
Humbled in helping others Lynette Lim is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
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s part of The Methodist Church in Singapore’s 130th anniversary (MCS 130) this year, the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) launched the GOOD (Getting Out Of Debt) Programme to help the most needy of our neighbours. The GOOD Programme aims to help families struggling with debt to clear an average of $2,000 of debt per household, and to equip them with basic financial management skills. Forty-five Methodist churches rallied behind the programme to raise the funds needed, and to provide volunteers to act as facilitators at the various financial education workshops. I had the privilege to assist at one such workshop, and would like to share my experience.
It was humbling to learn of the financial challenges that the attendees face, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the MWS outreach effort for the GOOD Programme’s beneficiaries. The financial education workshop by MWS’ GOOD Programme which was held at the Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre on 4 July 2015.
On 4 July 2015, Saturday, my husband and I attended the GOOD Programme’s financial workshop, held at the Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre (KKFSC), for the programme’s beneficiaries. We were part of a team of volunteer facilitators from KKMC. The workshop, on the ‘Basics of Money Management’, was run by an experienced trainer whom I found to be extremely informative, entertaining, and sensitive to his audience. A one-hour briefing was conducted for the facilitators prior to the workshop, and we soon found the room packed with attendees, who were split into smaller groups of four to six people for discussions and hands-on activities. The two and a half hours seemed to go by very quickly as we ran through topics such as ‘Where did your money go?’, ‘How to start a budget’, ‘How to spend within your means’, ‘What happens if you have cash flow problems’, and learning about the CPF insurance schemes. To help the participants better understand these topics, we engaged in stimulating group discussions, and conducted practical exercises in planning household and personal expenses, distinguishing ‘needs’ from ‘wants’, and more. My group included a grandmother whose husband is the sole breadwinner of the family, which comprises the elderly couple, their single-parent son and three grandchildren. This grandmother shared how she has to stretch their available finances to cover daily groceries, schooling and transport needs, whilst managing a chronic medical condition. Another senior gentleman, after accounting for his basic expenses, had less than $50 a month in savings. It was humbling to learn of the financial challenges that the attendees face, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the MWS outreach effort for the GOOD Programme’s beneficiaries. The GOOD Programme, launched to commemorate MCS 130, is part of the 360-degree, multi-programme approach that MWS takes to help its low-income beneficiaries overcome poverty and improve their socio-economic positions. Other aspects of the 360-degree approach include financial assistance, befriending, counselling, subsidises for their children’s educational expenses, and academic help for their children. n
FIND OUT MORE u about MWS’ circle of help at www.mws.sg GIVE u to those in need – visit give.mws.sg
Photo courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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MINISTRY PROFILE
In addition to profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore, we also begin profiling ministries. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, we may discover more opportunities to forge cross-church partnerships and collaborations.
Outreach at Teck Whye:
Fruitful collaboration between two churches The Rev Philip Abraham is Pastor-in-Charge of Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church, as well as Jurong Tamil Methodist Church.
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amil outreach work in the Teck Whye area of Singapore began as a confluence of God’s leading for two pastors from different Annual Conferences – Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) and Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC). The resulting collaboration has been a wonderful glimpse of unity in the Body of Christ. In early 2013, Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (PPTMC) had been praying and seeking God’s leading to start an outreach point in the Teck Whye area. At that time, the only church in that area was the Methodist Church of the Incarnation (MCI), a TRAC church. On 17 March 2013, when I was on leave, my wife and I decided to attend the MCI Sunday Service. The Pastor-in-Charge of MCI, the Rev Derrick Lau, welcomed us joyfully. We had a chat during fellowship time, and arranged to meet up the following day. In that subsequent meetup, the Rev Lau mooted the idea of starting a Tamil outreach in Teck Whye, as he said there were a number of Indians who reside in the area. His church was a prime place for such a ministry as it was surrounded by HDB flats – nestled in the heart of a residential area. I was stunned as I had intended to request the Rev Lau for a place in MCI to start Tamil ministry. We were both encouraged by the leading of the Lord. I informed the Local Church Executive Committee of PPTMC about the open door for us to start a ministry at MCI. I saw the joy and enthusiasm of our leaders in pioneering this work. The church geared up and began planning. The first planning meeting was held in my home on 20 June 2013 with some of our church leaders. We began groundwork like putting up a banner, going on prayer walks and distributing flyers, prior to the beginning of the service. With the approval of the Rev Lau and the leadership of MCI, we started our first Tamil ministry service in Teck Whye on 28 July 2013. We remain heartily grateful to MCI for opening their doors for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. We began worship services monthly, on the fourth Sunday of each month from 5.30-6.30 p.m. Starting from March 2015, we have been able to hold services fortnightly, due to support from
A typical worship service at the Teck Whye outreach to Tamil speakers, run by PPTMC and held at MCI.
ETAC as our ETAC President Rev R. Prabhu appointed the Rev V. Isaac Raju to assist me at the Teck Whye ministry this year. We have started holding Care Group sessions in participants’ homes every last Friday of the month. After two years of ministry, there are about 20, mostly pre-believers, in the group. One is getting ready for baptism. A regular attendee at the Teck Whye ministry, Mr Kunasegaran, said: “It’s a good service.” Another, Ms Athiletchimi, shared: “I feel the presence of God.” Ms Malliga, also an attendee, commented: “Good service but time is so short.” To further enhance the ministry, we are planning to increase Sunday Services to run every Sunday. We face some challenges in getting more regular volunteers to help as musicians and leaders. The current Committee of Evangelism headed by Mrs Rosalind Michael and the team have a special passion for this ministry amongst Indians. They are recruiting more volunteers to come on board to serve at the Teck Whye outreach. Hopefully in years to come, this outreach at Teck Whye will shape up to become a local Methodist church. Please keep us in your prayers. To God be the Glory! n
PRAY u for the Teck Whye ministry in its efforts to minister weekly to Tamil speakers in the area. Photo by Andrew Jeyaraj
SOUNDINGS
Not just about love Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor of the ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg/).
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n June this year, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all US states. This means that the 14 states that ban same-sex marriage must now not only recognise samesex marriages that have taken place in other states; they must also grant marriage licences to gay and lesbian couples. In his speech after the historic decision was announced, US President Barack Obama declared that the ruling was a “victory for America”. Equating the legalisation of same-sex marriage with the triumph of equality and freedom, two of the most cherished values of the West, he added: “When all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.” The responses from many Christians in America have been swift and clear, with some describing the decision as “profoundly immoral and unjust” and others calling it a “tragic error”. Christians can never endorse or embrace same-sex marriage for at least two reasons. Firstly, Scripture clearly, categorically and consistently condemns homosexual behaviour as a sin (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). Secondly, God has ordained marriage as the permanent union between a man and a woman, the fruit of which is the procreation of new human life (Genesis 1:28). Therefore, Christians believe that marriage is not a social construct that can be subjected to changes and revisions depending on the mood and fancies of the prevailing culture. Not only has God ordained marriage to be the intimate partnership between a man and a
“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. woman, he has also established it in human nature. Therefore, it is only in the context of real or natural marriage – i.e., marriage as God has ordained it to be – that children can benefit from the nurture provided by their father and mother in their distinctive and unique ways. The structure of marriage and family ordained by God is critical to the wellbeing not just of the individual and his family, but that of society as a whole. As the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, promulgated in 1965, has so eloquently put it: “The wellbeing of the individual person and of human and Christian society is intimately linked with the healthy condition of that community produced by marriage and family.” Seen in this way, although marriage has to do with love and
commitment, it is much more than these things. Marriage must be distinguished from all other forms of relationships because of its comprehensive nature. It is a union of minds and wills as well as an organic bodily union, which the Bible describes as the becoming of ‘one flesh’ of the husband and his wife (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:6-8). Maleness, femaleness and their complementarity are central to marriage. Built upon the paradox of humanity as male and female, marriage co-ordinates the similarities and differences between the two genders in such a way that each contributes what the other lacks. As the Catholic and Protestant authors of a recent document put it: “Marriage creates ‘one body’, a new reality, ennobling the sexual union of a man and a woman by ordering it toward a common life that promotes the good of the couple, the family, and the community as a whole.” Understood in this way, marriage as God had ordained is a primordial institution of human society. Despite President Obama’s rhetoric, marriage is not about equality. Rather, as we have seen, it is about how sexual relationships should be ordered. It is about how the family should be structured for the raising of children. As I have argued elsewhere, if marriage is only about equality, then we should by no means stop at the legalisation of same-sex marriage. We should also allow open, temporary, polygynous, polyandrous, polyamorous and incestuous unions as long as they are between or among consenting adults who love each other. In the wake of such a radical shift in culture, the Church will no doubt be faced with a difficult challenge because her rejection of same-sex marriage will be seen as bigoted. As some Christian writers have put it, “the Gospel itself will eventually be declared as an enemy of society”. Amidst this sea change, the Church must remain steadfast; it must continue to uphold and promote real marriage and reject its distortions. Obedience to God’s Word is the Church’s best witness and most compassionate service to society. n Picture by PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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METHODIST-LINKED BEREAVEMENT SERVICES
Called to a ministry of comfort Grace Toh is Assistant Editor of Methodist Message. She put this article together with valuable input from Mr John Cheong, Chairperson of Hosanna Bereavement Services, and Mr Larry Han, Operations Manager of the Garden of Remembrance.
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ou are truly a sincere man doing noble work,” read the note from a grateful family to a staff member of Hosanna Bereavement Services (HBS). “Not only did your professionalism, compassion and dignified handling of the funeral arrangements make a difficult time a little easier to bear; it brought us a measure of comfort.” Seldom are bereavement-related services are referred to as “noble work”, particularly in an Asian context where there is often a stigma attached to discussions about death. Death is considered a taboo topic in many cultures, and there is a deeply-ingrained distaste for talking about related issues – such as making one’s will, or end-of-life arrangements. Mr Y. K. Chan, Administrator of HBS, notes: “It is not a business that one would like to talk about on a daily basis, but it is an essential part of our lives that we ought to recognise. Death is part and parcel of life and sorrow, and it is unavoidable as long as we have loving relationships with one another – the more we love, the greater shall be our grief when we lose a loved one. We are therefore called upon to comfort one another.” Indeed, our Lord God is known as “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Bereavement services play an important role in ministering to those who are grieving, and should be seen as an opportunity to extend God’s comfort and love, rather than an industry to be shunned for cultural reasons. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Methodist Co-operative Society Ltd, HBS is one of a few Methodist-linked organisations that perform this critical ministry. The others are Christian Columbarium Pte Ltd (CCPL), which runs the Garden of Remembrance, and local Methodist churches that have columbaria on their premises: Faith Methodist Church with Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church, Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church at their TA2 building, and Trinity Methodist Church.
Photo below courtesy of the Garden of Remembrance
Photos above and right courtesy of Hosanna Bereavement Services
Christian bereavement-related services offer comfort through their focus on life, whether life after death, or the continuing of life on this earth for those who have been bereaved. CCPL’s vision is: “The Garden of Remembrance exists to serve the living.” Mr Larry Han, Operations Manager of the Garden of Remembrance, said: “We are privileged to witness, repeatedly, how bereaved families find solace, strength, salvation and eternal hope in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are also honoured that we can be of assistance to the bereaved families during and after the wake services.” The Garden will soon undergo redevelopment and upgrading of its facilities to better serve its patrons and visitors.
Hosanna Bereavement Services Pte Ltd A one-stop centre for bereavement and funeralrelated services (transportation, embalming, casket supply, tentage, press announcements, arrangements for supply of urns and niches, etc). Website: www.hosannabereavement.com.sg Email: admin@hosannabereavement.com.sg Tel (24-hour hotline): 6352-7797 The Garden of Remembrance (Christian Columbarium Pte Ltd) Provision of venues for memorial services, niches, services like exhumation and urn transfer, and crafting of customised memorial products. Website: www.methodist.org.sg/index.php/ ministries/garden-of-remembrance Email: garden@methodist.org.sg Tel: 6795-8978 Garden of Eternal Peace (Faith Methodist Church and Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church) Websites: http://faithmc.sg/content.php?c=240&desc=Ga rden+of+Eternal+Peace www.qcmc.org.sg/audio/posters/peace2010.jpg Email: fqcmc@singnet.com.sg Tel: 6479-8122 / 9670-9935 Assisting grieving families with mundane logistical details is also a main concern of HBS, a social enterprise started for those who could not afford the usual cost of funeral arrangements for their loved ones, and had to seek alternatives during their already trying and stressful period. Said Mr Chan: “We, therefore, not only provide funeral services, but also help bereaved families in the period of mourning, so that they may be led out from their grief into a new phase of their lives…We have always intended to serve as a ministry helping bereaved Christian families come to terms with their loss and grief, by providing a healing space through our bereavement services of care and love.” And HBS has provided “healing space” quite literally in some cases. In addition to subsidising services for many under-privileged families, it also offers the use of a specially-designed Quiet Room in its embalming office, freeof-charge for families who cannot afford to have even a single night of wake services for their loved one, to spend their last few hours with the deceased before the funeral. Mr John Cheong, Chairperson of HBS, noted: “We are part of the Methodist Church’s ministry… there is a need for an organisation to provide the best of comfort and services for the affected families.” Ministry to the bereaved requires our support as much as any other ministry of the church. The Garden of Remembrance, for example, welcomes volunteers to assist in its twice-yearly memorial services (on Easter Week and All Saints Day), and through other handy work such as gardening and plumbing. Mr Chan Kai Yau, Operations Director of the Garden of Remembrance, said: “Our motivation is to be servants of God and to serve people… in their times of sorrow and grief.” May we partner in this ministry to the bereaved, to demonstrate love through our willingness to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). n
Faith Hope Love Memorial (Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church TA2 Sanctuary) Website: www.tacmc.org.sg Email: admin@tacmc.org.sg Tel: 6278-1323 / 6324-4001 The Chapel of Life (Trinity Methodist Church) Email: churchoffice@tmc.org.sg Tel: 6282-4443
Bereavement services play an important role in ministering to those who are grieving, and should be seen as an opportunity to extend God’s comfort and love, rather than an industry to be shunned for cultural reasons METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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to
Building
Through
Belief
on its
and on attaining strong academic and all-round achievement and an impressive growth from 120 students in 2005 to 1000 students in 2015 • 13 Top of the World awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past six years • 96% pass rate in 2014 IB Diploma examination • Outstanding ‘value added’ examinations results from PSLE to IB graduates • Three students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for 2015 • Top university admissions in the UK, US and Singapore • Successes at national level this past year in Archery; Cheerleading; Chinese Drama; Cycling; Debating; Fencing; Football; Golf; String Orchestra; Touch; Taekwondo; Volleyball
Rob Burrough Principal
Kathleen Manley
• 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the Methodist ethos and provide high quality teaching
Vice Principal (Academic)
• Small class sizes with overall student : teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1
Richard MacLean
• 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting; 12 Visual and Performing Arts; 12 Special Interest Groups
Vice Principal (Pastoral)
• 20+ overseas trips per year for Service; Curriculum visits; Model United Nations; University visits; Outdoor Education; Music tours
Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal (Student & Staff Development)
• Over 200 formal student leadership positions – Prefect, Student Council; Ambassador; House; CCA Captain
The international senior management team has over 55 years of combined senior management experiences in Britain, Africa, Asia and New Zealand.
• Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IB Diploma programme
Congratulations to the school for developing outstanding young men and women who are engaged, inclusive, self-assured and portray fine character.
Supported by
C I A P Architects Pte Ltd ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION
ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS BOARD OF GOVERNORS
President: Cheo Chai Hong
Chairman: Richard Seow
THE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION Chairman: Richard Seow
Parent School Partners
Co-Chairs: Cecilia Chau-Koh Ng Mei Mei Prema Kanagalingam
Directors: Ar. Tham Tuck Cheong Ar. Theodore EC Chan
Jakarta
Founder: Mucki PL Tan Executive Principal: Ng Eng Chin
Chaplain: Rev. Joel Yong
Corrections to ACS Oldham Hall story (‘The story behind the boarding house’, MM July 2015)
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he Methodist Message Editorial Team apologises for errors and misleading statements made in our July 2015 centrespread article on ACS Oldham Hall. The relevant paragraphs should have stated: “Did you know that in the early years of the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), it functioned as both a day and boarding school for students who needed accommodation? “The ACS was started by the Rev William Fitzjames Oldham, one of a party of four missionaries who had established a Methodist Mission in Singapore in 1885. The Rev Oldham saw the need for a young society to be educated and determined to set up a Methodist school. “On 1 Mar 1886, he opened the ACS in a rented shophouse along Amoy Street, which quickly outgrew the premises and was relocated to Coleman Street at the end of 1886. The new building also served as a home for the Rev Oldham and his wife, and they began to receive requests to board students. “The ACS school building continued to house missionaries and young boarders until 1888, when the prolific growth of boarders required moving the boarding ministry to a separate location in Oldham Lane known as Bellevue, located near to the present Plaza Singapura off Orchard Road. In 1896, the boarding
house was demolished and rebuilt in 1897. In 1903, the boarding house was renamed Oldham Hall in honour of Bishop Oldham.” A later paragraph noted that Oldham Hall moved to Dunearn House at Barker Road on 14 Dec 1926; this should have been 14 Dec 1925. We are grateful to the Archives and History Library for setting the record straight. n
ACS OLDHAM HALL
The story behind the boarding house Susan Ding is the Editor of Methodist Message. She put this article together with valuable input from Mr Terrence Chee, Executive Director of ACS Oldham Hall, and Ms Amanda Lee, Marketing Communications Executive.
Guest-of-honour Mr Lui Chong Chee arriving at Oldham Hall's Thanks Giving Dinner in 2014.
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magine, at a young age, leaving your friends, family and country – all that is familiar to you – to go to a foreign land to study. What could help you stave off loneliness and homesickness as you grapple with a new culture, new school environment, and possibly new language of instruction? ACS Oldham Hall, one of two boarding houses in the Methodist family of schools, aims to fill this need and more – it hopes to provide a family atmosphere that nurtures all boarders and staff in their stay here. Humble beginnings Did you know that the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), set up by the Rev William Fitzjames Oldham and his wife on 1 March 1886, was originally a school by day and a boarding school by night for students who needed boarding and lodging facilities? The Rev Oldham (a gifted teacher) had landed in Singapore on 7 Feb 1885 to establish a Methodist Mission, but immediately saw the need for a young society to be educated and determined to set up a Methodist school instead. A year later, he saw sufficient funds raised to set up ACS in a shop house along Amoy Street. The ACS school building continued to house missionaries and young boarders until 1888, when boarders were relocated to a separate boarding house in Oldham Lane known as Bellevue, located near to the present Plaza Singapura off Orchard Road.
A performance by students during the Hall's Thanks Giving Dinner in 2014.
In 1896, the boarding house was demolished and rebuilt in 1897. In 1902, the boarding house was renamed Oldham Hall in honour of Bishop Oldham. The following excerpt from an advertisement that appeared in the November 1891 issue of the Malaysia Message sums up ACS and the boarding philosophy of the time: “The Boarding school is located at Bellevue, in a large and commodious house with extensive grounds, and is under the personal superintendence of the Principal and his wife. Great attention is paid to the morals and the manners of the boys. “To English lads a home is offered, and to Chinese lads an opportunity to learn a correct accent and facility in expressing themselves in the English language.” In a book titled The ACS Story edited by Earnest Lau and Peter Teo, the wives of the early missionaries who also stayed in Belluvue all played their part in ensuring that the boarders lived in a “home” that was safe, well-managed and wholesome. On 14 Dec 1926, Oldham Hall moved to Dunearn House at Barker Road. Since then, it has been rebuilt twice, once in 1985 and most recently in 2001, together with the redevelopment of the ACS (Barker Road) campus. After the redevelopment, the current Oldham Hall reopened at the end of 2002 as a co-educational boarding house for students from ACS as well as other nearby schools. Oldham Hall also accepts international and foreign students studying in other local schools and international schools. It enjoys close proximity and spiritual affinity with ACS (Barker Road) and Barker Road Methodist Church. In the same way as it was then and is now, the boarding house ministry is driven by commitment to the vision and mission of
ACS Oldham Hall... hopes to provide a family atmosphere that nurtures all boarders and staff in their stay here.
ACS Oldham Hall 80 Barker Road, Singapore 309937 Tel: (+65) 6252-8513 Web: www.oldhamhall.org Email: enquiries@oldhamhall.org Cheering on teammates from different teams in the 2015 Orientation Games.
Winners of talent competition Unleashed 2015 with a judge, Chairman Mr Hugh Yii.
Bishop Oldham in taking care of students who come from countries around the region, providing them with a Christian home environment.
experience fulfilment as they provide pastoral care to the students and in the process share the word of God with them.
The back-bone of the boarding ministry Our four-fold mission is to: u Provide a family atmosphere that nurtures all boarders and staff. v Create a secure and supportive environment so as to facilitate the holistic development of boarders into mature and caring young people who can contribute meaningfully to the local and international community. w Affirm all boarders as valued persons with potential in the eyes of God and to care for their well-being in order to support their growth as well-rounded individuals. x Impart Christian values and encourage the spiritual growth of all members of the Hall.
Did you know that you can support Oldham Hall’s ministry? Oldham Hall needs volunteers who are committed and dedicated to share God’s word with the students. u Befrienders help new boarders adjust to the Singapore culture and assist them during the transition from their home country to multiracial Singapore by bringing them out, having meals together and ensuring that they feel like they belong. v Assistant House Masters/ Mistresses (AHMs) assist the House Mistress and Deputy House Mistress in managing and caring for the boarders in the evenings. Lodging and meals will be provided by the Hall for volunteers that become AHMs. Depending on the number of boarders admitted to Oldham Hall, the Hall can accommodate up to 20 plus AHMs to assist in taking care of our boarders’ physical and spiritual well-being. w Readers who know of students from other countries studying in Singapore or students coming from abroad to study in Singapore and who need a safe and secure environment can introduce them to Oldham Hall.
Who are our boarders? Our boarders come from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. All here for education either in government or international schools, they need a “home away from home” – a safe and secure environment so they can focus on their education. Additionally, Hall-wide events and activities are organised to help students make friends, develop their leadership skills, and learn character traits and values that will stand them in good stead. Volunteer Assistant House Masters and Mistresses (AHMs) who serve in Oldham Hall
Together, we can provide a warm and welcoming family environment to those who have left their homes at an early age to seek education in our land. n Photos courtesy of ACS Oldham Hall
We are conveniently located in the central part of Singapore, with easy access to convenience stores, a clinic, a supermarket and eateries nearby. Newton MRT is around 10 minutes away by bus and 15 minutes by foot. ACS Oldham Hall provides excellent boarding facilities to enable all boarders to live in a conducive environment where they can study and have recreational activities. The Hall has: ▶ 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-bedded rooms which are fully air-conditioned and come with a study desk, a single bed, book shelf and a wardrobe Community spaces include: ▶ A common room for indoor recreational purposes and where boarders can read their daily English newspapers ▶ A study room where boarders go at night for compulsory study time ▶ Pantries equipped with refrigerators, microwave ovens, and hot and cold water dispensers ▶ A Dining Hall, where daily meals are cooked and served. It is furnished with unique round tables encouraging boarders to interact better over meal times ▶ Professional laundry service (with ironing of uniforms) and self-laundry facilities to meet boarders’ needs ▶ Much greenery and many quiet areas for outdoor study as well as reflection Sports facilities: ▶ A gym within the Hall itself, a table-tennis area and a courtyard where boarders can play a game of badminton or organise a barbecue ▶ The Sports Hall where boarders can play basketball, badminton, Captain’s ball, etc. ▶ Outdoor facilities such as tennis courts, a futsal (street soccer) court and a swimming pool For more information on boarding or how to contribute as a volunteer, call (+65) 6252-8513 or email enquiries@oldhamhall.org METHODIST MESSAGE • JUL 2015
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11/08/2015 12:12
Photos by Nicholas Tan
HYMNS & SONGS
Making the most of our time Take Time to Be Holy (The United Methodist Hymnal, #395) Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; abide in him always, and feed on his word. Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct his likeness shall see. Take time to be holy, let him be thy guide, and run not before him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in his word. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul, each thought and each motive beneath his control. Thus led by his spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above. Words: William D. Longstaff, ca. 1882 (1 Peter 1:16) Music: George C. Stebbins, 1890
Dr Yeo Teck Beng is Principal of the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church.
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n 30 June 2015, as the clock ticked down to 23:59:59, a leap second was added to ensure that the time became 23:59:60.1 According to the timekeepers, or the specialists in the study of time, a leap second was added to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in order to synchronise with the International Atomic Time (TAI).2 The insertion of a leap second was to compensate for the Earth’s ever slowing motion and rotational speed, which wobbles about with small deviations and caused the two time standards to fall out of sync. But what is the big fuss about a mere second? Does an additional second really matter to the man in the street? In our fast-paced society, where most people are hard-pressed for more time, time management is crucial with many things to accomplish in a single day. It takes time to build a business empire, to learn a new skill and to nurture a lasting relationship. But how much time do we allocate to following Jesus? The lyrics for the late nineteenth-century hymn, ‘Take Time to Be Holy’, was written by a humble and devout Christian layman who took his faith seriously. Inspired by a sermon based on 1 Peter 1:16 by Griffith John, a missionary to China, William Dunn Longstaff resolved to make the achievement of holiness his life’s goal.3 Although this was Longstaff ’s only hymn, his hymn text provides invaluable insights to sincere believers of all ages who truly desire to live a holy Christian life. Longstaff started each of the four stanzas with the invitation, ‘Take time to be holy.’ The key presumption upon which this hymn is based is that holiness must be pursued and perfected and this endeavour takes time. Christians must spend time in secret with the Lord (stanza 2) in our hectic and fastpaced world that rushes on. This hymn encourages us to ‘abide in him always’ through prayers (“speak oft to thy Lord”) and through the Word of God (“feed on his word”). In stanza 3, with Jesus as our guide, we will be blessed with inner peace and happiness (“calm in thy soul”), having our thoughts and motives beneath his control (stanza 4). The ultimate goal of taking time to be holy is being more Christ-like (“like him thou shalt be”) in our conduct, and being better prepared for greater service (stanza 4). Will you take some time to ponder over the lyrics of this hymn? n
1 ‘Leap second added for first time in three years’. Available from: http://www.bbc.com/news/scienceenvironment-33313347 (accessed 3 July 2015) 2 ‘What is a Leap Second’ Available from: http://www. timeanddate.com/time/leapseconds.html (accessed 3 July 2015) 3 Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich: Kregel Publications, 1990), 236.
Picture by CRAY of CatPRO/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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HOME
4th Asian Methodist Conference 2015:
Facilitating Transformation in Asia Edmund E is Vice-President of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) and attends Faith Methodist Church.
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n a statement released at the end of the fourth Asian Methodist Conference (AMC), 95 delegates from 11 Asian countries noted the concerns faced by countries and churches in Asia arising from both religious and secular challenges, made worse in some places by authoritarian regimes, growing fundamentalism and consumerism. The conference was hosted by The Methodist Church in Sri Lanka, and held at Paradise Beach Hotel, Negombo, Sri Lanka from 16 to 20 June 2015. The previous meeting in 2011 had been held in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The Conference endorsed the prayer that more Christians take up the challenge of politics and also for Christianity to be exhibited by politicians, as politics is central in modern society. The statement added that the Conference expressed its sympathy and prayers to families and loved ones of all who have lost their lives through violence, natural disasters in Nepal and Malaysia, and the recent Charleston shooting in the USA. This year’s conference theme was ‘Facilitating Transformation in Asia’. The delegates from The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) were Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup and Mrs Catherine Wee, the three Annual Conference Presidents – the Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung (CAC), the Rev R. Prabhu (ETAC) and the Rev Dr Gordon Wong (TRAC), as well as
Group photo of Singapore delegates, who presented a national song 'Home' in tribute to SG50 during dinner.
Ms Kwok Wan Yee (CAC), Mr Chan Fook Kay (CAC), Mr Kim Seah (TRAC), Mr Edmund E (TRAC), and the Rev Nga Mee Hee (TRAC). We greatly appreciated the opportunities to meet and connect with other Asian delegates. Before the conference started, separate meetings were held for the Fellowship of Asian Methodist Bishops and Presidents (FAMB) and the AMC Executive Committee. The MCS was represented at the FAMB by the CAC President, the Rev Dr Chong, as Bishop Dr Wee was otherwise engaged. Bishop T Sagar (India), Chairman of the AMC, preached at the Welcome and Opening Service, reminding us of our duties and roles as Christians in today’s world. Each delegation head also lit an oil lamp, a traditional sign of welcome in Sri Lanka. The conference then began with three theme lectures, one by Bishop Dr Wee who spoke spiritedly about ‘Discipleship Today’. In considering the need to make disciples in Asia, Bishop Dr Wee stressed that there is no age limit for disciples, and hence we should re-double our efforts to grow disciples amongst all, young and old alike. During the two plenary sessions, the AMC delegates raised issues such as: ➢ encouraging countries to include at least two young leaders in their future delegations to AMC, ➢ including all Presidents in the FAMB meetings, ➢ looking into contributing to the Sri Lanka ‘war widows’ fund, and ➢ considering launching an AMC website. The conference saw the transfer of leadership from Bishop Sagar (India) to the Rev Dr Lam Sung Che, President of the Hong Kong Methodist Church, and the election of new AMC Executive Committee Members and Office Bearers. This included Bishop Dr Wee (Clergy member) and Mr Seah (Lay member Treasurer) from the MCS. On the third day, the delegates took a half-day tour of the city of Colombo, where they visited the oldest Methodist church in South Asia, which started in 1816. On the final day, the Conference endorsed the recommendation of the AMC Exco that we express our solidarity with the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka in supporting its ministry to the over 86,000 war widows in the country by authorising a humble donation, designating the offering collected at the closing service and writing to all member churches to support this ministry. The next AMC Conference is tentatively planned to be held in Seoul, South Korea. n
Mr Kim Seah, a delegate to the AMC from the MCS, visiting the oldest Methodist Church in South Asia. Photos courtesy of Edmund E METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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UNITY IN SPIRIT
Restoring and turning live Chia Hui Jun is Editorial Executive at Methodist Message and worships at Foochow Methodist Church. She put this article together with valuable input from Mr Gabrieyel Guna, Executive Director of Christian Care Services (Singapore).
“We will endeavour to continually be a channel of God's love and mercy to reach out to help exoffenders, individuals with drug, alcohol and gambling addictions so that they get back on their feet again and be transformed by the restoration through His grace.”
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or more than 20 years, Mr Francis Santhanam, 54, had been in and out of prison for robbery, gang fights, housebreaking and drugs, beginning when he was 17. Even in prison, he got into fights with fellow inmates and the prison authorities. One night in 2002 during a jail term, he had a personal encounter with God, and felt the Lord Jesus rooting out his bondage to crime and his past. He began to change for the better, and was recommended for the Community Based Programme to be attached to Christian Care Services, a halfway house for people with drug, alcohol, or gambling addictions. Residential Rehabilitation Programme The Centre provides a one-year, free Residential Rehabilitation Programme, counselling, aftercare and support, life-skills training, education through partnerships and networking. It accepts walk-in cases, and referrals from family service centres and government-linked correctional institutions and statutory boards such as National Addictions Management Service (NAMS in IMH), Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, Ministry of Social and
Methodist Message seeks to raise awareness of the spectrum of needs, healthcare and social welfare services that are provided in Singapore by various Christian faith-based organisations. In this issue, we feature Christian Care Services (Singapore). Family Development, and SCORE. Residents are assessed and interviewed, and approval from the Central Narcotics Bureau is obtained before admission to the Centre is granted. Francis is one of the 4,200 residents who have passed through Christian Care Services’ doors. There, he accepted Christ, was baptised, and completed the recovery programme. He now works as a heavy-truck driver in the construction industry, found accommodation and has reconciled with his family. 70 per cent of the residents are Christians, and attend Pentecost Methodist Church while in the programme. Many continue to attend the church after that. The Centre’s vision is helping and caring for needy individuals and dysfunctional families to be productive and responsible to the community. It also aims to assist substance abusers regardless of race and creed to lead wholesome lives by instilling right values and encouraging them to face their future with newfound purpose and goals. Adapted from the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous programme, the rehabilitation
programme comprises spiritual, work, physical and social components. Residents begin their day with praise and worship, and biblical teachings. They handle general maintenance of the Centre, cooking, laundry, and store work in their first month. Upon further progress, they get involved in social enterprises such as moving and grass-cutting for houses and offices, under supervision. Their work is a primary income source for the Centre. As residents’ bodies have been wracked by years of drug or alcohol abuse, the Centre emphasises physical training and recreational activities such as working out in their gym, jogging or swimming. Some have severe medical issues requiring treatment, and the staff work with hospitals to waive these bills. For the social component, they help in general maintenance in other voluntary organisations and sending rations to needy families. Most residents have reintegrated into society, found accommodation and secured jobs. Besides providing a conducive environment for recovery, the Centre’s staff monitor residents’ progress and review them monthly, conducting smokerlyzer, breathalyzer, and urine tests at random for relapse prevention. Mr Charles Koh had two drug relapses after being arrested by the Central Narcotics Bureau and detained at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC). At DRC, he attended Christian counselling sessions. In Christian Care Services, he was gradually transformed by Christ, and is a personal driver for a managing director of an MNC today. He has been drug-free for more than 12 years, and is happily married with two children. He still volunteers as a befriender to the residents and encourages them in overcoming their addictions.
es around
Christian Care Services has been awarded Institution of Public Character status and all donations qualify for tax deduction. Call : +65 6440-8349 or +65 6440-8362 Email : contactus@christian-care-services.org Address : 207-J Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 829685
In the Residential Rehabilitation Programme, the physical component involves physical training such as working out in their gym. The discipline gained from sports also helps build character and teamwork
Enhanced Supervision Programme (After Care) Under a separate, six-month Enhanced Supervision Programme, Christian Care Services accepts referrals from Singapore Prisons for inmates who are homeless upon release from prison, or those who need time to adjust to society after many years in prison. The Centre provides accommodation, breakfast, supper and laundry services for six months while residents work outside in jobs secured by SCORE or Prisons. They keep to a 10pm curfew, take weekly urine tests, and on their off-days or evenings, attend Bible sharing sessions and prayer meetings. The staff partner Prisons’ reintegration officers to aid residents’ reintegration into society.
Another service of the Centre is Ray of Hope, which educates the public and helps people with problem gambling. To date, many clients whose addictions brought destruction to their own lives and fragmented their families have successfully turned over a new leaf, becoming productive citizens accepted by their families and society. Mr Gabrieyel Guna, Executive Director of the Centre said, “We have been very blessed and encouraged that in the course of Christian Care Services’ ministry, through the moments of disappointments and the times of rejoicing, God's love is always demonstrated to all our residents and their families, regardless of whether they are Christians or of other faiths. “We will endeavour to continually be a channel of God's love and mercy to reach out to help ex-offenders, individuals with drug, alcohol and gambling addictions so that they get back on their feet again and be transformed by the restoration through His grace.” n Photos courtesy of Christian Care Services (Singapore)
The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is a connectional church comprising the General Conference, three Annual Conferences, local churches, and various agencies and organisations. The General Conference (GC) is the highest body of the MCS, responsible for legislation, policy, and the overseeing of its various agencies, including the programme agencies responsible for education, missions, and welfare services.
DIRECTOR, FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAMMES
A key position, reporting to the General Conference Executive Council (GCEC) and Finance and Administration Council (FAC)
through their respective chairmen.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Provide leadership to the GC Office and work with the GCEC/ FAC and other Councils to achieve the overall church strategy. Responsible for the efficient and effective operations of the General Conference (GC) Office, its direct agencies and subsidiaries. Partner with various Methodist entities to uphold the mission of the MCS. Set up reporting protocols and communication flow between the GCEC/FAC and all its agencies. Ensure organisation’s adherence to meet internal and external compliance requirements in the area of Finance, Tax, Charity Act and other requirements from relevant regulatory bodies. Develop staff functions to deliver economies of scale e.g. human resource development and deployment, training, information technology, property management, finance and investments. Ensure long-term sustainability and culture development, through effective governance, sound finance, staff development and delivery of services.
JOB REQUIREMENTS Strong academic credentials are necessary. Experienced in managing and operating a church, charity or organisation of a similar set-up. Experienced in policy formulation, institutional growth and agency development. Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively across many levels of committees headed by clergy and laity. At least 10 years’ experience in leadership positions in church or parachurch organisation. Singaporean / PR only. SALARY This being a key position within the General Conference Office of the MCS, salary will be commensurate with experience. APPLICATION This position will require a mature and committed Christian with clear convictions about the work of the Church.
Please send your resume and a recent photo to “The HR Manager, The Methodist Church in Singapore, 70 Barker Road, #03-01, Methodist Centre, Singapore 309936” or email hr@methodist.org.sg Background picture by Denys Prykhodov/Bigstock.com
POEMS
Gideon Dr Oliver Seet is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a Board Director of the Metropolitan YMCA.
How could this Angel of the Lord whom he had met under the pistachio tree at Ophrah call him, the least of the tribe of Manasseh cowering in a cave, Valiant Warrior!
He was no halcyon youth brimming with zeal to redeem a fallen nation; nor had he the prowess of a young Nimrod, or the might of Samson. No man so unexceptional, or undistinguished as he. The age of miracles must lie in the mythical past for why had Adonai not saved the nation against gentile swarms, numerous as locusts as He had once done?
But the Angel of the Lord gazed upon him so intently that there was no spectre of a doubt that incredibly, the mantle lay on him to deliver Israel from the hands of Midian. For Adonai looks beyond the tatters and the tawdriness into the interior of the soul and sees the latent seeds of growth and of what a man shall yet become. Judges 6:11-24
Background pictur by Jorg Hackemann/Bigstock.com
Was it mockery, a diatribe against his timorousness, brought on by Israel’s descent into the maelstrom of despondency, as scavenger tribes plundered the fruit of its labour, powerless to resist their savagery and greed. How effete to beat out wheat secretively in a wine press hidden in a cave!
September BUYING TICKETS FOR WSCS FAMILY DAY
12 Sep (Saturday), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WSCS FAMILY DAY 12 SEP 2015
SATURDAY, 10AM - 4PM ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL 60 BARKER ROAD, S309919 Organised by:
General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service The Methodist Church in Singapore
Sponsors: NEWater
Food & Fun
@ School Canteen Fun activities for the whole family Childhood games • Bouncy Castle • Ring Toss • Sharp Shooter • Mini Basketball • Fishing Game • Mini Golf • Marble Pick Up and many more!
Sharing the Good News
@ Lee Kong Chian Auditorium 10.30-11.15 AM (Children’s Programme)
Magic Show by Ng Ki Chi 11.30 AM-12.25 PM (English)
Talk by Jacelyn Tay (郑秀珍) 12.40-1.30 PM (Mandarin)
Talk by Kelvin Soh (苏世民)
ion iss e Adm fre s i ket
sep
for ic ood F r t you and ocal t L s e e G Gam your SCS W m fro urch icket Ch /t $10 @ S
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Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), 60 Barker Road, Canteen and Lee Kong Chian Auditorium Come and join us for a day of fun-filled activities organised especially to bless families. There will be food, games and sharing of the Good News. Do not miss the exciting children’s programme of magic show by Mr Ng Ki Chi and inspiring talks by Ms Jacelyn Tay (in English), Mr Kelvin Soh (in Mandarin) and Ms Anna Solomon (in Tamil). Organised by General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service. Free admission; buy your tickets for games and food from your local church WSCS at $10 per ticket. For more info, contact your local church WSCS or email wscs@methodist.org.sg
1.45-2.30 PM (Tamil)
Talk by Anna Solomon
For more information, please contact your Local Church WSCS or email to wscs@methodist.org.sg
ATTENDING FAMILY BLESSINGS FOR A JUBILEE CELEBRATION 禧年庆中秋 家家蒙恩福
26 Sep (Saturday), 4 p.m. TA2 Sanctuary, 61 Wishart Road
Invite your relatives and friends to hear the Gospel at this mid-autumn festival outreach event, where the Rev James Lim, the vice-chairman of One Hope Centre, will be the speaker. Organised by Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. All are welcome. Call 6278-1323 or 6324-4001 to register for catering purposes.
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REGISTERING FOR KAIROS COURSE
23, 24, 30 & 31 Oct; 6, 7, 13 & 14 Nov, 7.15 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Fridays, 8.30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays; 21 Nov (Saturday) 8.30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
BIBLICAL 1. God’s Purpose and Plan 2. Israel, The Covenant People 3. The Messiah, the Message & the Messengers
Methodist Centre, 70 Barker Road The Kairos Course is a nine-session, interactive course on World Christian mission, designed to educate, inspire and challenge Christians to active and meaningful participation. Kairos looks at the four main areas of mission concern which are the Biblical, Historical, Strategic and Cultural dimensions of mission. BIBLICAL 1. God’s Purpose and Plan 2. Israel, The Covenant People 3. The Messiah, the Message & the Messengers
STRATEGIC 5. Mission Strategy 6. The Task Remaining 7. World Christian Teamwork
HISTORICAL
CULTURAL 8. Cross-Cultural Considerations
4. Expansion of the World Christian Movement
Methodist Missions Society in partnership with
Simply Mobilizing Dates/time : Fri, 7.15 pm – 10.00 pm on 23 & 30 Oct, 6 & 13 Nov Sat, 8.30 am – 1.00 pm on 24 & 31 Oct, 7 & 14 Nov Sat, 8.30 am – 4.00 pm on 21 Nov
oct
Join this nine-session, interactive course which covers the biblical, historical, strategic and cultural dimensions of world Christian missions. It is designed to educate, inspire and challenge Christians to active and meaningful participation. Jointly organised by Methodist Missions Society and Simply Mobilising. Register by 19 Oct. Fee: $80 per person (includes course materials and refreshments for all sessions, and lunch on 21 Nov). For more info or to register, visit www.mms.org.sg
Venue : The Methodist Centre, 70 Barker Road, S (309936) Course fee : $80 (includes course materials, refreshments and lunch on 21 Nov)
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Register at : MMS website www.mms.org.sg Closing Date : 19 Oct or when vacancies filled Methodist Missions Society, 70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre, Singapore 309936 Tel : 6478 4818 Fax : 6478 4817 Email : mms@methodist.org.sg Find out more about Kairos course at http://kairoscoursesingapore.org/about/
SIGNING UP FOR MSM’S CHILDREN’S MUSIC CLASS
Mondays, 12 p.m. –12.45 p.m. (for 2 children); 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. (for 3-4 children) Methodist School of Music, 496 Upper Bukit Timah Road, John Wesley Centre, #03-20
Children’s Music Class (for ages 4-5)
The Children’s Music piano class is an introduction to music, rhythm, improvisation, singing and basic keyboard skills through games, songs, and other fun-filled activities. Music-making becomes an enjoyable and stimulating experience! What will they learn? * Basic piano technique * Solfege singing * Creative movements (games) * How to read music notes
Give your four or five-year-old an introduction to music, rhythm, improvisation, singing and basic keyboard skills through games, songs and other fun-filled activities in this class. They will learn basic piano techniques, solfege singing, creative movements through games and how to read music notes. Organised by Methodist School of Music. Fee: $246 per child for 8 lessons per term (inclusive of registration fee and GST). For more info, visit www.msmusic.edu.sg
Class size: 2- 4 students 8 Lessons per term Mondays 12:00pm - 1:00pm Term Fees: S$214.00 incl. GST Registration Fee: S$32.10 incl. GST
Register now! Call 6767 5258 or email msm@msmusic.edu.sg
METHODIST MESSAGE • SEP 2015
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THINK
Knowing the truth is the first defense against error.
Thinking about same-sex marriage Lorinne Kon worships at Paya Lebar Methodist Church with her husband, Siow Aik, and three school-going children. Previously a banker, she has a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is active in prison-related ministries and is passionate about helping restore and integrate the marginalised back into society.
“S
ame-sex marriage legalised across US” headlined The Straits Times on 27 June 2015. My two older Primary school-going children have started to read the newspapers. Minutes later, out popped a question: “So, why is it not okay, Mum?” I was surprised at how the question was worded. A survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in 2014 found that 78.2 per cent of respondents said that sexual relations between two adults of the same sex was wrong. And 72.9 per cent did not agree with gay marriage. So, Singapore remains a largely conservative society. However, the younger cohort polled lower percentages of disapproval. This reflects the generational divide and the more liberal views of younger Singaporeans. So, what do we do now? Andrew Koppelman writes, “... same-sex marriage… has succeeded largely because so many of its opponents have been so inarticulate, and – this is crucial – have failed to pass on their views to their children.” For a start, we must teach the biblical view of marriage as a divinely-instituted covenant; a sacred bond between one man and one woman (Gen. 1:27-28; 2:22-24). From sociological and secular standpoints, marriage has always been the union of a man and a woman that is inherently oriented towards bearing and rearing children together for the common good. Marriage is an institution that serves both public and procreative purposes. This is the conjugal view of marriage. I had presumed that my children were unwavering about what marriage was, since they observed healthy and happy heterosexual marriages modeled in our and other families. I was wrong. Here, we can learn from federal agents who are trained to spot counterfeit money not by studying counterfeits but by studying genuine notes. They become so familiar with the real thing that they can quickly recognise the fraudulent. We must, likewise, be more intentional in teaching the truth about marriage.
Second, we need to be educated in and converse thoughtfully and productively about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues. There are Christian LGBTs in our churches, classrooms, workplaces and homes. Since LGBT issues have gained traction in mainstream society, the church risks being a divisive rather than redemptive community if we are ignorant about LGBT issues. For example, we must distinguish between a person struggling with same-sex attraction and same-sex action. The former is amoral while the latter is immoral and thus sinful. Third, we should cultivate friendships with LGBTs. They are created in the image of God and are persons of worth who deserve love and respect. They are tempted as we are, sin as we do, and are broken as we are. Admittedly, these are not always easy friendships. My earlier conversations with LGBTs felt like tentative stumbles through a minefield which sometimes triggered unexpected and explosive outbursts. But earnest listening and seeking the heart of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in every conversation helped me love them more steadfastly. Finally, we need to offer compassion without compromise. Surveys show that people who have LGBT friends are more likely to approve of same-sex marriage and same-sex relationships than those who do not. So, while we empathise with our LGBT friends, we must not compromise the timeless and unchanging truths about marriage in Scripture. We must “be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy”. (1 Pet. 3:15, MSG) Recently, after conversations with my son, he said, “Mum, now I know why same-sex marriage is not okay.” Knowing the truth is the first defense against error. n
Picture by dolgachov/Bigstock.com