MMS 30TH ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Dr Christopher Cheah, MMS Exco Member and Chairman, MMS 30th Anniversary Taskforce.

Methodist Missions Society (MMS) was established on 30 September 1991 as the missions agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). As part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration, and in place of a banquet in view of COVID-19 restrictions, a Thanksgiving Service was held at Faith Methodist Church on first Sunday of Advent, 28 November 2021, to celebrate God’s faithfulness to MMS over the past 30 years.

MMS Executive Director, Rev Derrick Lau, and Field & Church Engagement Director, Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, warmly welcomed about 100 guests who gathered on site and another 100 more online. There were almost 500 online views even after the ‘live’ broadcast of the service. Thereafter, the talented Awaken Generation team ushered us into God’s presence with melodious voices and spirit-led worship.

Welcome and Opening Prayer.

Worship led by Awaken Generation.

Presidents and representatives from the three MCS Annual Conferences then led us in the Litany of Mission and Prayers of Thanksgiving for God’s goodness and faithfulness to MMS over the years. After MMS Chairman, Alvin Tan, read the Scripture passage from Matthew 9:31-38, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, in his usual eloquence and yet down-to-earth manner, gave an inspiring sermon entitled “Spreading the News?” on how we need to learn to spread the Good News of the Gospel ‘silently’ as taught by our Lord Jesus, without losing its impact and importance.

Rev Philip Abraham leading in the Litany for the Mission of the Church.

Bishop Dr Gordon Wong sharing his sermon.

We were touched by the video on the Little Candles Methodist School in Thailand and saw how despite limited resources, the teachers managed to touch the lives of the many children there. In his address, Rev Lau used the video and other examples to relate how MMS has made an impact on the lives of many in Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor- Leste, and Vietnam. He praised God for mobilising our local Methodist Churches to pray, give, and send missionaries and volunteers to these peoples and nations, and encouraged us to continue to partner MMS in the years to come.

Pastor-in-Charge of Faith Methodist Church, Rev Reuben Ng, encouraged us to give generously to the Little Candles Methodist School project and MMS General Fund during the offering time, while Daniel and Peixin from Grace Methodist Church rendered a Special Anthem in music and song, before Bishop gave the Benediction at the close of the Service.

Rev Reuben Ng leading in the Responsive Call to Worship.

COVID-19 restrictions may have limited the number of people allowed to celebrate with us on site, but has not stopped many who tuned in online, including the President of The Methodist Church in Cambodia Rev Lun Sophy, and many missionaries, national pastors, and leaders on the field.

The 30th Anniversary of MMS serves as an occasion for us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and blessings over the past 30 years.

The 30th Anniversary of MMS serves as an occasion for us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and blessings over the past 30 years. It also calls us to focus on His Spirit at work among us today and gives us an opportunity to look to Him to lead and direct us in the years to come.

My deepest appreciation goes to all our speakers, distinguished guests, pastors, leaders, volunteers, intercessors, past and present MMS Executive Committee and Sub-Committee Members, staff, missionaries, friends, and family for joining us on this momentous occasion.

My heartfelt gratitude also goes to the MMS Team and the Organising Team under Ms Grace Chung who worked tirelessly yet joyfully to put together a meaningful and memorable Thanksgiving Service. To God be the Glory!

Dr Christopher Cheah sharing the acknowledgements.