ISSUE ONE 2015 l MCI(P) 023/11/2014 HARVEST FORCE CONNECTS YOU WITH THE METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY www.mms.org.sg l www.facebook.com/mms.org.sg l www.instagram.com/mms.gram
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds
Focus: Student Sponsorship Scheme 2015 and beyond l 昂首阔步迈入2015 抚今追昔展望未来
SSS l 物价在上涨 盼望待提升
Education: Our Shared DNA! l 教育就是我们共 同的DNA!
Moving With The Times l 与时并进
15 | HARVEST FORCE
Contents Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 36:5 (NKJV) Every cloud has a silver lining. Photo taken in Phulbari Village, Kathmandu, Nepal by Benjamin Lau of Wesley Methodist Church – for MMS Photo Contest #3 (Light of the World).
01EDITORIAL
43 PROFILE
WORD 02 FIRST
REPORT 44 MITE
• Every cloud has a silver lining
• Interview with Rev Dianna Khoo
• MISSIONS – A Personal LifeChanging Experience
• 2015 and beyond
UP! 04 WATZ
• MMS Missions Courses • MMS Photo Contest #4 • Mission Trips • Opportunities to Serve
07
DO YOU KNOW?
• Do You Know… Student Sponsorship Scheme – Raising Hope despite Rising Prices
SPECIAL FEATURE 2 46 FEATURE (SSS) 32HOME 09SPECIAL HAPPENINGS • Break Vicious Cycle of Poverty; Build Virtuous Circle of Hope! • Education: Our Shared DNA!
• MMS Family
• Memorandum of Understanding • Mission Awareness
TESTIMONIES • SSS Beneficiaries • SSS Sponsors
• MMS Photo Contest #3 Results • MMS Staff Day • MMS Missions Course 1
FEATURES 26FIELD
• Exploring Innovations, Impacts, and Implications of New Communications and Media Development (Part 2)
CLOSING 50 ATHOUGHT • Moving With the Times
• Eulogies
CAMBODIA • Methodist School of Cambodia Dedication Service
NEPAL • Dedication of Wesley Bardan Methodist Church
THAILAND • Education and Medical Mission Trip
If you have a testimony or a lesson learnt regarding missions, why not send it to us so that we can share it in the Harvest Force. We welcome your letters, photos, news of mission-related events, testimonies, comments, feedback and suggestion. Please email or send them to 70 Barker Road #06-01 The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936, together with your name, church name, email address and contact number. To share your mission trip experiences in Harvest Force, just use this simple approach – Less Words, More Photos. For more details, please email mms@methodist.org.sg. Please note that your articles may be edited for length, style and clarity. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
EDITORIAL | 1
very cloud E has a silver lining Recently, Sharon and I have become
However, to many children in the developing countries
very fascinated by God’s very own
around Singapore, the sky over their lives is gloomy
masterpieces in the sky. They are like
and dull, and these skies are a reflection of their daily
colourful and dramatic paintings on an
lives. Many of them are trapped in the cycle of poverty.
astronomical canvas. We are always on the
Many of them do not know God personally or have an
lookout for a phenomenal rainbow on an
opportunity to experience His great faithfulness and
orangey sky after rain, or for a vibrant sunset
goodness in their lives. One of the ways MMS is helping
in the evening. We tend to look upwards
them is through a sponsorship scheme. Read more
these days to marvel at the various
about the Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) on page 7.
incredible cloud formations. On some occasions, we may even go out of our way
SSS is like a little light that shines through the dark
to catch these beautiful ‘masterpieces’ at
clouds. Through SSS, these poor children can have the
different locations.
opportunity to see a bright, silver lining on their dark clouds of helplessness.
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. (Psalm 36:5,
This issue contains some testimonies of children who are
NKJV) Looking at these clouds, we are
or were in the SSS programme. We read of how their lives
reminded of God’s faithfulness that reaches
are transformed by God through those who sponsored
to the clouds. Clouds are far above our
them. Their clouds are edged in silver because now, they
reach, greater and higher than we can
have seen light breaking through.
apprehend standing on our two feet. They are probably the highest things we can see.
Every cloud has a silver lining. We believe that there is
They tower over the lofty mountains and
hope for these poor and needy children. Can you see
hover over the tallest trees. So great is God’s
the potential for them to live under a lovely sky?
faithfulness! Be a sponsor today!
APRIL 2015 ADVISOR
Rev Philip Lim
EDITOR
Kam Leong Heng
CHINESE EDITORIAL
Goh Tuan Gee
TRANSLATORS
Joshua Ong, Licia Yeo, Thng Pheng Soon
PROOFREADER
Wendy Tan
PHOTO CREDITS
Angela Sng, Benjamin Lau, Benjamin Lee, Carol Loh, Cheong Chee Tham, Chou Fang Soong, Dianna Khoo, Eang Chanthin, Erica Lim, Erick Tan, Faith Methodist Church, Gloria Khoo, Henry Yeo, Jeremy Tan, May Ng, Melvin Leong, Ong Eng Keow, Phillip Lam, Sabashtain Lepcha
DISTRIBUTION & SUPPORT
Eileen Lim, Helen Tan, Nancy Tay & Volunteers
DESIGNER
SNAP! Creative Pte Ltd
PRINTER
Print & Print Pte Ltd
PUBLISHER
information published is correct at time of writing and may
Rev Philip Lim 70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936
Tel: 6478 4818 • Fax: 6478 4817
subject to change.
Email: mms@methodist.org.sg
Website: www.mms.org.sg
Methodist Missions Society (MMS) is the mission agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore. In 1997, MMS was given the mandate to establish indigenous churches supported by mission endeavours in communities across this region where there is no Methodist presence. Harvest Force is published three times annually and distributed free. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. All
2 | HARVEST FORCE
2015 and beyond “To preach the Gospel where Christ was not known.” This year is the 130th
and for our pupils to respond. Our hostels
Anniversary of The
in Cambodia and Thailand seek to reach
Methodist Church in
out to the youth. And as part of the
Singapore. Various
residential programme our youth undergo a
celebratory events
comprehensive discipleship process. On top
have been lined up
of this, they are scheduled to lead worship
throughout the year
and small groups. Our children’s homes in
to commemorate this
Cambodia and Nepal provide holistic care to
important event.
orphans and those from single parent homes. These children have the opportunity to know
When Methodist
Jesus at a young age.
missionaries, Bishop James Thoburn and Rev William Oldham, first arrived in
Indeed, our missionaries work tirelessly to
Singapore on 7 February 1885, they conducted the first
spread the Gospel. All of them are certain
worship service the very next day. Since then, our church
of God’s call in their life and they have with
has grown to 46 churches with over 40,000 members
them the ambition, “to preach the Gospel where
today.
Christ was not known.” (Romans 15:20, NIV) Please continue to pray for them.
Our mission work has grown as well. When MMS was formed in 1991, our initial crop of a handful of missionaries
Let me take this first issue of the Harvest Force
made forays into mission work in Thailand and Vietnam.
of 2015 to update you on what we intend to
Today, we have 36 missionaries serving in seven countries.
do this year. Firstly, MMS will roll out a series of
Our core mission is still Church Planting and discipleship. To
short training courses. The first, Building Bridges
achieve our goals, our missionaries and national workers
with People of Different Religious Worldviews,
are equipped with tools such as Growing a Healthy
took place on 31 January. Please do keep a
Church (GHC), Training Network (T-Net) and Equipping the
lookout for the next courses by going to our
Saints (ETS). We also have bible schools to train and equip
website and registering online.
our national workers to be evangelists and pastors. We are also an official partner of Perspective. Concurrently, our Community Development projects allow
This 16-week missions course is scheduled to
us to show love through various platforms. Our schools in
start in 4 July through 14 November 2015. You
Cambodia, Laos and Thailand seek to provide a well-
can go to www.perspectivessingapore.org for
rounded education to our pupils. Opportunities are
more details.
intentionally organised for the Gospel to be presented
FIRST WORD | 3
昂首阔步迈入2015 抚今追昔展望未来 2015年是新加坡卫理公会设教的130周年。 全年一系列的活动就为了欢庆、纪念此意义 重大的事件 。 Another important event this year is our biennial My Father’s Business Banquet. It will be on 23 August 2015 at The Fullerton Hotel. This event is an opportunity for us to
1885年2月7日， 两位海外卫理宣教士-多 本会督及阿尔汉牧师抵达新加坡，隔天就举 行了本地的第一个崇拜。从那时开始，卫理 教会逐渐增长，至今已有46 间教会， 会友 人数達到4万人左右。
raise funds for our various field projects and where it is most needed. Our faith goal is $$1 million. If you wish to sponsor a table please contact our office for more details. Finally, there is an important exercise we need to do throughout this year. That is, we
我们的宣教事工也稳健成长。卫理宣教会 在一九九一年成立的初期，资源有限，只能 差派少数宣教士进入泰国和越南；今天我 们的36位宣教士的脚踪横跨七个国家。植 堂和门徒培训仍然是我们的核心使命。为了 达成目标，所有宣教士和本土同工都接受装 备，参加“建立健康教会”、 “T-Net”和“圣 徒装备”等课程。此外，我们也设立圣经学 校装备本土同工成为传道及牧师。
are going to review our MMS vision, strategy and logo so as to prepare us to meet the growth and changes for the future. I shall provide you with more details later. Rev Philip Lim MMS Executive Director
社区发展也是我们彰显主爱的平台。卫宣 在柬埔寨、寮国和泰国开办学校，提供全面 教育，也刻意在一些活动中将福音信息带给 学生，让他们有机会回应。在柬埔寨和泰国 的学生宿舍就是一个青年外展的场所，除了 分享福音真理，住宿生也接受门徒装备，带 领崇拜或是小组。卫宣在柬埔寨和尼泊尔 的儿童之家也为孤儿及单亲家庭的孩子提 供全面的关顾，孩子从小就有机会能认识 主耶稣。 我们拥有一批竭力传福音的宣教士，他们坚 信神对他们的呼召，并且像保罗般委身－ “我立了志向，不在基督的名被称过的地方 传福音” （罗马书十五：20）。恳请您在祷告 中纪念他们。
让我在岁首第一期的禾丰中发布卫宣今年 的事工计划。卫宣在今年里开始了一系列 精短的训练课程，首开序幕的是一月卅一 日的“与不同宗教世界观者筑桥”。 有兴 趣参加者可以到我们的网站上详阅资料及 注册。 卫宣也是普世宣教展望课程的推动伙伴。 这个为期16周的宣教课程预定在7月4日开 课，您可以浏览以下网页以获取更详细的 资料： www.perspectivessingapore.org 今年另一件盛事，就是8月23日在浮尔顿酒 店举办两年一度的“以我父的事为念”筹款 晚宴。通过这项活动，卫宣有机会筹集各宣 教禾场的事工费，这些费用也是我们最大 的开支与需要。今年的信心目标是筹集一 百万，若您乐意赞助一张桌席，请联络办公 室同工。 最后，还有一项不可或缺的工作是我们不 能忽视的，就是配合事工的成长及未来的 进展，重新检讨卫宣的异象，策略和标志设 计。容我在往后的日子再与您分享更多这方 面的后续消息。 林建隆牧师 卫理宣教会执行主任
“我立了志向，不在基 督的名被称过的地方 传福音”
Background picture by Yastremska/Bigstock.com
4 | HARVEST FORCE
MMS Missions Courses MMS is planning for the last two courses for 2015: BIVOCATIONAL MISSIONS
THE MISSIONAL BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Date:
24 April 2015 (Friday): 7.15pm – 9.45pm
Date:
To be confirmed and announced later
25 April 2015 (Saturday): 9.00am –
Speakers:
Dr Stanley Ling, Mr Alvin Tan,
4.30pm Speakers:
Mr Kua Wee Seng, Dr Tan Lai Yong, Mr Kenneth Bong, Juliette Arulrajah,
Synopsis:
Rev Erick Tan and Mr Ong Teong Hoon Synopsis:
This session challenges the emerging entrepreneurs to launch Christ-centred
Rev Philip Lim and Rev Lee Shuit Kuin
companies that not only make profit,
Bivocational Missions has increasingly
but meet the physical and spiritual
become strategic in world missions
needs of people they touch.
today. The course prepares Christian professionals, who use their professional
Registration form is available on the MMS website
skills, to become bivocational ministers
www.mms.org.sg. For more information, please call
in a cross-cultural context. It deals with
MMS at 6478 4818, or email mms@methodist.org.sg,
essentials such as: Bivocational Missions
or visit MMS’ Facebook page www.facebook.com/
– Biblical basis & Definition;Vocational
mms.org.sg.
Paths & Models; Work / Ministry Mix; Dilemma & Ethics; Relating with the National Church; Relating with the Host Government
MMS Photo Contest #4 MMS is hosting our fourth photo contest
a Macro Lens Band each. All winners will be
with a twist! It is now easier, more fun and
announced on Instagram @mms.gram and
spontaneous to submit your photo entries.
Facebook.
Simply upload your photos to Instagram, tag @mms.gram, hashtag
Terms & Conditions:
#mmsphotocontestLOVE, and tell a simple story
• No entrance fee. Contest is open for
stating where and when the photo was taken.
everyone in Singapore and using Instagram.
The theme of this MMS Photo Contest #4 is
• Judges’ decision is final.
“LOVE”.
• Original high-resolution winning photos will
You may take photos of any mission field. You
• MMS reserves the right to use photos in MMS
be requested for. may submit any number of photos. You may
publications and communications.
even apply filters to your photos. However, you
• MMS reserves the right to change the T&C’s
can only upload your photos from 1 June 2015
without prior notice at any time at its sole
to 30 June 2015.
discretion. • By participating, you agree and accept the
The prizes for the “Most Popular Photo” ie, the photo with the most likes, are S$100, a Selfie Stick fitted with a remote, and a Marco
T&C’s. • Enquiry: 64784818 or mms@methodist.org.sg
Lens Band. And for the “Best Photo” chosen by our panel of judges, you stand to win
Results of MMS Photo Contest #3 are printed
S$200, a Selfie Stick fitted with a remote, and
on page 33. Be on the lookout for our next
a Marco Lens Band. Besides these two top
MMS Photo Contest #5.
prizes, there are three consolation prizes of
WATZ UP! | 5
MISSION Trips If you are interested to organise or join a mission trip, or simply to find out more, please email to the respective Country Coordinating Officers at these email addresses: Cambodia teresa.wilborn@gmail.com East Asia shuitkuin.lee@methodist.org.sg Laos
philipkl.lim@methodist.org.sg
Nepal noel.tam@methodist.org.sg Thailand david.khew@methodist.org.sg Timor-Leste
noel.tam@methodist.org.sg
Vietnam teresa.wilborn@gmail.com
Opportunities to SERVE IN THE FIELD The fields are ready for harvesting
What to do if you sense the LORD calling you into His mission field:
canteen-food cooking skills
– but there are so few labourers.
1. Tell your pastor and ask him/her
and food hygiene in COSEL
• Volunteers to teach basic
In all seven countries that MMS
to help examine your calling to
(Community Outreach Services
has chosen, our missionaries in
missions.
ECO-LODGE)
the field are asking for assistance.
2. If your church pastor and
Our first request is for more full-
leaders affirm your calling and
EAST ASIA
time missionaries to join them!
are prepared to provide full
• Church leaders and trainers
They are asking the Lord to
financial support – praise the
to train and equip National
send pastors, church planters,
Lord! Call MMS straight away.
Workers on church planting and
administrators and English language teachers.
3. If your church pastor and leaders affirm your calling but are unable to provide full
discipleship training in Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Fujian Provinces. • A local church to partner and
Our second prayer is for business
financial support for you – call
support the newly established
people and professional who are
MMS anyway! Some of our
preaching points.
willing to leave the comforts of
missionaries are supported
Singapore and base themselves in
by the combined efforts of
NEPAL
the region. We would like to train
multiple Methodist Churches
• A missionary pastor to serve as
you to coach national pastors
and Agencies.
and co-workers in the market place. Our third request is for short term
staff at Caleb Bible Institute CAMBODIA
in East Nepal and equipping
• A married couple or mature
ministry for National leaders
workers who are willing to spend
female missionary to support
between two weeks to six months
the COSY Hostel.
at their own expenses helping one of our missionaries.
Country Director and teaching
• Volunteers to teach English for three months, six months or one year, and work alongside the
Our last request is to raise
Khmer English teachers in the
passionate prayer partners to be
Methodist School of Cambodia
part of our prayer team.
(Phnom Penh). • Volunteers to teach Chinese for six months in Emmaus Women’s Centre.
and workers. • Full time missionaries to support the church planting and community development work and assist in administration and finance matters in the field office. • Ministry staff to serve as spiritual counsellors and trainers for Sophia’s Home on short field assignments.
Continue next page...
6 | HARVEST FORCE
THAILAND • Full-time teachers with teaching degree or diploma who
AT HOME
are interested in teaching Mathematic and Science at
You can also come alongside as Mission Partners and
Vineyard Methodist School.
Volunteers (MPV) at home to encourage and empower
• A local church to partner and support new MOT candidates and newly established preaching points in
God’s work and workers to incarnate the love of Jesus Christ to make a difference in the mission fields.
Central Thailand. PRAYER COMMITTEE VIETNAM • Mission teams to visit the Sunlight Shelter and Sunrise Shelter.
• Be our MMS Prayer Country Coordinator, intercessors and supporter to intercede for missionaries and mission work in various fields.
LAOS
LOGISTICS
• Two experienced teachers to serve as missionaries in
Help to prepare the logistics at Kum Yan Methodist Church
Singapore Mission School. • Volunteer clerk of works to supervise the school building project under the MMS Building, Construction and Maintenance Committee (BCM). TIMOR-LESTE • Medical teams to support ministry in Ermera District, especially to provide training seminars for Timorese doctors. • Full-time missionaries or missionary couples to support disciple training and community development.
for training courses: audio-visual aids, course notes, registration, and light refreshments. Please email shuitkuin. lee@methodist.org.sg to indicate if you can help on one or more of these dates: • 24 Apr 2015 (Fri): 9.00am – 4.30pm • 25 Apr 2015 (Sat): 2.00pm – 5.30pm COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS • Be an English-Chinese translator. • Be a photographer. • Be a graphic designer. • Be a web designer. • Help to set up MMS mission exhibition booth. OFFICE ASSISTANCE • Be our MMS Event Coordinator. MISSION-TRIP COORDINATOR • Be a Mission-Trip Coordinator to assist in briefing and debriefing the mission teams to achieve optimal preparations and mission fulfilment and benefits. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE • Be a sponsor through the Student Sponsorship Schemes. Please refer to page 39.
For more information about all these opportunities, kindly email mms@methodist.org.sg. Be in prayer with us as we seek God’s
direction to challenge and mobilise Methodist people to serve with MMS.
DO YOU KNOW? | 7
How good is your memory? Take this test and find out. (Answers are provided below, but don’t cheat!)
Fifteen years ago, what was the cost for these items? ❑❑
A cup of coffee
❑❑
A plate of chicken rice
❑❑
A loaf of bread
❑❑
The starting fare for an MRT ride
❑❑
The starting fare for a taxi ride
“Over the past 15 years, SSS has provided educational opportunities to more than 1,200 children and youths!” will take effect from 1 August. MMS will send letters to each donor over the coming months to ensure their understanding and to seek their continued support. Over the past 15 years, SSS has provided educational
Whether or not we know the exact answers, we would surely know the costs for these and for many other goods and services have increased exponentially over the past years. We also know inflation has had and continues to have a particularly devastating impact on developing countries, with families living below the poverty line suffering the most. In 2000, MMS established the Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) to provide care and access to education for desperately poor children. This programme has a two-fold purpose: to share the love of Christ and to help break the vicious cycle of poverty. Monthly contribution rates for SSS have remained unchanged since the programme was created, yet costs have continued to rise. For example, the actual cost per month at the Methodist School in Cambodia now ranges from S$38 for kindergarten children up to S$61 for high school students. The actual monthly cost to support a child at COSI is S$134. In order to provide adequate care and continued access
opportunities to more than 1,200 children and youths! Coming from the poorest families in Cambodia, Thailand and Nepal, these boys and girls would never been able to attend school without the generous support of donors within the Methodist community in Singapore. For orphans or children from broken homes, SSS provides food, clothing, shelter, physical and spiritual care, as well as access to education. Unlike other sponsorship programmes, 100% of all donations go directly towards the support of the children; MMS does not apply a single cent of SSS contributions towards administrative purposes. By God’s grace and with your continued support, SSS will soon be expanded to help poor children in two of our newest mission fields: Timor-Leste and Laos. If you have any questions about SSS or the increases to be implemented in August, please contact Rev Teresa Wilborn at teresa.wilborn@gmail.com or phone 6478 4797. Rev Teresa Wilborn MMS Assistant Director of Community Development
to education, MMS will adjust the monthly sponsorship
effect only upon the renewal date of their sponsorship. For those sponsors who pay on a monthly basis, the increase
Inflation Rate 100% 75% 83% 100% 46%
for periods extending beyond August, the increase will take
2015 (S$ avg) 1.00 3.50 2.20 0.80 3.50
For sponsors who have already made advance payments
2000 (S$ avg) 0.50 2.00 1.20 0.40 2.40
S$45, and for residential students from S$90 to S$110.
ANSWERS: • Coffee • Chicken rice • Loaf of bread • MRT ride* • Taxi ride**
students, the contribution level will increase from S$30 to
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_MRT_%28Singapore%29#2002_ to_2009 ** https://www.cdgtaxi.com.sg/mediaviewer;jsessionid=pSnXzIcjzl4ihqBB94QXA**?mediaid=396
rates with effect 1 August 2015. For non-residential
8 | HARVEST FORCE
物价在上涨 盼望待提升 您的记忆力好吗？让我们做个测试吧。 （答案在页内，不过请不要偷窥哦！）
列出以下物品十五年前的价格 ❑❑
一杯咖啡
❑❑
一盘鸡饭
❑❑
一粒面包
❑❑
地铁的起程车资
❑❑
德士的起程车资
若赞助者已经预付了8月份以后的赞助费，重 新调整的赞助费将在赞助者更新赞助时才生 效。至于每月付款的赞助者，此项调整将于8 月生效。我们将透过信件通知每位赞助者，希 望这次的调整能得到大家的谅解与支持。 过去的15年，学生赞助计划为超过1200的孩 子和青年提供受教育的机会。若不是新加坡 卫理社体慷慨的捐助，柬埔寨、泰国和尼泊尔 等国贫困家庭的孩子将无法接受基本教育。
无论我们是否知道正确的答案，以上物品和 服务的价格在过去十几年里肯定都上涨了。 我们也晓得通货膨胀对发展中国家的影响尤 其重大，特别是那些属于贫困线下的居民。 卫宣在2000年 设立了学生赞助计划关怀贫 困的孩子，让他们有机会接受教育。这计划的 目的是分享基督的爱，以及摆脱贫困所带来 的恶性循环。 从计划实施至今学生赞助费维持不变，但是 物价学费却逐年上涨。例如柬埔寨卫理学校 幼儿园的学费已调至每月新币$38，高中生的 学费新币$61。COSI每名孩子每月实际需要 的赞助费则是新币$134.
通过这项赞助计划，我们为来自破碎家庭的 孤儿或孩子提供了食物，衣服，住宿，以及身 心灵的照顾。有别于其他的赞助计划，所收 到的学生赞助捐款都全数归入支付孩子的 费用；卫宣并未从中拨出任何款项充作行政 费。 靠着上帝的恩典和您持续爱心的支持，我们 将在不久后将学生赞助计划扩展到另外两个 新禾场：东帝汶和辽国。 若你想了解有关的学生赞助计划，或对8月 份实行的新调整费有任何询问，请拨电6478 4797或通过电邮：teresa.wilborn@gmail. com 联络特丽莎牧师。
特丽莎牧师
卫宣社区拓展副主任 为了给孩子提供更好的照顾及继续上学的机 会，卫宣 将在2015年8月1日调整赞助费。非 寄宿生的赞助费将从每月S$30调高至S$45， 而住宿生的赞助费将从 S$90 调高至S$110。
答案: • 咖啡 • 鸡饭 • 一个面包 • 地铁起程车资 • 德士起程车资
2000 (S$) 0.50 2.00 1.20 0.40 2.40
2015 (S$) 1.00 3.50 2.20 0.80 3.50
通货膨胀率 100% 75% 83% 100% 46%
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS
|9
Break the Vicious Cycle of Poverty, Build a Virtuous Circle school and student hostel of Hope! “Mission ministries represent by far the largest single contact the Church has overseas, not only with children and youth, but with families as well.” Education is not ultimately about training people to be
for education since 2010, the Director General of UNESCO
clever or successful, but about discovering what it is to be
declares “there is no chance whatsoever that countries
the human beings God fully intended for us to be!1
will reach the goal of universal primary education by 2015.”
A recent UNESCO policy paper revealed that 58 million children aged six to 11 are not attending school. As if this
Poverty continues to be the primary cause for children not
were not bad enough, another 63 million youth aged 12
enrolling or not finishing school. Even if schools are “free”,
to15 have dropped out or never attended school.
Not
the associated costs of uniforms, supplies, and transport
surprisingly, girls constitute over half of all children out of
are beyond the means of poor families. Dropping out of
school. Combined with a 10% worldwide decrease in aid
school virtually guarantees perpetuation of the poverty
2
3
cycle since the income-earning potential of the child is reduced. “Essence of Education Report”, Methodist Publishing House, 1999.
1
“UNESCO: No Progress in Reducing Global Number of Children Out of School”, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/in-focus-articles/ unesco
2
“Day of the Girl: US Movement October 11th”; http://dayofthegirl.org/girlsdenied-education-worldwide/
3
“Education Plays Key Role in Advancing Women, Girls, and Communities, Report says”, http://www.worldbank.org/en/new/pres-release/2014/05/14
4
Studies prove there is a direct correlation between education and quality of life, including overall health and longevity. As compared with their more educated peers, girls with little or no education are far more likely to be married off as children, suffer from domestic violence, and live their lives in poverty.4
10 | HARVEST FORCE
Over the past 20 years, MMS has made access to
offer quality, holistic academic education supported
education for children a priority in developing countries
by Christian values. Most importantly, children will have
around Singapore. In 1997, MMS planted the first overseas
the opportunity to come to know Jesus as their Lord and
Methodist school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Enrolment
Saviour. (For more details, see Harvest Force, Issue Two,
began with 15 kindergarten children, and has since
2014).
grown to 1,000 students in K1 to Grade 12. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Vineyard Methodist Kindergarten and
Mission school and student hostel ministries represent by
Primary School currently have nearly 300 children enrolled.
far the largest single contact the Church has overseas, not only with children and youth, but with families as well.
In Laos, MMS is partnering with the Singapore Mission School to provide resources and student sponsorship for
Christian education enables individuals, instead of
children in kindergarten through to P3. In future, the school
conforming to society, to seek in this world what is good,
plans to expand to P5 and offer an international school
acceptable, and perfect to God (Romans 12:2, NKJV).
curriculum.
Your help is needed to break the vicious cycle of poverty, and to build a virtuous circle of hope for generations to
With God’s help, the next Methodist School will be
come!
planted in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste. Ravaged by civil war, disease and unemployment, the literacy rate
Bless others as God has blessed you! Sponsor a child today. To
in this country is only 58.3%. When the conflict ended
learn how, please visit www.mms.org.sg/sss or www.facebook.
in 2002, few teachers were left and the infrastructure
com/mms.org.sg.
was in ruins. The past decade has witnessed progress, but more schools are needed to support younger
Rev Teresa Wilborn
generations. As in other countries, a Methodist school will
MMS Assistant Director of Community Development
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS
Education: Our Shared “Education should begin DNA! in an infant school and end in Heaven.” Any CSI enthusiast knows that DNA is inherited. Members of the same family share similar
improved by
genetic characteristics,
teaching the
with distinctive markers that
importance
identify their relationship to one another.
of values and vocation,
In recent years, there have been
sacrifice and
references to the “Methodist DNA”,
service.
suggesting there are markers that identify us as members of the same
Wesley
family. Indeed, the Social Principles
established five
found in The Book of Discipline
key objectives
represent a distinctive aspect of our
that continue to
Methodist heritage. As Methodists, we
influence Methodist
recognise and acknowledge our social
educational thinking
responsibilities in community life. Chief
today. He felt education
among these is a special obligation to ensure
should:
that children are not deprived of education, food, shelter, clothing, and health care. It has been said that John Wesley was as much an educator as a preacher. During his lifetime, he encouraged education for
promote self-discipline; promote understanding and wisdom; encourage a life-changing encounter with Christ;
girls as well as boys, established orphanages that emphasised learning, and promoted the creation of Sunday Schools. He not only founded day schools in Bristol, Newcastle, and London, but also established a model boarding school at Kingswood which exists to this day. Wesley believed that education could help remedy the spiritual, social and economic woes that plagued 18th century England. He wrote, “I preached on the education of children wherein we are extremely wanting. Many were deeply convinced of this. I hope that they will not stifle that conviction.”1 He was convinced that society could be
encourage living according to needs instead of wants; and encourage a strong work ethic combined with a powerful sense of service to others.2
Wesley held that life-long learning was necessary to grow in goodness and move towards Christian perfection. In a letter to fellow preacher George Holder in 1790, he said, “It cannot be that the people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to reading.” This idea of life-long learning was reflected 47 years later when the first Methodist Education Committee pronounced that education “should begin in an infant school and end in Heaven.”3
| 11
12 | HARVEST FORCE
Just as John Wesley preached salvation for all, he urged
教育就是我们共同的 DNA
education for all. He believed that every child, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status, matters to God. When the first Methodist training college for teachers was created at Westminster in
对于《犯罪現場调查》CSI这部电视剧的观 众来说，DNA这个名词应该不会感到陌生。 来自同一个家庭的成员都会有相同的基因 特点，并带着特有的标记，显露彼此间的 关系。
“教育工作应该始于幼 儿时期，终于天堂美 地”
1851, Wesley’s desire for equal access to education was reiterated by the Conference President. He addressed the first class of teachers with this question: “Is a child less rational, less capable of intellectual and moral improvement, of living an orderly, creditable, and useful life in society, of serving God
近年来人们经常提起“卫理宗DNA”这个名 词，似乎在表示，正是凭着这些标记辩认出 我们原是一家人。事实上，卫理公会法规里 的社会准则，就凸显了我们卫理宗特有的 传统。作为卫理宗信徒，我们确认、也接受 自己在社群生活里所应当负起的社会责任， 这项责任着重在我们特有的义务：确保所有 儿童都能够获得教育、饮食、住宿、衣服、 以及医药照顾。
and ensuring blissful immortality because his parents are poor?” 4 Today, there are hundreds of Methodist schools and universities around the world. The Methodist Church in Singapore alone has established 14 schools,
有人说卫斯理约翰是传道人，同时也是教 育家。在他有生之年，提倡儿童儿童教育不 分男女。卫斯理约翰也建立了注重学习的孤 儿院，更大力推介成立主日学。除了在布里 斯托、纽卡斯尔、伦敦创办日间学堂之外， 他还在金斯伍德成立至今仍在运作中的模 范住宿学校。
including primary, secondary, junior college, and international institutions, as well as 17 kindergartens. The Methodist Missions Society has followed this rich tradition by launching Christian schools overseas in Cambodia and Thailand, and it is planning future schools in Laos
十八世纪的英国在灵命上、社会上、经济上 都危机重重。卫斯理约翰深信，教育可以 在这些方面做出贡献。他写道， “我对儿童 教育进行宣导，在这方面我们极其不足。许 多人也被说服了，希望他们继续持守这个 信念。”他也相信透过教导价值观、职业技 能、献身与服务精神等的重要性，社会素质 就会进一步得到提升。
and Timor-Leste. With God’s help, may we
卫斯理约翰设立的五大目标，影响卫理宗 教育思维，持续迄今。他认为教育应该
Methodists continue this legacy for generations to come! Rev Teresa Wilborn MMS Assistant Director of Community
加强自律；
促使人们经历与耶稣相遇，从而改变生命 ； 鼓励人们生活当根据需要，不是根据要求；
Wesley, Volume 3, p. 270.
G. M. Best, online article entitled “Education from a Methodist Perspective”
2
Ibid.
3, 4
卫斯理约翰向人宣讲救恩的福音，也呼吁 众人接受文化。他相信上帝关爱每个孩童 是不分种族、性别、社会经济地位 。一八五 一年，威斯敏斯特成立第一所卫理师资训 练学院，大会卫斯理约翰“人人应该有平等 机会获得教育”的愿望。他向第一批师资致 辞，发出这样的问题： “一个学童是不是因 为家境贫寒，就比别人缺乏理性、缺乏智能 与道德的进取能力？他的生活秩序、诚信 度、对社会的贡献、对神的委身服事及对永 生的确定都不如人吗？” 今天，有数百所卫理学校和大学遍布世界 各地，新加坡就有十四所卫理学府，包括小 学、中学、初级学院、国际学校，以及十七 所幼稚园。新加坡卫理宣教会秉承卫理宗 的优良传统，在柬埔寨和泰国已经设立基 督教学校，并计划日后在老挝和东帝汶开 办学校。 但愿上帝施恩，让我们这些卫理宗传人，承 前启后，把这优良传统世代发扬光大！
促进了解，增进智慧；
Development
1
卫斯理约翰坚信，必需先落实终身学习，才 能够在良善中成长，迈向基督式的完全。他 在一七九零写给布道同工乔治。霍尔德的信 里指出，除非人们勤恳阅读学习，否则无法 在恩典中成长。四十七年后，第一个卫理教 育委员会作出宣布， “教育工作应该始于幼 儿时期，终于天堂美地”，反映了这个终身 学习的理念。
提倡强劲有力的职业道德，服务他人的卓 越意念
特丽莎牧师
卫宣社区拓展副主任
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 13
Testimony of SSS Beneficiary
PI of COSI
“COSI provides all my needs and gives me the opportunity to study.”
My name is Pi Leakhena and I am 14 years old. I am in Grade 8 this year. I have five brothers and sisters. I am the 4th child in the family but from another father. When I was young, my mother always had this bad thought in her. She wanted to sell me away. Finally, she did sell me to somebody. When an old lady, whom I call her grandmother, in the village came to know about this, she told me not to worry. She said she would find money to bring me back. So, she paid some money and brought me from the person who bought me. I went to stay with her and helped her with some housework. She was alone. After some time, I heard my mother was coming to sell me away again. As my grandmother was getting old, she was willing to let my mother take me if she were to give her some money. Brother Veasna (he is also mentioned in another story on page 22), from my village, was staying in COSI and he 2015
told Mother Carol Loh about me. My grandmother said if Mother Loh wanted to take me, she would have to pay the amount of money she had spent on me. Since Mother Loh wanted to help me, she managed to convince my grandmother who allowed me to go with Mother Loh. I am very happy staying in COSI and I would like to thank God for the love that He has given me. I am living peacefully in COSI. COSI provides me with all my needs and gives me the opportunity to study. I am also grateful for the love that my friends in COSI have given to me. If not
for God, I would not be living the way I am today. I give thanks to the Lord. Thank you!!!
20 0 9
Pi Leakhena COS-Immanuel Children’s Village (COSI) Cambodia Editor’s Note: Pi joined COSI on 10 November 2008.
What is COSI? COS-Immanuel Children’s Village,
adequately for the children. In COSI,
You can be involved by:
or fondly called COSI, opened its
these children, between seven and
• praying for the COSI children, staff
door in October 2001 for about 150
18 years old, are provided with basic
poor and neglected children, many
needs of food, clothing, shelter,
• sponsoring the children through SSS
of whom have been abandoned or
education and spiritual guidance.
• training the COSI staff
orphaned. Most are orphans or from
The aim is to enable them to better
• running programmes for the COSI
poor single-parent families. These
themselves and break out of the
families have no means to provide
poverty cycle.
and missionaries
children • running outreach programmes for the surrounding village
14 | HARVEST FORCE
“The hostel also provided a conducive environment for me to learn to grow in my relationship with God and with others.”
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 15
Testimony of SSS Beneficiary
METAS of Mettakij Hostel I am grateful to
when my parents served at the Santi Methodist Church for
God for His bountiful
four years.
blessing upon my life and my family.
At Mettakij Hostel, I not only have my education paid for, but also for other items needed to go to school, like
In terms of education,
uniforms, and transportation and meals. The hostel also
I am thankful that
provided lodging and food. The hostel was a conducive
I completed my
environment for me to learn how to grow in my relationship
bachelor’s degree
with God and with others. It provided a platform for
in 2012, with the
me to learn and grow to be a leader. We also had the
benefit of a four-years
opportunity to serve in the local church linked to the
scholarship from the
hostel.
Muangthai Mettakij Foundation. I have
My goal in life is to fulfil the Great Commission of Jesus
been receiving a
Christ for my life. I will go to a Bible seminary to develop
bursary through the
myself to serve in the church.
Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) since
May the God bless you all.
I was in Primary 4. I also stayed at the Mettakij Hostel for three years from Year 3 to Year 6. Altogether, I have
Metas Khongsukthara
received financial assistance for my education for 12
Mettakij Hostel
years.
Thailand
The education scholarship has been a very important factor in making it possible for me to get a bachelor’s degree. Without it, it will be very difficult for me to even have any education because my family is very poor.
Editor’s Note: Metas is now serving at our Shineforth Methodist
There are four of us children, and my parents were not
Church in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He used to stay at our Mettakij
able to afford to send us to school. There was a period
Hostel for three years.
What is Mettakij Hostel? Mettakij Hostel is a place for about
to go to school. Most of them are
You can be involved by:
30 poor teenagers from far-away
malnourished. In Mettakij Hostel,
• praying for the Mettakij Hostel
villages to continue secondary
the children can have the basic
school education. Usually there is
food and shelter provided. Most
no secondary school in their remote
importantly, they are exposed to a
mountain villages and the next
Christian environment where Christ’s
available school is very far away. So
love is demonstrated.
these children will make their journey to nearby cities in order
children and staff • sponsoring the children through SSS
16 | HARVEST FORCE
2010
“SSS became an avenue for him to realise his dreams.”
What is Term Fun Home? Term Fun Home, located in Chiang
Son in Thailand. “Term Fun” means
You can be involved by:
Mai, is a home that reaches out
“pour dreams” in Thai. And this is
• praying for the Term Fun Home
especially to the Shan children
what we hope to do by helping
from six to 12 years old. This family-
these children fulfil their dreams
style home was set up in April 2011
and become useful citizens in the
to provide basic welfare needs for
society.
the poor and needy children in the Northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong
children and missionaries • sponsoring the children through SSS
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 17
Testimony of SSS Beneficiary
MONRI of Term Fun Home Monri joined Term Fun Home when he was nine years old. He comes from a family of 4 siblings and he is the youngest child. His father is a Kachin, and his mother is a Shan. Both his parents are evangelists, reaching out to the Shan community. His father, Ah Chan Prasert, serves as a Shan pastor in another village. Ah Chan Prasert puts the child with us because what they earn is simply not enough to provide for all four children who are still schooling. As their ministry requires them to stay in another village, they are often separated from this youngest son. There is therefore little time given to care for and educate the child. Thus, they hope that by placing Monri with Term Fun Home, he will be able to receive proper education, and also be able to grow up in a secure, family setting where the word of God is taught to the child daily. Today, Monri is already 12 years old. He adjusted well into Term Fun Home from the beginning. Although he lagged behind in his studies initially, he is now one of the top students in the school. Monri has learnt to play the guitar well and is serving in the children’s ministry in Shineforth Methodist Church where he was baptised last December. When he went home during the school holidays, he was helping his father in worship. We are truly proud of this boy and we pray that he will continue to grow in wisdom and stature; in favour both with God and men. Monri hopes to become a doctor when he grows up. The Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) became an avenue for him to realise his dreams.
Angela Sng MMS Missionary in Thailand
18 | HARVEST FORCE
2006 2014 2003
“I will surely help others who are in need – just like what God has done in my life.” What is Sophia’s Home? Sophia’s Home was set up in 1999 by pioneer missionaries ET and ST.
children, many of whom come
You can be involved by:
It was birthed out of the burden
from broken homes and are in
of breaking the vicious cycle of
desperate need for love and care.
challenges faced by the Nepali
Besides coaching the girls daily in
girls such as human trafficking and
their studies, devotions and Bible
becoming street kids. It is a Christian
studies sessions, Sophia’s Home
• praying for the Sophia’s Home girls and staff • sponsoring the children through SSS • running programmes for the Sophia’s Home girls
girls’ home that houses about 35 girls
also sends the children to a good
between three and 18. As a mission-
school nearby so that they are able
based organisation, it provides a
to receive proper education to help
Christian environment for the
prepare them for the future.
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 19
Testimony of SSS Beneficiary
ALINA of Sophia’s Home My name is Alina Dong. I am 18 years old and I am
chosen. I was only four years old when my family
one of the girls from Sophia’s Home. First of all, I
sent me to a bigger family in Sophia’s Home.
want to thank my Heavenly Father who helped me
in each and every situation of my life. I also want to
I remember that I used to cry a lot but my new-
thank the people who are supporting me.
found family helped me and comforted me every time I cried. It was very hard for me to adjust to this
Being in a male-dominated society, we girls are
big family. But all of them lovingly cared for me and
not counted as members of the society. The boys
helped me to become a part of the big family in
are given the opportunity to study but the girls are
Sophia’s Home.
always left behind. I am one of those girls. I am from a Christian family but I come from a very poor
In Sophia’s Home, I learnt how to live a good life. I
background. All my family members used to work
even got to know God closely in my life through our
on a farm. My family had no other livelihood option
morning and evening devotions with the big family.
than farming. To provide for our basic needs, they
I also got the opportunity to study for a better future
used to work very hard. The main problem in my
and career. In this big family, I never felt lonely.
village is water shortage. To fetch water used to take us to a place more than two hours from our home. My parents had no idea how to provide for our basic needs but they kept on praying.
Without this opportunity, my life would surely have been ruined. And my family might have married me off already. From this home, I got to know that God has a plan for me. My dream is to be a successful woman in every area of my life. I want to share
Fortunately, my uncle got to know about Sophia’s Home through Uncle Saba. This home was ready to accept
my testimony with everyone and let them to know about our loving God. Paying forward, I will surely help others who are in need – just like what God has done in my life.
me and this is how I was I really want to thank Sophia’s Home, MMS Singapore and all the prayer partners. Thank you for your continued prayer support in my life. You have changed my life. Praise the Lord for everything. Alina Dong Sophia’s Home Nepal
Editor’s Note: Read about Alina’s sponsor on page 20.
20 | HARVEST FORCE
2014
2011
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 21
Testimony of SSS Sponsor
Created for Good Works
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV) I decided to sponsor a child because we are created for good works. Having been in the Methodist Church
“I decided to sponsor a child because we are created for good works.”
for a while, I am familiar with MMS. Sophia’s Home is a ministry of MMS in Nepal.
if there is a school, it is usually far away. And then, can they afford school?
As a mother, it tugged at my heart as I could recall in my head this scene of a mother in Nepal asking God
With a few of us now in Singapore participating in these
to move the heart of another mother in Singapore to
sponsorships, we believe we can bring joy to a few families
understand the struggle she was facing. Her daughter
who now have hope that their lives can be better in a few
was still on the waiting list to enter Sophia’s Home
years’ time. By then, their kids would be grown ups and, in
because she did not have the finances.
turn, they can in future bless kids in the same small area. If more of us can join in, will we be able to bless an entire
If God speaks to you, you can be a sponsor too. It is
village in time to come?
incredible how S$3 a day can help to provide a young girl in Nepal with lodging, supervision, basic needs and
As God’s love is poured unto us, let us spread it out by action!
education. Most of us are so blessed in Singapore. We worry here
N
about which dress to put on, while they are likely to
Charis Methodist Church
worry if there will be food for the next meal. Here, we worry whether our kids can get into a better school. For
Editor’s Note: SSS sponsor, N, wishes to remain anonymous. Alina was
them, they ask if there is a school to attend at all. Even
sponsored by N since May 2008. Read Alina’s testimony on page 18.
2010
22 | HARVEST FORCE
Testimony of SSS Sponsor
My Sponsorship “You should go and experience the joy of the Lord radiating from the COSI children,” one of my life group members told me excitedly. That was in 2002 when I first heard of COSI. I believed, back then, that God was already preparing my heart to be involved in COSI for a season of my life. Having never been on a mission trip before, and having no intention of going (then), I discovered that I could be involved in mission work by sponsoring a COSI child. And that was what I did. That first step became the start of my journey with Veasna, my sponsored child. Besides visiting COSI to encourage and engage the children in COSI, SSS sponsorship is the most tangible way to support
Chee Tham with Veasna
the children. I learnt that by sponsoring a child, you become his or her pseudo parent. Many of these children came from broken families or are orphans, and many experience living in poverty and hunger before they come into the comfort of a safe home they call COSI. Whilst each child has a “house parent” to look after them, in the young minds of these children, the knowledge that they are also “adopted” by a sponsor adds to their security. It gives them the muchneeded assurance that they are wanted and loved. For me, the SSS sponsorship also provided me and my family with the opportunity to walk alongside a child of God from childhood to youth and now, to a young adult. I am proud to say that Veasna has since graduated top of his class with a degree in Civil Engineering. Through the many trips to COSI, I witnessed how Veasna grew and matured into a God-fearing man. He frequently accompanies foreign mission teams in Cambodia for outreach and interprets
Chee Tham with Piseth
“The joy this journey brings for us is immense for we are also just obeying Jesus...”
for them. With his good grades and excellent command of English, he was very much sought after in talent-scarce Cambodia’s fledging economy even prior to his graduation. However, I had often prayed that he will always put God first in his life after graduation. I believed God has also spoken to him and his obedience to return to COSI to serve immediately after his graduation was an answer to the prayers of the full-time missionaries and all involved in COSI. He is indeed a good role model for the younger children. Besides Veasna, my wife and I are also privileged to have Piseth, Linna and Pich joined the “family”. Piseth and Linna are now undergraduates in the local university while Pich is still in COSI. Today, Linna keeps in touch with my wife via Facebook, while Piseth and Veasna communicate with me via email. Pich is still a fun-loving child.
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 23
Journey It is our prayer that the COSI children will grow up to be
You can participate in this journey by sponsoring a child. The
God-fearing men and women. As sponsors, you are invited
joy this journey brings for us is immense for we are also just
to be a part of the lives of these children. You wait in great
obeying Jesus when He said “… whatever you did for one of the
anticipation to see them blossoming into youth, becoming
least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40,
responsible adults and contributing back to COSI. Hopefully
NIV)
there will be some full time ministry workers, some teachers, some house parents and some effective role models for the
Cheong Chee Tham
newer kids. It is also our prayer that some COSI kids will be
Pentecost Methodist Church
able to catch the vision of the pioneer missionaries in COSI, that is, to build a new generation of God-fearing men and women in Cambodia.
Editor’s Note: Chee Tham is a member of the Post COSI Integration Programme (PCOSIIP) committee. It is a programme to help the COSI kids in Cambodia successfully transit from a sheltered environment back into society.
Chee Tham with Linna
24 | HARVEST FORCE
SSS Sponsor
Worthwhile Journey Looking for a way to contribute to MMS work can sometimes
we saw, even from a distance, how she grew
be reduced to a question of dollars and cents. But the
under the care of the COSI team. After she
Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) has been, for us, more
reached 18, we continued to sponsor her
than that. Through our SSS journey, we have come to know
under the Tertiary Sponsorship Scheme until
the blessing and privilege of participating in God’s work in a
her completion this year. Our sponsorship may
special way.
have just ended, but not our relationship.
Our almost twelve-year journey began on our first visit to the COSI Children’s Village. We were told of a new intake of children at COSI without sponsors. COSI sponsorship meant funding the particular child until the age of 18. We had sponsored children under a non-MMS programme, and after having been ‘moved’ four times (each time a project came to a close, we were offered other children to sponsor), we decided it was not the way we wanted to be connected to children who needed support. We wanted to be able to see the child grow.
Chantha now works with street children in Phnom Penh, more confident, with dreams similar to other young adults, yet thankful and knowing God and His purpose for her. Ours is an unusual journey; it included having Chantha stay with us (she was selected under a programme by Evangel Church to expose the COSI youth to work in Singapore). This provided bonding opportunities. Two years after Chantha, we began the
At the end of our trip to COSI, we took on 13-year-old Chantha, and we were excited at the long-term opportunity
sponsorship of two boys. Just as no two children are alike, our journey with the
that SSS presented. Our involvement in Cambodia (as a
boys was different. As they grew older, they
family and church) increased correspondingly, and we got
communicated through email and we ‘kept
to see Chantha more often. In the beginning, departures
tabs’ on Facebook. One of the two, Bora,
were tearful farewells until she became certain we would
was independent, set out to work earlier than
be keeping the connections and returning. By God’s grace,
expected, and our sponsorship journey had to
Deborah with Chantha and Missionary Carol Loh in 2014
“We wanted to be able to see the child grow.”
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 25
end, yet he would still keep in touch until his passing. We now have one ‘last child’ on sponsorship, and he is in his final year at University. Ratana calls us Uncle and Aunty. Chantha calls us Mak and Pak. Perhaps it is time to ‘adopt’ another three – and we believe it will be another worthwhile journey. Deborah Chou Bedok Methodist Church Family photo with Chantha and her sister Chanthon at COSI in 2003
Family photos with Bora, Ratana and Chantha at COSI in 2005
26 | HARVEST FORCE
Methodist School of Cambodi “The focus in the coming year is on excelling in all that we do.” The Dedication Service of Methodist School of Cambodia (MSC) was held on 27 October 2014. The service was held on the ground level. We invited parents and the some MMS Missionaries to grace the occasion. The programme started at 8am with the Principal’s welcome and opening prayer. The students led a simple worship, and Pastor Khemra shared a short message. The focus in the coming year is on excelling in all that we do. Thereafter, Pastor Khemra dedicated the Principal, Vice Principal, teachers and other staff members to God. Then, MMS Country Director for Cambodia, Jacob Cheng, dedicated the students.
We ended the service with a worship song and MMS Missionary, Tan Li Diang, closed the service with a prayer. The whole event took no more than an hour. Benjamin Lee Principal Methodist School of Cambodia
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 27
a Dedication Service
Please Pray For MSC:
What Can You Do:
• Pray for unity with the people
• Conduct Parenting Seminars
that we are working with. • Pray for the students to each have an encounter with God. • Pray for the salvation of the non-believing teachers. • As the students go to their
for the parents of MSC. • Donate simple reader books for the Library. • Donate desktop computers for the Computer Lab. The current computers are using very old
weekly Christian Education
Pentium 4 systems and most of
Do You Know:
classes, pray that this will not
them are about to fail.
• Currently MSC consists of
be a ritual but they will find God during those classes. • Pray for opportunities for MMS Missionaries involved in school ministry to speak life into the students.
• Donate New Testament Khmer Bible for Secondary students.
Kindergarten to Grade 12. There are 227 Kindergarten students, 521 Primary students and 376 Secondary students.
28 | HARVEST FORCE
Dedication of Wesley Bardan On 13 October 2014, Wesley Bardan Methodist Church was dedicated and officially opened! After about one year of construction, the building was finally ready. It is also The Methodist Centre for The Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN). At the cost of S$392,000, the 3-storey building has a main sanctuary, a multi-purpose hall, the MCN office and a parsonage. Rev Sabashtain Lepcha, the Central District Superintendent, resides there with his family. The building fund was raised at the MMS’ “My Father’s Business” Banquet in 2013. MMS would like to thank everyone who financially supported and contributed to this building project. The original Wesley Methodist Church was relocated to its current location, which is very near to its daughter church, Bardan Methodist Church. So it made sense to site both churches together for better outreach in the area. As such, the new church was also renamed as Wesley Bardan Methodist Church. When we arrived at the new church compound in the morning, many people were already seated in the front porch, eagerly waiting for the service to start. People in the neighbouring houses also stood at their verandas to watch the whole proceedings. The Dedication Service started with the singing of the National Anthem. After the dance item by the girls from Sophia’s Home, the congregation praised God together. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the congregation then filed upstairs into their brand new sanctuary for the second part of the Dedication Service. The service ended with the unveiling of the wall-mounted plaque by Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup.
FIELD FEATURE • NEPAL | 29
n Methodist Church On 14 October, the 6th Annual Meeting of MCN was held
At the close of the Annual Meeting, the girls from Sophia’s
in the newly dedicated sanctuary. Rev Philip Lim (MMS
Home put up another dance item to celebrate God’s
Executive Director), Rev Tan-Yeo Lay Suan and Rev Philip
goodness and faithfulness.
Abraham (Field Board of Missions), Rev Lee Shuit Kuin and Rev Lawrence Chua were present at this meeting which
On 15 and 16 October, there was a “Fire” meeting for all
was presided by Bishop.
the delegates who were present at the Annual Meeting. The focus was on prayer. A call was made for Prayer Bands
The highpoint of the meeting was the ordination of Rev
in all the churches to pray for the Great Commission
Chandrakumar Bamjan as an Elder of MCN. Rev Chandra
movement to take place in the lives of the individuals and
is the third Elder in Nepal. He is involved in the Church
churches.
Planting work in Ilam, East Nepal. He is also the Pastor-incharge of Vijayee Methodist Church. MMS is planning for a
Please Pray For:
new church building for Vijayee Methodist Church, which
• Wesley Bardan Methodist
will also be a place for the second generation of T-Net
Church to be a beacon
training.
of truth and light to the people in the vicinity. • God’s protection and provision for the Missionaries, National Pastors and Leaders. • Open doors to reach out to the community and to plant disciple-making churches.
30 | HARVEST FORCE
FIELD FEATURE • THAILAND | 31
which was sponsored by The Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS). After dinner, all the Home’s children and slum kids were given the gift packs. We observed that the children now looked healthier than at our last visit in 2013. On the third day, the team attended the Sunday Worship Service at Ps Pisut’s Water of Life Methodist Church (WLMC) at Patungnoi Village. We had lunch, which was also sponsored by WSCS, with the congregation after the service. Thereafter, a Medical Consultation was set up for the congregation and the neighbouring villagers. There were 40 adults and 8 children. While the consultation was taking place, the children were From 10 to 15 January 2014, a group of mission
engaged with games, origami, balloon sculpting, and Bible study. Gift
team went to Chiang Mai. Led by Doris Chow
packs were also distributed to all the children.
and Erica Lim, the team consisted of Dr Victoria Lim, Sandra Fong, Peter Chow, David
We were heartened to observe that the congregation in WLMC is
Lee, Dolly Lee, Christina Tan, Tan Geok Seng,
growing. Several programmes and ministries have been initiated to
Elsie Chan, Linda Lim and Lim Chwee Kim.
support the spiritual growth of the congregation and to reach out to more non-believers. They have Leadership Training, Youth Ministry,
On the day of arrival, the team went to
Children’s Ministry, Cell Group, and Youth Camp.
purchase medical supplies and toiletries for the children. The toiletries, including
For the next two days, the team conducted English lessons for five
milk packets, undergarments, detergent,
classes of Primary 4 to 6 children at Ban Cherng Doi School. We taught
toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel and
about 50 students lessons on God’s creation, Noah’s ark, and Basic
shampoo, were packed into 160 gift packs.
English Comprehension. We also danced and sang nursery rhymes with the 42 Kindergarten kids.
The next day, accompanied by Ps Pisut and his family and Julie (staff of Mettakij
At the end of the trip, the team reviewed the goals of this mission trip.
Foundation), the team visited Sanhokafa Hill
We were glad that responses from the children were overwhelming
Tribe Home in Huey Parai village. This Home,
and encouraging and that they are healthier now. The congregation
a project by Ps Somphan, houses about 43
at WLMC is growing with more ministries and there is an increase in cell
children from the Lahu tribe. Thereafter, we
groups. Medical consultations were successfully carried out to about
had half a day of Medical Consultation for
70 adults and 24 children. The school is a good evangelistic ground
about 31 children and 16 adults.
where Thai and Lahu children study together.
While the consultation was taking place, the
Lim Chwee Kim
trippers conducted games and bible study for
Mission Team Secretary
the children in the hostel. Ps Somphan’s wife
WSCS, Wesley Methodist Church
and her team at the Home prepared dinner,
32 | HARVEST FORCE
MMS Family A warm welcome to Mary Lau to the MMS Home Office. She is our new Accountant who joined us on 2 January 2015! She has two lovely children and she is a member of True Way Presbyterian Church. Patrick Quek left us on the last day of 2014. We are very thankful for his friendship, love and care. May God continue to lead and guide him in all his future endeavours. We have a new Missionary, Rachel Tan, who is now serving in our Vineyard Methodist School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. As she is a certified Chinese language teacher, she will be helping VMS develop a Chinese language curriculum for the lower primary level. Rachel is a member of Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church. Rudy Wong of Aldersgate Methodist Church is also a new Missionary. He arrived in Timor-Leste on 31 January 2015. And he is helping out in an NGO in Dili, which is transforming the social and spiritual lives of the people through holistic education like English language skills, computer skills, music and art. Both of them attended our inaugural missionary training in July last year. ML of Fairfield Methodist Church is serving EA. Pray for God’s protection and guidance. Please remember all of them in your prayers as they begin their journey as missionaries. We had a MITE participant, Jonathan Kong from Wesley Methodist Church, who interned in the MMS Home Office for a month from 26 January. He is in Nong Bua Lamphu, North East of Thailand for a year from 23 March. Pray for him as he offers himself to serve God. Rev Gideon Choi was commissioned as a Missionary Pastor to Thailand by Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup on 13 November 2014 at the Closing Service of the 39th Sessions of the Chinese Annual Conference. His daughter, Ps Peace Choi, who is a pastor in Bukit Panjang Methodist Church, accompanied him at the Service. Bishop also commissioned JZ to go to EA on 22 February 2015 at Faith Methodist Church. Congratulations to our Missionaries, Loong and Gloria, on the arrival of their second child. Anna was born on 9 November 2014. Indeed, the Lord has “carefully and wonderfully made each one of us.” (Psalm 139:14) Please pray for Anna, that she will grow up strong and healthy. Four MMS Home Office staff received their long service awards in December 2014. Thank God for Helen (40 years), Koh Eng and Leong Heng (both 10 years), and David (5 years). And may God continue to use them mightily for His kingdom!
HOME HAPPENINGS | 33
Memorandum of Understanding An MOU was entered between Covenant Community Methodist Church and MMS in support of the educational fund for the children and youth who attend Phoum Chress Methodist Church in Cambodia.
MMS Photo Contest #03 Results Thank you for taking part in MMS Photo Contest #03. We hoped that more mission trippers will share their photos which express, “Light of the World”. Congratulations to Ong Eng Keow, Benjamin Lau and Melvin Leong who are the top three winners of this contest. These three winners of S$100 have all been contacted. A great light brings salvation to all in darkness Description: On the last day, after our medical camp, we visited a Christian man in Surunga, who generously donated a piece of land to build a church. This church is situated next to a famous religious secret river, Kankai River. Many people come to this river to conduct Hindu religious activities. As we gathered together to pray, a storm was brewing and the sky turned grey and dark, the winds howled and the dust on the ground were flying but the sun shone through giving light to all. We held hands and prayed, claiming this piece of land for God. We prayed that Living Waters Methodist Church, in partnership with Sion Methodist Church, will be a conduit of God’s blessing for all who live there. Whoever believes in Christ, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them (John 7:38), and that they will no longer need to go to the earthly river. Photographer: Ong Eng Keow Church: Living Waters Methodist Church Photo taken: Surunga Jhapa, Nepal on 20 March 2014
Restoring Joy Description: The radiance of a newly painted yellow exterior makes it more pleasant for the students and staff of the school. Striving for a sincere heart of service together, also shows Christ-likeness which spurred the team on and encouraged us to do our best for the school. It was truly a joyful experience for both the youth and the Lao children. Photographer: Melvin Leong Church: Paya Lebar Methodist Church Photo taken: Keo Ban Dit Primary School, Vientiane, Laos in May 2014
Glory of the Lord Description: God’s love for the world is like what is described in Psalms 36:5, “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” Photographer: Benjamin Lau Church: Wesley Methodist Church Photo taken: Phulbari Village, Kathmandu, Nepal from 18 February to 1 March 2013
34 | HARVEST FORCE
MMS Staff Day On 3 October 2014, MMS Staff took time off from our work to meet in Christ Methodist Church (CMC) for our annual Staff Day. It was a time for us to review our Mission and Vision and plan for the coming years ahead, especially for our 25th anniversary in 2016. Great plans are in store so please pray alongside us as we carry them out. We appreciate Rev Edmund George de Souza, Pastorin-charge of CMC, for sharing with us during the morning devotion and allowing MMS to use the facilities in CMC. To help us understand more about Missionary Care, Ps Ivan Liew shared with us on this topic of Partnerships between Local Churches and Missions Agencies. He is the Missions Pastor of Woodlands Evangelical Free Church. He expounded on his research of the intrinsic relationship between the Church, the Missionary and the Missions Agency, and how each aspect has an impact on another.
MMS Missions Course 1 MMS had our first of a series of Missions Courses on 31 January at Kum Yan Methodist Church. The topic was Building Bridges with People of Different Religious Worldview. Dr Jeanette Hui, who lectures on Asian Religions at Discipleship Training Centre, shared on Buddhism and Islam. Her students accompanied her to give their personal testimonies on how and why they believe in Jesus. Dr Ashok Kumar, who has been involved in missions for over 25 years, spoke on Hinduism. About 80 people attended, many were youth and young adults.
Pushpa Chaudary Eulogy It was with a heavy heart when
to pray for the family, the Surunga congregation and our
MMS received news of the
team in Nepal.
sudden passing of Ps Pushpa Chaudary, one of our National
Ps Pushpa had earlier written a testimony in March 2014.
Leaders in Nepal. He met with
Here is a short excerpt: “I am now happy in serving the
a road accident on 13 January
Lord in a place close to my heart with the Methodist
2015. On learning about the
Church in Nepal. I continue to have challenges but I am
mishap, our team from the Home
confident that I will prevail because of God’s grace and
Office and in Nepal sprang into
His love for me. I believe that I am able to contribute much
action to reach out to his wife
more as I look forward to a new beginning in Surunga. We
and two teenage children. Ps Pushpa was serving as
have received a plot of land that will house His church
the pastor of Surunga Methodist Church which recently
and I know that God will prosper this preaching point
completed its new church building on a piece of land
of 23 worshippers as it grows and matures to become a
given by a God-fearing elderly couple. Please continue
Methodist Church in East Nepal.”
HOME HAPPENINGS | 35
Rev Dr Clarence Lim Eulogy MMS Founding Executive Director, Rev Dr Clarence Lim, passed on to glory on 2 October 2014. We thank God for this faithful servant who was full of passion and focus to fulfil the purpose God has destined for him. During the 39th Session of the Trinity Annual Conference, a Thanksgiving Memorial Service for him was held on 19 November 2014. Many dedicated long-serving MMS volunteers turned up. Here are some tributes from our pioneer Missionaries and Volunteers who served with him for many years: Doris Chan:
Carol Loh:
I remember Clarence as a man who was always very
During the COSI 10th Anniversary, the late Rev Dr Clarence
positive in his outlook, who saw things from a positive
Lim shared from John 6:5-14 about Jesus feeding the
perspective. When I first joined MMS, I had said in my
5000. His challenge was for each one of us, in whatever
interviews with him that my commitment was just for
capacity, to offer ourselves for God’s kingdom. I was
two years to help get the Primary School started, but he
amazed how he could still be so passionate about
wouldn’t take that from me and said that he knew it will
missions when he was in such poor health then. He
not be just for two years. How true it has turned out to be,
persisted to offer himself like the broken bread and fish
the two years has now stretched out to 16! Whenever I met
to feed others. The word of God, ‘He is strong when I am
him, he always had a word of encouragement for me. I
weak’ holds true for him. Therefore, whenever aches and
appreciate his trust in me which in turn has motivated me
pains come my way and I am tempted to call it a day, I
to give my best to God and to MMS.
will remember Rev Dr Clarence Lim, and to continue to serve unceasingly.
36 | HARVEST FORCE
Tan Li Diang:
Henry Yeo:
In the early days of MMS, Rev Dr Clarence Lim was very
The late Rev Dr Clarence Lim had worked tirelessly and
much with us serving in the mission fields. I remember his
strategically to form the first Methodist Church in Thailand
many visits to Cambodia as well as traveling with him
under MMS. We give all the glory and honour to God
to visit the work in China. I appreciated his love, care,
for His grace and mercy in allowing and helping us to
concern and keen support given to the various ministries
establish the work of the Methodist Mission Society in
in the fields, particularly the COSI orphanage. He was
Thailand and we are deeply indebted to the man who
even willing to help carry things over to the field for us.
had the vision and determination to make it happened.
Whenever we were back in Singapore on leave, we would
I remember him as courageous yet compassionate;
drop by the MMS Office and he would take us out for
competent and yet not condescending. He always
lunch. His personal involvement had drawn us together
wanted us to do our best and was willing to teach and
as a closely-knitt MMS family. In him, I saw a man who has
support.
truly given his whole life to the work of missions. MMS was birthed through his tenacity, faithfulness and humility. Truly,
Erick Tan and Shanti Merry:
Rev Dr Clarence Lim had left behind a legacy and he will
‘I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out;
always be remembered!
I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised
Vimala Devi:
me that day.’ (Joshua 14:11-12a, NIV) Whenever I look
My first meeting with Rev Dr Clarence Lim was in 1998,
at this picture of the late Rev Dr Clarence Lim posing in
when my friend, Mrs Heng Gaik Kee took me to MMS. I had
front of the mighty Himalayas, this verse comes to mind.
a calling to serve in Cambodia, and I wanted to know
Remembering him as a “Caleb” in our lives as a young
about the work there. Dr Clarence was very supportive
missionary couple, our beloved MMS Executive Director
and shared about MMS’s involvement in Cambodia.
was always challenging us to go further and do more,
He advised me to take a trip to Cambodia and see the
to learn even more from our mistakes. It was this very
work. In the early days, whenever he visited us, he would
forward-thinking style of leadership that has provided
arrange to take us out for dinner. One year, he arranged
us with bearings to navigate through our chosen course
for a birthday cake for me after dinner. That was a
of life and ministry as missionaries. We are often advised
pleasant surprise. For me, MMC means Dr Clarence, and
to “come alongside” and serve with people instead of
when we visited the office, he would spent time with us
lording over them. Dr Lim modelled that approach to
talking about our time in the mission field and he would
ministry and we have benefitted much from the ups and
always close by praying for us.
downs which he journeyed through with us. It was no
37 | HARVEST FORCE
HOME HAPPENINGS | 37
surprise that he was elated when
much faith. It was Clarence’s
we proudly reported to him that our
unceasing encouragement,
eldest son was participating in a
optimism and faith in God that kept
short-term missions project in China.
us going. As we began working with
‘That’s the way to do it!’ he exclaimed
Clarence to deploy our missionaries
while lying in hospital bed. It was as
in Cambodia, it became an
if he was going to step out and join
exciting journey of faith for me.
in the mission trip! In a way, he will
Our missionaries and all our church
always be joining us, in spirit at least,
members got involved and we all
our mission trips; in spirit, Ps Clarence
experienced God at work in our midst
still journeys with us.
in the mission field.
Chou Fang Soong, MMS Chairman:
I am sharing this because Clarence
I guess most of us, who have known
had made a difference in my life;
Clarence personally, will associate
being there as God unfolded His plan
Clarence with MMS as he was the
and purposes for me. Through this
Founding Director of MMS at its
unfolding, God’s presence was so
inception in 1991. The one thing that
real. At MMS, Clarence has make a
struck me most about Clarence was his calling at MMS, it was not an appointment where you serve for a time and then move on like appointments in churches. It was a special life calling; he lived and breathed MMS and rightly so, as he had almost single-handedly pioneered and grown the work at MMS to what it is today. He started with a small team and many volunteers; Clarence had this persuasive and personable gifting in mobilising volunteers for MMS. And you will also find Pearlie, faithfully supporting him as part of that team, his partner in life, work and mission, an encouraging testimony to us. Even after his retirement in 2005, he remained an active member of our MMS team providing support wherever he is needed and remained so until his health did not permit him to come to the MMS office as often as he had done. He was our prayer warrior, our encourager in times of internal challenges, and a personal advisor that we could turn to for feedback and input on our planning. We were particularly heartened that he continued to pray for MMS regularly even when he was lying in bed in the hospital. This is the kind of unshakable passion and calling he had for MMS.
I have known Clarence since 1996 (more than 18 years ago), which was when I first approached him to better understand the work of MMS. I was then starting out as a new Missions Chairman of our Church with no prior experiences in missions. Clarence was very patient with me and I was particularly touched as he took time to meet me several times to explain the work of MMS and was very open even in sharing the challenges in missions work. He was so personable and approachable that he become like a father figure to me ever since. What caught my attention then was his faith, passion and excitement about what the Lord is doing at MMS. I was even more amazed when he personally arranged and travelled with us for a mission trip with our church leadership team to show us the work in Cambodia. The energy and personal time that he invested in us was something that touched our hearts and we appreciated this very much. However, coming from a business background, my initial assessment then was that he had a very small team with limited structure and resources. To me, what he wanted to do was challenging, an almost impossible task, and that it required
difference in the lives of many of our missionaries, workers and volunteers whom he personally mobilised over the years. I am sure many of us can identify with this. Today MMS has grown in our ministry with 36 Missionaries serving in seven countries, and has an extensive network of volunteers like us, fulfilling the vision and mission that Clarence has help to set up. We are already raising the next generation of Christians in many of our mission fields, and we have much to thank Clarence for, - being obedient in fulfilling his part in God’s mission through MMS. His life and dedication to missions and the work at MMS is truly a fragrant offering and an act of sacrificial worship to God. He has done what God has called him to do, and he has finished well for God. Like Paul, he has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. We praise and thank God for Clarence and we rejoice for his life. Pearlie, thank you for sharing a big part of your husband; Ern-Minn and Mae-Lynn for sharing your dad’s life with us at MMS. May you be comforted at this time; and encouraged to see the ministry at MMS continue to grow.
38 | HARVEST FORCE
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OUR GIFTS FOR MISSIONS We would like to support MMS so that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed to the ethnic Cambodians, Chinese, Lahus, Laotian, Nepalese, Thais, Timorese and Vietnamese, by giving to:
GIFT DETAILS General Donation (where it is most needed)
Nepal Mission
$
Student Sponsorship Scheme (Non-Residential)* General $ @ S$45 per month wef 1 August 2015 (minimum commitment of 12 months)
– Cambodia / Nepal / Thailand / Laos
Student Sponsorship Scheme (Residential)* General
$
Income Generating Project Fund
$
Caleb Bible Institute Trainee Sponsorship
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Church Ministry Support
$
Youth Ministry / Hub
$
Thailand Mission
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42 | HARVEST FORCE
MISSION Our Mission is to fulfil Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. VISION 2020 Our Vision is to unite the Methodist Community in Singapore to plant 800 new, indigenous, financially self-supporting, disciple making and multiplying churches by 2020. OUR CORE VALUES Accountability, Integrity, Compassion, Perseverance, Cultural Sensitivity, Unity and Excellence. OUR MAIN STRATEGIES Church Planting and Community Development
MINISTRIES MMS is dedicated to addressing the real-life needs of the communities and churches, so as to rebuild, restore and reconcile people and communities back to Him. SUPPORTERS MMS enlists, encourages, engages and empowers Methodists to serve in missions, by praying for, participating in and giving financially to reach those whom Jesus died to redeem. TEAM Together with our Partner Churches, Volunteers, Mobilisers, Donors, Prayer Partners, Mission Teams and Missionaries, we form the team involving in Church Planting, Discipling,Teaching, Evangelising, Healthcare, Education, Sponsorship and Livelihood Projects.
MISSIONS IS NOT A ONE-MAN OR ONE-ORGANISATION’S JOB. IT IS A PARTNERSHIP THROUGH WHICH GOD’S WORK IS FULFILLED AND HIS GLORY SHOWN.
Photo © jojovan
We need more PARTNER CHURCHES! Will your church join in to pray for, partner and participate with MMS in establishing new congregation, indigenous churches and mission endeavours?
PROFILES | 43
Interview with
Rev Dianna Khoo
Rev Dianna Khoo joined MMS in January 2014 as an Area Director looking after Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Let’s get to know her more. Tell us a bit about your family and church.
What is your Love Language?
There is also the constant need
I am married to a fellow Pastor, Rev Dr Daniel
(Words of Affirmation, Acts of
to look out for and develop local
Koh, for 33 years now. He teaches at Trinity
Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality
Christians to assume leadership
Theological College. We have one daughter,
Time, Physical Touch) How we
in their own churches. Indeed this
Joanna, who is married with a daughter of
can encourage you?
is also true for MMS herself. There
her own and another important member of
It has to be the acts of service;
is a need for us to bring in and
the immediate family is our 6-year-old West
how you treat one another in
develop younger leaders in all
Highland Terrier, Genevieve.
everyday life encourages me
areas of ministry.
more than words or gifts. How do you recharge?
I grew up in an essentially Catholic environment. Went to a Catholic School
How many years have you been
I take holidays quite regularly
for 10 years and followed my aunts to
serving the Lord?
and intentionally. Whenever I
Catholic Church very frequently. Came
Full time? 33 years.
am on leave I will travel, and when possible travel with my
to know the Lord in a more personal way when my neighbours invited me to Barker
What were you doing
husband Daniel. I find that if
Road Methodist Church’s Methodist Youth
previously?
I stay in Singapore, somehow
Fellowship (BRMC MYF) gatherings. It was
I was helping my dad oversee our
work will catch up with me! I
through the ministry of BRMC MYF that I
family business.
swim regularly. I also enjoy time
accepted the Lord into my life. Was baptised
spent watching movies, listening
and received into BRMC’s membership in 1976
Tell us about your current area
to music, and playing with my
and the rest is, as they say, history.
of ministry.
granddaughter as well as my
I look after MMS’s work in three
dog.
I later went full time and studied at Trinity
countries, namely Thailand,
Theological College and was appointed the
Vietnam and Cambodia.
How can our readers support you and pray with you?
first full time Youth Worker for the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) in 1981. And later was
What kind of challenges do you
Pray for God to guide me as I
called into the Pastoral Ministry with TRAC
face?
try to communicate some of
which continues till today. I was seconded
I believe there has been a
my concerns with the national
to MMS from January 2014 as TRAC sees the
neglect in the training of local
Pastors and leaders. There
ministry of a Pastor going beyond just local
church members, our focus
are often cross cultural and
church ministry alone.
has always been training the
language issues that cannot be
Pastors. As you and I know, we
underestimated.
What is your favourite verse?
need both clergy and laity to
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
be in partnership in order for the
What is one thing our readers
And what does the Lord require of you?
churches to grow.
should know about missions?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk
That the church exists for missions!
humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8, NIV)
Jesus embarked on a mission when he was born in the manger.
“The church exists for missions!”
He came that we may know how much we are loved by God. Now that is a perfect example of what missions is all about.
44 | HARVEST FORCE
Missions
A Personal Life-Changing Exp Publicity for missions has largely been focused on how we can fulfil the Great Commission according to Matthew 28, and on the fruits of that labour. Yet another aspect of missions, often less publicised, is a personal one. Today, I write of the impact missions has had on me. I was blessed enough to go to Nepal for five weeks. As a second-generation Christian, I knew all the hymns, parables, and prayers but never had an experience with God. To my rational and logical mind, some things still did not quite add up. After praying for close to three years about my faith and for an encounter of sorts, one thing led to another and I soon found myself seven hours away in Nepal. The five weeks I was to spend in Nepal I submitted entirely into God’s hands. No concrete plans were made; my experience there was for God (and a missionary) to direct. In the short five weeks, I found myself teaching in a missionary school, attending a medical mission trip, training church planters, shadowing a missionary, doing a home-stay with a member of the deaf community, and interacting with numerous locals and foreigners. The activities at hand were, upon reflection, merely ancillary to what God had in store for me – a display of His sovereignty, compassion, grace, mercy and love. Being put in the heart of Hinduism and Buddhism was not,
“Going for missions did not teach me anything new, but it did fill some words with meaning.”
to say the least, comfortable. Much like muscles, however, faith has to be exercised lest it atrophies; faith grows when put to the test. Despite the constant reminder of a lost country with shrines found every hundred meters, God shone through every time. I listened as a pastor shared
MITE REPORT | 45
erience how God has continually provided for him as he runs an entire orphanage on his humble salary; I experienced first-hand how people living in unimaginable conditions stay healthy and remain grateful; I witnessed spiritual battles being fought; I felt the joy of those who have come to know Christ; I interacted with individuals who put their career on hold to further the kingdom of God; I was blessed by those who use their gifts to glorify God in what they do – I encountered God in so many ways not immediately evident had I been in more familiar surroundings. Complacency and the mundane routine of daily life had blinded me to the wonders that God was doing each and every day in all our lives. Perhaps getting away from the distractions in life helped me put things in perspective. If you are struggling, wrestle like Jacob did. If you are weary, go and be rejuvenated like King David. So I implore you, go to the mission field for whatever personal reasons and ask that God speak to you. Go fulfil the Great Commission, change the lives of others and ask to be, through it, transformed. I went ignorant and indifferent; I was blind but now I see. Going for missions did not teach me anything new, but it did, as C. S. Lewis once penned, fill some words with meaning. Jeremy Tan Mount Carmel Bible-Presbyterian Church
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Part 2
Exporing Innovations, Impact New Communications and Med This is the second part of a three-part essay that explores the IMPACTS of New Communications and Media Development. The first part, studying the INNOVATIONS, was published in HF 2014 issue 1. The third part will explore the IMPLICATIONS.
Although only in its early years, the innovations of the present digital age have already transformed the speed, scope, and scale of everyday human communications. All this has left a profound impact on contemporary life–with new conditions and common spaces introduced which are consciously as well as unconsciously shaping communications habits, behaviours, and lifestyles. In this section, we will explore four realities of life observed to have been introduced and nurtured in the digital communications age. These include the (a) Connected, (b) Empowering, (c) Formative, and (d) Blind Sides that accompany new communications and media technologies. (a) The CONNECTED side of new communications and media technologies The first reality observed is the degree of connectivity that characterizes the digital communications age. The global connectivity that the world is presently experiencing is largely a function of developments in the field of modern digital communications. Today, digital communication technologies increasingly facilitate the rapid diffusion of ideas, images, and interests as well as connect people with places, pursuits, and passions. In Friedman’s assessment, digital, mobile, personal, and virtual communications technologies functioned as the “steroids” which “turbocharged” the shift toward a new level of global connectivity (Friedman 2005, 159-172). The degree of connectivity experienced today is historically unprecedented with some describing the phenomenon as “radical connectivity” or “hyperconnectivity” (Fredette, et. al. 2012; Rainie and Wellman, 2012, 95-96; and Mele 2013). In their discussion of the impact of hyperconnectivity on organizations and society, Fredette et. al, identify six key attributes associated with the phenomenon. These include:
• Always on: Broadband and ubiquitous mobile devices enable people to be connected to family, work, friends, avocations, obsessions, and more, 24/7.
• Readily accessible: A universe of mobile devices and personal computers links people and
organizations together; these connections are increasingly available at any time and in any location.
• Information rich: Websites, search engines, social media, and 24-hour news and
entertainment channels ensure that information—from the strategic to the banal—is always on hand, at volumes beyond anyone’s capacity to consume.
• Interactive: Hyperconnectivity ensures that everyone can offer input on just about everything.
• Not just about people: Hyperconnectivity includes people-to-machine and machine-tomachine communications, supporting the development of what has been termed the Internet of Things.
SPECIAL FEATURE | 47
and Implications of ia Development
• Always recording: Service records, virtually unlimited storage capacities, miniaturized video
cameras, global positioning systems, sensors, and more—combined with people’s desire to document their own activities—ensure that a large portion of everyone’s daily activities and communications are part of a semi-permanent record. (Fredette, Marom, Steinert, Witters 2012, 115)
These characteristics of hyperconnectivity have thus dramatically reshaped the landscape of politics, economics, media, arts and entertainment, religion, law, and education, and have reordered work, social, family, and personal life. Indeed, this form of radical, non- hierarchical connectivity has now become a given in mainstream culture. With these shifts, the benefits of hyperconnectivity offer new opportunities to be harnessed and profited from. On the other hand, this growing reality comes with disturbing costs that have to be endured and coped with as well as managed or succumbed to. (b) The EMPOWERING side of new communications and media technologies The second reality observed is the degree of personal empowerment that characterizes the digital communications age. While digital environments allow the assumption of multiple roles and identities, existing digital tools offer multiple affordances which augment, amplify, and accelerate. To these can be added the affordances of wireless and mobile networks of empowerment. These networks now feature as this generation’s “new social operating system” (Rainie and Wellman 2012) and function as “a wireless skin overlaid on the practices of our lives, so that we are in ourselves and our networks at the same time.” (Castells 2008, 448) It is this daily experience of feature- and function-rich communications devices and environments that has contributed to the empowerment of the hoi polloi. New communications and media technologies, as well as the opportunity to plug into multiple networks, have thus extended power to the people as well as power to the self. Central to the discourse on empowerment is the celebration of autonomy and egalitarianism– concepts which have both virtuous as well as disordered sides. While empowerment provides understanding to the uninformed, gives voice to the voiceless, promotes emancipation of the oppressed, challenges narrow-minded provincialism, and fulfills human potential, it also enables excessive consumption, one-upmanship, rumour mongering, violation of moral boundaries, and the pursuit of unholy passions under the cloak of anonymity. Consequently, both the promise and the peril of empowerment are now regularly observed in behaviours in the present digital communications age. What else has been observed as prevalent tendencies include an uncritical confidence in the power of new technologies, the struggle to exercise restraint amidst widespread and unrestricted use of wireless and mobile technologies, a growing anti-authoritarian mood, and the rapid expansion of personal carbon footprints.
48 | HARVEST FORCE
These represent a sample of the challenges that come with increased endowment of power and become especially pronounced where actions of the self are motivated largely by values of pragmatism, convenience, and self-indulgence. (c) The FORMATIVE side of new communications and media technologies The third reality observed is the formative influence that media technologies and environments exert on users. A growing development of 21st century life is that mobile communications devices have become inseparable companions and indispensible personal valets. While it would be stating the obvious to say that constant utilization of smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices develops in users savvy and familiarity with telecommunications platforms and mediatized environments, what is observed goes beyond proficiency and adept know-how. What else is observed includes continual, sometimes obsessive texting, tweeting, tracking of breaking news, searching for information, updating of Facebook posts, video viewing, and video gaming. Often these acts are done simultaneously on parallel communicative platforms using different communications devices. It is the nurture of persistent, 24-7-365 gravitative habits, intuitions, and dependencies as well as the development of openness to disruption and distraction, that constitutes one aspect of the formative side of new communications and media technologies. A second aspect of the formative influence relates to the nature of globally connected, immersive environments within which an increasing amount of communication occurs. Personal and work-related communication within these environments is often a social experience intertwined with a continuous stream of real-time socio-cultural and entertainment updates. Within these electronic agorae, user experience transpires in a marketplace of images, ideologies, and invitations which appeal to attention, affections, allegiances, and appetites. It is often here in digital communications spaces, that attachments to modern day idols and heroes, the values they embody, the beliefs they profess, and the lifestyles they embrace, are formed. These two formative aspects reflect the reshaped contours of socialization, social engagement, habit formation, and worldview construction. Today, the words of Meyrowitz, penned in an era when the impact of television, film, radio, and telephone was being contemplated, can only take on heightened meaning: As a result of electronically mediated interactions, the definition of situations and behaviours is no longer determined by physical location‌ By altering the informational characteristics of place, electronic media reshapes social situation and social identity. (Meyrowitz 1985, 117) (d) The BLIND SIDE of new communications and media technologies One of the important theses in this field was forwarded by media guru, Marshall McLuhan, is that media technologies are both extensions of human abilities as well as amputations of human capacities (McLuhan 1965). Gordon illustrates and explains McLuhan’s thesis of extensions and amputations in this way: Whether you are pedalling a bicycle or speeding down the freeway in your car, your foot is performing such a specialized task that you cannot, at that moment, allow it to perform its basic function of walking. So, although the medium has given you the power to move much more quickly, you are immobilized, paralyzed. In this way, our technologies both extend and amputate. Amplification becomes amputation. (Gordon 2010, 109)
SPECIAL FEATURE | 49
McLuhan’s thesis is of critical importance as it uncovers the lesser-examined underside of a two-sided coin. While the enabling upperside of the technological coin is celebrated, its disenabling, pathological underside is minimized or overlooked. This is the blindside accompanying the increasing technologization of society that is captured in the saying, “The fish is least able to describe the water it lives in!” This lack of awareness is commented on by Turkle in her insightful, cautionary accounts of the use of emerging technologies in contemporary society (Turkle 2011). Combining insights as a clinical psychologist and an ethnographic researcher, Turkle addresses how the benefits of interactions on networks also bring with them hidden personal and social costs. Two quotes will serve to surface her concerns about the impact of new communicative technologies on personal, work, and social life: It might seem intrusive, if not illegal, that my mobile phone would tell me the location of all my acquaintances within a ten-mile radius. But these days we are accustomed to all this. Life in a media bubble has come to seem natural. So has the end of a certain public etiquette: on the street, we speak into the invisible microphones on our mobile phones and appear to be talking to ourselves. We share intimacies with the air as though unconcerned about who can hear us or the details of our physical surroundings. (Turkle 2011, 16) Young people are among the first to grow up with an expectation of continuous connection: always on, and always on them. And they are among the first to grow up not necessarily thinking of simulation as second best. All this makes them fluent with technology but brings a set of new insecurities…Their digitized friendships–played out with emoticon emotions, so often predicated on rapid response rather than reflection–may prepare them, at times through nothing more than their superficiality, for relationships that could bring superficiality to a higher power, that is, for relationships with the inanimate. (Turkle 2011, 17) It is for these reasons that as individuals and their societies increasingly embrace connective, enabling, and formative communications technologies, the question, “What does technology do for me?” must also be accompanied by the other question, “What does technology do to me?” Otherwise, under the illusion of human advancement, uncritical users will glory in countless extensions and overextensions while at the same time remaining ignorant of the severe amputations and erosions of critical facets of our humanity. Dr Calvin Chong Associate Professor in Educational Studies at the School of Theology (English), Singapore Bible College. His teaching responsibilities at SBC and in churches regularly address pastoral, missional, communications, and educational issues encountered by the body of Christ in the age of global connectivity. He worships in Covenant Community Methodist Church.
Editor’s Note: A bibliography will accompany part 3 of this essay.
50 | HARVEST FORCE
Moving With The Times As with many aspects of life, missions needs to adjust to the changing world. Traditional missions focuses on sending out missionaries to distant lands to plant churches in distinctive communities. However, there are factors which precipitate change that must alter the way we carry out missions today. Globalisation The first of these is globalisation, which is the interconnectedness and interdependence of peoples and countries. No matter where we are on the face of the earth, it seems like we are actually close to each other. No longer do we take months by sea or road to reach a place. With a few exceptions in the case of the remotest parts of the world, a vast majority of countries are easily accessible today. With modern air travel, we can send out a missionary in the morning, and he can return later in
“Moving with the times would simply require us to move as Jesus did.”
the evening of the same day should he be refused entry. Many who are sent out on missions can return to their home countries several times in a year. This may facilitate emergency evacuation, but might become a cause for the “missionary” not growing roots in the mission field. Globalisation may be a blessing. Short term missions has been made possible by this accessibility of travel. But there are also challenges we need to overcome. The value of such short term excursions might give the false sense of being in missions without incarnation, a necessary pre-requisite to effective disciple making. Rise of Cities Traditional missions focused mostly on unreached rural communities. The rise of cities in developing countries prompts us to re-organise our priorities in missions. Mass migration of people from the countryside to the cities has resulted in overcrowding there and the remnants in villages and farms consisting mostly of the elderly and the very young.
A CLOSING THOUGHT | 51
Our outreach into cities is not only motivated by being
To have churches in the marketplace requires a
where the people are, but also where the influencers
redefinition of “church”. It is not a building, nor is it a
of the nations are. Cities are also where we will find the
denomination. It is the assembly of people made up
financial resources to support ongoing local efforts in
mostly of believers who confess Jesus as Lord.
missions. If our goal is to transform the nation by disciple making, then reaching the power brokers, be they
To have missions in the marketplace also requires a
economic, social and political, may prove to provide
paradigm shift. We do not plant churches in the traditional
greater impetus than if we had reached those in the rural
sense. We make disciples outside the regular sphere of the
areas.
church. There is less preaching but more of relationshipbuilding that transforms lives.
This focus on cities does not mean that we do not reach the poor, because they will also be found there. Some of
In the Manner of Jesus
the key influencers are amongst the poor themselves.
While the earthly ministry of Jesus was confined to a small parcel of land in the Middle East, he recognised the
It simply makes good sense to go where most of the
inter-ethnic mix of even the small population that existed
people are.
then. There were Syro-Phoenicians (Mark 7:26), Samaritans (John 4), Romans (Matthew 8:5), and many others under
The Marketplace
the general term of Gentiles. He moved from city to city,
Traditionally, the market is where people gather to transact goods and services. Today, we must see the marketplace not only where products from farms or factories are exchanged.
though thousands would gather to hear him preach out in the fields. While He did minister in religious places like temples and synagogues, He was more often seen with “sinners.”
Any by services, we must include those involved in the civil service,
Moving with the times would simply require us to
commercial enterprises, as well as
move as Jesus did. He was responsive to people and
political entities.
circumstances. But most importantly He was responsive to God. The inner drive that enabled Him to do this was His
With globalisation and the rise of cities, the marketplace is where the church needs to be. There we will find the key
willingness to do only what the Father asked of Him. He did that under the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18, Acts 10:38).
players in the society. That is where things happen affecting all of society. Hence, modern missions has to take place here as well.
It will not be possible to do everything that needs to be done to face the challenges of a fast-changing world. But if we keep in step with the Spirit of God, He will keep us in
In a way, the marketplace is similar to a church: people
time and in touch with what is going on, in a world that He
assemble to receive from God and in exchange they offer
wants us to do something about.
themselves to Him. Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore
52 | HARVEST FORCE
与时并进 世界在变化，宣教事工也和生活的许多方面一样，必须做出相应的调整。传 统宣教把重点放在差遣宣教士往遥远的国家，在划定的社群内展开植堂工 作。然而，随着时代的改变， 我们今后应当重新制定宣教的方向与路向。 全球化 首先是全球化局面，也就是世界各民族和国家之间，有着相互勾连、相互依 赖的关系。无论我们身在何处，都会有 “天涯若比邻”的感觉。花上一年半 载的陆路或水路行程方才抵达目的地的事迹已经成为历史了。除了少数极 为偏远的地区外，要到世界各地已非难事。现代航空业发达，宣教士早上出 发，如果被拒绝入境，同一天晚上或已返回国门了。万一当地出现状况需要 紧急遣散，也不再是难事。反过来说，往返便利也可能是“宣教士”无法落地 生根的因素。 全球化也可以是一种祝福。旅行成为易事后，短宣活动也就应运而生了。然 而，我们还是有一些挑战必须克服。这一类短宣活动可能带来某种错觉，团 员虽然亲临禾场却没有切身投入；而这种切身投入正是装备立门徒的先决 条件。 城市的崛起 传统的宣教聚焦在未得的乡野社群。现今发展中国家的城市纷纷崛起，促使 我们必须在宣教事工上，重新权衡其中轻重缓急的问题。当乡民大量迁移城 市，造成人口过分拥挤，而遗留在乡镇的，多数是年长和幼小的村民。 另一方面，城市外展事工的推动力，不应该只是人多的所在地，同时也应该 是这些国家境内具影响力人物聚集的所在地。原因是在那里可以找到经济 资源，作为当地宣教工作的支柱。如果我们的目标是要透过建立门徒、给国 家带来转变的话，那么，接触并影响那些在经济上、社会上、政治上具影响 力人物的生命，会比改变乡野地带居民更具事半功倍的果效。 把焦点定在城市，并不等于我们就不顾及贫苦大众，因为城市再繁华，仍然 不乏穷困阶层，更何况有些具影响力人物就在这些人群当中。 哪里人多就到哪里工作，是顺理成章的做法。
职场 传统上来说，市场是人们集聚进行货品服务交易的场所。当今世界，职场上的 交易的已经超过简单的农业产品和工业商品的范围了。在服务方面，我们也 必须包括进行各种民事、商企、政治活动的相关单位。 在全球化和城市崛起的两大前提下，职场也就成为了教会的禾场，因为这也 是对社会具影响力人物的所在地，这里发生的一切也对整个社会产生影响。 有鉴于此，现代的宣教事工也需要关注这个领域。 从这个角度来说，职场和教会有着相似的地方：人们相聚接受上帝所赐，也把 己身奉献上帝。 要在职场上建立教会，人们就必须对“教会”二字重新定义。教会不是一栋楼 房，也不是什么宗派，教会是承认耶稣为主的而聚集在一起的信徒们。 要展开职场宣教，就必须先转换原有模式。我们不再进行传统性的植堂工 作，而是改在常规教会圈子以外，建立门徒，采取“减少有形传教努力，加强 无形人脉关系，借此改变生命” 的新策略。 效仿主耶稣 耶稣在人世间的活动范围在中东这小块地盘上，祂却深谙即便是地小人寡， 其间却有多元种族混杂，有叙利非尼基族人（马可福音七：26），撒玛利亚人 （约翰福音四章），罗马人（马太福音八：5），以及其他通称外帮人的族群。 祂游走城市之间，也在乡野上千人的聚会就地讲道。祂在会堂圣殿等宗教场 所教诲世人、宣讲福音，然而，我们却发现主更多的时间是和“罪人”在一 起。 与时并进所要求的，就是要我们效仿耶稣。主按照不同的人群和场所，随机 应变，最重要还是祂对上帝有回应的特性。祂所以能够这样做，内心驱动祂 的，就是对天父的绝对顺服，而这是在受到圣灵恩膏之下进行的（路加福音 四：18，使徒行传十：38） 世上事物瞬息万变，挑战重重，有许多事物等待我们去办理，要全方位都做到 是不可能的。然而，只要跟随圣灵的步伐，祂就会引导我们配合时局进退，在 祂认定之处做好祂的事工。 黄文合牧师（博士） 新加坡卫理公会会督
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