ISSUE TWO 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
Rejoice in the Lord always
Focus: Cambodia MMS Ministry in Cambodia l 新加 坡卫理宣教会在柬 埔寨的事工
Do You Know… Cambodia Ministry l 柬埔寨教 会知多少
Church Planting l 植堂－宣教的最 终目标
Coming of Age l 成熟
2 | HARVEST FORCE
Contents Rejoice in the Lord always
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, NKJV)
Cambodian youth jumping for joy!
YOU KNOW? 06 DO CAMBODIA
• Do You Know… Cambodia Ministry • Church Planting • My First Mission Trip to Chress Methodist Church • The Upper Room
01EDITORIAL WORD 02 FIRST
• Rejoice in the Lord always
• MMS Ministry in Cambodia
04
WATZ UP!
• Mission Trips • Opportunities to Serve
• COS-Immanuel Children’s Village (COSI) • COSY (COS Youth) Hostel • Post COSI Integration Programme (PCOSIIP) • Emmaus Women’s Centre and COS Eco Lodge
42PROFILE
• Interview with Benjamin Lee
• Joy Hostel
FEATURES 44FIELD
• Hope House
NEPAL
• MSC Kindergarten - The Little Faces That Light Up Our World
• Earthquake in Nepal: Relief efforts by MMS • Utnu! Chumkinu! Janus! (Arise! Shine! Go!) • Come and See
• Methodist Hostel
• Ministry of the Hearing Impaired
THAILAND • 10th Annual Meeting in Thailand • Co-labourers with God
HAPPENINGS 57HOME
• Memorandum of Understanding
• Mission Awareness
FEATURE 2 62 SPECIAL
• Exploring Innovations, Impacts, and Implications of New Communications and Media Development (Part 3)
CLOSING 66 ATHOUGHT • Coming of Age
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
ejoice in the R Lord always In fact, we Christians are urged to rejoice. In Philippines 4:4, we are instructed repeatedly to rejoice in the Lord - all the time. Rejoicing is a deliberate choice and our duty. No matter what the situation is, we are to rejoice. We can start by being thankful for His salvation, forgiveness, presence, power and assurance. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In this issue, we focus on Cambodia. Reading through the brief history of our work in Cambodia, we rejoice in the growth of our ministries. The work has expanded. The newest ministry is COSEL and we are potentially having
SG Le
el of go M o d
C h a ng
i Air
we r ntrol To port Co
a new ministry for the hearing impaired. Read about the testimonies of how the Cambodians are blessed and are also giving back by serving in the Lord. Like the Lego structures, we are building up the
This year is a special year for Singapore. It is the country’s
Cambodia ministries brick-by-brick together with our
50th birthday and we celebrate its Golden Jubilee. When I
partnering churches and agencies. As you thumb
first heard of the string of celebratory events, the first thing
through the pages, join us to pray for the various
that hit me was that we have to live out the word “Jubilee”.
Cambodia ministries, and thank God for building His
It is time to celebrate, rejoice, be happy, and be jubilant!
kingdom in Cambodia.
My son, Asher, received his SG50 Lego set in school recently,
In this year of jubilee, may our hearts be filled with joy as
and he felt like skipping around and “jumping for joy”.
we rejoice together with the angels of God even over
He could not wait to build his SG model. I could sense his
one sinner who repents.
excitement and jubilee. Rejoice! Rejoice!
AUGUST 2015 ADVISOR
Rev Philip Lim
EDITOR
Kam Leong Heng
CHINESE EDITORIAL
Goh Tuan Gee
TRANSLATORS
Carina Kong, Kawai Loh, Ng Hsu-Fen, Tan Wee Chee
PROOFREADER
Wendy Tan
PHOTO CREDITS
Benjamin Lee, Carol Loh, Carol Ong, Chung Kong Mun, Doris Chan, Elizabeth Gan, Grace Toh, Graham Rozario, GS, Jacob Cheng, Jeremy Choo, Jesse Chan, Joel Tan, Josephine Lim, Joses Phang, Kimberley Yap, Linda Liong, Low Wee Teck, Ralph Lau, Sabashtain Lepcha, Sarah Khoo, Singa Tamang, Tan Li Diang, Tun Pheaktra, Vimala Devi, Teams from Charis MC and Covenant Community MC
published three times annually and distributed free. The
DISTRIBUTION & SUPPORT
Eileen Lim, Helen Tan, Nancy Tay & Volunteers
views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and
DESIGNER
SNAP! Creative Pte Ltd
do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. All
PRINTER
Print & Print Pte Ltd
PUBLISHER
Rev Philip Lim 70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936
Tel: 6478 4818 • Fax: 6478 4817
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
information published is correct at time of writing and may subject to change.
2 | HARVEST FORCE
MMS Ministry in Cambodia “The ministry in Cambodia is a testimony of God’s hand at work coupled with the dynamism of our mission workers.” Mr Andrew Tay, and Ms Annabella Lim of Aldersgate Methodist Church was appointed as the first MMS missionary in Cambodia on 1 May 1996. In the same month, a consultation on Cambodia was organised in Singapore with representatives of MMS, the General Board of Global Mission, and another agency of the United Methodist Church, its United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Things expanded rapidly thereafter. Later in May 1996, a property at 68-70 Street 317 Khan Toul Kork in Phnom Penh was purchased with the generous donation of Mr William Koh. This property became the centre of operations for the proposed Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC). Concurrently, approval for the establishment of MCC was granted by the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Cults and Religion, and the first Sunday Worship Service was conducted on 3 October 1997. A couple of months later, the first Baptism Service was held on 28 December 1997 where seven Khmers believers were baptised by the then Bishop Wong Kiam Thau and the late Rev Dr Clarence Lim. The fledgling In this issue of Harvest Force,
church received a boost with the appointment of its first missionary
we highlight our ministry in
pastor, Rev Kevin Lowe and his wife. Within a year of his arrival, three
Cambodia. As I review our
new Methodist Churches were established in Takmau, Prek Tual and
archival reports, I learn that MMS
Krang Svay.
work started with an exploratory team visit to Phnom Penh in
Meanwhile, with the permission to operate a Methodist private school
1994. During that trip, the team
granted by the Phnom Penh Education Sector, Ms Grace Toh of Paya
met representatives from other
Lebar Chinese Methodist Church was appointed as the Missionary
missions organisations and
Principal of the Methodist School of Cambodia. Kindergarten classes
Cambodian government officials.
began in October 1997. From then on, the school has blossomed to be
Other study trips followed and an
one reputed to provide a well-rounded education.
Interim Executive Board for the Methodist Church in Cambodia
Our Community Outreach Service (COS), a registered non-
was formed. The chairperson was
government organisation was formed to demonstrate love by serving
FIRST WORD | 3
新加坡卫理宣教会在 柬埔寨的事工 这一期的《禾场》，我们 聚焦介绍新加坡卫理宣 教会在柬埔寨的事工。
the Khmer community. An MOU was signed with the government to establish an orphanage
当我在翻阅过去的档案 时， 发现早在1994年 卫理公会就差派了第一 支宣教考察团前往柬埔 寨金边。他们拜访了一 些宣教机构的代表以及 柬埔寨的政府官员。接 下来陆续又有好几支宣 教学习及考察队抵达柬 埔寨，随后成立了柬埔 寨卫理公会临时执行委 员会，主席是郑锦泉弟 兄。1996年5月1日，雅 德门堂的林宝莺被委派为柬埔寨宣教士，她是卫宣首位差往柬埔寨的宣教士。卫宣代表、 美国联合卫理公会环球布道部及联救济委员会的成员也在同个月份在新加坡召开了柬埔 寨咨询会议。
with the capacity to house 100 children. COSI Children’s Village and Orphanage was built with funds raised by Bedok Methodist Church and others. This sprawling compound was officially opened by the then Bishop Dr Robert
这之后，在上帝的带领下，事工迅速拓展。1996年5月，透过许威廉弟兄的慷慨捐献，新加 坡卫理宣教会购得了位于金边堆谷区68-70街门牌317 的一处房产，作为蕴酿中的柬埔寨 卫理公会运作中心，而柬埔寨宗教事务部国务秘书处也在不久后批准我们设立柬埔寨卫理 公会。1997年10月3日，我们开始了首次主日崇拜。两个月后的12月28日，当时的王聪光会 督以及林金成牧师（已故）为当地七名柬埔寨信徒施洗，这也是卫理公会在柬埔寨的第一 个洗礼崇拜。
Solomon with HE Samdech Hun Sen, the Prime Ministry of Cambodia as Guest of Honour
这所新成立的教会很快也迎来了首位宣教士牧师罗如恩牧师及他的家眷。在他抵达后的一 年内，三间新植立的教会分别坐落在达克茂, 碧利突及及Krang Svay.
on 30 May 2002. The ministry of COS’s community development has extended to include the Emmaus Women’s Centre and
这期间，在金边教育处的准许下，我们设立了私立卫理 学校。学校于1997年10月开办幼儿 园，由巴耶黎峇堂的卓淑华宣教士出任第一任校长。从那时起，卫理学校逐渐发展成为一 所提供全面教育的知名学府。
youth hostels. Indeed, the ministry in Cambodia is a testimony of God’s hand at work coupled with the dynamism of our mission workers. To God be
我们也成立了非政府机构的社区外展服务，以上帝的爱来关爱柬埔寨社区。卫理宣教会与 当地政府签署备忘录，设立了一所可容纳100名孩童的孤儿院。以马内利儿童村暨孤儿院 在勿洛堂大力筹款支持下落成，并在2002年5月30日由当时的苏诺铭会督主持开幕仪式， 受邀贵宾是柬埔寨总理洪森。除了儿童村，社区外展事工随后逐渐扩展，设立了以马忤斯 妇女中心以及青年宿舍。
the Glory! Rev Philip Lim
整体来看，柬埔寨的宣教事工不但见证了上帝大能的引领，也反映出宣教士的魄力充沛。荣 耀归于上帝!
MMS Executive Director
林建隆牧师 卫理宣教会执行主任
4 | HARVEST FORCE
MISSION Trips If you are interested to organise, 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
david.khew@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
• Volunteers to teach Chinese for
calling you into His mission field:
six months in Emmaus Women’s
– but there are so few labourers.
1. Tell your pastor and ask him/her
In all seven countries that MMS has chosen, our missionaries in the field are asking for assistance.
to help examine your calling to missions. 2. If your church pastor and
Centre. • Volunteers to teach basic canteen-food cooking skills and food hygiene in COSEL
Our first request is for more full-
leaders affirm your calling and
(Community Outreach Services
time missionaries to join them!
are prepared to provide full
ECO-LODGE)
They are asking the Lord to
financial support – praise the
send pastors, church planters,
Lord! Call MMS straight away.
administrators and English
3. If your church pastor and
EAST ASIA • Church leaders and trainers
leaders affirm your calling
to train and equip National
but are unable to provide full
Workers on church planting
Our second request is for short
financial support for you – call
and discipleship training in
term workers who are willing to
MMS anyway! Some of our
Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Fujian
spend between two weeks to six
missionaries are supported
Provinces.
months at their own expenses
by the combined efforts of
helping one of our missionaries.
multiple Methodist Churches
support the newly established
and Agencies.
preaching points.
language teachers.
• A local church to partner and
Our last request is to raise passionate prayer partners to be
CAMBODIA
NEPAL
part of our prayer team.
• A married couple or mature
• A missionary pastor to serve as
female missionary to support
Country Director and teaching
the COSY Hostel.
staff at Caleb Bible Institute
• Volunteers to teach English for
in East Nepal and equipping
three months, six months or one
ministry for National leaders
year, and work alongside the
and workers.
Khmer English teachers in the Methodist School of Cambodia (Phnom Penh).
• Full time missionaries to support the church planting and community development work and assist in administration and finance matters in the field office.
WATZ UP! | 5
• Ministry staff to serve as spiritual counsellors and trainers for Sophia’s Home on short field assignments.
TIMOR-LESTE • Medical teams to support ministry in Ermera District, especially to provide training seminars for Timorese
THAILAND • Full-time teachers with teaching degree or diploma who are interested in teaching Mathematic and Science at
doctors. • Full-time missionaries or missionary couples to support disciple training and community development.
Vineyard Methodist School. • A local church to partner and support new MOT
AT HOME
candidates and newly established preaching points
You can also come alongside as Mission Partners and
in Central Thailand, eg. churches in Chaiyaphum and
Volunteers (MPV) at home to encourage and empower
Sakon Nakhon.
God’s work and workers to incarnate the love of Jesus Christ to make a difference in the mission fields.
VIETNAM • Mission teams to visit the Sunlight Shelter and Sunrise Shelter.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS • Be an English-Chinese translator. • Be a photographer.
LAOS
• Be a graphic designer.
• Two experienced teachers to serve as missionaries in
• Be a web designer.
Singapore Mission School.
• Help to set up MMS mission exhibition booth.
• Volunteer clerk of works to supervise the school building project under the MMS Building, Construction and Maintenance Committee (BCM).
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 59.
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.
6 | HARVEST FORCE
Do You Know…
Cambodia Ministry “The simple, compelling words of St Francis reflect the faith, perseverance, and servant-spirit of the early missionaries and volunteers who pioneered the work in Cambodia.” “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the
• 1997 – Renovations to convert a donated,
impossible.” – St Francis of Assisi
72-room hotel into a school and church
I saw this quotation by St Francis in 1993 when
Cambodia (MSC) opened with a class of 5
I visited Cambodia for the first time. Someone had copied it onto a white board hanging on the wall at the Methodist Centre in Phnom Penh. It had been written unobtrusively in blue marker ink in a small corner of the board, yet it spoke powerfully to me that day. Reflecting on the ministry in Cambodia over the past 20 years, I am reminded of this
were completed. The Methodist School of kindergarten children, and the Lord drew 10-15 people to worship at the Toul Kork Methodist Church (TKMC). • Today, more than 1,000 students attend preschool through 12th grade at MSC, and TKMC is the largest Methodist Church in Cambodia with 170 regular worshippers. • 1999 – A week-long Sunday School
quotation. The simple, compelling words of
Teachers’ Training Programme was led by
St Francis reflect the faith, perseverance,
MMS missionaries, who introduced the 1st
and servant-spirit of the early missionaries
Khmer-translated teaching resources for
and volunteers who pioneered the work in
children.
Cambodia.
• There are 154 Methodist churches located throughout Cambodia today, each with
Here are some key highlights, past and
vibrant Sunday School programmes
present, which reflect God’s goodness and the
teaching nearly 4,000 children about Jesus
work supported by MMS:
Christ.
• 1996 – The first MMS missionaries arrived,
• 2000 – Cambodia Methodist Bible School
including the late Annabella Lim from
opened as a joint effort between MMS
Aldersgate MC; Susan Lim Pich from Toa
(representing the Methodist Church in
Payoh MC; and Grace Toh from Paya Lebar
Singapore or MCS), Korean Methodist
Chinese MC.
Church (KMC), GBGM (representing
• Currently, there are 12 MMS missionaries
the United Methodist Church), and the
from 7 Methodist churches in Singapore
World Federation of Chinese Methodist
supporting church and community
Churches (WFCMC), to train pastors and
development ministries throughout
church workers for the Methodist Church in
Cambodia.
Cambodia. • Today, the school offers a 4-year theological training programme for students from throughout Cambodia called to serve the Lord.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 7
• 2001 - COSI (Community Outreach Services - Immanuel), the first Methodist orphanage in Cambodia, opened with 7 orphans aged 6 to 12 years old. • Today, MMS has two residential living facilities for orphaned or abandoned children. COSI serves 120 children between ages 5 and 14, and COSY serves 35 youths ages 15 to 19. • One of the first boys to come to COSI is now serving as a manager of our residential facility for children, after graduating first in his university engineering class. Presently, 32 youths are enrolled in universities through the Post COSI Integration Programme supported by Singaporean donors. • 2003 – Formation of “The Mission of a People Called Methodist” was jointly declared by Bishops from MCS, KMC, GBGM and WFCMC. This was the first formal step
• 2012 – The hostel ministry for university students was launched with 21 students staying in a rented premise. • Today, there are 50 students staying at the
taken towards establishing an Annual
expanded Methodist Hostel supported
Conference.
by Aldersgate MC. An additional hostel,
• Last year, the 6th Mission Conference
supported by Foochow MC, is home to
Session of the Methodist Church in
another 25 students. Hostelites regularly
Cambodia was held. The first Khmer Missions
hold devotions, Bible study, and worship at
Superintendent was appointed, with plans to
a local Methodist Church.
appoint a Khmer Bishop in 2016. This is by no means an exhaustive list of MMS’ • 2004 - A new and expanded facility for
ministries in Cambodia! Other initiatives
the Emmaus Women’s Centre (EWC) was
include a learning centre for children in one of
built adjacent to COSI through generous
the poorest slums in Phnom Penh; scholarship
donations received from WSCS. This
programmes for university students from
programme was established to spiritually
Methodist churches; and business-as-missions
equip and vocationally train young women
programmes to help the poor within Methodist
at risk.
communities.
• Over the years, EWC has impacted the lives of nearly 100 women from villages
The faithful support of Methodist churches in
throughout Cambodia. They came to know
Singapore has enabled MMS to start these
Christ as their Saviour, and acquired skills to
ministries by doing what was first necessary,
help support themselves and their families.
then what was possible, and today doing
• While continuing to support the women’s ministry, the centre functions as an Eco-
what would be utterly impossible without the grace of God!
Lodge to host visiting teams from Singapore and for local church retreats. This is a
Rev Teresa Wilborn
vital step towards achieving financial
MMS Assistant Director of Community Development
sustainability.
MMS Country Coordinating Officer for Cambodia
8 | HARVEST FORCE
柬埔寨教会知多少 我在1993年第一次到柬埔寨时看到圣方济的这一句话。当时，有 人把这引句话写在金边卫理中心墙上的白板。尽管这些字是以 蓝色马克笔写在白板一个毫不起眼的小角落，但它对我来说却 是充满震撼力。 回顾20年来新加坡卫理宣教会在柬埔寨的工作时，令我想起这 句话。圣方济这句简单却有力的话反映了早期柬埔寨宣教士与义 工坚定的信念，坚持不懈的毅力和仆人心怀。 让我们一起回顾过去，放眼当下，细细回味上帝在当中的恩典：
• 1996 – 第一批宣教团抵达柬埔寨，当中包括来自三一年议会
雅德门堂的林宝莺 （已故），大巴窑堂的林金婵和华人年议 会巴耶黎峇峇堂的卓淑华。 • 目前，共有来自新加坡7所教会的12个宣教士支援柬埔寨的教 会和社区拓展活动。
• 2003 – 新加坡卫理公会、韩国卫理公会，美国联合卫理公会
环球布道部和世界循道卫理宗华人教会联会组成了一个议 会，为柬埔寨成立年议会迈出第一步。 • 去年，柬埔寨卫理教会主办第六届宣教议会，并委任第一位 柬埔寨宣教监督，也计划在2016年委任柬埔寨会督。 • 2004 – 通过新加坡总议会妇女会的慷慨捐助，以马忤斯妇
女中心在以马内利村旁侧建立起来。这个中心的目的在于为 边缘少女提供心理辅导，生命改造和技能的培训。 • 几年来，以马忤斯妇女中心对近100名来自柬埔寨各乡村的妇 女起了正面的影响。她们在那里认识并接受了主，也学会一门 谋生技能足以自养或帮补家庭。 • 除了继续原本的宗旨支持妇女事工，中心也是一所环保民宿， 接待来自新加坡的宣教队，提供场所让当地教会举办退修 会。这能帮助中心减少依赖外来资助。 • 2012 – 设立了大学生宿舍，21名学生入住一间租赁的房子。 • 今天，共有50名学生居住在雅德门堂资助扩建的卫理宿舍。
• 1997 – 一家拥有72间客房的旅馆被改装成学校和教堂。柬
埔寨卫理学校开办幼稚园，首批学生五人，10至15人开始在 堆谷卫理公会崇拜。 • 现在，超过1000名学生在柬埔寨卫理学校就读学前至高中教 育课程。堆谷卫理公会每周聚会人数维持在170名左右，是柬 埔寨最大的卫理教会。 • 1999 – 卫宣主办长达一周的主日学教师培训课程，并推出第
此外，福灵堂资助的宿舍也为25名学生提供住宿。宿舍内定 期定时有集体灵修及查经。学生们也参加当地教会的崇拜。 以上所列的绝对不是卫宣在柬埔寨所有的事工！其他事工还包 括在金边最穷的贫民窟设立学习中心；为当地卫理教会的大学 生设立奖学金；通过营商宣教来改变卫理社区内贫困居民的生 命。
一批翻译成柬文的教材。 • 今天，全柬埔寨共有154 所卫理教会，每所教会都开办主日 学，将近4000 名孩童有机会认识耶稣。
新加坡众卫理教会多年来忠实的支持，让卫宣许多必要的事工 得以启始，再进行可能做得到的事工。 今天，我们仍在执行许 多看似不可能，但是靠上帝恩典能成就的事工。
• 2000 – 新加坡卫理宣教会（ 代表新加坡卫理公会）、韩国卫
特丽莎牧师 卫宣社区拓展副主任
理公会，美国联合卫理公会环球布道部和世界循道卫理宗华 人教会联会共同创办了柬埔寨卫理圣经学院，为柬埔寨的卫 理教会训练牧师和神职人员。 • 今天，圣经学校为全国蒙召献身的信徒提供四年的神学教育 课程。 • 2001 – 卫宣创办了柬埔寨的第一所卫理孤儿院－以马内利儿
童村暨孤儿院，收容7名6至12岁的孤儿。 • 现在，卫宣的儿童村拥有两座收容孤儿和被遗弃孩童的宿
舍，照顾120名5至14岁的孩童，青年宿舍则照顾35名15至19 岁的青少年。 • 儿童村第一批入住的孩童中，有一名以优异成绩完成大学工 程系学位，现在已成为儿童村的经理。目前，共有32名青年通 过新加坡信徒的赞助攻读大学。
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 9
Summary of Cambodia Ministry Description
Partners and Supporting Churches
Planting of Churches
To spread the Gospel by helping to establish
- Aldersgate MC
and Preaching Points
indigenous churches with local pastors in cities and
- Covenant Community MC
(in cooperation with
villages throughout Cambodia, and to support church
- Barker Road MC
the Methodist Church in
ministries with special focus on making disciples and
- Trinity MC
Cambodia MCC)
equipping.
- Christ MC
Ministry
- Ang Mo Kio MC - Bedok MC - Faith MC COSI Children’s Village
To provide food, clothing, shelter, education and
- Pentecost MC
(COSI)
spiritual guidance for about 113 poor and neglected
- Bedok MC
children, many of whom have been abandoned or
- Queenstown Chinese MC
orphaned. COSY (COS Youth) Hostel
To provide food, clothing, shelter, education and
- Foochow MC
spiritual guidance for about 36 youth near their High
- Bedok MC
School. PCOSIIP (Post COSI
To help the COSI kids successfully transition from a
Multiple churches and donors
Integration Programme)
sheltered environment back into society.
throughout Singapore
Emmaus Women’s
To provide spiritual, vocational, and educational
- GC-WSCS
Centre and COSEL
training for young women at risk. Upon completion of
- Bedok MC
(COS Eco Lodge)
the 12-month residential training program, they will be
- Queenstown Chinese MC
equipped in biblical disciples hip and livelihood skills. Methodist Hostel
To provide room and board for 50 university students in
Aldersgate MC
a safe, affordable, Christian environment. Joy Hostel
To provide room and board for 22 university students in
Foochow MC
a safe, affordable, Christian environment. Hope House
To provide a learning centre for slum children, and
Aldersgate MC
to conduct weekly Sunday School and women’s outreach. Methodist School of
To provide education for Cambodian children from
Cambodia
nursery through to Grade 12. Coursework is aligned with the Khmer National Curriculum, with added instruction in English, IT, and Christian Education.
Cambodian Methodist
To train the local pastors and lay leaders for the ministry
Bible School
in the Methodist Church in Cambodia.
Ang Mo Kio MC
10 | HARVEST FORCE
OUR MISSIONARIES Pray with us...
Pray for the lifting of spiritual darkness, and for the light of the gospel to shine on
Jacob Cheng (Trinity MC – Church)
Chen Qiu Luan & Low Wee Teck (Aldersgate MC – Methodist Hostel, Hope House)
Vimala Devi (Christ MC – MSC)
society and individuals. Pray for children and women at risk Pray for continued freedom to share the good news.
Tan Li Diang Johnson & Josephine Lim (Bedok MC – PCOSIIP, (Bedok MC – COSY)
Carol Loh (Bedok MC – Joy Hostel, PCOSIIP, MSC)
Pray the Church will grow and be effective in making disciples for the next generation. Pray for unity of vision for our pastors, church leaders and missionaries.
Emily Loo (Ang Mo Kio MC – COSI)
Carol Ong (Toa Payoh MC – EWC, COSEL)
Doris Chan (Faith MC – COSI, Church)
Unique Fun Facts about Cambodia • The Cambodian flag is one of the two national flags that has an image of a building – the Angkor Wat. • The name of this country has changed several times throughout history: Kingdom of Funan (ancient); Khmer Republic (1970); Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge); and People’s Republic of Kampuchea (during Vietnamese occupation). Today, it is officially called the Kingdom of Cambodia. • The head is regarded as the highest part of the body and should not be touched even in the kindest manner. • It is considered disrespectful to let your feet or soles point at people or things, so the feet must be tucked in when sitting. • Prahok, a fermented fish paste also known as Cambodian cheese, is an acquired taste for most foreigners. It is a common ingredient used in many Khmer dishes or as a dipping sauce. It can also be eaten as a dish on its own right. It is its characteristic salty tang that distinguishes Khmer cuisine from that of its neighbours.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 11
Locations of MMS Ministries in Cambodia
1
6
11 12
3
14
4
1 Prek Omperl MC
8
Upper Room PP
2 Chress MC
9
COSI, EWC & COSEL
3 Prek Tual MC
10
COSY Hostel
4 Glory Trinity MC
11
Methodist Hostel
5 Krang Svay MC
12
Joy Hostel
6 Toul Kork MC & MSC
13
Hope House
7 Angsnoul PP
14
CMBS
5
8
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Church Planting Church planting has been an ongoing task since the
In reaching out to the communities, mission teams
Methodists from various countries responded to the
from partnered churches play vital roles in serving the
missions call to Cambodia. To date, there are 30 local
communities through medical care, enrichment courses,
churches, 67 preaching points and 57 outreach points
children’s programmes and livelihood projects. They are
which come under the Methodist Church in Cambodia.
living witnesses of Christian love and compassion to needy communities. Indirectly, such efforts contribute much to
Being committed to missions, and connected as
the pastoral and outreach ministry of the local churches
Methodists, several Methodist Churches in Singapore
when their pastors lead their members to serve and to
came alongside as partners to the Methodist Churches in
share the Gospel.
Cambodia. This partnership has been crucial in supporting their current needs, and preparing them to be self-
Currently, while we are amazed by the fast development
sustaining in future.
of the country, many li struggling to keep up with the unbearable rise in the cost of living. 90% of the
Projecting ahead, partnered churches are committed to
Cambodians live in rural villages, and 18% are living below
the development of the future generation. They provide
the poverty line. As many churches are reaching out to
scholarship and education programmes to children and
the poor, most of their funding depends on the support of
youth. With prayer and discipleship, we trust that they will
foreign partner churches.
be a blessing to their society, and will faithfully commit to God’s work and serve in their churches.
In anticipation of the ever widening gap between the cost of property and the financial ability of Cambodian church
PREK OMPAL METHODIST CHURCH
“By journeying together for extending God’s Kingdom, the partnership is a holistic approach to missions.”
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 13
CHRESS METHODIST CHURCH
members, some partner churches took the step of faith to
Christ Methodist Church has partnered with Krang Svay
pay for the land and building costs for local churches.
Methodist Church. They have supported the renting of premises for the church, and are actively involved in their
Prek Ompel Methodist Church has been partnered by
ministry and future development.
Aldersgate Methodist Church since 2003. Aldersgate MC supported the purchase of the land and construction
Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church has been encouraging
of the church building, which was dedicated in
Toul Kork Methodist Church and supporting its ministry in
November 2014. They have been sending mission teams
various ways. They are also intending to assist other village
to encourage and equip the youths, and are active in
churches.
community outreach. For church planting, Bedok Methodist Church supported Covenant Community Methodist Church supported the
a preaching point in Angsnoul. Faith Methodist Church
purchase of land and building construction for Chress
supported a church planting effort in Kandal province
Methodist Church, and the church was dedicated in
called Upper Room. 15 members of its members were
September 2012. Chress Methodist Church has grown
baptised last year.
from strength to strength. Outreach ministries including computer classes, Children’s Club and livelihood projects
Partnership is about people. Discipleship and ministry are
have been introduced.
mainly realised through sincere relationships built with encouragement, guidance, prayer and obeying the Word
Barker Road Methodist Church supported Prek Tual
of God. The partnership is not just about help and financial
Methodist Church from the time the congregation there
support, but about God’s love, and the commitment
was surrounded by poor communities living amongst
to build one another as faithful disciples. By journeying
rubbish dumps. In response to educational needs, a
together for extending God’s Kingdom, the partnership is
kindergarten was established. Barker Road MC provided
a holistic approach to missions.
the land and building for the Church and Kindergarten. Jacob Cheng Trinity Methodist Church has partnered Glory Trinity
MMS Missionary in Cambodia and
Methodist Church and has been faithfully journeying
MMS Country Director for Cambodia
with them as they face many challenges. Likewise,
14 | HARVEST FORCE
Pray for the Methodist Church in Cambodia
Pray that the local Pastors, Leaders and Church members to grow in spiritual depth and vision for discipleship.
Pray for our MMS Missionaries to have good health, wisdom and unity in vision.
Pray for spiritual darkness to be dispelled and that God’s light will shine through in the country.
Pray for more churches to come forward to be Partner Churches.
You can be involved by: • being a Partner Church with our local
churches. • sending mission teams for community outreach.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 15
植堂－ 宣教的最终目标
早自各地卫理教会回应柬埔寨的宣教呼声以来，植堂一直是 大家宣教最终目标。至今，柬埔寨卫理宣教会已植立了30间教 会，67个宣教点以及57个外展聚会点。
Covenant Community 卫理公会也为Chress卫理公会提供资 金购买土地及教会建筑费。2012年9月，教堂竣工献堂，教会也 茁壮成长。外展事工包括电脑班，儿童俱乐部以及维生计划。
卫理公会是联系的教会，许多忠于宣教使命的新加坡堂会于是 和柬埔寨卫理公会结成伙伴，支援本地教会当前的需要，进一 步也为这些教会往后的自立铺路。伙伴教会有远见于栽培教会 信徒与下一代，为儿童及青少提供奖学金及教育课程，也通过祷 告的支持和信仰培育帮助信徒成长。我们相信这些蒙福的信徒 将会大大地祝福他们的社群，并忠心委身于上帝的事工及教会 的服侍。
巴克路堂很久以前就认领Prek Tual卫理公会。那一区属于贫民 区，附近还有垃圾收集场 。为了照顾这些贫民孩童的教育需要 ，巴克路卫理公会为教会购买了土地建筑幼稚园及教堂。
在社区外展上，来自伙伴教会的宣教队扮演了很重要的角色。他 们通过提供医疗保健，深广课程，儿童节目和维生计划服侍社 区。他们在有需要关怀的社体中活出基督徒该有的关爱与怜悯。 他们的付出与对社区的贡献， 对本地牧者带领会友在社区服侍 及分享福音信息时间接起了很大的作用。 尽管柬埔寨这个国家的发展迅速，仍然有许多人在日益高涨的的 生活费中挣扎求存。90％的柬埔寨人居住在乡村里，18％生活在 贫穷线下。本地教会在这些社体的外展经费，大部分都需要依赖 海外伙伴教会的资助。 考虑到柬埔寨教会的经济能力远远追不上节节高升的地产市 场，一些伙伴教会踏出信心的步伐，为本地教会提供了土地及 建筑。 卫理公会雅德门堂在2003年和Prek Ompel卫理公会结成伙伴 教会，为他们提供资金购买土地及建筑教会，并在2014年11月献 堂。雅德门堂一直以来都差派短宣队来培育本地的青少年，也积 极参与当地的社区外展事工。
三一堂在成为荣耀三一卫理公会的伙伴后， 尽管后者面临很多 挑战，仍然忠实地一路陪伴扶持。同样的，基督堂在认领Krang Svay卫理公会后，也资助教会的租金，并积极参与教会的事工及 未来的发展计划。 三一年议会宏茂桥堂持续通过不同的管道给予堆谷教会很大的 鼓励与事工上的支持。他们也在考虑扩大关爱的范围，去协助其 他乡村教会。 在植堂事工上， 勿洛堂资助了安士诺区的一个宣教点。思珍堂 在干丹省也植立了Upper Room， 去年有15名会友受洗。 伙伴间的关系很重要，唯有通过互相鼓励关怀，祷告，顺服真 道，建立真诚互信的关系，才能培育、塑造信徒及推展事工。结 为伙伴不是单单提供经济资助，还必须怀着上帝的大爱去爱对 方，委身培育他人成为忠实的门徒。在携手共同扩展上帝国度的 道路上，整全的宣教不能缺少伙伴这一环。 张绍群宣教士 卫宣柬埔寨主任
16 | HARVEST FORCE
My First Mission Trip to Chress “The entire service was in Khmer and it did not matter, we could still worship with our hearts.� The mission trip to Cambodia from 11 to 14 December 2014 was a very interesting, and meaningful experience for me. Being the first mission trip that I have ever been on, I did not entirely know what to expect to see or do throughout the entire trip. Nevertheless, it was really amazing to have seen God working in many different ways and I truly enjoyed the time that I had there. Even from the first day that we arrived in Cambodia, we could see God working through the various people in the missions committee. ABOVE A morning service in Chress Methodist Church BELOW Mission Trip to Chress Methodist Church
On that day, the youth from both Chress Methodist Church (CMC) and Covenant Community Methodist Church (CCMC) were playing futsal on the roof and I unluckily scraped the floor with my foot. It ended up bleeding quite a bit and it just so happened that CMC had run out of bandaging materials. However, Uncle Raymond had decided to bring a packet of gauze for no apparent reason and we ended up using that to help me patch up my wound; a coincidence that I can only attribute to God speaking to Uncle Raymond. Due to my injury, I could not help to build the carpark in CMC and ended up helping in a worship workshop that was conducted at CMC. The worship workshop concluded quite nicely with CCMC imparting some of our knowledge to them. In my opinion, there was much improvement to how they sounded after the workshop and it was evident in the actual church service on Sunday.
CCMC Mission Team
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 17
Methodist Church
We also visited the families around CMC to bless them with gift packs containing food as well as to pray for them. It was amazing to see God touching the lives of the villagers around us when we prayed for them. Some with tears in their eyes. We could see that even though they did not understand our prayers in English, God could still touch them. On the day of the church service, God also was touching our lives. The entire service was in Khmer and it did not matter, we could still worship with our hearts. And it still felt great to connect with God. It was also nice to see many churchgoers who offered to help us by translating the Khmer service into English so that we could understand. Overall, I felt that the Cambodia trip not only helped the people at CMC but it also helped me develop as a person and as a believer. My most important takeaway is that language really does not matter when it comes to God. All that matters is the heart to worship and a desire to know Him more. Samuel Chian Covenant Community Methodist Church
18 | HARVEST FORCE
The Upper Room “I understand the Bible better through the teachings at Upper Room.” In 2010, a Bible School 4th year student was
Testimony of Thida I came to Upper Room when it started in December 2010. I came here to play and I did not know Jesus at that time. I learnt English and attended the Sunday School. I liked coming to Upper Room. When my mother wanted to take me back to her village which is very far from Upper Room, I prayed and asked God to let me continue coming to Upper Room. God answered my prayers. Since my baptism, I know that my faith has grown. Now I trust God more because I know He is always there to help me. I understand the Bible better through the teachings at Upper Room. It is my hope that many more people will come to know the true God and experience the goodness of God and have their lives changed.
Pray for Upper Room
Pray for the new believers to be anchored in their faith in Christ. Pray that the children will be touched by God’s love and faithfully attend the learning programme.
Pray for strength and joy for the ministry workers. Pray that they may be encouraged to serve faithfully and bear much fruits with God’s help.
Pray for a smooth transition as the ministry become an official preaching point under the Methodist Church in Cambodia.
assigned to Prek Riang Village to reach out to the villagers there. The work was slow going as there was no proper place to gather for outreach activities. As most of the people around there were womenfolk, two girls, Bopha and Chorvin, were recruited to help reach out to these villagers. In October 2010, some premises was located and we rented the room upstairs to house the two workers. It was also a place to begin outreach ministries. Hence the place was named The Upper Room.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 19
Under the coaching of Doris Chan, an MMS Missionary, the two workers began English classes for the children in the village. Through the contacts from the classes, the two workers began regular visitation to the homes of these children, and slowly developed a relationship with them. The English classes reached out to about 25 children who also started attending Sunday School from January 2011. Through the visitations, the gospel was shared to the parents of the children. In mid 2012, a cell group was started for three parents who were responsive to the Gospel. Several youth and children also started to join in
Testimony of Cheatey
the worship and Bible Study. By the end of 2014, this group has grown to a regular congregation of 18 persons.
I came to Upper Room in 2013 to And when the rest of the premises was available, we
attend the English classes. I was in
rented the two other rooms downstairs for to expand the
Grade 7 then. I enjoyed the lessons.
activities of the centre.
I liked the people at Upper Room where I felt loved and encouraged. Soon, I believed
Faith Methodist Church is supporting the ministries of
in Jesus and wanted to know Him personally. After
Upper Room. In February 2015, 14 persons were baptised.
I became a Christian I wanted to share the Gospel
As the ministry continues to grow, it is our desire that Upper
with my friends. Initially they refused to listen and
Room be constituted a Preaching Point in the Methodist
always interrupted me and distracted me. I asked
Church in Cambodia.
God to help me and to help my friends to listen to the Gospel. After a few weeks, I noticed that some of my
Currently, Upper Room is a rented house with two rooms
friends were more attentive although a few still tried
downstairs and a big room upstairs. There are two lay
to interrupt my sharing. Although three of my friends
workers. And it has the following programmes under the
have not believed yet, they are now open to listen to
leadership of Bopha and Malis:
the Word of God. I pray that they will one day believe
• Sunday worship – averaging 18-20 worshippers
in Jesus too.
• Sunday School – 15 children • 4 English classes of different levels – 30 children and youths
In February this year, I received water baptism. Although my family is not Christian, my parents
• 2 computer classes – 17 youths and children
allowed me to be baptised. I am very happy. That
• Visitation and outreach programmes
night, I woke up and I felt like I was a new person; I no longer feared darkness and I knew that I have a new life in Jesus. My hope and prayer is that God will also
Doris Chan
save my family and friends, and grant them the gift of
MMS Missionary in Cambodia
salvation.
20 | HARVEST FORCE
COS-Immanuel Children’s Villa
Here are two interviews with our ex-COSI residents, Eang Chanthin (EC) and Veasna Tav (VT), who are back in COSI to serve.
Chanthin, you grew up in COSI. Tell us about yourself and how you have come to be on staff at COSI now. I came to COSI in 2002 when I was 11 years old. I am very thankful to God for the opportunity to have been brought up in COSI. Here I learnt about God’s love for me. I know God and His forgiveness. And I received His gift of salvation. I feel very blessed and God gave me wisdom to understand His Word. Eang Chanthin
Today, I have finished my University studies and have graduated with a degree in accountancy. I manage the accounts of COS (Community Outreach Services) which includes COSI and Emmaus. I am also a House leader, looking after 20 girls from Grade 1 to 9. I know I have been blessed and so I want to be a blessing to the other COSI kids by coming back here to serve. I can teach them, encourage them and show them the love of God. I want to help the children to know how to put God first in their lives and also to be grateful for God’s blessings so that when they grow up, they will know how to give to others out of what they have received. Veasna Tav
As I look at COSI now, as compared to the time when I was here as a kid, I see some differences. In the past, the staff did all the leading in our worship and devotions. But today, even the Grade
Pray for COSI
Pray for the children to grow in character values taught to them.
5 children are brave enough to help lead in worship. Also today, the Cambodian staff is taking on more of a leadership role. One very obvious difference is that all the trees have grown. The place is greener. Today we are enjoying the fruits of the trees planted years ago.
Pray for the children and staff to grow in
Veasna, you have graduated with an engineering degree,
spiritual depth.
and as a COSI boy, this is a great achievement. Tell us how you feel. And why have you come back to serve in COSI
You can be involved by:
as a manager?
• sponsoring the children through SSS
• training the staff • running programmes for the children • running outreach programmes for the surrounding village
I feel it has been such a great privilege for me to be chosen to be a COSI kid and to have had the opportunity to know the true God, Jesus Christ as my Saviour. The thing that motivated me to come back to COSI is to give back what I have received as a child. I want to help
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 21
age (COSI)
“The mission of COSI is outreach. I want every child in COSI to know God personally and to be able to share the Gospel to others, to their families and friends.” the kids now to also appreciate
maintenance, first aid and
the privilege that they have
leadership.
today and to encourage them to study hard so they can have a future. God gives us the opportunity but we must also do our part to work hard to produce the fruitful results. The mission of COSI is outreach. I want every child in COSI to know God personally and to be able to share the Gospel to others, to their families and friends. How will I achieve this? First of all, I
Thank you Veasna for sharing with us. Can you tell us how we can support you, and in what tangible ways can we be of help to you to achieve your goals for COSI? First, pray for us. Second, pray for us. Keep us in prayer so God will provide us all our needs. Doris Chan MMS Missionary in Cambodia
want every COSI child to be able to read. Then they will be able to read the Word of God and know
Editor’s Note: COSI has been exploring
God better and deeper. I also
Income Generating Projects (IGP). It is
want to train the COSI children in
working on farming the land to grow
Christian values so that they will
vegetables. There are different varieties
be the salt and light of the world,
of vegetable to supplement the
wherever they are.
needs of COSI. COSI also rears fishes like snakehead, tilapia and catfish.
I also want the children to learn
Interesting, it also rears crickets, which
life-skills so that they will be
is served as healthy snacks for the
prepared for life outside COSI,
children and are also fed to the fish.
- skills like cooking, farming,
22 | HARVEST FORCE
COSY (COS Youth) Hostel “They have learnt patience, love in action, and forgiveness, and have grown in their faith.�
VILLAGE OUTREACH
COSY (COS Youth) Hostel is a hostel for youth studying in Grade 10 to 12 in Hun Sen High School which is nearby. Otherwise, it is not practical nor cost-effective to ferry these former COSI youth around 12km from COSI to school every day. The hostel can accommodate at least 36 young people at one time. They are between 15 and 17 years old and have more time of their own for self-study, bible reading, tuition, and quiet time. The hostel is managed by a missionary couple, Johnson and Josephine Lim, from Bedok Methodist Church. There is devotion every morning at 5.00am from Monday to Friday. The night vesper is conducted by Rev Sophal (Monday to Wednesday) and the missionary couple (Thursday and Friday). As John Wesley has said, we are to care for their health, education, and their spiritual walk with the Lord. This is very challenging but fruitful.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 23
Here’s an account of the recent Holy Week:
the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save His people from their sins.
COSY Hostel has never celebrated the week of Good Friday. Every year, it clashes with the Khmer New Year
Maundy Thursday
holidays when all the youth go back to their hometown
A service was held at Antioch Church together with
to celebrate. It is an opportunity for them to spend time
Rev Sophal, COSY youth, and some of the village youth
with their relatives once a year. It is also a time for them to
in the evening from 7.30pm till 9pm. It was a time of
spread the Gospel to the villages.
remembering our Lord Jesus Christ and forgiveness among ourselves. The youth experienced the presence of the
Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met
Holy Spirit during the time of prayers of forgiveness and for
at the cross. That is why Good Friday is so dark and so
experiencing His presence.
good. Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked
PALM SUNDAY
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Good Friday
24 | HARVEST FORCE
GOOD FRIDAY
The youth were at a day camp
Pray for COSY Hostel
at Antioch Church. After the morning worship and prayer, the invited speakers spoke
Pray for a suitable couple or single lady to work be the house parent(s).
on God’s love. The youth also did community work at the surrounding villages by picking up rubbish. The other programmes
Pray that the youth will walk in the walk of the Lord and make godly choices.
included fasting and praying, worshipping, and washing of feet. The youth were touched by their friends’ strong faith in God, especially in their holding on to the fast and spending time with
Easter Sunday
God.
We celebrated Jesus Christ’s victory over death with songs, skits, testimonies and KFC
Holy Saturday
Burgers for lunch! It was a joyous occasion
The youth went mountain
after what they had gone through during the
climbing at Kirrirom province.
holy week.
They also distributed food to 10 poor families in the village.
This was the first occasion on which they
Each COSY Hostel youth offered
observed Holy Week to celebrate how good
his US$1 allowance. They also
our Lord is. It touched the youth who have
raised another US$60 by selling
learnt to give of themselves to Him. It was
unwanted stuff. It was a time of
inspiring to witness them experiencing the
experiencing how Jesus Christ
presence of God during the time of prayer
endured the suffering and a time
and fasting. They have learnt patience, love
of giving of themselves to Him.
in action, and forgiveness, and have grown in their faith. ALL GLORY TO GOD! Johnson and Josephine Lim MMS Missionaries in Cambodia
DAY BEFORE EASTER
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 25
FUND RAISING
EASTER
26 | HARVEST FORCE
Post COSI Integration Prog The COSI Children’s Village was established as a residential facility to provide food, clothing, shelter, education and spiritual guidance for about 120 poor and neglected Cambodians between the ages of six and 18. These children were abandoned, orphaned or came from broken homes. Over the years, as COSI children grew into teenagers, MMS recognised the need to help them successfully transition from a sheltered environment back into society. Today, students in grades 10-12 are living off-campus at the COSY (COS Youth) Hostel in Bike Chan, within walking distance of their public high school. As they continue to grow spiritually and academically, they also learn to cook, clean, and market on their own. When students graduate from high school and leave COSY Hostel, they become eligible for the Post COSI Integration Programme (PCOSIIP). Depending on their aspirations and academic abilities, they enter either universities or vocational training programmes. Counselling and financial support are provided for the duration of their education.
“Investing in their education is an investment in the future of their countries and our world.”
PCOSIIP was launched in 2009 when the first batch of eight COSI youth graduated from Grade 12. Under the partnership of the Pentecost Methodist Church and Bedok Methodist Church, the Run4COSI, a fund-raising event, was organised. Together with the regular support from sponsors, the funds raised have supported the youth over the years. Currently, there are 32 youth under this sponsorship programme. Through the years, many have graduated, found jobs and are independent. Some of them have come back to us and are employed as Administrators, Accountants, House Leaders and the Manager of COSI. The children are indeed grateful to God for providing sponsors who faithfully support them through the years. These sponsors not only give financially, they also find time to visit and encourage them. Other sponsors who communicated through letters also forged strong
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 27
gramme
COSI
Grade 1-9
COSY
Grade 10-12
relationships with the children. These young people have come to know God and are enjoying a personal relationship with Him. A steering committee meets quarterly to approve new applicants, review the status of current participants, and act on all matters related to policy and finances. PCOSIIP funds are used to cover tuition and living costs for eligible students. The committee also approves loans for students who need to purchase motorbikes. Each student is expected to repay the loan prior to graduation. The committee has expanded the scope of PCOSIIP by establishing a special scholarship programme for youth who want to become teachers or pastors. In support of PCOSIIP and deserving students in other countries, MMS has established a Scholarship Fund (for tertiary education) for youth who would otherwise never be able to afford continuing education. These youth will become tomorrow’s leaders in government, business and the church. Investing in their education is an investment in the future of their countries and our world. If you are interested in finding out more or making a donation, please contact us at mms@methodist.org.sg or 6478 4818. Thank you! Rev Teresa Wilborn MMS Assistant Director of Community Development and MMS Country Coordinating Officer for Cambodia
PCOSIIP
Tertiary or vocational training
28 | HARVEST FORCE
Emmaus Women’s Centre an “They can put to use whatever talents and gifts the Lord has blessed them with, so that they can become a blessing to others.” Emmaus Women’s Centre (EWC) is a ministry reaching out to young Cambodian women, empowering them with livelihood and life skills, and enabling them to discover their God-given potential for transformation and a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Since it started in the year 2000, EWC has witnessed many batches of young women coming through its doors. Some have gone on to serving in the ministry, others have found employment in factories, while some others have successfully carved out a small business for themselves in the area of dress-making, and yet there are others who have married and started families of their own. Currently, EWC runs a two-year programme in livelihood skill training which includes discipleship, training in dressmaking, cooking and baking, literacy and language learning, and training in other life skills, and personal and character development. Over the past three years, we have seen a decline in the yearly intake of students. Many young women quit school and, though still underaged, sought employment in local factories or overseas such as Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea, in order to support their family and to help clear mounting debts. Therefore, to counter this challenge, COSEL (Community Outreach Services Eco Lodge) was set up in 2014 to enable women in EWC to earn some pocket money as they train and work with us. With COSEL, we aim for sustainability for the ministry
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 29
d COS Eco Lodge
Testimony of Savy Savy’s life was miserable and pitiful. Ill-treated by her
From then onward, she decided she would only live
stepfather, her life was hard. She came to know the Lord
for God, commit her life to serving Him, and share the
but faced persecution at home, so she left home. With
gospel of Jesus Christ with others. She wanted to start
no money, she could not continue school. So she worked
her life anew. She knew that she needed a skill so that
in various jobs in factories and some organisations. At
she can support her two children and give them a hope
times, she had nothing; not even a dollar in her pocket.
for the future. She is so grateful to be able to come
But God always miraculously provided for her. People,
to EWC even though applications for the intake had
whom she did not know, gave her money and treated
closed.
her to meals. The favour of the Lord was upon her: the leaders in the organisation she worked with started to
Savy finished her training and graduated in 2013. She
train her to manage petty cash and teach children.
is currently working in a dress-making shop in Phnom Penh, which also gives her the opportunity to receive
Then she met her future husband and was match-made
further in-house training as she works with them. Her two
by his brother who saw her good character. They got
children are in the care of her mother. She misses her
on very well and loved each other, and got married.
children and wants very much to have them with her but
But after marriage, he began to change gradually. He
she knows that her current situation does not permit that.
became very jealous whenever she was in the presence of other men. He scolded her often, and began to find
She asks for prayers that she would continue to grow in
fault with her for every small little thing. He complained
love and knowledge of the Lord, and that one day her
that the food she cooked was not delicious, and that
life goal will be fulfilled. She has heard from a pastor
she was lazy, even though she worked hard to look after
that one must have a goal in life. She thought about it
their child, keep the house, and cook meals. Then he
and committed herself to make it a goal in life to help
began to stray. He had extra-marital relations, even
other women who are facing the same situation as what
when she was expecting their second child. She was
she has faced – difficult background and unfaithful
heart-broken and cried often. Later, he broached the
husband. She hopes to open her own small dress-
subject of divorce, and wanted her to sign the papers
making business, and employ these women who need
immediately.
help, and minister to them the love of God.
30 | HARVEST FORCE
at EWC. And with COSEL, our outreach to the surrounding villages is enhanced. COSEL occupies two blocks of buildings in EWC, used as accommodation and diningcum-meeting facilities for school
Pray for EWC & COSEL
Pray for new students to join the intake this year. Pray for the staff and girls to be able to juggle their learning and training with meeting the demands of hosting and catering for school teams.
teams who come to Cambodia for community development projects. The EWC trainees provide hospitality services -
cleaning, cooking and serving
Pray for a new ministry staff when CMBS intern (Srey Neang) completes internship in July. Pray for a project personnel to handle COSEL work.
- and through it, they gain work experience, build selfconfidence, cultivate good work
ethics and habits. They can put to use whatever talents and gifts the
Pray for wisdom and good health for the staff and girls. Pray for the favour of the Lord upon EWC and COSEL
Lord has blessed them with, so that they can become a blessing
You can be involved by:
to others.
• teaching English and/or Chinese • sharing devotions and giving encouragement • teaching life skills like cooking, baking, first-aid and safety, and other topics like character development, self-esteem, communication skills, marriage and family life • helping to design new handicraft for students to sew for sale, and to promote sales of handicrafts • promoting COSEL to school teams
Carol Loh MMS Missionary in Cambodia
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 31
Methodist Hostel
“Through these programmes, many have experienced God in an intimate manner.” Students who came from the provinces to study in the university in Phnom Penh used to live in temples. Various Christian organisations saw this need and responded by starting Christian hostels in Phnom Penh. Dr Seet Ai Mee, from Aldersgate Methodist Church (AMC), received a dream from God to set up a hostel for university students that will be run by the locals. Sponsored by AMC, the Methodist Hostel was birthed from this dream she received from God. They started by renting a shophouse that could provide for the needs of 20 odd students. Though the students all came from diverse backgrounds, they learnt to live together and grew in Christian unity. In that midst, they had to adjust to the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh and life as university students. Christian leaders were assigned to both the boys’ and girls’ dormitories. Short-term mission teams brought encouragement to the students.
32 | HARVEST FORCE
Testimony of Visal (current boarder)
Pray for Methodist Hostel
I was not a Christian when I came to the hostel. But through the worship and bible study, I started to believe in Jesus. I come from Banteay Menchay province and my family is very poor. I want
Pray for the youth to walk in the ways of the Lord and make godly
to study in the university so that I can get a good job to help my
choices.
family in the future. My parents had to borrow money from family and friends to send me to Phnom Penh. When I started to stay at the hostel, I kept hearing the fellow students praying for God to help them. So I decided to try and pray to this God as well. And
Pray for some of the youth to receive Christ as Saviour.
though my belief in God increased, my situation did not change. I tried to apply for scholarship so that my parents need not worry about my school fees. For two whole years I prayed, but God did not provide a way out for me. All the brothers and sisters in the
Pray for the Christians to be faith disciples and witnesses for the Lord with good testimonies.
hostel continued to encourage me.
Pray for the youth to manage their time and priorities well..
Pray the weekly Thursday night Service to impact the life of students as they worship God.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 33
Testimony of Srey Neang
(ex-boarder)
I come from a family of seven children. My parents
hostel. In the hostel, I was able to study the Bible deeper
are farmers and they plant rice. My family’s income is
and to know more about God. Every Sunday, I would
uncertain as we usually harvest enough to feed the
travel back to my church in Prek Omperl Village to
family. My brother was the only one who supported
worship in the church where I grew up. I enjoy singing
the family financially and he earned about US$100 per
songs about God and listening to Pastor Ratana share
month.
about God.
I have been worshiping in Prek Omperl Methodist
Now that I have graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Church (POMC) for about 10 years. When I passed my
Accounting, I am working as a quality control manager
Grade 12 National Examination, I really wanted to study
in a factory. I am thankful to God and also to my family
at the university, but my family was too poor to send me
for their endless support. I am also thankful towards
to university. Then Pastor Ratana shared with me about
Aldersgate Methodist Church for putting me through
the scholarship and I applied for it. I was chosen and
university. I want to help my family members and people
managed to enrol into a local university in Phnom Penh
from the church in their studies. At the moment, with
to study Accounting for four years.
the commitments that I have, I can only support a part of my sister’s monthly allowance as she stays at the
So I left my home when I was 21 years old and stayed
Methodist Hostel. But once I get a pay rise, I hope to
in the Methodist Hostel throughout my university years.
contribute more and give back to my own people.
Pastor Ratana was the one who told me about this
Through these interactions, both students and team members experienced a broadening of perspectives. The hostel provided a nonthreatening atmosphere for pre-believing students to come and experience the love of God. Devotions and Bible study were structured for all students. Through these programmes, many have experienced God in an intimate manner. The Methodist Hostel continues to serve the growing needs of students flocking into Phnom Penh to receive an undergraduate degree. Since July 2012, we have moved to a new location after AMC purchased two adjoining shophouses. We currently have 50 students living in the hostel. May the Lord continue to use this ministry to raise up a generation of His servants in Cambodia. Low Wee Teck and Chen Qiuluan MMS Missionaries in Cambodia
34 | HARVEST FORCE
Joy Hostel Joy Hostel started with a vision from Thida
Ever since the hostel started, at least 10 youth prayed to
Sot, the Hostel Manager. She graduated from
receive Christ and were baptised.
Cambodian Methodist Bible School and was working with some Singaporeans on a slum
The activities in the hostel include daily devotions in order
outreach project. On 5 January 2013, Joy
to nurture the Christians and, at the same time, introduce
Hostel was dedicated for ministry under the
the Gospel to the non-believers. Twice a year, a team from
MMS.
Foochow Methodist Church comes to provide training using the Mathetes Discipleship Series. The hostelites are
The purpose of the hostel was to provide
encouraged to share their faith with their fellow students,
a safe shelter for poor University students
friends and family. They worship and join in other church
from the provinces while they are studying
activities at a local Methodist Church in the vicinity.
in Phnom Penh. These young people came mainly through the recommendation of the
They are also in a ministry that reaches out to the slum
pastors from the Methodist churches in the
children and their families. Together with Aldersgate
provinces. The hostel is open to taking in both
Methodist Church, MMS rented a place called the Hope
Christian and non-Christian youth. Presently,
House where children from the slum area are provided
there are about 20 youth staying in the Hostel.
with tuition and meals. They also provide medical care for both the children and adults in the slum area.
“Ever since the hostel started, at least 10 youth prayed to receive Christ and were baptised.�
Football Match (Prize-giving)
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 35
Mealtime
Prayer Night • Hostel Fellowship • Computer Lessons or Class
The boys in the hostel formed a football team and have regular matches with the youth from other hostels and churches. Other hostel programmes include computer classes and spiritual disciplines like prayer, devotion, and
Pray for Joy Hostel Pray for the youth to walk in the ways of the Lord and make godly choices.
evening vespers. They have fellowship to celebrate birthdays every month and during festive occasions.
Pray for a good network with other companies and NGOs so that the students can find jobs that match their
We thank God for the ministry of Joy Hostel
skills and talents.
because lives have been touched. We also praise Him for providing people like Thida, Kongsreng, Dr Seet, Mrs Lucy Yeo and the team from Foochow Methodist Church. They
have contributed and supported the ministry
Pray that God will reveal Himself to the two pre-believer students.
in one way or another. Carol Loh MMS Missionary in Cambodia
Pray that the 20 Christian students will grow in stronger faith as disciples of Christ.
36 | HARVEST FORCE
Pray for Hope House Pray for the children to learn well because many come from illiterate background.
Pray that there will be a full time local teacher.
Pray for wisdom and strength for the managers as they run the daily operation of the house and lead the team to reach out to the community in the slum.
Pray for direction and vision to have a ministry that can best reach out to the community.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 37
Hope House
Hope House is a slum ministry which was started in 2008 by a Cambodian couple, Sreng and Thida. It is located in the middle of the Chbah Ompov slum. Since it started, they have moved a few times. The initial focus of the ministry was with children from HIV infected families. In 2012, Dr Seet Ai Mee played an instrumental role in connecting a sponsor with Hope House. As a result, Hope House was able to expand its ministry to serve a larger group of children by offering a literacy programme. This programme has managed to keep some children off the streets and give them a means to break away from the vicious cycle of poverty. This also marks the first time that Hope House was able to run their programme in a conducive environment. Previously, they had to meet under the Monivong Bridge and inside a cramped wooden shophouse. Aldersgate Methodist Church (AMC) officially adopted this ministry at the start of 2015. Prior to this, AMC had been sending short-term mission teams to support the efforts of Hope House. AMC seeks to empower the community of the slum through education and by addressing social concerns. Low Wee Teck and Chen Qiuluan MMS Missionaries in Cambodia
“This programme has managed to keep some children off the streets and give them a means to break away from the vicious cycle of poverty.”
38 | HARVEST FORCE
MSC Kindergarten
The Little Faces That Light Up
“The children with their joyful faces greet us every morning and brighten our day.”
The Kindergarten at the Methodist School of Cambodia is the place where I have been working for the past 15 years. Here are some snippets of joy I experienced at the Kindergarten. Chandraproney was just a little girl who was in the Kindergarten in 2000. She went on to finish her Grade 12. She later got married and invited her classmates and I for the wedding. What a day of joy to see the beautiful bride.
Pray for MSC Kindergarten
Kalyan was my Kindergarten pupil in 1999 and left after Primary 2. But she came back to us from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Now she is teaching the Nursery class at our Kindergarten. She is very happy to be back in MSC. She
Pray for teachers to have the joy
exclaimed, “It is the best school I have ever
to serve and see God’s purpose
attended. The place, the teachers, the
in the work.
programmes, the visiting teams, the students, the friends, the employers, the school fees
Pray that the children will learn
were all so good. I am so proud.”
and grow well in God’s love, and
Koon Neang, the Kindergarten Supervisor,
will have very good relationship
has been teaching English at K2 for seven
with the teachers, especially
years. She says, “Working with the children has
for some children with special
taught me to control my negative attitude,
needs.
especially anger, and to play along with
Koon Nearng in K2.
them. I enjoy teaching Bible lessons to the
Pray for protection for all children and teachers. Pray for the
knowledge during my time here.”
management to have wisdom
Samneang is the Manager at the
and the ability to provide a safe
Kindergarten for two years. He says, “I love to
environment.
children. I have grown in faith and Bible
Pray that the children will respond to God’s love when they attend Bible class, devotion, and VBS.
You can be involved by: • If you have Kindergarten background,
you can join the MITE programme.
Happy Mother’s Day! The excited children are taking home a card for Mother’s Day.
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 39
Our World
Samneang relaxing with the children.
work with the children. They are smart and obey everything we teach them. The parents trust us and know we are doing Kalyan at Nursery class.
a great job. I believe our children will grow up with good Christian values and inspire their families and friends to know Jesus.” Samneang attended the 4/14 Window Conference at Bali in April 2015, and he is excited and has been challenged. He has shared some ideas with our staff to increase teaching of Christlikeness amongst the children and he has shared at his Church. His Church is planning to have a special programme for children between the ages of 4 to 14 years in January 2016. These children will be groomed in anticipation of their involvement in Youth Fellowship. It is my great pleasure to see the staff growing in the Lord and
Samneang at 4/14 Window Conference at Bali.
taking leadership roles. The children with their joyful faces greet us every morning and brighten our day. May God bless them and all of you who have helped in this great work among the children at the Kindergarten of Methodist School of Cambodia. Vimala Devi MMS Missionary in Cambodia Editor’s Note: Read our interview with the current Principal of Methodist School of Cambodia on page 42. For more information on Methodist School of Cambodia, please refer to the articles written by the former Principal in our earlier issues of Harvest Force: 2012-Issue 2 (page 20), 2012-Issue 3 (page 16) and 2013-Issue 1 (page 31).
40 | HARVEST FORCE
Ministry of the Hearing Im
Pray for Minstry of the Hearing Impaired
Due to decades under the regime, Cambodia had no school for the deaf or advocacy group capable of supporting the needs of deaf persons. Most deaf Cambodians were isolated without a means of communication and a Khmer sign language had yet to
Pray for more NGOs and the government agencies to do more
be established as a standardised sign language. They could not learn, communicate or support themselves.
for the deaf people and hard of hearing.
In recent years, non-government organisations such as Deaf Development Programme (DDP) and Krousar Thmey (KT) have been
Pray for opportunity for local Cambodian Churches to be
in Phnom Penh and her surrounding villages. However, the needs of the deaf remain extensive and deaf Cambodians continue to
aware of the Deaf in Cambodian
be unreached on a larger scale. An estimated 50,000 deaf and
and to have the opportunity
500,000 hard of hearing persons reside in Cambodia according
to share the Gospel and be a
to sources from within the country, but only 3,000 deaf people are
testimony of Christ love for deaf
registered with KT and DDP.
Cambodia.
established to offer education and vocational training to the deaf
Pray for God’s guidance and direction for MHI as we are exploring to do long term outreach ministry in Cambodia.
“MHI aims to reach out, touch and transform lives of the deaf.”
FIELD FEATURE • CAMBODIA | 41
mpaired
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in
manifested in cultural and language barriers stand in the
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go
way, we believe with God’s guidance and grace, His work
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
will be done.
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:18-19, NIV) In 2010, Ministry of the Hearing Impaired (MHI) set its sights on Cambodia as a country in need of outreach to the deaf; a country in need of Christ. As a sub-ministry under the Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC) ministry in Wesley Methodist Church, MHI aims to reach out, touch and transform lives of the deaf in Singapore and other countries. Since then, MHI has sent outreach teams comprising Deaf and Hearing Singaporeans regularly to Phnom Penh to recce, explore and understand the needs of the deaf in Cambodia. MHI has sought to complement the work of KT and DDP in their deaf advocacy work and have begun to build bridges with the two NGOs as well. Active, on-going communications with MMS and the local churches there have also afforded MHI with opportunities to explore the current outreach work being done in Cambodia. MHI also seeks to raise awareness of the plight of deaf persons in Cambodia amongst the Cambodian churches, - to prepare congregations to accept church members who are deaf. With years of experience in reaching out to the deaf and
“As a deaf full-time staff member involved with the Cambodia outreach project and trips, I have been able to relate to the struggles and build relationships with the Cambodian deaf during my time with them. I have observed that more and more deaf people are being supported by KT, DDP and even MHI but I am saddened that there are still illiterate deaf persons wandering the streets of Phnom Penh and in other parts of Cambodia. An even sadder reality is that these deaf Cambodians do not know Christ and there are no Christian organisations or churches that are currently doing outreach work among them. Some challenges faced in reaching out to the deaf are the inability to locate deaf persons, taking time to be acquainted with the culture and traditions, and communicating on a deeper level. However, I thank God for enabling MHI to see more opportunities to reach out to the deaf, and to help us to build relationship and partnerships that bear fruit among the deaf Cambodians. When I reflect on the big heart of the Lord, I remember that it is God who first desires for every soul to know God and to be loved, saved, adopted, and baptised – John 3:16; Matthew 28:1920.” Pauline Ong, Full-time ministry staff in MHI
conducting deaf awareness programmes for the hearing in Singapore, MHI hopes to use that wealth of experience to work towards the ultimate goal of bringing the gospel
Sarah Khoo
to the deaf in Cambodia. Although many challenges as
Wesley Methodist Church
42 | HARVEST FORCE
Interview with
Benjamin Lee Benjamin Lee came to Methodist School of Cambodia (MSC) on 14 July 2014 and officially became the Principal on 1 August 2014. We had an interview with him to get to know him better. Tell us a bit about your family and church.
What were you doing previously?
I am married to Serene Ong. We have four
I grew up in Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church where I
children, two boys and two girls. They are
served actively in the youth ministry. I was a youth leader
Zachary Asher Lee (12), Zoe Nicole Lee (9),
since I was 13 years old. However, I knew I had a call to
Ephraim Joseph Lee (7) and Elizabeth Joy Lee
missions when I was 12.
(5). We are currently based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We have been in Cambodia
After NS, I worked at Seagate Technology as an Assistant
for more than three years. We first arrived in
Engineer for 14 months.
Cambodia on 20 Feb 2012. Our home church in Singapore is Covenant Evangelical Free
I went to YWAM DTS for 6 months in Singapore. By then I
Church (Woodlands Branch).
was attending Full Gospel Assembly (FGA). I worked part time with FGA for six months after attending DTS.
What is your favourite verse? My favourite verse is Matthew 28:18-20. That is
In 1997, I went into full-time ministry as a youth worker with
the reason why we are here in Cambodia.
FGA where I met Serene my wife. We were both serving
What is your Love Language? (Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch) How we can encourage you? My love language is Acts of Service. How many years have you been serving the Lord? • Serving God in the youth ministry since I was 13 years old.
in the youth ministry. I was a youth pastor with FGA for 6 ½ years. We were married in June 2000. I went to a bible college (TCA College) in 2003 and we were assigned to be the missions directors for 3 Years. I graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor in Arts, Missions. I was also discipling the youth from the FGA Chinese congregation for two years. In 2006, I started a small company dealing with recycled computer parts with the intention of providing
• Serving God full time about 13 years.
employment for delinquent kids from Boy’s Home. I sensed
• Serving God in the mission field for more
God moving my family out of FGA. We left FGA in 2008
than three years.
and went over to Covenant Evangelical Free Church (CEFC). We were serving in the Children’s ministry worship for a year. In 2011, together with some Filipino friends, we started a Filipino fellowship in CEFC. We also started a
PROFILES | 43
workshop in Changi Prison in 2011 to train the prisoners skills
that is laid down between my wife and I is never to bring
and used that as a platform to make disciples.
work home unless it is something very urgent that we need to attend to. Weekends are usually family time.
In 2012, with the whole family, we came to Cambodia because God said, “This is the time.” So here we are in
How can our readers support you and pray with you?
Cambodia!
Personal • Pray for God’s strength for Serene and myself.
Tell us about your current area of ministry. Currently my main area of the ministry is in the Methodist School of Cambodia. I am the current Principal. My wife is helping out in another school. We helped to start the new school. It is an international school that aims to provide education at affordable school fees for the missionaries who are serving in Cambodia. It is also used as a platform for outreach to the many Chinese nationals who are residing here in Phnom Penh with their children.
• Pray that we will always depend on God’s wisdom and direction in all that we do. • Pray that we will not be discouraged by what we go through as we work with the people around us. • Pray for God’s providence that we will be able to meet our monthly needs. • Pray that my children will not feel that they lack anything while they are in Cambodia. • Pray for my children that they will see themselves as instrument in God’s service.
What kind of challenges do you face? The challenge faced here is with communication.
Ministry
Currently we are trying to find time to learn the language.
• Pray for unity with the people that we are working with.
The difficulty is that the schools in which my wife and I are
• Pray for the MSC students to have an encounter with
running are English schools.
God. • Pray for the salvation of the non-believing teachers.
Another challenge we face is the difference in work culture. I have to learn to shed my Singaporean work mentality and adjust to the working style of the locals. At the same time, I have to ensure that I do not compromise the quality and standards of the work. It is learning to depend on God for the wisdom and guidance when approaching the locals for a specific task.
• Pray that as the students will not see it as a ritual to go to their weekly Christian Education class. Pray that they will find God during those classes. • Pray for the upcoming Christmas Programme to be impactful yet meaningful. • Pray for opportunities for the MMS missionaries involving in the School Ministry to be able to speak life into the students.
Of course, another challenge is the cost of my children’s education. Currently my four children are attending the
What is one thing our readers should know about
international school that Serene helped to start. Education
missions?
here in Cambodia is not as cheap as back in Singapore.
Missions is not only for those who are out in the field, but it
But we are trusting God for His providence.
is a mandate for everyone. We must be ready for God to use us anytime and anywhere. Missions is not bounded
How do you recharge?
by countries, but Missions is bringing the message of the
I recharge by finding time for myself to read. I also try to
Kingdom to whomever God directs us to. As John Piper
allocate time with my family. That is why one of the rules
coined, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”
“We must be ready for God to use us anytime and anywhere.”
44 | HARVEST FORCE
Earthquake in Nepal
Relief efforts by MMS “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV) The date 25 April 2015 will be etched into the minds of all Nepalis. That fateful day, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central region of Nepal, just 80 km north-west of Kathmandu. Two weeks later, on 12 May 2015, a second earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale caused further damage and loss of life. As of the end of May 2015, there have been more than 9,000 fatalities and 25,000 injured. Since the first earthquake, daily aftershocks measuring between 3 and 5 in magnitude have been a daily occurrence.
“In all these relief programmes, we remain focused on our ministry’s vision, ‘To Redeem Nepal for Jesus Christ’.”
FIELD FEATURE • NEPAL | 45
The physical devastation includes the destruction of public
lost their homes and are now living under temporary
buildings, infrastructure for water and power, heritage
shelters but are safe. We thank God for His protection over
sites and more significantly the destruction of thousands
our people!
of homes. Images broadcast of collapsed buildings and homes, and faces of homeless and distraught Nepalis who
Looking back, we recognise the wisdom of our leadership
have lost loved ones and are now gripped with fear and
in the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) and our field
despair, flash vividly in our minds and haunt us.
team in Nepal, which led MMS and the Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN) to develop contingency plans in 2012 to
The fear of what lies ahead of them is given voice in a
address concerns of a potential quake.
Nepalese expression, “ke-garne”, translated as “it’s like this, what can we do”. All around the world people are
Emergency packs containing food, water, blankets,
struck with the images of the quake’s aftermath with many
communications equipment, water, solar-powered lights
organisations and countries coming to aid the estimated
and tents were prepared and checked periodically.
2.8 million people made homeless by this disaster. (Figures
Briefings were regularly conducted to ensure that our
from UNHCR appeal, accurate at time of writing.)
leaders were familiar with the contingency procedures that were put into place.
Amidst this backdrop, we have witnessed the love and grace of our sovereign God. It was nothing short of a
This preparedness ensured that when the recent quake
miracle that when the quake struck, our people were in
occurred, our Nepali pastors and leaders were able to
their respective churches worshipping and were not in
lead their people and provide them with the emergency
their homes. None of our Methodist churches in Nepal
packs that would meet their basic immediate needs for
collapsed although some minor damage to the buildings
survival. Despite all this, more had to be done.
was sustained. Many of our believers in the affected areas
Testimony of Shovalama After the earthquake, the girls from Sophia’s Home were engaged with to process their experiences and encouraged to pen down their thoughts. Many of them gave thanks to God for His protection as well as His provision for their daily needs after the quake. Shovalama, one of the girls, detailed down her fear when the church building started to shake. She wrote, “Everyone was rushing for the door but I could not stand. My heart was beating faster and faster.” Her instant reaction was to “just kneel down beside a friend and uncle, and I prayed to God. I asked God to save my life.” During the quake, she remembered Psalm 91. Through this experience, “I came to know God more… God is my refuge… and I had peace in my heart.” Shovalama felt that it was “a chance for all Christians to share the love of Christ to other people. It is a good time to help earthquake victims with basic needs and to share with them about God as our protector.”
46 | HARVEST FORCE
An MCN Crisis Relief Committee was promptly established to oversee the initial relief efforts, plan for longer-term relief work and to coordinate with the MMS Home Office team. Rev Sabashtain Lepcha and our missionary GS are key members in the Committee, as they were responsible for developing the contingency plans. The Committee was given an initial grant from the MMS Crisis Relief Fund to meet the needs of Phase 1 work. After completing Phase 1a – providing for the immediate needs of the girls from Sophia’s Home, the members of our Wesley Bardan Methodist Church (WBMC) in Kathmandu and the families of Rev Lepcha and GS – the relief operations moved out to the community, beginning with the neighbouring households around WBMC. The approach taken by our field team is to front all our relief work with our Nepali pastors, leaders and members of the local church and community there. This, as the result has shown, is critical to the success of our
Pray for Nepal
work.
Pray that God will give our Pastors and
Phase 1b was activated on 27 April. This phase provided
leaders strength, protection and
food aid to our church and community members in Kavre
healthy minds and bodies. Pray for
and Tanahun districts. The relief teams then proceeded to
discernment so that plans and decisions
extend the food aid to 6 villages in Kavre and 2 villages in
made will be Christ-centred.
Tanahun and Gorkha districts.
A total of 390 households received food package containing 30 kg of rice, 2 kg of lentils, 1 litre of cooking
Pray that those who have been affected by the earthquake will continue to trust in our sovereign and loving God, and that
oil, 500 g of salt and 1 kg of sugar. The distribution process
their faith will grow stronger through this
was conducted smoothly and without incident. The
experience.
appreciative village officials and villagers thanked our team for their act of love and compassion with smiles on
Pray for the provision of resources and
their faces.
funding as we plan for the restoration and
rebuilding phase.
Our team members were also glad to be a part of this relief programme. Rev Lepcha shared: “It was good to be able to help the people so badly affected and in need of
S/No Location District 1
Wesley Bardan MC
Lalitpur
2
Phulbari & Pathlekhet
Kavre
No. of Households Type
Completed Date
30
Food Packs
1 May
190
Food Packs
5 May
3
Bhaisjangar PP
Tanahun
50
Food Packs
11 May
4
Swara
Gorkha
45
Food Packs
17 May
5
Basantapur
Tanahun
75
Tarpaulins
31 May
TOTAL
390
FIELD FEATURE • NEPAL | 47
help. We have to be the light, sharing His love with our
Phase 3 will be the final phase of our relief work. In this
neighbour and loving our neighbour as He has loved us!�
phase, we plan to provide housing to the neighbouring communities in several districts identified as part of our
Phase 2 planning has commenced and will involve the
Community Development programme. We have to be
reconstruction and restoration of homes and provide
sensitive and selective to ensure that our ministry focus is
assistance to the people to help them live off the land,
maintained.
and have their daily needs met so that they achieve a minimum level of sustainability. In Phase 2a, we will focus
Phase 2 and 3 will continue to provide challenges to the
on providing assistance to our MCN family members
Nepal Crisis Relief Committee as they develop practical
as they face the challenges of the monsoons and the
and pragmatic plans. MMS Home Office will be having
subsequent winter months. Phase 2b plans to provide
discussions with the Crisis Relief Representatives from TRAC,
towards a longer term need for reliable and safe homes
CAC and ETAC to look into the funding and provision of
for our people.
resources to fulfil the plans for our work which will stretch over one and a half years to December 2016. Present estimates for our funding for 50 to 60 homes for Phase 2
48 | HARVEST FORCE
Relief Aid Programme by MCN
At a glance
in collaboration with MMS:
Nepal Earthquake
Phase 1a & 1b: • •
Temporary Tent Shelter Food Pack Distribution - 390 Households (Lalitpur, Kavre, Tanahun & Gorkha)
- 30kg Rice, 2kg Lentils, 1l Cooking Oil, 500g Salt, 1kg Sugar
•
Tarpaulin Distribution (Tanahun)
Phase 2a: •
Zinc Sheet Distribution – 240 Households (Dhading, Kavre & Tanahun)
Phase 2b & 3: •
50-60 Permanent Homes
ministry’s vision, ‘To Redeem Nepal for Jesus Christ’. We recognise the opportunity through our good works to reach out to people who have yet to receive the gospel. The morale of our Nepali believers has been an encouragement to all of us; their willingness to help their neighbours in spite of their own adversity is a lesson of faith in action, and what it means to bless your neighbour and believing that God will shower manifold blessings upon us. and 3 stands at S$300,000. Essentially, we are looking at
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
providing better foundation and structure with iron rods
good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven”
to withstand stronger tremors and leaving the rest of
(Matthew 5:16, KJV)
the building to the owners, due to sensitive and cultural concerns in the final completion of the homes. Do pray with us as we seek His wisdom, strength and
Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng MMS Area Director and Operations Director
faith in preparing for the coming relief operations. In
Noel Tam
all these relief programmes, we remain focused on our
MMS Country Coordinating Officer for Nepal
FIELD FEATURE • NEPAL | 49
(Arise! Shine! Go!)
Utnu! Chumkinu! Janus! “Throughout this trip, we were always reminded to be on our knees…”
In late April 2014, by God’s leading and calling, Arise Shine team, made up of ladies from different Methodist churches, went together on a “learn to serve” trip to Nepal from 24 August to 2 September 2014. This was the fifth mission trip to Nepal organised by the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (GCWSCS). Since 2011, GCWSCS has made yearly trips to Nepal, with a deepening desire to work with and for the women in Nepal. Arise Shine team members were Dorothy Lim (President GCWSCS); Shanti Merry (MMS missionary in Nepal from 1999 to 2011); Deviki MS James (GCWSCS missions coordinator); Susy Chieng (Grace Methodist Church); and Linda Liong (Geylang Chinese Methodist Church). Our steadfast supporter is Grace Ling, GCWSCS missions coordinator, who went to Nepal in 2008.
50 | HARVEST FORCE
Arise Shine team set off in the wee hours of the morning and arrived in
Arise Shine team has experienced in depth,
Kathmandu in the mid-afternoon. Together with Grace (Rev Lepcha’s
has gained much, and was moulded
wife) and JT (GS’s wife), the team had dinner with a very nice group of
beyond human understanding from this
local pastors’ wives. These nine ladies travelled for at least 18 hours to
“learn to serve” journey under God’s divine
Kathmandu (instead of the usual 12-hour journey) due to the monsoon
hands. Throughout this trip, we were always
rains that destroyed a bridge along their route to Kathmandu. Some
reminded to be on our knees with our faces
ended up not physically well too. However, the joy of God and His
bowed down before God and Man, and
presence at the dining table provided healing strength to everyone. A
to clothe ourselves with humility. We were
joyous beginning for the week ahead!
filled to overflowing with His immeasurable strength and provision to pursue, continue
The entire 5-day seminar was split into two workshops: • The first three days was for a Women’s Leadership Seminar. It was
and complete this trip together. We can only and always thank God for planting numerous
dedicated to our 10 local pastors’ wives and missionary’s wife who
prayer partners for prayer support, teaching
were equipped with God’s Word, and
us through our lovely Nepali sisters, watching
• The next two days was a Women’s Seminar which was open to all Nepali women. Our local pastors’ wives served as the trainers, facilitated by Arise Shine team, using the materials they had learnt during the Women’s Leadership Seminar. This was the first women’s seminar held in new premises of Wesley Bardan Methodist Church (WBMC). The Seminar theme was, “How to be a good Christian mother” and we reflected on our Saviour’s mother, Mary, with bible-based case studies. For the rest of this trip, we visited some homes including Sophia’s Home, and had fellowship with WBMC members and eight graduates of Sophia’s Home.
over our coming and going throughout this entire trip, and His endless loving patience with us. Jaimasi! (Christian greetings in Nepali: Victory in the Messiah!) Linda Liong General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service
FIELD FEATURE • NEPAL | 51
Come and See Spiritual warfare is not just a concept of Christian doctrine, it is real with an existing battlefield and we have to be prepared. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV) The Missions Committee of Covenant Community Methodist Church had to wait two years to go for the Dental Camp at Vijayee Methodist Church in the Ilam district, Nepal. The team finally went in November 2014. Many members of our congregation have asked us what we can do on a Dental Camp. We are not dentists or nurses! Well, our answer is: Come, see and witness on how great our God is. It was only two years ago when we went as a family on our first mission trip to Nepal. We not only experienced God’s blessing, grace and sovereignty, but have also seen the beauty of His marvellous creation through our witnessing of the majestic Himalayan peaks as well as the awe-inspiring sunrise. It is through God’s grace and the Holy Spirit Who has transformed our hearts, that we are willing to be involved in missions. Ralph and Miranda Lau Covenant Community Methodist Church
“We have not only experienced God’s blessing, grace and sovereignty, but have also seen the beauty of His marvellous creation through our witnessing of the majestic Himalayan peaks as well as the awe-inspiring sunrise.”
52 | HARVEST FORCE
10th Annual Meeting in Thaila “… armed with God’s word in our hands, we shall enter new territories and possess what God has already planned for us to do.” Ordination of the 5th Elder in Thailand, Rev Attaphon Kamsari by Bishop.
The 10th Annual Meeting in Thailand was held on 18 and 19 March 2015 in Chiang Mai. It would have been a business-as-usual meeting in the mornings if not for the unusually high level of haze that shrouded Chiang Mai. It was caused by farmers preparing their rice field for a new season of rice planting. Stoll, Bible and Ordination Certificate ready for the ceremony.
Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup was the Guest-of-Honour. He led the pastoral possession, where he was followed by MMS Area Director, Rev Dianna Khoo; FBOM Registrar, Rev Philip Abraham; our District Superintendents of Thailand, Rev Prasert Pornkiratikul and Rev Henry Yeo; and Elders Rev Prasarn Chaisrimonthon and Rev Chinnakorn Saenkasa. They strode into the Shineforth Church sanctuary in their ceremonial robes. The scripture text for the opening ceremony was read from Matthew 5:17-30. Bishop posed a challenge to all our clergy and lay leaders: to examine the basis of our actions; as it is not merely about the outcomes of the deeds but about the underlying motives preceding the outcomes. He urged us to examine our “Heart Religion”. The highlight of the 10th Annual Meeting was the ordination of Rev Attaphon Kamsari to be an Elder. He and his family have been faithfully serving at Nong Bua Lamphu Methodist Church and Grace of God Church for close to 10 years. We pray for God’s leading and guidance upon him as Rev Attaphon reaches out to his community and beyond with great courage and conviction. May he be great salt and light who brings glory unto God. Indeed, the 10th Annual Meeting was another joyous celebration of God’s goodness and patience to our ministry in Thailand. All of us understood that there is more ground to cover. Therefore, armed with God’s word in our hands, like Joshua, we shall enter new territories and possess what God has already planned for us to do. We only need to be humble and to obey. David Khew MMS Country Coordinating Officer for Thailand
FIELD FEATURE • THAILAND | 53
and
ABOVE Appointment holders of the MMS Thailand Charter, Mettakij Church Association. BACKGROUND Participants to the 10th Annual Meeting at at Shineforth Methodist Church, Chiang Mai.
54 | HARVEST FORCE
“God has been gracious in allowing us to be His co-labourers, and to experience His ever-abundant grace and providence throughout the ten days.�
FIELD FEATURE • THAILAND | 55
Co-labourers with God
Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we spent a day
skits and dance performances, and joining the village
gathering our logistics before taking off to a mountainous
carolling sessions. One memorable experience was
village called Papae. It was a two-hour drive from
when we led worship for the youth programme; both
Chiang Mai city over rocky terrain and shaky bridges
Thais and Singaporeans sang songs and worshipped
but we enjoyed the thrill of it nonetheless. We arrived
God in different languages, yet the spirit of God abided,
to unexpectedly cold weather, however our stay at the
transcending all cultural and linguistic boundaries.
local school was met with the warmth and hospitality
During the trip, the youth were also given the opportunity
of the team from Sanphranet Methodist Church (SMC).
to share their testimonies about God’s goodness and
They faithfully cooked and cleaned for us, and their
faithfulness in their lives. It was an encouragement to see
resourcefulness in turning an empty football field into
them overcome their anxiety and be bold for God.
the perfect setting for a Christmas concert amazed us. We were also warmly welcomed by the Karen people (a
The carolling sessions and house visitations also gave
tribe in Papae) as we went from house to house to sing
us the opportunity to do prayer walking. We learnt to
Christmas carols under a star-filled sky that got brighter as
observe the environment and ask God to open our hearts
the night wore on. We witnessed three villagers receive Christ, and trust that the seeds of the Good News have been planted in the hearts of the villagers, both young and old. We continue to pray that through the testimonies of those who believe, Papae will come to know the Lord. Our youth team also joined SMC in other activities such as hosting their children and youth programmes, supporting the Christmas concerts with
and eyes to the needs of the Thais. We continue to pray for our generation to deny ourselves, choose to live by our identity in Christ, and follow Jesus to the ends of the earth.
56 | HARVEST FORCE
Chiang Mai will always have a special place in our hearts; a word and a place that will trigger more than memories of youth ministry. It was a milestone in our walks with God. Indeed, we saw God at work in the lives of the people we met, and in our own lives as well. We begin to understand more each day that God looks upon the world with great compassion and He desires for all to know Him. God has been gracious in allowing us to be His co-labourers, and to experience His ever-abundant grace and providence throughout the ten days. This was evident in the way He protected us as we travelled from place to place, and how He multiplied our materials and gifts for the children even when we did not believe that we had enough. We thank you all for your prayers and support. We hope that you will continue to be a part of this ministry, in a way that God calls and leads you. Percy Low Senior Ministry Staff (Youth) Charis Methodist Church
HOME HAPPENINGS | 57
Memorandum of Understanding
Mission Awareness
Christ MC and MMS signed an MOU from 1 June 2015 to
MMS was invited to Bedok Methodist Church on 29 March
support renovation work at Krang Svay MC in Cambodia.
2015 to set up a missions booth. Contact MMS if you want us to set up a booth in your church.
An MOU has been entered into between Covenant Community MC and MMS for the continuing partnership with Chress MC in Cambodia for its disciple-making and equipping work from 1 August 2015 for three years.
MMS Photo Contest #04 Results Thank you for participating in the Photo Contest. The theme was “LOVE”. Congratulations to all the winners who have been notified. Do keep a look out for our next Photo Contest and we hope to see more participation. “Best Photo”
Ig Profile: @phangster93 Caption: The school kids of Nongkoknongyaw School in Phayakkapum Phisai, Thailand pulled members of our mission team to play with them during our break time and the smiles on their faces was a reflection of their response towards our love for them. #mmsphotocontestlove #missiontrip @mms.gram Church: Bukit Panjang Methodist Church Prize: S$200, Selfie Stick with remote, and Macro Lens Band
“Most Popular Photo” with 297 ‘likes’s Ig Profile: @kimberleylovelord Caption: My team and I went to Siem Reap, Cambodia for a 10 days mission trip in February through Trackers 2014 by Truthmin. This photo was taken at a village church planted by a Cambodian Pastor. LOVE we’ve experienced from God shining through our lives and stepping out of our own comfort zone was all we need when we went there as the children were really different from those in SG. Ever since I’ve returned from my mission trip, I yearn to return back again one day. And I’m waiting for an open door to visit the same place I visited in Cambodia previously. @mms.gram #mmsphotocontestLOVE #Project365KLOVELORD #vsco #vscosg #vscocam #sgig #all_shots #sgdaily #instasg #sginstagram #sgigers #iphone6 #KROURSA #Familyofthelight #missiontrip #cambodia #siemreap #Trackers2014 Church: Living Hope Methodist Church Prize: S$100, Selfie Stick with remote, and Macro Lens Band
Three Consolation Prizes Ig Profiles: @trafficjem, @insta_graham87 and @eclecticjoy Prize: Macro Lens Band
SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 58
Read about God’s goodness and faithfulness in MMS History Book “Blessed to be a Blessing”
These DVDs present an overview of MMS work and ministries. Get your free copies now.
ORDER FORM Items
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MMS Book – Blessed to be a Blessing (S$10)
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MMS DVD – MMS 20th Anniversary Videos (2011 @ China and Nepal)
MMS DVD – SSS Videos (2012)
MMS DVD – MMS at a glance (2013 @ Nepal)
Total (S$)
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PERSONAL INFORMATION Name [Rev/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms] Mailing Address
Postal code
Telephone
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[home]
[office]
[mobile]
Church
METHOD OF PAYMENT Payment by Credit Card VISA MasterCard Name on Card
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Please mail cheque and completed form to: METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY, 70 Barker Road #06-01 The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936. Thank you for your gift and support. For more information, please contact us at 6478 4818.
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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
$
Community & Relief Work
$
Caleb Bible Institute Trainee Sponsorship
$
Replacement of Ministry Vehicle
$
Youth Ministry / Hub
$
Thailand Mission
@ S$110 per month wef 1 August 2015 (minimum commitment of 12 months)
[ [ [ [ [ [
] COSI (Cambodia) ] Emmaus Women’s Centre (Cambodia) ] Sophia’s Home (Nepal) ] Mettakij Hostel (Thailand) ] Term Fun Home (Thailand) ] Huangshan House of Peniel (East Asia)
$
Church Ministry Support
$
Timor-Leste Mission Student Hostel Project (Gleno) Medical Ministry at Ermera District
$ $
Vietnam Mission
Emmaus Women’s Centre – ministry expenses
$
Church Ministry Support
$
Post COSI Integration Programme
$
Church Ministry Support
$
Nanchang Stamford Consultancy Centre
$
National Workers Fund
$
Children’s Home / Ministry
$
$
Vietnam Children’s Fund
Laos Mission
East Asia Mission
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Income Generating Project Fund
Cambodia Mission
In the event that a donation cannot be applied as you have designated, MMS may exercise the discretion to redirect it to where it is most needed. If you need more details, please call 6478 4818. *For more information on the Student Sponsorship Scheme, please logon to http://www.mms.org.sg/sss
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$
Singapore Mission School Building Project
$
Printing And Postage Cost
Harvest Force & PrayerConnect
Others (please specify):
$ $
PDPA MMS is committed to ensuring the security of all personal data she collects. MMS shall use and disclose such data only for her necessary purposes and if so, shall adhere to the guidelines of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). All personal data shall be kept strictly confidential at all times. If ever MMS has to disclose any personal data to any third party, she shall do so only with the prior consent of the owner of the personal data. To withdraw or limit consent, please email to mms@methodist.org.sg.
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SPECIAL FEATURE • SSS TESTIMONIES | 61
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?
62 | HARVEST FORCE
Part 3
Exporing Innovations, Impact New Communications and Med This is the final pawt explores the IMPLICATIONS of New Communications and Media Development. The first two parts, studying the INNOVATIONS and IMPACTS, were published in HF 2014-Issue 1 and 2015-Issue 1 respectively
How do churches and seminaries remain relevant to their constituents in an age where the communications landscape is now characterised by connectivity, mobility, accessibility, and immediacy? How do they preserve the core values of the church and keep her integrity intact when daily communication increasingly takes place in a disruptive and distracting bazaar of digital sounds and sights? How can they avoid becoming marginalised and lose the ability to provide guidance and hope in a world which now straddles both geographic and digital spaces? Such are the emerging questions and challenges encountered by the church situated in the digital communications era. In working out a response to these questions, four proposals for churches and seminaries are presented in this final section. These include the calls to (a) foster greater consciousness of heavenly citizenship, (b) establish reparative and reconciliatory ministries, (c) develop a participative presence on digital communications and media platforms, and (d) give attention to communications and media research. Each is briefly presented and accompanied by an invitation to work out implications for pastoral service and seminary support. (a) Foster greater consciousness of heavenly citizenship The present pull and push toward active citizenship in digital spaces invokes reminder that while Christians have a citizenship on earth, they also have a citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). As life traverses the porous boundaries separating geographic and digital spaces, red flags are continually raised signalling the dire need for Christians to develop a greater consciousness of their primary identity as citizens of heaven. The church is called to cultivate this consciousness and to allow this knowledge to shape its identity. To be granted citizenship in heaven is to be given a privilege with responsibilities. It is first an invitation toward reconciliation and intimate fellowship with the Creator of Heaven and earth. But it is also an invitation to live life as though the concerns and commands of the King mattered. Conversely, the invitation is also to reject, oppose, and at times even flee earthlyminded habits, behaviour, and lifestyles which distract from and compete with the purposes of our King. If “citizenship defines a person’s ethical behaviour and true allegiance,” (Witherington 2011, 217) then a practical question is raised for us: “How well do our communications habits, behaviours, and actions in physical and digital spaces reflect our true allegiances and affections?” Behind the question lies the realities of competing loyalties and battles for hearts and minds. This and other related questions however must continually be asked in tandem with the ongoing work of nurturing obedient, light-bearing disciples of Christ who are serious about aligning their primary identity and instincts with their citizenship in heaven.
SPECIAL FEATURE | 63
and Implications of ia Development (b) Establish reparative and recovery ministries One of the unfortunate consequences of the digital communications revolution is the negative impact that it has brought with itself. Education and preventive measures have only achieved limited results and have not successfully stemmed the adverse psychological and spiritual impact that has come with voyeurism, sleep deprivation, attention diffusion, bullying, video game obsession, compulsive online gambling, role-playing extreme acts of violence, experimentation with witchcraft, and exposure to pornographic acts. These are effects and consequences of an immersive media and communications environment that families, church members, and even those in Christian ministry have become casualties of. It is these realities that the church urgently needs to wake up to and deal with proactively. To that end, the creation of safe spaces and the establishment of reparative and recovery ministries to expose, manage, and address pathological as well as pathogenic tendencies are critical. The role of community too is vital for fostering accountability, creating selfawareness, re-establishing healthy boundaries, and providing support in the journey towards shalom and transformation. Beyond the provision of professional help and community support, persistent prayer and the agency of God’s Spirit are also critical if messy inner damage and entanglements are to be dealt with at depth. (c) Develop a participative presence on digital communications and media platforms A sobering realisation that churches are just coming to grips with is that traditional churchbased ministry roles exert limited influence on the community. This is painfully true in the case of influence on the next generation–including children and youth from Christian families. Recognising this gap, Sweet laments: The ultimate irony and indictment for the Christian community is to learn that the key professions for the future are the following: healers, peacemakers, storytellers, content providers. Are these not key words of our mission? Why aren’t Christians at the forefront of building this new world? (Sweet 2000, 43) The challenge to participate in building this new world at the digital frontier calls for a radical rethink of the how, where, who, and with what of ministry. Effective participative presence in this new world will require those in traditional ministry roles to recognise the wide range of new communications genres, move out of their comfort zones, and be interacting regularly on popular communications platforms. The same applies to seminaries and accreditation agencies. In terms of scope and reach however, the vision of participative presence can only be advanced through the active involvement of the Net generation believers in whom reside native intuitions in digital environments, expert know-how, and ability to exploit the affordances of digital technologies for Kingdom purposes. Developing effective participatory presence in new communications and media platforms will also necessarily entail growing ministry partnerships between traditional ministry co-workers and Christian film directors, musicians, animators, graphic artists, bloggers, guild masters, web analysts, app developers, and the like. It is out of these involvements and partnerships that social capital can be built, and Christian witness, ministry, and apology emerge in mediums that can be related to by the digital generation.
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(d) Give attention to communications and media research The work of ongoing research is an important human task as it generates new knowledge that helps us understand people and the world we live in. This human task is even more critical in a world where change is occurring exponentially. Research provides theoretical frameworks and labels by which to understand and interpret new and existing realities. It helps us to understand trends, identify issues, predict consequences, challenge assumptions, and guide problemsolving. It is the failure to deeply comprehend the socio-cultural impact of rapidly evolving communications technologies and environments that makes drawing from communications and media research essential for churches and theological institutions. These pervasive and penetrating changes have introduced new contexts for practical church ministries which demand adjustment and accommodation by way of form, approach, and response. Equally, they have also introduced new contexts for academic theological inquiry which demand updates on questions, content, delivery, mindset, and perspective. In addition to drawing from research, theological institutions have the added advantage of being set up to generate biblical-theological and social science research. When this research is applied to emerging media and communications contexts, its unique and significant contribution provides churches with needed insights as to how digital communications, networks, and mobiles impact global and local communities. It also offers recommendations for ministry consideration as well as invites theological reflection with which to inform ministry practice. Conclusion As churches and seminaries consider new questions and challenges introduced by new communications technologies and environments, it is worth remembering that one of the key defining features of humanity is the ability to communicate. As creatures bearing the image of God, humans reflect the communicative nature and capacities endowed by our Creator. All aspects of human activity–including the accomplishment of the principal tasks of the church–involve a communicative dimension. Consequently, whether proclamation (kerygma),
Bibliography Castells, Manuel. 2008. “Afterword.” In Handbook of Mobile Communication Studies, edited by James Everett Katz, 447–451. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Johnson, L., S. Adams, and M. Cummins. 2012. NMC Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Austin, TX: The New Media Consortium.
Fredette, John, Marom Revital, Kurt Steinert, and Louis Witters. 2012. “The Promise and Peril of Hyperconnectivity for Organizations and Societies.” In The Global Information Technology Report 2012: Living in a Hyperconnected World, edited by Soumitra Dutta and Beñat Bilbao-Osorio, 113–119. Geneva: World Economic Forum.
Johnson, L., R. Smith, H. Willis, A. Levine, and K. Haywood. 2011. The 2011 Horizon Report. Austin, TX: The New Media Consortium.
Friedman, Thomas L. 2005. The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Gordon, W. Terrence. 2010. McLuhan: A Guide for the Perplexed. New York: Continuum. Johnson, L., S. Adams Becker, M. Cummins, V. Estrada, A. Freeman, and H. Ludgate. 2013. NMC Horizon Report: 2013 Higher Education Edition. Austin, TX: The New Media Consortium.
McLuhan, Marshall. 1965. Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man. New York: McGraw-Hill. Mele, Nicco. 2013. The End of Big: The Collapse of Power and the Rise of Connection. New York: St. Martin’s Press. Meyrowitz, Joshua. 1985. No Sense of Place: The Impact of Electronic Media on Social Behavior. New York: Oxford University Press. Moran, Terence P. 2010. Introduction to the History of Communication. New York: Peter Lang Publishing. Murray, Janet H. 2012. Inventing the Medium: Principles of Interaction Design as a Cultural Practice. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
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community (koinonia), service (diakonia), advocacy (propheteia), or worship (leitourgia) (Pazmino 2008, 46-55), all these tasks involve communication acts and events which are integrally linked to communications media and technologies. Another point worth remembering is that many of the high points in the life of God’s people were intricately linked to historical developments in human communications. Encoding the spoken Word in written form helped to preserve both Testaments over the ages. Having koine Greek as a common lingua franca enabled the spread of early Christianity across a much larger ethnic and geographic extent than otherwise would have been possible. Circulating written gospels and dictated epistles proved instrumental to the evangelism and discipleship efforts of the apostles. Mechanically inking pages using movable types put the Word of God into the hands of the literate masses. Transmitting radio waves across political borders birthed and nurtured churches under conditions of oppression and persecution. These examples from history serve to illustrate the very intimate, though sometimes overlooked relationship between developments in communications history and the life of the church. These two reminders encourage us that the church can make a difference at a time of rapid global adoption of digital communications technologies and increased communication within digital spaces. Today, the divine imperative to exercise theological guidance, pastoral care, parental responsibility, and missional service dictates that opting out or remaining ignorant in the midst of change are not options offered to churches and seminaries. While the call demands the preservation of integrity and identity in those spaces, it also entails participation, presence, insight, empathy, and influence in an increasingly complex world that churches and seminaries are sent to serve, exist, and make a difference in. 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.
Pazmiño, Robert W. 2008. Foundational Issues in Christian Education: An Introduction in Evangelical Perspective. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. Poe, Marshall. 2011. A History of Communications: Media and Society from the Evolution of Speech to the Internet. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Pouler, Patrick. 1994. “Disciplinary Society and the Myth of Aesthetic Justice.” In Design Review: Challenging Urban Aesthetic Control, edited by Brenda Case Scheer and Wolfgang F. E. Preiser, 175–186. New York: Chapman & Hall. Rainie, Lee, and Barry Wellman. 2012. Networked: The New Social Operating System. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Rogers, Everett M. 1995. Diffusion of Innovations. New York: Free Press. Sweet, Leonard. 2000. Postmodern Pilgrims: First Century Passion for the 21st Century Church. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers.
Tapscott, Don. 2009. Grown up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World. New York: McGraw-Hill. Treloar, Andrew. 1994. “Information Spaces and Affordances on the Internet.” In Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Accessed 5 July 2013 at http://andrew.treloar.net/research/publications/acis94/. Turkle, Sherry. 2011. Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. New York: Basic Books. Witherington, Ben. 2011. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians: A SocioRhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
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Coming of Age One of the most significant milestones in the mission of church planting is when an indigenous church comes of age. We will know that such a time has arrived when we see the following: • The leadership of that church is mostly, if not all, made up of Christians who are citizens of that nation. • The funding of the whole enterprise of that church comes from local sources. • The vision of that church is the fruit of what God has laid upon the leadership. • Eventually, that church evolves a culture that is both Christian and indigenous. Indigenous Leadership The handing over of leadership of the church to the nationals of that country will only come about if there is a conscious and systematic effort to do so, on the part of the foreign mission agency as well as the local believers. There are challenges that face the mission organisation in its attempt to do this. First, the pool of potential leaders is limited, or non-existent, to start with. While a key criterion for leadership is spiritual maturity, the formal education that they
“An indigenous church birthed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, grounded on Scripture, and united in purpose will be able to make significant strides in fulfilling the Great Commission in that nation.”
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receive is equally important. This in itself is not easy to
people tithe. The inflow of funds into the church (and this
come by, if we assume that most church planting missions
is true even of developed countries) is from God; it is not
take place in less developed countries where literacy is
dependent only on the economy of the country. Hence
lacking.
even in less developed countries, if tithing is practised there will be supernatural blessings that will enable the
Leadership of the church is not limited to the ordained
church to grow and fulfil its mission.
clergy. In our Methodist polity, there must also be lay participation at all highest levels of the church. Most clergy
When the practice of tithing is introduced early,
are trained in ministry and theology -specific areas. The
and proper teaching is given about it, then the solid
contribution of laity who are well educated professionals
foundation is laid for the church eventually to be
is vital to a broad based leadership that can also move
financially independent. Tithing is also about seeing
the church towards the transformation and development
how our faith will overcome our human limitations and
of the whole nation. This therefore depends again on
dependence on ourselves.
the general system of education. However, the returning nationals who have studied abroad may be able to fill in
While this is taking place, it does not mean that the foreign
the gap.
mission organisations will stop their funding. There must be a gradual lessening of dependence on them, and
Financial Independence
more on locally raised funds. A progressive plan to transfer
Another important sign of a national church’s coming of
expenditures to the indigenous church will take years to
age is financial independence. What this means is that
fully take effect, to reach the time when they can be fully
the funding of its staff, ministry, and acquisition of physical
independent.
assets is by the contribution of its own membership. There are several factors at play that will affect this development.
The Vision The maturity of the indigenous leadership will also be seen
First, there is the important assuming of this responsibility by
in what they will receive from God regarding what they
the indigenous Christians. When mission first takes place in
are called to do in that country. They will have to set the
a country, the funds come from the people and churches
agenda, following what they believe God has asked them
that send the missionaries over. If the teaching is not done
to do.
early in the life of the church that this funding is not for forever, but must eventually be taken over by the local
In some societies, there is a culture of deference to
Christians, there will develop an unhealthy dependency
foreigners, who also happen to be their benefactors.
mindset.
Hopefully, as they mature, and begin to take increasing ownership of the direction in which they believe the
The second important piece of preparation is teaching the
priorities of the church are, they will be able to relate to
practice of tithing. In mission countries where the economy
the missionaries as equals. This will, however, only come
is under-developed, it may sound as if asking the people
about if the missionaries make a conscious effort to
to give is putting a burden on those who are already living
nurture spiritual maturity enabling them to do so.
below the poverty line. While this may be how it appears, the reality is that tithing is not a matter between the
An Indigenous Christian Culture
church or mission organisation and the members. It is one
Christianity is widely seen as a Western religion. That is not
between the individual Christian and God. The promise of
entirely true, as it is more Middle-Eastern than Western.
God is that He will open the windows of heaven when His
Nevertheless the West is seen as the source. At most times,
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this aspect works against the church when it is
In the end, all of these development of
seen in contrast to what is indigenous.
an indigenous Christian culture must be grounded in Scripture and birthed of the Holy
It takes a long time before Christian elements become part and parcel of the culture in that nation. Here is where symbols play an important part. Many local aspects of culture can continue in the church. There is no need to throw away everything that is local as being pagan. Some fine discernment and study of the origins of the local culture must take place before one decides to discard local symbols and practices. One of the simplest ways of including local culture is the dress, or national costume, especially at Christian events. There should not be an unthinking aping of western ceremonial robes. Another integral part of this transition to an indigenous Christian culture is the worship service. The hymns and songs we sing in worship may initially be translations of what the missionaries bring. But over time, local compositions must be included in the repertoire. The songs should not just be about the lyrics, but also the music, accompanied by indigenous musical instruments.
Spirit. Conclusion These are the key signs of the coming of age of an indigenous church. It is not possible to hurry the process. The Holy Spirit must drive this movement towards autonomy. All other parties involved must be sensitive to His leading and the social, political and economic development of the nation. An indigenous church birthed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, grounded on Scripture, and united in purpose will be able to make significant strides in fulfilling the Great Commission in that nation. Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore
A CLOSING THOUGHT
成熟 植堂最重要的一个里程碑是当地的教会逐渐成熟。这时, 我们 将看到 • 教会大部分或全部的领袖都是当地的基督徒。 • 教会全部的运作经费的由当地承担。 • 教会的异象是上帝赋予教会领袖的果实。 • 教会融合基督教与本土文化，最终教会本土化了。 本土的教会领袖 唯有在海外宣教机构以及当地信徒的自觉和有系统的努力下， 教会领导权才能转移给当地教会领袖。宣教机构在这段权利移 交的酝酿期也会面对许多挑战。 首先，有潜力的领袖有限，或根本不存在。虽然领袖的关键标准 是灵性的成熟性，他们所接受的正规教育也同样重要。假设多 数植堂都是在知识缺乏，较不发达的国家，领袖要具备有这些 条件确实不容易。 教会领袖并不局限于受按立的圣职人员。在卫理公会的体系 里，教会的最高领导层也必须包括信徒领袖。多数的圣职人员 都受过事工培训和特定的神学教育。教会广泛领导层中拥有专 业教育的信徒，在推动教会去促进国家的转化和发展是至关重 要的。当然这也关系到国家的教育系统。然而，留学回归的当地 人或许能够填补这方面的短缺。 经济独立 经济独立是教会成熟的迹象。这意味着教会同工的薪俸，事工 经费，教会实物资产都来自会友的奉献。有几个因素将影响这方 面的发展。 首先，当地信徒必须明白最终需要完全承担经济重任。宣教事 工初期的经费都来自差派宣教士的海外教会和信徒。若一开始 不教育当地教会这类的援助并非永久性，需要对方逐步承担， 将会造成不健康的依赖心态。 其次是教导十一奉献的重要。在经济不发达的国家, 这听起来 好像是增加那些生活在贫困线下信徒的负担。然而,十一奉献并 非教会和信徒之间的事。它是基督徒与神之间的事。神应许祂 的子民，遵行十一奉献者祂必敞开天上的窗户倾福于他。教会 经费有神来供应（即使是在发达国家，也是如此）；它不全依赖 国家的经济发展。因此即使在不发达的国家，若实行十一奉献， 必定会有神奇妙的祝福，教会成长并完成使命。 及早实行十一奉献并给予正确的教导，能使教会奠定稳实的经 济基础，最终经济独立。十一奉献也让我们看到凭借信心如何 克服我们的局限和对我们的依赖。
这不意味着海外宣教机构将终止拨款资助；而是 逐渐减少对海外的经济依赖，更大部分是当地筹 集的经费。完全的经济独立，需要花数年的时间循 序渐进才能完成。 愿景 从神所授予当地领袖在自己国家的使命可看出他 们成熟度。他们需要依照从神领受的使命制定计 划去执行。 一些社群对有恩于他们的外国人格外尊重顺从。 盼望在他们成熟并逐渐接手教会的领导棒时，能 与宣教士平起平坐。因此，宣教士必须积极培育他 们有成熟的灵命。 基督教本土化 基督教广泛被视为西方的宗教 。这不完全正确，因 为它其实偏近中东而非西方。然而西方一直被视为 基督教的发源地。因此教会面对当地文化时会有 很大的张力。 将当地文化融入基督教需要一段时间，但也非常 重要。许多本土文化其实可被教会接受，没有必要 把它视为异教而全数抛弃。在决定废弃当地标记 和习俗前，必须仔细研究其起源和文化。本土文化 最简单的做法就是接受民族服装，尤其是在教会 活动，不应盲目模仿穿着西方的礼袍。 此外，教会的崇拜也应当转化为具有本土化色彩 的崇拜。教会敬赞的诗歌初期可能是翻译自宣教 士带进来的海外创作，但是曲风并没有本色化。经 过一段时间的预备，崇拜也当加入当地曲目，包括 歌词与音乐，并以本土乐器伴奏。 最后，基督教本土化的发展过程还须以圣经为基 础并由圣灵来孕育。 结论 这些都是本土化教会逐渐成熟的关键迹象， 整个 转变过程需要时间酝量，也必须有圣灵的带领。 其他相关的人士必须敏感于圣灵的带领，并对社 会、 政治和经济发展有一定的敏感度。由圣灵孕 育、主领，以圣经为基础，教会的合一，,将能够在 当地完成大使命并取得重大进展。 黄文合牧师（博士） 新加坡卫理公会会督