Harvest Force 2019 issue 1 by MMS1

2019 ISSUE

SOMETHING NEW

For I am about to do something new

FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW. SEE, I HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! DO YOU NOT SEE IT? I WILL MAKE A PATHWAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. I WILL CREATE RIVERS IN THE DRY WASTELAND. ~ Isaiah 43:19, NLT

very so often, some online trends will pop up on our social media! These trends really get people excited and occupied. And inevitably, some people are drawn into a spiral of trends. They may do it just for fun or out of fear of missing out. We see many people doing challenges like from mannequin challenge to ice bucket challenge to kiki challenge. The latest one being the 10-year challenge. Well, there is always something new on social media.

I was intrigued when a friend showed me a photo of my family that was taken ten years ago. There was not much transformation except for a glaring difference – an addition of my younger son who is nine years old this year! In MMS, we also saw growth in numbers over the years since our pioneer days. This year in particular, there are something new. The most significant change is that we have a new Executive Director, Rev Derrick Lau. He serves as the Area Director for Cambodia too. He is also a District Superintendent of TRAC. Read his first HF article on page 2 where he shares on his preliminary thoughts for MMS. May we be encouraged to S.E.R.V.E. the Missio Dei (Mission of God). Moreover, Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng has taken on a new role as a Field & Church Engagement Director, besides being an Area Director for Thailand and Vietnam. Read his article on Church Engagement on page 6. Noel Tam has become an Area Director for Nepal besides being a Home Director. Jacob Cheng is now an Area Director for East Asia, while Rev Teresa Wilborn is an Area Director for Laos and Timor-Leste. Read more about the updates on the other staff and missionaries on page 33. God is constantly doing His work of transformation. We saw God’s goodness and faithfulness through the years in the mission fields and at the home office. And I believe the future will be even better than the past. He will make a pathway through the wilderness, and create rivers in the dry wasteland. God will make a way, and He will provide all that is needed. On page 36, Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung urges us to have a new heart that is willing to be transformed. Perhaps we can take a spiritual snapshot of our lives and ministries for a 10-year challenge, and testify on God’s grace and power guiding us into the new year. Leongheng • Editor

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Email mms@methodist.org.sg Your article may be edited for length, style, and clarity.

“We are sorry for a typographic error in HF 2018 issue 3 on page 28: There were four children who were baptised.”

CONTENTS

02 04

FIRST WORD • Something New WAZZUP! • Country Information • Opportunities to Serve • MMS Banquet 2019

Methodist Missions Society (MMS) is the missions agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore. In 1997, MMS was given the mandate to establish indigenous churches supported by mission endeavours in communities across this region where there is no Methodist presence. Harvest Force is published three times annually and distributed free. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. All information published is correct at time of writing and may subject to change. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version, unless

FEATURE STORY • Participation and Partnerships in Missions • Looking Back to Look Ahead

IELD FEATURES 12 FCAMBODIA • Reflections by MSC Alumni

otherwise stated.

PERMIT NUMBER

ADVISOR Rev Derrick Lau EDITOR Leongheng PROOFREADER Wendy Tan

MCI(P) 110/01/2019

LAOS • Laos Disaster Relief – Aid for the Aiders

MARCH 2019

2019

NEPAL • Reflecting on Mission Trip • Praying with Authority

ISSUE

CHINESE PROOFREADER Goh Tuan Gee

TRANSLATORS Thng Pheng Soon, Koh Wan Yee

THAILAND • Light of the world

PHOTO CREDITS Ashley Ho, David Khew, Derrick Lau, Doris Chan, Helen Sakhan, Irene Lee, Lai Choy Fong, Lam Kok Hiang, Leslie Lim, Loh Han Chew, Low Wee Teck, Richard Lepcha, Sandra Kumarasamy, Selena Oh, Vimala Devi

TIMOR-LESTE • For the love of Timor-Leste

DISTRIBUTION & SUPPORT Eileen Lim, Helen Tan, Tan Poh Ling & Volunteers

VIETNAM • Love and joy from heaven

DESIGNER SNAP! Creative Pte Ltd PRINTER Print & Print Pte Ltd PUBLISHER Rev Derrick Lau 70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 Tel: 6478 4818 • Fax: 6478 4817

MMS IS SOCIAL! Connect with us and never miss an update

mms@methodist.org.sg

www.mms.org.sg mms.org.sg mms.gram

COVER: Dainty wild flowers in an open field in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

• From Mission Conference to Provisional Annual Conference

33 34 36

HOME IN ON... • MMS Family HF SPECIAL • Is It Worth It? CLOSING THOTS • Something New

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

SOMETHING NEW: Some Preliminary Thoughts and Focu W

Rev Derrick Lau 刘作丰牧师 is the Executive Director of MMS. He enjoys taking aerial photography with a drone.

armest greeting in the name of the Incarnate One, the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Let’s pray that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Incarnate One will reign in our lives and that His glory be seen everywhere. John Wesley declared, “You have one business on earth – to save souls.” And he remarked, “Untold millions are still untold.” Currently, millions still have no access to the Gospel! Let’s put our hearts, minds, and hands together to proclaim Christ as the Incarnate One! Personally, I have been privileged to serve in the ministry of reaching out to the community and nations with the love of Christ, and equipping disciples who will in turn reach the lost. As I enter into my 35th year of the pastoral ministry, I shall continue to count on God’s grace and the support of God’s people to navigate through the waters of the various gateways that MMS has developed through these years. I wish to express my appreciation to the Bishop, TRAC President, and the MMS EXCO for their prayers and support for my new role at MMS. I look forward, by the grace of God, and, working in close collaboration with the Home Office staff, MMS EXCO, and the missionaries and their sending churches, to a fruitful and rewarding season of fulfilling our Father’s agenda i.e. to proclaim the love of God to the ends of the earth!

Sensing the Lord’s heartbeat for the New Year? First and foremost, I have been sensing God’s call to sharpen and strengthen the primary ministry of PRAYER for MMS. Praise God for the prayer network that already exists. My predecessors have established a ministry where more than 2,000 Methodists and friends receive our PrayerConnect three times a year. This particular newsletter outlines the key concerns and needs of our mission. Our prayer intercessors form the spiritual anchor (i.e. a reliable or principal support; something that serves to hold an object firmly, according to Merriam-Webster) that strengthens the ongoing ministry of all the entities in the seven countries that we serve. It underscores the indispensable spiritual weapon of prayer within the context of an intensifying warfare that is prevalent in our fields. I sincerely believe that through prayer, God will further sanctify the mission of MMS and enable her to serve His agenda. Hence, I commend and encourage your continued support as well as an expansion of this prayer network to undergird the mission of MMS this year and in the years to come! Let me share some preliminary thoughts concerning my personal sense of the Lord’s prompting for MMS in this New Year. As the Lord leads, I shall share more on these developments with you: Submitting to the Holy Spirit’s direction in terms of our missions focus and direction via prayer, contemplation, and seeking the heart of God both personally and collectively. Currently, the Home Office team gathers weekly for prayers. We are in the process of developing a MMS intercessory ministry to further sharpen and deepen our prayer network to continually discern the Lord’s direction for MMS. Engaging the MMS team, missionaries and our Methodist churches at a deeper level through various conversational platforms culminating into collaborative synergies that will prayerfully and hopefully result in greater, deeper and further reach in our region and beyond!

FIRSTWORD 03

us for 2019—21 Reviewing strategies, policies, and processes to ensure that there is a robust framework in terms of corporate governance, good practices, and smooth operational processes coupled with a spirit of flexibility in responding promptly and creatively to the changing landscape of our mission today. What are the areas that MMS is doing well and where are the gaps that need to be addressed? What are the resources that are required to move MMS into the cutting edge of missions today? Venturing into unchartered waters and sacred spaces where God’s love, justice, and mercy be shared and lives of the people be transformed for His glory! Let’s boldly and courageously plant some footprints in communities and places whenever the Lord opens the doors for our participation. In these matters, let faith arise! Enlarging the tent of God so much so that the incarnational love of Christ might reach deeper and broader to the lost, least, and the last in the seven countries and beyond! We ought not to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of what we are already committed to, but be alert to the new opportunities to extend our reach. We are reminded that the field is indeed ripe for harvest! And “Untold millions are still untold!” For the New Year, let’s gear up to S.E.R.V.E. the Missio Dei (Mission of God).

新构思的雏形 “奉

那道成肉身者的圣名，向各位问安。主就是那位“道成了肉身，居住在我们中间。我们看到了祂的荣耀，正是从父而来的独生子的荣耀，充满了恩典和真理。（约翰福音一：14）” 愿那道成肉身的主统领我们的生命与见证，愿祂的荣耀处处可见。约翰卫斯理曾经宣告说， “你来到世上只有一项任务，就是救灵魂。” 他又说： “千千万万没听闻福音的人，至今还是得不到福音。” 是的，现今还是有千千万万的人无法接触到福音！让我们同心协力向世人宣告，基督就是道成肉身的那一位！因着基督的恩典，我有机会投入社区和数个国家的外展事工，并装备门徒去接触迷失的一群。在迈入牧养事工第三十五年之际，我将继续依靠上帝的恩典和祂子民的支持，通过卫理宣教会已开发的众多渠道，继续拓展上帝的事工。我要感谢会督、三一年议会会长以及卫宣的执委，为我在卫宣的新角色给予积极的代祷与极力的支持。我也期待靠着上帝的恩典，与国内办公室同工、宣教士，以及他们的差派教会紧密合作，完成天父所委托的任务，把上帝的大爱传到地级！

感受到主耶稣在新一年的心意吗？我在接受这项新的委任时，感受到上帝要我加强卫宣的祷告事工。在历届执行主任所建立的框架下，超过两千名卫理宗信徒和友伴每年都会收到三期的代祷刊物－PrayerConnect，这份代祷刊物分享我们主要关怀的事项与需要。我们的代祷勇士组成了灵命支柱，大大支援了我们在七个国家的宣教事工。在属灵争战日益加剧的禾场上，让“祷告”这件不可或缺的武器，得到加倍的凸显。我坚信藉着祷告，上帝会继续圣化卫理宣教会的事工，祂的计划也得以落实。因此，恳请各位继续在祷告中支持我们，同时也协助我们扩大祷告网，藉祷告在灵里支援卫宣今后一系列的事工。我还要在这里跟大家分享个人初步从神那里的领受，就是祂在新的一年给予卫理宣教的指引。往后我还会在“禾丰”中跟进神如何带领卫理宣教会的发展。 1）藉着我们的祷告，同心寻求上帝的心意，将宣教计划与方向降服于圣灵的指引。首先，办公室团队当每周一起祷告，以后还能发展代祷事工，一起寻求、明白主对卫理宣教会的心意。 2）通过不同的对话平台，连接卫理宣教会的团队、宣教士与卫理教会，成为强大的队工，在宣教禾场上发挥更深远的影响力。 3）定期检讨事工策略、政策及进程，以确保各事工的推展都在一个负责任的框架下进行，获得很好的监管，实践与顺利的进展，同时在宣教上具备及时及创意的应对能力。 4）具备勇气到较不熟悉的环境，向人们分享上帝的大爱、公义和怜悯，让他们的生命得以转化。 5）扩展上帝的帐幕。让卫宣七个宣教国家中的迷失者，鲜闻福音者及身份卑微者都能领受到基督道成肉身的大爱。

在新的一年里，让我们都充满热诚，把从上帝而来的领受落实到祂的宣教事工中！

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

Country Information To find out more about the different fields, please email the respective persons at these email addresses: Cambodia jeremy.choo@methodist.org.sg East Asia hazel.mui@methodist.org.sg Laos

david.khew@methodist.org.sg

Nepal noel.tam@methodist.org.sg Thailand david.khew@methodist.org.sg Timor-Leste

lichun.woo@methodist.org.sg koheng.quek@methodist.org.sg

Vietnam

Opportunities to Serve IN THE FIELD The fields are ready for harvesting – but there are so few labourers. In all seven countries that MMS has chosen, we continue to be needful for the following: • More fulltime missionaries to join us! We are asking the Lord to send pastors, church planters, ministry workers, mentors, and teachers. • Short term workers who are willing to spend between two weeks and six months to help one of our missionaries. Please raise your own financial support. • More importantly, passionate prayer partners to pray for our ministries and missionaries.

For more information about these opportunities, kindly email mms@methodist.org.sg. Be in prayer with us as we seek God’s direction to challenge and mobilise our Methodist community to serve Christ.

What to do if you sense the LORD calling you into His mission field: 1. Tell your pastor and ask him/her to help examine your

calling to missions. 2. If your church pastor and leaders affirm your calling

and are prepared to support – praise the Lord! Call MMS straight away.

WAZZUP! 05

Cambodia

• Secondary and primary school teachers, property manager, youth workers, and children’s ministry workers at COSI. • Trained social workers as well as Children’s & Youth Ministry workers for COSI. • Prayer and financial supporters for pastors of the Methodist Church in Cambodia as they are receiving below the national minimum wage and have to be bivocational. • Trainers and volunteers to support market place ministry and consider joining BAMBOO (www.bamboofoundation.sg). • Missionaries who are willing to be trained in making disciples in our ministries. East Asia

• Professional trainers to conduct enrichment courses on leadership development, family, marriage, and parenting skills. • Partners to support social work and community development programme. Laos

• A trained Early Childhood Educator (ECE) for teaching at the Singapore Mission School (SMS) Kindergarten. • Two or three Primary teachers familiar with the Singapore curriculum to teach the primary classes at SMS. Teachers can opt to serve a one-year term or longer. • Experienced volunteer English teacher to help at SMS.

• Short-term volunteers to provide English, Science or Mathematics tuition for Grade 10-12 students in the Sundermeier Home. • With more than 120 students enrolled, we seek more sponsors for the poor and needy students at Sundermeier Home and St Paul Methodist School. Vietnam

• An assistant pastor, pastor assistant or ministry staff with theological studies to serve in International Christian Fellowship (ICF). • Tentmakers, social entrepreneurs, teachers, and professionals to worship and serve in ICF. • Mission teams to visit ICF.

AT HOME You can also come alongside as Mission Partners and Volunteers (MPV) at home to encourage and empower God’s work and workers to incarnate the love of Jesus Christ to make a difference in the mission fields. Communications & Publications

• Be an English-Chinese translator. • Be a photographer. • Be a graphic designer. • Be a web designer. Office Assistance

• Be our MMS Event Coordinator. • Be part of our fund raising efforts to enable missions. Financial Assistance

Nepal

• A TTC graduate to serve at Caleb Bible Institute on a short-term attachment. • Ministry staff to serve as spiritual counsellors and mentors for Sophia’s Home on short field assignments.

• Be a sponsor through the Student Sponsorship Schemes. Please refer to page 31.

Thailand

• Short term help (Primary English and Math) for Rangsit, and Songroi-pi tuition centres. • Qualified English, Chinese, and Math teachers to conduct teachers’ training at Vineyard Methodist School and Little Candles School. • Mission teams to conduct evangelistic events, community services, etc at our Methodist churches. Timor-Leste

• Teachers willing to volunteer for one year to provide instruction for Grade 7 to 10 students at the St Paul Methodist School. Or for at least a month to mentor local teachers in basic curriculum design and instructional strategies.

MMS Banquet 2019 MMS is having our next biennial fund-raising MMS My Father’s Business Banquet on 25 August 2019 (Sunday) at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung is our Guest of Honour. We hope to fill the banquet with business people and professionals who will help us to raise funds for our work and ministry in the seven mission fields. Please keep this fund-raising event in prayer. If you would like to contribute, please refer to page 31.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

CHURCH ENGAGEMENT

PARTICIPATION and PARTNERSHIP

Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng is the Field & Church Engagement Director in MMS, and the MMS Area Director for Thailand and Vietnam. He is a member of Charis Methodist Church. He treasures the time spent playing with his four grandchildren. This article was jointly contributed to by Woo Li Chun, a member of Wesley Methodist Church.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in the February 2019 issue of Methodist Message.

MS was established as the first homegrown denomination-based missionary-sending agency on 30 September 1991 by the Methodist Church in Singapore. The mandate given in the Book of Discipline (BOD) states that “the primary mission of the Society shall be to establish indigenous churches where none currently exists.” It also states that “the Society shall work with local churches as its partner to promote the service opportunities and needs of the mission fields selected by the Society as well as to ensure that missionaries are adequately cared for.”(BOD Section VIII Article 371) Over the last 27 years, God’s favour and faithfulness have been evident throughout the ministries in the seven mission fields established by MMS in Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. MMS adopts an integrated approach of Church Planting (CP) and Community Development (CD) with the transformation of both lives and communities as the desired outcomes. Community projects include student hostels in Cambodia and Timor-Leste; schools in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Timor-Leste; and children’s homes in Cambodia, Nepal, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. All these initiatives have been made possible by the dedication and commitment of our missionaries in the fields and through the participation and partnership of local churches in Singapore as well as the generous donors and sponsors for our various projects. Not resting on our laurels, MMS recognises that much more needs to be done. MMS has embarked on an intentional and deliberate approach to fully engage our local churches to participate and partner MMS as the ministry

FEATURESTORY 07

PS in Missions

opportunities in our mission fields increase. Ministry opportunities include serving in the mission fields as missionaries, church partnerships in major projects and church planting efforts, short-term mission trips by teams from our local churches, and through financial support and prayer. To assist our local churches, MMS will provide leadership and support to their missions programmes when called upon. With greater emphasis placed on governance and financial control measures, MMS will be able to provide greater financial transparency in the area of fund–raising and management of funds intended for the mission fields. Serving in MMS includes committing time and resources as stewards of God. MMS acknowledges the many who are faithfully serving in our committees. These include our Finance, Personnel, Training, Education, and Building Construction & Maintenance Committees. They provide an important and essential service to the many programmes and projects in our mission fields. Together with the Home Office staff, they look after the training needs, member care for our missionaries, and compliance with governance and financial guidelines. As we enter into the New Year and a new season, MMS recognises and affirms the need for a greater

participation and partnership with our churches. She desires to be the agency of choice of our Methodist churches in Singapore and will fulfil its responsibilities accordingly. “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

PRAY • Pray for MMS missionaries and their families in the mission fields. • Pray for MMS leadership both in the field and at the Home Office. • Pray for a greater participation and partnership with our Methodist churches.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 â&#x20AC;¢ 1

RETIRED MISSIONARIES

LOOKING BACK to Look Ahead

FEATURESTORY 09

ecently, some missionaries retired and returned home after completing their service in the mission fields. HF caught up with Lai Choy Fong (East Asia), Doris Chan (Cambodia), and Vimala Devi (Cambodia) to find out more about them, and hopefully to glean some wisdom from them as we move forward. HF: Hi Choy Fong (CF), Doris (DC), and Vimala (VD), thanks for your faithful service in the mission fields. How many years were you with MMS? What ministry were you involved in? CF: I was with MMS from May 2007 to September 2017. From 2007 to 2010, I was stationed in LY, FZ. We ran an English Language Centre to teach children English from primary to secondary levels. Summer camps were organised for about 100 children. In addition, we ran a hostel as an outreach point to the poor and needy students from the villages. On weekends, I travelled to the city to partner with a

local church and conducted an English Fellowship for university students. I also studied the Bible with the core leaders and helped them to plan Bible study materials for discussion. From 2010 to 2017, I was stationed in NC, JX. Similarly, I was involved in teaching English at an English Language Centre and studied the Bible with university students. In addition, I helped the church leaders to plan the preaching schedule and church programmes. DC: I was with MMS for 20 years (1998 - 2018). During this time, I was involved in the Methodist School of Cambodia, Cambodian Methodist Bible School, and COSI Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village. VD: I was with MMS over the last 19 years, since September 1999. I was attached to the Methodist School of Cambodia. My main scope was with the kindergarten where I trained my staff and prepared all the lessons with relevant teaching materials, worksheets, and activities. I also guided other

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

MISSIONS IS NOT WHAT WE CAN DO FOR GOD BUT WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH US.

staff from the local Methodist churches to plan and start kindergartens. For example, I helped to start and oversaw the work of a kindergarten at Prek Tual Methodist Church with Barker Road Methodist Church. I prepared and conducted special Christian Education programmes for the primary and secondary school holidays. I helped to start a Girls’ Brigade for the secondary school pupils and conducted the programmes for many years. I was in charge of hospitality and hosted teams that went to help the school. I helped my church, Christ Methodist Church, to liaise with its sponsored church, Krang Svay Methodist Church, especially with its Education Fund, and guided the various pastors over the years. What were you doing before joining MMS? CF: I was an architect. DC: Before joining MMS I was a Lay Ministry Staff at Faith Methodist Church for 19 years. Prior to that, I was a primary school teacher for 11 years.

VD: I was a preschool teacher at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In 1998, after a 40-day fast, I had a special dream about going to Cambodia. What were some happy and sad moments you experienced in the field? CF: Happy moments were when people responded to the gospel and accepted Jesus. Happy when I was helping people to grow in their faith. I was happy when pastors and leaders were fervent and faithful. Sad moments were when children were neglected by parents who left them at home to seek work in the city. I was sad to see the moral decline and breakdown of the family unit even among Christians. DC: Happy times were times when I did fun things with the Cambodians, like cooking and baking. Making puppets for the children’s ministry, and teaching and training Sunday School teachers from different churches. Sad moments were when I had to say goodbye to my four-legged companions.

FEATURESTORY 11

VD: Happy moments were when I was working with children and doing preschool work. I enjoyed preparing special programmes. I was happy when two teachers came to me to accept Christ. Sad moments were public holidays when it was very boring. In 2006 January, my youngest sister passed away. Thank God I was with her. After the funeral and clearing her things from school and home, I went back to Cambodia, but I seemed to have lost heart. One night, I told God I could not continue the work and wanted to go home. Next morning, I felt Jesus in my room telling me, “You want to go home, but your sister is not in Singapore but with me and I am with you.” I felt so refreshed and I told Him that I would serve Him as long as He wanted me to. What advice would you give to the newer and younger missionaries? CF: Understand the culture - both church and ethnic. What you know and have learnt back home may not necessarily be good for the church or suitable for them. Know God’s heart and timing so that we can do the right thing at the right time. Learn to take risks with dependence on God. Always be ready for the unexpected. DC: Go forth with an open heart and mind. Be open to take on any ministry opportunity. It is amazing how God prepares us and leads us to doing things that we would not in the past have thought we could do. Trust God to lead you and to provide for everything you need. When we are in God’s will, we will never lack anything that we need. He is faithful. VD: This is the Lord’s ministry and only with His approval and guidance can the blessings flow. We have to ask and wait upon the Lord. What were your feelings as you were preparing to return to your home country? CF: In a way, I was glad to be home but there was also a sense of loss because there was still much that needs to be done with unfulfilled plans for the ministry there. DC: I had mixed feelings at first but as my decision became firm and as I prepared for my exit, I had a deep peace within. I was sad to leave but I was also looking forward to the next phase of my life. VD: At first I was heartbroken, and didn’t know what to do. I committed this to the Lord and He gave me a verse that spoke to me: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12) After so many years in this country, I had put all my hope in this work, not realising that it had become my comfort zone. But God has given

me desires and dreams. I enjoy craft, cooking, and working with friends. So I can start to connect once again with my friends and classmates, and have fun with them while being the light and salt amidst them. What were you looking forward to and what were you dreading? CF: My next phase of life… what does God want? I am lagging behind in all areas due to the long time away from home: technology, ways of doing things in Singapore, and entering back to ‘Singapore culture’. DC: I am looking forward to having more opportunities to meet up with people who have had an important place in my life during these past 20 years. I have many senior friends that I want to spend time with. I am also looking forward to providing some form to leadership to the two small groups that I am part of. VD: I am looking forward to a life without having to pack, checking the weight of my luggage, or rushing to get to work. Now I can relax at home and plan for my holiday or join my mission team. I’m dreading having to discard the many things I collected over the last 19 years. How can we be praying with you? CF: While I am not stationed in a country, I would still like to be involved in missions. I want to be a part of what God is doing in the nations. Pray for the right opportunities and places to go to. DC: Pray that my new season will be just as exciting as the past one. VD: Pray for me to enjoy my retirement by being daily refreshed by the Lord. Good health and good relationship with family, church, and friends. What is one thing our readers should know about missions? CF: It is understanding God’s heart for the nations and making use of every opportunity to go in whatever capacity, gift or skill God has given you. It is not just about you touching lives of people there in unexpected ways but also you experiencing God’s work in your life. DC: Missions is doing what God is doing through us to reach out to people with His love and His gift of salvation. VD: Missions is not what we can do for God but what God can do through us. Every field is different and every individual is different. The missionary on the field knows the field and the people and they can be helpful. But waiting on God can reveal His ideas and plans on how we can fit in despite our limitations.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

CAMBODIA

REFLECTIONS by an MSC Alumnus I

Helen Sakhan is working in the Methodist School of Cambodia. She loves jokes and memes. Her life slogan is “Work for a cause not for applause. Live life to express not to impress.”

I AM GRATEFUL TO MSC FOR MOULDING ME TO BE WHO I AM TODAY.

Editor’s note: You may want to read more about the Methodist School of Cambodia 20th anniversary celebration in the March 2019 issue of Methodist Message.

t was a great experience to organise the 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service for the Methodist School of Cambodia (MSC). Planning for this big event was done a year ahead. It was great to see the alumni who came to witness how gracious and marvellous God has been to MSC. We stood strong for the past 20 years and we will continue to stand tall for many more years ahead. Besides the Director of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the event was attended by church leaders, friends, and many alumni. The alumni were excited to attend this event. Though they had graduated a long time ago, they had never forgotten MSC. They were very proud to be members of the MSC family. Looking back, 19 October 2018 felt like yesterday. The whole year of planning was a big stretch for me. I was stressed up and burning out one month before the event. As a perfectionist, I wanted everything to be done perfectly. Feeling emotionally unstable, I felt angry and bitter. But I cried out quietly to God who was faithful. He assured me that He was my source of strength, and that I was not alone. I learnt to lean on God, take up His yoke, and trust Him completely. Matthew 11:28 (NIV) says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I was glad that I went through all the planning and execution of this event with God. It was awesome when everything went on well and when I glimpsed the smiles and satisfaction on everyone’s face. All the hard work had been paid off so well. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” I was delighted to see many alumni making it to this moment of joy together. Many of them had to take leave from work like a month ahead. One of them was someone from my batch. He is a Pilot for JC Airlines and he had to make sure that his boss allowed him to take leave on that day. This is the passion we have for our school. Here are some reflections from two alumni. Kosal Chansakvitou, who currently serves as a Director of the Office of Public Affairs, Communications, and Alumni of the University of Cambodia, wrote to me. He is one of the first batch of students in MSC, and my classmate of course. He said, “My first school was MSC. It was more than a place to provide me with bountiful education; it was where I call Home. There are no words to express what MSC means to me. The friends and teachers I got to know through school activities became my family members. My parents were so proud of sending me to the right school. I can still clearly remember my first day at school. My life story began here in MSC. The visit to the school brought back old memories to me. Seeing the new buildings, playground, faces, and uniforms, I was overwhelmed and flooded with emotions. It reminded me of how long I had been away from this special place. Of course, there were many good and bad times that happened here. Whatever happened, I am grateful to MSC for moulding me to be who I am today. If you ask me what MSC is to me, I will surely answer straight back to you that I am proud to be a part of the MSC family.”

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Another alumnus from the first batch is Hak Gentryman. Currently a Supply Chain Officer at SIKA (Cambodia) Ltd, he shared, “MSC was my first school. I can still remember the first day at school. I stepped into the class and was delighted to see the new environment, teachers, and friends. Every day was filled with happiness and enjoyment. I always missed what I used to do in MSC back then. I never knew that those kids, whom I first got to know at the beginning of my life, would become my lifelong best friends. We played, learned, and grew up together. I am glad to be part of your story, MSC.” We always remember this: “Once an MSC-er, always an MSC-er!” All glory be to God!

PRAY • Pray for the leadership and teachers of the school. • Pray for Christian witnesses to shine.

SERVE The Methodist School of Cambodia needs teachers, administrators, engineers, healthcare workers, and IT specialists. Be a part of the team to touch young lives and bring hope through education.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

CAMBODIA

From MISSION CONFERENCE to PR I

Ashley Ho is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms. She loves looking at cats as they give her a calming effect.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in the October 2018 issue of Methodist Message.

t was a significant moment in the history of The Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC) when it progressed from being a Mission Conference to being a Provisional Annual Conference (PAC). Being a PAC is an indication that the MCC is ready to stand independently and, in time, run fully on its own as an Annual Conference. Held from 4 to 7 September 2018, the 10th Annual Missions Conference and the first Provisional Annual Conference of MCC was chaired by the Presiding Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). The partnering churches were represented by Bishop Larry M. Goodpastor of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church (GBGM-UMC), Bishop Dr James Kwang of the World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC) and the Chinese Methodist Church in Australia, and Bishop Lee Chul of the Korean Methodist Church (KMC). Besides the lay delegates and clergy from MCC, delegates from five agencies (GBGM-UMC, Connexio, MMS, WFCMC, and KMC) as well as other guests were among the over 100 witnesses to this historic moment. During the conference, the mission superintendent, district superintendents, boards, and agencies delivered their reports on the previous year. Elections of the various board chairpersons and their committee members were also held. An exciting milestone was reached when the first President, Rev Lun Sophy, together with the first Lay Leader, Leng Thy, and first Conference Secretary, Rev Svay Youtheroath, were elected to serve on the first PAC. In his maiden speech, Rev Sophy emphasised how important it was for all in the body of Christ to work together: “We are in the same boat. It’s not the leader who rows the boat. Some have to bail water out of the boat, and everyone shares the responsibility of rowing the boat… I pray that all of you will continue to pray for MCC and work together to move it forward.” The four-day session was rounded off with a closing service, which saw the installation of Rev Sophy, and the ordination of new deacons and elders. The MCC will now embark on its new standing as a PAC. There will be numerous roles and responsibilities to be fulfilled, but with God’s help, we look forward to it becoming a full Annual Conference in time to come. To God be the glory!

Rev Lun Sophy is elected as the first President of the first PAC. The Presiding Bishop Dr Chong, Bishop Goodpastor, Bishop Kwang, Bishop Lee, and Mission Superintendent, Rev Sok Sovandy, pray for him.

A choir, comprising members from the various agencies, performs a song item.

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OVISIONAL Annual Conference

The MCC clergy, together with the bishops, line up for the procession before the ordination service.

Rev Lun Sophy is installed by Bishop Dr Chong, Bishop Goodpastor, and Bishop Kwang. Behind him is his wife, Ms Yuwath Lim.

Bishop Dr Chong administers Holy Communion on the first day.

There are several election processes, including the election of the lay leader, conference secretary, various board chairpersons and their committee members.

More than 100 delegates, including lay delegates, clergy from MCC and observers from the 5 agencies (MMS, GBGM, UMC, Connexio, KMC and WFCMC) attended the conference.

The 10th Mission Conference is officially declared closed and the first Provisional Annual Conference Session of MCC is opened.

“We truly believe that the work (MCC’s progression to a PAC) is not finished. It is just the beginning of the next stage. We still need to remain in unity, to serve in love, and to strive together within the parts we are called to do.” — Bishop Dr Chong, in his greeting message “The first thing I will do is to equip pastors and churches to focus more on discipleship. Then I would like to help the pastors and churches better understand the Methodist liturgy, to help them make the most of their time of worship and to learn to revere God.” — Rev Lun Sophy, on his plans as a newly-elected President “I was so heartened to see MCC become a PAC, and am eager to see what the Khmer people can achieve in the future. But everything depends on God while we do our best; our success lies in God’s hands.” — Leng Thy, elected lay leader

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

LAOS

LAOS DISASTER RELIEF – Aid for th A

David Khew is on staff with MMS and supports the ministry in Thailand and Laos as Country Coordinating Officer. He worships at Grace Methodist Church.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in the November 2018 issue of Methodist Message. The information is correct at time of writing.

hydroelectric dam in Southeast Laos collapsed on 23 July 2018, leading to widespread destruction TOGETHER, and displacement of villagers throughout the WE ARE ABLE province of Attapeu. In the days following the disaster, more than 3,000 Lao people clung from TO SHARE GOD’S trees and rooftops as they awaited rescue. At LOVE AND MERCY TO least 31 died and scores are unaccounted for. THOSE IN GREATEST Hundreds of homes were washed away in one of Laos’ poorest areas. Relief efforts continue to be NEED. hampered by heavy rains, washed-out bridges, and impassable roads. The Methodist Church in Singapore responded to an appeal made by MMS by donating $38,085 to support the purchase and distribution of food, first aid, and hygiene supplies to flood victims. On 10 September 2018, Pastor J, from Lao Evangelical Church (LEC), and I flew to Pakse, a small city located about 700km south of Vientiane. Our mission was to scout out traversable routes into the flooded areas and to source for food and emergency supplies needed by those who had been left homeless. During our flight, two Chinese nationals seated across the aisle from us overhead our conversation and asked if we were Lao government officials. When we told them we were from the Church in Laos and Singapore, one of them shared that he had lived in Singapore for many years ago. They were keen to hear about our plans for crisis relief work, and even expressed a desire to make a small donation. After our plane had landed, one of the Chinese gentlemen reached into his luggage. I was dumbfounded when he passed me US$1,000 (S$1,385) for our relief work. Praise God for this extraordinary act of kindness! In Pakse, we were met by another local LEC pastor, who briefed us on the conditions and arranged transport for us the next day. We started the next leg of our journey before dawn and finally arrived in Attapeu town where we were able to buy food and supplies. Following the advice of the local pastor, we loaded our small truck with a hundred 10-kg packets of glutinous rice and basic necessities like torchlights, crockery and knives.

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he Aiders We then headed to a refugee camp at Sanamxay that had been set up to house families from villages that had been completely destroyed by flood waters and mudslides. Most had been rescued or escaped with only the clothes on their backs. Our trip to the camp, which normally took 45 minutes, took more than two hours because heavy rains had turned the badly-damaged roads into a slippery, deeply-rutted quagmire. When we finally arrived at Sanamxay, we were as happy as the people who poured from their tents to greet us! While they were grateful for the white rice supplied by other international relief agencies, they were overjoyed to receive the tasty glutinous rice. The flood victims were glad to be alive but after more than a month in cramped makeshift shelters, many were beginning to suffer from headaches and skin diseases. They are not accustomed to eating instant noodles and canned food such as sardines and processed meats. Many were sleep-deprived because of the noise from living in close quarters with so many others. They requested for fishing equipment and more torchlights so that they could go into the jungle to trap frogs, fish and animals. They wanted to be able to catch their own food and live simply in the jungle. On our return trip from Sanamxay, the Lord’s hand of mercy kept us from harm—not once, but twice. On a slippery and muddy stretch of the road, a huge truck laden with supplies was travelling in the opposite direction from ours when a dog dashed across the road. The truck driver intuitively swerved into our path to avoid hitting the dog. I was sure we were going to be hit, but he managed to avoid a head-on collision. As we continued our journey to Pakse airport, three fat ducks suddenly waddled into the path of our truck. Our driver swerved and as our vehicle began to slide, he jammed on the gas pedal to restore control. I heard three thuds from under our truck. I cringed, but whispered, “Thank you, God, for keeping us safe.” Due to the poor road conditions and two close shaves, we arrived at Pakse airport with only 15 minutes to spare before the flight was scheduled to take off. We jumped out of the truck and ran to the check-in counter but no staff were around. When we looked out onto the tarmac, we saw the last few passengers boarding our plane. We managed to rush to the glass door that led out to the tarmac without being stopped by security officers.

Thankfully, the ground staff noticed Pastor J and me, and returned to process our boarding passes. Working alongside local pastors throughout this relief effort has helped the Christian Church gain credibility and trust from village chiefs and government officials. Together, we are able to share God’s love and mercy to those in greatest need.

UPDATE Currently, 14 orphans are benefitting from the funds that were raised for the floor relief. These children lost their parents during the flood. If you would like to contribute, please make your cheques payable to “The Methodist Church in Singapore (MMS)” and indicate “Laos Disaster Relief” on the back of the cheque.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

NEPAL

REFLECTING on Mission Trip S

ix members of Sengkang Methodist Church went on a mission trip to Nepal from 20 to 26 November 2018. This was the first trip to Nepal for the church as a team to visit our own missionary, GS, and his family. The first three days, the team spent time with him and his family to understand the culture of the country and his ministries in Kathmandu. For the rest of the trip, we joined Barker Road Methodist Church on their medical work in Patlekhet.

Lai Choy Fong worships and serves in Sengkang Methodist Church. She is a former Missionary with MMS.

TWO DEEPLY ETCHED IMPRESSIONS: Tour of Pashupatinath Temple We visited the Pashupatinath Temple and the market place in Kathmandu. The nation is steeped in idol worship. It reminded me of Paul’s experience in Athens in Acts 17 when he saw the idols in the city. The city is full of idols and people are very religious. We took a walk in the city and noticed shrines everywhere. Even a fire hydrant was worshipped as a god because it looked like one of their gods. The people have exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling man and animals. As I reflect on this: Are we any better off here in Singapore? Though physical idols are not prevalent in our streets, there are also other idols we are worshipping - the god Mammon is just as prevalent in our lives.

Worship of the unknown god - a fire hydrant

Medical Works in Patlekhet On the second day of medical work, there were many people who came and we were An idol in the middle of a street a little overwhelmed in our handling of the crowd. As I helped to dispense medicine, I was reminded of the crowds that came to Jesus for healing and how Jesus had compassion on them and healed them. How much compassion do I have for these people who do not know God, the Lord of heaven and earth who does not live in temples made by men?

Dental and Medical teams in action

A large crowd queueing for medical treatment. “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mark 6:34)

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Sengkang and Barker Road team members

SERVING TOGETHER AS ONE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST: During the trip, we not only got to work together with brothers and sisters from Barker Road Methodist Church but we also served the community alongside the Nepalese Christians. At the hotel where we stayed, we met an elderly couple from Netherlands, who have also been involved in missions both in India and Nepal. People from different countries all serving God together is like a light shining in the darkness of this nation.

ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER Last but not least, perhaps the most important aspect of this trip is the encouragement and support given by us to GS and his family. GS is a missionary from Sengkang Methodist Church. He is the Country Director of Nepal. I believe the encouragement was mutually felt as he shared his struggles he faced and the blessings he and his family had experienced, as well as the challenges ahead as the family prepares for home-coming in 2020. For me, going on a mission trip is not about what I can give to the people there but what I see and experience of how God is at work in that place. It is always for me a step back from the humdrum of life. It is a reality check of where I am in my own journey with God.

PRAY • Pray for our pastors and believers that they will be deeply rooted in the word of God and in faith as the country begins to show signs of social pressure against Christians. • Pray for protection over the believers in Nepal. • Pray that the Gospel will continue to flourish in the midst of such pressure. • Pray for the discipleship of the youth and young adults as we build the next generation of disciples for the Lord. Sengkang team with GS and family

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NEPAL

PRAYING with Authority W

Richard Lepcha serves in the Worship Team in Wesley Bardan Methodist Church (WBMC) in Kathmandu, Nepal. WBMC is the first Methodist church planted by MMS in Nepal. He has recently completed the School of Ministry in Tung Ling Bible School and has returned to his home church to continue serving the Lord.

hen I read the amazing testimonies of students of the School of Ministry (SOM) at Tung Ling Bible School (TLBS) in its magazine, Polished Shaft, about how they had experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit and how Jesus had touched their lives, I prayed for similar encounters in my life. God answers prayer! With TLBS’ confirmation and the approval of my student visa, God affirmed His plans for me. I was only 18 years old, had just completed the equivalent of A-Levels in Nepal, and had never been away from my family for an extended time. But God provided people who prayed for and helped me. TLBS sponsored my course fee, and some Pentecost Methodist Church members paid for my flight to Singapore and living expenses. SOM’s teaching has given me a better understanding of worship. I have learnt to hear His voice and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. My walk with Jesus has been greatly enriched. I have also learnt to pray powerfully and with authority. About a year ago, a friend who was part of my church worship team stopped coming to church. I tried but failed to contact him. When a speaker at the youth service at Christ Methodist Church, which I attended during my time in SOM, invited us to pray for a friend who had gone astray, this friend immediately came to mind. After praying, I dreamt of meeting him and hugging him as tears of joy flowed freely. When I woke up, I asked God, “Are you trying to tell me something?” WHEN I WOKE UP, My dad encouraged me to contact my I ASKED GOD, “ARE friend again. I was pleasantly surprised when he responded. I told him about my dream, and YOU TRYING TO TELL how much our God loves him. He shared that he

ME SOMETHING?”

Editor’s note: This article was first published in the October 2018 issue of Methodist Message.

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regretted leaving the church and missed his friends at the youth service. I am thankful that God is using me to bring back a lost sheep. God never gives up, so I should continue to pray for my friend till he returns fully to Christ. I need to place my trust in Jesus; there will be challenges in my life but “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

PRAY • Pray that I will continue to walk closely with Jesus and be empowered by the Holy Spirit. • Pray that my friend will return to church, fully repentant and committed to serving our Lord. • Pray that more youth of our Methodist churches in Nepal will have an opportunity to attend short theological courses such as SOM.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

THAILAND

LIGHT of the world Y

Irene Lee worships at Grace Methodist Church. She loves being a Sunday School teacher and teaching Scripture verses using wellloved tunes.

ou are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor WE do people light a lamp and put it under a WANTED TO basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let BE STREET SIGNS your light shine before others, so that OR LIGHTS POINTING they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. THE PEOPLE WITH (Matthew 5:14-16) WHOM WE CAME From these verses, I was reminded INTO CONTACT TO that it was no accident that I was a part of the Grace Methodist Church (GMC) JESUS. team that went to Chiang Mai on a teaching mission - in partnership with MMS. Led by Sandra, our team (Chio Dee, Fred, Cheryl, Joey, and I) went to Vineyard Methodist School (VMS) to teach English to the school teachers during their school holidays in mid-October 2018. This was the second time that GMC members tied up with MMS to improve the English proficiency of VMS staff. I proudly thought, “Here am I, come to teach you what I know well.” But God reminded me that I am also a light of the world, not because of what I think I know well, but because I am handcrafted, redeemed, restored, and refined by the original Light of the world who takes away all of the darkness that tries to dominate me. And the charming, friendly, and hospitable people I met taught me instead that they are also God’s creation; they are the world mentioned in John 3:16 whom He loves just as He loves me and whom He does not want to perish.

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I shared this with the team during our morning devotion. What could we as a team do as a light for this world that we were in then? Did the teachers see in us the God whom we serve when we were teaching them English and interacting and having fun with them? We did not want people to say, “What great people these Christians are! Look at all the things they are doing to help us.” Rather we wanted them to say, “What a great God they follow!” We wanted to make it clear that the reason why we were doing “good deeds” (Matthew 5:16) was because we were following Jesus. We wanted to be street signs or lights pointing the people with whom we came into contact to Jesus. I pray we did.

PRAY • Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance for our staff to help students with learning challenges. • Pray for our preparation to extend the school to secondary level. • Pray for funds to renovate the canteen and add more kindergarten classrooms. • Pray for the salvation of our staff, students, and parents who are not Christians. • Pray for the outreach projects by our staff to share the love of Christ to the neighbourhood.

VISIT Address: 460, Mu 9, Sansainoi, Sansai, Chiang Mai. Thailand 50210 Website: www.vms.ac.th

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

TIMOR-LESTE

For the LOVE OF TIMOR-LESTE T

Selena Oh worships at Wesley Methodist Church and is an alumnus of Methodist Girls School. She is a PR/ marketing consultant in tourism and hospitality. She enjoys long walks, music, theatre, gastronomic adventures, scouring the globe and discovering what makes people tick and places buzz.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in the January 2019 issue of Wesley Tidings of Wesley Methodist Church.

imor-Leste is probably more known for its turbulent LOVE political history than for anything else. Occupying half the island of Timor, the Republic gained DEMANDS A independence from Indonesia in 2002. Prior to that, SACRIFICE. FOR THE it was ruled by Portugal from the 16th century to LOVE OF TIMOR, WE 1975. One of the poorest countries in the world, HAVE DECIDED TO Timor-Leste is a mountainous land ringed by coral MAKE TIMOR OUR reefs teeming with marine life — excellent diving HOME. sites — and has rich oil resources, and a population of 1.2 million. The official languages are Tetum and Portuguese while Indonesian and English are business languages. Timor-Leste is 98 per cent Catholic and 1 per cent Protestant. First Mission Trip Wesley Methodist Church organised its first mission trip to Timor-Leste on 15-19 September 2018. Our group of five, which consisted of Team Leader Pauline Yek, Pastoral Team Member of Wesley Missions Ministry, Dr Fabian Ong, Dr Angela Tan, Megan Xia and I, boarded a four-hour flight to Dili, the capital of TimorLeste, where we were met by Singaporean missionaries Rudy Wong and David Chan. Our luggage included boxes of school books for St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) at which David Chan and his wife Jesse are headmasters. Both are MMS Missionaries. Upon arrival, we faced a challenging interrogation by the customs officers about the boxes of books we brought in. Fortunately, David came to the rescue, explaining that the books were for school use and not for sale. Truly, by God’s grace, the officers accepted this explanation and let us go.

Entrance to the Sundermeier Home

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Vegetable patch at the Sundermeier Home

Sundermeier Home Our first stop was the Timor Plaza Mall, where our group bought groceries for the next four nights of our stay. We then headed for the town of Gleno in the mountains, in two four-wheel drive vehicles, led by Rudy and our host, Joseph Mannar. Joseph and his wife, Grace, are members of Bedok Methodist Church and had heeded a call from God in 2013 to be the guardians of Sundermeier Home (SH), a home built with generous funds from Johann Senaratna in honour of Karl and Marlene Sundermeier who served as missionaries in Sri Lanka and Namibia. The Home opened its doors in 2016 and currently houses 38 students aged 15-18 years old. Our group stayed at SH for two nights. Built on 5,000 square metres of land, SH has a spacious garden filled with fruits, vegetables, flowering plants, a chicken coop, and compost heap tended to by the students. They reside in dormitories and come together in the communal room to dine, worship, study, and for TV and recreational activities. A duty roster is drawn up for various chores and discipline is firmly but lovingly instilled by Joseph and Grace, who are in their early 70s. The couple conduct English classes daily and ensure that the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spiritual needs are met through nightly devotions and prayer worship every Friday. Each student pays a nominal sum of US$15 a month, and the rest of the expenses are sponsored by various benefactors. Joseph told us that the students are from very poor families and live far up in the mountains, homes which can take up to a couple of hours to reach. There are three

Wesley team at the Sundermeier Home

Back area of the Home for washing and drying of clothes

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

Rudy (left, squatting) and the team attending to one of the villagers

semesters a year and some students do not even want to go home during the holidays because of the long journey. Girls get married at a very young age and infant mortality is high due to malnutrition and poor access to medical care. When asked what the biggest challenge was, Joseph replied that it was getting the students to grasp the scriptures well and having to make them aware of their future with career planning or further education, as their stay at SH is only three years. Medical Checks During our stay at SH, our group travelled along the winding roads in the rugged mountains to the rural homes in which the doctors in our group conducted medical checks on the residents who needed them. Although conditions were simple and basic, the villagers were friendly and warm; conditions ranged from depression to skin and heart issues like high blood pressure, and one child was found to be hearing-impaired. Malnutrition or poor awareness of hygiene and health matters, and poor access to clean water and medical treatment, are major issues. Rudy explained that due to the long distances, poor road infrastructure and insufficient medical facilities, the villagers often do not seek medical treatment. Previously a youth worker at Aldersgate Methodist Church, Rudy arrived in Timor-Leste in January 2015. This was how Rudy described his current role: “I handle the administration, treasury and taxation for our local NGO, MMS-TL, in support of all our ministries, SPMS and SH. In addition to that, I run an agricultural project to address

malnutrition, host medical teams going to remote villages, and look out for job creation and business opportunities so that our Timorese friends can earn a living.” When asked what his most fulfilling achievement was, Rudy answered, “I have found it fulfilling to be serving, loving, and growing alongside the Timorese. The most tangible growth for me has been changing from an urban boy into someone who is learning about agriculture and quickly passing on what little I know to the Timorese and seeing where it fits in their traditional agricultural methods.” “I have found the greatest satisfaction in seeing the Timorese grow in their knowledge of God, speaking more English and growing in confidence as they interact with more visitors. These tangible markers give me great hope that as we sow into these young lives, they will have the potential to impact the whole nation of Timor-Leste,” Rudy continued. St Paul Methodist School After SH, our team then moved to Dili where we caught up with David and Jesse, and their children Isaac, Isaiah and Joy, for dinner. David recounted an inspiring tale studded with passion and faith of how he came to Timor-Leste. David was Vice-Principal at Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) from 2008 to 2010 and at St Andrew’s Junior School from 2010 to 2012. He was filled with a powerful conviction to serve the Lord — even at the expense of failing his test for a principal’s position in a junior college — and received divine confirmation through a series of experiences. He felt his mandate was to “seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow and build a school without walls” and this led

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him to bring his family to Timor-Leste, where they set up a school in September 2015. ‘Love Timor-Leste’ was his calling. He named the school after the Apostle Paul. SPMS provides formal education with Christian morals and principles. The morning session is held in the Chans’ home-cum-school in Bairo Pite, Dili, and has 19 students who are in Grades 1 and 2. The afternoon session is held in the town of Hera, less than an hour away, and has a total of 67 children in Grades 7 to 9. Our team conducted basic health checks for both sessions. It was a joy to observe the children at school and learning about God’s Word. After the last check, Rudy drove us to Metinaro on the coast to survey the new three-hectare site for SPMS. With building works taking place in three phases starting from January 2019, the new site will accommodate a bigger school, a chapel, canteen, an administrative block, a future lab, hostel, and stadium for 700 students from Grades 1 to 12. David has felt that “the Lord wanted to use the land of Metinaro to be the beacon of light and salt.” (Editor’s note: In January 2019, the primary classes moved to Hera. Total enrolment in seven classes is now 125.) David summarised his decision to stay in TimorLeste: “Love demands a sacrifice. For the love of Timor, we have decided to make Timor our home — sacrificing my children’s Singapore education and the comfort of Singapore.” After five days in Timor-Leste, we took away a deep, lasting impression of the unshakable commitment and work undertaken by Rudy, Joseph, Grace, David, Jesse and their children. For me personally, it was an eye opening trip which took me out of my comfort zone. Everyone and anyone can be called to further God’s kingdom. The Lord uses all those who are willing to serve him. As James 2:26 (NIV) says, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” May God continue to bless their work in Timor-Leste!

Visit to the village

(L-R) Joseph (in purple), Dr Angela Tan, and Dr Fabian Ong attending to a villager

Wesley team at St Paul Methodist School in Dili

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

VIETNAM

LOVE AND JOY from heaven Annie is a fictitious name but her testimony is real.

uring my church visitation experiences, I had not found any church or pastor to be as approachable as I had expected. Churches appeared “cold” towards visitors and many I AM TOUCHED BY pastors seemed to be a distance. We, the THE WARMTH AND younger people, may feel awkward when trying to get to know the pastors personally. LOVE IN ICF. But during the last Christmas season, my view of pastors changed! I managed to take a picture with my pastor, Rev Leslie Lim, at International Christian Fellowship (ICF) in Ho Chi Minh City. This is quite unconceivable and rare for an ordinary member or visitor like me to have a photo with a pastor. I can even get to chit-chat with him on Sundays. In this church, I witness many examples of courageous people who are brave enough to leave their comfortable lives. These people do not think as the world thinks. Instead, they take up a challenging journey to live with strangers in an unfamiliar country that is less comfortable. In this country, they live through a different culture, speak a difference language, and experience a lot of other different things that are beyond words. I am touched by the warmth and love in ICF. I have benefitted as I learn many things there. The people teach me about love, and how to love, so that I can have a positive view on life. I learn to love even the simplest and smallest of things instead of finding myself loving only glamorous things. Here in ICF, they teach me to live a life with contentment; there is no desire to pursue material comforts. We are encouraged to find peace in ordinary things and moments, such as enjoying a cup of tea while listening to some worship music. It is also interesting to learn of how some people have moved to a strange place, and then to make that strange place be a place they call home. I always wonder why some people would leave their beloved countries to stay in my country. It is like Christmas: Jesus leaving his comfortable place in heaven to come to earth. I want to have the same love and joy; I want to seize the advantage of living as a young person! I want to paint about Christmas, listen to Christmas music, and talk about Christmas. That is because Christmas is the time to live in peace, to live in love, and to live with a grateful heart to God who became flesh to bring salvation to people. I am a fresh graduate working in a new job, and coping with a new environment, job demands, and new challenges. Yet, in Christ, I can march on. Today, even though I feel completely tired and exhausted, I will not feel any more pain when compared to the suffering Christ has experienced. I have found comfort, love and joy when I worship Christ in this church.

FIELDFEATURE 29

PRAY • Pray for more foreign families to join and worship at ICF. • Pray for more teachers and assistants to help in growing the children’s ministry.

VISIT ICF meets every Sunday at 10.30am, and celebrates Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month. All foreign residents and friends are welcome. Come and join us if you are in Ho Chi Minh City. Address: Hoa Hung Church, Level 2 (Hoi Thanh Tin Lanh Hoa Hung), 625D Cach Mang Thang Tam St, Ward 15, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Email: icfhcmcpastor.ic@gmail.com Website: www.icfhcmc.org

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HOMEINON... 33

MMS Family Something New indeed! This year, with effect from 1 January 2019, we saw some changes at the Home Office: Executive Director Field & Church Engagement Director Area Director – Cambodia Area Director – East Asia Area Director – Nepal Area Director – Thailand & Vietnam Area Director – Timor-Leste & Laos Home Director

REV DERRICK LAU COL (RET) QUEK KOH ENG REV DERRICK LAU JC NOEL TAM COL (RET) QUEK KOH ENG REV TERESA WILBORN NOEL TAM

Rev Derrick Lau

Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng

Noel Tam

Rev Teresa Wilborn

Eileen Lim

Vincent Lim

Rev Philip Lim has returned to the Chinese Annual Conference, and Rev Dianna Khoo is currently serving her one-year sabbatical. Rev KL has also returned to the Trinity Annual Conference. Rasanya Isabella Gnasegaran will be moving on to become a missionary in Timor-Leste. Eileen Lim has returned and took over the role of Administration Executive & Personal Assistant to the Executive Director with effect from February 2019. On 21 October 2018, Vincent Lim from Faith Methodist Church was commissioned by Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung as a Missionary to Thailand. Together with his wife, Phyllis, and two young daughters, Vincent is stationed in Khon Kaen, Isaan, Thailand. In December 2018, Doris Chan and Vimala Devi retired from service as Missionaries to Cambodia. Read more about them on page 8.

Dear Lord, we praise You for these faithful servants of Yours. May Your grace, strength and wisdom be with all of them wherever they are and in whatever they are doing. May their light shine brightly for You. May Your name be lifted up so that all glory goes back to you. Amen.

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

Is It WORTH IT?

Lam Kok Hiang has over 30 years of experience in full-time Christian vocational ministry. He holds a MA (Biblical Studies) from Dallas Theological Seminary and has led Cru Singapore as Country Leader since 2006. An avid runner, Kok Hiang shares a love for books with his wife, Sharon. Together, their desire is to see young leaders rise up in local churches and missions agencies across Asia. He attends and serves as a lay leader at Covenant Evangelical Free Church.

Editor’s note: This article was first published on www.cru.org. It has been re-printed with permission from the author.

ome years ago, my family and I went on a mission trip to a remote village. We had the privilege of witnessing a baptism service at a river. 15 people were baptised that morning, many of whom had become Christians barely a year ago. The service ended with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper and a time of sharing. This was “church” in its simplest form, yet at its zenith as we saw the reality of transformed lives! We spent time with the “transplanted” missionary families who obeyed God’s call to move to this country to minister to the locals. Naturally our conversations drifted to topics such as physical and financial security, concerns over their children’s education, and not being around to care for ageing parents back home. Yet they continued to soldier on in obedience to God’s call for their lives. From the local believers who risked persecution, to the missionary families who left the comforts of home to minister cross-culturally, their obedience to our Lord comes at a high price. Is it worth it?

THE MORE APPROPRIATE QUESTION TO ASK WOULD THUS BE, “IS HE WORTHY?”

i t:

.c o

In consumeristic Singapore, we tend to see our commitment to God as a form of sacrifice. We are cautious when called upon to serve, and perhaps even calculative when this calling requires us to put our plans on hold or surrender our material possession. As obedient disciples of Christ, we may have to say “no” to many pleasures of the world in order to remain pure and holy before the Lord. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, we struggle when others prosper and live carefree lives. Is it worth it to keep our faith? Our faith becomes self-centred and transactional when we ask, “Is it worth it?” It becomes all about us and what we have to give up. It would be difficult for us to mature in our walk with Christ whilst holding on

to this attitude. The more appropriate question to ask would thus be, “Is He worthy?” This is a God-centred question. Paul writes in Romans 8:32 (NIV), “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” This is why Jesus is worthy of our worship. Because Jesus is worthy, all our acts of “sacrifice” become acts of worship to Him. We serve Him with delight and humility. Perhaps the song, “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson will seal our conviction that He is worthy! (https://cru.sg/IsHeWorthy)

HARVESTFORCE 2019 • 1

Something NEW “A

Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung 新加坡卫理公会会督 is the Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore. He enjoys listening to good choir singing.

nd I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh… and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27) WE NEED GOD TO A new year brings along an opportunity for a new beginning, to RENEW OUR HEART start afresh. When we make a mistake while writing, we can take a AND FILL IT ANEW new piece of paper and start again. Or when we make a wrong stroke while painting, we can use a new canvas to begin afresh. Or when WITH HIS SPIRIT. we sing a wrong note, we can start from the beginning. Or when we pinch a lump of clay into a mess, we can mash it up and start over. However, such opportunities are not always available for us to go back to the beginning to start afresh. Life is like that too. One can turn over a new leaf to begin anew - provided that he still has life and the will to do it. Repeatedly, each time the Israelites forsook God’s covenant, God gave them another chance to rebuild the relationship they had from the time of the first covenant. God even prepared the situations and settings so that the covenant may be fulfilled. But the Israelites continued to turn their backs on the covenant and break the commandments. They had only themselves to blame for the judgment that later happened. The prophet Ezekiel received word from God of His works that brought with them a string of good news: “I will gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols. Not only that, I will also give you a new heart… that will cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” This is a wonderful promise. God prepared “new hearts” for them so that they might be well prepared and able to realistically and practically fulfil the promise. However, if the heart were to remain indifferent and unwilling, the transformation will be superficial and temporal, and will fade away in no time. All who are involved in missions must pray for God to regularly renew our missionary hearts so that we may regain our first love. Then we may step out again onto the path of missions, with determination and without looking back with fear, regret or reservation. The greatest fear for those involved in missions is that they begin to see the ministry as a daily grind – day in and day out, month in and month out, year by year, such that ministry eventually becomes an ordinary job. The ardent love for the souls of man that once drew one to missions, has somehow slowly grown cold. The sensation of urgency that used to sharpen our senses at one time, has dulled and become numb. This is when we need God to renew our heart and fill it anew with His Spirit. Where our relationships are concerned, whether it is with our colleagues or superiors, parents or siblings, friends or neighbours, grasp every opportunity to repair and strengthen them while we may, so that the new year may bring an early breakthrough. Life is short, it is very precious. Let’s not live it with regrets. May your new year bring new aspirations, together with renewed heavenly grace and power. Photo credit: shutterstock.com

一个新心 “我

也要赐给你们一个新心，将新灵放在你们里面，又从你们的肉体中除掉石心，赐给你们肉心……使你们顺从我的律例，谨守遵行我的典章。”(以西结书36：26-27) 新的一年，带给我们一个新的开始，就像我们的字写错了，用另一张新纸重新写过；画错一幅画，用一张新的画纸重新画过；唱错一首歌，重头再唱起；捏坏一团泥，再搓一团新的泥重新捏过……只是这种从头再一次，重新再一次的机会不一定常有。生命也一样，只要是有生之年加上有坚定的意志力，人生可以改过自新，生命重新开始。怕的是我们不再有机会了。上帝一再给背弃与祂立约的以色列百姓机会，重新建立起初立约的关系。甚至为他们预备履行立约的条件，如果以色列百姓仍然违背信约干犯诫命，那么就是咎由自取了。以西结先知领受上帝的话语颁布一连串的好消息： “ 我必从各国收取你们；引导你们归回本地；洁净你们，好使你们脱离一切污秽、弃掉一切的偶像”。 “不但如此，我也要赐给你们一个新心…..使你们顺从我的律例，谨守遵行我的典

章”！心如果没有改变，外在的改变不过是暂时的，不能持久的。这是一个非常超好的应许。连去履行这些应许的能力，上帝也为他们预备了“新心”让他们有可能实践实现。参与宣教事工的人，需要祈求上帝常常更新我们宣教的心，好让我们重拾起初的爱心，重新走上义无反顾的宣教之路。最怕的是参与宣教事工的人，把看似日复一日、月复一月、年复一年的禾场事工当成一种例常公事，把起初宣教的热忱，爱人灵魂归属的心渐渐淡化冷漠，不再放在心上，以至于我们对属灵的事物失去敏感度，对人灵魂的需要也开始迟钝麻木。如果是这样，我们需要上帝赐给我们新心，并且将新的灵置入我们里面！人与人之间的关系要趁着还有机会修补时抓紧机会重新来过，无论对方是上司、同事、父母、兄弟姐妹或亲友邻舍，好让新的一年可以有新的突破，甚至能和好如初。生命短促因此生命宝贵，别让生命遗憾。祝愿您新年有新志，并有上帝所赐的新年新恩，新年新力！

Harvest Force 2019 issue 1

Articles inside

Harvest Force 2019 issue 1