PRAYERconnect September 2021 to December 2021
A prayer letter of the Methodist Missions Society
PRAY... on all occasions... with all kinds of prayers and requests… Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
dear prayer partners
JUST PRAY LAH! In my almost 40 years of pastoral ministry, I have come across a wide variety of prayer expressions from casual “just pray lah”, “must pray daily”, “cannot stop praying”, “God will surely listen to our prayers” to highly polished and carefully constructed phrases interposed with bible verses. I have also heard “O Lord”, “O God”, “O Jesus” used repeatedly within a relatively short prayer. These probably reflect our understanding of the ministry of prayer and the ways we attempt to describe the thoughts and struggles of our inner being towards God. Recently, I have been using The Daily Prayer, a daily collection of Bible readings, reflections, and written prayers, developed by the Church of England. I have found the crafted prayers beneficial for my spiritual development. There is yet another perspective and practice of prayer by Thomas Kinkade: “Rather than set aside daily time for prayer, I pray constantly and spontaneously about everything I encounter on a daily basis. When someone shares something with me, I’ll often simply say, ‘let’s pray about this right now.’” Let us be committed towards prayer. In the spirit of Paul’s teaching on the necessity of prayer, we are urged to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Our mission fields are constantly faced with unexpected challenges such as major storms and floods; several staff and members being infected with COVID-19; parents being unable to pay school fees for their children, etc. Our missionaries are regularly connected with the happenings in the fields. We respond to that which is practically feasible while we have a network of intercessors who are always ready to pray for these and other issues we encountered. Zoom prayer sessions are held regularly in all our seven fields. Max Lucado penned these words: “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” Therefore, just pray lah! “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) Cover photo: A Thai pastor praying with his flock. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version (ESV), unless otherwise stated.
Rev Derrick Lau Executive Director Methodist Missions Society
of the economy and the alleviation of dire conditions of poverty, as many do not have jobs.
2. Pray for wisdom as our MISSIONARIES manage their ministries and staff. Pray for creative ways to reach out amidst all the COVID-19 restrictions. Pray for their health and wellbeing. 3. Pray for the well-being of the children and youth in COSI and COSY. Pray for perseverance in their studies. Pray that the online sessions by the Singapore churches will continue to benefit the youth in life decisions. 4. Pray that the language classes at THE THIRD PLACE will resume soon. Pray for the health and protection of the pastor and volunteers.
5. Pray for the faithfulness of the staff at HOPE HOUSE to minister and provide daily meals for the increased number of 50 children. 6. Pray for patience and perseverance as the PCOSIIP students rely on their handphones for online lessons. Pray for wisdom to understand lessons and creativity to find ways to learn. Pray for onsite classes to resume soon.
7. Pray for wisdom and strength for the managers and leadership teams at METHODIST & JOY HOSTELS. Pray for tenacity to keep studying whilst working for students as they learn online.
8. Pray for the METHODIST CHURCHES IN CAMBODIA to continue wholesome and fruitful online services. Pray for creativity and wisdom for pastors to nurture their disciples. Pray for perseverance and faith to trust and grow in faith. 9. Pray for an increase in faith and trust in God as FLOURISH markets the products locally and couriers them to Singapore. Pray for Manim as she is being trained to lead the group.
10.
Pray for creativity as the METHODIST SCHOOL OF CAMBODIA staff reaches out to inspire the students. Pray for the students to persevere and be discipline to study. Pray for resources for those students who cannot come online. Pray for the sustainability of the school as fee collection has dwindled.
CAMBODIA
1. Pray for the COVID-19 situation to be under control. Pray for a revival
NEPAL
1. Pray for the COVID-19 situation to improve so that our CHURCHES AND PREACHING POINTS will be able to return to physical worship services. Pray, in the meantime, for the continued participation of members for the worship services and meetings conducted via Zoom and other social media platforms. Pray for their spiritual nourishment and development. 2. Pray for the smooth conduct of the 13TH NEPAL ANNUAL MEETING that will be held in October 2021 via Zoom. Pray for the leadership team who is preparing for this meeting as well as all who will be participating from Nepal and Singapore. Pray for God’s guidance and direction as they plan for the ministry of the Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN) for the new year. 3. Thank God for the faithful and committed MCN ELDERS AND PASTORS as they are gradually empowered and given greater responsibilities in managing the ministry. Pray for God’s wisdom, understanding, and strength to be upon them. 4. Pray for God’s protection and provision for our girls at SOPHIA’S HOME. Pray for the girls who have graduated from the Home this year, as they return to their families and/or pursue their tertiary education. Pray for God’s provision for sponsors to fund their further studies.
MY GIFT FOR HIS GREAT COMMISSION THROUGH MMS
MY GIFT FOR HIS GREAT COMMISSION THROUGH MMS STEP 1 Either select a Specific Area and a Country, or allow us to direct your gift where it is needed most: [ ] GENERAL FUND
[ ] WHERE IT IS NEEDED MOST
[ ] CHURCH PLANTING
[ ] COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
[ ] REV DR CLARENCE LIM MISSIONARY DEVELOPMENT FUND [ ] COUNTRY __________________________________________ [Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam]
STEP 2 Decide how much you would like to give either on a monthly basis or as a one-time gift: [ ] Pledge a monthly gift of S$ ________________ commencing ___________________________ [date] until further notice. [ ] Make a one-time gift of S$ ________________. NOTE: If you need more details, please call 6478 4818. For more information on Student Sponsorship Schemes, please visit https://www.mms.org.sg/sss 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.
Rev/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms: _____________________________________ Date: ___________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Postal Code: _________________ Church: ___________________________________ Phone: _______________________ Email: _____________________________________ [ ] I would like to make my gift through [tick one]: [ ] CREDIT CARD [ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard
Expiry Date: ___________ Name on Card: ___________________________ Signature: ______________ Card No: ________________________________________________________ [ ] CHEQUE Bank & Cheque No: _______________________________________________ Please cross your cheque and make it payable to “The Methodist Church in Singapore [MMS]” and mail it together with this form to Methodist Missions Society, 70 Barker Road #06-01, The Methodist Centre, Singapore 309936.
[ ] INTERNET BANK [IB] TRANSFER
Scan the MMS PayNow QR code with your Bank App. Or enter UEN No ‘S88CC0564JMMS’. If you choose IB Transfer or PayNow option, please state your name <space> phone number <space> gift purpose [e.g. Helen 98765432 General Fund] in the Reference field. Or mail/scan to mms@methodist.org.sg this form with your details.
[ ] I would like to regularly receive: [ ] PrayerConnect [ ] Harvest Force [ ] Pray for MMS in 60 seconds prayer email. [ ] I would like to be an MMS Intercessor.
[ ] PAYNOW
Source Code: PRT_PRAYER_C
Name of Bank Account: The Methodist Church in Singapore [MMS] Bank Name: DBS Bank Ltd Bank Account Number: 033-016829-2 Bank Code: 7171 Branch Code: 033 Swift Code: DBSSSGSG
MY GIFT FOR HIS GREAT COMMISSION THROUGH MMS
STEP 3 Fill in your payment instructions:
2. Pray for the VACCINATION efforts by the Thai Government. Pray that there will be supplies of vaccines and that our pastors and members can be vaccinated. 3. Pray for our THAI PASTORS AND LEADERS as they continue to serve and reach out to the community through digital means during the pandemic. 4. Pray for our schools, VINEYARD METHODIST SCHOOL and LITTLE CANDLES SCHOOL. Pray for the students and teachers as they adjust to online learning. Pray that the intake will be of a sustainable size and students will not drop out due to COVID-19. 5. Pray for our MISSIONARIES and their family members who are going through health crises. Pray for God’s healing grace and peace to be upon them.
PRAYERconnect《祷告连接》
Email mms@methodist.org.sg to receive the Chinese version in pdf format. 若您想索取电子版的《祷告连接》，请发送电邮至mms@methodist.org.sg。 PROOFREADERS Wendy Tan, Goh Tuan Gee TRANSLATORS Alex Chng, Henry Wang, Julia Chng, Leong Chin Yee, Ng Hsu-Fen, Shyuan Wong, Thng Pheng Soon
THAILAND
1. Pray for Thailand as the country is going through another rapid wave of COVID-19 infections. Pray for healing and comfort for those who are affected and their families.
TIMOR-LESTE
1. Pray for God’s hand upon the nation and for wisdom for the government to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray that the Timorese will look to God for protection and remain vigilant by wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing guidelines. 2. Pray for our MISSIONARIES to keep in good health and to be continually strengthened and protected as they to serve in this nation. Pray for smooth passage and timely arrival of all shipments carrying missionaries’ personal medication and equipment for the school. 3. Pray for SUNDERMEIER HOME as the hostelites sit for upcoming examinations. 4. Pray for DUNAMIS HOUSE as the fully-vaccinated hostelites now resume their school and church projects in the community. 5. Pray for ST PAUL METHODIST SCHOOL as the students embark on blended onsite and online learning. Pray for favour with their parents. Pray for wisdom for the school leaders and teachers to coordinate lessons and engage students effectively. 6. Pray for St Paul Methodist School to have favour with the local authorities to secure the school premises and begin BUILDING the school by next year. 7. Pray for STUDENTS AND HOSTELITES as they resume school but are uncertain whether their studies will be delayed or extended for another year. Pray that all students will be diligent and take ownership of their studies, trusting that God’s plan is the best for their lives.
TESTIMONY
OUR GOD PROVIDES! ~ by David Chan, MMS Country Director of Timor-Leste and Principal of St Paul Methodist School.
Authorities placed Dili, TimorLeste under lockdown from 15 March 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns. Everyone must stay at home, except for urgent medical assistance and the purchase of essential goods and services. All gatherings are banned during the lockdown until further notice. When we heard that some of our students’ families have problems with getting food, the St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) teachers met immediately and decided to give out 240 COVID-19 Relief Packages to our SPMS student families. We did not have cash on hand. We were also concerned about how to deliver the packages to the families since everyone was expected to stay at home. However, we trusted God to provide; that He would make all things possible if our plans were according His will. Incredibly, God opened doors on 17 March for me to connect with two big supermarket chains in Timor (i.e. Meimart and Dili Mart) to work out a US$15 COVID-19 Relief Package through a voucher redemption system at the
seven supermarkets spread across Dili. Even more amazingly, on 17 March, a friend in Singapore texted me to say that she wanted to give a donation of S$5000 to support the school operations. And I had not even told anyone about this need! 240 packages x US$15 x 1.35 currency rate = S$4860 S$5000 is more than what we asked for! Our God Provides! I asked my friend if I could use the amount for the Relief Packages and she said, “Of course!” What an amazing God we serve! In the midst of COVID-19 season, never be weary of doing good to others – because God knows and He will grant you the desire of your heart! Note: This testimony was first featured in ‘PROJECT METAMORPHOSIS’. It is a series of testimonies on the metamorphosis (transformation) of the people in MMS written to inspire everyone with the power of God.
Check it out: www.mms.org.sg/ projectmetamorphosis
METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY 70 Barker Road #06-01 The Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 6478 4818 mms@methodist.org.sg www.mms.org.sg mms.org.sg mms.org.sg mmsorgsg