Methodist Message: April 2023

3 Kingdom businesses: An agri-tech firm, a social enterprise helping former drug offenders, and an art gallery The Christian business leader

Editorial Board

Adviser and Publisher

Dr Anthony Goh

Chairperson, Council on Communications

Communications Manager

Lynn Tan

Managing Editor

Alvin Tay Editor

Lianne Ong

Communications Executive

Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors

Lucy Cheng

Janice Khoo

Tan Chiu Ai

Proofreaders

Kenneth Lee

Christabel Tan

/ Bishop’s Message /

/ News /

3 To sing the cause of ACS forever

6 Obituary: Jusuf Kam (1961-2023)

10 CAC Ash Wednesday Service | Not falling into temptation

12 Wesley Methodist Church's 138th Anniversary | The wise invest in eternity

/ Feature /

15 Our business is doing God's Kingdom work: Breakthrough Missions, Netatech and Sound of Art

/ Opinion /

22 Soundings: The Christian business leader

/ Outreach /

24 Feeding friendships

26 Using business as missions to transform lives

/ Worship /

29 Taking the ego out of worship

/ Relationships /

30 You and Your Family: Surmounting differences with love

/ People /

33 Blessings of being in a small church

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Whatever, wherever

Whatever you do, work … as working for the Lord.

The Bible assures us that work in the home or marketplace ("whatever you do") can, and should, be done in service of the Lord Jesus. This issue of Methodist Message offers examples of marketplace work done in service to God. An old Sunday school song also made the point:

In the house and out of doors

Brushing shoes and scrubbing floors Washing, ironing, brewing tea

Sometimes making Hokkien mee (or spaghetti!)

We'll do it all for Jesus (repeat 3 times) He's done so much for us

We could easily add another verse.

Typing, teaching, cutting hair

Making music, and childcare

Building flats and cleaning rooms

Corporate meetings held on Zoom1

We'll do it all for Jesus (repeat 3 times) He's done so much for us

Charles Wesley wrote a prayer hymn to consecrate daily labour as work done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go, my daily labour to pursue Thee, only thee, resolved to know In all I think or speak or do. 2

So, whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Amen.

2 United Methodist Hymnal, 438

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.

(Colossians 3:23 NIV)

1 Additional lyrics by Janice Khoo

Coming up

To sing the cause of ACS forever

Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) is expanding into a new mission field.

On 9 Feb, ACS, together with MOE, made a spectacular announcement that it will start a special education (SPED) school. It will be the fifth SPED school in Singapore. No less earth-shaking to the ACS community were the other announcements made alongside: in 2030 ACS (Primary) will move to Tengah, a new heartlands precinct, from its current Barker Road campus, and enrol girls as well. ACS (Junior), currently operating at Winstedt Road, will eventually move into the Barker Road site.

Expected or not, reactions from alumni and parents were fast and furious. Petitions were started against the move, and opinions aired included the complaint that stakeholders (alumni, parents, students) had not been consulted. At a 22 Feb townhall with the ACS Board of Governors (BOG) and ACS Old Boys'

Association (ACSOBA), the mood of the 250 or so attendees was reportedly somewhat contentious. 1 The Straits Times said in an opinion piece on 25 Feb, "… the resulting unhappiness within the ACS community was left to dominate headlines and social media feeds, deflecting public attention from the pride the move should have generated."

Undoubtedly, an established and wellloved school moving from its central location to an HDB new town is a huge deal by any reckoning. But policy changes for admission to Primary 1 (P1) have been implemented in recent years by the Ministry of Education (MOE) with the intent to level the playing field for nonalumni. More places are now governmentmandated for children whose parents have no affiliation to the school. Going a step further, in 2022 MOE consolidated the registration phases to a single registration phase for alumni members. 2 Hence, the chance of securing a place for a child of

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. She is an alumnus of Methodist Girls' School and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. / Photo courtesy of Benjamin Lee from Eyeconic Studios

an alumni member has diminished, while the same chance has increased for those who live closer to the school. It is also notable that as the current ACS primary schools are located in wealthier enclaves without public housing nearby, it is those non-alumni who can afford to live in these areas who will have an advantage in P1 admissions for their children, compared to other non-alumni.

The move to Tengah will therefore, more likely than not, radically change the profile of ACS students, not to mention the fact that girls will be accepted into what has always been an all-boys primary school. Forgetting that ACS has had girls before and even now, some are concerned that the school's strong male traditions and culture will be lost with the move. They will not be lost, only altered, for history remains forever. It is true that the familiar feels safe, that growth entails pain, and change is difficult to embrace. But it is too speculative to conclude that a reborn ACS (Primary) will be for the worse.

Adrian Tan, a litigator and ACS old boy, is among those who agreed that the Tengah move is a good idea. He writes on his LinkedIn page, "ACS (Primary) is an outstanding school. It transforms lives. I know because it transformed me … The day I entered its gates, I walked into a world I wouldn't otherwise have glimpsed from my flat in Commonwealth Close. I was nourished by its wonderful teachers. I formed lifelong friendships with my classmates, and, in absorbing its values, I became a better man. The ACS spirit moved me."

The gist of his message is that, with the "ACS spirit", a plebeian can become a king. Many loyal alumni will agree that this intangible spirit cannot be so easily broken, come what may. Aside from the friendships made and values imbibed, the

school has fostered in them the notion of giving back to it. Generations of ACS boys have benefitted from the generosity of their predecessors.

However, the school Oldham planted was never meant to be a closed-off, insular community, but one to be nourished, grown, and shared. In Oldham's own words, it is "For God and Humanity". Is selflessness not the essence of Christianity?

Trajectory of events: A decade of closed doors

It is important to understand the decisions that have been made in the context of the trajectory of events that has spanned a decade.

It was not for fear of a pushback that stakeholders (alumni, parents and current students) were not consulted beforehand. A select group of the school's leadership and The Methodist Church in Singapore were in the know, but they were "constrained" to keep the matter confidential as it was market-sensitive. "We wanted to ensure we had views from a cross-section of our stakeholders and so, at an appropriate time that we were afforded, we sought the views of the entire set of our Board of Governors and Old Boys' Association Management Committee, which is not a small group and is elected to represent the views of the larger ACS family," Mr Richard Seow, chairperson of the ACS Board of Governors (BOG), said.

For many years, ACS had wanted to start another school. "If you allow us, we would open more schools," Mr Seow added, detailing at the 22 Feb townhall the repeated rejections by the authorities over the years to allow new ACS schools to be set up. 3

Consequently, the BOG decided to focus on starting a SPED school. In 2014, ACS first spoke publicly of its intention to do so. Mr Seow said to The Straits Times then that a special needs pilot programme within the existing ACS schools was in the works, subject to the approval of the Government. 4 The plan was to build a "school within a school" so that there would be opportunities to interact daily.

But the road to starting the SPED school was not a smooth one. MOE did not accept ACS' SPED school proposals three times.

At the same time, the BOG had to consider the future of ACS (Junior) because the URA lease of its site at Winstedt Road would expire in 2039. Where would it go?

It was during the pandemic that the doors unexpectedly opened. ACS was first offered to move one of its primary schools to a site in Tengah, situated next to a SPED school—but not one that ACS would be managing. As talks progressed, ACS was subsequently invited to run this SPED school in partnership with Methodist Welfare Services. The parcel of land offered at Tengah would enable ACS to house both its primary school and the SPED school. A decade-long prayer was answered at last. MOE's criteria was that the school must be co-educational in order to support Tengah's young families. The fact that ACS (Primary) runs the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) sweetened the deal.

"I wish I could tell you how clever we had been to plan all of these moves. But we were not. This is God's timing and his work," Mr Seow said at the townhall.

The best is yet to be

The new campus at Tengah will have the hallmarks of Methodist schools, for example, daily devotions and weekly chapel. Having a Methodist church is also on the cards, replicating the model of a Methodist church located at or associated with each Methodist school.

The ACS community should feel proud about this forward-thinking move. It should remember that first and foremost, Bishop Oldham was an educatormissionary who founded the mission school in an old shophouse which is now ACS across six campuses in Singapore alone. Its 137 years of history is a legacy that will remain cherished and dear. We are simply carrying on his work in a new mission field, where more amazing years of history will be written by us and future generations. We imagine Bishop Oldham, dauntless hero to the ACS community, would be proud of what ACS is, and will become. As he wrote in his retirement letter to the Education Department of the Malayan Government, "… may God prosper the Anglo-Chinese Schools and may the future be brighter than the past has been." 5

1 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/acs-barker-road-tengah-townhall-parents-concerns-affiliation-moe-3298541

2 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/single-phase-forchildren-of-alumni-in-p1-registration-from-2022-as

3 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/acs-is-not-anexclusive-school-and-would-open-more-schools-if-it-could-says-board-chairman

4 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/acs-plans-to-start-specialneeds-school

5 Malaya Tribune, 10 Jan 1935, pg 11.

Jusuf Kam , a worship minister for more than 30 years, has died

Jusuf Kam passed away on the morning of 2 March 2023. He was 61 years old. Best-known for giving well-known Methodist works new tunes, he is survived by his wife, Susanna; son, Jovan; daughter, Nadia, and son-in-law, Joshua.

Jusuf Kam (1961-2023) seen here conducting at Wesley Methodist Church, 2019

The making of a worship minister

Jusuf Kam (born Jusuf Julianto

Kamadjaja) called Bandung, Indonesia, his first home. He was trained in a wide range of music in Indonesia. His formal training was in civil engineering, after which he pursued education studies where he met his wife Susanna, graduating together with Honours. In 1987, the couple came to Singapore and attended Singapore Bible College, each graduating with a Bachelor of Church Music (cum laude).

While serving as the Youth & Worship Pastor in Acts Baptist Church, he was recruited by then Pastor-in-Charge of Wesley Methodist Church (WMC), Rev Dr Kang Ho Soon, in September 1993 to be the Lay Ministry Staff for Worship & Music. His mandate was to expand and enrich the Worship & Music (W&M) in WMC. God blessed Jusuf and Susanna with a daughter Nadia (who recently married Joshua) and a son, Jovan, during this time. The whole family served the Lord faithfully.

Robin Viva Thevathasan and Irwin Seet serve in the Worship & Music Ministry at Wesley Methodist Church as chairperson and steward respectively. Additional reporting by MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of Nicholas Tan, Christopher Leong, Rachel Lim and Wesley Methodist Church

W&M focuses on the traditional worship services with more than 60 ministry/ sub-ministry groups involving over 600 volunteers—more than a tenth of WMC's congregation. Hence Jusuf was closely associated with WMC's worship life and known by many.

Jusuf the Servant

Jusuf was the embodiment of service with a God-given passion. He never missed an opportunity to touch people with music, convicted that music is a tool used by God to complete worship, reaching the innermost person.

He was known to be demanding during interviews or auditions for W&M volunteers, not just for musicians but also ushers, worship leaders and communion stewards. But his high standards came from the conviction that serving the Lord required only the best—in talent, but more importantly, commitment and the right heart.

Yet, he cared for those under his charge, often finding time from his busy schedule to fellowship with all the sub-ministry groups.

Jusuf the Friend

Behind the scenes, Jusuf was known to be a loyal friend, stepping forward to help those who needed a hand.

"I first met Jusuf in the early 90s and was inspired through his leadership to participate in music projects at Wesley. One significant project was 'Christmas at the Fort' in 1996 where we had to sing to choreography and dancing, and that was certainly new to me then. From that experience, I learnt from Jusuf that service to God often meant having to come out of our comfort zones. We soon became good friends due to our interactions in these projects, and

when I moved house in 1999 I asked Jusuf for help. He obliged without hesitation, wholeheartedly moving boxes and furniture, including cabinets! It certainly was a back-breaking day, but it truly exemplified what Jusuf is like— humble and genuine in friendship," said Samuel Wong, Worship Leader of the Dawnbreakers Choir.

Jusuf the Musician

Those who participated in the key services—such as church anniversary, Easter, Christmas—always marvelled at how he pulled the services together. The end result for these services was always uplifting, inspiring and worshipful, with the elements of liturgy, programming and performance coming together seamlessly. The Lord used Jusuf as his willing instrument to achieve this.

With his classical music training and background, he had a particular interest in encouraging the use of sacred music from the classical masters such as Mozart, Handel and Bach, as well as the old Wesleyan hymns. These hymns are an integral part of traditional Methodist

Jusuf with the Wesley Young Ensemble after Easter Combined Services in 2015

worship, deep in meaning, and have withstood the test of time. Jusuf's particular interest was to re-tune old pieces. His best-known tune is the "Wesley Tulus", which he composed for "The Lord's Prayer" and is now sung in many Methodist churches.

His prodigious talent was also evident in how he seamlessly moved between composing, arranging, conducting and performing. He was a skilled pianist and keyboardist, and could also play the guitar and ukulele. He set up sub-ministry groups for various instrument groups: angklung, ukulele, string ensemble, and wind ensemble. A particular success was in drawing out the youngest musicians in Wesley's congregation. Who can ever forget the Wesley Young Ensemble musicians who were barely as tall as the cello!

The pandemic brought different challenges to church life, which required putting services online and new skill sets. Jusuf stepped up to the plate, developing skills in digital audio mixing and video editing, all because he was driven to ensure worship could continue uninterrupted, albeit online.

Jusuf the Teacher and Mentor

Jusuf willingly and joyfully participated in each sub-ministry's meetings, gatherings, celebrations and Bible studies—coaching and sharing his abundant talents. He spent many hours coaching individuals, so that others could serve in excellence.

Jusuf typically signed off on his scores in the same fashion as J S Bach, with "Soli Deo Gloria". On 2 March, he bade his final goodbye to us. We will miss his warm, welcoming smile and his beautiful sonorous tenor voice. But we know that he is singing and smiling for his beloved Lord and Saviour, now and for eternity.

Tributes

"Jusuf is a dear friend, an excellent co-worker for Christ, and an inspiration to me for close to the 30 years I have known and served with him. Wesley is truly blessed to have such a committed and passionate staff who has faithfully stewarded his wonderful gifts and abilities for the glory of God. He will be dearly missed."

~ Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-Charge, Wesley Methodist Church

"On my last retreat with Wesley's pastoral team, Jusuf and I were seated in a sampan (a tiny boat) steered by an oarsman towards a Sarawakan longhouse when the sight of steep mountains around and calm waters below us electrified Jusuf. He composed 'I Lift My Eyes To The Hills' (based on Psalm 121). The tune of this song is 'Air Tenang' or 'Peaceful River' which encapsulates the meaning of the three Chinese characters that make up my name 江和顺 . He presented the composition to me as a farewell gift when I was leaving Wesley at the end of 1994, for another posting. Jusuf will always be a precious part of me—a dear and faithful friend who ministered with me, and to me in his own unique way."

~ Rev Dr Kang Ho Soon, retired Methodist pastor now worshipping at Trinity Methodist Church

Christmas Combined Services in 2013 at Wesley Methodist Church

"Jusuf leaves us the 'Wesley Tulus', a beautiful setting of 'The Lord's Prayer'. We will miss his new tunes, but will keep singing the old ones. We thank God for the beautiful music he leaves behind!

May light perpetual shine upon him."

~ Dr Judith Laoyan-Mosomos, Director of Worship & Church Music, Methodist School of Music

"Jusuf wrote the music for seven of my songs, including my first song, 'I Shall Praise You, Lord'. He had the knack for discerning the spirit of songs and came up with appropriate tunes that fit well with the lyrics. It was a joy to work with him. Jusuf played a key role in the annual Aldersgate conventions by arranging stirring music provided by instrumental ensembles and choirs. His able musical directorship made the services particularly memorable. He worked very hard and was diligent in his service for the Lord. Even in the most stressful of times, he was willing to help and serve with a smile. While his death is unexpected, we can be sure he has joined the hosts of worshippers, singers, and musicians in heaven praising God with perfect harmony and joy."

~ Bishop Emeritus Robert M Solomon

Highlights of compositions and works by Jusuf Kam

• The Lord's Prayer (Tune: Wesley Tulus)

• Besarlah Kasih Mu (How Great Is Your Love)

• You Are The Anchor Of My Life (also in Mandarin)

I Lift Up My Eyes To The Hills

• I Shall Praise You, Lord

O Lord, You Are My Hiding Place

From Many Shores (Music with Bishop R Solomon)

• The People Of The Way (Music with Rev M Huang)

• Give Me The Faith Which Can Remove (Music arrangement of CW 300 Faith)

O Lord, We Pray, Bless Singapore (O Singapore)

• Merry, Merry Christmas

• A Mother's Love

For Sunbeams

Children's Choir:

Silent Night

• My Soul Shall Praise Your Name

You Are The Anchor Of My Life

• Great Are You Lord

You Are My Light

Give Me

• Here Our Heart We Bring

God He Is Good

Great Almighty God

• Find Him Now

Go, Go My Friend

Jesus

• Gloria (3 versions)

We Follow The Star

• Nothing Is Impossible with God

I Surrender All To You

• My All For You

Jusuf chatting with members of the Soli Deo Gloria Orchestra at One Christmas 2015 held at Suntec City

CAC Ash Wednesday Service

Not falling into temptation

Top: Ashes prepared for the ritual of the imposition of ashes

Left: Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey preaching at the CAC Ash Wednesday service

Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (QCMC), Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church and Toa Payoh Chinese Methodist Church came together to organise a combined Ash Wednesday Service on 22 February 2023. While the service was jointly organised by the District 4 churches in the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC), all CAC church members were welcomed to attend. Members from different churches filled the sanctuary pews of QCMC that evening.

Preaching on the topic of not falling into temptation, Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey began by stating how temptations are all around us and that the fight against temptation is a lifelong one. She recalled Jesus' experience of being tempted in the wilderness for

40 days and how Jesus overcame each temptation with the Word of God.

With reference to the three sources of temptation singled out by theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas, namely, our Flesh, the World, and the Devil, Rev Dr Niam delved into the importance of recognising where our temptations could come from so that we may better face, fight and overcome them.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

~ James 1:14-15

Rev Dr Niam explained that not all temptations originate from external forces but come from our own Flesh. We were cautioned that the more we allowed ourselves to be exposed to our fleshly desires, the more likely we would succumb to temptation. Thus, Rev Dr Niam urged us to flee from them, avoid circumstances that would tempt us further, and to remember—as Jesus did—that we live not by meeting the needs of our flesh alone but "by every Word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4).

The temptations of the World refer to its values, standards and ideologies that are in opposition to God's design. Drawing from Romans 12:2, Rev Dr Niam reminded us of how we are "not (to) be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind". In the spirit of Lent and in exhorting us to remain steadfast in worshipping and serving the Lord (Matt 4:10), she called on all to practise three disciplines: to pray, fast, and do good. These habits would help us to look up and connect with God; to look within and overcome ourselves; and to look outwardly to offer help to those in need.

Finally, we were prompted to be watchful amidst hardship for the Devil, who "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Rev Dr Niam elaborated that the devil often attacks us with feelings of doubt, despair and hopelessness during our moments of suffering, tempting us to seek only our wants instead of the will of God. We were thus reminded to be alert and to draw strength in the name of our Lord to ward off the attacks of the Devil.

With the imposition of ashes, we remembered our sinful and broken nature, and our need for ongoing repentance.

~ Genesis 3:19b

May the Lord forgive us for our iniquity, create in us a clean heart, restore to us the joy of our salvation and sustain in us a willing spirit. May we follow God more closely, love him more dearly and know him more clearly this season of Lent and beyond. Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

A time of prayer and reflection

Worship after the imposition of ashes

The wise invest in eternity

Wesley Methodist Church's 138th Anniversary

If people in this world are willing to make every effort in securing their earthly future, what then should be said of children of God's Kingdom who need to secure their eternal future?

Speaking at the 138th Anniversary of Wesley Methodist Church on 19 February 2023, Rev Stanley Chua posed this question and drew on lessons from the Parable of the Shrewd Manager in Luke 16:1-13 to send home the message that Jesus Christ wants us to be wise by investing in eternity.

The message was timely as we move into the post-pandemic world, with the government lowering the DORSCON level from yellow to green barely a week earlier. This has allowed us to resume many pre-Covid activities, but it also means many things compete for our time and attention.

Rev Chua, who is the President of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), suggested two ways we could invest in our eternity: Invest more in people than in things, and invest more in our souls than in our material security.

Rev Stanley Chua preaching at Wesley Methodist Church at their 138th Anniversary Service

Invest more in people than in things

"The (shrewd) manager in the parable used people for his own ends; he was not being generous when he decided to bless the people who had owed his master money. Rather, he did what he did to benefit himself," said Rev Chua.

"In contrast, Jesus is saying to us that we are not to be like the manager, but we are to use our possessions and resources to bring eternal benefits to others."

The key verse is Luke 16:9 (NIV), "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

"To the rich man, the most important thing was to look after his needs in this world, even if that involved dishonesty," said Rev Chua.

On the contrary, "Jesus was teaching his disciples to take a different approach. He said to them, while you have them, (i.e. worldly goods), use them in such a way that when they have ended their use in this world, they will continue working to your advantage in eternity."

Invest more in our souls than in our material security

Rev Chua also urged the congregation to invest more in our souls than material gains. No matter how much we care for our physical body and how much we make elaborate plans for our earthly life, the reality is that one day, our body will wear out and death is inevitable.

"In the light of the brevity of our life on earth, Jesus is saying to us that we need to be wise and pay attention to the things in eternity," said Rev Chua. "We need to be concerned and invest in the welfare of our souls as we do the welfare of our temporal lives."

On how we could invest in our souls, Rev Chua gave the congregation three questions to ponder:

What is your relationship with Jesus? "Some of us may have been Christians for 10 or 20 years, and we think that by just coming to church every Sunday, it is enough," said Rev Chua. "We don't take time to read the Bible; we don't set aside time to do devotion and pray. We are relying on our past experiences with Jesus some 10 or 20 years ago."

Referring to Dallas Willard's book  The Great Omission , he asked, "Would you really be comfortable for eternity in the presence of One whose company you have not found especially desirable for the few hours and days of your earthly existence?"

Are you becoming more like Christ?

Rev Chua said Christ did not just save us only to have eternal life. He saved us so that we might also become more like him and be a positive influence over others and draw others to Christ. But he lamented that the frequent refrain that he hears from non-Christians is that they are often stumbled by many Christians they have encountered in their lives.

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 103:1516: "The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more."

Rev Chua raised the example of Mahatma Gandhi, the famous Indian civil rights leader. "He was asked by a close friend, 'If you admire Christ so much, why don't you become a Christian?' Gandhi famously replied, 'I would have become a Christian if I had seen one.'"

Are you using your gifts to serve God?

"Scripture does not say that our previous lives will be of no eternal significance. In fact, it says exactly the opposite," said Rev Chua as he pointed to Jesus' teachings on such matters, including the Parable of the Talents, the Parable of the Ten Minas, and the Parable of the Tenants.

From these parables, "… we would know that there is some kind of a reward system when we get to heaven," he said. "God has created us to do good works. He has a lifetime of good works for each of us to do according to the gifts, talents and resources that he has given us. And he will reward us according to what we do with them."

In conclusion, Rev Chua said Jesus clearly stated in the Parable of the Shrewd Manager that there are some things that last, and some things that do not; some things that are of true value, but others that are of temporal value only.

PROPERTY MANAGER

"Do not play games with your eternal future. Be wise to invest in things that count! Be wise and invest in people and invest in your souls."

~ Rev Stanley Chua

Our business is doing God's Kingdom work

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us "… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you". Giving priority to God can take place in many aspects of our lives. How do we translate it to our daily work? Methodist Message finds out from businesses that are different in what they do but have the same focus on serving God and his people.

Breakthrough Missions

An opportunity for a fresh start. This is what Breakthrough Missions ("Breakthrough") offers former prison inmates who seek to be rehabilitated. Originally a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts with an evangelical objective, Breakthrough has since expanded its activities to become a social service organisation that provides a diverse range of services: book binding, furniture restoration, food and beverage, landscaping, and even foot reflexology.

Established in 1981 by Pastor Simon Neo, who had himself broken his addiction to drugs with the help of a Christian drug rehabilitation centre, Breakthrough introduces its residents to the Christian faith in the hope that the faith will motivate them to seize their second chance and start over. The programme structure guides residents to observe the spiritual disciplines of daily devotions and prayer. It also provides training so that they are equipped with the skills and positive work attitudes that will serve them when they find work. Group and individual counselling sessions are provided to guide residents in self-management.

However, there is no religious discrimination. Freddy Wee, Deputy Director at Breakthrough, says, "Ours is a faith-based Christian programme that occupies, educates and equips residents for rehabilitation. All are welcome, whether or not they believe in Jesus."

Shortly after it was established, Breakthrough began to offer book binding and picture framing services from the small workshop on their premises, for the simple

Creating woodburn art which will be put up for sale

reason that those were the only skills that the staff and residents had at the time. As the number of staff and residents grew, and as more space was made available, more services were offered. Staff at Breakthrough identify the residents' Godgiven talents and guide them towards jobs that suit their abilities. More able ones are encouraged to take the lead and impart their knowledge to the others. Experts in the various vocations could be members of the staff, residents or volunteers. In each vocation, hands-on training is provided and the experts are tasked to assess the trainees to ensure that the quality of their work meets the expected standards.

Freddy explains, "We trust God to provide. We run Breakthrough in a way that enables us to cover our costs and earn a little, but we do not work on Sundays because that is when we go to church. It is very important that we put God first."

Nonetheless, Breakthrough is firm about the need for everyone to do a good job.

"Every person has to do their best so that they can glorify God," says Freddy. "We tell our team that the community pays us for our services and we must give them a high level of service so that they are willing to continue to engage us."

He proudly shares that Breakthrough's customers include large organisations whose high standards and expectations are met by the services offered by Breakthrough. "This is our testimony to everyone—we are not perfect but we are changed by God and we give our best."

Former residents at Breakthrough have gone on to work with other employers but the alumni still meet once a month for fellowship and prayer meetings. Freddy notes with satisfaction that they retain the discipline and values learnt at Breakthrough. "They start their day with morning worship, they work hard and they have learnt to be responsible." All this helps them re-integrate into society while living new and meaningful lives.

Residents of Breakthrough Missions start the day with quiet time and Bible study

David (third from left) and his team with local smallholder farmers in Netafarm Thailand

Netatech

When David Tan ran his business of computerising supply chains during the dot-com era over 20 years ago, he told God, "This is my blueprint. Please bless me and I will go and bless your people." He called it his "business with a mission".

But God had other plans: the dot-com bubble burst and his business folded. When he recovered from the crisis, David, who was born into a Methodist family, asked God for direction. God opened doors and led him to the founding of Netatech, a company which provides environmental engineering solutions. David, now 57, describes his new company as "a mission with a business".

David's company, Netatech, helps clients implement solutions such as irrigation, rainwater harvesting, high-tech greenhousing and vertical farms. But "missions comes first" even while dealing with scientific solutions. He cites the example of a project in Maetho, Thailand, in which David's business partners provided funds to build 40 greenhouses in the padi fields belonging to the mother-in-law of a colleague, Tinnakorn John.

"We choose to work with someone in the marketplace with a heart for God. We get to know them, share each other's challenges and pray together. We take our time to grow the relationship. As farmers, we know we can only plant the seeds and tend to the plants, but the Lord brings the harvest." These Netafarm greenhouses produce enough Chinese spinach, lettuce, coriander and cabbage to be shipped back to Singapore twice a week. Better yet, the harvest includes more than just vegetables.

A farm worker using an automatic seeding machine on Netafarm in Singapore

A member of the farming community in Maetho using the irrigation automation system

David adds, "We need partners who are business people who can create a viable business for the community. We take care of the technology and the finances. We are a for-profit business so that we can use the profits to help people. But we are not missionaries who teach the gospel. For this, God provides a spiritual guide, such as a pastor. The people realise that our interest in them is not just financial. They also realise we care for their spiritual well-being. Our motivation for helping them comes from something bigger—the love of God. We love them and build relationships with them."

While David is clear about his mission objective, he is equally clear about how Netatech should be run. "We want to be known for our business first. Our faith is woven into our personal lives. We are all not perfect and we need Christ. And because Christ died for everyone, we hire and work with people regardless of their faith."

Currently, Netatech is working with Breakthrough to set-up a vegetable farm to support the farm-to-table concept for the latter’s food and beverage business. This will also help Breakthrough to be more self-sufficient when they grow their own vegetables.

This modelling of Christian values in a business setting is a testimony of God's work in the lives of David and those in his team who are believers. He says, "We want to help people whether or not they are Christians, especially young people. They need a hope and a guiding light. When they know the light doesn't come from us, they can build a relationship with the source. We just point them in the right direction."

The owner of the land in Thailand on which Netatech built 40 greenhouses is Lamon, who is also the mother-in-law of David's Christian colleague, Tinnakorn John. Lamon is reputedly a shaman and, being attuned to the spiritual realm, was able to sense that something was different about David and Netatech. As part of David's arrangement of caring for the spiritual lives of his business partners, he befriended the pastor of the village church, who became a mentor to the employees on the farm. They turned to the pastor for spiritual guidance despite not being believers. As a result, Lamon herself eventually converted to Christianity and was baptised in 2019.

Lamon getting baptised in 2019

Greenhouses for growing vegetables in Maetho

Sound of Art

Nearly 20 years ago, Galven Lee's parents commissioned an artist friend to produce a painting for their new home. They requested, among other things, that the painting should have a biblical theme and cause the viewer to sense the presence of God. This request led to the production of three paintings that capture the gospel message. More than that, it drew the artist back to God and kick-started the Lee family's venture into the Sound of Art, an art gallery with a mission.

Galven, 33, who works in the telco industry but also helps out with the family business, considers his involvement with Sound of Art more of a ministry than a business task. His interaction with artists and clients on behalf of the gallery allows him to explain how the artwork can be used to share the gospel, and where his contacts are not believers, it is an opportunity for him to make a connection and to pray for them.

The gallery describes the art it supports as that which "inspires and speaks to the soul, with an emphasis on the themes of faith, hope, love and shalom". Using this guideline, artworks submitted to the gallery are reviewed on their own merits, regardless of the artist's faith. As its curator,

Galven evaluates the pieces on their theme and skill of execution. Although it may be subjective, the artwork should also be one that he thinks most people can appreciate. He says, "My family knows we cannot compromise on excellence. God has given us special giftings and we want to uphold that standard."

Kingdom work, in this context, also takes the form of supporting Christian artists such as Byambajargal, or Byamba, a young Mongolian artist. Recognising Byamba's talent and growing potential as an artist, Sound of Art chose to represent him in its gallery here. Byamba is a committed Christian who uses his art as a way to express his faith, and his paintings convey his testimony of God's work in his life. His paintings were sold out at a Sound of Art exhibition of his work held in Singapore in 2022.

Galven is clear on the objectives for the artists. He says, "We want our artists to become world class. We don't want them to be pigeonholed as Christian artists. We want the world to say, 'This is a great artist and by the way, he is a Christian.' For this to happen, the artists need financial support, encouragement and opportunities."

Left: Galven at Sound of Art's gallery in i12 Katong

Right: Byambajargal painting in Saihanii Hutul

Open daily: 8am-8pm | Public Holidays: 9am-2pm

•

• 99-year lease commencing from 1964

• Clean and peaceful environment

• Transfer of urns or exhumation can be arranged

OPEN TO ALL CHRISTIANS

Single and double niches are available with the following donations:

REGISTER

AT OUR COLUMBARIUM OFFICE

400 Commonwealth Drive Faith Methodist Church

Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (Level 5)

Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (Closed on Public Holidays)

Tel : 6479 8122 | HP : 9670 9935 Fax: 6479 6960

Email: gepc400@gmail.com

For booking of niches, please contact the columbarium office to arrange for an appointment.

Located next to Commonwealth MRT Station

In December 2022, the gallery organised an event called "The Art of Christmas" at i12 Katong, where its gallery is located. The event included an art exhibition featuring paintings related to Christmas, including those by artist Dominique Fam of Wesley Methodist Church. It provided an opportunity for members of the public to experience Christmas through art and musical performances put up by churches in the neighbourhood.

"We view our business through the lens of Christian outreach and we do not hide the fact that we are Christians," says Galven. "At the same time, we are conscious of the need to be sensitive to other religions. Our mission is to be enablers and our medium happens to be art."

Still, to be able to continue its business, Sound of Art has to be profitable. Galven explains, "Our end goal is more for the mission than for the financial gain. We believe that the business must grow for it to make an impact. For that to happen, we need to turn a profit so that we have the resources to expand." That many may hear God speak through the art that it supports surely makes the Sound of Art an unusual but creative channel to do Kingdom work in the marketplace.

LITTLE BOY'S LUNCH

by Swasti Wonowidjojo

"In this novel depiction of the miracle where Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand, the artist chooses to focus on the little boy. His complexion is ruddy, his gaze earnest though apprehensive, and his arms grasping the lunch items tightly against his chest. Is the little boy counting the cost of giving up his lunch? Or is he worried that his contribution can scarcely feed even a fraction of the 5,000 gathered in the field? The little boy understood that when we choose to surrender our possessions, even our lives, to be used for a greater good, it has a profound multiplier effect that blesses many others."

~ Galven Lee, Sound of Art

Top: (from left) A hospice patient, artist Glacy Soh, Galven and Alice from Sound of Art

Right: Galven giving a tour of the gallery at i12 Katong

The Christian business leader

In the past several decades, there has been a steady stream of books on business leadership.

Many of these works are written from a secular perspective. Some approach leadership from the standpoint of personality traits (trait theories), while others focus on behaviour (behavioural theories). Still others try to combine the two approaches while also considering the context (contingency model).

A Christian perspective on business leadership, however, must begin with the theology of vocation. This concept was given renewed emphasis in the writings of the 16th century Protestant Reformers, although its origins in the Christian tradition are much more ancient.

The English word "vocation" is derived from the Latin vocare , which simply means "call". On the basis of 1 Corinthians 7:17 ("Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.") , the Reformers teach that God has called every individual—not just the ordained priests— to serve him in the different arenas of life.

The Christian business leader must understand his role and work as nothing less than a vocation, a calling from God. This means that the role that he plays and the business that he does simply cannot be bracketed away from God's own work and purpose in the world.

In providing leadership and running his business, the Christian business leader is

Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity.

Stock image/ Shutterstock.com

by God's grace participating in the divine redemptive activity. This is surely both a great (and undeserved) privilege as well as an awesome responsibility!

In order to fulfil his vocation in a way that brings honour and glory to the God who has called him, the Christian business leader must follow Christ in all that he does.

But what does this entail? We look very briefly at the philosophies of leadership and business that lie behind the Christian business leader.

Philosophy of leadership

According to scholars, there are basically three types of leadership: Transactional leadership, 1 transformational leadership 2 and servant leadership. 3

Transactional leadership may prove inadequate as it is fundamentally based on a reductive understanding of the relationship between the leader (employer) and his followers (employees). Transformational leadership, where the leader clearly expresses his values and seeks to foster moral transformation in his followers, may lead to a possibility of the leader becoming manipulative, draconian and legalistic.

Servant leadership is arguably the most consistent with the Christian faith and the example of Christ. Under this model, the leader leads primarily because he wishes to serve others. He hopes to follow Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

The servant leader respects the dignity of those who work with him. He recognises their potential and strives to help them achieve both personal and professional growth. The servant leader also develops moral and ethical principles of leadership and governance based on moral virtues such as justice, fortitude and temperance. Furthermore, his consistent application of these moral principles will in turn shape his character.

Philosophy of business

The Christian business leader must conduct his business in such a way that it not only generates profits, but also serves the common good and supports the wellbeing of society. He must consider that the products produced, the services provided and the jobs created are all integral to the good life of the community, the nation and humanity as a whole. He must avoid any practice that would undermine human flourishing—such as corruption, exploitation, and the destruction of the environment. More positively, he should explore ways to actively serve human needs and contribute to the welfare of society.

In an article entitled "A Goal Greater than Profit", Cardinal Bertone insists that the business leader should be an innovator and never a speculator. The speculator, the Cardinal explains, simply aims to maximise profit—"For him, business is a means to an end, and that end is profit."

"It should be immediately clear," he insists, "that the speculator is not the model of business leader that the Church holds up as an agent and builder of the common good."4

Jesus said, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12: 48 NIV). The Christian business leader has at his disposal tremendous resources, and the Lord expects him to use these resources to honour him by serving his neighbours.

1 J. M. Burns, Leadership (New York: Harper & Row, 1979).

2 B. M. Bass, Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations (New York: Free Press, 1985).

3 Kenneth H. Blanchard, Servant Leadership: How You Can Achieve Great Relationships and Results (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003).

4 Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, 'A Goal Greater than Profit', https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/ library/view.cfm?recnum=9645.

By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team

Services

Feeding friendships

"How many children do you have? Eight?! Wow!"

That was a slice of a conversation between Bishop Dr Gordon Wong and an 87-yearold client at MWS Senior Care Centre –Eunos. It was a balmy Tuesday afternoon, when Bishop Dr Wong joined 10 volunteers from CMC WSCS (Christ Methodist Church Women's Society of Christian Service) for a luncheon with 22 clients of the Centre.

Over the course of an hour, chitter-chatter about everything from eating styles to family history were exchanged over bento box lunches and silky soya beancurd.

The luncheon was hosted and sponsored by CMC WSCS as part of "Eat Share Connect", the 2023 theme for The Giving Methodist (TGM), a community outreach initiative galvanising Methodists to perform acts of love during the season of Lent. Based on Jesus’ example of table

fellowship and unconditional love, volunteers host a meal for socially isolated seniors or low-income families at their home, church or an MWS Centre. It is hoped that the bonds built through the breaking of bread will help to build a more inclusive community.

"When Jesus walked on earth, he often just sat down to eat with people. It’s a way of expressing friendship and care,

Bishop Dr Gordon Wong chatting with a senior at a TGM Eat Share Connect event held at MWS Senior Care Centre – Eunos on 21 February 2023

A big thanks to the CMC WSCS ladies for sponsoring the food!

/ Photos courtesy of Methodist Welfare

and symbolises God’s desire to fellowship with us," said Bishop Dr Wong. "Especially during Lent, the Methodist Church wants to remind our members to show friendship and care to everybody, and coming together to eat is a great way to do that."

Besides sponsoring the meals, the volunteers engaged the seniors in conversation. Bishop Dr Wong said, "It was good to be able to spend time with the seniors here. Most of them don’t hear so well, or are unable to speak very much, but I think they enjoy seeing new faces and having someone to eat with them, and that little bit of change in routine."

Ms Tina Neoh, who led the initiative by CMC WSCS, said, "Food is the simplest Asian means of connecting, and we can also use food to express love. The seniors shared that they genuinely appreciate the food and company. It’s important that we, as Methodist church members, are able to bless the older people in our community and to exhibit God’s unconditional love."

This, however, was no one-off gesture. The CMC WSCS volunteers are looking to build long-term relationships with the seniors, and they have been making fortnightly visits to the seniors since January 2023, engaging them in craftwork, games and sing-along sessions.

"Many of them are now able to recognise us, even if they may not know our names," beamed Tina. "They are just as important in God’s eyes as anyone else, even if they don’t know the Lord yet. We are not going to evangelise to them by talking about Jesus, but it is our hope and long-term goal that they may come to know the Lord through our care and love."

For more information, visit

MWS Board of Governance Chairperson Mrs Fong Loo Fern (in red) joined 22 seniors in the luncheon

Bishop Dr Wong distributing exclusive MWS cutlery sets to the seniors after the event

Using business as missions to transform lives

pastors were not adequately supported by their members, who were mostly subsistence farmers. Consequently, the pastors needed supplementary income to feed their families.

BAMBOO, which stands for Business

As Missions, Blessings, Outreach and Opportunities, was started in June 2013 by a group of members and pastors from various Methodist churches in Singapore. It was incorporated as a wholly private entity. The founders were on the lookout for a specific project that BAMBOO could channel its resources and collective knowledge to.

Cambodia was selected as the country most suited for the launch of BAMBOO’s services. At the time, the Methodist churches in Cambodia planned to set up The Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC). However, during the interim period of setting up the provisional body, there was an urgent call to help improve the livelihoods of the church pastors. These

A team from BAMBOO began to travel frequently to Kampong Speu and Siem Reap to train the church leaders and members to start small businesses and teach them about tithing. Subsequently, the Cambodians submitted proposals for business projects to support their livelihood. The BAMBOO team would assess the proposals and approve the most feasible and sound ones for microloans. Chicken farming, a business with low barriers to entry, topped the list. We saw good potential to improve yields in chicken farming by getting the farmers to use electric incubators instead of allowing broody hens to incubate their eggs. Vegetable and tapioca farming were also popular proposals.

Visiting a farmer in Kampong Speu

Lim Tiong Hock is the chairperson and one of the founding directors of BAMBOO Foundation. He is a member of Grace Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Missions Society

BAMBOO team after a rain-soaked trip to a Kampong Speu farm

Visiting a Kampong Speu farmer’s home, which also serves as a house church on Sundays

From July 2016 to October 2018, we also sponsored a project that created good social impact through sewing classes for single or underprivileged mothers. Thereafter the General Conference WSCS stepped in to fund the sewing classes.

One of the most poignant experiences from our trips to Kampong Speu was when we visited Madam "SD" (using only her initials) in a desolate part of the countryside. The first thing that struck us was the makeshift thatched hut which she and her young daughter called home. It was kitchen, bedroom and chicken roost all at the same time. Her husband had lost one leg in a landmine incident and was working in a different province. She requested BAMBOO for a small loan to do chicken farming. To her credit, she completed her project diligently and repaid the loan in June 2019, less than a year after taking the loan. I have been told she is worshipping in Kampong Speu Methodist Church. Praise be to God!

From our visits, we have seen that vegetable and fruit harvest time is when more casual workers have to be hired. This creates opportunities to share the gospel.

Although we are unable to communicate in Khmer, we could involve the Cambodian pastors in such outreach.

We thank God for his leading and protection, especially when travelling in the countryside during the monsoon season. We would also like to acknowledge the kind cooperation of the staff of the Methodist Missions Society in Phnom

Penh and the staff of the Methodist School of Cambodia. We also thank President Lun Sophy, President of MCC, for his insights and counsel.

Top: Distribution of preloved clothes from Singaporean well-wishers

Left: Kampong Speu farmers after a busy day of harvesting

ACS (International)

ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an all-round English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides

• Exceptional examination results, strong value-added achievement and an all-round holistic education

• 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage

• Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1

• 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups

• Over 200 formal student leadership positions

• Scholarships for four Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP

Achievements include

• Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP

• 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years

• Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years

• Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore

• PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities

For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg

• Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Taking the ego out of worship

Years ago, I worked as a composer on a film project. After many hours of work, I produced what I believed was the perfect soundtrack—it hit all the correct emotional moments, the mixing was skilful, the musicians performed their parts beautifully. Pleased with myself, I hit 'Send File', confident that the director would love it.

To my shock, the reply was the opposite: Thanks. It's nice, but not what this project requires.

Every professional artist is familiar with this scenario and must be careful not to let their perfectionism run away with them. The client's vision always comes first, even before their own artistic instincts. Why then would art produced to glorify the Lord be any different? After all, he is the ultimate director, the one who can see the big picture of our life's story.

Since that project, I have learned a lot as a musician and composer, and was eventually called to serve at the Methodist School of Music. With a platform like this, it is more important than ever to remember to take my ego out of the equation. It is not about me. Now, whenever I sit down to produce music, I ask myself these questions: How can I best convey the

message that is being proclaimed? What skills in my toolbox can I use to achieve this? Will this inspire the people listening to it? Will this glorify and uplift God's name?

One inspiration I draw on comes from church music history itself. In the formative years of church music, the style of music employed was plainsong. This type of music had no accompanying instruments, no harmony, not even a time signature. The focus was always on the natural rhythm of the liturgical text instead of the music itself.

Although this feature of music has become less mainstream over time, I try to keep it in mind whenever working with text intended to be set to music. I ask: How can the music be used to enhance the listener's understanding of the text? Which words can be given more prominence? Which chord progression will highlight the message?

A quote from Matt Redman's song "Heart of Worship"—"I'll bring You more than a song, for a song in itself is not what You have required"—is a useful reminder.

Being blessed with the gift of music is a huge privilege. I believe that the best use of it is in praise to the one who gave it to us.

Kathryn Cheng is the Assistant Programmes Executive at the Methodist School of Music and a member of Foochow Methodist Church.

Ascenario I sometimes use when training counsellors is one of a family in conflict over a daughter's wish to live with her boyfriend. After a year of living at home since returning from three years of study abroad, the daughter says her boyfriend from overseas is moving to Singapore to work and they plan to live together. Her parents are taken aback as she had not shared much about the young man, or about moving in with him. The church-going family holds conservative views about co-habitation before marriage. To complicate matters, I add that the boyfriend is of African descent and has no professed faith.

My trainee counsellors are asked how they plan to work with such a family, following which they engage in role play as the counsellor and various family members.

I find it interesting to see how my trainees interpret and respond to the scenario. Many themes emerge through this exercise. For instance, the daughter's right to independence and recognition of the time for cutting the apron strings versus the need for her to listen to her parents' advice and importance of showing gratitude. Themes around racial prejudice and suspicions of foreigners also come up.

Sometimes, the "arguments" amongst trainees playing the family members become so intense that there are threats of disowning the daughter should she choose her boyfriend over her parents' wishes. This is often met with criticisms of bigotry, of old-fashioned and closed mindsets and even of the parents being poor Christian role models who care only about saving face and not their daughter's happiness.

There is no one correct resolution which the trainee counsellors are expected

to arrive at, but a mutually acceptable resolution usually involves a strategy of compromise. It could take the form of the father agreeing to meet and get to know the daughter's boyfriend. Or the young man being prepared to visit the family's church and learn about the faith that means so much to them. Or the daughter being open to delaying moving in with her boyfriend whilst deepening their relationship. With time, small steps in compromising can lead to a narrowing of differences.

As we all know, not every family conflict ends in such a fairy tale-like manner. The critical ingredient is whether parties in conflict have an all-or-nothing or a winwin approach to their situation. Are they determined to have their own way at all costs, or do they believe that there is something deeper and more valuable in their relationship than the positions they each take?

The need to bridge and to live peacefully with differences is even more crucial in our world today. The East-West and NorthSouth divides, and gender and culture wars are but some of the differences at a transnational level. Within our own communities, how do we embrace diversity presented by various ethnic groups, by old and new, and by people of different gender orientation? I believe one starting point is to look for what we have in common. Then to appreciate what we value over and above our personal views, values and dreams. We also need to listen deeply and communicate clearly to deepen our understanding and affirm the bonds that we share. These are expressions of love for one another, a love that can help bridge differences.

Blessings of being in a small church

As a result, we were all given many opportunities to serve in different roles from a young age. When I was just 14 years old, I started co-leading worship in the main service, and became a youth leader. While there are days when I wonder why our church is so small, and lament that the members therefore have to serve in various capacities, every role has been a blessing in my spiritual journey. Working closely with the pastors that have been posted to our church has also been key in my spiritual growth.

Icount myself blessed to be able to experience both the warmth and personal touch of a being in a small church, as well as have the opportunity to grow with a larger church body as a Methodist.

I grew up having five other peers in Sunday school and our Youth Ministry began with just three or four members.

When I had the chance to fellowship and share with fellow young leaders at the Young Methodist Leaders Conference, I realised the impact of my own journey. Getting to know the other leaders from the Chinese Annual Conference has been important in my journey as a leader, as we got to understand how each of us faced similar yet unique joys and struggles in our local churches (regardless of size). Being a part of the Methodist family has truly been a blessing.

by

Lau Peng Leong, Yen Tun I and Zachary Yong

Rachel Ng is the Youth Ministry Co-ordinator at Changi Methodist Church. She really enjoys working with kids and young people but loves good food just as much (if not more). / Photo courtesy of Rachel Ng

ETHOS CONVERSATION 2023: MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CHURCH

18 April 2023 (Tuesday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. (Registration starts at 7.00 p.m.)

7 Armenian Street, Bible House, Level 4, S(179932). Free Admission. Register by 11 April via https://https://ethosinstitute.sg/ethosconversation2023/

There has been a rise in mental health awareness in recent years. Join speakers Dr Adrian Loh and Mr Leow Wen Pin as they seek to address some pertinent questions on the Christian perspective on mental health and its associated conditions.

Organised by ETHOS Institute

THE METHODIST FESTIVAL CHOIR PRESENTS: I AM

16 April 2023 (Sunday), 6.00 p.m.

Worship Hall (Level 4) at Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, S(149604)

Details on https://msmusic.edu.sg/events/mfc-presents-i-am/

Come and reflect on Jesus’ “I AM” statements with the Methodist Festival Choir, and rediscover—in music, song, Scripture, and prayer—the meaning of these claims upon each of our lives, and on the world today.

Organised by Methodist School of Music

S ex ED TRAINING

20 April (Thursday), 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

21 April (Friday), 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

22 April (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

RNN Conference Centre, 137 Cecil Street Cecil Building #04-01, S(069537)

https://events.family.org.sg/sexedtraining/ $480 per person

Guiding the younger generation on sexuality matters can feel nerve-wracking. SexEd Training equips individuals with the foundational framework of a holistic sexuality education for youth and young adults so that they have the knowledge and skills to conduct their own sexuality lessons, start conversations relating to sex and sexuality and dialogue confidently and effectively.

Suitable for all working with children and youth: Social service practitioners / Educators and trainers / Counsellors / Community leaders / Parents

Organised by Focus on the Family Singapore

D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2023

28–29 July 2023, 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

Wesley Methodist Church Register at https://d6family.sg before 30 June 2023

$120 per person (fee includes printed conference materials and tea breaks for both days)

Be inspired to sharpen church and home partnership towards generational discipleship with all our heart, soul and strength. Glorify God with a stronger and better-connected family and church!

Organised by Sower Institute™ for Biblical Discipleship