0129-6868MCI MCI (P) ISSNISSN 0129-6868 (P)019/11/2017 057/11/2018
Vol 121 No 8 • AUG 2019
inside
this issue...
message.methodist.org.sg message.methodist.org.sg
Agape MC Coming of age
Susan Chee Gaining through losing
MCS Structural Review New wineskins for old wine
page 4
pages 12–13
page 15
HOME Mr Harry Tan is a volunteer with the TRAC Seniors Ministry.
HOPE OF THE AGES
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ed by the Rev Irene Thung, TRAC Seniors Ministry (TSM) facilitates two weekday services every month at Faith Methodist Church. The Worship Service is held at 2.30 p.m on a Wednesday while the Prayer Service takes place at the same time on a Tuesday. For the rest of 2019, the Worship Services will be on 14 Aug, 18 Sep, 16 Oct and 11 Dec and the Prayer Services on 27 Aug, 24 Sep, 22 Oct and 26 Nov. In partnership with the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), TSM also organises monthly visits to MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee as part of its Befriending Ministry. TSM Worship Service will celebrate its first anniversary on Wednesday 14 Aug. God’s message will be delivered by TRAC President the Rev Dr Gordon Wong. There will also be performances by GYM members from various Methodist parishes. All are invited! Tan Peck Yin, Gladys Tan and Jane Yoon are some of attendees who are thankful for the TSM weekday services. Enriched in worship and prayer “I appreciate that there is a theme or focus for the Worship Services. Invited speakers have spoken with passion. They’ve inspired and encouraged me in my walk with the Lord, and spurred me to act where needed. It has been edifying to have groups from different churches coming to lead in worship, and to present items to glorify God. I have also been ministered through the words of knowledge, and the prayers.
Tan Peck Yin
The worship at the beginning of the Prayer Services has often been Spirit-filled. I’ve been enriched and encouraged from the focused teaching on prayer by the Rev Irene Thung and invited speakers. The teaching on “Dry Bones” (Eze 37:1–14) reminded me that though we may be physically old, God can strengthen us and breathe life into our spirit. The teaching on the Holy Spirit by Pastor Irene, with a 10-day devotional to follow in preparation for Pentecost, was very uplifting. Coming to the TSM Prayer Services has inspired me to press on to pray for people I am concerned about.” —Tan Peck Yin, member of BOSM, Christ Methodist Church Continued on page 20...
COMING UP
ALPHA SINGAPORE’S 10TH ANNUAL GOLF DAY Y
ou’re invited to Alpha Singapore’s 10th Annual Golf Day!
A rousing game of golf awaits on the greens of the New Tanjong Course at the Sentosa Golf Club. Are you ready to score the Hole-in-One and win a golf holiday for two to Japan with Singapore Airlines Business Class, play novelty games for extra fun, and engage with friends old and new over sumptuous meals? A live auction will also be held featuring several attractive items! With an exciting line-up of activities planned for the day, the Alpha Singapore team looks forward to welcoming you! Your support contributes fully to the work of Alpha Singapore. In partnership, you will play a part in opening doors for a greater number of guests to meet Jesus. There are several ways you can give, including purchasing a golf flight. For more information, please visit http://singapore.alpha. org/events/golfday. n About Alpha Singapore Alpha is a series of interactive sessions which introduces guests to the Christian faith, providing them with the opportunity to discover and develop a relationship with Jesus. The Alpha Singapore team equips and supports communities that run Alpha—in churches, workplaces, schools, homes, prisons and halfway houses, and many more.
6 Sep 2019 (Friday), Tee-off: 1.15 p.m.
The New Tanjong Course, Sentosa Golf Club 27 Bukit Manis Road, S(099892) http://singapore.alpha.org/events/golfday info@alpha.org.sg 6469 5085 PEACE Flight (with lunch and dinner): $5,000 FAITH Flight (with lunch and dinner): $8,000 LOVE Flight (with lunch and dinner): $10,000 Registration closes on 23 Aug 2019.
The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.
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Dr Anthony Goh, Chairperson Council on Communications Editor Sheri Goh Sub-editor Tan Chiu Ai Editorial Executive Jason Woo
@methodist.sg
Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and, if appropriate, your contribution could be published. In the June 2019 issue of Methodist Message, the time of Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church’s Hokkien Service should be 2.00 p.m. and not 4.00 p.m. We apologise for the error.
BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2016. He served as President of the Chinese Annual Conference from 2008 to 2016.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD:
GRANDPARENTS, WE NEED YOU!
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n old African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
The clear implication of this saying is that bringing up children well involves more than just the parents. From the moment we are born, we interact with those around us, which include our parents, siblings and other members of the extended family. As we grow up, the sphere of interaction expands to encompass neighbours, childhood companions, teachers, schoolmates and friends. Even those we meet on a daily basis may be counted as familiar strangers. Thus those who make up the circles of influence in our lives easily number more than 10, perhaps even a hundred! With today’s busy and fast-paced lifestyle, many parents struggle to set aside time and energy for their children. Under pressure on the economic front, both parents in many families work, and it is usually not just a nine-to-five commitment. Very often, we find at least one parent away on overseas assignments. Parents’ time at home is therefore very limited. Even if one parent stays home to look after the children, they realise with a shock the competition they face from social media, new trends and even new cultures. Christian parents, in particular, need to keep an eye out for one another so that the hearts of our children may be filled with a bedrock of truth and wisdom to last them a lifetime. This is what Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Today’s young parents very much need the involvement of the grandparents, or of more experienced parents. Together they can mutually support the raising of the next generation. Timothy was known to be a devout and God-fearing man. Paul was instrumental in leading Timothy to become a faithful and good pastor. Yet Timothy’s sincere faith was nurtured from when he was a very young boy by his mother and maternal grandmother (2 Tim 1:5). From Timothy’s example, we are inspired to affirm the role of grandparents in helping young parents to nurture the spiritual life of their young children in a very deep way. In a Christian household, the grandparents play the role of spiritual elders. The grandparent–grandchild bond is a special one where the grandparents are seen as kind, considerate and trustworthy elders. That is why young children are often most receptive to their grandparents’ admonishment or persuasion. The impact of the grandparents on young ones should not be underestimated. They do not just accompany the children at the playground, tell stories or jokes, or buy toys, pets or the umpteenth ice cream for their grandchildren. Deep down in their young souls, the grandparents help pave the way to eternity. In the eyes of the young, their grandparents’ actions and words leave a really deep impression. They see just what great people their grandparents are, and honour and remember them. n Picture by monkeybusinessimages/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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CHURCH PROFILE Dr Naville Chia is the LCEC Chairperson of Agape Methodist Church. He is a medical doctor by profession.
AGAPE COMES OF AGE Agape Methodist Church camp, 2019.
T 1998.
his year, Agape Methodist Church (AgMC) turns 21, marking its coming of age since its first Sunday services in
From inception to now being a congregation of more than 250 members and four weekly services—English, Mandarin, Youth and Children—the sense of the Lord’s faithfulness and watching over the fledgling church is undeniable. His more-than-adequate provision has ensured that AgMC has stayed in the black financially year after year, even after allocating sizeable funds to Missions. AgMC’s first services were held in the cinema halls in Jurong Point as a preaching point initiative. Known then as Jurong Ministry, AgMC has come a long, roundabout way since. Today, the church has gone back to holding services in cinema halls like it used to.1 Regardless of the changes and circumstances, AgMC has stayed true to the vision of reaching out to the Jurong community for Christ, be it at Jurong East Mall (JEM), where its four Sunday services run concurrently at 9.30 a.m., or at Taman Jurong, where its three-storey building stands.
We continue our series of profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, we may discover more opportunities to forge cross-church partnerships and collaborations.
Since becoming the 20th Local Conference of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) on 4 Dec 2005, AgMC has had its own building on Yung Ho Road, which was acquired and later renamed the Agape after its namesake. Appeals to the authorities for the right to use the Agape for worship services are still ongoing. The building is where the church office is located, as is Lakeside Family Services, its collaborator in reaching out to the community in need.
four glorious days together learning how to be the “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World”. The largest turnout in the history of AgMC church camps, this year’s camp was almost redlined had the committee not persevered in the face of a dismal initial sign-up. The number 153 was itself a revelation. This was the exact number of fish the disciples caught after they obeyed Jesus’ instruction to drop their net once more after a fruitless night of fishing! (Jn 21:11) When told of the number, the camp speaker articulated his immediate thought—“It’s harvest time!” During the camp, we heard how the timely sequence of events led to the revelation of the important keys of the Kingdom (Matt 16:19), which the Lord will bestow upon AgMC. A greater surprise was learning the reason behind it. AgMC turns 21 this year. Until it was highlighted, it had not occurred to us to add the seven years of being Jurong Ministry to the 14 years of being AgMC. On turning 21, many young adults receive an ornamental key from their parents in symbolic recognition of their reaching the cusp of adulthood. In due time, He will hand over the keys to His kingdom if this little church of His does not lose heart.
The Rev Nga Mee Hee, our current Pastor-in-charge, leads AgMC in our journey to re-examine, rediscover and realign ourselves continually to God’s purposes. Like a child growing from infancy into young adulthood, AgMC has had its share of angst and zest. Conflict and confusion, waiting and seeming aimlessness, as well as identity crisis have been but part of AgMC’s growing up. Our church life has been made all the richer by them all. To its harshest critic, AgMC is like a kid in arrested development, or a church forever in transition, never going anywhere and still a far cry from its hopes of becoming a “church without walls”. The biennial church camp, eighth to date, saw 153 participants crossing into Malaysia to spend
Looking at our logo, one would notice a heart-shaped M from which drips the blood of Christ onto His church (denoted by letters A and C). For it is only by His blood and agape love that AgMC can fulfill its vision. n
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AgMC would also like to acknowledge Faith Methodist Church for its role in the birthing of AgMC.
Photo courtesy of Agape Methodist Church
ONE MCS—TRAC HIGHLIGHTS The Rev Dr Gordon Wong was re-elected President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) in 2016 for a second quadrennial term, but is primarily grateful to God for the gift of his wife Lai Foon and two children Deborah and Jeremy.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE DISCIPLES
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he point of the well-known African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child”, is that to raise a child well, many more people than a child’s parents play a part.
Perhaps the same is true for a disciple. It takes a church to raise a disciple, and a church comprises many more people than just the pastor, or a Bible study group mentor. No-one can be a village on his own. A church is also a village of different people across cultures, age groups, occupations etc. And we are all disciples who need to be nurtured, and who must help nurture one another. The apostle Paul uses a different analogy. He wrote that just as a body, though one, has many parts, all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all, whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free, baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body and we were all given the one Spirit. Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body”. it would not, for that reason, stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body”. it would not, for that reason, stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?
In fact, God has placed the parts, every one of them, in the body just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” (1 Cor 12:12–21) Like individual parts of a body, we each have a part to play in both nurturing, and being nurtured by, fellow disciples in the Church. Edward Hale, an American author, historian and Unitarian minister, once remarked, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Indeed, it takes a village to raise a Church of disciples. Let us then be as the one body of Christ, together nurturing and being nurtured, to the glory and joy of God, our Father. n
Picture by Andrey Tokarchuk/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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YOU & YOUR FAMILY Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
DEFENDING THE HELPLESS O
n 17 March, the Straits Times reported a 30 per cent increase in child abuse cases in 2018 over the year before. Almost one in five of the cases involved sexual abuse. More recently, the newspapers covered the trial of a retired principal accused of molesting several students. Although reports of people in positions of responsibility, like priests and even parents, breaching the trust placed on them are common, they have usually happened elsewhere. Yet, sexual assault does happen in our backyard. Some have even been perpetrated in public places like parks and HDB staircases. Others have happened in what we think of as the safest of all places—in the victims’ homes. The fact of child sexual abuse in Singapore hit home when I attended an event organised by AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research). As I sat watching a locally-produced video and listened to personal accounts of sexual violence ranging from harassment to incest, I was dumbstruck. Words cannot express the mix of emotions I felt. I was outraged by the perpetrators’ vile and reprehensible acts. I was awed by the resilience and courage of the survivors, especially one who called herself a “warrior”. I was also confounded and saddened by the response of those around these children who could have acted to protect them, but did not. In one account, the victim’s complaint did receive attention. Sadly, it was negative—she was scolded for lying and for making up horrible stories against such a dedicated teacher. Within my own practice, I had a client who related to me how, when she was a young child, she had run home with
her clothes torn from her little body after an assault. Her mother flew into a blind rage and caned her. So traumatic were the sexual violation and her mother’s reaction that she suppressed the memory of the assault for years, and for a long time felt very uneasy with close human contact. How is it, we may wonder, that family members act in such a disbelieving, callous and even harsh manner? When the appropriate response would be to assure them that what has happened is unacceptable, and to offer protection and help? There may be different reasons. Sometimes, there is the irrational response of disbelief and denial. In other situations, there may be a difficult choice between protecting the child and the family’s honour. Then there are those who want to give the offenders another chance in the vain hope that the abuse would not recur. Thankfully, there are cases when family members and others like childcare teachers and social workers believed the victims when they came forward. We now know that children do not make up such stories without cause. When their need for help is recognised and they receive protection and support quickly, their prognosis of recovery is more positive. In other instances, the adults uncover the abuse. They notice children behaving in a sexualised manner or showing sudden behavioural changes like withdrawing with fear in the presence of an older person. Although it is a grim behaviour to confront, we cannot and must not fail to protect the vulnerable young. n
Picture by evgeny atamanenko/Bigstock.com
WELFARE SERVICES By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team
BRINGING JOY TO OTHERS
Mr Soo and wife bring joy to a resident at a birthday celebration at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee.
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r Harry Soo and Ms Lilian Chang were among the first volunteers for MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee’s birthday celebrations. Each month, the husband–wife pair faithfully give their time to make birthdays memorable for the residents. In addition to sponsoring the birthday cakes, Mr Soo also arranges for talented individuals and school groups to perform for the seniors. So far, the residents have been treated to Cantonese opera, Chinese orchestral music, Chinese dance and more. While celebrating with the residents, Mr and Mrs Soo enjoy mingling and chatting with them as well as taking part in the activities. They said, “Seeing them smile gives us joy. It is rewarding when we get the residents to open up, just like old friends. We can give back to society, and we find more meaning in our lives when we bring God’s joy to those at the home.” Mr and Mrs Soo have also become champions of volunteerism. They have been encouraging fellow members from Grace Methodist Church to come on board and now have a team of 16 volunteers. With their support, the programme has expanded to accommodate the growing number of residents. n
COME VOLUNTEER WITH US! Join Us at Chapel Services at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee The Home is currently looking for help with their weekly chapel service. Roles: • Lead worship and music ministry (lead praise and worship, provide musicians, bring residents in wheelchairs to and from chapel service) • Provide guest speakers to give sermons or share testimonies Time and Frequency: Chapel service is held every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. Volunteers should commit to helping at least once a month. Be our MWS Ambassador at Roadshows From raising awareness about MWS’ services and programmes, to fundraising, to volunteer recruitment—roadshows are great places to meet people! If you are outgoing and passionate about supporting our work with the distressed and disadvantaged, please contact us. Find out more about the MWS’ Seven Volunteering Experiences • Fun & Sun • Home Improvement • Imagine & Create • Keep it Movin’ • Reminiscence Therapy • Share Your Expertise • Up Close & Personal For more information, please contact us at: h ttps://mws.sg/volunteer volunteer@mws.sg. Photo courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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Registration at our Columbarium OďŹƒce (Level 5) Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (Closed on Public Holidays). Tel: 6479 8122 HP: 9670 9935 or Fax: 6479 6960 Email: veronicalowjmc@yahoo.com.sg
MISSIONS Sharon Loo and her husband Daniel are missionaries serving in Thailand. Their home church is Charis Methodist Church.
PRAYER IN THE UPSIDE DOWN WORLD
Little Candles Methodist Church in Phrao, Thailand.
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y prayer life while in the mission field has been like a roller coaster ride. I call the mission field the “upside down world”, where things are done so differently from home, and our experiences are often extraordinary and rather scary. When I accepted Jesus into my life as a teenager, my prayers mostly took the form of requests to God. I seldom said “holy” prayers in which I asked God to change me, to use me or to send me. Since we entered the “upside down world” in 2008, my prayer life has taken a sharp turn. I found myself questioning, reasoning with, and even doubting Him in my prayers. This was especially true when I was asked to be a song leader in our newly-planted Thai church. I struggled and wrestled, giving God 10,000 valid reasons as to why I could not do it. However, He answered, “You CAN do it, but only if we do it together. Not you, but Me. Not what you can do but what I can do through you.” Time and again, He pushed me over the edge by giving me tasks I could not do alone and by telling me to love and forgive the unlovable. In those scary and seemingly unfair moments, I wrestled with Him. In those times, His still, small voice spoke while His mighty hands worked miracles. Over the years, I have learnt to be more honest with God in my prayers. There were days when my emotions would run wild, especially when I was wronged or betrayed. I would go: “Lord, rain sulphur from heaven to destroy them all! Change them to a pillar of salt or let the fire of hell devour
Daniel, Sharon and their four children.
them.” Looking back, are we not glad that our God does not always answer all our prayers? He is sovereign! There were seasons that my prayers were streams of tears— no words, no requests, no “Hallelujah Lord”, just tears. Tears of anger, of fear, of anguish, of “until when?” and of “why not?”. Of course, there were also tears of joy and comfort. On bleak and dull days, these tears became my prayers. Yet He always acted, without fail. One’s prayer life is a journey, whether you live in the “upside down world” or not. You do not need to be stout-hearted. However, you do need to enter the wrestling ring with Him. It is in wrestling that God comes near and becomes real to us. n This article was first published in Harvest Force 2019 issue 2. Reprinted with permission. Please pray for: • God to use us to play a part in His mighty plan for the Thai people. • Our children to experience Jesus personally as their Lord and Saviour. If you are in Chiang Mai, please come by for a visit! Little Candles Ministry, 150 Moo 6, Tambon Pathum, Ampure Phrao, Chiang Mai 50190, Thailand sharonloo211@gmail.com Photos courtesy of Sharon Loo METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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NEWS The Rev Gabriel Liew is a Pastor of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS Imam Syed Hassan Al-Attas (fourth from right, in white) and his family opening their hearts and home to visitors from MCS and other faith communities on 5 June 2019.
“We Christians believe in the faith tremendous that in Christ Jesus, God is breaking down the walls, and barriers, and partitions, and prejudices that separate us as races and as religions.” —The Rev. Dr. H. B. Amstutz, Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southeast Asia, 1956–64
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o celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Imam Syed Hassan Al-Attas of the Ba’alwie Mosque and his family opened their hearts and home to leaders of other faith communities on 5 June 2019. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung, Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup, the Rev and Mrs Tay Kay Leong, Pastor and Mrs Anthony Phua, and I were privileged to be included. A very well respected Muslim leader, Imam Syed Hassan Al-Attas has made invaluable contributions to religious peace in Singapore. The visit to his home helped build inter-religious friendships as we enjoyed his kind hospitality over a shared meal. Most of us find security and comfort with people of our own nationality, culture, race, social status and religion. If this is left unchecked by spiritual discernment, it may morph into identity politics and tribalism. So much suffering in the world today is caused by prejudice, tribalism, hatred and religious conflict. The recent terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand and Sri Lanka underscore the importance of racial and religious harmony. As Singapore celebrates our Bicentennial, Methodists can contribute to nation building by promoting religious peace both on a national level and on a personal level.
On a national level, we are grateful to Her Excellency Madam Halimah Yacob, the President of Singapore, for initiating the “International Conference on Cohesive Societies” held in June. Delegates from far and near came to celebrate our common humanity, to affirm our love and care for one another and to build cohesive societies. Methodists served as panellists, youth facilitators and delegates. We even hosted a visit to Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. The Methodist Church in Singapore is among one of the 250 religious organisations that have affirmed our shared Commitment to Safeguard Religious Harmony.1 On a personal level, we need to make a conscious effort to interact with others beyond our circle of familiarity. We do this with godly wisdom and without compromising our Christian faith. In closing, I would like to share a prayer I crafted. It was adapted from the statement issued by the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) in response to the Christchurch mosque attacks. “God of justice, may this incident serve as a reminder to us of the need for members of different religious and racial communities to interact with and know one another on a personal level, in order to dispel harmful stereotypes that might lead to exclusion, discrimination and, in the worst cases, outright violence. Help your Church to continue to work closely with other religious leaders to promote peace and better understanding amongst the followers of the various faiths. Amen.” n 1
For more information, visit https://www.ircc.sg/commitment.
Photo courtesy of the Rev Gabriel Liew
HYMNS & SONGS Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
BLESSED JESUS, AT YOUR WORD
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ne of the prayers offered during worship is the prayer for illumination. It is a prayer for God’s Spirit to act through the reading and preaching of Scripture. It is offered both for the preacher and the congregation, and is either said or sung. One hymn in the United Methodist Hymnal (UMH) that was written for the purpose of being sung as a prayer for illumination is UMH 596, “Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word”. Originally written in German in 1663, it was translated into English in 1858 and entered the UMH in 1935. Stanza 1 reminds us of the importance of gathering as a people of God to listen to His word. Chapter eight of the book of Nehemiah narrates how the people gathered to listen to Ezra reading the word of God. The
Levites also expounded on the word as the people continued to listen. In the New Testament, we see how large crowds gathered, eager and hungry to hear Jesus. In like manner, we listen to the preacher to enlighten us about God’s word. The second stanza expresses a tinge of humility. That is if we acknowledge that Jesus, and not our own efforts, brings out the good in us. Stanza 3 speaks of God revealing Himself to us. In response, we are to keep our lips, ears and hearts open to be illumined and receive the Spirit’s leading. Although it may not be familiar to most, this hymn calls us to prepare ourselves to listen so that our hearts may be receptive to what the Lord has to say and teach us while we worship Him. n
Blessed Jesus, at Your Word (UMH 596) Blessed Jesus, at your word we are gathered all to hear you. Let our hearts and souls be stirred now to seek and love and fear you. By your gospel pure and holy, teach us, Lord, to love you solely. All our knowledge, sense, and sight lie in deepest darkness shrouded, till your Spirit breaks our night with your beams of truth unclouded. You alone to God can win us; you must work all good within us. Glorious Lord, yourself impart; Light of Light, from God proceeding, open lips and ears and heart; help us by your Spirit’s leading. Hear the cry your church now raises; Lord, accept our prayers and praises. Words: Tobias Clausnitzer, 1663; trans. Catherine Winkworth, 1858 Music: Johann R. Ahle, 1664 Picture by artitcom/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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HOME Jason Woo is Methodist Message’s Editorial Executive. When not working on the latest articles, he enjoys long jogs and cuddling up with his cats along with a good book.
GAINING THROUGH LOSING
Susan (second from left) with her children (left to right) Lou Ee, Tam Mei and Jo Ee.
A sudden loss usan Chee lost her husband, Tan Choon Yeow, when he was just 46 in the fateful SilkAir Flight 185 crash in 1997. The aircraft plunged into the murky waters of the Musi River in Indonesia, killing all 104 passengers and crew.
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What happened in the years after would prove that God is indeed a “father to the fatherless, and a defender of widows” (Ps 68:5). On the evening of 19 December, Susan was putting her three children to bed—her son, Lou Ee, then six, and daughters Tam Mei and Jo Ee, then five and one. Incessant phone began coming from her husband’s colleagues, each wanting to confirm which flight to Indonesia he had taken. That was when she found out that her husband’s plane had gone missing. Then came the official visit and the murmuring doubts gave way to a terrifying reality—her husband had perished. As Susan was whisked to the airport the same night, her mind was blank and she felt everything to be drained of colour. It was the first of what would be several visits to the crash site.
With tears welling up in her eyes, Susan related her experience on the ferry carrying the bereaved families to where the plane crashed in the Musi River. “Just like John Wesley, [I felt] a strange warmth in my body… The Holy Spirit brought me this song and I sang aloud, ‘Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace. I want to see my Saviour’s face. Heaven is a wonderful place.’” Even though it would have been easy to give in to grief as the reality of her husband’s demise hit home, God was clearly with Susan when she needed Him most. He would not stop there. A God who meets needs, a church that supports The years after her tragic loss were when the biggest challenges pressed upon Susan. The fact of being alone and the sole caregiver of three young children brought hard times, both emotionally and financially. However, Susan found God meeting her needs every step of the way. First, God sent her help in the form of a caring community at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church (AMKMC), where she worships till today. Before joining AMKMC, Susan said that she used to church hop, never really finding a suitable church where she could fit in. “The Lord has blessed me with the friends at AMKMC who pray for me and my children, giving me the confidence and opportunity to serve in various ministries. Initially, I was a loner, but the Lord drew me out to fellowship and I began to grow spiritually as I served at church,” described Susan. However, the journey was not a bed of roses as Susan would sometimes still fall back into questioning God about her loss and hard life as a single mother. A sense of anger and frustration would at times affect her relationship with her children. Despite stumbling along the way, Susan’s unwavering belief that God is always in control and her deepening relationship with Christ through her church helped see her through the tough years of solo parenting. God also opened up avenues for Susan and her children to get to know Him better. The first of many doors that the Lord opened for Susan was at Wicare Support Group, a ministry for widows and the fatherless, where Susan eventually served for a season as the General Manager of the group’s support centre at Bishan. Through Wicare, Susan was able to pick up the pieces alongside a community who understood her struggles deeply.
Today, even though she no longer works for Wicare, Susan still takes it upon herself to visit, befriend and support new widows through their difficult emotional journeys. She is living testimony that God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor 1:4). As God healed Susan, He also turned His eye on her children’s spiritual well-being. He led the family to join the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Susan’s three children, now 28, 27 and 22, spent seven of their formative years with BSF and built a solid Christian foundation that has stood them in good stead in the face of a world obsessed with moral relativity, she shared. Claiming the riches of God Closing our conversation, Susan shared an encounter she had soon after the plane crash. She is convinced that she was touched by one of God’s angels. “During one of the trips [back to the Musi River], I met a girl dressed totally in white at the airport waving gallery. She approached me with a Bible and told me the Lord is giving me riches from the Bible. I replied, ‘I have just lost my husband, the main breadwinner of the family, and you are telling me this?’ In exasperation I turned away to talk with my niece, who was a couple of steps behind me. When I looked back, the girl had vanished. “I put that incident behind me until two years later, when I heard a sermon in church on ‘God’s Richness’. Something clicked in me. When I asked my niece about the girl at the waving gallery, she said: ‘You mean the one who disappeared?’ My niece had seen her too; it was not a hallucination! “I told one of my church elders about it. He then taught me that I should pray and claim the riches God has in store for me. I now believe it is the richness of His Word and providence that He has given me all these years,” recounted Susan, shaking her head in amazement. “God has certainly made me feel very rich, never in the lack, spiritually or financially. God is really good.” Jesus’ words, “You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (Jn 13:7), have come alive for Susan. n
Photo courtesy of Susan Chee METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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2020 Admissions Now Open 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, very 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 25 overseas trips per year • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP
Achievements include
Mr Rob Burrough Principal
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal
• Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP • 19 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past eight 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 Singapore GCE ‘O’ Level students achieve outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP with improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level this year in Archery, Touch Rugby, Cycling, Swimming, Chinese Drama, Debating, Fencing, Football, Golf, String Orchestra, Taekwondo, Volleyball and Wushu
What the parents say…
Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal
Dr Kristopher Achter Vice Principal
For more information Please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admission@acsinternational.edu.sg 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475
“ACS (International) ignites students' passion to learn through building strong relationships with deeply devoted and highly experienced teachers and excellent pedagogic and sporting infrastructure. The school has achieved a fine blend of academic rigour and holistic learning. The emphasis on CCAs and community service as well as the ample opportunities for student leadership makes ACS (International) a 'cut above' and the preferred choice for our children.” Larisa and Shivinder Singh “Sending our daughter to ACS (International) was the best decision we made. She used to be shy and introverted and has now become a confident, caring and motivated student leader.” Debra and Samuel Koh “We deeply appreciate the contribution ACS (International) has made towards making our son confident, capable and thoughtful. The school has provided an environment of personal care, support and encouragement to nurture him into a compassionate young man. We are also very proud of his academic, leadership, co-curricular and public speaking skill development.” Anju Uppal “We like the holistic learning environment of ACS (International). Apart from academics, the school gives the students plenty of learning opportunities outside the walls of the classroom through service trips in continents as far as Africa, school projects and events, CCAs, student leadership roles and more. Our children thoroughly enjoy the IB programme, the holistic environment of the school, and are very proud to be students of ACS (International). The school has helped our children to grow and mature in so many ways, whilst equipping them with the necessary skills needed for their university studies and future endeavours. We are very glad to have sent both of our children to ACS (International).” Steven and Pau Kim Kan
ONE MCS—IDENTITY AND DESTINY By the Structural Review Task Force
NEW WINESKINS FOR NEW WINE
Traditional wineskin made of leather.
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n the last few months, several events were organised that have provided much insight into members’ hearts, minds and souls. Early in our discussions, we realised the broad differences in our pastoral practices. These were the focus of discussions at the Combined Pastors’ Retreat with Prof Karen Tucker in April 2019. The pastors found the idea of merging the three Annual Conferences (ACs) challenging, citing differences related to theology, language and culture, emotional ties and readiness. During the Bishops’ Panel, our former Bishops also felt that critical factors like mutual understanding were not yet evident. It was unequivocal that we are NOT ready at the present time for a one-Conference MCS. Yet we are very thankful for the many conversations, prayers and ideas that have drawn us closer together. Seven workgroups were formed to bring together those serving in different areas of ministry to study where we can do better by working together, cutting back on duplication, and sharing resources including financial, manpower and space as committed by all the pastors. The task force will carry on discussing and looking into how we can continue to increase effectiveness and reduce duplication. The focus going forward include: A. Missional unity Optimising our talents and resources in achieving our mission calls for complementing one another and collaborating in our outreach to different groups of people, whether they are in our neighbourhood or in the marketplace, youths or the elderly, Singaporeans or foreigners working in Singapore. B. Build more trust through better relationships We need to develop a better expression and practice of unity in the face of anticipated challenges in order to
support one another better and respond more quickly to needs as they arise. C. Collaborate to reduce duplication We no longer have the luxury in terms of time, manpower, money or space for each local church and each AC to do things on their own. There are many areas where it is better for us to work together than to do things separately. Cutting back on such duplication could free us for more good work. It is also important that MCS be united on our approach to critical social issues. D. Develop church growth strategies to cover all ACs This is where we may be more similar than different, such as identifying engines of growth, joint church planting, and even joint missions. There are immediate areas of needs in discipleship, in Chinese ministry, in Indian ministry and in leadership development. New wineskins for new wine We must not miss Jesus’ lesson in the parable of new wine in old wineskins. Dr R. C. Sproul, in his commentary on Mark, said that Jesus “was warning them that their King had come, and they would not be able to deal with this King unless they got rid of the structures that made it impossible for them to receive Him”. Luke 5:17–25 tells of leaders coming from all over—every town in Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem—and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. But they missed the opportunity to experience healing because instead of focusing on healing, they were engrossed in whether Jesus could claim that He was able to forgive sins. Although they had come so near to Jesus, their hearts and attitudes were still hung up on the old ways. Let us look out for ways we can be new wineskins for new wine. n Picture by alfonsodetomas/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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HOME The Rev Timothy Khoo is an Anglican priest and the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Prison Fellowship International. He now runs Desert Odyssey, a residential and travel programme where participants—“sojourners”—can seek refuge, and where their minds, souls and bodies can be tended to and transformed. (www.desertodyssey.com, fb.com/DesOdy)
FALLING INTO GRACE
The Rev Timothy Khoo (in white) with children from a homestead in Swaziland connected with Desert Odyssey.
“Should we not indeed give thanks, too, for the reality of our human nature? For we have, inexplicably, fallen not from grace, but, undeservedly, into it!” —Friar John Wong, OFM
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t is axiomatic to state that no-one wants to be defined by the worst thing they have ever done. Yet in this world where we are regaled with stories of accomplishment and success, the reality is that what we have done—the best and worst—defines us. Such was my experience of the fateful day in August 2014 when my moral duplicity—my sin—was very publicly exposed. Having been in prison ministry for 29 years and coming from a family who has served in prison ministry since 1952, I understand well, albeit vicariously, how one’s incarceration marks a person for life. I was cycling with my son one morning soon after August 2014, and the conversation in my head was of how I had talked at length with prisoners about letting their loved one down; of dishonour, betrayal and the attending shame and guilt; of loss, separation and desperation. It was largely rhetorical then, but now it seemed I was living that reality. My knees buckled and I literally felt I was drowning in tears of desolation.
On the journey back, the words of Brennan Manning resounded: “Do you believe that the God of Jesus loves you beyond fidelity and infidelity…that He loves you when your intellect denies it, your emotions refuse it, and your whole being rejects it… Do you believe that He loves you this moment as you are and not as you should be?” A second flood of tears flowed freely. This time, they were tears of consolation at the depth of the Father’s unconditional love. From the pinnacle of ministry “success”—priest at a prominent Anglican parish, President of a global charity, Prison Fellowship International (PFI)—to the abyss of ministry “failure”, the descent was diminishing and devastating. From a bird’s eye view of life from the vantage point of success, I descended to now having a worm’s eye view of life from the vantage point of having fallen between the cracks of my hitherto charmed life. Yet the change of scenery, the view from the bottom, gave me, over the course of many months, a greater appreciation of the length and depth to which God’s love descends. The love of life-sustaining friends, whittled down to a few in this season of adversity, bore testament to the power of human love. Photo courtesy of the Rev Timothy Khoo METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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HOME The work (if I could even call it that) at PFI was lifegiving and richly rewarding. Positively impacting the lives of prisoners and their families, making inroads to constructive improvements in the rehabilitation and restoration of prisoners’ lives, was the privilege of a lifetime. Deciding not to return even though the option was available after the year of discipline was the most painful decision I had to make. Yet it was the right one. I realised in a deeply humbling way, that I was not responsible for perpetuating the legacy of my grandfather and father. Instead, I was to honour my heritage and paradoxically, to then free myself and the ministry from an inordinate sense of legacy preservation. Thus began my journey in the establishment of Desert Odyssey. The metaphor of a desert, as one author put it, “…in the silence [of the desert] you can hear your heart beat. There is no better place to meet yourself.” I needed to find Timothy Khoo. Not the one with multiple personas/ masks that his face had grown to fit, but the Timothy Khoo, beloved of God, “simplified” by the barrenness of the desert, that needed to be met beyond all the accoutrements of position and privilege. Desert Odyssey’s seven-day residential retreat is built on the premise described succinctly by Ernest Hemingway: “The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are
strong at the broken places.” Having the gift of time and space and a rhythm in cadence with the beat of our own hearts enables those of us broken by life in some way to be truly remembered—made whole again. A few weeks after the exposure of my sin, and as I sat in the ashes of the ruins of what was once a charmed life, I reached out to an old friend. I sat with John Wong (who was to become my Spiritual Director), drenched in my tears once again, narrating painfully the decimation of everything I had once held dear, and everyone I had let down. He spoke the words that began this article, as I pondered the incredulity of my moral failure being a fall from grace. How does one fall from grace? As I understand grace and being a recipient of God’s unmerited favour, a moral failure is inexplicably not a fall from grace, but a fall into grace, undeservedly so. This truth of the unconditionality of God’s love is resisted by the human heart which continues to believe that we can earn God’s love and His favour. Having taken the journey from elder brother to wayward son in my lifetime, I understand. But more than that, I have found my heart opened to the reality that if the rest of my life is to love and be loved by God, that grace will truly be sufficient. n
SOUNDINGS 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 (http://ethosinstitute.sg).
IT TAKES A CHURCH
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t takes a village to raise a child.” This African proverb, the origin of which remains a mystery, has become widely known and loved. Its broad appeal is no doubt due to the fact that it rings true, that is, it conveys an earthy wisdom that contemporary society finds uncommonly refreshing and challenging. Equally true is the proposition that it takes the Church to raise a godly child. From its earliest beginnings, the Church has understood the important role that it—as a Christian community—plays in the nurture of children. This is instantiated in a number of practices that are an inseparable part of the Church’s liturgical and communal life: infant baptism, children’s catechism, children’s communion, etc. These practices reveal the way in which the Church, shaped by the teachings of Scripture, regards children. Unlike the Greco–Roman society of the second century that often deemed children as mere property, the early Christians saw them as bearers of the divine image (Gen 1:26–28) and therefore as possessing an inviolable dignity. Unlike many cultures and societies (both past and present) where children are valued only for their future contribution as adults, Christians, following their Lord (Matt 18:3), value them as children. Reflecting on the radicalness of Jesus’ attitude towards children, Dawn Devries notes that: “[Jesus] not only [welcomed] but [set] them up as models to be emulated. The value of these children, according to Jesus, is not for the sake of something else but simply for what they are in themselves as children: that is, Jesus holds childhood as intrinsically valuable.”1
Soundings is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the gospel and Christian understanding.
Like adults, children have a special place in the Body of Christ. And, like the adults, children too must undergo spiritual formation. Dallas Willard defines spiritual formation in Christ as “the process whereby the inmost being of the individual (the heart, will or spirit) takes on the quality of Christ Himself.”2 For many Christians, the first thing that usually comes to mind with regard to the spiritual nurture of children is the ministry of the Sunday School. However, the spiritual formation of children must also be seen as taking place beyond the confines of the Sunday School, that is, beyond the catechetical aspects of Church life—indispensable though this is. For the Church is not fundamentally a school but a community, a koinonia, a fellowship of people gathered in the name of Christ and energised by the Holy Spirit. It is through the dynamics of koinonia—often informal, spontaneous, unrehearsed, unpredictable and messy—that Christians learn what it means to be Christ’s disciples, what it means to pray, to carry each other’s burdens, to love, to forgive, to endure, to edify and to worship. And it is also in and through this community that children learn what it means to live before God (Coram Deo) and for others.
What this means is that every member of the Body of Christ—not just their biological parents—must bear the responsibility for the spiritual wellbeing of the children in the congregation. This truth is beautifully and movingly underscored in the baptismal rite of the Methodist Church.3 The pastor asks the parents of the infant baptizands and their sponsors this question: Will you nurture these children in Christ’s holy Church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life? After an affirmative response from them, the pastor then turns to the whole congregation and asks: “Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include these persons before you in your care?” The congregation responds with this covenantal pledge: With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others. We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life. n
Dawn Devries, “Toward a Theology of Childhood,” Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology 5, No. 2 (2001): 164. 2 Dallas Willard, The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’s Essential Teaching on Discipleship (New York, NT: HarperOne, 2006), 53. 3 See “The Baptismal Covenant I,” par. 5 and 8, The United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville, TN: The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989), 34–35. 1
Picture by sewcream/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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HOME
HOPE OF THE AGES ... continued from page 1
God took away my pain “Since 2014, I have suffered from pain in my legs and have had difficulty walking. The doctors I consulted attributed the pain to my worn kneecaps, and said that surgery was the only solution. I declined surgery and turned to God for guidance. The pastors and sisters-in-Christ from my home church prayed for me. But the pain persisted. In August 2018, I made my way to Faith Methodist Church for the TSM Worship Service in excruciating pain. I dragged my feet while holding on to my umbrella. At the end of the service, Pastor Irene and Rosie Wee from the altar ministry team interceded for me. A stinging pain suddenly ran down my back during the prayer. After the prayer, I stood up and, surprisingly, walked out of the worship hall without the aid of my umbrella. All glory and praise to our Heavenly Father!” —Gladys Tan
Gladys shares her testimony during the prayer service, flanked by Pastor Irene and Rosie.
Jane (white blouse) with Jenny (striped blouse) and Melissa (back to camera) with a resident at MWS Yew Tee Nursing Home.
Emboldened by the Holy Spirit “Melissa partnered me during our group visit to MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee in March 2019. A trained nurse, she could chat with the home residents and put them at ease, unlike my reticent self. During our next group visit to the home, Melissa and I were joined by Jenny. We were singing with home resident Mdm Ho, who loves Mandarin songs, when Melissa was called to assist a resident in a nearby bed. Jenny and I remained with Mdm Ho but without Melissa, I was anxious about what to do next. Suddenly, I sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit, who emboldened me to speak up! I noticed Mdm Ho’s contorted fingers and toes, and asked if I could pray for her. Mdm Ho nodded. Jenny and I then ministered to her and invited her to say the sinner’s prayer. After praying, Mdm Ho declared in Chinese, ‘Jesus is now in my heart!’ Jenny and I rejoiced that a soul had been won for Jesus.” —Jane Yoon n
BOOK REVIEW Gilbert Lok worships and serves at Aldersgate Methodist Church. He recently graduated from Trinity Theological College with a Master of Divinity, and will be undertaking further training in New Testament at Oxford University. Upon his return, he hopes to serve in the pastoral ministry.
THROUGH THE VALLEY: THE ART OF LIVING AND LEAVING WELL
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his book draws its title from the twenty-third Psalm: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”. It is no surprise then that this readable volume is about journeying through the valley to age well and die well. Dr William Wan is eminently qualified to write on this topic, having won the Active Ageing Award in 2011. He still serves as the General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement—a role he took on at 64, when many others would be thinking of retirement. The book’s numerous anecdotes and witticisms make for a lively and thought-provoking read. Dr Wan writes of being “re-fired” even after being “retired”, and explains how a bucket list can help one remain open to the idea of growth even in one’s golden years. Dr Wan covers familiar topics such as maintaining mental and emotional health, eating well, exercising properly, remaining engaged and humble through constant learning, and enjoying simple pleasures such as showing kindness to others, including to caregivers. Beyond these, he also shares how his Christian faith and spiritual disciplines provide an important anchor for his growing older. These are useful concepts, although some readers may seek more elaboration on what these might look like for different groups, such as
those facing involuntary premature retirement, those who cannot afford to stop working due to financial need, or those who are already in poor health upon retirement. The author also addresses the taboo of having conversations about death (cleverly called “die-logues”), pointing out that keeping silent has negative consequences for both the deceased and for those who remain. He shares some examples from his own life, providing a helpful model for readers who may struggle with how to initiate such conversations. The book also highlights various tools which help one prepare for death, such as wills, LPAs, AMDs or ACPs (confused? Then read the book!). Such instruments, though uncomfortable to consider and converse about, are crucial in sparing loved ones from confusion, contention or compunction. Readers should be careful, though, not to confuse these legitimate and important preparatory documents with other related concepts, such as physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia. The latter, which are not elaborated in the book, are ethically problematic and cannot be endorsed. The book’s final section explains the different stages of grief and the importance of tears in coming to terms with a bereavement. And just how does one comfort a person who is grieving? Dr Wan provides helpful suggestions, gleaned from his years of experience as a pastor and counsellor, for what to say as well as what not to say.
Through the Valley: The Art of Living and Leaving Well By William Wan Published by Straits Times Press (2019), 300 pages https://stbooks.sg/products/ through-the-valley-the-artof-living-and-leaving-well $ 28 (before GST) The book closes, not with a conclusion from the author, but with writers from various backgrounds sharing personal stories about living well and dying well. A fitting end, for no matter one’s creed, class, or skin colour, we will all age and we will all face death. Readers of Through the Valley will certainly be better equipped to go through it well. n
Book visual courtesy of Straits Times Press METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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BOOK REVIEW 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 (http://ethosinstitute.sg).
TIME BELONGS TO GOD & OTHER POEMS
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n this delightful collection of poems, Leong Kwok Thye employs the basic devices of this literary genre—meter, rhyme scheme and imagery—to give eloquent voice to his deepest thoughts about God and the Christian life. The first impression that one gets from perusing the 22 poems in this collection is their simplicity. Their vocabulary is pennyplain and their structures are straightforward and unostentatious. But the simplicity of these verses belies the weightiness of the themes they explore and the insights they offer. To mine their treasures, the reader must not read these poems cursorily and superficially. Instead, he should read them slowly, meditatively and, most importantly, prayerfully. The patient reader will encounter, in the familiar, that which is refreshingly new and challenging. The poems in this collection cover a wide range of topics. Poems like “The New Birth”, “There is Life After Death”, and “The Last Days” deal with doctrine and theology, while “Ask” and “My Super Mobile Phone” explore the meaning and privilege of prayer.
There are also poems that deal with the trappings of our culture. For example, “Chasing After the Wind” exposes the illusions that society creates and by which its members are enslaved, such as wealth, fame and success: “We seek achievements / To gain fame, / And build monuments / To establish our name.” “Does God Care?” explores how human beings, driven by “arrogance and greed”, have exploited and abused the world that God created for their enjoyment. It highlights our responsibility for the welfare of our children and our children’s children—an issue that has long occupied the minds of both theologians and ethicists. The poem entitled “The Word of God” serves as a fitting conclusion to this collection. In it we find these words, which not only reveal their author’s faith but also the inspiration behind the poems he pens: Thy word is a light to my path, Guiding my journey on earth. Directs my wandering soul To your glorious eternal goal. The poems in this volume may therefore be appropriately described as homilies, for they
Time Belongs to God and Other Poems By Leong Kwok Thye Published by Scripture Union Singapore (2015, 2nd edition), 32 pages $ 8. Purchase directly from the Scripture Union Resource Room by walk-in, email or phone. Local postage and handling charges apply. 7 Armenian Street, #03-07 Bible House, S(179932) 6337-1437 (Jenny Yap / Helena Yun) resources@su.org.sg
Enjoy 20% off Time Belongs to God by using the promo code TIME20 (valid from 1–31 August 2019).
invite readers to look at all of reality through the lens of God’s revealed Word. n Book visual courtesy of Scripture Union Singapore
LOOKING AHEAD MCS 135 LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION
25 May to 31 Aug 2019 https://www.methodist.org.sg/MCS135logo for more information, rules and regulations, and submission guidelines
The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is celebrating its 135th anniversary in 2020, themed “Loving God, Serving Together”, and we need a logo to commemorate this significant occasion.
Scan here to see events online!
If you: • attend a Methodist church, • have attended or are currently attending any of our Methodist schools or kindergartens, • work in any Methodist church, school, agency or in MCS itself, • are a beneficiary of any of our welfare organisations or if you are in any other way connected to the Methodist family and you have an artistic idea, you are eligible to join this logo design competition! You can be of any age; you can do it solo, or collaborate with friends (who are also from the Methodist family). Prizes First prize: $300 cash (and a place in Methodist history!); second prize: $200 cash; third prize: $100 cash
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Organised by The Methodist Church in Singapore.
TRAC SENIORS MINISTRY WORSHIP SERVICES
14 Aug, 18 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov, 11 Dec 2019 (Wednesdays), 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Faith Methodist Church, Worship Hall, Level 4, 400 Commonwealth Dr, S(149604) 6478-4754 (Priscilla) priscillalow@trac-mcs.org.sg
TRAC Seniors Ministry welcomes you to their monthly Seniors Ministry Worship Services. Join us for a time of worship, fellowship and food, and catch up with other seniors and retirees from various TRAC churches.
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Organised by Trinity Annual Conference.
THE OLD TESTAMENT AS ASIAN CONTEXTUAL THEOLOGY
5 Sep 2019 (Thursday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. 7 Armenian St, Bible House, Level 4, Morrison-Liang Room, S(179932) http://www.ethosinstitute.sg/asiantheology 6304 3765 (Florence) info@ethosinstitute.sg Free admission. Love offering will be collected. Online registration closes 3 Sep 2019.
While Christianity continues to be seen in much of Asia as a Western religion, the Christian faith and Jewish faith which birthed it are actually from Asia. The Old Testament in particular originated in the Near East, a region that has many cultural connections to the modern Far East where we live. With concepts such as retribution/karma, honour/shame and animism that were common in the Old Testament—the message crosses naturally from its ancient Asian setting into our modern Asian setting. Come learn how to use the Old Testament as a guide to contextualising theology in Asia.
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Organised by Ethos Institute for Public Christianity.
THE BIBLE AND CHINESE CULTURE FESTIVAL
5 to 15 Sep 2019, 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, Level 2 Concourse, S(228213) https://www.bible.org.sg/bccf/ chinese.min@bible.org.sg Admission is free
The Bible is the Word of God, which can be written and read in different languages, and also expressed through the use of different media. Since 2017, The Bible Society of Singapore has organised the annual Bible and Chinese Culture Festival (BCCF) every September with the following aims: • to encourage Christian artists to incorporate Chinese culture and art into their interpretation of the Bible • to enhance believers’ understanding of how the Bible can be integrated together with Chinese culture Come and witness how Biblical themes can be showcased through traditional Chinese art, such as calligraphy, painting, seal and pottery.
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Organised by The Bible Society of Singapore.
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METHODIST MESSAGE • AUG 2019
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THINK The Rev Dr William Wan, a grandfather of four ranging from ages 23 to one, is a retired United Methodist Minister, formerly Registrar of BOM, Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference. He is the General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement and the author of Through the Valley: The Art of Living and Leaving Well.
THE JOY OF GRANDPARENTING M
any of us grandparents provide informal childcare for the offspring of our working and single-parent children, giving them peace of mind to pursue their careers. Our availability is often a lifeline to our children who are pressurised by long working hours, rising childcare costs and limited income. We take delight in playing this important role. It is a legacy of love we can leave behind. When recognised and appreciated by our children, we are re-fired even as we are retired—we feel the joy of spring in the autumn of our life. No longer burdened with the daily grind of work and other pressures, we enjoy interactions with our grandchildren that are different from those we had with our children when they were young. Younger grandchildren benefit from our affection and attention, which their busy parents might not be able to give. According to psychological studies, positive intergenerational relationships reinforce children’s sense of self-identity and belonging. They help build self-acceptance and selfconfidence, and connect the young ones to the extended family’s values and traits. As preservers of tradition and culture, grandparents have the opportunity to influence the next generation and teach the Christian family values we treasure. By reminiscing about “the good old days”, I help my grandchildren appreciate their family roots and traditions. Studies have shown that role modelling is most effective in helping children internalise values. They are keen observers and imitators of our conduct, concluding what is right or wrong from our behaviour. For instance, if we are unkind to our domestic helpers, our grandchildren will think it acceptable and do likewise. The importance of “walking the talk” cannot be over-emphasised.
Faith-driven values like the fruit of the Holy Spirit— love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22– 23)—are best transmitted by our walk. Preaching to them is not always effective. It is better for us to show by example the joy of the Lord in the way we pray, read our Bible, and worship and serve the Lord. That values are best transmitted through sharing real-life experiences and role-modelling was brought home to me when I asked my grandchildren what they had learnt from me. Out of the 26 items they listed, about 70 per cent were “caught” by observation and 30 per cent taught by what I said. “Don’t slouch” is obviously what I told one of them. “Love isn’t easy” is clearly through observation. There is a place for teaching what we believe and why. We have countless opportunities to engage our grandchildren in moral conversation and reinforce character building taught in school. For instance, our grandchildren learn in school to return trays and crockery after eating. When at home, let them do the same rather than have the domestic helpers do it. If told not to, they will be confused because there are two standards—one for home and another in the public space. Worse, if we spoil them, they will grow to be self-centred “little emperors” who believe only in taking and not in giving. In sum, the art of inculcating values in our grandchildren calls for MITE: • Model our Christian values through our words and action • Inspire our grandchildren by the joy we have in the Lord • Transmit values through everyday events and conversation • Explain the what’s and why’s of living a God-fearing and other-centred life n Picture by Volokhatiuk/Bigstock.com