0129-6868MCI MCI (P) ISSNISSN 0129-6868 (P)019/11/2017 057/11/2018
Vol 120 No 12 • DEC 2018
inside
this issue...
message.methodist.org.sg message.methodist.org.sg
20 years as a missionary His Grace is sufficient
Christian ministry in Methodist Schools A mentor, a friend
Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home 50 years of providing sanctuary
page 9
pages 12–13
pages 20–21
BISHOP’S CHRISTMAS 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.
CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY
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he Christmas story (recounted in the second chapter of Luke) has a very important but often overlooked theme: “receiving”. God gave His precious only Son to the world with all His love. But the world did not receive the Lord, the Word Incarnate.
“Receiving” is also an important theme of many Bible stories. Abraham received three strangers who were angelic beings in human form. He invited them to rest in his home and prepared food for them. In receiving these strangers, Abraham had entertained angels. Later on, Lot also welcomed two angels who rescued him from the city that God destroyed (Gen 19:1–8). Continued on page 10... Picture by laura.h/Bigstock.com
COMING UP
TRINITY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE:
Trinity Theological College
An Invitation
70 YEARS OF SERVING THE CHURCH
2019 OPEN HOUSE
T
rinity Theological College (TTC) has been, since 1948, at the forefront of educating and equipping leaders of churches and denominations for the manifold ministries of the Christian Church across Asia. TTC offers a conducive environment for preparation for ministry because of its wholesome community life, the diversity of its student body, caring teachers who are committed mentors, and a rigorous study programme. If you would like to strengthen the foundation of your faith to better engage the complex issues of the 21st century, TTC is here for you.
23 Jan 2019, Wed, 8:15am - 2:00pm TTC Campus @ 490 Upper Bukit Timah Road Come join us for lectures, worship at the chapel, interact with faculty and students during community lunch, tour the campus, and have a one-to-one meeting with faculty if advice is needed. Register today at https://ttc.edu.sg/oph2019/
Here is what some students have to say about learning at TTC: “My time at TTC, a union college, has enabled me to hear and appreciate the different traditions of Christianity. In addition, through the curriculum, I have been given a glimpse of what it means to think theologically about various issues in our social context. I now feel better equipped to provide a pastoral response to social issues that are relevant to our culture.” —Adriel Yeo, BD 3 “With its dedication to rigorous academic training and proactive engagement with the Church and the world, TTC is unique in providing us with the opportunity to retrieve the abundant heritage of the Church and equipping us to be an effective witness of Christ in an ever-changing world.”—Cai Yu, MDiv 2 n 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. 70 Barker Road, #06-04, Singapore 309936 6478-4793
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Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and, if appropriate, your contribution could be published. In our report on the 5th General Assembly of the Asian Methodist Council in the November issue, we left out that the plenary sessions and meetings were held at Wesley Methodist Church, who also sponsored all the meals, as well as hotel accommodation for the overseas bishops and pastors. The General Conference WSCS was involved in organising outings for spouses of AMC delegates and a half-day tour for all delegates on the last day of conference. We apologise for this oversight.
HOME Harry Tan is a member of Faith Methodist Church.
ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH PRAYER Prayer in session.
The Rev Irene Thung delivers her sermon.
Besides the Wednesday Worship Service, which was inaugurated on 15 August, TRAC Seniors Ministry has also been conducting a Tuesday Prayer Service. Both services are held once a month at Faith Methodist Church at 2.30 p.m.
L
ocated within Faith Methodist Church, Charis Hall sits snugly on Level 4, and is where a flock of mostly senior worshippers has been gathering since July for a weekday prayer service. The prayer service typically comprises a praise session, a message and, of course, time for prayer. During a recent service, I noticed that many in the group of about 130 seniors sang “This Is My Father’s World” with gusto. Even the worship leader, Peh Oon Thian, said he was taken aback by their enthusiasm in praising and glorifying God. After the praise session, the Rev Irene Thung released a Word of Knowledge to help the congregation pray for people with specific needs. She went on to speak about how a healthy prayer life can bring us close to God. Keeping the message simple yet relevant, Pastor Irene’s key takeaways were that we should: • address God as our Father in heaven when we are praying (Luke 11:1–2) • spend our quiet time in private solace with Him (Matt 6:6) • call out sincerely to Him whenever we are in need (Ps 145:18) • know and be thankful that our God is a loving Father (John 3:16, 16:27)
Singing with gusto.
Reginald Lim then led the congregation in a time of prayer. The participants, huddled together in small groups, shared prayer items before taking turns to pray among themselves. At the close, the “Spirit Song” was sung before Pastor Irene gave the benediction and led an altar call to those who needed ministry. A congregation member stepped forward to declare Jesus as her personal Saviour. Another two ladies testified of His divine healing after recent prayer intercession. Praise God! Light refreshments and fellowship capped an afternoon well spent. We pray that Abba Father will continue to watch over our TRAC seniors and bless them. n
Photos courtesy of Dr Yip Yeng Yoong and Harry Tan METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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CHURCH PROFILE The Rev Saravana Kumar is a Pastor of Bedok Preaching Point.
BEDOK PREACHING POINT:
DOING THE LORD’S WORK IN BEDOK AND TAMPINES I
n 2005, Seletar Tamil Methodist Church moved to a new place of worship, St George’s Chapel, in Changi.
50 people attend the worship service regularly. Our biggest challenge is new believers’ irregular attendance at worship services.
It was around this time that then Bishop Dr Robert Solomon encouraged us to plant a preaching point in Bedok as there was no Tamil ministry in the area. He also connected us with the leaders of Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church (BBTC), located at Bedok North Ave 3. BBTC graciously gave us the use of a room on its premises to reach out to the Indian community in the area, and the ministry of Bedok Preaching Point (BPP) officially began on 6 May 2012.
BPP’s ministries include: • Cell Group gatherings on alternate weeks • Women’s prayer meetings every Tuesday • Outreach ministry on Wednesdays • Sunday School for children aged between five and 12 • Distribution of home provisions to 10 needy families under our Social Concerns ministry • Bible Study on the 2nd and 4th Sundays after service • Prayer on 1st and 3rd Sundays after service
BPP’s vision is: “To grow in His Word and to preach the Good News of God’s Kingdom that transforms lives.” We will strive hard to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and we believe that God will help us to bear fruit. Sunday worship services are held at 6 p.m. They are followed by fellowship over dinner. About 40 to
The BPP’s Outreach Ministry team does block visitation every Wednesday from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. in the neighbourhood, looking out for Indian homes and presenting them with a mug bearing BPP’s details. To date, the team has visited more than 300 Indian families in Bedok and Tampines.
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.
Mrs Vanitha Saravanan, a member, shared: “I used to attend a mega church, but becoming part of the family in Christ in BPP is one of the best things that has happened in my life. It has helped me form a more intimate relationship with our Lord. The closeness I share with the Pastor and church members has helped tremendously in my spiritual growth. I was baptised just four years ago, and I now serve the Lord boldly and wholeheartedly through the support given by the church.” BPP is also planning a healthcare outreach ministry and a Christmas party this year. These will open more opportunities to build our relationship with the community in and around Bedok and Tampines. Please continue to uphold our ministries in your prayers. n Bedok Preaching Point c /o Bethesda (BedokTampines) Church Genesis Room, 1-06 300 Bedok North Avenue 3, S(469717) Sunday Service Tamil Service: 6.00 p.m. (followed by dinner) casara_vanan@yahoo.co.in 9 180-9052 (The Rev Saravana Kumar) Photo courtesy of Seletar Tamil Methodist Church
ONE MCS—ETAC HIGHLIGHTS The Rev James Nagulan was elected President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) in 2016 for the quadrennium. He is also Pastor-in-Charge of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) and Seletar Tamil Methodist Church.
THE CALL TO FAST AND PRAY “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14, NIV)
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TAC’s theme for the quadrennium is “Renew, Revive, Reorganise and Rebuild”. In keeping with this, ETAC leaders and members of the eight churches meet every first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) to fast and pray, specifically seeking God’s direction for revival within the Annual Conference. Since June 2018, these prayer sessions have been a time for all to worship and dedicate themselves to the Lord for personal renewal. The pastors take turns to lead and preach, emphasising the connection between prayer and revival. The messages are a call for Conference leaders and members to hunger and thirst after God, and for revival among the ETAC churches. Each month, the prayer sessions focus on the specific needs of each local church, missions, social concerns, family and society. Participants experience different ways of praying: in groups, at prayer stations, through prayer labyrinths and in silence.
“A prayerful church is a powerful Church”—Charles Spurgeon Prayer has always been an integral part of the Church. ETAC local churches hold weekly prayer meetings, usually on Friday evenings. Members are urged to attend to pray for the sick and the families of their church. “24-hour prayer chains” have also been organised to engage both young and old members to pray for the church and one another during selected time-slots. Some ETAC churches also have regular all-night prayer sessions when we gather at one or two churches to pray together from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. A few churches have recently organised prayer and healing services. These have opened the door for evangelism as church members bring their unchurched family members and friends for prayer for that breakthrough in their lives. It is our prayer that as we continue to seek the face of the Lord, He will visit and revive our churches, so that we will grow in Him, preach the good news to the Indian community, and meet their spiritual and social needs. n
Photo courtesy of the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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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 in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
CHRISTIAN CHEER
T
he Christmas season draws out a mix of emotions. Many families celebrate Christmas with feasting and merrymaking. Others dread the rush to buy the obligatory presents. Still others may feel sad if Christmas is associated with loss or loneliness. For those who are struggling with the pain of loss or loneliness, I am confident that you will find cheer in your life again. He who made us knows our needs, and He knows it is not good for us to be alone. Though there may be seasons of aloneness, times of friendship and companionship will come again. My confidence also stems from knowing that our Heavenly Father is always near and yearns for us to fellowship with Him. Let our first communion with another begin with Him. For those not afflicted with sadness or grief, there is a message here for you too. Most of us may know of a few lonely souls. How about sharing some Christian cheer with them this season? The joy of family and friends is not just for us to experience and hoard—it is also to be shared with others. Christmas reminds us of how Jesus’ earthly family were visitors to Jerusalem, and without welcome or shelter on the verge of His birth. With this in mind, why not open your home and share a Christmas meal with those who are far from home and family?
Christmas is a time of gift giving. Instead of just giving a nicely-wrapped present, how about adding a few personal words to bring to mind what Christmas is truly about? Christmas has become so secularised that in some countries, “Happy Holidays” has replaced “Merry Christmas”. Highlighting the significance of Christmas is a way of spreading Christian cheer. Finally, we could borrow a custom observed by our Muslim friends who begin each new year by asking for forgiveness from family members that they might have hurt or offended during the past year. We could even go further and first forgive those who have offended us in the past year. What a lovely way of helping loved ones or friends begin the year with a clean slate! Forgiveness also allows us to free ourselves from past hurt. You may have noticed my use of “Christian cheer” instead of “Christmas cheer”. I have done so deliberately to reclaim in a small way what this season is about—it is a call to remember that beyond the feasting and merry making, Christmas is a time to rejoice that Jesus was born a baby to put in motion God’s plan for our salvation. That Joy came to the world, so let the whole earth rejoice! n
Picture by vulcano/Bigstock.com
WELFARE SERVICES By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team
GRACE UPON GRACE I
n life, many of us face ups and downs. For some, their obstacles can be debilitating. 18-year old Agnes*, who currently resides at MWS Girls’ Residence, suffered horrific abuse by her stepfather as a child. Without adequate parental care and support, she ran into trouble with the law. Another of our beneficiaries, Mr Lai, was a former tower crane operator who suffered impaired speech and paralysis resulting from a stroke. Reduced to expressing his needs and emotions through non-verbal gestures, he often felt frustrated and helpless. Many of our beneficiaries are mired in such dire predicament. Across a spectrum of ages, illness, loneliness, abuse and family distresses are just some of the battles they grapple with. As the prophet Ezekiel was asked, “Can these bones live?” (Eze 37:3, NIV), scepticism can sometimes creep in, becoming a crippling stronghold. Thankfully, God gives us “more grace” (James 4:6, NIV), and hope amidst trials. At Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), our commitment is to enable the disadvantaged and distressed to have life to the full. Through programmes and services at our 19 centres where we serve five impact areas, we are thankful to have enriched the quality of life of many, including more than 10,900 people last year. The ever-evolving needs of our beneficiaries spur us to enhance our services and deepen our impact. We pioneered the MWS Family Development Programme, a debt-andsavings matching programme to help financially distressed families. The integration of our eldercare services enables us to better support our seniors’ social and emotional needs. With such help, we are heartened by the many stories of possibilities and hope. With weekly counselling and art therapy sessions, life has turned around for Agnes. The N-levels holder now aspires to be a barista. MWS has placed her on a training course, and she is currently on a work placement stint. As for Mr Lai, intensive rehabilitation at MWS Bethany Nursing Home–Choa Chu Kang has helped him regain enough function to get work as a packer. A communication booklet
also serves as a tool for him to converse with those around him, and his disposition has improved greatly. “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16, ESV). Christmas is a story of God’s everlasting love for his people, as he sent his Son to redeem a broken world. Just as each of us has experienced His grace, we pray that you will consider making a donation and support our work in making a sustainable impact on the poor and in-need. On behalf of all we serve, a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. n If you would like to give a donation to bless our beneficiaries, please scan the QR code with your phone to give online, or visit giving.sg/methodist-welfareservices/grace-upon-grace Thank you on behalf of those we serve! *Name has been changed to protect her identity.
Photos courtesy of the Methodist Welfare Services METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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MISSIONS Doris Chan has been an MMS missionary in Cambodia since Jan 1999. She will be returning to Singapore in Dec 2018 after completing her service.
MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
Then and now: Doris with her students from The Methodist School of Cambodia in 2001 and 2018.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9, NIV)
H
ow was I able to sustain 20 years of ministry in Cambodia?
It was one thing to be forewarned about the ups and downs, and the challenges and pitfalls usually described in missiology books, but quite another when personally faced with those challenges, each of which hit me hard. But it was God’s grace that sustained me through all of it. When I was a teenager, I attended a youth retreat at which I felt God challenging me to give my life to serving Him. This call was later affirmed at a missions conference by Asia Evangelistic Fellowship. My education at the then Teachers’ Training College in 1968 and 10 years of teaching experience helped prepare and equip me for ministry. But I was a broken person inside and needed to be healed before I myself could proclaim the message of healing. When I took up the call to missions at the age of 52, I realised that I had to obey and trust God fully to realise His plans for me. During my two decades in Cambodia, I went through some serious and critical health issues, including being stricken by Guillain-Barré syndrome. But during one hospital stay that lasted four and a half months, there was only one day when I did not have a visitor—I received so much love and encouragement. There were also times I felt like giving up. Once, when trying to mediate a misunderstanding between a staff and a student, a feeling of helplessness came over me as the
outcome was less than encouraging. Remembering my calling, I realised that God was moulding me to be a more effective witness for Him, and again experienced His peace and the sufficiency of His grace. Thankfully, I have close friends and prayer partners who are always there for me and with whom I can share my struggles and pain. I also received prayers from my sending church, Faith Methodist Church, and the MMS Home Team. These have been crucial in my life as a missionary. Without their prayers and support, I know I would not have the strength, courage and stamina. God allowed me to go through some of the hardest times in my life and showed me how His grace was sufficient for me. Thank God it has not been all tears, heartaches and failures. I have had the joy of seeing the fruits of my ministry in the many young Cambodians whose lives I have touched, and who are now serving their church and community. Now, I finally have the peace and assurance that it is time to go home. There will be another period of adjustment and re-entry stress, but I am assured that He who is faithful will see me through and complete His work in my life. A line from the song “I Am Who You Say I Am” captures my days as a missionary: “I am chosen, not forsaken.” n Please pray for: • a smooth re-entry into Singapore. • continued good health. * Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system. I was paralysed for a period of time, and through therapy, regained much of my mobility.
Photos courtesy of Doris Chan METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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BISHOP’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY In Luke 10, Jesus told an expert in religious law the story of the good Samaritan who received a Jewish man who had been robbed, beaten and left to die. Jesus wanted the Israelites to receive their long-time enemies. When the tax collector Zacchaeus received Jesus as his guest, salvation came upon his home. In his letters, Peter reminded believers to show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Pet 4:9). For Paul, Christian character is shown when we contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality (Rom 12:13), and provide for our relatives, especially our immediate family (1 Tim 5:8). Receiving others is a Christian virtue. Being hospitable today can be risky. There are those who abuse the loving receptions given by others. The tumultuous international political scene and corrupt, voracious regimes have created millions of refugees worldwide. Whether to receive these displaced people has become an onerous issue and created political perils for many countries.
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Receiving others requires selfless love and willingness to take risks. The world would be a better place if we had more of such people. This Christmas, let us start small and simple with ourselves, family and church by receiving relatives, fellow believers, neighbours, foreigners and strangers. Jesus urges us to feed the hungry, quench the thirsty, invite travellers into our homes, clothe the naked, look after the sick and visit those in prison. He goes on to say that when we receive any of the least of our brothers, we are doing it to Him (Matt 25:31–45). We would therefore be receiving our Lord Jesus through these people. John 1:12 proclaims: “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” n
Registration at our Columbarium Office (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
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.
I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
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his is the Memorial acclamation professed when celebrating Holy Communion. It is also what we proclaim at Easter. But what about Advent?
“Advent” means “arrival” or “coming”, usually for which we prepare and wait. During the Christmas season, we busy ourselves shopping for presents, and planning for gatherings with friends and families. In our busyness, we tend to lose sight of observing Advent as preparation for the commemoration of Jesus’ birth and in expectation of His coming again.
“I’m looking for the coming of Christ, I want to be with Jesus…” goes the third stanza of this Advent hymn. In expressing her yearning to be with Jesus, the hymn writer Kathleen Thomerson professes that Christ will come again! Thomerson clearly knows who the resurrected Christ is. The hymn’s first stanza declares with conviction and deep confidence: “I want to follow Jesus, the star of my life…” She continues to describe who Jesus is: the light (John 8:12); the Lamb (John 1:29); the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). Knowing how Jesus lived and His saying that it is only through Him that we can come to the Father (John 14:6–7), the hymn writer expresses the desire to follow Him. She asks that Jesus shows her the way to the Father. We now begin a new cycle of the Church year with Advent. This hymn reminds us to prepare and wait for Christ’s second coming. It gives us hope that as we wait, God works in and through us. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. What we do know is that Christ will come again. As God’s redeemed people, “Let us with patience run the race” (stanza three) and live following Christ and allowing Him to lead us to the Father! n
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (The United Methodist Hymnal, #206) I want to walk as a child of the light; I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world; The star of my life is Jesus. Refrain: In him there is no darkness at all; The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God; Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. I want to see the brightness of God; I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path, And show me the way to the Father. I’m looking for the coming of Christ; I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus.
Text and Music: Kathleen Thomerson, 1966 Tune: HOUSTON Meter: 10 7.10 8 with Refrain Picture by Arunas/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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MCS FOCUS: CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IN METHODIST SCHOOLS Jenny Koh is a Christian Ministry Staff at Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary). She worships at Toa Payoh Methodist Church.
A MENTOR, A FRIEND
(From left) Jenny Koh (left) mentored Rachel Lee when she was a student, and Rachel is now herself a CMS. (From left) Jenny, Sweedy Ngiam and Amaria Ponniah. Jenny (top) with SALT Club girls, including Deborah Yong (second from left).
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s a Christian Ministry Staff (CMS) at Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (PLMGS) from Jan 2000 to May 2007, and Sep 2009 to March 2014, and at Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) from Sep 2014 to date, I have had the great privilege of journeying with and mentoring Christian teenagers who show great potential to achieve mighty things for the Lord. Christian mentoring goes beyond helping and advising an individual in their spiritual growth—it is to develop them as a whole person (mentally, emotionally, socially), just like how Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and people (Luke 2:52). To me, mentoring is to make available to the students the adult advice and experiences from which they can benefit, and to be an outlet/resource for them when they need help. A mentoring relationship requires both mentor and protégé to be willing to meet up regularly, with the protégé agreeing to make themselves accountable to the mentor. The protégé must also allow their mentor to speak into their life, including giving hard-to-swallow rebukes and correction for their benefit and growth. n
At 15, I was young, impulsive and immature in my thinking. While it was fun to have friends my age, I also found a friend and mentor in Ms Jenny Koh, the CMS in my school. Whether I was complaining about schoolwork, asking for advice on friendships, or sharing my hopes and dreams, Ms Koh was always there to lend a listening ear, give me sound advice, and point me in the right direction—not to “nag”, like many of the other adults in my life. Ms Koh encouraged me and gave me the confidence to rise up, especially in the area of CCA leadership. She was integral in moulding me to be the person I am today. It is essential for youths today to have adult mentors who have gone before them, are willing to befriend them and give them sound advice to help them avoid mistakes. If they do not get wise Christian counsel, they will pick up advice from the world around them instead. — Rachel Lee (PLMGS Head of GB Devotion Committee 2006–07, currently CMS at PLMGS [Sec])
I am grateful to have had mentors in my formative years who taught me, corrected me and helped me realise my fullest potential. When I was uncertain, these mentors, who had more experience than I, provided me with directions and gave me the confidence to go all out in all that I did, while helping me to stay focussed on my purpose. — Beverly Low (MGS SALT Club Adviser 2015–16 and MGS Head Prefect 2015–16, currently Year 6 student at ACS [Independent])
As a person who had little experience in leading others in a Christian environment, being mentored helped me to focus on the purpose of my leadership—to serve God. With a guide along the journey, I had someone to help me with things I was uncertain about, and to provide advice during challenging times when I had to juggle my CCA, studies and walk with God. — Ng Xin Le (MGS SALT Club President 2016–17, currently JC1 student at National Junior College)
It is my firm belief that the journey of life is meant to be lived out communally, to experience community and to use God’s blessings to bless another. We all need someone to look out for us, and someone we can in turn invest in, believe in and nurture. I am thankful for my Girls’ Brigade (GB) and CMS mentor during my schooldays. My friends and I spent many hours talking with her about true friendships, learning about servant leadership, and deepening our worship of God. Having a trusted adult speak into my life was helpful to keep me grounded and on the right path, and to grow stronger in God. — Amaria Ponniah (PLMGS Head of GB Devotion Committee 2003–04)
As President of SALT (Servants at the Lord’s Tasks) Club (the MGS Christian fellowship group), I had the privilege of being mentored as I grew into my role and learnt to be a better and God-fearing leader. My mentor often checked in with me about my personal walk with God and how I was doing spiritually. Through these mentoring sessions, I have gained very insightful perspectives from someone who has been on this Christian journey longer than I have and is thus able to show me how to live my life in a Christ-like way. — Wee Fang Qing (MGS SALT Club President 2015–16, currently Year 6 student at ACS [Independent])
A mother; a sister; a friend: this is how I see Ms Koh in our mentoring relationship. The perseverance and endurance she has displayed—whether rain or shine, on hectic or restful days—tell me that I, a flawed individual, am much loved and can receive such forgiveness and mercy. Her words of wisdom and songs of encouragement will be etched in my mind as I move forward to other stages of my life’s journey, and as I grow and mature in the Lord. — Deborah Yong (MGS SALT Club President 2017–18, Year 4 in MGS)
Photos courtesy of Jenny Koh METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
2019 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).
IB Information Sessions
14 & 15 January 2019 11am, 3pm & 4:30pm
16 January 2019 9:45am
61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475
Mr Rob Burrough Principal
Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon 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
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
• Students with perfect score of 45 points • 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…
“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
BOOK REVIEW Sheri Goh is the editor of Methodist Message, the mother of a tween and a toddler, and the willing slave to a cat.
THE ADVENTURES BRAMLEE BEARS SERIES OF
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torytellers have long used anthropomorphic animals as characters in morality tales. Anthropomorphising helps children to identify with what they are reading on a metaphorical level, encourages imagination, and interweaves morals into fantastical plotlines that might not otherwise make sense if the characters were human. And of course, bears are cute. Dr V Gilbert Beers, the author of The Adventures of Bramlee Bears series, is a prolific writer of more than 170 books. He was an editor for Christianity Today magazine, and has been writing and developing Bible reference materials for more than 50 years. He has written more than 100 children’s books, including The Toddlers Bible, which has sold close to a million copies. The Adventures of Bramlee Bears series is a repackaging of his 2005 storybook. The four 24page picture books in the series each comprise two “character tales” focussing on the qualities of Honesty, Kindness, Obedience and Thankfulness. The stories, featuring a cast of bears from Bramlee Woods with varied personalities, contrast good character qualities with possible bad choices, with accompanying high jinks and happy resolutions. At the end of each book, a reflection page helps children to apply what they have learnt, and parents to contextualise the moral framework into Biblical principles. There is also a colouring page for younger children to exercise their creativity. While the series teaches good lessons, I feel the illustrations appear somewhat dated, especially since today’s children’s book illustration styles are far more whimsical and less “cartoony” than when the original book first came out. That said, the bite-sized and wallet-friendly books, with the important values they convey, will make good Christmas presents for lower-primary schoolchildren or younger. Series 2 of The Adventures of Bramlee Bears, focusing on Humility, Sharing, Patience and Courtesy, will be released in 2019. n
The Adventures of Bramlee Bears Series 1 By V Gilbert Beers Published by Cru Media Ministry (2018) 4 books, 24 pages each https://www.media.cru.org.sg/bbmm $ 6.32 each (before GST); set of 4 books, $25.28 (before GST) Enjoy 25% off the price of The Adventures of Bramlee Bears series by using the discount code BBMM25 at the webstore’s checkout page (valid from 1–31 Dec 2018). Book cover visuals courtesy of Cru Singapore METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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WORLD METHODIST NEWS 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.
FINDING CHRIST UNDER FIRE
Conducting a combined river baptism service in Siem Reap and Udor Meanchey district.
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t an age when most Singapore youths are preoccupied with pursuing academic success, doing National Service or securing their first job, the Rev Lun Sophy, who was recently elected the first President of The Methodist Church in Cambodia (MCC), was in a deadly face-off with the infamous Khmer Rouge. He was then a young commander, only 18 years old, when he and his fellow soldiers, some as young as 14, found themselves trapped along the Cambodia-Thai border. Surrounded by enemy forces and cut off from reinforcements, with only a month’s worth of supplies, the soldiers faced death either by hunger or at the hands of their merciless foes.
The Rev Lun leading a watchnight service at Toul Kork Methodist Church in 2002.
The situation looked dire…until the Rev Lun decided to rely on Jesus.
The Rev Lun spoke to Methodist Message at the conference that saw the MCC progress from a Mission Conference to a Provisional Annual Conference. Like most young Cambodian males, the Rev Lun was conscripted into the army two weeks after completing high school. The country was embroiled in a civil war and under threat from communism brought on by the Khmer Rouge. During those tumultuous times, proselytising or even carrying a Bible would be enough to get one thrown into prison. Ironically, it was while he was adjusting to military life that a vice-captain shared the gospel with him. Although he had no idea why the vice-captain had singled him out to tell him about Jesus, the young Sophy found the gospel message captivating and wanted to know more. A few months later, the Rev Lun was taken to meet the mother-in-law of the vice-captain in Phnom Penh. She gave him a Bible, although not the kind most of us are familiar with. On the cover was a picture of a man casting a fishing net (no doubt an attempt to make the book as innocuous as possible given the anti-Christian climate) and contained only the four Gospels and the Book of Acts. “I read the Book of Acts first. I went over it many times because the stories in Acts really attracted me and gave me insight into how the early Christians experienced God,” revealed the Rev Lun. The first challenge for the Rev Lun came on his second trip to Phnom Penh when the vice-captain’s mother-inlaw asked him to help pass along Bibles to other believers. It was a risky endeavour, but made a little simpler by the Rev Lun’s being military personnel and thus arousing less suspicion. However, it was not easy to convince the believers to accept the Bibles as he was in military uniform and they feared that it might be a ruse to identify and arrest Christians! It was only when he showed them that the package indeed contained Bibles that they accepted his story. Despite his willingness to deliver the Bibles and being open to the gospel, the Rev Lun was not yet ready to accept Christ. At least not until after being sent to defend the border against the Khmer Rouge.
“…we were supposed to hold the ground for a month. But somehow, when we went over, we found ourselves surrounded by the Khmer Rouge who came from nowhere and boxed us in,” described the Rev Lun. The situation soon became dire as the troopers ran out of food and munitions. While desperately studying a map for a way out of the blockade, the Rev Lun noticed a river nearby that could supply fresh water and fish. However, a large minefield lay between them and the river. While his starving soldiers voiced willingness to follow his plan to get to the river, noone stepped forward to clear the minefield. It was at this moment that the Rev Lun realised that he would have to proceed by faith. Like many of his Cambodian peers, the Rev Lun wore amulets for divine protection. At this critical juncture, he remembered the promises of Jesus and decided to discard the amulets. He prayed: “Jesus, if You are the true and living God, protect me as I walk across the minefield.” With that prayer, the Rev Lun led his band across the minefield miraculously unharmed! They located the river and sure enough, it was teeming with fish. But they had no fishing equipment. He decided to lob two grenades into the river so that after the explosion killed the fish, the soldiers could gather them up easily. However, both grenades failed to detonate. Seeing that the river was shallow enough to drain or divert its waters, some of the soldiers did just that. The hungry soldiers were rewarded with a catch of what they needed. However, the two dud grenades still posed a danger, and the soldiers decided to get them and throw them further upstream. The first one exploded where it landed. At that moment, the Rev Lun was standing guard watching for a possible Khmer Rouge ambush. He was oblivious that one of his soldiers had unknowingly tossed the second dud in his direction. The grenade landed only four metres from him and detonated! After the dust settled, the Rev Lun was shocked to find himself completely unhurt. Recognising that the hand of God had been upon him during this near fatal episode and while crossing the minefield, he gave his life to Jesus. The band would eventually make it out alive, and the rest is history. n
Photos courtesy of the Rev Sophy Lun METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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SOUNDINGS Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor for the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg).
ON WELCOMING THE OTHER
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.
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n her book, Making Room, Christine Pohl said something that is immutably true about the relationship between Christianity and the practice of hospitality. “Hospitality,” she wrote nearly 20 years ago, “is a way of life fundamental to Christian identity. Its mysteries, riches and difficulties are revealed most fully as it is practiced.” Anyone who wishes to explore what the great theological and spiritual writers of the Church have to say about the subject must be prepared to encounter a deluge of literature. From John Chrysostom in the fourth century to Jean Vanier in ours, these writers offer rich insights into a practice that is energised by the Christian gospel itself. To show hospitality, these writers agree, is simply to obey Christ’s command to love one’s neighbour, whether he or she is someone we know, a stranger or even an enemy. To practise Christian hospitality, however, requires that we see the other in a certain way. For there is an inhuman way of seeing that makes the practice of true hospitality impossible—this is to see the neighbour not as a person with inalienable dignity, but as merely an object, as a means to an end and as someone who is less worthy of respect than we. Put differently, hospitality begins with recognition—our acknowledgement and treatment of the other as an equal, that is, as endowed with the same dignity and value that we ourselves possess.
performance of hospitality. Thus John Chrysostom, the fourth-century bishop of Constantinople, tirelessly reminded his flock of the importance of respect and humility when offering hospitality and never to “think themselves superior to the recipients”. But in seeing something of ourselves in the other, we are also reminded of our own need. This vision of others, says Barth, creates a profound self-awareness of our own poverty and our dependence on others. In other words, it creates an awareness of our true humanity. “My humanity,” writes Barth, “depends upon the fact that I am always aware, and my action is determined by the awareness, that I need the assistance of others as fish needs water.” Thus in the practice of hospitality, in welcoming the other as our neighbour in the name of Christ, a transformation takes place. Hospitality transforms the recipients because it is a powerful recognition of their dignity and value as a bearer of the divine image—in some cases, the marginalised and the disabled. Christian hospitality returns to them the dignity they have been deprived due to discrimination, stigmatisation and oppression. Writers like Jean Vanier and John Swinton could even speak provocatively of their “resurrection”—because those whom society has reckoned as “dead” are given new life by hospitality’s welcome and embrace. “Recognition,” Christine Pohl explains, “involves respecting the dignity and equal worth of every person and valuing their contributions, or at least their potential contributions, to the larger community.” In the Christian tradition, to recognise the other is to see him as God sees him, that is to say, as a creature made in the divine image. In seeing others in this way, we cannot ignore their intrinsic worth, nor can we be carelessly neglectful of our duty towards them. Theologians such as Karl Barth have used the metaphor of the mirror effectively to explore another dimension of our vision of the other. As we “look the other in the eye,” Barth writes, we see a reflection of ourselves—our fallen humanity in need of redemption. To see ourselves in the other in this way is to expose our pride, the moral superiority that we all harbour and sometimes cleverly camouflage in our superficial
But because it always creates a relationship of radical reciprocity and mutual indebtedness between the host and the guest—where both parties give and receive—hospitality also transforms the host. For in welcoming the stranger with such a self-forgetful generosity, the host learns what it means to be the disciple of the One who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). In various ways, hospitality makes both the host and his guest more human. It enables us to see others and ourselves through a humanising lens, and it creates the space for the kind of mutual self-giving that honours the dignity with which we have been bestowed. n
References Barth, Karl. Church Dogmatics, Vol. III/2. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1960. Pohl, Christine. Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999.
Picture by K.phonlamai/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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MCS FOCUS Annabel Lye is the Chaplain overseeing the spiritual development of the residents at Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home. Patrick Hee heads the Partnership Team that works with donors and volunteers at the Home.
A SAFE HAVEN FOR THE VULNERABLE C
hen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home (CSLMCH) was founded by Dr Chen Su Lan (1885–1972). A doctor, antiopium campaigner and devout Methodist, he set up the Chen Su Lan Trust for charitable purposes. It was Dr Chen’s desire to establish a home for orphans and children who were World War II victims and living in poverty, regardless of their race or religion. Coincidentally, at that time, members of Wesley Methodist Church (WMC) wanted to start an outreach programme to help needy and disadvantaged children. In 1968, WMC and the Chen Su Lan Trust leased a two-acre plot of land near Changi together and built the first Children’s Home at Kampong Ayer Gemuroh. The Home cared for 19 children aged between four and 14. Most of them stayed until they finished school at 16. In 1977, when the government acquired the Kampong Ayer Gemuroh site for the new Changi International Airport, the Home relocated to a temporary location at Seletar Air Base. Seven years later, it moved to its present premises on Serangoon Garden Way. Since then, CSLMCH has seen many infrastructural additions, including upgraded dormitories, a multi-purpose hall and therapy rooms. The Home was gazetted in 2006 under the Children and Young Persons Act as an “Approved Home and a Place of Safety” for children with special needs and victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. CSLMCH is home to children and youths referred by the Court and the Ministry of Social and Family Development because • they are too challenging for their parents, or • their parents are unable to care for them, e.g. owing to financial reasons, parental absence or incarceration, mental illness, or
• the parents are not allowed to care for them, e.g. as a result of abuse, neglect or court orders. Today, CSLMCH cares for over 80 children and youths between the ages of six and 21. While they are with us, we provide them a home environment, food, clothing and healthcare. We also reach out to our residents’ families to strengthen efforts in caring for the residents. In reaching out to disadvantaged children and their families, we are living out the Methodist heritage of social responsibility as exemplified by John Wesley, who ministered to people’s physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs. Coming from abusive, broken or dysfunctional families, many of the children also need psychological intervention to help them deal with past trauma and pain. Thus, therapeutic and holistic care is provided to encompass each child’s emotional healing and development. In line with the mission to nurture happy individuals able to contribute to society, the Home has implemented Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) as a core model of care to address both emotional needs and the social environment. Our social workers, counsellors and psychologists provide support and counselling while our education department monitors academic performance and organises tuition as needed.
Testimony by an ex-resident CSLMCH was my home from the time I was 12. I came from a very difficult family background where my family could not support my education or personal well-being. It has been almost three years since I left the Home. Looking back on what the people in the Home have done and are still doing for me, my heart is filled with immense joy and gratitude! Through the years, they have showered me with love and care. No matter where I am, they reach out to me and make sure that I am doing well physically, emotionally and spiritually.
In addition, we provide pastoral care and loving Christian nurture with the goal of instilling biblical values and helping the children develop Christ-like character, to help them cope with their lives and prepare them for reintegration with their family and the community at large. Collaboration with Methodist churches has also given our residents opportunities to participate in Christian activities, such as camps, as well as Easter and Christmas events, besides the Home’s regular chapel services and care group ministry. This year, we celebrated our 50th Anniversary and thank all who supported our anniversary events, including Chef Heman’s Charity Dinner, the Musical Feast Concert, CSLMCH Flag Day and the Anniversary Charity Dinner. We thank God for His faithfulness in guiding and sustaining CSLMCH for the past 50 years. Truly, God has blessed us through the provision of resources, including staff, volunteers and church support. The residents will be celebrating Christmas with their families at the Annual Thanksgiving Concert to be held in the Home. This year’s concert brings residents and their families together to enjoy a thanksgiving meal and performances by the children and youth. Volunteers, partners and donors have played important roles in providing care and shelter for our residents. We welcome more help for mentorship and pastoral care. We also pray that Methodist churches will support us through prayer, chapel ministry, and worship, as well as financial assistance, especially for residents after they leave CSLMCH. n
It has been said that “it takes a village to raise a child”, and this was indeed my real-life experience. While at CSLMCH, I learnt many meaningful lessons from the maintenance uncles, kitchen helpers, care staff, office staff and social workers. Their individual and collective efforts to love and care for the children in CSLMCH, and even for me to this very day, cannot be described in words! Most importantly, I thank God for the amazing life He has given me. Although I did not start well, I know I am going to finish well. He placed me in CSLMCH for a reason, giving me a home, family and love. He alone deserves all praise and glory! “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13–14) Ka, 23 years old
Please pray for: • the safety of residents • God’s protection against every form of sin and bondage faced by residents and their families • residents to experience God’s love and be transformed • God to restore the residents’ families so that they can be successfully re-integrated.
Photos courtesy of Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home METHODIST MESSAGE • DEC 2018
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POEMS Dr Oliver Seet is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a Board Director of the Metropolitan YMCA.
TWELVE Not yet a teenager but holding a pride of scholars, Pharisees and Sadducees spellbound in the temple in Jerusalem —men of letters and good standing who prized their scholarship above all. How could he at twelve engage them, greybeards admired for erudition, in learned discourse bringing profundity, knowledge and insight into issues seminal to life, creation, the nature and character of God, the Law, the Books of Moses and the coming revelation? Speaking with such authority and authenticity as architect and engineer of all creation, he opened windows of mystery and enigma, giving answers beyond the reach of human scholarship, for three whole days, until Mary and Joseph at their wit’s end found him “about His Father's business”. Luke 2:41–52 NKJV
Picture by sewcream/Bigstock.com
LOOKING AHEAD GYM-TRAC SENIORS MINISTRY CHRISTMAS CAROLLING SERVICE: WHAT MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME 1 2 Dec 2018 (Wednesday), 2.30 p.m. Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, S(149604) 64784754 (Priscilla Low at the TRAC office) Free. Registration is required for catering purposes. Please register by 18 Nov 2018.
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Come and join us as we sing Christmas carols and experience the LOVE of God through the presentation of skits and dance items. Based on the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, the “true love” refers to that from God Himself, and the “me” who receives presents to every believer of the Christian faith.
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Organised by TRAC Seniors Ministry.
TOA PAYOH METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS MARKET
22 to 23 Dec 2018 (Saturday to Sunday), 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Toa Payoh Central Amphitheatre, 181A Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, S(319191) http://www.tpmc.org.sg fb.com/ToaPayohMC info@tpmc.org.sg 6259-8644
Celebrate Christmas with Toa Payoh Methodist Church and bless the community there with a Christmas Market. Mark your calendars now and participate by giving, serving and praying. Volunteer at http://www.tinyurl.com/ loc2018recruit.
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Organised by Toa Payoh Methodist Church.
FAITH COMMUNITY CARNIVAL 2018
21 to 23 Dec 2018 (Friday to Sunday). Fri: 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., Sat to Sun: 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Open Field along Commonwealth Drive, with night performances at: Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, S(149604) https://www.fcc.faithmc.sg/ mail@faithmc.sg 6471-9420
Drop by Faith MC’s Christmas celebrations where there will be much fun, games and fellowship! • Christmas Production The Nativity story in performance, dance and song. Held at Faith Methodist Church on 21 and 22 Dec, 7.30 p.m. • Talent Show Watch the talent within our community strut their stuff and compete live! • Fun Carnival Stuff Games, food, services and workshops for all ages. • Gastronomia Dinner on us on Friday and Saturday night at Faith Methodist Church. For carnival participants only. • Community Workout Followed by the Official Carnival Opening Ceremony.
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Organised by Faith Methodist Church and FaithActs.
A COURSE ON CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
9, 16, 23, 30 Jan / 13, 20, 27 Feb (Wednesday evenings, NO class on 6 Feb), 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. St Andrew’s Cathedral, 11 St Andrew’s Road, S(178959) at South Transept Hall, Level 1, Main Sanctuary https://ttc.edu.sg/equip-registration info@ttc.edu.sg 6767-6677 $120 ($100 for returning students, if the last CDCM course is within 1 year). Free for TTC alumni and TTC students—online registration required.
Cultural anthropology is the study of people and their cultures. This is an introductory course that presents some basic concepts of cultural anthropology (which includes an understanding of human behaviour and beliefs, kinship systems, world view, social organisations, economic and political systems) with special attention to the application of an anthropological perspective for Christian mission.
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Organised by EQUIP (formerly CDCM, the Centre for the Development of Christian Ministry), Trinity Theological College.
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THINK Kwa Kiem Kiok is Lecturer in Missiology and Inter-Disciplinary Studies at Biblical Graduate School of Theology. She worships at Trinity Methodist Church.
DIFFICULT EVANGELISM
W
e love the Lord and want others to know him, so many of us do our part to share Jesus with others. We have a ready presentation that we are quick to dish out to anyone who will listen. We target people whom we think are easy to give this message. If they don’t believe, or raise too many questions, we move on to others. We have this notion that evangelism should be easy and convenient. There is no need to try so hard. But speaking forth the good news about Jesus Christ may require long and complex answers. A closer look at the Book of Acts shows us that experience of the early apostles in sharing their faith was neither convenient nor easy. Stephen, the first martyr, showed a profound understanding of history and theology as he answered the highly educated Sanhedrin on issues of the temple, the law of Moses and Jesus (Acts 6:13). His speech, which takes much of Acts 7, is erudite and astute, but resulted in him being stoned to death. Stephen’s fellow deacon, Philip, answered the queries of an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading some verses in Isaiah. Philip explained those verses and thus led the eunuch to a saving knowledge of Jesus. These men’s knowledge of the Scriptures gave them the ability to engage others in profound ways. The apostle Paul also had the ability to reason with intellectuals—both Jews and Greeks—with kings, as well as God-fearing women gathered by the river in Philippi. Each time, he adapted the message and contextualised the gospel. To Jews in Pisidian Antioch, who were familiar with the Jewish scriptures, he drew from biblical history (Acts 13). In Athens, to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers,
he spoke about the creator God who reaches out to the people he created (Acts 17). On trial before King Agrippa, Paul shared his personal testimony of how he had been a persecutor of the faith but repented when he had a vision of Jesus whom he was persecuting (Acts 26:2–23). While we are familiar with the account that thousands came to faith on the day of Pentecost, at other times, there was little immediate fruit to the apostles preaching. Instead, they faced hardships. Peter and John healed a cripple at Solomon’s Colonnade, used the occasion to proclaim Jesus Christ, and then were jailed for the evening (Acts 3:1–4:3). Paul and his team were often misunderstood, such as in Lystra, when the people wanted to offer sacrifices to them, believing them to be the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes (Acts 14:11–13). At other times, they were ridiculed for their message (Acts 17:32). The apostles spent time with people, so as to properly know and understand their context. Paul spent “a long time” in Antioch (Acts 14:26–28), as well as two years in the province of Asia (Acts 19:10). Although he made mission trips, he stayed in each place as long as he could to establish a community of believers there. We love people and want them to know the Lord. The early apostles remind us again that hard work is needed to engage people where they are, so that they are presented with compelling reasons to follow Christ. Let us be willing to spend time with people, listen to their concerns and questions so that we can, with gentleness and respect, give truthful, compelling reasons for the hope that we have (1 Pet 3:15). n Picture by leungchopan/Bigstock.com