Methodist Message: February 2020

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI(P) 027/11/2019

Vo l 1 2 2 N o 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Contents

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Bishop’s Message

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Coming Up—MCS 135 Launch Service

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One MCS—Identity & Destiny

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ETAC Church Profile—Tamil Methodist Church

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One MCS—ETAC Highlights

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Home—Richard Tan

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Home—Barker Road MC Prison Ministry

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News—MSM Concerts

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News—TRAC Seniors Ministry Christmas Carolling Service

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News—Wesley MC’s Christmas at the Fort

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Welfare Services

Church life Methodists in the world Christian living

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18 Missions

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You & Your Family

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Hymns & Songs

22 Soundings 24

THINK

25

Looking Ahead

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EDITORIAL BOARD

The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church.

Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson Council on Communications

Editor Sheri Goh

Sub-editor

All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg newmm@methodist.org.sg

Tan Chiu Ai

fb.com/Methodist.SG

Editorial Executive

@methodist.sg

Jason Woo

Front and back cover design courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services Design & Production by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd

Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and, if appropriate, your contribution could be published.

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.

The Significance of Lent

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ver the last 25 years, more and more Methodist local conferences have been observing Lent, the 46 days before Easter. The Lent season does not include the six Sundays that fall in this period as churches generally regard Sunday to be the day for commemorating and celebrating the resurrection of the Lord. When we take away these six days from the 46 we get the 40 days of Lent. However, different regions and denominations still observe Lent of varying durations. This is mainly dependent on whether Sundays, Saturdays and the Passion Week are to be included in the Lent period.

Regardless, churches originally used Lent as a time to prepare believers who were to be baptised during Easter by gathering the baptism candidates together to fast, pray, reflect, confess their sins, read the Bible and spiritual literature, and meditate. The focus of their thoughts during the period of Lent was on Christ’s experiences after he was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, his fasting in the wilderness, and victory over the devil’s temptations as recorded in the Bible.

The word Lent was derived from the word “lengthening”, a reference to the longer days of spring. It could also denote the “growth” of Christian spiritual life through the annual discipline during Lent. What the word implies is that the spiritual discipline during Lent is both active and positive, and not a passive state of meditation, prayer and confession of sins. Going through 40 days of Lent together with their church signifies to baptism candidates the beginning of their spiritual life and its continued growth— not unlike the hibernating earth awakening when spring arrives, with everything coming back to life and the earth full of vigour.

Lent is observed from 26 Feb (Ash Wednesday) until 12 Apr this year.

In conjunction with the 135th anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS 135), the organising committee has planned a series of five “Holy Word and Prayer” gatherings for the 40-day Lent season. These will be held on five Thursdays, beginning on 5 Mar. TRAC President, the Rev Dr Gordon Wong, will conduct a series of Bible studies and prepare the list of prayer items for our Church, our nation and our neighbours. The meetings will be held at four different churches per week. These churches are at least 100 years old.

One very meaningful form of spiritual discipline during Lent is abstinence or self-control. This is applied to our daily meals, or entertainment and leisure activities. We may consider restraining ourselves or suspending the activities altogether to remind us that we need to change, be transformed and be renewed, and to focus on the imitation of Christ, to be more like Christ.

For details, announcements celebrations in and your church

please refer to on the MCS 135 Methodist Message bulletins.

Come! Participate! Together with me and brothers and sisters from CAC, ETAC and TRAC, we will pray and listen to God’s Word.

METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

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Coming Up

T H E

I S T M E T H O D

C H U R C H

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O R E S I N G A P

MCS 135 LAUNCH The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) was established with the founding of Wesley Methodist Church in 1885. As Wesley MC celebrates her 135th anniversary on 16 Feb 2020, it is fitting that this date also marks the official launch of MCS 135.

the Join us as we celebrate nd r fou ing 135th anniversary of ou r heritage! and the richness of ou

FEBRUARY

MCS 135 LAUNCH

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MAY

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MARCH to

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APRIL

LENT PRAYER AND WORD

Chung share what it means to love God and serve together at a special Launch Service at Wesley MC.

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On this special day, hear Bishop Dr Chong Chin

SEPTEMBER

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ALDERSGATE CELEBRATION SERVICE

APRIL to

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FAMILY CARNIVAL

HERITAGE DAY

MAY

EAT SHARE CONNECT

MAY

YOUTH FESTIVAL OF PRAISE

A video recording of his sermon will be shown at all the services at all Methodist Churches on the same day.

JULY

We want to hear your MCS 135 stories!

How has your Methodist church / school / agency /

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organisation / cell group etc. been a part of your life?

How have they celebrated MCS’s birthday? We want to hear from you! Send us your stories / photos / events at 6478-4786 (WhatsApp) communications@methodist.org.sg Tag your social medial posts with #mcs135

Scan here to watch the

MCS 135 video!

https://methodist.org.sg/mcs135/ 2

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METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

One MCS ¢ Identity & Destiny By the Structural Review Task Force

Diversity Is Not Strength—

TOGETHERNESS IS!

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Diversity among people committed to similar passions can be helpful. As long as everyone remembers we want the same vision, members with diverse gifts and perspectives can help the Church engage in more robust and comprehensive debate. Certainly, there is a pull towards homogeneity, to find people of the same tongue, age group or personality type.

We also plan activities around sameness such as age-related activities, ladies’ and men’s ministries, and different language worship services.

Yet, such segregation without opportunities for integration can retard mutual understanding and growth of love for others in the body. To borrow a leaf from Martin Luther King Jr, a church service could be the most segregated hour. Diversity that segregates is not strength—it is togetherness that will bring strength to our ideas, service and connectedness.

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WE ARE MANY,

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When diversity is discussed in the Church, it is usually with the intention to accept, respect and celebrate differences in individuals as unique creations of God. Some, however, feel that the idea of diversity is overused, to the extent that we are expected to accept anything different. The concepts of inclusiveness and equal opportunity—meant to combat racism, sexism, ageism in the workplace— are now sometimes used to campaign for other kinds of rights.

Le n

iversity implies differences or a range of things that differ from one another. Where people are concerned, diversity may be seen in age, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, physical abilities, gender, political beliefs and other ideologies.

WE ARE

ONE

!

The many of us with different giftings have provided space for diverse ideas to serve the communities and great conversations for wholeness of initiatives.

The “oneness” of us as the Body of Christ provides the convergence of all ideas, plans and initiatives for His purpose.

The concern comes in when it is “business as usual” i.e. conversations that do not challenge status quo. In a worst case scenario, such conversations can encourage “inbreeding” of ideas. Inbreeding is when efforts to serve are consistently led by the same group of people who have been serving within the same entity and efforts are contained within individual functions or geographies.

Leveraging on “We are Many” with the focus “We are One” can bring up breakthrough ideas where different areas and experiences brush up against each other for a common purpose. As we serve with warmth and authenticity, let’s diverge and converge to S.A.L.T.: Serve And Learn Together, for great conversation and bringing it to a deeper level of understanding and trust.

If you have a story to share how your church or ministry reaches out to work as one with other Methodists, please share with us through onemcs@methodist.org.sg.

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Church Profile ¢

Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference

Pastor Jeremy James is Assistant Pastor at Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). / Photos courtesy of Tamil Methodist Church

TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH:

REMAINING RELEVANT

S

ince the genesis of Tamil Methodist Church (TMC) 133 years ago, we continue to hold on to the belief that it is God Himself who has strategically positioned us in this neighbourhood so that we can reach out.

Beginning our ministry with the Tamil-speaking in what is known as Little India, our ministry has marched with the times. TMC at Short Street has seen major changes in its surroundings: from low-rise shophouses to multi-storey structures. Many generations, both from the church and secular world, have moved, but TMC remains, as does the impact that we have on the lives of people.

TMC is surrounded by schools such as Kaplan Corporation, La Salle College of the Arts, TMC Academy, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Management University, Cosmoprof Academy, as well as many other non-governmental institutions and learning centres. Adjacent to TMC stands SMU Prinsep Street Residences and opposite us, dwell Student Living.

With a vision to reach out to the growing student community around us, we took great efforts to invite these youths to our church programmes. Hours had been devoted to planning and designing publicity posters, banners and e-invites, and many other strategies to appeal to youths had been instituted, but sadly, we had not reaped.

Nevertheless, we persevered in our ministry with the belief that we are here as a people for God’s purpose.

God has blessed us with this young, vibrant and energetic population. He knows our hearts’ desire and He orchestrated the union of ETAC MYF and TMC for the programme, “The Reason”. Spun-off from another outreach initiative, “The Reason” was the result of an afterthought that arose from a realisation that there is more wisdom in collaboration and synergy.

At the time, ETAC MYF had no idea of TMC’s longing cry to do outreach amongst the student community in its vicinity. But God’s plans supercede ours; He makes all things beautiful in His time. “The Reason”, an initiative inspired by 1 Peter 3:15, comprised English, Korean, Burmese, Hindi, Thai song performances from well-known and upcoming bands. As a small cohort with great plans, we knew that we needed support and assistance. Therefore we collaborated with one of our sister churches from the Chinese Annual Conference. Ps Shawn Koh, the emcee of the event, and the music band from Ang Mo Kio MC were a great blessing to us.

TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH

(Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference)

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8 Short Street Singapore 188214 English Service Sunday 8.30 a.m.

Tamil Service Sunday 10.00 a.m.

Contemporary Service Sunday 11.15 a.m.

Tamil Fellowship Sunday 6.30 p.m.

Telugu Service Sunday 7.00 p.m.

Along with all the fellowship and entertainment, the programme was helmed by Jennifer Heng, director of Safe Place, and Yong Wei, a counsellor from Prison Fellowship Singapore. We wanted the audience to know that there is always hope, through God, even in situations that seem hopeless.

This breakthrough in reaching out to a cohort of interested youths is a renewed mission for TMC. We are re-energised and dare to believe that God has kindled hope in those hearts, and they now know that, at their doorstep, there is a place for worship and people who have offered a hand of friendship. We continue to work with them for a greater purpose—their salvation.

“The Reason” was only possible and successful because TMC had partnered with our sister churches. Our prayer is that “The Reason” will be an exemplary model for other such collaborations within MCS.

http://www.tamilmethodist.sg/ 1

tmc1887@singnet.com.sg

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“The Reason” is a great example of the work we can do for God when we collaborate with others in MCS There is a young, vibrant and energetic population in and around TMC Jennifer Heng, one of the speakers at “The Reason” dwell Student Living, one of several student communities in the vicinity of TMC

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.

LENT Brings Us Together

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ent begins with Ash Wednesday, which falls on 26 February this year.

Lent is that season of the year when the Church prepares for Easter by first observing a period of fasting and prayer in remembrance of our Lord’s sufferings and ultimate sacrifice. These 40 days is yet another opportunity for us to encourage one another to intentionally observe a spiritual discipline that helps us in our spiritual growth.

The Prophet Joel in 2:12–17 calls us to seek to repent with determination: “‘even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.’

Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,

The Bible places many spiritual disciplines but these two—fasting and prayer—are always associated with seeking the Lord and repentance. The Israelites, as an act of repentance had a tradition to tear their garments, wear sackcloth and heap ashes on their heads.

However, the Prophet Joel called upon the Israelites to “rend their hearts and not their garments”. God is not looking for mere external displays of expressing our religion; God is seeking for a change of heart through faith in Him. God is looking for a community of people that is broken over its sinfulness and wants to change. He is looking for a people who will be remorseful over their sins and so repent “with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning”—these are actions of sacrificial repentance.

and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster” (2:12–14).

God is not looking for mere external displays of expressing our religion; God is seeking for change of heart through faith in Him.

Just as the prophet called on the community leaders to “gather the people for a sacred assemble to declare a holy fast”, we, as the Church, receive this same call. As a community of believers, gathered

on the trusted holy ground for mutual encouragement and accountability, we are in the place to seek repentance; to forgive and be forgiven; to be other-centered, for today’s world is turning to be progressively inward-looking, towards personal needs, privacy and space.

The season of Lent would be an opportune time to make that difference through corporate worship, the study of the Word (be it in cell groups or Bible study groups), and service to the community at large. The Church calls for such scared gatherings to be consecrated to the Lord for spiritual renewal.

I believe this is why Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

It is my prayer that this Lent season takes us through a journey of spiritual renewal for the glory of God.

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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. / Photos courtesy of Richard Tan.

SAVED BY

GRACE W

hen most people of his age were enjoying life and looking to make their mark in the world, Richard Tan was looking to die.

Richard, now 65 and a facilities officer at Faith Methodist Church, saw suicide as the only way out of his losing battle against drug addiction—a hole out of which he could not dig himself.

Richard was born the only son in a family of six children. When Richard was two, his family took a hit when their father passed away but what made the household go south was his mother’s death just 10 years later. Raised, along with his younger sisters, by his elder sister, Richard started working as vehicle workshop mechanic when he was 13.

He soon fell into bad company, who introduced him to the world of substance abuse. It was an easy transition for Richard as he had already been drinking and smoking before getting his first taste of drugs such as marijuana, ganja and MX pills at 20.

Once he was so drugged out that he fell asleep on a railway track and would have died had someone not pulled him out in time. Unfazed by his near-death experience, Richard progressed to stronger drugs such as heroin to feed his increasingly insatiable addiction.

Things spun out of control in a matter of a year when Richard turned to crime to get his heroin fix. In 1976, the police arrested him for car theft, and also discovered he was a drug addict.

Thus began a dizzying six-year ride in and out of prison and drug rehabilitation centres. Prison became like a second home.

While in Changi Prison, Richard attended the regular chapel services, not because he felt any special calling but rather as a way to get out of his stifling cell, a popular tactic among inmates. However, Richard found himself accepting Christ through the prison ministry of Christians.

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“…there were a lot of times I forgot about God, but He didn’t forget about me.”

However, coming to Christ did little to change Richard. Mused Richard: “Looking back, there were a lot of times I forgot about God, but thank God, He didn’t forget about me.” This was to become a running theme in Richard’s road to redemption even if he could not see it then.

During a short bout of freedom after getting out in 1978, he went on the run from officers tracking him down for regular urine tests for which he willfully failed to turn up. He hid himself in the heartlands, working as a kopi kia (drink server) in a coffeeshop. What ultimately betrayed his efforts to remain hidden was when he succumbed to temptation and stole from his workplace.

helped reshape him. In 1994, God placed him at Faith Methodist Church, where he has served for the past 26 years. In 1997, God blessed him with a wife and later two sons who are now in their early twenties.

Today, Richard shuttles between church and halfway houses such as Shalom Centre and The Turning Point, sharing his story with men and women mired in drug addictions to give them the same hope that God placed in his heart in seasons past.

While his average weekly schedule may seem punishing, Richard is ever light-footed and energised in his work for God. “I thank God for receiving so many chances, having so many people who entered my life, and leading me to Faith Methodist Church, where they accepted an ex-drug addict like me and gave me a chance to serve the Lord for more than two decades,” said Richard. “The Lord is my strong tower, I run into Him and I am safe. Because of the grace of God, I am who I am today.”

Richard would go on to serve time once again. For three months after his release in 1982, Richard remained drug-free, only to fall back into his old ways shortly after. It all came to head in November of the same year, when repulsed by his destructive lifestyle, Richard contemplated taking his own life.

It was at this juncture that God stepped in and turned his life around.

“I had a drug addict friend, whose aunt was from Wesley Methodist Church. She got him to go to The Hiding Place, a rehabilitative home. This friend begged me to accompany him there. I had no idea that The Hiding Place was a Christian home,” recounted Richard. Having nothing to lose, he went, thinking he could stay for a month or two to try once more to kick his addiction.

“In the end, my friend ran away. I tried too but was caught.

I was locked up to prevent my escape,” chuckled Richard.

“They told me ‘you cannot go; if you go, you will go back to drugs.’” This would be the start of three very tough months for Richard as he grappled with his addiction, calling out to God continuously.

“I would hide behind the pulpit in the chapel and cry in the early hours to the point when people would ask why there were wailing sounds from behind the pulpit (which might have freaked out a few)!” Hearing his plaintive cries for help, God impressed upon Richard Psalm 119:114: “You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in Your word”.

Emboldened, Richard responded, “God, if You can change me I will serve You.” The Lord led Richard slowly out of his predicament by placing him in a Christian community who

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In 1982, when Richard was still mired in drugs

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A family holiday to Vietnam in 2007

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Richard during his days working with troubled youths with Teen Challenge in 1984

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Home ¢ Barker Road MC Prison Ministry Christopher Chow chairs the Prison Ministry of Barker Road Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Alvin Chiong

Freed To Serve Others Alvin’s Story

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lvin was introduced to me when I was looking for guest speakers to share their personal transformative life journeys with the detainees to whom we ministered.

Alvin came from a dysfunctional family—his father was an opium addict and his mother left home while he was still a child. At the tender age of nine, he began his journey with substance abuse, starting with cigarettes and soon progressing to glue and opium. Alcohol was added to the mix when he was 14.

Often bullied by the bigger boys in his neighbourhood, he joined a secret society at the age of 11. The camaraderie among the gang members offered comfort and a sense of belonging for his “brothers” were just like him and did not judge him.

Alvin and his wife, May Wong, at their son’s OCS commissioning parade in 2019

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METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

This surreal world came crashing down when he was arrested for drug abuse and confined in Queenstown Remand Prison in 1998. A year later, he was released but was back on drugs within two months. Arrested again in 2001, he was sentenced to three strokes of the cane and 18 months at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre. In 2008, he was caught for substance abuse again and imprisoned for three months. Three weeks after he was released, he returned once again to a life of drugs.

Alvin courageously shares the story of his struggle with drugs in the hope that it may encourage others

The repeated cycle of despair and relapse brought him to a window edge where he contemplated suicide. But before he could jump, he heard a still, small voice: “If you have the courage to jump down, why not use this courage to walk into a halfway house and change your life?”

He decided to check himself into a halfway house. However, after almost a year there, he relapsed. He then went to another halfway house, where he remained for seven months but with minimal effect as he was still hooked on drugs. He then decided to return to the first halfway house.

The turning point came in 2010. Alvin realised that the path he had taken was bringing him nowhere and the cycle of substance abuse and incarceration was wearing him down, not only physically but spiritually. In his words, he wanted to “break the cycle, if not [he] would be going round and round again”.

Ironically, his weariness re-energised him with a new determination to change his life as it became clear that what he required was more than just breaking free from his drug addiction—he needed a new purpose and beginning. He then decided to commit his life to Christ for experience had taught him that human effort alone could not break the bonds that bound him.

Alvin’s life has since taken a positive turn. He was quick to share, though, that his road to recovery has not been easy. Even after deciding to dedicate his life to Christ, he still struggled with the temptations that had dragged him down. But persevere he did.

Today, he spends much of his free time ministering to those who are incarcerated or in halfway houses. He unashamedly shares his own troubled past so that others can learn from his mistakes. His powerful testimony has often served to inspire as it provides hope to many who are in their own dark places. He has also reconciled with his family and works diligently to provide for them. Last year, he was blessed to witness with pride his son’s commissioning parade at the SAF’s premier Officer Cadet School.

I asked Alvin why he puts so much effort into ministering to those in need. His answer was a simple one: “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32 NIV)

The Prison Ministry For those considering serving in this special ministry, I encourage you to do so for it is a worthy cause. Matthew 25 clearly reveals that the disenfranchised occupied a special place in Jesus’ ministry on earth.

He was so burdened with the hurting that one of His final acts was to instruct His disciples to continue to love and care for those in need rather than vex over the cruel fate awaiting Him at the cross.

Prison ministry can be fraught with various challenges, and there are some things to remember when serving in this area.

First, as with all Christian ministry, remember that we are God’s instruments. We can plan and prepare to the finest detail (as we rightly should) but must remember that it is our Creator’s prerogative to determine when the hearts of the people to whom we minister will be transformed.

Second, remember Jesus’ journey even as He came to reach the lost.

He seldom received thanks for work He did. He was often rejected by those He came to help. He was also abused by those He sought to minister to. These are challenges that you, too, may face as well in this ministry.

Third, do not attempt to carry the entire burden of your ministry alone. A loving and compassionate heart holds an important place in this ministry but so do specialised and professional expertise and knowledge. Do not be afraid to tap on the resources and expertise of those around you. This could include those who are serving in other ministries or even experts who have the necessary skills and knowledge to address the various issues that may arise.

Do adopt a holistic approach. Recognise that many offenders come from socio-economic-educational backgrounds that could be significantly different from your own. The rehabilitation journey may be challenging as there may be deep-rooted issues stretching back to the individual’s childhood that may have to be addressed for progress to be made.

And finally, and most importantly, pray. The efficacy of your ministry is dependent on the grace and favour of our God.

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News ¢ Amelia Leo is a programme executive at the Worship and Church Music Department of the Methodist School of Music. She is a member of Fairfield Methodist Church and currently directs its choir./ Photos courtesy of the Methodist School of Music.

A SEASON OF SONGS AN ADVENT PRESENTATION BY THE METHODIST FESTIVAL CHOIR

Established in 2013, the MFC

Jubilate Deo, omnis terra; servite Domino in Laetitia.

Introite in conspectus ejus in exultatione.

provides a platform for Christian

(Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.)

to learn and support one another

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ith these joyful words from Psalm 100, the 70-strong Methodist Festival Choir (MFC) ushered the congregations at Christ Methodist Church on 1 Dec 2019 and Barker Road Methodist Church on 8 Dec 2019 into a celebration of Advent through songs, prayers and scripture readings.

Christmas is celebrated across the world, but the season of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas Day) is less ubiquitous. What is even lesser known during this season are the four songs (or canticles) found in the Christmas narrative as recorded in the gospel of Luke. MFC’s Advent presentation brought these four canticles to the forefront of the congregations’ attention, allowing them to relive and reflect on the anticipation, joy and mystery that Mary, Zechariah, Simeon and the angels felt about the birth of Jesus Christ.

choristers and choral conductors in the choral ministry, and to reach out to the community through public presentations. Watch out for MFC’s next presentation in the first half of 2020!

More information will soon be available at

www.msmusic.edu.sg/event.

For more information on joining the choir, email

Magnificat: Mary proclaims her joy for being the handmaiden chosen by God to bear Jesus.

With her praise, she declares God’s power over the rich and His compassion over the poor.

Benedictus: Zechariah, joyful about the birth of his son John the Baptist, praises God and prophesises about the coming of Jesus, the horn of salvation.

Gloria: The angels announce the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds.

Nunc Dimittis: Simeon the high priest, finally sees God’s promise—Jesus Christ—and so he asks God to let him go in peace.

The congregations also had a joyous time of singing familiar carols such as “O Come All Ye Faithful”, “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “The First Noel” and “Joy to the World” together with the MFC. The atmosphere was celebratory—not only because of the rousing singing and rich musical accompaniment, but also the goodness of the news that was being proclaimed through the liturgy. It was truly a memorable two evenings!

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festivalchoir.msm@gmail.com.

News ¢ Dr Evelyn Lim is the Director of Music and Organist at Methodist School of Music, and Adjunct Instructor at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Pipe Organ Master at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. She is a member of Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of the Methodist School of Music

MSM SCHOOL CONCERT 2019 AN SG BICENTENNIAL SPECIAL

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4 1 The performers 2 The “little Nonyas” 3 One of the musical performances 4 Dayung Sampan—the arrival of the pioneers

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Dec 2019 was a big day for everyone. That evening, approximately 50 students and staff of the Methodist School of Music (MSM) came together to present a concert at the Esplanade Recital Studio.

The event was in the form of a musical story in line with Singapore’s Bicentennial celebrations, and a departure from the standard “school concert” format. A combined effort by the various disciplines at MSM, the concert proved a visual as well as aural treat for the audience—students played, sang and danced in solos and ensembles, while backed by live narration and PowerPoint visuals. Beaming family members and friends applauded enthusiastically as the students performed solos and group renditions of classical repertoire, local folk songs, and tunes from musicals and movies.

Several young ladies from the ballet division stole the show with their youthful vigour and “joget” during a segment depicting the arrival of Straits-born pioneers. Young violinists in ensembles played familiar tunes, enticing the audience to hum along to the melodies they recognised, while the vocal choruses lead the audience in a singalong of local songs.

Ms Kathryn Cheng, a new member of staff at MSM, brought colour to these familiar songs through her musical arrangements.

In the background, the teachers and staff from the various departments ensured a seamless delivery of the concert, from coaching and musical accompaniment to logistics and event management. There was no task too large or small for everyone involved—we thank God for the school morale and the spirit of servanthood within the MSM family.

METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

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Romans 8:38-39

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News ¢ Harry Tan is a member of Faith Methodist Church. Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message./ Photos courtesy of Poh Haikun and Leong Kwok Seng (Faith Methodist Church).

A Most Precious

CHRISTMAS GIFT

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1.

Moses Lim shares his multilingual Christmas message

2.

The Rev Irene Thung leads in worship

3.

Henry Lim on the harp

4.

Shao Dan

2 3

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METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

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News ¢ Alvin Tay, now joyfully retyred (read: retired), is the Communications Chairperson at Wesley Methodist Church. He is also the Vice Chairperson of the CATF Taskforce. / Photos courtesy of the CATF Media Team.

CHRISTMAS AT THE FORT

A JOURNEY OF FAITH

T

wenty-three years ago, at Christmas at The Fort (CATF) 1996, God answered the prayers of Wesley Methodist Church (WMC) and miraculously stopped the rain during the two practices and the three-night event at Fort Canning Park. It poured only on the day after the event.

Fast-forward 23 years to 2019 where CATF was held for only the second time in WMC’s history, and God once again showed His power over the weather.

This time, there were persistent heavy rains and thunderstorms for several days just before CATF from 19 to 22 Dec 2019, and the weather forecast for the duration was “100 per cent rain”. But miraculously, during those 14

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METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

four days, it rained for a grand total of only 41 minutes on the third evening.

Even the heavy downpour during those few minutes did not dampen the overall mood or wash out that night’s performances; it merely delayed the start of that evening’s programme by half an hour. And it unexpectedly provided volunteers and staff from Wesley with the divine opportunity to spontaneously warm the hearts of our guests by giving out ponchos, groundsheets and umbrellas, and engaging them in casual conversations.

And the faith of many of our members soared as we witnessed what the Lord has done for us in answering our

prayers. The church had embarked on a weekly prayer for CATF for 10 weeks from 31 Aug to 8 Nov. When this ended, we started a 40 -day Prayer Countdown to CATF. And throughout this period, and during the four CATF days, we had prayer intercessors praying unceasingly.

CATF was a journey of faith that started even before we knew it. Charis Lim, chairperson of the CATF Taskforce and Associate Lay Leader at TRAC, said: “If I could trace the beginning of CATF, I would say that it began with our efforts at Celebrate Christmas@Cathay in Dec 2018. WMC had been conducting Sunday worship services at one of the Cathay cinema halls since May 2017.

“I remember how everyone chipped in.

Over 250 volunteers—children, youth, adults and seniors volunteering across multiple ministries—stepped up to serve. Christmas@Cathay showed us what God can do through us when His people rallied together in unity.

And so, when the invitation came for his Cathay core team to lead the church in the CATF project, Charis felt that Celebrate Christmas@Cathay had merely been a prelude to something bigger God was preparing and equipping us for.

CATF was in line with WMC’s theme of “Impacting the World” for 2019–20.

It was also in support of Singapore’s Bicentennial celebrations. When WMC’s Pastor-in-charge, the Rev Stanley Chua, first heard the CATF proposal in December 2018, he said, “God is always at work before we even plan or conceive to do anything for Him. All we need to do is to observe what He is doing presently, in and around us, and then we partner Him. “From what I observe of all the events that have unfolded thus far, I believe God is already at work. When we planned (in 2016) for 2019–20 to have our thrust on ‘Impacting the World’, who

among us knew that 2019 would be the Bicentennial celebration of Singapore?

I feel this is a perfect opportunity that God has laid before us on our doorstep—a perfect opportunity to fulfil our last thrust of our Directions 2020.”

CATF is the biggest public event that WMC has ever organised, involving multi-ministries and members young and old. It featured many of WMC’s top musical talents, including the orchestra, choirs, contemporary band, dancers, singers as well as ukulele, angklung and bagpipe players. Guest performers included well-known Singaporean artistes Charlie Lim, Haneri, Olivia Ong and Joanna Dong.

Over the four days, 13,000

welfare organisations and homes. And in the Spirit of Giving, several of our food vendors opted to donate a portion of their earnings during CATF to two charities: Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, which is supported by our partner The RICE Company.

In the run-up to CATF, we had also seen God’s hand at work in raising close to 2,000 volunteers, the largest number we have ever mobilised for a single project in the history of WMC. And we saw God’s glory in binding Wesleyans together in perfect unity, reflecting His light on Fort Canning Park as we bore witness to the nation about the greatest story ever known—and the greatest gift ever given on Christmas!

people came to Christmas at the Fort. Among them were

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our special guests—1,200

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beneficiaries from social welfare organisations and homes.

Over the four days, 13,000 people came, despite the uncertain weather.

Among them were our special guests—1,200 beneficiaries from social

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Carols at the Fort

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Over four days, 13,000 people came to CATF

2.

Some of the many volunteers

3.

One of the guest performers, Olivia Ong

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Welfare Services ¢ By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services

IMPACT LIVES AS A METHODIST FAMILY:

EAT SHARE CONNECT

Mr Lim feels comforted by the help he receives from MWS Wesley Senior Activity Centre – Jalan Berseh

With The Less Fortunate

S

eventy-four-year-old Mr Lim Boo Seng lives alone in a tworoom rental flat. He used to work as a dish collector at a food court but he had to stop working in 2018 when his health deteriorated. Staff of MWS Wesley Senior Activity Centre – Jalan Berseh subsequently arranged for him to receive meals-on-wheels, and saw to it that he had transport to his medical appointments including taxi vouchers to pay for his fare.

He is now a regular member of the Centre and enjoys a warm relationship with the staff who are on top of his medical needs and financial issues. Even though Mr Lim has become frailer and was hospitalised several times, one of the first things he does each time he is discharged is to visit the Centre.

During this season of Lent, let us follow Jesus’ example and bless the disadvantaged in our community like Mr Lim through deeds of love, kindness and compassion. When we take time to get to know them and fellowship together, we create meaningful connections and impact lives.

The Giving Methodist 2020 invites you to Eat Share Connect in celebration of MCS 135 2020 marks the 135th anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). To commemorate the milestone, MWS is organising the Eat Share Connect movement, a communal dining outreach to bless the community.

“When you give a banquet, invite the poor... you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Luke 14:13—14 (NIV)

What is Eat Share Connect?

It is a platform to connect with low-income families or individuals over a meal around a dining table—a place for gatherings, connections, blessing, giving and celebrations, as well as for sharing brokenness and struggles in our lives.

How does Eat Share Connect work?

This activity can be run in several ways. Between 26 Feb and 30 May 2020, • open your home to low-income families and connect with them over a meal.

• as a group, organise Eat Share Connect in your church, at an MWS Centre or a public venue like the community clubs in the heartlands.

What happens during Eat Share Connect?

•

The Biblical basis of table fellowship The dining table is a place where people come together to connect, celebrate and bless others. It is also where brokenness is shared and harmony restored.

Table fellowship was Jesus’ way of connecting with the marginalised. He went against the traditions of His time by eating, sharing and connecting with ordinary people, the Gentiles, outcasts and the poor. By doing this, he tore down social boundaries and divisions by relating to them as equals around the dining table.

• •

Conduct a cooking demonstration of simple recipes from Simply Good—Healthy Family Meals, a recipe book created by the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) to commemorate MCS 135.

Prepare the ingredients, cook together.

Eat, share and connect!

Beyond MCS 135 MWS hopes to raise $1.35 million to bless 1,000 families who are struggling with costs of daily living. Each family will be gifted with $1,350. We need befrienders to continue to reach out to these lowincome families for one year from June 2020 to May 2021.

Partner us in blessing the community during MCS 135. If you would like to organise an Eat Share Connect activity or volunteer as a befriender, please email tgm@mws.sg.

Visit https://thegivingmethodist.sg or scan the QR code for details on Eat Share Connect and to find out how to give.

METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

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Missions ¢ Pastor Daniel Loo and his wife, Sharon, have been missionaries in Phrao for 12 years with their four Gen-Z children.

They founded the Little Candles Methodist Church and Kindergarten. / Photo courtesy of Pastor David Loo

REACHING GENERATION Z In Phrao, Thailand

W

e waited with bated breath for the electricity to come back on. It had gone out for almost an hour and we were afraid that a year’s preparation would be wasted. Then there was a bang, and the lights came back on, just in time. The drums began, the guitars and keyboard joined in, the dancers ran onto the stage, and the singers strode out holding their microphones.

Thus began the “One Way 146” Youth Concert in Phrao. Based on the theme of Jesus word’s in John 14:6, it was held on 15 and 16 Nov 2019 in partnership with a youth worship team from the Living Sanctuary Brethren Church in Singapore.

The idea of the concert emerged from our burden to reach the youth of Generation Z—those born with mobile phones in their hands and earplugs lodged their ears, who breathe Wi-Fi instead of oxygen.

They live in the virtual world of social media rather than on earth; cyberspace is where they meet, vent, grieve, curse, announce a new relationships or advertise their availability. Z, in some ways, stands for zombie.

In the small rural town of Phrao, population 50,000, located 100km North of Chiang Mai, there are Gen Z youth who

have grown up being hurt, abandoned and neglected. Chonny was raised by her mother; her biological father had left when she was born. She knew paternal love only through the sexual advances of her stepfather, and was frequently told that she would never achieve anything in life. She cried with relief the day he drowned while fishing.

Siri practiced shamanism as a young girl to earn respect of her mother after her father died of ill health. The spirits that frequently tormented her brought her to the brink of suicide.

As with many Gen Zs, both sought their self-worth through social media, romantic relationships and alcohol, which only caused them to sink deeper into the miry clay. But both of them, at 16, found Christ when they walked into Little Candles Methodist Church (LCMC). Now 19, they have both received scholarships in theological studies and plan to enter full time ministry when they graduate.

These are two of the many youth in Phrao that we have seen transformed through the church’s ministry. We took young broken lives and patiently restored them by leading them into a loving relationship with Jesus.

The “One Way 146” Youth Concert in Phrao

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The concert was a manifestation of this work. Over six months, we took a bunch of shy, broken youth through a journey of of drama and dance rehearsals and worship ministry training undergirded

by Bible study, discipleship and mentoring that led to the baptisms of several youth a week before the concert. And we saw cries of “we can’t do it” change into chants of “nothing is impossible through Christ”.

When the lights came on those two nights in November, these were the youth that ran onto the stage in front of and audience of 300 fellow Gen Zs, and who witnessed almost 50 of their peers come forward to commit their lives to Jesus.

We rejoice not just because of these commitments, but also in the lives of the youth transformed along the way, and the excitement of seeing even more grow in their faith as we diligently disciple a new generation of believers.

To learn more about the

LCMC MINISTRY, email

daniel.ee.chuan.loo@gmail.com

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.

BEING APART TO BE CLOSE

I

occasionally experience a sense of déjà vu—my clients’ issues, circumstances and dilemmas appear similar and yet are not the same.

I felt it recently when three siblings— working adults in their mid-twenties to early thirties—came to consult me. A family conflict had led to the two older daughters moving out of the family home.

They talked about several issues. First, their relationship with their father was strained because of his very restrictive control over them. Second, they worried about their mother, whom they felt was always giving in to a very domineering husband. Now that they were no longer living at home, they could not come to their mother’s aid in future marital conflicts. Third, they were concerned that their assertiveness might result them in losing their mother’s affection as she, a traditional wife in her sixties, might have little choice but to side with her husband over them.

After listening, I asked which was their greatest concern. They unanimously answered it was the second. What

further astounded me was when I posed the same question to their mother later, she gave the same answer. Without a doubt, these three adult children considered their mother’s happiness more important than their own and their mother knew this.

I suggested to the siblings that their moving out may pave the way for a smoother relationship in time, as the dayto-day conflicts could be avoided.

The encounter with this family reminded me of another about 20 years ago. Then there were also three siblings of similar ages, all single and working professionals.

They had come after a violent confrontation during which their father turned on the youngest when she stepped in to stop him hitting their mother.

Previously, it would have been the two older daughters who would try to defend their mother, earning them much scorn and anger from the father. As the father’s favourite, the youngest had been spared in the past because he was more eventempered in her presence. But this was not the case in the parents’ latest fight.

I asked why they continued to live at home since they had a minimal relationship with their father and were subjected to physical danger. Though having the means to live independently, they said they had long considered moving out but stopped short as their mother would not go with them. They were torn as they felt that leaving without their mother would be failing in filial duty to her. Yet, staying put them in danger.

It was then that I asked them to look at moving out as not so much abandoning their mother but offering her a place to go to should she ever need respite.

Such an idea may not be acceptable to all parents, especially those who see marriage as the only reason for children to leave the family home. However, when adult children live apart from their parents, they can choose to relate to their parents on their own terms, like having meals together. Rather than viewing it as running away, it can become a new way of being a family. We can still stay connected though apart. This may be a better way than living together but being very distant from one another.

METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

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OPEN HOUSE

Saturday 28 March 2020

ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an allround 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).

Mr Rob Burrough Principal

Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides

Achievements Include

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

• Students with perfect score of 45 points

• 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage • Small class sizes with overall studentteacher 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

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal

• 20 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past nine 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 valueadded examination results for the IBDP with improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming and Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice Principal

INFORMATION SESSIONS 9:00am

Principal’s Address

9:30am – 12:00pm

School tours & presentations by staff & students

Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475

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

ACS (International) - Building Through Belief

Hymns & Songs ¢

MCS 135

Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon was Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 to 2012. He wrote this song for MCS 135.

THE PEOPLE OF THE WAY

T

he Methodists are often noted for being so methodical—we are well organised and our church programmes reflect the many methods we employ to do God’s work.

However, it must be noted that the “method” in “Methodism” does not have to do with strategies, techniques and programmes as it has to do with the Person of Jesus Christ. In fact, the word “method” comes from two Greek words —meta (after) + hodos (a way). It means “following after a way.” In this regard, it is to be noted that in the Gospels, our Lord described Himself as “the Way” (Jn 14:6). The way in “method” is therefore ultimately a person—Jesus. The heart of authentic spiritual method is therefore a relationship—between Jesus and us.

The method in Methodism, therefore, has to do with Jesus Christ our Lord. As John Wesley wrote, a Methodist is “one who lives according to the method laid down in the Bible.” And that method is knowing and walking with Jesus.

Thus the theme of this song is being a people of the way.

The first stanza makes it clear that the way refers to the way of Jesus, of loving and following Him. It goes to the roots of our faith in Jesus. It also mentions the roots of Methodist spirituality as contained in the lives and writings of the Wesley bothers in the 18th century—John and Charles. The sermons of John and the songs of Charles both contain the Methodist doctrine and devotion. We are rooted in that tradition which goes back to the teachings of Scripture. Knowing our roots and spiritual heritage is the basis for our faith, selfunderstanding, and spiritual lives.

The second stanza goes back to the history of The Methodist Church in Singapore. It began in 1885 when Bishop James Thoburn and the Rev William

Oldham arrived with two others in Singapore in February to plant Methodism in our shores. They immediately held evangelistic rallies for two weeks, preaching the Gospel. As a result, those who responded to the preaching were organised to form the first Methodist church in Singapore, which exists today as Wesley Methodist Church, along with 45 other local churches. We continue on this God-given journey.

The third stanza focuses on a vital theme in Methodist spirituality. As we follow Christ, we remember what He taught about the central commandment taught by Scripture.

When asked to point out the greatest commandment in Scripture, Jesus said:

the Way of holiness and love, the Refrain refers to the fact that we are also the People of the Flame. The flame of the Holy Spirit has been a Methodist symbol, reflecting the Spirit-filled life that we are to live. The Holy Spirit enables us to recognise our calling as God’s people and to be united in His love as we reach out in mission and evangelism. We are not the only children of God, for in our ecumenical understanding, we recognise other Christian brothers and sisters, and are committed to work with them in God’s mission.

The words of the song total up to 135 syllables, which symbolises that this song has to do with the 135th anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest

THE PEOPLE OF THE WAY

commandment. And the second is like it:

We are the People of the Way,

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

The way of Jesus Christ our Lord;

All the Law and the Prophets hang on

We follow Him in all our ways,

these two commandments.”

As John and Charles did in their day.

(Matt 22:37–40).

In The Character of a Methodist, John Wesley defines a Methodist as “one who loves God with all his heart and loves his neighbour as himself.” Wesley spoke of Christian perfection—understood as a perfection in love. In other words, the spiritual methods of Wesley were means to an end, which is loving relationships.

This stanza highlights this heart of Wesleyan spirituality that focuses both on personal and social holiness. We are to love God wholeheartedly and join together in Christian service as we reach out to others with God’s love and truth.

This is also the theme of the 135th anniversary celebrations of the Methodist Church in Singapore.

While each verse highlights how we are the People of the Way, On the Way, and In

We are the People of the Flame; On us the Lord has placed His claim; His children called Methodists, With others we will spread His fame.

We are the people on the Way; When Thoburn, Oldham came to us To preach the Good News of Jesus, And left a spark of Spirit’s fire.

We are the People in the Way, The way of love for God and man; We love our God with all our heart; Together we serve and do our part.

Words: Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon, 2019 Music: Jusuf Kam

METHODIST MESSAGE February 2020

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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 at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg).

Lenten Fast “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.

F

asting is a spiritual discipline that has a very long and venerable tradition in Christianity, stretching back not only to the earliest period of Christian monasticism but to the Bible itself. Jesus clearly fasted and expected His disciples to do so as well (Matt 4:1–11; 9:14–15), and the apostolic church, following the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, took fasting very seriously (e.g. Acts 13:1–3).

The magisterial 16th century Reformers, Martin Luther and John Calvin, also saw the importance of fasting, often recommending the practice in their

pastoral writings. So did John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, for whom fasting, together with other spiritual disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, can be a “means of grace”.

As a discipline for spiritual formation, however, fasting has fallen out of favour in the modern evangelical Church, partly due to its associations with the excessive asceticism of medieval Christianity which the Reformers criticised. This is regrettable, because contemporary Christians have much to benefit from this ancient practice when it is undergirded by the right theology and guided by godly motives.

But why is fasting such an important spiritual discipline? Before I attempt to answer this question, perhaps it would be good to clarify exactly what we mean by fasting.

I think Richard Foster has given us one of the best definitions of fasting in his 1992 book, Prayer: “Fasting is the voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity. It is a sign of our seriousness and intensity. When we fast we are intentionally relinquishing the first right given to the human family in the Garden—the right to eat.” 1

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

It is only when we understand the meaning of fasting as a spiritual discipline that we can gainfully examine its importance for the spiritual life. Let me briefly delineate the spiritual benefits of fasting by drawing from the writings of one of the greatest theologians of the Patristic period, John Chrysostom (349–407), Archbishop of Constantinople.

The first benefit of fasting, according to Chrysostom, is that it is a spiritual discipline which, if practised prayerfully and diligently, will enable us to recover self-control, especially control over our carnal passions.

In his famous homily on the Gospel of Matthew, Chrysostom maintains that “Adam by the incontinence of his belly was cast out of paradise”. 2 The great spiritual tradition of the Church makes a direct connection between gluttony and lust, a view that is consistently held by almost all the authors of the collection of spiritual writings called the Philokalia.

1 2 3 4

One of the great “medicines of salvation”, Chrysostom asserts, is the practice of fasting, because it restores our will, resolve and the power over the temptations and enticements of the devil. 3 It is through governing this basic appetite that we regain control of the other appetites.

Furthermore, fasting could heighten our spiritual sensibilities, making us more attuned to God’s Word and Spirit.

“He that fasts,” Chrysostom writes arrestingly, “is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness.” 4 This, in turn, would open our eyes to the needs of our fellow human beings and enable us to love them in a way that is truly self-forgetting and self-giving, the love which the New Testament calls agape.

Put differently, by prayerfully abstaining from food, drink and sleep —basic bodily needs—for a specified period, the Christian can enter into what Isaiah calls the true fast. This is the fast that would compel us “loose

the bonds of wickedness”, “share [our] bread with the hungry”, “bring the homeless into [our] house” and cover the “naked” (Is 58:6–7).

There is arguably no better time to embrace this ancient practice of fasting than during the period of Lent, which the Eastern Orthodox Church has called “The Great Fast”. The purpose of this solemn period is to prepare Christians to commemorate as well as participate in the passion and resurrection of Christ.

By skipping a meal or two each week during this 40-day period, and by devoting that mealtime to prayer, Bible reading and reflection, the Christian will, by the grace of God, achieve an ever-deepening appreciation of what God has done for him in Christ.

And by the outworking of that same grace, he will have a renewed resolve and greater courage to take up his cross and follow his Lord (Matt 16:24–26).

Richard Foster, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1992), 240.

Philip Schaff, ed., Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1994), 80.

Ibid., 81.

Ibid., 356.

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THINK ¢ The Rev Derrick Lau serves as the Executive Director of Methodist Missions Society (www.mms.org.sg). He also enjoys gardening, jogging, flying drones, travelling and working on DIY projects. / Photo courtesy of the Rev Derrick Lau

A Methodist Journey M y journey as a Methodist began by the grace of God leading me to faith in Christ through a series of events even though I was raised in a predominately Chinese folk religion environment. First, in the early 1970s, whenever I walked past a church construction site, a voice prompted me to find out more about the nature and purpose of the church.

Second, while I was studying at a neighbourhood school, my classmates shared the Gospel. They introduced me to a Youth for Christ Fellowship that met in a nearby shophouse and I learnt more about the Christian faith.

Third, when the Toa Payoh Methodist Church building was completed, I boldly visited the church although I felt like a stranger in the community. For an entire year, I attended the services regularly, albeit alone, without getting to know anyone there. I felt myself growing spiritually in the areas of Christian worship, prayer, studying of the Holy Scriptures, discipleship etc.

I felt I was embarking upon a journey in a rather “methodical” way, i.e. step by step, in terms of God planting in me a curiosity to know more about the church, the Holy Spirit leading me to a confession of Christ as Lord and Saviour in my teenage years, as well as deepening my conviction to grow and share the faith, and then a clear challenge to serve as a pastor. Theologically speaking, it was the redemptive grace of God operating in my life in three broad Wesleyan categories vis-à-vis prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace.

I was baptised and received as a member of the Methodist Church in 1978. That was indeed a significant milestone in my spiritual journey. I began to

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appreciate and participate actively in the life and ministry of the church. I had opportunities to lead in worship services and a young adult ministry with a focus on disciple-making within a small group setting and witnessing about our faith on a regular basis. My first mission trip was with a Youth Leadership Training Programme for the Ibans in Sibu and Kapit of East Malaysia. In the early ’80s, I participated in the Church Growth International Conference in South Korea. These experiences contributed significantly to the process of growing deeper in my faith as well as my sensing of God’s call to the pastoral ministry.

In 1980, my journey as a pastor began when I enrolled at Trinity Theological College. Upon the completion of my studies, I was admitted as a Methodist pastor. This year, by the grace of God, I am celebrating my 35th year of pastoral ministry.

The Rev Derrick Lau at the BB enrolment ceremony at COSI, Cambodia, 2019

Throughout these years I have been deeply convinced that His grace has constantly enabled, enriched and empowered me to the cause, course and cost of “loving God, loving my neighbours and loving myself” as my response to Christ’s Great Commandment (Mark 12:30, 31).

Having served in the local churches for over three decades, I praise God that beginning 2019, I entered into a new season of ministry with Methodist Missions Society. I covet your prayers for the tasks of mobilising Methodists and forming collaborative mission partnerships with local churches in embracing and expressing Wesley’s vision: “I look upon all the world as my parish”.

Looking Ahead ¢ FEBURARY

Scan to see events online!

CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT 2020

15 Feb 2020 (Saturday), 2.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. / 16 Feb 2020 (Sunday), 2.30 p.m.

Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, S(397691)

www.facebook.com/CNYconcertSG admin@cnyconcert.com

9628-1596 (Amy)

Tickets required. To get your tickets or for more information, please go to website for more details, email or call.

The bi-annual Chinese New Year Concert began in 1995 and is jointly organised by various local major denominational and independent churches. Highlights of this evangelistic event includes performances by Christian artists and invited guests, gospel and testimony sharing. Organised by various mainline Christian denominations and independent churches.

FEBURARY

Organised by various mainline Christian denominations and independent churches.

FROM THE DESERT TO THE CITY:

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS AND PRIEST OF CREATION

17 Feb 2020 (Monday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Bible House, 7 Armenian Street, Level 4, Morrison-Liang Seminar Rooms 1 and 2, S(179934)

https://ethosinstitute.sg/deserttocity/

Admission is free. Registration required. Love offerings will be collected.

Christians struggle to justify why we need to engage in environmental care. While it may appear to be a secular issue, it is actually a spiritual one. Our need to care for creation stems from a theological understanding of our roles in Christ’s New Creation, rather than practical and social concerns for the ecological crisis alone.

MARCH

Organised by ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity.

DISTORTIONS IN DOCTRINE

28 Mar 2020 (Saturday), 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church, 4 Bishan Street 13, S(579792)

6227-6815 inquiry@bgst.edu.sg

$80 per participant. Register at https://bgst.edu.sg/events/details/205

How do the divinity and humanity of Christ relate to his work in saving us? How does “work out your own salvation” (Phil 2:12) relate to “by grace you have been saved… not as a result of works” (Eph 2:8–9)?

And how exactly does Jesus save—by example or by some supernatural intervention?

Come and learn about from the perspective of Historical Theology (Prof Tony Lane), and Pastoral Theology (Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon), with panel discussions.

SATURDAYS

Organised by Biblical Graduate School of Theology.

THE HEALING PLACE

Every Saturday (except public holidays), 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Christ Methodist Church, 597 East Coast Road, S(429082)

“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” (James 5:14) We are a ministry team of the Healing Place of Christ Methodist Church who have been praying for the sick since 2008. All information about individuals who are coming for healing is kept confidential.

Organised by Christ Methodist Church.