Methodist Message: February 2024

Work as the Christian calling Chasing a pipe dream: MSM's Head of Piano & Organ tells her story Young Voices: Defending the faith I am grateful for Vol 126 No 2 FEBRUARY 2024

The

theology

OF

MCI (P) 013/11/2023

WORK

Contents

Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

/ Bishop’s Message /

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

Managing Editor Alvin Tay

/ News / 3 Zara Blackmore retraces third great-grandaunt Sophia's footsteps

Editor Lianne Ong

Communications Executive Kathrynn Koh

/ Feature / 5 Chasing a pipe dream

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai Elliot Soh

10 Soundings: Work as the Christian calling

Proofreaders

25 Young Voices: Defending the faith I am grateful for

/ Opinion /

Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Outreach / 13 Following in his footsteps 15 We are called to Christ:

Serving the Lord in whatever you do 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 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg

/ Relationships / 19 You & Your Family:

Our lenses when looking at others–Where is the love?

21 At The Well

/ Worship / 29 The hands of Jesus

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33 My love story with Jesus

Work, work, work "I have some jokes about unemployed people.

Peaceful work

None of them work."

O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.

That joke works because the word "work"

~ Isaiah 26:12

works in different ways. "Work" on earth, and in the Bible, also works in different ways.

In contrast, Isaiah 26:12 describes God's good works through human beings in terms of

Negative work

peacemaking and building. This is the kind

Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of

of work that God has ordained or appointed

violence are in their hands.

humans to do. Work that promotes peace and

~ Isaiah 59:6

wholeness in people's lives rather than work that violates and destroys.

In Isaiah 2:8, God warns us against becoming people who idolise their work, who "bow down

Frustrating work

to the work of their hands, to what their own

Sadly, we live in a world where negative,

fingers have made". Here is work that exerts a

violent work often overpowers those who

negative influence on human lives. Isaiah 59:6

work for peace and wholeness of life. Good

describes sinful work in terms of deeds which

work, which should be fulfilling, is frequently

inflict violence upon our world.

fraught with frustration and futility. Isaiah 65:22 describes this frustration in terms of building a home which others hijack for themselves; and the futility of producing crops which the farmer's family are not able to eat and enjoy.

Fulfilling work But let us not succumb to work that violates ourselves and others. Instead, may this Lunar New Year see us still working with God for good, and let us keep faith in God's promise that one day, we will indeed enjoy fully the good work of our hands.

They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat … my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. ~ Isaiah 65:22

February 2024 Methodist Message 1

2024 Call for Petitions for the BOD

T

he Methodist Church in Singapore – General Conference (commonly called The Methodist Church in Singapore or MCS) will be holding the 13th Session of its

plenary body, the General Conference (GC), on 2–6 September and 4–6 December 2024.

This regular session of the GC is held once every four years (a quadrennium), where delegates from the three Annual Conferences (CAC, ETAC and TRAC) come together to elect officers for the GC, revise church laws, approve work plans and budgets for church-wide programmes, as well as adopt resolutions on moral and social issues. The GC organises councils and agencies for the general work of MCS, and during the course of its regular session, elections are held for various officers of the GC and of these councils and agencies to serve in the coming quadrennium. This includes the election of a Bishop to oversee the affairs of MCS and the work of the GC. At its regular session, the GC also receives and debates petitions, which are proposals to make changes to The Book of Discipline (BOD), the rule book that describes how the Church is organised and administered, and contains the Constitution, Doctrinal Statements and General Rules. While such petitions are normally initiated by the Annual Conferences or the Discipline Revision Commission, any organisation, minister or lay member of MCS may submit a petition in the following manner: 1.

Three copies of the petition must be sent to the secretary of the GC.

2.

Each petition must address only one paragraph of the BOD or, if the BOD is not affected, one issue.

3.

Each petition must be signed by the person submitting it, accompanied by appropriate identification, such as address, local church, or Methodist board or agency relationship.

4.

Petitions must be received by the secretary of the GC no later than 60 days prior to the opening session of the regular session of the GC, i.e. before or on 4 July 2024.

Petitions must be mailed to arrive before or on 4 July 2024 to: The General Conference Secretary (Petitions) The Methodist Church in Singapore 70 Barker Road #06-04 Methodist Centre Singapore 309936

News

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. She is an alumnus of Methodist Girls' School and Anglo-Chinese Junior College, and worships at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Girls' School, Lightedpixels Photography and Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

Zara Blackmore

retraces third great-grandaunt Sophia's footsteps The Aussie undergrad is an advocate for mental health and the less fortunate

(left) Sophia Blackmore served as a missionary in Singapore from 1887 to 1928 (photo courtesy of MCS Archives) (right) Zara at the MGS campus on Blackmore Drive

L

ast month, Methodist Girls' School (MGS), Fairfield Methodist School (Primary & Secondary) and Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC) received a special guest from Australia—Zara Blackmore, the greatgreat-great grandniece of Sophia Blackmore, the Australian missionary who served in Singapore from 1887 to 1928 and founded the two schools and church. Sophia Blackmore was the first woman missionary to be sent by the Methodist Women's Foreign Missionary Society to work in Singapore.

Zara's visit to Singapore was a planned holiday with a purpose, to find out more of her third great-grandaunt's legacy.

Her granduncle, Rodney Blackmore (who visited in the 1990s), is the family's historian who had documented some of Sophia Blackmore's legacy in a book for the family

and encouraged family members to contact MGS and The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) on their visits to Singapore. The Blackmore clan is spread out on the East coast of Australia, with several attending various Uniting churches. "[Sophia Blackmore] has always been spoken of in our family as this remarkable woman.

I don't think I quite realised the magnitude of the impact of Sophia Blackmore's legacy. And now I'm here, and people from both schools have shared about their experiences—it's just amazing! So many lives have been impacted by what she did. I was almost in tears at MGS when they sang the school anthem," said Zara, who did not realise before her visit that her ancestor was also the founder of Fairfield Methodist Schools (FMS) and KKMC.

February 2024 Methodist Message 3

Zara Blackmore retraces third great-grandaunt Sophia's footsteps

Just like Sophia Blackmore (or "Sophie" as she is referred to by the Blackmore family), Zara is no stranger to community service.

In 2019, when she was in high school, she was awarded the National Council of Women NSW Dame Marie Bashir Peace Award, an award given to students who are exceptional in their activities to lead others in harmonious relationships and pursue social justice. In the same year, the Order of Australia Association (NSW) presented her with the Youth Community Service Award. These awards were given in recognition of her service to the Ezidi refugee community, as Chair of the Armidale Regional Youth Advisory Community and in a women's community group that conducted fundraising activities for UN Women Australia. More recently, she has served in Headspace, a youth mental health organisation, and Lifeline, a nonprofit organisation that deals with suicide prevention and mental health issues.

Originally from Armidale, a small town in New South Wales, Zara is 22 years old and currently pursuing a double degree in Cognitive and Brain Sciences with Psychology at Macquarie University in Sydney. She plans to work in the field of mental health in the not-for-profit arena after obtaining her degree.

4 Methodist Message February 2024

A season of health problems during her high school years caused her to re-think how she was contributing to society and inspired her to volunteer. "I think that if one has the time, energy and resources, why wouldn't you help other people? We should all make that difference where we are." Aside from this, her family have always been plugged into the community, often because of their careers—Sophia Blackmore's father and brother were mayors, and Zara's grandfather was a lay preacher, just to name a few.

Zara, who also visited MCS Archives during her stay, recalled a humorous account in The Malaysia Message (the precursor of Methodist Message) about how Miss Blackmore had visited so many homes to ask parents to send their children to school, writing down names in her notebook, that families became suspicious that she was actually a spy who was going to report them for illegal gambling and refused her entry!

When asked if she thought she and Sophia Blackmore had similar traits, she said, "I think we are both persistent in trying to do good. And we both see the potential in women and the importance of equipping women. I'm so glad that these values have been passed down in my family."

(clockwise from left) Zara at KKMC, beneath the plaque honouring Sophia Blackmore; Zara with Principal and Vice-Principals of Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) as well as President of the Fairfield Methodist Schools Alumni Association; A diorama put together by a FMS(P) class where Zara drew Sophia Blackmore; Zara with FMS(P) students; Zara with MGS Principal and members of the board of management

Feature

Janice Khoo serves in the Choir and Media & Comms Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Evelyn Lim and Memphis West Pictures

(left) Dr Lim is the Head of Piano & Organ at MSM (top right) A nativity scene in her studio office displayed during the Advent season

Chasing

(bottom right) One of the many cross sculptures Dr Lim collects on her travels

a pipe dream

Organists are a rare breed in Singapore. Find out how the Head of Piano & Organ at the Methodist School of Music found her calling.

S

tepping into Dr Evelyn Lim's studio at

to those played with the feet—and an

the Methodist School of Music (MSM),

impressive complement of pedals and stops.

one gets the impression that there is something church-like about the room.

Dr Lim is an educator at heart. "I enjoy

The door faces a large window covered

teaching and seeing the light in my

with a "stained glass" transparent sticker

students' eyes. When they understand

that gives the room a soft, multi-coloured

what is being taught, I can hear it in their

glow. In front of this is a wooden stand

playing and that makes my day."

that holds a nativity scene because this interview took place during Advent. "I

According to the Singapore chapter of

change the display according to the

the American Guild of Organists, the

church calendar. This acts as a teaching

organ population in Singapore is small

aid for students who are here to learn

by any measure. There are 10 pipe organs

about the Church," says Dr Lim, 58.

and a few portative (portable) ones, the majority of which are used in religious

The room holds a piano and an organ that

buildings and concert halls. Given this low

comes with three manuals—another term for

statistic, how did she join this rare breed

keyboards played with the hands, as opposed

of musicians?

February 2024 Methodist Message 5

Chasing a pipe dream

In the mid-1980s, Yamaha Music School in Singapore began a joint piano diploma programme with Boston University. Dr Lim enrolled in it and, although she did not know it at that time, that marked the start of her path towards formal training in the organ. "I realised I was good at music and loved it. I decided I wanted to do music for the rest of my life," she says. At the recommendation of her lecturer after she completed the diploma course, she went to the University of Houston where she did a Bachelor of Music in performance for piano and organ, and graduated summa cum laude. She describes how she literally pursued her organ education in her first week there. "I chased the organ teacher at the university and begged him to teach me. He agreed and took me to buy my first pair of organ shoes."

An uphill task to find an organ instructor

It was a struggle at first because Dr Lim

Dr Lim's ears were opened when, as a

habits developed from attempting to

teenaged student, she attended an organ

learn the organ on her own in Singapore.

recital by Dr Margaret Chen, whom she

Nevertheless, she persevered and later

describes as the Grande Dame of the

did a Master's degree in the organ.

organ scene in Singapore. "I was wowed.

"When I look back, I see a divine hand in

She planted the organ bug in my ear.

my organ journey. God knew I needed

I had never heard the organ play such

these teachers," reflects Dr Lim. After

colours," says Dr Lim. She looked for an

graduation, her lecturer referred her to

organ instructor but was unsuccessful.

his own organ teacher, the late Dr Marilyn

had to undo what she describes as bad

Mason, who was a noted concert organist Around that time, she started to serve

and teacher. Dr Lim went to the University

as a piano accompanist for the choir at

of Michigan where she was immersed in

Wesley Methodist Church, where she

a world of organ music. She laughingly

still worships today. When the church

describes how she cooked for Dr Mason

needed an organist, Dr Lim stepped

and her guests. "This is how I met famous

forward. Another church member who

organists from Europe. Madam Duruflé

played the organ briefed her on how to

(a famous organist and guest of Dr Mason)

play the instrument. One step closer to

ate my noodles. Then we watched her

realising her dream of playing the organ,

recital at school. I really wanted to be in

Dr Lim was all the more determined

that environment."

to find a proper instructor. She says jokingly, "I chose the loneliest and

As much as she enjoyed herself learning

loudest instrument," but she was set

the organ in the United States, Dr Lim

on learning it despite the difficulties in

responded to the call and returned to

finding a teacher.

Singapore in 1997 after she earned her

6 Methodist Message February 2024

Dr Lim playing the organ at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church, the only Methodist church in Singapore to have a pipe organ

Doctor of Music. She joined the newly

Figurines of crusader knights on display in

established MSM as a piano and organ

Dr Lim's office remind her of this mission.

instructor in the same year. She says,

She adds, "To me, the organ belongs in

"I returned so that I could teach music,

the Church first. Three quarters of good

bearing in mind how I was unable to find a

organ music was written for the Church."

teacher when I was younger."

As such, analysing the lyrics of a hymn is critical to helping the organist understand

In addition to teaching at MSM, at various

the music and communicate the intention

times she also taught at Singapore Bible

of the hymn writer.

College and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Presently, she teaches at Dulwich

To be Dr Lim's student is to align yourself

College as well. Periodically, she also

with her beliefs in serving the Church. "Put

conducts organ workshops in hymn

equal effort in your church music ministry, as

playing for churches in Malaysia.

you would do in your day job," she says firmly.

Shaping the next generation of organists According to Dr Lim, music education is not just about learning a musical instrument. She says, "In a concert, the musician acts as the conduit for the composer to bring his music to the listener. In church, the musician interprets music to interact with the congregation and guide them to worship. My crusade is to create organists who know how to play the organ at the right time and with the right feel. It may not be perfect, but you need to know what you are doing."

(right) Dr Lim in her office studio where pictures of organs from around the world fill her walls (left) Dr Lim with MSM organ teachers Angela (front row, first from left) and Chet Wei (2nd from right) at an organ workshop at St Simon Catholic Church Likas, Kota Kinabalu

February 2024 Methodist Message 7

Chasing a pipe dream

On one wall of her office, posters

she is also the founder and current Dean

of ornate pipe organs in the grand

of the Singapore chapter of the American

cathedrals of Europe serve as teaching

Guild of Organists, which provides support

resources. What makes this display

for organists and organ music locally.

particularly significant is that Dr Lim has played on most of these organs.

During her tenure at MSM, Dr Lim stepped up as Director of Music when

Teaching is just one part of Dr Lim's

the need arose, to fulfill a broader

passion for the organ. Having performed

scope of duties. In this position, she

as an organist with various local

oversaw the General Music department

ensembles, orchestras and choirs,

(see sidebar) which is the only school

including the Singapore Symphony

in Singapore that provides classes in

Orchestra, the Singapore Symphony

ballet, singing and musical instruments

Chorus and the Malaysian Philharmonic,

such as the piano, violin, flute and,

she is deeply integrated with the local

of course, the organ. "Our students

music community. As the Pipe Organ

come from any background, regardless

Master at Esplanade Theatres on the

of religion and denomination. From

Bay since they opened in 2002, Dr Lim

children to seniors, we conduct lessons

orientates visiting artistes to the organ,

in the performing arts to suit their

conducts educational tours and even

needs." She adds, "We give our students

performs on the 3-storey-high organ,

the foundation in music which form the

which is Singapore's largest. Moreover,

tools for future ministry, if they are led

Give someone the gift of the journey.

Through stories of trials, hope, celebrations and faith, MM rides many a spiritual journey with every reader it encounters. You’ve travelled places with us, why not invite someone to experience this journey too.

Subscribe, or gift a subscription, today. methodist.org.sg/message

SHARE THE JOURNEY

THE METHODIST SCHOOL OF MUSIC offers a comprehensive range of programmes for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether you desire to learn to play the piano, organ or violin, unlock your vocal talent, or gracefully master the art of ballet, MSM's experienced

(top) Dr Lim speaking at a Methodist Festival Choir Christmas event in Esplanade Dec 2018 (right) Dr Lim playing the organ in her office that has two manuals (or keyboards) that are operated by hands

faculty can guide you on your artistic journey. Beyond technical proficiency, MSM fosters well-rounded musicianship through music theory, hymn playing and worship music classes.

Discover the programme that resonates with your aspirations and embark on in that direction." All the teachers are Christians,

a fulfilling musical or dance

which supports MSM's vision to nurture not just the

experience at MSM.

individual, but also the future church musician.

Dr Lim's first love remains music instruction and starting 1 January 2024, she was able to return to what she does best in her new role as Head of Piano and Organ at MSM.

Visit www.msmusic.edu.sg or scan the QR code for more

Having encountered obstacles in finding suitable

information and take the

organ teachers for herself previously, Dr Lim's role at

first step towards unleashing

MSM appears to be an apt development in her music

your artistic potential.

career now that she is in the position of enabling people to have access to music lessons. From chasing a pipe dream that was seemingly unattainable when she first heard what an organ could do, Dr Lim has, by God's grace and her own single-minded focus, turned that initial fascination with the organ into a lifelong passion and ministry for music.

February 2024 Methodist Message 9

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.

Soundings

Work as the Christian calling

I

n 1947, the famous British novelist,

This important idea must be recovered

playwright and critic, Dorothy Sayers

because, according to the Christian

(1893–1957), made this sharp observation:

philosopher Paul Helm, secularism has banished it to obscurity. He writes:

In nothing has the Church so lost [h]er hold

"Work is part of a Christian's calling …

on reality as in [h]er failure to understand

this biblical idea has had a profound

and respect the secular vocation. She

influence in Europe and North America

has allowed work and religion to become

since the Reformation but has largely

separate departments, and is astonished

been forgotten, due to the eclipse of the

to find that, as a result, the secular works

influence of the Christian gospel from

of the world is turned to purely selfish and

national life." 2

destructive ends …

1

In his book The Call, Os Guinness explains Although Christians today are generally

that a distinction must be made between

more affirming of what Sayers described as

God's primary and secondary calling. 3 The

the "secular vocation", the sacred/secular

former, Guinness elaborates, has to do

divide that she alluded to still stubbornly

with the command to love God with all our

endures—perhaps in the subterranean

heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37).

dimensions of Christian consciousness.

"Our secondary calling," writes Guinness, In recent decades, a number of Christian

"is that everyone, everywhere, and in

writers have tried to correct this erroneous

everything should think, speak, live and act

dichotomy, which privileges certain forms

entirely for [h]im."4 This means using the

of work over others as true Christian service

gifts and abilities that we have received

or ministry. Following the great sixteenth

to their utmost in

century Reformers, they have tried to

everything we do

show how service to God can be rendered

for the glory of

through all kinds of work by retrieving the

God, including

doctrine of "calling" or "vocation".

our daily work.

10 Methodist Message February 2024

There is therefore a profound relationship

job. These people may be envious of Silas

between call and vocation (after all,

and William because they seem so certain

"vocation" comes from the Latin vocare,

about their passions and concerns.

which means to call). The call is the divine initiative. Vocation takes place when we

Here, we do well to turn to the wise counsel

respond to the call.

of Barbara Brown Taylor:

When we apply ourselves to the vocation

Whatever I decide to do for a living,

to which we are called, the work that we do

it is not what but how I did it that

becomes a ministry—a service—to God and

mattered. God has suggested the overall

to our fellow human beings.

purpose, but was not going to supply the particulars to me. If I wanted a life

This naturally leads to the question of

of meaning, then I was going to have to

whether each one of us is given a specific

apply the purpose for myself. 5

vocation. For example, can we say that Lillian is called to be a nurse, while Jimmy

Some of us, however, feel the work that

is called to be an engineer?

we do contributes little or nothing at all to the grand plan of God. How does my work

I think that in some profound sense, this

as a bank clerk or a librarian contribute

may be the case, although discerning the

to the great redemptive work of God? In

vocation to which one is called is not quite

what way does the work that I do have an

that straightforward for many of us.

enduring significance?

One way to approach this is to follow one's

Isn't the writer of Ecclesiastes right

passion or to respond to one's burdens.

when he says, "Then I considered all that

Silas may be called to be a teacher because

my hands had done and the toil I had

he is passionate about nurturing the next

expended in doing it, and behold, all

generation. However, William may be

was vanity and a striving after wind …"

called to be a theological educator because

(Ecclesiastes 2:11)?

his burden is the training of pastors and missionaries.

In response to this, we must turn to the apostle Paul.

There may be others, however, who may not feel drawn to a particular job or kind of

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, at the very end of a long reflection on the resurrection of Jesus and of believers, Paul writes these assuring words: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain."

February 2024 Methodist Message 11

Work as the Christian calling

"Under the sun", our toil appears quite

toil and struggle and sufferings possess

meaningless. But in the light of the

abiding worth: the short 'six days' of our

resurrection, the work that we do in and for

working life on earth will be crowned

the Lord is never in vain.

with that heavenly rest wherein we will survey our work and see that it is good. 6

The Anglican theologian, Alan Richardson, has perceptively put it this way: It is not the secular value or the lasting achievement of our working lives upon earth which gives to our work its Christian significance; it is the final, eschatological reference within it to the heavenly goal that invests it with ultimate worth and meaning. This world will perish, yet nevertheless our labour

Dorothy Sayers, Creed or Chaos? (Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 1974), 106.

1

Paul Helm, The Callings: The Gospel in the World (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1987), 98-99.

2

Os Guinness, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life (Nashville, TN: W. Publishing Group, 1998), 4.

3

4

Guinness, The Call, 31.

the resurrection of Christ that we find

Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2009), 110.

the final vindication of all the work that

6

is not in the last resort futile … It is in

we do in this life, our assurance that our

5

Alan Richardson, The Biblical Doctrine of Work (London: SCM Press, 1954), 55-56.

LOOKING FOR

SENIOR STAFF NURSE / STAFF NURSE (HOME CARE) We are seeking suitable candidates with the heart and the resilience to serve in the home health services team.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Plan and facilitate home health services for clients Develop and implement patient-centred care plan to home care clients Perform evidence-based nursing interventions according to client’s care plan such as monitoring of vitals, medication management, wound care management, handle feeding tube, urinary catheter and other procedures Perform basic health screening of client and make referrals as necessary Monitor clients’ conditions using physiological assessments and observations Practise safety and infection control precautionary measures Maintain timely and accurate documentation of clients’ progress and collation of data Coordinate with other care disciplines for care integration and transition Engage clients and caregivers in education and management of health conditions Participate in medical emergencies or crisis situations as appropriate Manage and monitor medical supplies, equipment and consumables inventory Liaise with Community Relations for corporate partnerships and programmes Prepare monthly data report Any other relevant/appropriate duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS Registered Nurse with a Diploma/ Degree in Nursing with minimum 3 years of relevant nursing experience. Those with better qualifications and/or more experience will be considered for the Senior Staff Nurse position with supervisory duties Competent to independently provide nursing care according to protocols established High integrity, resilient, passionate about nursing and helping others Effective communications and interpersonal skills and able to communicate in dialects with non-English/Mandarin speaking clients Strong team player, resourceful and systematic Hours for 5-day work week to be scheduled according to operational needs.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Please submit your resume to Doreen Email: doreen-chng@yong-en.org.sg Contact: 6309 0573 (DID) / 6225 1002

By the MWS Communications Team. / Photo courtesy of MWS

Following in his footsteps go further in serving God. "I have a burden for the sick and the elderly who are dying but do not yet know God. Engaging in chaplaincy work allows me to provide care and comfort to those in need," he said.

"Most residents are elderly, but I encountered a young man who was there because he had brain damage, and was unable to talk or feed himself. I was moved with compassion to pray for him at his bedside. I've also met residents whose health declined over the years, rendering them bedridden. I feel a calling to minister to and pray for them," he said.

A gift of sacrificial love Samuel, who conducts weekly pastoral visits, views volunteering as a way of MWS pastoral care volunteer Samuel Soong (right) with Clarence Lok, a resident at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee

"I'm miserable. It would be better if I was

walking out his faith. "I find it meaningful

dead."

to engage with the residents, sharing the message of God's love with those feeling

Samuel Soong recalls encountering

down. My hope is to be a light during a

residents at MWS Nursing Home – Yew

dark time in their lives," he said.

Tee expressing such distress. Faced with chronic health conditions coupled with

"I enjoy playing their favourite songs

loneliness, some of them grapple with a

and singing along with them. One of the

deep sense of hopelessness.

residents is a stroke survivor who enjoys colouring, so I spend time just colouring

"Some residents are frustrated with life

with, and talking to, him. He really

because they are beset by health issues

appreciates it because no one has ever sat

and loneliness. I have ministered to

down with him like that. A lot of residents

stroke survivors who cry and question

have no family members visiting them, so

their prolonged suffering. Many don't

I am like family to them."

have family visiting them, so they feel lonely," shared Samuel.

As part of this year's The Giving Methodist (TGM) campaign, church

For a year now, the 54-year-old business

members can sign up to undergo

analyst has been ministering to residents at

pastoral care training with the MWS

the Nursing Home in his role as a pastoral

Chaplaincy Team, where they will also

care volunteer.

get the opportunity to minister to residents at an MWS Nursing Home.

A member of Faith Methodist Church, Samuel began volunteering with Methodist

A joint initiative by MWS and The Methodist

Welfare Services (MWS) as he wanted to

Church in Singapore, the annual TGM

February 2024 Methodist Message 13

We are called to Christ

aims to galvanise Methodists to show

calls on Methodists in Singapore to emulate

love and kindness to the distressed and

Jesus by showing love and kindness to the

disadvantaged.

last, lost and least. They can connect with, extend help to, or raise awareness for the

This year's theme, "Serving in His Footsteps",

less fortunate in the community.

3 WAYS TO GIVE DURING THE GIVING METHODIST (TGM) 2024 Give

Give

Give a

Time

Donation

Voice

Sign up to spend two hours with the MWS Chaplaincy Team and be trained in Pastoral Care.

You will also get to minister to residents at an MWS Nursing Home.

Donate via https://

Spread the word

thegivingmethodist.

about TGM 2024

sg/ to provide financial

by sharing digital

assistance to over 11,000

resources downloadable

families and individuals

from https://

that MWS serves across

thegivingmethodist.sg/

our 22 centres and

in your church or among

programmes.

your social networks.

Empowering volunteers for effective support In the face of Singapore's ageing

are in distress is akin to caring for him. It's a powerful reminder of why I do what I do."

population, with an estimated one in

Visit https://thegivingmethodist.sg/

four becoming 65 or older by 2030, the

for more info.

demand for eldercare is rising. Volunteers like Samuel crucially alleviate the strain on care institutions like Nursing Homes, while enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing

Pray for MWS!

of the elderly.

We are excited to announce

At MWS, pastoral care volunteers undergo

"Pray for MWS" WhatsApp

a training course led by Rev Dr Norman Wong, Head Chaplain from MWS, to equip

that MWS has launched a Channel. While we do not fully understand the wonderful

them for the work.

mystery of prayer, we are clear

"I have learned to be a better listener and to

pray! So we invite you to spend a

minister to a diverse group, including stroke survivors," shared Samuel.

that our Lord encourages us to few minutes each month to join us in prayer. You will receive: •

"During one of the lessons, Rev Dr Norman illuminated the spiritual significance of our visits by referencing Matthew 25, where Jesus emphasised that caring for those who

14 Methodist Message February 2024

•

A broad general prayer for MWS based on a text from the Bible Two or three specific prayer requests

Prof Dennis Lee serves as Director, Strategic Planning and Capacity Building, at Methodist Missions Society. He was a Visiting Professor with Copenhagen Business School, a Fellow with Singapore University of Social Sciences, a Professor with Shantou University, and an alumnus of Regent College (MTS '88 & MDiv '89). He worships at Kum Yan Methodist Church, and enjoys rugby, futsal, skiing and snowboarding.

We are called to Christ Serving the Lord in whatever you do "Whatever you do, work heartily ...

education, medical and/or community

You are serving the Lord Christ."

development and services, with the goal

~ Colossians 3:23-24

W

of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Missions involve sending individuals and groups across boundaries, most

hat comes to your mind when you

commonly geographical boundaries. So, a

think of "work"? Is work a curse or a

Christian missionary is one who chooses

blessing? Is work a means to an end? Do

to respond to God's call—a summons or

we only work out of economic necessity?

invitation—to carry out his work in an

Some Christians may even feel that secular

assigned workplace that we describe as

work is a spiritual hindrance, thinking, "If I

"the mission field".

could just get out of the rat race then I can be holy and really go on with God to serve

Some say that Christian missions work is a

him in missions."

"vocation", while others say it is a "calling".

Which is it? Yet some others do not think

A Christian mission is an organised effort

that secular work should be described as

to carry out the work of evangelism,

a "calling".

February 2024 Methodist Message 15

We are called to Christ

The dictionary definition of "vocation"

he works for good from creation to

is a particular occupation, business, or

consummation.

profession. 1 A vocation is an occupation to which a person is especially drawn or for

The fact that we are working at all is God's

which they are suited, trained or qualified. 2

sustaining work! Remember he is not limited to the Church; he is as present

Vocation is not a biblical idea. However, the

in Shenton Way as he is in a Cambodian

significance of this idea is overwhelming in

orphanage.

both modern secular and church culture.

In the history of the church, "vocation" and

So why do we feel a sense of resistance to

"calling" became interchangeably used. 3

work, whether it is secular work or working

This has caused confusion.

in full-time ministry or as a missionary?

Perhaps it is because we are drawn to

Which brings me to my point. We are not

"mammon", the biblical term for riches,

called (κλητός) 4 to a vocation! Rather, we

often used to describe the influence of

are called to Christ, to live out that calling

material wealth. Mammon represents

in whatever vocation or

security for most people,

workplace that we are

and Christians are no

placed in or choose to

exception. Prosperity is

be in. The virtue is not

a global goal. It is one of

in the vocation (that

our three national goals,

is, the occupation or

enshrined in our Pledge.

profession we choose to be in) nor the workplace

Then, there is

(for example, the

technology's powerful

mission field) but in

grip. Technology, like

living the calling of God

wealth, is essentially

in our vocation at the

good, but they can

workplace, whether one

become co-opted by the

is a missionary, teacher,

evil one. However, the

doctor, nurse, taxi driver,

good news is that Christ

cleaner, etc. As the Apostle Paul urged,

has disarmed these powers (Col 2:15).

let us live a life worthy of the calling (κλήσεως) 5 we have received (Eph 4:1).

To overcome, we need spiritual disciplines, ways of clearing aside the obstacles so that

How then do we live out God's calling, as

we can be found by our seeking Father.

a teacher in the classroom, an engineer at the worksite, a nurse in the hospital, or a

How do we develop spirituality at our

missionary in the mission field? The same

workplace? It used to be an in-thing to

question is asked by Christians of different

pursue work-life balance. Nowadays,

vocations everywhere. How may we be a

we speak of work-life integration. Jesus

part of what God is doing?

did not live a balanced life. There were times when he was so engaged, he

While we do not know the fullest work

did not eat (Mk 6:31, 35). But he lived a

of God who makes everything (Ecc 3:11),

disciplined life—when he dismissed the

we can contemplate the greatness and

crowd and went up to the mountain alone

goodness of God (Job 38-39), knowing

to commune with the Father (Mk 1:35).

16 Methodist Message February 2024

We need this rhythm of engagement and withdrawal. We need to engage the world—our colleagues, family and friends in both secular and Christian arenas—and have conversations and social discourses that keep us relevant.

But we also need to withdraw from the world—to meditate on Scripture, read the Bible and commune with God—these are spiritual disciplines. Our challenge is that everybody is working harder and longer!

As William Diehl said, "The biggest gap between our confessed theology on Sunday, that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, and our experience on Monday is 'works righteousness' ". 6 Our actions betray our belief that our identity and worth are based entirely on what we do and how well we do it. So, on Sunday we say, "Wah, saved by grace!" On Monday, it is "performance reviews".

In developing spirituality at work, we need to exercise the consciousness and presence of God in our conversations at

We can live out God's calling in whatever vocation and workplace we are in with the Holy Spirit as our resource. Our vocation is our mission and our workplace our mission field. The virtue is not in the vocation nor the workplace but in living the calling of God in our vocation at the workplace.

Whatever you do, work heartily, for you are serving the Lord.

the workplace, like Nehemiah did (Neh 2:1-8). Build reflection and contemplation into our work as a routine. Have an object at our workplace that reminds us of God's presence. Practise hospitality and kindness in our conversations and actions with our colleagues.

Work itself is the arena for personal

https: //www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/vocation#:~:text=(vo%CA%8Ake%C9%AA%CA%83%C9%99n,which%20 involves%20helping%20other%20people.

1

https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocation#:~:text=A%20vocation%20(from%20Latin%20vocatio,are%20suited%2C%20trained%20or%20qualified.

2

pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony,

In Protestantism, the call from God to devote one's life to him by joining the clergy (i.e. clerical vocation) is often covered by the English equivalent term "call", whereas in Roman Catholicism "vocation" is still used.

anger and sloth. But it is also where

4

https: //biblehub.com/greek/2822.htm

5

"Calling" (κλῆσις, κλήσεως, ἡ καλέω)

and spiritual growth. It may also reveal our Achilles heel. It is where our (seven deadly) sins find expression—

the (ninefold) fruit of the Spirit can be manifested in us—love, joy, peace (godly characteristics), gentleness, loyalty, self-control (about us), goodness, kindness and patience (our relationships with others).

3

https: //biblehub.com/greek/2821.htm 6 William E. Diehl (1991), The Monday Connection: A Spirituality of Competence, Affirmation, and Support in the Workplace, San Francisco: Harper San Francisco.

February 2024 Methodist Message 17

Walking alongside you with compassion and care

ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

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You and Your Family

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column for more than 16 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Our lenses when looking at others

Where is the love?

A

s someone who has been involved

But I remain measured when I see others

in the cause of ending violence in

speak out against this toxic behaviour. My

the family for more than 30 years, I am

hesitation is twofold.

somewhat gratified to see and hear of more people speaking out against toxic

Firstly, much as I am convinced that

masculinity. This version of masculinity—

thinking of oneself as better or superior

the way some men think about

to another is arrogant and potentially

themselves, their roles, values, behaviour

harmful, reducing the cause of gender-

and, more importantly, how they relate to

based violence to an individual's culture and

women—is toxic or harmful to others, the

upbringing ignores many other contributory

community and themselves. Examples of

factors. Such a narrow focus may not help

such beliefs and behaviour include being

reduce or end domestic abuse.

domineering, displaying homophobia, using aggression over reason and compromise,

Secondly, this perspective may run the

not acknowledging vulnerabilities or

risk of polarising the issue. For example, if

mistakes and not asking for assistance, to

toxic masculinity is the problem, then one

name a few. Toxic masculinity is one major

assumes that positive masculinity would

reason for the domination and abuse of

be the answer. However, defining positive

women in families.

masculinity can be problematic. Is it to be

February 2024 Methodist Message 19

Our lenses when looking at others: Where is the love?

based solely on the opposite of what toxic

to use more aggressive ways of relating to

masculinity is or should it model itself

others. But propensity does not mean certainty.

after feminist traits?

We each have the capacity, the ability and the responsibility to choose the appropriate path.

Thankfully, the social ill of violence against women, a serious global issue affecting

In the aftermath of the September 11 Twin Towers

one in three women in their lifetimes,

terrorist attack, the music group The Black Eyed

is no longer cast in terms of "men are

Peas released the song "Where is the love?" which

the problem". The early feminists were

opens with:

right in addressing social structures and practices that privilege men over women

What's wrong with the world, mama?

solely because of their gender. Today's

People livin' like they ain't got no mamas

focus on one type of masculinity as being problematic is a refinement of looking at the source of the problem.

However, dividing people into groups of good and bad may blind us to the fact that within each group or even subgroup, there is the capacity for both good and bad. For example, a person

I think the whole world's addicted to the drama Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma.

It then goes on to condemn violence perpetrated by gangs, nations against nations and against various internal communities. It repeatedly asks, "Where is the love?" and says,

who displays aggression and violence

But if you have only love for your own race,

may also be supportive and not use

Then you only leave space to discriminate

violence to manipulate. Depending on the

And to discriminate only generates hate

circumstances in which we find ourselves,

And when you hate, then you're bound to get irate

we can choose to behave compassionately or to be unkind and selfish.

Indeed, instead of looking at others for change, we need to recognise that change begins with

This is not to say that we are victims of

each one of us. Every one of us has to be careful

our circumstances. Of course, a person's

how we look at those who are different from

upbringing and the violence he may

us—not with eyes that discriminate in a way of

have experienced while growing up are

judging or condemning them—and how we then

factors that may increase the propensity

behave towards them.

Senior Manager

Property Administration To apply and view other Employment Opportunities at MCS, visit https://www.methodist.org. sg/contact-us/mcs-employmentopportunities/ Alternatively, send your resume to hr@methodist.org.sg

Benny Bong has over 40

years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more than 16 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Rev Tay Li Ping is currently

pastoring at Christalite Methodist Chapel. Trained as an Industrial-Organisational Psychologist before becoming a pastor, Rev Tay is particularly interested in the intersection of Psychology and Theology. She is married and has five sons.

Koh Ai Jin is a registered

clinical counsellor with extensive experience in marriage and family counselling, mental health concerns and psychological trauma. She runs her own practice and currently serves as Vice-President of the Association of Christian Counsellors (Singapore).

Need advice? Scan the QR code or visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mm-atthe-well/ to submit your question. Due to space constraints and repetition of topics, we may not be able to feature all questions submitted.

Family

How to face death I'm in my 80s. As seniors, we keep active, but there are moments when we reflect on our mortality. How should we face death which could come at any moment? What is heaven like?  Lily

Li Ping says Dear Lily, In a sense, all Christians have already faced death for we were baptised into Christ's death (Romans 6:3). Hence, we need not fear physical death, for if we are united with Christ's death, we are also united with him in his resurrection (Romans 6:4-5) and will be resurrected at the end of all things (Revelation 21:1-4).

February 2024 Methodist Message 21

At The Well

The Bible is not explicit about what heaven is like, but what is clear is that when we die, we go to be with Jesus. As Paul says, "My desire is to depart and be with Christ" (Philippians 1:23). Death, then, is like a homecoming to be with the God who loves us dearly. And whether immediately after death, or at the final resurrection, we will see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), a glorious hope and joy indeed!

Death can also be seen as an end to God's earthly assignment for us. As Paul says, "If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me" (Philippians 1:22). Whether we are 80 or 18 or 8, if God still gives us breath in our lungs, his work for us is not finished. May we therefore joyfully live each day serving God, knowing that when death comes, it is even better, for we go to be with Jesus. As Paul says, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Dating & Marriage

Is masturbation wrong if my wife refuses to have sex?

I am a new Christian. My wife is not a Christian. However, she refuses to have sex with me. Is it a sin to masturbate as an outlet in my situation?  confusedbaby

Benny says Dear confusedbaby, The question you posed highlights an error I sometimes encounter in counselling. This is when one person's solution to a problem is mistakenly identified as the problem by another. For example, your wife not wanting to have sex with you may be her way of solving or responding to an existing problem. If there is an existing problem in your relationship, she may be so upset that she may literally "go on strike" and not want to have sex until that problem is resolved. Her response may upset you but instead of addressing the initial issue, attention is now directed to the lack of sexual intimacy.

In such a case, it is using a behaviour intentionally to get a response from another (and may not always be a rational behaviour). When one gets upset and is in no mood for any emotional closeness, it is not surprising that there is no sexual intimacy which is best experienced when there is emotional intimacy. So you would do well to review your relationship to see if there are existing problems that need to be attended to.

Finally, I am not a theologian, so I will not comment on masturbation from a theological perspective. Instead, let me say if it is helpful or harmful from an emotional and relational perspective.

In some instances, masturbation may be resorted to when the sexual needs

22 Methodist Message February 2024

of one partner cannot be fulfilled by the other. This then allows for the need to be met whilst maintaining the sanctity of the marriage. However to ensure that it is not harmful to the relationship, it is important that besides the physiological act of masturbation itself, the mental focus must also be with the partner. So, if one is masturbating and thinking about being with a person other than their partner, this then is harmful. Focusing and meeting your sexual desires with another in mind is not nurturing your relationship.

?

Li Ping says Masturbation, in and of itself, is not necessarily a sin. However, if it is undertaken with the mental focus on someone else other than one’s spouse, then it is not only harmful for the relationship, as Benny mentioned, it is also sinful lust, as warned against by Jesus in Matthew 5:28.

I do not presume to be an expert on Gen Zs, so my response comes from an informal check with some Gen Zs and those who work with them.

Dear Boomer,

Their lack of responsiveness is unlikely to be due to real "ghosting" as that refers to a more permanent, complete and abrupt ending of all communication. Rather, there could be several other reasons. The most common I hear is that they may not know how to respond, whether it is being unclear about what is being asked, or not knowing the right response, and being too shy to seek clarification. Another reason is, being the digital natives that they are, they may have been distracted by other tasks (or messages) and forgotten to respond. Yet another reason includes receiving messages on a platform they may not use as much, or at a time of day when they are not ready to respond. It could also be that they are not assuming that it is critical to reply to every message.

Researchers are not uniform in categorising generations, so I use the definition of Gen Zs as those born between 1997 and 2012 used by The Generations Project (read more at https: //www. methodist.org.sg/methodist-message/ clashing-generations-intergenerationalchallenges-in-the-church/).

If you do not receive a reply, you can try to "bump" the message by asking again, and it will force them to remember to reply. It may also help to clarify your and your senior colleagues' expectations of responsiveness from your Gen Z colleagues (e.g. respond within the hour, ask if you do not understand, etc.).

At The Workplace

Why do Gen Zs seem to "ghost" older colleagues?

Why are Gen Zs unresponsive when older, more senior colleagues send messages to them on messaging platforms? Aren't Gen Zs digital natives? Why are they "ghosting" us? The older colleagues see it as somewhat rude and unprofessional.

Please help us understand them!  Boomer

Li Ping says

February 2024 Methodist Message 23

At The Well

Family

CNY gathering at stake with family tensions CNY is when families gather, (re)unite and celebrate kinship bonds, like how my family used to over our reunion dinner.

However, there's been a growing rift between my dad and sister, and they're hardly on speaking terms these days.

My parents, both non-believers in their

and offer a distraction over the conflict between your dad and sister. Would you organise the reunion dinner? Would it be better to have it at a restaurant or at your sister's home? If it is at a restaurant, it could take the preparation load off your sister and parents, and everyone can have a more relaxed meal out. The reunion dinner held at home, however, could also compel your dad and sister to face its meaning of togetherness, celebrating kinship and therefore embrace reconciliation in the home.

70s, live with her and her family so it's three generations under one roof. They disagree on nearly everything since their values and priorities differ. I've been praying that CNY might be a good time and place to reconcile but am not sure how to go about this.  hotpot

Ai Jin says Dear hotpot, I agree with you that major observances such as CNY present opportunities and important reasons that call for a special gathering. For some families, it involves catching up with relatives—grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins and perhaps this can help generate conversations

Being able to eat together can help facilitate conversations for a time, but the daily living under one roof perpetuates the tension. If the differences between your dad and sister are not discussed and resolved, the problem may not go away. While you can offer a listening ear to each of them to alleviate tension and to bridge understanding between them, reconciliation is their responsibility.

Each must be willing, be flexible to give way and be open to consider the other person's point of view, negotiate expectations and reach compromises.

May God answer your prayers and give you wisdom and favour as you plan the reunion dinner and may there be healing for hurts and restored hearts during this season of family gathering.

Young Voices

Zachary Yong worships at Wesley Methodist Church and at Covenant Vision Christian Church with his family. He is part of the Kopi kakis comics team and is currently reading Law at Cambridge.

Defending the faith I am grateful for

D

id you know King Charles III, the

together a coherent argument defending

current monarch, bears the title

certain aspects of the Bible. Soon enough

"Defender of the Faith"? This title was

I realised that to ground my faith, I needed

first conferred on Henry VIII in 1521 when

to go beyond knowing biblical narratives

England was still part of the Roman

and parables.

Catholic Church, by Pope Leo X. Known as Fidei Defensor in Latin, it was granted to Henry VIII in recognition of the theological treatise Defence of the Seven Sacraments which he authored, possibly working with Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey. 1 Speaking of ourselves, have you been challenged about your faith, your Christian worldview, morals and values which you try to live by? Or perhaps, not challenged

That kickstarted my interest in apologetics—researching and learning more about intellectual defences of Christianity, so that I may learn to love the Lord not only with my heart, but also with my mind.

outright but have experienced doubts about the veracity of your faith? Can you be

While apologetics has strengthened my

called a "Defender of the Faith"?

faith, lay Christians around me seemed less enthusiastic, in spite of the Bible exhorting

Growing up, when people questioned

believers to "[c]ome now, and let us reason

me about Christianity, I found myself

together …" (Isaiah 1:18 KJV). Some brushed

struggling, on many occasions, to put

it off, saying that apologetics was solely the

February 2024 Methodist Message 25

Defending the faith I am grateful for

domain of clergy and theologians. 2 Others even

Why would the gospels record the statement of

considered that apologetics makes Christianity

an "untrustworthy" woman, unless it was true?

seem overly confrontational and aggressive.

However, can we be effective ambassadors for

2. Apologetics is commanded by God,

Christ and salt and light for his kingdom when

equipping us to go forth and make disciples

we cannot articulate the basis for our beliefs?

of all nations.

God has given us the mandate to "sanctify

Before delving into my reflections on

Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being

why learning apologetics is good, a bit of

ready to make a defence to everyone who asks

background: etymologically, the English word

you to give an account for the hope that is in

"apologetics" derives from the ancient Greek

you, but with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter

word apologia, which was what a defendant

3:15 NASB). As John Wesley put it in a letter

would say in response to the prosecution's

to British anti-slavery campaigner William

kategoria in the Classical Greek legal system. 3

Wilberforce, unless God has raised us up for

Today, an apologist is predominantly someone

this very task, we will surely be "worn out" by

closely associated with Christianity and the

opposition of men and devils. 8 Sin still abides in

defence of Christian theology.

this world. In Wilberforce's day, the predominant social evil was slavery. Today, there are numerous

Here are my five reasons for every Christian to

other evils such as dangerous gender ideology,

study apologetics.

pervasiveness of drugs, sexual promiscuity, and a culture of overworking. We can surely expect

1. Apologetics grounds us solidly on the

to be grilled on our faith, moral compass and

bedrock of Christian theology.

worldview. When I face questions about my faith,

Our faith in the truth of Christianity must

I draw comfort and hope from 2 Timothy 1:7, "for

be built on facts which no one can dispute.

God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and

Apologetics is the study of such facts

love and self-control." Thus apologetics enables

which every Christian should undertake,

us to be always ready to share the reason for the

to supplement theology taught in church.

hope we have, with power endued from on high

A key case study for me—especially after

and with love he dispenses.

watching the movie The Case for Christ—is the Resurrection, upon which the entirety of

3. Apologetics can be seen all around us in

Christian theology rests. James Dunn states

the natural world!

that the Resurrection of Christ "command[s]

This is one of my favourite reasons! Apologetics

almost universal assent" and "rank[s] so high on

is not just complex arguments. We can clearly

the 'almost impossible to doubt or deny' scale

see traces of God's glory and clues of his

of historical facts".4 Not only is Jesus' death

love manifested in creation. Neither should

well-documented by non-Christian sources

Christians be drawn into the battle between

like the Jewish historian Josephus, the Talmud

science and religion, but we should see how

and the Roman historian Tacitus, what biblical

each complements the other. Some scientists

authors assert has been backed up by modern

in the past acknowledged that God had

medical science. Moreover, I found it striking

ordained order in the world, with science

that over 500 people saw Jesus simultaneously

being a discipline to learn about God's rules

after he arose. I was excited to know that

for the world's functioning. One example is

leading psychologists today have repudiated

the renowned English scientist Isaac Newton

the theory that it was mass psychosis, and

whose magnum opus Philosophiae Naturalis

concluded that it must have really happened!6

Principia Mathematica was published in 1687.

It is also intriguing that the gospels record Mary

What many either neglect or don't know is

Magdalene as the first to see the risen Christ,

that the preface to that work is Psalm 19:1,"The

when women in those days were not regarded

heavens declare the glory of God, and the

as suitable witnesses to testify in a court of law.7

sky above proclaims his handiwork." Newton

5

26 Methodist Message February 2024

recognised that earthly creation was designed

our common salvation, I found it necessary to

by an intelligent being, not by some random

write appealing to you to contend for the faith

forces of nature. To adopt his mindset, look for

that was once for all delivered to the saints."

evidence of an intelligent designer, such as in

(Jude 3). Apologetics is one means we "contend

the hexagonal shape of honeycombs which,

for the faith"; it helps to reinforce biblical

mathematicians have established, ensures the

truths, confront dangerous falsehoods and

least amount of beeswax is required to store

answer doubts.

the most amount of honey. 9 How do bees know what humans took millennia to figure out? The

To me, the study of apologetics, which is

only possible reason is that they were created

essentially the study of the basis for our beliefs,

by an intelligent God who spoke the world into

is truly worthwhile for all Christians, for more

existence.

than simply an intellectual quest to satisfy the mind, it is a weapon to defend our faith. As C S

4. Apologetics reinforces humility.

Lewis put it, "If Christianity is false, it's of zero

At least, this is the case for me. While studying

importance. But if it's true, there's nothing more

why the Christian faith and worldview are better

important in the entire universe." 11

than others, I invariably learnt more about other worldviews and religions, and conclude that humility is extremely important as we strive to live together harmoniously with people of other faith backgrounds. 1 Peter 3:8 exhorts us to "have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind". I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciate the importance others attach to their different faiths. With humility, we can patiently listen to their rationale for believing what they do. I believe that the goal of apologetics is not to

1 "Why Is the King Known as Defender of the Faith?," The Church of England, April 29, 2023, https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/stories-blogs-and-features/why-king-known-defender-faith.

Subby Szterszky, "Apologetics for Everyone: Some Notes on Defending the Faith", Focus on the Family Canada, 2020, https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/apologetics-for-everyone-some-notes-on-defending-the-faith.

2

Liddell, Henry George, Robert Scott, Henry Stuart Jones, and Roderick McKenzie. A Greek - English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.

3

but to help them see God clearly. When sharing

Dunn, James. 2003. Jesus Remembered: Christianity in the Making. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. p. 339.

the gospel, we often hear how important it is

5

win people over to the Lord by argument alone,

to relate to others. Unless we can engage with people thoughtfully and offer rational grounds for considering Christianity, we will be doing a disservice to the very people we are called to serve and be a light to.10 5. Apologetics helps strengthen the church and

4

William D. Edwards, Wesley J. Gabel, and Floyd E. Hosmer, "On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ," JAMA 255, no. 11 (March 21, 1986): 1455–63, https://doi.org/10.1001/ jama.1986.03370110077025.

Gary R. Habermas, "Hallucination Theories to Explain Jesus’ Resurrection?," bethinking, accessed December 21, 2023, https://www.bethinking.org/did-jesus-rise-fromthe-dead/hallucination-theories-to-explain-jesus-resurrection.

6

is one of the best ways to prevent heresy.

7 Mishnah Shevuot 4:1 (https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_ Shevuot.4.1?lang=bi)

Christianity has faced core challenges from

8

inception until today. Even in the 1st century AD, heretics challenged key ideas about God's character, the nature of salvation and scriptural reliability among other things. Some of the first Christian apologists such as Justin Martyr helped defend the faith from both internal and external challenges but the challenges remain just as great today, if not greater. Through it all, Jude's admonition remains relevant: "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about

John Pollock, Wilberforce (London: Constable and Company, 1977), p. 105.

9 Stacy George, "Why Are Honeycomb Cells Hexagonal?," Science Friday, September 1, 2017, https://www.sciencefriday.com/educational-resources/why-do-bees-build-hexagonal-honeycomb-cells/.

David Wilber, "5 Reasons Christians Should Study Apologetics," David Wilber, accessed December 21, 2023, https://davidwilber.com/articles/five-reasons-christians-should-study-apologetics.

10

Adam R. Holz, "The Case for Christ," Plugged In, accessed December 21, 2023, https://www.pluggedin.com/ movie-reviews/case-for-christ/.

11

February 2024 Methodist Message 27

ACS (International)

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

Senior Leadership Team

Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides • Exceptional examination results, strong value-added achievement and an all-round holistic education • 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage • Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1 • 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for four Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Achievements include • Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP • 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years • Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

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

• Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore • PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu.

Worship

Amelia Leo is a Programmes Executive at the Methodist School of Music.

She worships at Fairfield Methodist Church with her husband, Joshua, and daughter, Faith.

The hands of Jesus

J

ust before we turned in for the night on

finding ways to engage the little one,

Christmas Eve, my husband asked:

putting together holiday itineraries,

"How was your year?"

serving in church, holding a full-time job—all these were on repeat throughout the year; and soon, weekends merged

The question caught me off guard, as

into weekdays to form an endless loop.

he would typically ask about my day,

I am sure this sounds all too familiar,

and not an entire year's worth of days. I

especially to those who are working

could not answer immediately, but upon

parents. To the youth, this would be

further reflection, I realised that much

what "adulting" looks like!

of my 2023 was spent scurrying from one small task to another in a somewhat

In this fallen world, it is easy to allow

endless cycle. Planning each week's

work to consume us. If we are not careful,

menu, getting groceries, making sure

we can perceive our vocation as drudgery,

the family gets enough home-cooked

our caregiving as burdensome, and

meals, juggling caregiving duties and

the endless cycle of tasks as enslaving.

schedules, doing household chores,

However, as Christians, this need not be

February 2024 Methodist Message 29

The hands of Jesus

the case. Our Lord Jesus has come to redeem

Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you;

our work, and calls us to do every task, great

make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do;

or menial, in his name, with thankfulness in

let me watch you, Jesus, till I'm gentle too,

our hearts (Colossians 3:17). Jesus himself was

till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you.

no stranger to menial tasks. He washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:4–5), ensured

(Margaret Cropper, 1979)

that people had food to eat (Mark 6:30–44), and often attended to those who were looked

May this song serve as an encouragement to each

down upon or forgotten by society.

of us as we work for the Lord!

The children's hymn, "Jesus' Hands Were Kind Hands" (United Methodist Hymnal, 273), serves as my personal reminder about how "hands-on" our Lord was—even with small tasks—and how he calls us to imitate him. The lyrics read: Jesus' hands were kind hands, doing good to all, healing pain and sickness, blessing children small, washing tired feet, and saving those who fall; Jesus' hands were kind hands, doing good to all.

Eternal Peace GARDEN OF

THE AIR-CONDITIONED COLUMBARIUM Open daily: 8am-8pm | Public Holidays: 9am-2pm

• • • •

Loc ate d n ex t to Co m m o nwea l t h M RT St a ti o n 9 9 -year l ease co m m en ci n g f ro m 1 9 6 4 Cl ean an d peacef u l env i ro n m en t Tran sfe r of urn s o r ex h u m a t i o n c a n b e a rra n g e d

OPEN TO ALL CHRISTIANS Single and double niches are available with the following donations:

REGISTER AT OUR COLUMBARIUM OFFICE 400 Commonwealth Drive Faith Methodist Church Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (Level 5)

TIERS

SINGLE

DOUBLE

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

1 or 7

$2400

$4200

2 or 6

$3100

$5800

Tel : 6479 8122 | HP : 9670 9935 Fax: 6479 6960 Email: gepc400@gmail.com

3 to 5

$4000

$7200

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

INTERGENERATIONAL MINISTRY IN THE SINGAPORE CHURCH 20 February – 2 April (Tuesdays), 7.15 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.

Onsite at BGST, 50 Kallang Pudding Road, #07-01 AMA Building, S349326 Register by 17 February via https://courses.bgst.edu.sg $300 per person We live at a unique point in history where at least five generations are living and working together. The ways they each view life and faith are different and this has resulted in misunderstanding and conflict in our families, our organisations and in the Church. Since the Church is meant to be a body where her members are united, diverse and interdependent, it is critical that we work at understanding the different generations in churches today so that we can help each other grow together for God's purposes.

The instructors for this course are Rev Dr Tan Soo-Inn and Mr Ho Wei-Hao. Organised by Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST)

COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE: VISUALISE TO VERBALISE 7 March (Thursday), 7.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.

7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.

8.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. Seminar

Dinner fellowship

St James' Church, 1 Leedon Road S267828 Register before 22 February via bit.ly/copmar24 Learn from Dawn Tan, an educational therapist, on how you may use visualisation based on the Lindamood-Bell method to create sticky learning points for a person with learning needs, so that they can better understand and verbalise their thoughts, feelings and expressions.

This session is suitable for ministry volunteers or caregivers who teach persons with learning needs.

Sunday school teachers are welcome.

Organised by Koinonia Inclusion Network (KIN)

STORIES FROM THE FIELD: FEEDING THE MOBILE MASSES 5 March (Tuesday), 8.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom Register via https://www.wycliffe.sg/events How can language communities use digital technologies to provide wider access to spiritual content in a language the people can understand clearly? Kalaam Media, an internet publishing service, was started in 2011 and its services have made literacy, cultural and spiritual content freely accessible through websites and mobile apps in the heart languages of the communities they serve.

Come hear from Jim, the Managing Director of Kalaam Media, as he shares about digital publishing— why it is important and how it plays a role in missions.

Organised by Wycliffe Singapore

February 2024 Methodist Message 31

Celebrating 25 years of service

REMEMBERING

LOV E D O N E S

Every niche: A beautiful life story, a lasting memory • Niche prices start from $2,000 • Premium niches are available • Special rates for members of Methodist churches

• Tranquil and peaceful surroundings • Wide breezy space with lush greenery • Award-winning Christian columbarium

View our video here “Would highly recommend to anyone considering a beautiful and tranquil environment to grieve the loss of their loved ones. The layout of the niche is also airy and bright. It also reflects a certain tranquility and peace.” -Vincy Ng

Visit

remembrance.sg

Contact us at remembrance@methodist.org.sg 6795 8978 9836 0950

The Garden of Remembrance is a Christian columbarium wholly owned by The Methodist Church in Singapore

Charis So is the Admin Executive (Comms and IT Admin Support) at Trinity Methodist Church.

She serves as a co-singer in her home church’s worship team and desires to be a blessing to all whom God places in her life. / Photo courtesy of Charis So

My love story with Jesus I am a hopeless romantic, and Jesus must know this.

One day in May 2003, a longtime friend texted me to ask if I would be interested in accompanying her to a dinner and dance by her cousin’s National Service unit. Her cousin’s platoon mate was looking for a date to bring to the event. I was single at the time so I gamely agreed. Little did I know that that would be the day that I would meet the earthly love of my life and eventually, my love for all eternity.

Yes, I met Christ through my husband. I was from a different faith and the topic of being unequally yoked came up very early in our relationship. It was a make-or-break kind of situation. Finally, I decided to take the dive—one that I was truly uncertain about. Yet it was one that God honoured, Charis

So

and he slowly but surely demonstrated his immeasurable, unfathomable love for me. So much so that I could not help but respond in kind. I had kind of wished that my falling in love with Christ would be like a loud, spectacular display of fireworks—like a musical, where I would sing from the rooftop.

But God had something better in mind. He allowed my love for him to form slowly and steadily, like a gurgling stream meandering through a forest. Maybe that is how my love for him will be sustained until the day I see him face to face.

Kopi kakis by Lau Peng Leong, Yen Tun I and Zachary Yong

February 2024 Methodist Message 33

thegivingmethodist.sg

Scan the QR code to find out more about The Giving Methodist today!

Serving in His Footsteps “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

Mark 10:45

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Give pastoral care training by Give a Chaplains and minister Time MWS Donation to nursing home residents

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