Methodist Message: June 2020 by Methodist Message

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE

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

Vo l 1 2 2 N o 6 J U N E 2 0 2 0

WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

Contents

Church life Methodists in the world Christian living

19 22

Bishop’s Message

Home—Bishop’s Aldersgate SG 2020 sermon

Church Profile—Christ Methodist Church

One MCS—TRAC Highlights

Home—WSCS

News—“Circuit breaker” reflections

Home—Mission first, people always

One MCS—Identity & Destiny

Welfare Services

21 Missions

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EDITORIAL BOARD

You & Your Family

Hymns & Songs

TRAC Bible Matters

26 Soundings 28

Home—What does being a Methodist mean to you?

THINK

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

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Communications Executive

@methodist.sg

Jason Woo

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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.

Women in the Church

fter God created Adam, He created Eve. She was to be his helper, comparable to him, and not his servant (Gen 2:18). She could be his helper because she was capable. There is a proverb that says, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Words of wisdom from the East say that women hold up half the sky and half the world is theirs! Indeed, the world is different because of women—it is more vibrant and gets more creative through the generations. The Bible contains many notable narratives of capable women. God used them to bring about significant results. In the Old Testament, Sarah gave birth to Isaac (Gen 21:2). Jochebed gave birth to Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. Queen Esther saved the Jewish people. Ruth became the great grandmother of David. In the New Testament, Elizabeth bore John the Baptist in her old age while Mary became the mother of Jesus. The two sisters, Martha and Mary, and Mary Magdalene were worthy helpers of Jesus. There were outstanding women believers like Dorcas, Lydia, as well as Lois and Eunice—the grandmother and mother of Timothy respectively. Paul had the support and help of Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, on his missions to preach the gospel.

Women have played an important role in the Church since its earliest days. Acts Chapter 2 records the birth of the Church with 120 believers, including women who served. Deaconesses are mentioned in Romans 16:1 and 1 Timothy 3:11, indicating that women held official positions in their ministries. Since the days of the infant Church, women have made great advancements both their status as well as contributions in all fields. Today we have women scientists, astronauts, physicians, writers, artists, athletes, political leaders and experts in a wide range of domains. Within the Church we have women pastors, missionaries, LCEC chairpersons, lay leaders, theologians, lecturers, moderators and bishops. It is noted that women were serving in the Church since the time of John Wesley’s ministry. This might have been due to the influence of the wise and capable Susannah Wesley on her two sons, John and Charles. It is my belief that the Methodist movement might have achieved even greater success if John Wesley had had his wife to help him in his evangelism and pastoral ministries. Women participated actively when church school was started and played a leading role in the Christian education ministry. Two of them, Ann Cutler (1759–94) and Hester Ann Roe-Rogers (1756–94), were allowed to preach at public gatherings.

As for The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), besides the two prominent early missionaries William Oldham and James Thoburn, there was Sophia Blackmore, the female missionary from Australia. Her contribution to the Methodist Church was no less significant. Her concern was for the ministry to women, with a focus on their welfare and education needs. She set up the “Dorcas Society” for the Chinese-speaking women, and the “Ladies Aid Society” for those who spoke English, Malay and Tamil. These were amalgamated in 1940 to form the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS), which has continued till today. In 1976, the General Conference WSCS was formed, comprising the WSCS of the three Annual Conferences. It has continued to develop and expand the women’s ministry, and provided “Leadership and Servanthood” training to equip women for service and general ministry in our churches. The four main areas of WSCS ministries include Discipleship & Nurture, Missions, Outreach & Social Concerns, and Witness & Evangelism. We can testify that MCS would not be the same without the participation of our women members, our sisters. Let us salute our Methodist women and seek God’s blessing upon them. May the Lord use them mightily in their service, granting them grace upon grace and strength upon strength.

METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

Aldersgate SG 2020 ¢ Photos courtesy of the MCS Communications Team

Loving God, serving together

…with hearts strangely warmed

T h i s i s a n a b r i d g e d ve r s i o n o f B i s h o p D r C h o n g C h i n C h u n g ’s s e r m o n p rea c h e d a t t h e A l d e r s g a t e S G 2 0 2 0 T h a n k s g i v i n g S e r v i ce. I t wa s p re - re co rd e d a n d s c re e n e d by t h e M e t h o d i s t c h u rc h e s o n t h e i r o n l i n e c h a n n e l s o n 2 4 M ay 2 0 2 0 . Wa tc h i t a t h t t p s : / / t i n y. cc / A l d e r s g a t e S G 2 0 2 0 o r s c a n t h e Q R co d e. Scripture text: Romans 12:1–2, 9–21

Introduction Today, on 8 May, we are pre-recording the Aldersgate SG 2020 Thanksgiving Service. The annual Aldersgate Conference has run for two decades, and despite the coronavirus outbreak, the Combined Worship Service is still meaningful for us to organise.

John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience Many consider John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience on 24 May 1738, when he felt his heart “strangely warmed”, to mark his spiritual breakthrough, genuine conversion and spiritual revival, where he received assurance of salvation and baptism in the Holy Spirit. Like many Christians, Wesley had waged a constant struggle with sin and felt powerless against it. He also had nagging doubts about his faith and if he was indeed saved.

METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

That evening, while listening to someone read Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, he had a profound experience: “I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me.” This made his heart feel “strangely warmed”. It was this experience that led Wesley to realise that Jesus Christ had already freed him from the bondage of the law of sin and death, and he was assured of receiving freedom and release. It was a milestone in his spiritual journey. It was followed by the eager anticipation of continued growth in his spiritual life, and when he reached the next milestone, he would be closer yet to a state of perfection. Today, from the experience of a broad spectrum of Christians, we can understand John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience as an instantaneous and decisive turnaround in his spiritual life. It was one of many defining moments in his spiritual life journey. These contribute to what Wesley calls our “gradual lifelong growth”.

ALDERSGATESG 2020

The message of Romans 12 I chose Romans 12:1–2 and 9–21 because I feel that the Epistle to the Romans is the most important book to help us understand John Wesley’s commitment to faith and its practice, and have an Aldersgate-like experience like his, to be part of a gradual lifelong growth in our pursuit of perfection. The first part of Romans discusses doctrines, and in the second part Paul encourages his readers—that is, you and I—live out our beliefs. John Wesley took very seriously loving God as well as how one’s faith is acted on. To him, holiness means to love God with our whole heart and mind and to love others like ourselves, also with our whole heart and mind. If we say our heart is full of holy love for God and yet are unable to love others in the same way, then it does not qualify as “loving God”.

1. Loving God with all your heart and strength (vv1–2) In Romans 12:1, Paul appealed to the Christians of the Roman church, with great urgency, to fear and serve God, to worship and honour him fully and absolutely. These words, “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (NIV) is similar to what Jesus said to the lawyer who asked him about eternal life: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your strength, and with all your mind and all your soul.” One must voluntarily, willingly and cheerfully go up to the altar to make an offering. Why do we call this holiness? Because the original phrase “to present” was used to refer to our offering ourselves. Such a sacrifice in the Old Testament system of offerings is related to the burnt offering, the grain offering and the peace offering (thanksgiving offering), which are given by free will and cheerfully as an expression of devotion to God. These are called fragrant offerings. Sin offerings and guilt offerings are required for the purpose of atonement and remission of sins. They are necessary and are done for our own sake, not for God. That such offerings are holy and acceptable in God’s sight is because what is being offered must be separated, dedicated to God. It is not about what we can gain from making that offering, but about fully submitting everything to God.

2. Unwavering devotion to God (v2) Living a life that is set apart from the world and submitted to God does not mean that we can keep sin away or have reached the peak of spirituality. The Christian faces many distractions and temptations daily. The world has many different voices and values. During the current coronavirus pandemic, we hear many questioning the value of life versus the value of freedom, or if life is

more important than the country’s economy, or if personal advantage is more important than the people’s needs. It is dangerous for any religion to abuse freedom for religious practices and disregard others’ safety. Right from the beginning of Romans 12, Paul reminds us to be alert, because the ways of this world generally do not conform to God’s good, pleasing and perfect will (Rom 12:2b). Paul asks that we do not take the ways of this world as our model. Instead we are to “be transformed by the renewal of [our] mind”. Much of the views and news in today’s pervasive social media are mixed with false, fabricated and fake news. Therefore, test everything against God’s will—that is the best way for every Christian to maintain their devotion to God. In the experience of Methodist spiritual formation, this is a real and daily struggle. Wesley regards prayer, Bible study, Holy Communion, fasting, fellowship, as well as private and public worship as means of grace. Through these we may continuously receive grace from God, the only way to a sustainable godly life.

3. Love others with your whole heart and whole mind (vv9–21) Let’s reflect on what Paul brings up as regular Christian living. If we go by what John Wesley said, that holy living is to love God with our whole heart and mind, and also to love others with our whole heart and mind, then this passage is about total submission to God. Those who fully offer themselves on the altar to God must similarly fully offer themselves to love others. Every day, in whatever we do for others, we must get the fundamentals right, to move us to do the right things and to deal with others in love. Let me give a simple explanation to this passage, using what Paul wrote in Colossians 3:18–4:6. There it was explained very clearly that whether it is for our spouse, parents or children; superiors or subordinates; those who serve the Lord or those who do not believe; in all matters big and small, Paul says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col 3:23–24). Put this passage side by side with Romans 12:9–21 and you will see clearly how they relate to each other. As Christians, in everything we do, it is by love that we serve. Whether it is loving God with our whole heart and mind, or loving others with our whole heart and mind, both are impossible to achieve in an instant. Wesley stressed that all Christians can, by the God-given means of grace, sustain lifelong growth and maturation, till they reach perfection.

METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

Loving God, serving together …with hearts strangely warmed

This is the spiritual formation that John Wesley pursued and practised throughout his life. Loving God and loving others with our whole heart and mind involves a life of pursuing holiness, a gradual lifelong growth, until we meet the Lord again. At no point during the pursuit of holiness can anyone think that one has already reached perfection and there is no need to continue that pursuit. In the Christian’s journey, there will be ups and downs, starts and stops, discouragement and despair. For this reason, Christians must continuously drive themselves towards Christian perfection through the means of grace.

Conclusion As Paul says, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom 13:8) and “love never ends” (1 Cor 13:8). But let us not fall into the idea that Christians can depend on good works to please our Lord or that good works gain us salvation. From 1739, when the United Societies were formed, John Wesley made it clear that all Methodists “shall continue to evidence their desire of salvation” (General Rules, The Book of Discipline, ¶71.) Our society today is complex and disturbing, and it is hard to discern the heart of man. Even within the Church there are many who are difficult to get along with and may even disappoint us through their words and deeds. In 2017, the Christian Post estimated that in any church, 5 per cent of the people will disappoint you or hurt you. But do not be despondent, because 95 per cent are sincere and care for others, and are devout and God-fearing. Even in our community and neighbourhoods, it is the same where most people are good and kind. Christians must ensure they count among the majority who are good. John Wesley’s counsel to all is “By doing good, by being in every kind merciful after their power, as they have opportunity, do good of every sort and as far as possible to every man” (Methodist General Rule 2).

METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors and other healthcare workers have served at the frontline in the worst-hit areas, fighting to save those who are ill. For the sake of their patients, they have spent many weeks or even months in the hospital or hostels, some unable to return home and staying apart from their spouse, parents, children and siblings. Among them are our children and family. They are using their lives to help another life—an admirable spirit that moves our hearts and demands our deepest gratitude. This is what is meant by “being in every kind merciful, and doing good of every possible sort to all man.” Some of our Methodist churches have reached out to take care of the homeless, or provide help for foreign workers. There are those who build our nation with their hard work. Whether it is the government or employers, the society at large or the Church, we must treat these people as our neighbours, even if they are here just for a short year or two, or longer. Paul, in Galatians 6:9, said, “Do not lose heart in doing good.” Do not worry about not getting credit from doing good, nor worry whether you have done well enough, or if you have done enough. Social holiness is the Christian’s act of mercy. Much good can be done by individual Christians. But of course, it is more effective when the whole body of Christians unites in good works. I sincerely wish you keep the love and fear of God within your hearts, to lean upon Him, and to be there for your neighbours when they have need, offering care and help with your whole heart and mind. And to pray and give thanks for our country to overcome this pandemic peacefully. The Methodist Church in Singapore has journeyed 135 years. We must sustain our “strangely warmed” hearts, love God with all our heart and mind, and love our neighbours with all our heart and mind. When the pandemic is over, we will roll up our sleeves and with all our strength, join in the rebuilding of our community, and help those in need. We pray to the Lord to help keep the fire ablaze in our hearts, to bravely meet the challenges facing us.

ALDERSGATESG 2020

W h y we a re s u s p e n d i n g H o l y Co m m u n i o n 1. Henry Wheeler’s History and Exposition of the Twenty-Five Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church: In Article Sixteen regarding sacraments,

2. Methodism encourages the frequent conduct of the Holy Communion, but great importance is given to the communion of the saints, that is the fellowship

he reminded us that a sacrament is an outward and

(koinonia)—you and I and all Christians in fellowship with

visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us,

the Lord, in body, mind and spirit. Thus, the proclamation

ordained by Christ Himself.

as we break the bread and raise the cup: “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all

When Christ ordained the sacraments, they were not only

partake of the one loaf. The bread which we break is a

to be the Christian’s profession of faith. Rather, they are

sharing in the body of Christ. The cup over which we give

signs of grace and God’s good will toward us, by which He

thanks is a sharing in the blood of Christ.”

works invisibly in us, to stir us, and also to strengthen and confirm our faith in Him. Therefore, the original intention

When we break the bread and share the cup, we are sharing

was not to make a show of it all, but that those who are

in the body of Christ. Each of us eating our own bread and

respectful, humble and repentant shall receive and gain

drink at home, or doing online Holy Communion, is unable

from them. Otherwise, as Paul says, “they eat and drink

to achieve such fellowship or koinonia and unable to fulfil

judgment on themselves” (1 Cor 11:29).

what the liturgy says that when we eat of the one bread and drink of the cup of thanksgiving, we are sharing in the

In Article Eighteen regarding Holy Communion, the Lord’s

body of Christ and His precious blood.

Supper is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another. It is also so, we are to receive rightly, worthily, and by faith. The

3. The Holy Communion is one of the means of grace, but not the only one . We have other means of

bread which we break and the cup of blessing represent a

grace to help us continue to live godly lives.

a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death; and

partaking of the body and the blood of Christ. It is clear that we are to receive the Lord’s Supper rightly and worthily. The Methodist Church has delegated to

4. The body of Christ is not just the Methodist Church. There are other brothers and sisters who belong

preside over and consecrate the Holy Communion only

to Christ. Some of these churches suspended the Holy

those who have been called and ordained as elders. The

Communion even earlier than we did. They have been

administrator should act with becoming reverence; hurry,

doing the Eucharist fast even longer than we. For the good

or the omission of important parts of any prescribed form,

of all, they have endured the hunger for righteousness,

is unseemly. Everything should be done with solemnity but

persevering through self-denial and self-discipline.

with a cheerful spirit. There have been times in the history of the Church when the Holy Communion could not be conducted in the right and a worthy manner. For example, there was no elder on hand, or during war and deadly epidemics, or when there

Paul urges us to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, not looking to our own interests but to the interests of the others (Phil 2:4–5). Let us join with the larger Church of Christ and journey together.

was a shortage of materials and resources. The Church then decided that she would rather hold on and wait, whether for three, four or even six months, until the right conditions permitted her to continue. METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

Church Profile ¢

Christ Methodist Church

Netania Pereira is the Communications Executive at Christ Methodist Church./ Photos courtesy of Christ Methodist Church

Intentional discipleship

hrist Methodist Church (CMC) was born, back in 1930, as the Geylang English Methodist Church. In August this year, we will celebrate 90 years of God’s faithfulness. Over the years, CMC has gone through many changes—such as our name, location and building—but our passion for God remains the same. In 2004, the call to Intentional Discipleship was emphasised and five Biblical Purposes (Worship, Connect, Grow, Serve and Reach Out) became part of our culture. We aspire to be an inter-generational family of believers whose purpose is to love and worship God passionately, care for one another deeply and serve the community wholeheartedly; reaching out to the lost, the poor and those in need by the power of the Holy Spirit. In 2018, we dove into a three-year focus to Go Deeper—in His Presence, His Word and His Mission. After focusing on transforming our inner lives for two years, 2020 is the year for us to be a Church in Christian Action. This means being deliberate in looking outwards to the community, and to be the salt and light that God calls us to be. We began with initiatives to get to know the community of Chai Chee. In December 2019, we distributed hampers to those living in rental flats, and in January this year we hosted a Chinese New Year dinner for them. Our plans came to a halt due to COVID-19, but this pause has given us the chance to look at other ways to be the Church wherever we are. Our pastor-in-charge, the Rev Dr Edwin Wong, reminds us that when the physical Church cannot meet, the spiritual Church must rise up.

METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

There is no better time to live out our vision statement: “Passionate for God, Loving the Community”. How can we be the Church in our homes and community? How can we bless our neighbours and those who have been affected by the pandemic? As we celebrate 90 years in these unprecedented times, we look back with thanksgiving, and look forward with expectancy to see what else God has in store—for the Church exists for such a time as this.

CHRIST METHODIST CHURCH (Trinity Annual Conference)

597 East Coast Rd, S(429082) https://www.cmc.org.sg info@cmc.org.sg 6345-3934

Please visit our website for our worship service timings.

One MCS ¢

TRAC Highlights

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

Bringing sunshine into the lives of the sick and elderly Serving together: The spirit of service and community work that is our Methodist heritage

or over 30 years, the Sunshine Group has been faithfully volunteering at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang. Led by Mdm June Ho, this dedicated group of seniors, ranging in age from sixties to nineties, has been a constant source of comfort and friendship to the residents. In recognition of their efforts, they received the Inspirational Patient Support Group award at the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient Awards in 2017. Aunty June, as she is fondly known, leads the group in conducting prayer and music appreciation sessions with the residents every Thursday morning. Before each session, Mdm Ho prepares a comprehensive song list with hymns, Teresa Teng classics and Chinese pop hits. To cater to the multi-lingual residents, the volunteers have even learnt some Tamil songs. They also organise monthly birthday celebrations and mark festive occasions, contributing funds to buy gifts and snacks for the residents. Mdm Ho, who worships at Living Waters Methodist Church (MC), shared what has kept her going over the years: “For the elderly, especially the elderly sick, to feel lonely and less able can be painful and discouraging. Friendship and love give them hope and assurance that there are people who care. That’s what my friends and I aim to bring to the residents at the Home every week.” With her passion for serving others, Mdm Ho is among the many members from TRAC churches who are actively volunteering with MWS to serve the disadvantaged and distressed. For these volunteers, it is a two-way process. As they walk alongside and show love and grace to people in need, their lives are enriched by the joy and satisfaction of bringing hope and impacting lives.

When volunteer activities were suspended amid COVID-19 spread, the Sunshine Group gathered at a member’s home before the Circuit Breaker was implemented to record a prayer and music appreciation session for the Home’s residents

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

MWS partnerships with TRAC Churches MWS Christalite Methodist Home is a partnership with Christ MC. MWS Senior Activity Centre – GoldenLily @ Pasir Ris is a partnership with Pentecost MC. MWS Senior Activity Centre – Teck Ghee Vista is a partnership with Ang Mo Kio MC. MWS Wesley Senior Activity Centre – Jalan Berseh is a partnership with Wesley MC. MWS Covenant Family Service Centre – Hougang and Buangkok is a partnership with Paya Lebar MC. MWS Family Service Centre – Tampines is a partnership with Pentecost MC. Other TRAC churches also volunteer regularly at MWS Centres, such as befriending and running recreational activities at our nursing homes. These include groups from Aldersgate MC, Barker Road MC, Covenant Community MC, Faith MC and Methodist Church of the Incarnation.

We invite you to partner with us as part of the Methodist family to serve the disadvantaged and underprivileged. For more information on volunteer opportunities, check out https://mws.sg/volunteer or scan the QR code. If you have more ideas on how you or your small group can be involved, please contact us at volunteer@mws.sg.

METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

Registration at our Columbarium OďŹ&#x192;ce (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

Home ¢

WSCS

Dr Teo Li Bee is the President of the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (GC WSCS), Teo Suet Ehr is the President of CAC WSCS, Kalaimathi Nagulan is the President of ETAC WSCS and Choo Lai Eng is the President of TRAC WSCS. / Photos courtesy of WSCS

A body of Spirit-filled women The Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) has the mission to know Christ and make Him known. The WSCS ministry is a sisterhood bonded in love to encourage and build one another towards a deeper relationship with Christ. In Singapore, the WSCS is organised as follows:

General Conference WSCS (GC WSCS) CAC WSCS

ETAC WSCS

TRAC WSCS

part from our main annual observances—a Thanksgiving Service, WSCS Sunday, Week of Prayer and Self Denial, and World Federation Day— our numerous programmes focus on four areas: Missions, Witness and Evangelism, Outreach and Social Concerns, and Discipleship and Nurture.

Missions: We enable women to better understand and participate in the contemporary mission outreach of the Church.

ETAC WSCS ladies minister in Nepal, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. We started a tailoring project in the Trinity Tamil Methodist Community, Medan, where we purchased sewing machines and engaged trainers to conduct classes for women from needy families to equip them to be more self-reliant. Praise God that during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Medan Tamil ministry has been sewing masks for the community. For the past nine years, TRAC WSCS ladies have been going to the Philippines and working with Oikos Helping Hand (OHH) to minister to the poor in the slums and dumpsites of Metro Manila. OHH’s ministry impacts about 600 families, including children in a learning centre, widows, and children with cancer. Mission trips to Vietnam, Nepal and Cambodia have also been made.

A tailoring project in the Trinity Tamil Methodist Community, Medan. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Medan Tamil ministry has been sewing masks for the community

Since 2018, CAC WSCS has supported two girls from Sophia’s Home in Nepal as they train to be nurses. CAC WSCS’s outreach to East Asia has been challenging in recent years.

Witness & Evangelism: We seek ways to help women in their witness and outreach to the community, including evangelistic programmes for non-Christian family members and friends. TRAC WSCS premiered the first VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) Conference for women in 2017. 1 Since then, VUCA Conferences have attracted hundreds of participants each year. The one-day conference covers wide-ranging issues of interest to friends and loved ones, and has proven to be a wonderful platform for outreach. Regretfully, the 2020 edition of VUCA “Power in this VUCA World” has been put on hold. TRAC WSCS organised a trip to Sky Mirror in Malaysia in 2019. Named Frenfare 2, the ladies travelled with at least one pre-believing friend or relative, who heard the gospel presented in a non-threatening way. 2 Dolly Chia of Agape MC shared the gospel with the tour guides and led one of them to Christ. Her testimony is posted in TRAC WSCS’s Facebook page. METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

A body of Spirit-filled women

ETAC WSCS sisters used their Friends Fellowship event in 2019 to reach out to pre-believing friends. They not only testified of the reality of Christ in their lives, but also shared how to receive Him and remain in His strength. To address lack of confidence in evangelising, particularly to close family members and friends, CAC WSCS held a Caring Evangelism Course over eight sessions last year. It was attended by 28 members. It is our prayer that all may put what they learnt into practice.

Preparing gifts for Sayang Sayang

Discipleship & Nurture: We encourage women to deepen their spiritual life through spiritual disciplines including prayer and Bible study. A unique WSCS tradition is the Week of Prayer and Self Denial (WPSD) held every September. 3 At the end of a week of prayer and fasting, we give the money saved to the PSD Fund for the poor and needy in our mission fields. Frenfare trip to Sky Mirror

Outreach & Social Concerns: We serve the community in partnership with the local church and promote participation of Methodist women in other Christian women’s organisations At the local church level, WSCS visits shut-in seniors and befriends hospice and nursing home residents. CAC WSCS ladies visit MWS Bethany Nursing Home every month and St John’s Home for Elderly Persons every week. ETAC WSCS ladies spend time with children at the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home, sharing Bible stories, and leading sing-alongs and art & craft sessions. TRAC WSCS partners sisters-in-Christ in the Ministry@D’Well. To show appreciation to pastors’ wives and lady pastors, TRAC WSCS, together with CAC and ETAC sisters, organised Sayang Sayang in 2018 and 2019. This was a blessed time of fellowship, fun and food. Due to the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker, TRAC WSCS sent a “Sayang Sayang meal” to pastors and their families in May 2020.

CAC ladies held the first single women’s retreat in 2019 at the Montfort Centre. Based on the theme “Companion in Life Journey”, participants learned about reflection, spiritual journals and painting, meditation and prayer, deepening our understanding of God as our companion. In 2019 and 2020, TRAC WSCS organised devotion writing workshops during which we meditated on Scripture and wrote our reflections. 4 These devotions were compiled into a booklet and shared with church members in celebration of WSCS Sunday/Mother’s Day. God@Work is a marketplace ministry by Barker Road MC WSCS. Various activities to promote Christian growth and fellowship are held at five venues around the city for working ladies during lunch break. WSCS Sunday is celebrated in church annually, typically on the third Sunday in May, and contributions collected are distributed to organisations ministering to women and children. This year, sermons were based on the 2020 WSCS sub-theme: “God’s Standards and Promises for our Living” (Isa 33:15–16).

“Overcomers in this VUCA world,” Methodist Message (June 2019), 21–22, https://message.methodist.org.sg/overcomers-in-this-vuca-world. TRAC WSCS Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/tracwscs. “Saying ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to God,” Methodist Message (November 2019), 21, https://message.methodist.org.sg/saying-no-to-self-and-yes-to-god. 4 “We have chosen what is better,” Methodist Message (March 2020), 5, https://message.methodist.org.sg/we-have-chosen-what-is-better; “Our strength every morning,” Methodist Message (May 2020), https://message.methodist.org.sg/our-strength-every-morning. 1 2 3

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Leadership development

National and international relations

In February 2020, two leadership events were held. The first was the inaugural Methodist Women Conference between ETAC WSCS (Singapore) and TAC Women (Malaysia). 5 The conference, themed “Together We Serve”, provided a platform for Singapore and Malaysia women leaders to learn about ministry opportunities and challenges. The second event was when Singapore had the privilege of hosting the Asian Young Women’s Leadership Development Seminar 2020 by Wesley Foundation.6 Young women from MCS’s three Annual Conferences joined some 30 young women from nine other Asian countries to realise and hone their leadership skills.

GC WSCS was featured in the SG Cares Bicentennial Project by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), “Celebrating Our Culture of Care”. The finale event at Our Tampines Club was the unveiling of the completed fourpiece community mural by artists from Very Special Arts. These stories of care were contributed by individuals and groups who have demonstrated care for the community over the past 200 years.

The inaugural Methodist Women Conference with ETAC WSCS (Singapore) and TAC Women (Malaysia) in Feb 2020

One of the annual observances of GC WSCS is World Federation Day (WFD), a day celebrated annually by local communities around the world. This day serves to unite women in discussing and seeking actions to global crises. Last November, young ladies from our three Conferences collaborated to focus on two of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted by United Nations member states. The chosen goals were “Responsible Consumption & Production” and “Climate Action”. In International Relations, GC WSCS is affiliated to the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) and belongs to East Asia Area. Twenty-six ladies from our three Conferences attended its 11th East Asia Area Seminar in Hong Kong last year and experienced great fellowship with sisters from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan. In the Country Sharing session, GC WSCS President, Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee presented a video relating the 200 years (1819–2019) of Singapore’s development from a small island with no natural resources to the vibrant city state it is today. It also related the birth of MCS as well as the work of the women in the Church.

A new generation of Christian women are raised at the Asian Young Women’s Leadership Development Seminar in Feb 2020

We thank God for the strong support given to us by Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung, Conference presidents and church leaders. We invite ladies of all ages and backgrounds to join us. By God’s grace, the WSCS, a body of Spirit-filled women empowered by the Holy Spirit, will continue to embrace the journey He has charted for us—to restore, build and preserve— honouring the trust He has placed in us and keeping to the vision to know Christ and to make Him known.

WSCS ladies with the GC WSCS President and Vice-President on World Federation Day Singapore Unit at 11th East Asia Area Seminar in Hong Kong “We have chosen what is better,” Methodist Message. “What is my purpose?” Methodist Message (April 2020), 12, https://message. methodist.org.sg/what-is-my-purpose. 5 6

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News ¢ Working from home (WFH), Home-based Learning (HBL), mandatory masks, business shut down, spiralling economy—there is hardly anyone not affected by COVID-19. Some WSCS ladies—including millennials, professionals and retirees—share their reflections. They experience different circumstances but reach the same conclusion: our God is totally trustworthy! / Photos courtesy of Katherine Foo, Daisy Ling, Tan Min Qhee and Kathryn Ong.

“Circuit breaker” reflections Strength to fight the war

Listening and giving

When the Circuit Breaker (CB) period started, it felt like a missile launched into a war zone. As a mother, pastor’s wife, WSCS president and teacher, I was overwhelmed by the demands of every one of my roles.

“Work from home” and “Stay at home” have provided the opportunity to reflect on my priorities in life. What a blessing it has been to listen to and bond with family members. We had been so caught up with the world and forgotten some of the most important things in life. With everyone home, we eat together, serve one another, listen patiently, and enjoy good conversations. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19) was driven home.

As a teacher, I was overwhelmed by Home-Based Learning (HBL). Online and offline lessons had to be designed. After uploading lessons, the students’ progress had to be monitored, with following up on assignments beyond school hours. The students needed close supervision and telephone conversations with parents were essential to keep everyone calm amid the anxiety in this virtual world. Not to forget my son, a P6 student, sitting right next to me—he too was online with his teachers, trying to complete assignments. Although I took short breaks to guide him a little, I thank God my son is an independent learner. Planning meals for 10 people (my niece and family of four from Malaysia stayed with us during the CB) was not easy. Finally, in my roles as WSCS president and pastor’s wife, my evenings were filled with Zoom meetings, online prayer sessions, as well as counselling and training ministry.

Care package sent by Min Qhee’s boyfriend

Another blessing was through a small gesture of giving. At the onset of COVID-19, masks went out of stock. I gave a friend with a big family a box of 50 masks. She was so touched and grateful! When stocks became available, she gave me two boxes as a token of appreciation which I was able to donate to a mission agency. Acts 20:35 reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Giving makes one’s heart bubble with joy from the Lord. —Daisy Ling Ang Mo Kio CMC

Through it all, I thank God for the immense strength and wisdom He gave me to navigate the maze of multiple demands and roles. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! —Kalaimathi Nagulan Tamil Methodist Church (MC)

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Daisy Ling and family (with toilet roll cake)

Lessons from disruption

Growing and adapting

Sitting at Jesus’ feet

I wondered if anything good could come out of this disruptive standstill. A few weeks into the CB, I am delighted to be able to share three key lessons.

During this period of staying home, I cleaned my bookshelves and rediscovered many Christian books which I had yet to read. I caught up with my reading, reignited the spirit of learning and gained new spiritual insights. Though not a tech-savvy person, I was forced, by the need for Sunday School to move online, to learn how to conduct classes online. It is also critical to keep in touch with senior church members, to share our care and concern so that they do not feel isolated.

I retired from teaching nine years ago and have kept active in church and Conference-level ministries. The CB has brought about a change to my lifestyle. I set aside a specific time to pray for the various nations impacted by the pandemic and for frontline workers. More time is spent studying Scripture. I also call church members or pre-believers to encourage them. I have had to learn new technology, such as Zoom, to remain connected with family (including my adorable two-year-old grandson) and friends. I attend virtual meetings, including Alpha training conducted in Tamil to prepare for when Alpha sessions can resume.

1. Develop good habits and pursue goals: With no more excuse about a lack of time, I began to re-focus on what is truly important, and to pursue a better version of “me”. I started with simple goals, such as texting relatives and friends with whom I have not interacted recently, waking up early to jog, learning new worship songs, and journalling my conversations with God. May these become habits and reap lasting benefits. 2. Count our blessings and pass them on: I have taken so much for granted, when there is much to be thankful for—a roof over my head, a job, comforts of life and even the “Solidarity Payment”. I am blessed indeed! But how am I living out this privilege? Do we remember God’s heart for the less fortunate? Be it donating a portion of our “Solidarity Payment”, volunteering in food donation drives or simply raising awareness about such actions, may we, people of privilege, jump at every opportunity to serve God and make a difference to our society.

My house became noisier and busier because my daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren moved in with me for help with childcare. I have enjoyed connecting with my grandchildren. Through this period, I have not only been challenged to grow and adapt but have learnt to be thankful in all circumstances and to depend on God.

God allowed this difficult time for every Christian to sit at His feet as Mary did. I thank God for blessing me and using me to bless others even during these strange and uncertain times.

—Katherine Foo Sin Yong

—Tamikodi Arthur

Ang Mo Kio CMC

Toa Payoh TMC

3. Be still, and know that He is God: What better time is there to wait upon the Lord? Though no one knows how long this pandemic will last, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23). —Tan Min Qhee

Katherine Foo with grandchildren

Trinity MC

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“Circuit breaker” reflections

Calm in the storm The world is currently in an unprecedented situation with the COVID-19 “storm”, like Jesus’ disciples were in a terrifying storm (Matt 8:23–27). Though familiar with such situations at sea, the disciples were gripped with fear. My family members have faced diverse issues. My son, attached to an Accident & Emergency department, works long hours at the frontline. My daughter-in-law, also a doctor, has additional meals to cook. My daughter has had to close her business at a mall and wait, uncertain about the future. My son-in-law, who often travelled for work, is now grounded. My grandson had to return home from studies in the UK. Despite these challenges, we have more time together, bonding over meals and even exercise times. We continue to trust that God is in control. With seniors advised to stay home, loneliness and fear are realities for some. A close friend called me one day. A childless widow, she rents a room to a young lady who wanted to volunteer at a foreign workers’ dormitory. She feared this contagious virus, but with prayer and God’s Word, she chose to trust God and now has peace. Just as Jesus calmed the storm when the disciples cried for help, we too can do the same in this COVID-19 “storm”. Focus on God and seek Him! —Kathryn Ong Methodist Church of the Incarnation

Kathryn Ong on safe-distance walk with family

Home ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Christabel Chai

Christabel unfurls the Singapore flag at the 2020 USAFA graduation ceremony. Cadets sat and marched 2.4m away from each other during the ceremony due to COVID-19 social distancing measures

As a squadron commander, where she leads a march-past of over 100 cadets

Mission first, people always

epublic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Lieutenant (LTA) Christabel Chai had a fairly ordinary middleclass Singaporean childhood filled with ballet and piano lessons, and swimming and gymnastics CCAs. She attended Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School, did her O-Levels at Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) and her A-Levels at Anglo Chinese Junior College (ACJC). Then on 18 April 2020, she made history by becoming the first Singaporean woman—and the first woman in Southeast Asia—to graduate from the prestigious United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado, and in the top 10 per cent of her cohort of 1,000 cadets, no less. In an e-mail interview, Christabel, 24, who was then serving her Stay-Home Notice upon returning to Singapore after her graduation ceremony, was quick to eschew credit for her remarkable achievement. For her, God’s promise holds: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10) Humility, one of the values her parents had nurtured, was integral in bringing her through the tough programme of military training and studies at USAFA. She shares: “Since I was young, I have been taught to always be humble, and never overconfident in my own abilities. Instead, I should rely on God’s strength, and seek improvement from both my successes and failures, as there is always something I can learn from others,

and from the situations I go through, to become a better person or leader.”

Humility, hard work and perseverance Christabel was born into a Christian family and baptised as an infant at Zion Bishan Bible-Presbyterian Church, which her family still attends. Growing up as a Christian, it was routine to for her to attend church, read the Bible and pray. However, it was only during her MGS and ACJC days that she started hungering for God’s Word and learning what it truly means to be a Christian.

(Fourth from left) With some of her ACJC schoolmates

“I absolutely loved my time in all the schools I attended. I am extremely thankful for my Methodist education, as it definitely contributed to instilling good values in me, and helped to strengthen my character in my formative years. Having a good moral compass and a strong character is necessary in the profession of arms, and my Methodist education undoubtedly helped me become the person I am today,” Christabel writes. METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

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Mission first, people always

When she was seven, Christabel’s parents realised that she had a talent for swimming and enrolled her in competitive swimming classes. On the swim teams in MGS and ACJC, she was appointed captain of both the school teams during her senior years. She was also on the MGS cross-country team.

Individuals admitted into USAFA start with the rank of “cadet” and undergo six weeks of Basic Cadet Training upon entering. During freshman year, all cadets have to get through Recognition Weekend—52 hours of intense training by the upperclassmen where they were tested physically and mentally.

Training as a school athlete helped develop the qualities of humility, hard work and perseverance that enabled her to become the soldier-scholar that she is today. Christabel still stays in contact with a few of her teachers, and some of the extremely close friendships formed in MGS and ACJC helped her to get through the four tough years at USAFA, away from home.

Over four years, they undergo stringent military training (e.g. Basic Cadet Training, Expeditionary Skills Training, commissioning education, operational training and more) while juggling academics and athletics activities. Christabel had to take core classes in astronautical engineering, chemistry, economics, electrical engineering, history, and political science, among others.

The soldier-scholar After her A-levels, Christabel weighed the option of going to the UK, where her sister had studied, to read law, business or international relations. Instead, her interest in history during her secondary school and JC days spurred her decision to join the military. She explains: “I realised that any kind of war, of any magnitude, is terrible. In addition, Singapore’s geographical location, as well as its lack of natural resources, meant that we could be vulnerable to aggressors if we do not have a strong military to deter aggressors, and defend our homeland and way of life. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, and do my part to keep my loved ones safe while preserving our way of life, which I hold dear.” When she was offered the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Merit Scholarship, and after talking with her uncle, an RSAF F-16 pilot, she decided to apply to the USAFA. She went through a gruelling process to get into the Academy, which has an acceptance rate of only a 10 per cent. Getting a nomination by Singapore involved receiving recommendations from her commanders, submitting applications and undergoing three rounds of interviews. After that, there was the USAFA selection process, as well as a series of interviews with the US Defence Attaché in Singapore. The Academy takes in students not just from the US military, but also international cadets from countries as far-flung as Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Pakistan, Panama, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Tunisia. Christabel was one of 13 international students in her cohort.

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With her parents at her BMT passing-out parade

Tough training Typical training days at USAFA were hectic and regimented. As Christabel recalls: “It would usually start at around 0515 for me. I tried to do a workout or go for a run to kickstart my day. Our first morning formation was from 0630 till 0700. Breakfast was from 0700 to 0725. Morning classes ran from 0730 till 1130. At 1135, we had noon-meal formation marching practice till 1200. Thereafter, we had lunch from 1200 to 1225 and afternoon classes from 1230 to 1530. Afternoon PT sessions usually lasted from 1545 till 1700. “From 1700 to 1910, we had time to relax, have dinner and wash up. From 1910 to 1950, we had military knowledge study sessions, military briefings and military administrative tasks to complete. 1950 to 2300 was our personal time, during which we caught up on homework, fulfilled additional duties and responsibilities, and relaxed after a long day.”

(Fourth from left, crouching) With USAFA coursemates

Her time at USAFA among an international community has broadened her world view: “It is important, I believe, to recognise the diversity of thought and values, and treat others with respect even if we do not share the same beliefs.” That broad-mindedness is also an asset that enables militaries to ensure that there is peace between countries. LTA Christabel is now back in Singapore, looking forward to wearing the uniform in which belongs, and to continuing to serve and protect her nation as an Air Warfare Officer in the RSAF.

Not only did Christabel have to endure the harsh Colorado weather and deal with the rigours of her academic schedule, she knew that she was representing Singapore in everything she did and said. In addition, she had to balance the responsibilities of leadership roles such as Squadron Commander or Group Director of Operations, where she was in charge of more than 100 cadets and 1,000 cadets across all four classes respectively. She earned her US Jump Wings after completing five free fall jumps over the course of Fall semester in her senior year. Her SAF training, which provided opportunities to hold several leadership positions during her Basic Military Training and her time at Officer Cadet School, taught her how to manage her time, pay attention to detail and always prioritise others’ needs above her own. “It takes a team to be successful,” she often reminds herself. “Never forget the people who helped you to get to where you are today.”

“As I begin a new chapter of my career, I hope to utilise my skills, leadership and knowledge gained over the past years to better lead the airmen and women under my wings. Being in the RSAF also means that we are a team dedicated towards protecting the sovereignty of our nation, and no particular person is more important than another.” “It has been a humbling journey as a woman in a predominately male organisation,” says Christabel. “Sometimes, I question my own abilities and compare myself to many of my male classmates and colleagues. I am pressured to perform as well or better than them in order to prove my worth and show that I am equally capable. Ultimately, I focus on my own personal journey with God, and lean on my closest friends and family for support in my walk with Him. “I know that I am, above all, a child of God, and He loves me despite my failures and shortcomings. God is my strength, and with Him, there is nothing that I need to fear.”

Christabel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in behavioural sciences, with a focus in sociology. Of her cohort, only 20 per cent were female.

Not her own strength, but His It was not easy being away from home, family and friends in an unfamiliar culture and environment for four years. “My family in Singapore provided me with unwavering support in my USAFA journey. In addition, God blessed me with great sponsor parents and sponsor families in the US who were extremely loving, supportive and giving. They helped me to get through the toughest times at USAFA, which allowed me to excel. My faith in God grew as I could feel God’s presence, love and grace from my friends and family in the US and back home,” she says gratefully.

(Seated, middle) With MGS friends in the lab

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One MCS ¢ Identity & Destiny Henry Tan is the Vice President of TRAC and a member of the core team of the Structural Review Task Force. / Photo courtesy of Ang Mo Kio MC

The power of sharing

here is beauty in diversity and we each have different strengths and expertise, resources from our different cultures, ways and means of ministry. But if the 46 churches can come together to share what they are doing, we would have a much more powerful impact, more resources, greater experiences and a wider reach to deal with challenges and constraints. When COVID-19 caused the churches to have to explore online resources, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), under the leadership of Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung, consolidated the Methodist churches’ online streaming or recorded service links onto one page of the MCS website. It is amazing how much diversity there is: traditional and contemporary services; services in Cantonese, English, Hakkan, Hinghwa, Hokkien, Mandarin, to name a few. My 87-year-old mother attends the Mandarin worship services in the morning with Ang Mo Kio CMC, then with Queenstown CMC; later, at 2pm, she joins Wesley MC’s Mandarin Ministry on Zoom. She is richly blessed by the various worship services and the different preachers’ messages. MCS would be so much richer if Methodist members should share their resources to meet the needs of the other Church members, such as: •

children’s and youth ministries, e.g. online or on Facebook Live. (We just heard that Charis MC held an online junior youth camp!)

•

A virtual academy could be created to hold online discipleship classes, Bible study series and webinars. We can share resources and have gifted persons lead in the studies, so that members might benefit Church-wide and get to know members from other Methodist churches.

•

Groups can reach out to Methodists across all churches as part of One MCS initiatives (e.g. the upcoming Methodist Fathers Gathering).

Outreach to foreign worker dormitories Some Methodist churches are serving dormitories by adopting a dorm and providing the workers there with food and essentials. One such opportunity came when Pastor Juliette

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Arulrajah shared about the ministry of AGWO (a governmentsanctioned non-governmental organisation ministering in the dormitories) to TRAC and other Methodist churches. One of those that responded quickly to the call for drivers to deliver iftar meals was Bedok MC. Pastor-in-Charge the Rev Khoo Kay Huat, lay leader Sabrina Ng and her husband Hock Ching, LCEC Vice-Chair Low Chia Wing began, and they now have a pool of 34 drivers from their church delivering meals. Serena Gan, PRPC Chairperson, elaborates: “Each morning at 2 a.m., our assigned drivers pick up the food at a caterer at Admiralty and deliver it to dormitories in Sungei Kadut, Tuas and Jurong. Bedok MC hopes to continue to be God’s hands and feet to bless and reach out to our migrant workers.” These are the “foreigner[s] residing among us” (Deut 10:18–19, NIV) that God wants us to show love to. Some of members doing the meal delivery have persuaded their pre-believing family members to help out, which is an excellent opportunity for family bonding as well as for them to see “faith in action”. The other Methodist Churches that are also working with AGWO at this time of writing are Trinity, Wesley, Cairnhill, Faith, Living Hope and Covenant Community. Many other Methodist churches are also helping in food or giving.

Sleepers Ministry Toa Payoh MC was the first to provide shelter to rough sleepers and since then, some other Methodist churches have asked about Toa Payoh’s experience and learning points in starting the same ministry, which Pastor-in-Charge the Rev Reuben Ng shared about during a Pastors’ Fellowship. At the time of writing, sister churches Ang Mo Kio MC/CMC/ TMC, Bedok MC, Charis MC and Faith MC have been approved by the authorities to house rough sleepers within their church premises for the duration of the circuit breaker. The ministry involves providing a room, mattresses with clean sheets and meals. When churches share their experiences of ministry, it is more impactful and easier for adoption. We look forward to more One MCS initiatives and sharing.

A safe space for rough sleepers at the AMK MC/CMC/TMC building, where each person has their own space to sleep, eat their meals and store their belongings

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

Caring beyond the ordinary in extraordinary times

etting go of a loved one on the brink of death is hard. During Mdm Tan Sai Tin’s last days, the palliative care team at MWS Bethany Nursing Home — Choa Chu Kang faithfully attended to her needs. While Mdm Tan wanted to leave peacefully, some members of her concerned and well-meaning family insisted on aggressive treatment to prolong her life as much as possible. Over a meeting initiated by MWS, the family came together at her bedside, expressed their love for one another and gained closure. Her family deeply appreciated this gesture.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil 2:4) “As an Asian family, we aren’t used to expressing our love,” said Mdm Tan’s niece, Wei Leng. “The bedside closure brought a sense of completion to her final journey. I hope more families will experience this too, because it was really, really special to us,” she added. In providing professional care for its beneficiaries, MWS is constantly challenged by the deeper and more emotional aspects of its work. MWS’s holistic approach sees its beneficiaries as whole persons with different needs. Besides looking at presenting problems, MWS also provides psychosocial and emotional support, and spiritual care to work through deep-seated issues. This approach is evident across MWS’s 20 centres and programmes. These provide care for families facing complex challenges, at-risk girls struggling to get back on track, people longing to get out of debt to build a brighter future for their children, socially isolated seniors looking for a warm community and the chronically ill hoping to live and leave in dignity. During this trying period, while Singapore battles COVID-19 on the ground and the livelihoods of the most vulnerable are at stake, your financial support is more critical than ever.

Donate now so that MWS’s beneficiaries can continue receiving care beyond the ordinary in these difficult times.

MWS takes a holistic approach in helping beneficiaries tackle and overcome their challenges

Visit https://www.giving.sg/ methodist-welfare-services/carebeyond-the-ordinary or scan the QR code to donate. METHODIST MESSAGE JUNE 2020

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Missions ¢

The Rev Derrick Lau having a meal in Tokyo in early Feb 2020

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

New Geographical Mission Partnerships “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab 2:14)

God is doing a special work in our days! Statistically, more than 40 per cent of the world are unreached. 1 As pilgrims, let us devote our hearts and spirits to fulfilling the mandate of the Great Commission, sparing no effort to reach out to the world with the message of hope and reconciliation.

cursory reading of these two passages suggests a geographical progression of mission movement from Jerusalem as a home base, to the surrounding regions and to the ends of the earth. Church history informs us of the rapid geographical spread to the “four corners of the earth” (a term commonly used in ancient times to denote faraway places). Indeed, the disciples played that pivotal role in spreading the Good News of Christ. Their missions advanced north towards Turkey, west towards England, south towards North Africa and eastwards to China and Southeast Asia via India and beyond.

Therefore, we must seek the heart of God and mobilise disciples to venture into fields across the nations, especially to places considered “unreached”. MMS currently has missions in seven countries. We can enlarge our sphere. With the support of missions agencies and organisations, churches and individuals plus the vast resource we have today, I believe we can develop strategies to reach the world for Christ through new geographical mission partnerships (NewGMP)! United together (i.e. 46 Methodist local churches) in mission, let us pool our resources to reach the world!

From a missiological perspective, the disciples acted on Christ’s mandate to preach the Word, in season and out of season (Paul’s words), to the peoples of the world. The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw said:

Would you heed our Lord’s challenge: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”? (Matt 4:19). I invite you (individuals and/or local churches), as fishers of men, to explore new geographical mission partnerships with MMS where we serve together within a collaborative framework to the end that “the earth may be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea!”

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (1:5) In the 18th century, John Wesley envisioned “the world as [his] parish” and brought Christianity over all of England, as well as across the Atlantic Ocean to Georgia, USA. Methodism was brought to our shores when the missionaries James Thoburn and William Oldham arrived in Singapore on 7 Feb 1885. With Singapore as a stepping stone, Methodism spread rapidly around the region.

“I want the whole Christ for my Saviour, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field.” —John Wesley

Get in touch with MMS today! www.mms.org.sg mms@methodist.org.sg 6478-4818

Statistics according to Joshua Project (https://joshuaproject.net). “Unreached people” are defined as the category of people where something is happening, but not yet enough to see their whole people discipled. Pioneer work is likely still needed.

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You & Your Family ¢ Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Paradigm shift or game changer?

earing in mind as I write that this article is scheduled to be published in June 2020, I am trying to visualise what our social environment then might be. I am not good at predictions—my dismal failure with investments attest to this—so let me stick to what I think I know better.

routines were formed, and families ate together more often and found more family activities for entertainment. When the circuit breaker is lifted, might there be some who miss the new routines and feel the restrictions had paradoxically liberated us from old habits?

When all the dust from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and its ensuing social and economic crisis, finally settles, a few things will become obvious. These realisations may be life-changing or, in today’s parlance, a game-changer.

A third realisation is, even as a daily litany of grim news has bombarded us, there has also been a small, steady stream of positive stories. Juxtaposed between accounts of racist and selfish acts are stories of acts of compassion. Nameless individuals have gone out of their way to help total strangers. Instead of rejecting others, they extended a hand of welcome. These are reminders of the good in humanity.

The first realisation is how much we are primarily social beings. For some, the need for social contact may be met by a phone or virtual call. For most, however, we long for more primal face-to-face contact. We desire the full engagement of the verbal, visual and even olfactory encounter. For instance, some grandparents long to hug and draw deeply again the smells of their grandchildren. To be sure, few would miss the daily commute to and from work. We may wish we could press the “mute button” for colleagues who talk endlessly at meetings or block entry into our lives by unwanted people in our “waiting rooms”. But I think most of us will be prepared to cope with the inconvenience of human interaction than be without any. Safe distancing, a life-preserving measure, can be experienced as social isolation and deprivation. Experienced long term, this can lead to negative psychological effects like depression. A second realisation is some may have experienced the circuit breaker as God sent. Things that they may have wanted to do but were either too busy or distracted finally got done. For example, some have been able to declutter their homes or read books that had been set aside. Or new

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This brings me to my fourth realisation—that to survive any storm, however severe or prolonged, we must have the resolve to do so. This resolve ultimately springs from our sense of hope. Our hope rests in what we cling to when all the chips are down. For some, it may be loved ones, family or friends while for others, faith in God. How unshakeable is your hope? Has it stood the test of crisis? How are present circumstances and the worst-case scenario defined by your hope? Does your hope rise to these challenges? So when you find time to reflect and gather your thoughts amid all the upheaval, do ask yourself what truths or lessons this period has taught you. How life changing will this experience be? What habits have you been weaned from? What are “new routines” you want to hold on to? We, not the coronavirus, hold the answers to such questions. Let us not be creatures of circumstances but find hope to survive any storm.

Hymns & Songs ¢ Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

HOSANNA

n Palm Sunday, Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon preached at Wesley MC.

Hosanna I sing Hosanna when at home

In his sermon, Bishop Emeritus Dr Solomon shared that while we do not have the palms, the singing of Hosanna, the children and the whole festivity of Palm Sunday, “I suspect it is to force us not just to join a crowd but to experience the Lord Jesus Christ riding into our hearts… the limitation we have today does not stop us from worshipping, lifting our hearts in praise of Jesus. It is as if the Lord has chosen to ride into our hearts so that we can focus our hearts on him.” “Experience the Lord Jesus Christ riding into our hearts…”—these words struck Angela Ang Goh, and she felt prompted to respond. Inspired, she scribbled down some words, after which she proceeded to the piano to add the melody. “Hosanna”! A new song was composed. Pondering upon COVID-19 and the Bishop Emeritus’ message, the song “Hosanna” points us to the reality of not being able to worship corporately in church. Even so, the refrain encourages us to persevere. We can still raise our voices in praise in our homes. But at a time like this, we need to ask God to give us joy. This alludes to Philippians 4:4—“Rejoice in the Lord, always!” Unity, a theme that rings out in the third and fourth stanzas, is a virtue that is needed for any endeavour to us to succeed, whether as a church, community or nation. Along with unity, we need to ask God to grant us humility and seek His blessing so that, no matter what, we can be proud to sing “Hosanna!” “Hosanna”, a Greek word often heard on Palm Sunday, is an exclamation of praise that means “save now!” By the first century AD, the word was no longer used literally as a cry for rescue from enemies, but had become an idiomatic expression of joy and jubilation. 1 If “Hosanna” has become an expression of joy and jubilation, I personally think this song can be used and sung at this time as a response to COVID-19.

I sing Hosanna though alone No palm to palm greeting we give Confined to home so we can live I sing Hosanna from the heart From friends and family far apart Uncertain times, when fears arise Look at the world, God hears our cries Hosanna, we lift our voice in praise Hosanna, our prayers to you we raise In trials, give us joy This sickness, you destroy Hosanna, we lift our voice in praise Hosanna, our hearts to you we raise Set our hearts ablaze Hosanna till the end of our days We sing Hosanna in one accord From home to home to our Lord United together, one spirit, strong Distanced, not forlorn We sing Hosanna loud and proud Spirit united, we are a crowd Bless the Lord oh my soul Hosanna we extol Refrain Words and Music: Angela Ang Goh The tune can be found at https://youtu.be/frrpV1yA_Y4

1 Sean A. Harrison, gen. ed. New Living Translation Study Bible, 2nd ed. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2008, 1674.

Angie has been serving as a pianist in Pentecost MC for 40 years, a ministry through which she believes God is using and blessing her. She is an English Literature teacher in a secondary school.

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TRAC Bible Matters ¢ Pastor Tay Li Ping is Assistant Pastor at Christ Methodist Church. She entered ministry as a Member-on-Trial with Trinity Annual Conference in August 2019.

Can women minister and teach in church? “Go home.” This was the response of American pastor John MacArthur to “Beth Moore” as a prompt in a word association game during his church’s 2019 Truth Matters Conference. He went on to elaborate: “There is no case that can be made biblically for a woman preacher. Period. Paragraph. End of discussion.” MacArthur’s confident assertion is the latest salvo in an ongoing debate about whether women can minister and teach in church. His words vividly demonstrate that it is the biblical perspective that is frequently the debate’s main battleground. While it is beyond the scope of this article to mount a comprehensive response to MacArthur, it will seek to address some common objections to female leadership in ministry arising from several key biblical texts.

1 Corinthians 11:2–26 What does Paul mean by “head” in verse 3, when he writes that “the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife (or “woman” as in the NIV, since the same Greek word is used for both) is her husband (or “man” as in the NIV, again since the same Greek work is used for both), and the head of Christ is God”? Some argue in favour of “authority” in a hierarchical sense. This interpretation seems to be supported by verse 10, which in some versions reads “a woman ought to have a symbol of authority over her head”. Furthermore, Paul uses “head” to mean “authority” in other texts such as Colossians 2:10, and arguably, Ephesians 5:23. An alternative interpretation of “head” is “source” in terms of “source of life or origin”. Those who support such a view argue that it is consistent with the wording of verses 8, 9 and 12, which make explicit reference to the Creation story where woman was made from man. Moreover, verse 10 refers to the woman’s own authority rather than that of man’s authority over her. In fact, the words “a symbol of” are not in the original Greek and were likely added to reflect the hierarchical view that women should wear a head covering, presumably as a sign of man’s authority over her. Verse 11 supports the view that verse 10 refers to a woman’s own authority by explicitly qualifying her exercise of it by reminding her that she is not independent of man.

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The above argument illustrates Gordon Fee’s advice that it is good biblical interpretative practice to look first to the word’s function in the present passage to discern its meaning, rather than import its meaning from its usage in other biblical texts or extra-biblical sources. Paul’s main aim in this passage is less about defining “headship”, and more about maintaining gender differentiation in worship practice. It is likely that women were forgoing accepted cultural codes of dress and hair in an unbridled display of their new-found freedom in Christ, thus blurring the lines between male and female. Paul therefore engages in wordplay, using “head” metaphorically to address appropriate uncovering or covering of literal “heads” of men and women while praying and prophesying during worship. Cultural norms are obviously different now. We do not literally obey Paul’s injunction that women cover their heads in worship. To seek to obey this passage by enforcing the subordination of women to men, however, is going beyond what this passage can support.

1 Corinthians 14:34–35 The first contentious issue in this passage is that in verse 34, Paul seems to command women to “keep silent in the churches”. However, it is clear that Paul does not mean women are never to utter a word in church, since in 1 Corinthians 11 he detailed the appropriate manner of adornment when women pray and prophesy during worship. As some scholars have pointed out, the problem Paul is addressing is not one of women teaching or speaking, but one of women learning—too loudly. As seen in verse 40, Paul’s central concern is for decency and order in worship. Whether it was an issue of threatening the church’s witness with the cultural impropriety of women asking questions publicly or because it was considered rude for novices—women in the Greco-Roman world were generally less educated than their male counterparts—to ask unlearned questions, it is reasonable to posit that Paul is writing against the chaos women created during worship by their questions. The second issue is what Paul means by women “should be in submission, as the law also says”. Some read it as submission to men, be it to their husbands or to leave the exercise of pastoral authority to men in general.

As in the case of 1 Corinthians 11, we should look to the immediate textual context for clues. The Greek word for “submission” is also used in verse 32 to state that the spirits of prophets are “subject” to prophets, which allows them to keep silent when another prophet receives a revelation (verse 30). Therefore, it is plausible that submission in verse 34 is also related to controlling one’s tongue and being silent, rather than being in submission to another. It should be noted that there is no scholarly consensus on what “law” Paul refers to. If Roman sanctions, Paul does not usually use this word to refer to them. If Old Testament law, nowhere does it command women to be silent in worship, although there is an enjoining of submission and silence in some contexts as a mark of respect for God (e.g. Hab 2:20). The difficulty of literal obedience to the biblical text is as pertinent for this passage as it is for 1 Corinthians 11. Most Christians would not literally obey Paul’s commands for prophesying and speaking in tongues as spelt out in verses 27–31, citing cultural reasons. So why should the one command in verse 34 be followed literally as applicable in all contexts and for all time?

1 Timothy 2:11–15 We come now to the fundamental text in the argument against women in ministry leadership. No one insists on a strict following of verse 11, that is, forcing a woman to “learn quietly” without making a sound. While the focus tends to be on “quietly”, Paul is also commanding that a woman be allowed to study and learn rather than being restrained from doing so: “let a woman learn quietly”. The critical issue is with how a woman is to learn. What does “with all submissiveness” mean? Whom or what is a woman to be submissive to? Some assume that it is to men, referencing verse 12. However, the context of learning and the fact that Paul elsewhere never commands submission of all women to all men suggest that Paul is writing about the learner’s attitude of obedience to God, the gospel, the instructor or the instructional setting. Verse 12 is the crucial verse in the debate. The point of contention is what exactly Paul means by forbidding a woman “to teach” and “to exercise authority.” The latter phrase is particularly difficult to translate as the Greek word it is based on is found nowhere else in the New Testament and rarely in extra-biblical Greek literature. Its possible meaning ranges from the neutral “to have authority over” to the negative “domineer, usurp or abuse authority.” Those arguing against female leadership assume the neutral meaning for both, i.e. Paul forbids teaching and exercising authority over men. On the other hand, those arguing for female leadership argue for the negative meaning, i.e. what is forbidden is teaching false doctrines and dominating over men or teaching in order to dominate.

As is the case for verse 11, no one insists on strict adherence to the literal meaning of women not teaching at all. Rather, they nuance it by whom the women are not allowed to teach or in what setting. For example, one scholar, looking ahead to 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that overseers should be able to teach, and 1 Timothy 3:15, which sets the discussion in the “household of God”, speculates that women are not to teach overseers or men in authority in the public assembly of the church. Verse 13 is often used as the lynchpin in the argument against female leadership. Paul is interpreted as grounding his prohibition in verses 11 and 12 on the order of Adam being created first, and Eve second. The problem with this argument is that although the rationale for forbidding women from teaching and exercising authority over men is based on a general and enduring principle—women are somehow by nature inferior or subordinate to men—it is not applied as such. As mentioned earlier, it is applied to specific situations (e.g. not teaching men in authority in the public assembly of the church) rather than in a general way (e.g. forbidding all women from teaching all men). What then, could be the reason for Paul’s commands in verses 11 and 12 and invoking of the Creation story in verses 13 and 14? One possible reason is that in Ephesus at that time, the main religion was the cult worship of Artemis (see Acts 19:24–35) in which all priests were female. Furthermore, this cult promoted the false teaching that Eve was first-born and enlightened. It would therefore make sense that Paul would combat this heresy by pointing out that Eve was formed after Adam and not before him, and that far from being enlightened, she was deceived by the serpent. Paul’s command in verses 11 and 12 then, was to encourage women to learn with the right attitude, and to specify that he was not, through this encouragement, giving the wrong impression that he was training women in the way of the cult of Artemis, one where women dominated over men.

Conclusion The biblical case against a woman preacher is based on a reading of key texts that insufficiently takes into account the fact that Paul’s letters are occasional in nature. They were originally written for a specific occasion: for a specific audience, at a specific point in time, about specific matters. This is not to discount the applicability of Scripture to us today, but it does imply that the serious reader of Scripture should seek to discern the main point the original author was trying to convey to his original readers before trying to apply it to the here and now. A useful resource for lay readers in this respect is How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. The views expressed in this article are personal and might not necessarily reflect the official position of The Methodist Church in Singapore. This version of the article has been edited for brevity. The full article can be found at http://www.trac-mcs.org.sg/index.php/resources/biblematters?layout=edit&id=256

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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)

“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.

For the common good

ne of the most striking features of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), in my view, is the set of social principles by which it is governed. These principles are firmly rooted in the teachings of Scripture and are in harmony with the social teachings of the Church that can be traced to the work of Augustine in the fifth century. They not only present a Christian vision of how human society should be ordered, but they also delineate the responsibility of the Church and every believer. Furthermore, they stress that Christians are not only to seek each other’s welfare but that of every member of society, regardless of their race or creed. In other words, it is the responsibility of every Christian to serve the common good of the society in which they live.

The common good is the fundamental concept in the Church’s social doctrine since the inception of Christianity, even though the term itself is of a more recent coinage. “Common” simply implies “all-inclusive”, which means that no sector of society or the population should for any reason be exempted or excluded. The idea of the common good is based on the basic truth that all human beings are of equal value and worth. It further insists that this fundamental truth must relativise all forms of social stratifications and classifications. This means that every individual, regardless of their social status, has the responsibility to promote the welfare of the community as well as the right to benefit from that welfare.

The Christian understanding of the common good is based on what the Bible has to say about human beings. In the opening chapters of the first book of the Bible, we find the remarkable declaration that human beings are ordained by their Creator to be bearers of His image (Gen 1:26–27).

A society will be judged by its attention to and care for “the least of these” (Matt 25:31–46). In order to truly serve the common good, we must never regard the poor and the vulnerable as merely a burden that we must bear. Rather, we must regard them as our neighbours and our brothers and sisters whom we must love.

Theologians have interpreted this profound assertion in many different ways in the history of the Church. But they all agree that as bearers of the divine image, human beings are given an uncommon dignity that distinguishes them from the rest of God’s creation.

The Church’s social teachings drive home the fact that there is a social dimension to the Christian faith. Christian piety has to do not only with the believer’s relationship with God. How the believer treats his fellow human beings is equally important and reveals the authenticity of his devotion to God (1 John 4:2).

Furthermore, because God by His grace has bestowed dignity on every human being, this quality is not dependent on any human attribute or accomplishment. Neither is it tied to race, gender, age or economic status. This conviction is clearly articulated in Section II (1) of Social Principles of MCS: “We believe that God is the Creator of all people, regardless of race, creed, status or sex, and that each person is of infinite worth. We believe that all persons have supreme value in the sight of God and ought to be so regarded by us.” The social doctrine of the Church, however, also stresses the need to focus on a particular group of people in our society that is sometimes pushed into the shadows. They are the poor, the elderly, the sick, weak, the destitute and the unborn—our community’s most vulnerable members.

Christians must develop an informed “social conscience”. This requires a special “sight”—a deliberate effort to become aware of the needs of the people around, a purposeful endeavour to “see” those who can so very easily be ignored. It also requires a certain kind of resolve to reach out to them and offer our assistance and our friendship. The social teachings of the Church do not only show us how to become better Christians. They also help us to be good and responsible citizens. For they stress that Christians must take their responsibilities for the welfare of society seriously and that the discharge of these responsibilities is not an optional extra but part of their devotion to God.

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Home ¢ Kyle Yeo is a Lay Ministry Staff of Grace Methodist Church, overseeing Young Adults, Senior Youth and Hospitality–Integration Ministry. / Photo courtesy of Kyle Yeo

a g n i e b es o d u? t o a y h o W t n a e m t s i d M et h o

in ere—I grew up person out th ” st di ch ho ur et h ch the most “M Anglican yout might not be to faith in an e m ca ion in a , at lv ily m sa fa surance of as y m an unbelieving ed iv rece ore at 14 and camp in Singap . urch in at 23 Pentecostal ch a Methodist studying in or ily m fa st hodi has never up in a Met e, Methodism m To . st But growing di ho I love u Met l differences. hat makes yo school isn’t w denominationa on is ctive as je ph use the ob r placed em l pride, beca na believed in no tio itu st in d, rather than s to let go of ngdom of Go Ki e on its willingnes e th g in en about grow . has always be doms of men ng ki ed ctionalis serving the fa ice”, rm “social just s with the te ou m ny of no sy the kingdom dist is often cial, because so t Being a Metho bu , al ed on rs enticat s is not just pe belief, but auth where holines faith is not just re he the least W r ”. fo “I an just hat we do w at th us God is more th ds remin thew 25:35–40 by action. M at rd. Lo r we do for ou of our society, I d 39 in 2020. ages of 24 an e th n ee tw is be d, idealistic , nial, one who ialistic , entitle er at m as I am a millen us labels is also r generation ety sometimes ration. But ou know that soci ne ge s, ” ke fla g human right y” or “snow tively impactin ac the “strawberr t ou ab es d ne tal awaren s is most concer , environmen rs ke or the one that w nt ra ig melessness, m stice. poverty and ho that ’s social ju s— es en ar aw th al he and mental eir and real in th ing authentic be te ia ks ec al pr w al—it lieve in and ap nothing but re en be Millennials be s ha e, m with them, Methodism, to ople and sits pe of t relationships. es w e lo ople will es down to th at is how pe the talk . It go And I pray th d. di st . s su Je , just as proud Methodi one who is a l, and loves them el w as n e as a Christia characterise m

THINK ¢ Ps Joey Chen has been a Member-On-Trial since 2018. She is married to Andrew Leong, who is currently a lay pastor in an Anglican church. She enjoys reading, singing, watching movies and sipping good coffee./ Photo courtesy of Ps Joey Chen

A female pastor’s journey

Ps Joey Chen (right) with her husband, Andrew Leong

f someone had told me 15 years ago that I’d become a pastor one day, I wouldn’t have believed it. Unlike some of my peers who have always had an idea of their pastoral calling, or others who were on fire for God since their youth, I was somewhat of a late bloomer when it came to faith. Although I became a Christian at 12, I didn’t think about God’s purpose for my life until I was 26. It started innocuously enough, when I attended the Young Methodist Leaders’ Conference. It’s a long story, but the short version is that I encountered God powerfully during altar ministry, and the pastor who prayed for me challenged me to surrender my life to God. As I surrendered areas of my life to God, I began to see how faithful, trustworthy and good He is, and that eventually led me to surrender my entire life to God and ask, “God, what is Your purpose for me?” The answer to that question began with the passing thought that it would be an honour if God found me suitable for full-time ministry. As I continued to pray and seek the Lord, that thought gradually grew into a desire, and the desire turned into conviction. But I needed God’s confirmation, so I asked God to show me exactly which area of full-time ministry he was calling me to. I remember getting very frustrated a few months into intensely seeking God for an answer—I had reflected over and over again on my experiences, skills and spiritual gifts, hoping that they would converge on some point, but they ever did. The day the answer finally came, I was

crossing the road and having a “table-banging” emotional conversation with God. I asked God, “Are You going to tell me or not?!” A peace suddenly washed over me and these words came into my mind, clear as day, “Pastoral care.” One of the greatest privileges of being a pastor is being able to devote myself to growing in intimacy with God and growing as a person in order to serve God’s people more effectively. Recently, God has reminded me to “run in such a way as to get the prize…so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Cor 9:24, 27 NIV). The other great privilege of pastoring is being able to journey with others, and seeing the reward of them growing and/or overcoming. Yet another is the joy of being able to sow into God’s eternal kingdom. Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have mentors who guided me in discerning my call to ordained ministry. As a female pastor, I am extremely interested in exploring the concept of female leadership, and developing a leadership style that works for me. On occasion, women may feel more comfortable approaching me to pray for them or journey with them because I’m a woman. I don’t feel that I am treated any differently from my male counterparts. But almost every time I take a taxi or a private hire car, when the drivers find out I’m a pastor, most of them exclaim, “I didn’t know there were female pastors!” It makes for a good segue into talking about my work and my faith.

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