News ¢ Ponseeta Paul is a member of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). / Photos courtesy of the Rev James Nagulan
CALM
Malaysia brothers and sisters at the inaugural CALM event
Care and Love Malaysians
2
020 was a year like never before. So when we entered the year 2021, it was not with the usual hope and joy for the New Year but with panic and uncertainties.
Among those who faced a very troubling year were our Malaysian friends in Singapore. Strict measures had led to borders between Singapore and Malaysia to be closed. Many, without having the privilege of time, had to make tough decisions. CALM (Care and Love Malaysians) is a collaborative Outreach and Social Concerns initiative by Seletar Tamil Methodist Church and Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street. The initiative was birthed through a vision to reach out to our Malaysian neighbours who have stayed behind in Singapore during this pandemic. CALM hopes to gather all Malaysian Christians for a time of worship and prayer, provide opportunities for fellowship, and provide help and support where needed. The initiative kicked off its first session on Saturday 30 Jan 2021 with a one-hour service, which included worship, testimony sharing, a time of prayer, and a short exposition on Matthew 11:25–30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and
As the evening drew to an end, the congregation was encouraged to spread the word and invite their Malaysian friends to come and be blessed through future CALM meetings. Those who had attended were given a bento set and a small gift—an EZ-Link card with the contact details of the pastors. Those who had attended the session had a blessed time. One of the participants, Sara, shared, “Please pray for us. We had to leave behind two children ages two and six back in Malaysia in our helper’s care. We miss them so much.” Another sister, Shalini, said that God’s promise in Deuteronomy 31:8 gave her strength: “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Another CALM session was held on 27 Feb 2021 at 7 Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street. We thank God for His faithfulness and for giving us the opportunity to share His love with our neighbours. Through the continued efforts of CALM, we hope to serve as a loving community and further reach out to those around us.
The EZ-Link card that was given to the attendees, which lists the contacts details of the pastors
learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30) We were reminded to look to God at all times despite our circumstances. God’s comfort carries us through tumultuous waves and troubling times. Through the comfort we receive from God, let us comfort others and draw others closer to Jesus’ love.
18
|
METHODIST MESSAGE March 2021
If you have Malaysians friends you would like to invite to future sessions, please contact the Rev James Nagulan at or the Rev Vijay Joseph at
8608-7221 8311-3393
We would like to work towards providing them with prayer, counselling, jobs, accommodation and other areas of support.
