Methodist Message: September 2023

By means of grace: How DA is helping Christians live out Acts 2:42

Contents

Editorial Board

Adviser and Publisher

Dr Anthony Goh

Chairperson, Council on Communications

Communications Manager

Lynn Tan

Managing Editor

Alvin Tay Editor

Lianne Ong

Communications Executive

Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors

Lucy Cheng

Janice Khoo

Tan Chiu Ai

Elliot Soh

Proofreaders

Kenneth Lee

Christabel Tan

The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936

6478-4793 | 6478-4763

methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg

communications@methodist. org.sg

fb.com/Methodist.SG

@methodist.sg

@methodistsg

Have something to say or share? Email us at communications@methodist.org.sg

Layout by Londonbob Design

Printed by Adred Creation Print

Errata

/ Bishop’s Message /

/ News /

3 MMS Student Sponsorship Scheme: Rates raised from Aug 2023

6 Video series created to guide Christian educators in Methodist schools

/ Feature /

8 By means of grace

How Disciple Agency is helping Christians live out Acts 2:42

12 Tips to teach preschoolers the Word

/ Opinion /

14 Soundings: Reading, meditating, hearing and doing

16 Young Voices: All (Sea) Creatures of Our God and King

Playing hide and seek with God

30 Book Review: Creation Care and the Gospel

/ Outreach /

19 Bible alive

21 A timeless purpose, her lasting legacy

/ Relationships /

23 At The Well

28 You and Your Family: Which scoundrel is beside you?

/ Worship /

31 Experiencing the Word through worship

/ People /

33 Studying the Word changed my life

In the August 2023 issue (print edition)

There was an error in the article "Hospitality as justice: Addressing homelessness in Singapore" regarding how the Safe Sound Sleeping Place (S3P) initiative was launched. The correct sentence should have been: The Ministry of Social and Family Development, with the support of Hope Initiative Alliance, an interreligious group of social service organisations, civil groups, and corporations, and numerous other organizations, launched the Safe Sound Sleeping Place (S3P) initiative amidst the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Loving God's Word

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Psalm 119:97 (NIV)

The Psalmist's love for God's written Word was shared by Methodism's founder, John Wesley, who wrote, "Let me be homo unius libri " (Aquinas' Latin phrase for "a person of one book"). Wesley was referring to the Bible, the written Word of God. This does not mean that Wesley read only one book —he was one of the most widely read persons of his day. But Wesley made the study and application of the Bible his priority in life. Like the Psalmist, Wesley loved God's written Word.

The Psalmist's love for God's teaching shines through his repeated expressions of his love. (Read, and be inspired by, Psalm 119 verses 97, 159, 163, 165, 167, 174 et al. ).

Most of us find it hard to think of "Law" as something to love (with apologies, and respect, to our lawyers, judges, and Law students)! In this regard, we should note that the English translation "law" of the Hebrew word torah is slightly misleading. The same Hebrew word is used frequently in the book of Proverbs for the teaching, advice or instruction given by parents to their children

(Proverbs 1:8; 3:1; 4:2 et al. ). This is why, for example, the Common English Bible (CEB) and several others 1 prefer to render the Hebrew text Torah as God's Teaching or Instruction , rather than God's Law.

1 See, e.g., the New Living Translation (NLT), Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), The New Jewish Publication Society Translation (NJPST).

I love your Instruction!

I think about it constantly.

Psalm 119:97 CEB

May we, like Wesley and the Psalmist, find joy and wisdom in loving God's Word!

O give me that Book!

At any price, give me the Book of God. I have it; here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri!

John Wesley

(Preface to Sermons on Several Occasions, paragraph 5)

MMS Student Sponsorship Scheme: Rates raised from Aug 2023

The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) is a programme that shares the love of Christ in a real and practical way by helping to break the vicious cycle of poverty. SSS has two donor schemes, for residential and nonresidential students. For residential students, SSS provides residential care to orphans or those from broken homes, including shelter, food, clothing and access to education. For non-residential students, SSS contributes towards the costs of tuition, books, uniforms, school meals and transportation.

Whether directly or indirectly, people around the world have been affected by Covid-19. While the disease appears to be under control, the economic impact persists. Families living below the poverty line have been hardest hit with business closures, loss of jobs, inflation and the death of breadwinners.

Poverty continues to be the primary reason for children not enrolling in, or not finishing, school. Even if schools are "free", the costs of uniforms, supplies and transport are beyond the means of poor families. Dropping out of school virtually guarantees perpetuation of the poverty cycle since the income-earning potential of the child is reduced. SSS seeks to help these children.

MMS has raised the monthly sponsorship rates with effect from 1 Aug 2023. The last increase in monthly contribution rates occurred eight years ago in 2015, 15 years after the scheme began in 2000. Unfortunately, living costs have continued to rise and a second increase was required in order to continue providing adequate care and access to education. For non-residential students, the contribution level has increased from $45 to $60, and for residential students, from $110 to $145.

Rev Teresa Wilborn is a Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Consultant. She is a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of MMS

Students in Cambodia supported by MMS' Student Sponsorship Scheme

MMS Student Sponsorship Scheme: Rates raised from Aug 2023

For sponsors who have already made advance payments beyond August, the increase will take effect only upon the renewal date of their sponsorship. For those sponsors who contribute on a monthly basis, the increase took effect on 1 Aug 2023. MMS will be sending letters to all donors to explain the need for the raise and to confirm their continued desire to provide sponsorship.

that funds are used according to established guidelines to benefit the greatest number of needy students. For local schools and short-term hostels, the MMS Country Directors and leadership teams will oversee the SSS disbursements. Donors who currently sponsor a specific student may continue to do so.

Over the past 15 years, SSS has provided educational opportunities to more than 2,000 children and youths from the poorest families in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and TimorLeste. Without the generous support of donors within the Methodist community in Singapore, it would have been nearly impossible for these boys and girls to attend school. By God’s grace and with donors' continued support, SSS will continue to provide hope for generations to come.

If you have any questions about SSS or the increases in sponsorship rates, please contact Helen Tan at

How has SSS changed lives?

that has given my son the chance to study in a good school. I never thought that we would be so blessed in this manner. After receiving the education subsidy, I wanted to know more about God and started attending Shineforth Methodist Church (a church planted by MMS). On my first visit, I felt so good because everyone was friendly and talked to me. Whenever I feel worried or unhappy, God helps me to release these negative feelings. I feel close to God, and my uneasy feelings fade away. All these things happened when I went to church! Whenever Ps Seeda sees me, she asks if I am well and if I am ready to receive Jesus into my life. Recently, I told her that I am starting to believe and have been praying. I am hopeful that God will continue to bless my son and me as we receive Jesus into our lives. I pray that God will lead my husband to return to us one day, so we can experience family warmth together again. Please pray for us.

Hello, I am Felix.

I came to the Sundermeier Home (an MMS-run hostel) in Gleno, Timor-Leste when I was 22. I started high school late because my father passed away when I was a teenager, and I needed to help my mother by working and looking after my younger siblings. After graduating from high school, I wanted to become a pastor. I moved to the Dunamis House in Dili (another MMS-run hostel) and completed two years of Bible school. I am now attending online courses with Arrows College in Perth, and will return to Sundermeier Home next year to serve as chaplain. My dream is to minister to youths and be a blessing to the community that has cared for me. Thanks to SSS and mentoring by MMS missionaries, I can achieve my dream!

Ms Wali Luor with her son Ton Taan

Felix teaching a class of younger children

New video series created to guide Christian educators in Methodist schools

Amulti-part video series tentatively titled Christian Perspectives on Education has been produced by the Council on Education under The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). The aim is to provide Christian perspectives on the work and mission of Methodist schools. The topics will address issues that Methodist school principals, teachers and staff will face, in particular, how being a Christian educator in Methodist schools affects what they do.

Why was this series created?

The Methodist schools have an important part to play in the MCS' mission and vision. The teachers and staff already receive much training from the Ministry of Education based on secular themes. However, in recent times, educators have been challenged by various societal movements at odds with the Christian faith.

According to Ms Kwok Wan Yee, Education Secretary of the Council on Education, the series was produced at the suggestion of the Methodist school principals as a primer on Christian perspectives on education and a tool for group discussion. "It is important to keep the Christian perspectives in our schools and live up to our educational mission. The MCS mission is to nurture each new generation of students, raising them to be men and women of godly character

and integrity, equipped to make responsible contributions to society. This series hopes to provide pointers for reflection and affirmation for our staff as they carry out their mission in the field of education," Ms Kwok said.

Addressing core issues

The first three episodes produced will cover:

Christian Ethics and the Mission of the School

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh, faculty member of Trinity Theological College and pastor with the Chinese Annual Conference, shares how schools, being communities of mutual learning and benefit, are important to the moral formation of the students.

Revisiting Your Calling: Heart, Hope and Humility

Prof Tan Oon Seng, formerly the Director and Dean of Teacher Education at the National Institute of Education (NIE), and now Director of the Centre for Research in Child Development, talks about three kinds of teachers: teachers that need forgiveness, "colourless" teachers and "imperishable" teachers. He draws parallels between teaching and nursing, and discusses how genuinely caring and inspiring teachers can leave a lasting legacy through generations of learners.

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. She is an alumnus of Methodist Girls' School and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. / Photos courtesy of Council on Education

(from left to right) Prof Tan Oon Seng, Rev Dr Nathanael Goh and Dr Shirleen Chee

Being a Christian Witness in School

A panel comprising Dr Shirleen Chee, Principal of Anglo-Chinese Junior College; Dr Phillip Towndrow, former Programme Director of the Teacher Professionalism and Learning Research Programme at the Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice, NIE; and Mr Wee Tat Chuen, Principal of Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary), discuss the importance of consistency, authenticity and the need for grace and support to be a Christian witness in schools. Remembering who we are, that we are all imperfect; having a community to encourage, uphold and journey with; and accepting that we have to keep learning, are all key to being an effective witness.

More videos are being planned.

Making the videos: Behind-the-scenes

A small group of Methodist school principals were involved in discussions on the format of the videos and topics to

be covered. The speakers featured in the videos are all leaders in their own speciality areas and chosen because they strongly believe that education is the beginning of a lifelong journey towards personal and social holiness.

Dr Towndrow is the author of Walking with God as a Christian Parent and Walking with God as a Christian Educator . Prof Tan, a leader in teacher training, was himself mentored by the late Dr Ruth Wong, a pioneer educator who transformed teacher training in Singapore and is a Singapore Women's Hall of Fame inductee.

"It is an ongoing effort to ensure the Christian character of our schools, and that the vision and mission of the Church is fulfilled. We thank God for the many who heeded his call to be teachers, and by God’s grace, they have impacted generations. We thank God also for the many partners in this ministry, including parents, alumni, church members and volunteers who give of their time and talent," Ms Kwok said.

Christian Perspectives on Education

By means of grace

We are all familiar with this Bible verse, or should be, for it is one of the seminal verses undergirding the Christian Church: " And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42)."

The verse presents, very simply, what has become known as the "three means of grace" for a Christian's journey: Scripture study, Christian fellowship and spiritual disciplines (prayer).

These three means of grace were central in the lives of the early Methodists. John Wesley defined the united societies as "a company of men [women] having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their own salvation" (Works, VIII: 269). Early Methodists gathered in societies, sometimes daily, for earlymorning Scripture study and preaching that provided a steady diet of the Word, and shaped their thoughts and actions throughout the day. They also gathered in classes and bands, to "speak freely and plainly the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in thoughts, word and deed, and the temptations we have felt since our last meeting".

The Disciple Agency (DA) was formally established in August 1998 as an agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Our mission is to build the body of Christ through the means of grace, by promoting and developing the DISCIPLE Bible Study materials and other related programmes.

Our Study Programmes: DISCIPLE and Companions in Christ

The DISCIPLE Bible Study has Wesleyan roots. The study encourages Christians to delve into different books of the Bible, learning together in small groups for support and accountability. DA's second programme, Companions in Christ (CIC), is a spiritual formation programme with a focus on Christian disciplines and tradition. Both DISCIPLE and CIC seek to help Christians to grow as disciples of Christ in community. DA's vision is that every Methodist who goes through DISCIPLE and CIC will be rooted in the Word of God, form deep spiritual bonds with friends in the church and discover their vocation and cultivate spiritual habits to support their growth, so as to be transformed by Christ and live as authentic disciples for Christ in the world. Today, we give thanks to God that many thousands of DISCIPLE and CIC graduates are actively serving in their local churches.

Join our DISCIPLE and CIC programmes and be inspired! To find out more go to https://disciple.methodist.org.sg/

Rev Lisa Yu is the Director of Disciple Agency. She is also Associate Pastor attached to Sengkang Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Disciple Agency

DISCIPLE Trainers Gathering June 2023

How Disciple Agency is helping Christians live out Acts 2:42

Here are some of the testimonies of participants in our courses: Praise from DISCIPLE participants

"借着红本《门徒》我能够有系统地纵览圣经 一遍……人性的问题让我正视人类的软弱和 不足，使我谦卑顺服圣灵的引导来胜过

每一天，做个得胜的门徒。"

魏忠灵

卫理公会宏茂桥堂

"As a growing Christian, I always had a burning desire to read the entire Bible in a year. I have also learnt to value other classmates' views and experience during the study."

Kohila Govindaraju

Ang Mo Kio Tamil Methodist Church

"DISCIPLE places me in a faith community that is committed to our walk with Christ, provoking one another towards love and good works ... DISCIPLE prepares my heart to serve God with the right attitude and motive."

Candice Chia

Paya Lebar Methodist Church

"红本《门徒》的第18课的标题使彻底的门徒， 在那周耶稣的教导和呼召颠覆了我的优先秩序！ 《门徒》调整了我的服事观……服事中活出主门徒 的生命……慢慢从一位以工作效率为重， 变成以人为本，以上帝为中心的门徒。"

杜百合 卫理公会盛港礼拜堂

"The DISCIPLE Journey has been one that is enriching and transformational ... from outward compliance to inner joyful obedience."

Hau Yin Siau Covenant Community Methodist Church

"DISCIPLE sessions are like guided tours through the Bible and the history of God's people. DISCIPLE enabled me to encounter God's Word daily and has helped me adjust and set my inner compass with God's Word."

Anthony Wong

Wesley Methodist Church

Praise from Companions in Christ participants

"《基督里的良伴》使我的属灵视野更加开 阔，属灵操练更加深入。我深深地明白上帝 才是我最亲密的良伴……这段生命的旅程， 同伴们互相扶持，共同建立基督的心思。''

杨旭 卫理公会盛港礼拜堂

"CIC allows me to slow down to savour God's Word and its accompanying application for a particular stage in my spiritual journey … Really thankful I was introduced to this spiritual formation group where I learnt to develop heart knowledge in addition to head knowledge."

Laura Lee

Covenant Community Methodist Church

Disciple

AGENCY'S PROGRAMMES AND NEW INITIATIVES

DISCIPLE I:

BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY  is the Foundational Overview. This first DISCIPLE Bible study serves as the basis for all other studies in the DISCIPLE family that follow. Over the course of 34 weeks, DISCIPLE covers the entire Bible (Old and New Testaments), following the biblical story from Creation to New Jerusalem.

DISCIPLE II:

INTO THE WORD INTO THE WORLD  is a 32-week study which offers a deeper examination of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts, emphasizing the rhythm of coming to God and going for God... approaching all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.

DISCIPLE III:

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE  is a 32-week study which examines the connection between memory and identity as the people of God in the Old Testament Prophets and the Letters of Paul. Participants will find common themes, including calls to remember, calls to repent, calls for renewal, and calls for community.

DISCIPLE IV:

UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE  conveys the promise of finding shelter, security, and rest in God's love. In this 32-week study of the Old Testament Writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, Jude and finally, Revelation, participants will see the entire process of living towards final completion of rest and reward.

Companions in Christ

The Companions in Christ (CIC) series offers a powerfully transforming small-group experience that builds spiritual practices within congregations, helping participants be more fully open to God and to one another.

CIC is a 28-week journey, involving regular Scripture reading. Each session begins with a reading followed by five daily exercises that help illuminate the theme and prepare for the small group meeting. The exercises may involve some combination of Scripture reading, spiritual practice, reflection questions and journaling. Throughout the week participants commit to about 30 minutes each day.

Going digital

In 2022, DA set up a Digitalisation and New Programmes Fund to support projects on the creative use of technology, to develop new programmes or enhance our existing ones. We are in the process of converting our materials to e-books and building an online repository for our facilitators. We plan to soft launch our new webpage in early 2024.

New programmes

All programmes promoted by DA are specially curated to ensure the content are of sound doctrine and good pedagogy. We translate the material whenever possible so as to serve both the Chinese and English congregations under The Methodist Church in Singapore and the churches in the region. In the pipeline are:

• Christian Believers

This study focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith—presenting,

explaining, and interpreting them in a way that participants can understand, using words, symbols, and hymns. Over a 30week period, participants will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.

• Exploring the Way

A 6-week orientation to spirituality and the essential elements of faith. You will learn basic concepts and language of the Christian spiritual life to understand and deepen your experience of God. This will prepare you well for Companions in Christ.

• The Ways Series

These 8- to 12-week programmes are for graduates of CIC who wish to deepen different aspects of spiritual life. They provide the biblical, theological and practical framework for deeper reflections and spiritual practice.

(top) DISCIPLE I Chinese Facilitators’ Training in Feb 2023

(bottom) DISCIPLE I English Facilitators’ Training in Feb 2023

Experienced educators at Methodist Preschools share tips on teaching Bible stories and Biblebased values to preschoolers. If you are a parent or caregiver to preschool-aged children, you can adapt some of these useful tips at home to nurture your preschooler during their formative years.

 Keep it simple and relatable

Preschoolers have a limited attention span, so it is essential to keep the storytelling simple. Use age-appropriate language, keeping sentences short and easy to understand.

When teaching values to preschoolers, use simple language and relatable examples. Break down complex biblical principles into child-friendly concepts, such as "sharing is caring". To help them grasp the teachings, share practical ways of what they can say or do in school and at home to apply the teachings in their daily lives.

 Make it interactive

Engage them in interactive storytelling by asking questions. Use vivid visuals, such as colourful pictures, videos, puppets or simple props to capture their imagination and bring stories to life. Utilise animated facial expressions with varying tones of voice to convey emotions and create an exciting storytelling environment. They make the stories or values taught more memorable.

 Incorporate actions and music

Music is a powerful tool to reinforce teaching and aid memory retention. Singing catchy action Bible songs makes the learning experience joyful and engages children in body, soul and spirit. The repetitive nature of songs helps embed messages and key learning points in their minds. Singing of action Bible songs during daily devotions and celebrations like Easter and Christmas is an integral part of Methodist Preschool’s curriculum.

 Employ crafts and activities

Incorporating simple hands-on activities, crafts and drawings gives children room to express and cement their understanding of the stories told or values taught; for example, crafting Noah's Ark using paper plates and creating David and Goliath puppets. Hands-on activities help reinforce stories and provide a tangible connection to lessons. Playing simple games is also an effective means to drive home the message as children learn best when they are having fun!

action bible songs engages children and reinforces learning (middle) Accomplishment badges for Methodist Preschoolers' BB Explorers vest are awarded as a positive motivator (right) Craftwork as an engaging way to teach values from God's Word

Chan Yuey Sum is the Manager (Marketing & Promotion) at Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL). / Photos courtesy of MPSPL

(left) Singing catchy

 Connect stories to everyday life

Help preschoolers see the relevance of Bible stories in their own lives. Discuss how the values taught in the stories can guide their actions and interactions with others. Explain the "why" behind each principle. For example, when teaching about honesty, discuss why being truthful builds trust and strengthens relationships. Providing context helps them connect the values to meaningful outcomes.

 Memorise Bible verses

Choose age-appropriate Bible verses that highlight the values you want to teach, and encourage the children to memorise them. This can help reinforce the values and provide them with a spiritual foundation.

Methodist Preschool educators have found that regular recitation of the centre's selected memory verse(s) for the term during the school's daily devotion is an effective way of enhancing their retention of Bible verses over time. However, it is essential to balance repetition with varied and engaging learning activities. Incorporating interactive activities and hands-on experiences alongside repetition can enhance the learning process and make it more enjoyable.

 Celebrate progress

Acknowledge and celebrate when children demonstrate the values they have learnt. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue practising good behaviour. Giving children verbal affirmation and sometimes simple tokens like attractive stickers is a common practice of positive reinforcement.

THE BB EXPLORERS PROGRAMME

Developed by The Boys' Brigade and Girls' Brigade Singapore, the Programme is an integral part of Methodist Preschool's curriculum for teaching the Bible and Bible-based values. The BB Explorers Programme delivers lessons on character values based on biblical principles and practical life-skills through videos, stories, hands-on activities and fun games. Children attending the BB Explorers Programme are also encouraged to demonstrate Biblebased values and lessons taught as they attain badges in various categories as symbols of their accomplishments.

Reading, meditating, hearing and doing

Christians from across the different ecclesiastical traditions—Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant—believe that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16-17). The Church has always held the Bible to be the Word of God through which God and his purposes for the world are revealed.

The different traditions of the Church have produced excellent statements about the nature and authority of Scripture. For example, Article VI of the Thirty-Nine Articles—the doctrinal standard of the Anglican Church—has this to say about the sufficiency of Holy Scripture for salvation:

Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation. 1

Following the Anglican tradition by which he was formed as a Christian, John Wesley also had a high and robust view of Scripture. In the Preface to the New Testament , Wesley famously declares that "The Scripture … of the Old and New Testament, is a most solid and precious system of Divine truth." The entire canon of the Bible, he insists, "is the fountain of heavenly wisdom". 2

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.

Wesley was concerned about helping Christians—particularly members of his society—to drink deeply from this well of "heavenly wisdom". In various sermons, letters and other writings, Wesley offers useful instruction on what may be aptly described as a Wesleyan lectio divina

In order to benefit from the theological and spiritual treasure contained in the pages of Holy Scripture, one must read it. For Wesley, devotional reading of Scripture is a means of grace—"the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men, preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace". 3

However, reading Scripture alone is not enough. One must also meditate on it. According to Wesley, it is through meditation that the Christian begins to acquire a "thorough knowledge" of Scripture and discover its "sacred" and "literal" meaning. 4 To meditate on Scripture is simply to dwell on the theological and spiritual truths it contains and allow them to nourish and revitalise the soul.

Wesley is quick to remind Christians that it is only through the agency of the Holy Spirit that our reading and meditation of the Bible becomes spiritually fruitful.

In his sermon The Means of Grace, Wesley points out that there is "no inherent power … in the letter of Scripture read, the sound thereof heard …" "[A]ll outward means whatever," he explains, "if separate from the Spirit of God, cannot profit at all, cannot conduce, in any degree … to the knowledge or love of God …" For "it is God alone who is the Giver of every good gift, the Author of all grace; that the whole power is of him, whereby, through any of these, there is any blessing conveyed to our soul." 5

It is thus imperative that the Christian humbly requests the Spirit's presence and assistance as he reads and meditates on Scripture.

Next, the Christian who reads the words of the Bible and meditates on them must be prepared to hear what they have to say.

Like the Magisterial Reformers before him, Wesley very much regards the ear as the main theological or spiritual organ by which divine truth is received.

When we read and meditate on Scripture, God "speaks" to us in profound ways. This divine speech subjectively received—Wesley is careful to stress—does not contradict the objective teachings of the Bible as understood by the Church, but brings those teachings home in a direct and personal way.

And, having "heard" the divine utterance the Christian must obey—he must "do the Scripture", he must "do the word". Here, Wesley underscores what James had emphasised when he wrote: "be doers of the word, and not hearers only …" (James 1:22). The Christian must never be a "hearer who forgets but a doer who acts …" (James 1:25).

It would be quite wrong to think that Wesley is promoting a form of religious legalism. What he wants to underscore is that our study and meditation of Scripture— if done prayerfully—must result in a radical transformation in our attitudes and behaviour.

While intellectual assent is doubtless important, the Christian's engagement with Scripture demands much more. It requires the Christian to allow the Spirit-inspired Scripture to shape and transform him into the very image and likeness of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Cor 3:18).

For in Scripture, we do not merely find the ideas and ideals of a distant and ancient civilisation. In Scripture, we do not only meet with the thoughts and words of man.

In Scripture, we are summoned and addressed by God himself!

1 Anglicans Online, "Articles of Religion", http:// anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.html.

2 John Wesley, "Preface to the New Testament", http://bible.christiansunite.com/wes/wes0B.shtml.

3 John Wesley, "The Means of Grace", II.1.

4 John Wesley, "The Means of Grace", II.3.

5 Ibid.

All (Sea) Creatures Of Our God And King

Playing hide and seek with God

Consider the following creature of the sea: it has neither heart nor brain, its body has a higher percentage of water than Coca-Cola and it reproduces by ejecting offspring into the unknown. If someone could create such a creature, we would be in awe at this inventor's ingenuity.

As an aquaculture undergrad, I am constantly in awe of the greatest Creator and Designer—God himself. I find myself worshipping God through the study of the complex sea creatures he has designed. From the fascinating features

of the animals and how they interact with their environments, right down to the physical chemistry which helps them function the way they do, I find myself in awe of the Creator.

But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know

Aidan Kwok serves in the Children's Ministry at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. He is currently pursuing postgraduate research at James Cook University Singapore.

/ Photo courtesy of Aidan Kwok

that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.

Job 12:7-10

Indeed, animals teach me much about God. Let me share some awe-inspiring details about the creature of the sea I mentioned above: the jellyfish.

The adult jellyfish we are familiar with are known as medusae. They spawn eggs and sperm, and the fertilised eggs will sink to the seabed. There they grow into polyps. What does a polyp look like? Imagine a column of stacked discs on a stump. These polyps are another form of the same jellyfish, and they can also reproduce by splitting themselves into two identical organisms (this is a form of cloning called budding). When the discs are mature, the polyp will "shoot" them off into the water! These discs are the jellyfish we are so familiar with. Since jellyfish are 95% water, they quickly grow large through absorption. When they are ready, the cycle continues. I am just amazed at the design of the jellyfish, and even more amazed at the Designer.

Another intriguing animal I have studied is the Portuguese man o' war. Named after a warship, the Portuguese man o' war looks like a ship's sail, floating on the ocean surface being pushed by wind and ocean currents. While often mistaken for a jellyfish, it is actually a colony of different animals (zooids) that cling to each other and work together to live. There are often four to seven different zooids that each have a different function: one to float, some to feed, some to hunt, and others to protect. Not much is known about how they reproduce or group together yet, but without each other, the zooids would not survive.

How can such seemingly fragile creatures have such a complex and interesting way to live and reproduce after their own kind? Studying this complexity and intricacy leads me to marvel at how amazing the CreatorGod of the universe is. These two animals are just examples of the many wonders that God has made, and these reflect his creativity, power and goodness. Scripture says in Psalm 19:1-4:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

The majesty of creation is evidence of an even more majestic Creator-God. Even though creation doesn't speak audibly in words, yet it makes God's glory known to all. What is my response to this? It is to worship the One who created it all. Hear how the psalmist praised the Lord in Psalm 148:1-5:

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens;     praise him in the heights!

Praise him, all his angels;     praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon,     praise him, all you shining stars!

Praise him, you highest heavens,     and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord!     For he commanded and they were created.

As I carry on studying God's creation, I pray it continues to lead me to worship the One who made it all. When he created the world and everything in it, he commanded man to name the animals, and through that process mankind would discover the wonderful and different creatures. Even though we are no longer in the perfect Garden of Eden, there is still so much of creation to explore and discover. In Proverbs 25:2 (NLT), King Solomon wrote:

It is God's privilege to conceal things and the king's privilege to discover them.

It is indeed our privilege to play "hide and seek" with God. He has hidden marvellous secrets in his creation for us to discover.

When we handle a complex device, we marvel at its intricacy and are impressed by the genius of its inventor. How much more then, when we study the complex design details of the nature, should it lead us to deeper worship of the ultimate Inventor.

Eternal Peace

Bible alive

Iloved reading to my boys when they were younger. Their favourite bedtime ritual always included a Bible story. Their eyes would widen in wonder as they heard how David overcame Goliath with a sling, or when God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites. Reading and bringing the Bible to life for them were precious moments for me as a mum and brought me much joy.

What about making the Bible come to life for those who are illiterate? What about those who did not have the privilege of going to school? How would they be able to be amazed at the wonders and miracles of God?

This has been one of our biggest challenges at Mittaphab Methodist Church. Most of our members are illiterate. They work mainly in the construction industry, working long hours and living in rented one-room spaces. Although many have an audio Bible app, most of them do not bother to use it. "Too tired" or "I don't understand it" are the most common reasons given.

Desiring our church members to experience the same kind of wonder our little boys had when reading the Bible, we embarked on a "Journey through the Bible" this year.

Everyone was encouraged to come at 9.30 a.m. every Sunday to study the book of Exodus. Come and see the Bible come alive, we told them. We prepared slides and pictures to share stories from the Bible.

The turnout was initially discouraging, with fewer than 10 trailing in at 9.40 a.m. But we persevered. Each time we visited a family, we would remind them to come earlier on Sunday. We also urged those who came to spread the word and bring their cell group members. Our perseverance paid off.

After half a year, we have a roomful of 30 to 40 people every Sunday at 9.30 a.m. We have fun making up actions together to commit verses to memory. Repetition is key, and illustrations help bring the Bible to life. We play games such as "Who's who in the Bible?" Happiness is when they can easily differentiate Moses from Abraham!

We pray that as we journey together through the Bible, our church members will truly fall in love with the Word and hunger for it.

Angela Sng is a Methodist Missions Society (MMS) missionary to Thailand. She is from Toa Payoh Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Angela Sng

(left) Doing actions while Rev John Thirawat Preedakasemrung (Angela’s husband) recites the Bible verse

(right) Making up actions for a memory verse

ACS (International)

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

Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides

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

• 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage

• Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8 7 : 1

• 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups

• Over 200 formal student leadership positions

• Scholarships for four Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP

Achievements include

• Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP

• 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years

• Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years

• Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore

• PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities

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

• Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu.

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

A timeless purpose, her lasting legacy

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Over two decades ago, Winnie Tan's mentors shared this Bible verse with her when she first embarked on her journey as a teaching assistant at Charis Student Care Centre, now known as MWS Christalite Student Care Centre. Little did she know that this verse would become the beacon for her 23-year journey. Having just graduated from secondary school then, Winnie chose not to further her studies but work as a student care teacher as she felt that her young age would give her an advantage in connecting with children.

The years flew by quickly, filled with both joy and challenges. Winnie recalls the early days when the Centre transitioned from paper to digital, a struggle for her as the youngest teacher with limited technology skills.

"I scrimped and saved and eventually bought a laptop to self-learn so that I could improve the workflow at the Centre."

This attitude of excellence continues to drive her every day.

New challenges and renewing mercies

As the world evolved, so did the challenges of being a teacher. Easy access to the internet and social media posed new obstacles.

"Sometimes the students will say things like, 'I know already! I see before on TikTok' or call me old-fashioned. So, I spend time to catch up and learn what is trending in order to connect with my students and be able to introduce new things in my lessons."

Winnie's role as a student care teacher goes beyond academics; it involves caring for children from disadvantaged backgrounds during their after-school hours. One particular encounter with a student in her earlier years left a lasting impression on her. Despite having limited resources as a young adult then, Winnie went out of her way to make Hari Raya memorable for him by bringing him out (with permission) to buy a brand new set of clothes and a toy. He was elated and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Although Winnie is not sure if the boy remembers her today, to her, loving a child is not about being remembered.

Raising the next generation

"My mentor used to tell us that a child may not remember everything you teach him. He may not even remember you. But if you teach him to remove his shoes before he enters the house when he is young, that is what he will do even when he is old. The values and habits we model for them stay with them, and I want to do that for the next generation to the best of my abilities, while I still can," says Winnie.

Now happily married and a mother of two, Winnie has seen the students from her initial years become parents themselves. MWS recognises and appreciates dedicated teachers like Winnie, who serve the Lord by nurturing the next generation with godly values and habits.

Beyond investing in young lives at the Student Care Centre, MWS also works with at-risk youths, families who are experiencing various forms of distress, as well as seniors who are battling chronic illness and isolation. In all of these, MWS' journey with our beneficiaries recognises that our work here on earth is not the perfect solution— Christ is. Translated into our work, it means prioritising people's welfare over our own goals for them and empowering them to be in the driver's seat of their own journey.

Whether it is a couple working to mend their marriage or a senior going through physiotherapy after a stroke, we counsel and support our clients at their own pace and terms. The call to serve those in need is a timeless call and MWS is committed to empower all to live life to the full, entrusting the process to God.

This Teacher's Day, we celebrate and honour all teachers who have given their lives to guiding the next generation as they shape their own future. Winnie's commitment to imparting wisdom and love to her students serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that the impact of a teacher's influence can last a lifetime.

Winnie (third from left) and current teachers

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars. Benny has helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more than 16 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

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

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

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

Dating & Marriage

How can I honour my mother who is trying to end my relationship with my fiancé?

My partner and I are in our mid-20s. We have been together for five years and are certain of our commitment to marry. My mom has made the wedding planning process a nightmare and eventually got us to cancel the wedding. Our relationship took a huge hit but we are working on it. My mom has overstepped her boundaries and undermined our decisions multiple times, even going to extreme ways like physically hurting herself. How do I draw the boundaries with my nonChristian mom and go ahead with our decision to get married?  Ms A

Benny says

Dear Ms A,

I can hear your anguish as you try to honour your mother while living your own life as an adult. I suspect that your mother’s unwillingness to let you go is not new. Were there many battles around establishing your independence and identity during your growing up years? Am I right in assuming that your mother is more against you marrying than just marrying this particular person?

If I am correct, then you need to decide if this issue of marriage is going to be a "deal-breaker", i.e. is this the one issue that you will finally choose not to compromise on? In my opinion, it is an extremely important issue. If you do decide on this, then you need to communicate your wish

as clearly as you can to your mother. Be open to listen and hear her opposition, if you have not already done so. And if her views do not outweigh the reasonableness of your choice, do consider remaining firm. You may do this in the presence of other supportive adults as your mother might fly into some hysterics. It is possible she may ask you to leave the home.

Even with this action on your part, there may be other attempts by your mother in the future to pull you into her "sphere of control". Although I do empathise with her as she might feel like she is losing you, such an attempt to redraw your boundaries may bring your relationship into a new place—a place where there can be stability in connection without the need to control the other.

Finally, do consider engaging the help of a family therapist to facilitate a family discussion. Even if your mother does not attend the counselling sessions, it would help you clarify any concerns you have and also help your partner and you start your new life together on firmer footing.

Dating & Marriage Thinking of divorcing my abusive husband

My husband’s retrenchment six years ago and joblessness for the past three years have worsened his anger management issues. We attended marriage counselling for four years but the verbal abuse continued and there were two instances of physical abuse. Our young children are exposed to his violent nature and I can’t protect them. Is there room for divorce? Or will I be judged by God? I am trapped trying to protect his "gentle and kind" image in church, but the mental anxiety of living with him, inability to protect my children and the financial burden of being the sole breadwinner is taking its toll on me.

 grieving soul

Benny says Dear grieving soul,

We are reminded many times that God hates divorce. But God also says he hates a man who is violent to his wife (Malachi 2:16). There are two parts to a relationship. Just as we are reminded that wives should obey their husbands, husbands at the same time should love their spouses. I would say that if husbands love their wives just as they love themselves, these same wives would not have a problem with obeying them.

It sounds like your husband has lost his moral authority to lead the family. He has failed to provide for, care for and protect you and the children. The law in Singapore is unambiguous of the right of anyone in a family to live free from harm, danger and intimidation. You have a right to be respected and to protect your children and yourself. The law will be firm and fair with him and may even provide him with counselling to help him change his aggressive behaviour. Not acting will only see him continuing his negative ways and estrange himself from the family and God.

Speak with a social worker or a counsellor who can help you stay safe even as you extricate yourself from this oppressive relationship. This is because some abusers may increase their violent action when they feel that they are losing control over others. Should you be in immediate danger, call the police (999) or go to your nearest neighbourhood police station. Alternatively, you may call the 24-hr National AntiViolence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) at 1800-777-0000.

Family

My mother's family tries to control my father and me

My mother's family is very controlling. When she died, they even exerted influence and control over my father's finances. After many years of therapy and counselling, I managed to cut ties completely with my mother's family for the sake of my sanity as they were making unreasonable demands. How do I reconcile my forgiveness and not feel guilty about not maintaining any contact with my mum’s family?  Manndy

dismiss the hurt. It means recognising the wrong that is done and acknowledging the feelings of hurt. We can then make a choice to release the offences and persons whom have hurt us to God, and ask God to give us the divine ability and grace to do so. Although this takes time, it is important that we move forward without resentment, bitterness or hatred in our hearts. Ask God to provide healing and peace.

Every person has a boundary line to be respected, one that defines where you end and where others begin. You are responsible for your feelings, thoughts, preferences and the choices you make. While others can make unreasonable demands, their ability to control you or "make you do their bidding" stops at this boundary line. This means asserting yourself in conversations with them, refusing to allow them to have their way, reducing contact times and making them brief as you safeguard your emotional wellbeing. Family ties are perpetual and cannot be broken, so you do not need to feel guilty.

Family Gentle parenting and corporal punishment

Ai Jin says Dear Manndy,

Consider Colossians 3:13 (NIV) which says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Perhaps if you know what forgiveness could actually mean, it is possible for you to "bear with" your mother's family.

Forgiveness does not mean we excuse others of their wrong behaviour or simply

I'm a mother of a 2-year-old and have been reading about parenting and discipline as my child goes through the "terrible twos". There has been growing popularity in positive or gentle discipline, where parents are advised not to carry out corporal (or physical) punishment. Some even advise not to say "no" to bad behaviour (such as hitting) but instead, ignore the bad behaviour or re-direct a child's attention. Some also advise against telling our child to share their toys, fearing that it will result in a person who is unable to say "no" to others. What are your views on gentle parenting and corporal punishment? Can you advise on tried and tested ways to discipline a child in the way he should go?  Confused

Ai Jin says Dear Confused,

If "gentle parenting" is a parenting style, most parenting literature advocate an authoritative parenting style. In the authoritative style, a parent is firm and effective in the use of discipline methods (being in control/stays in charge) and at the same time loving and supportive (relational). In contrast, parents are to avoid being authoritarian (demanding and punitive), permissive (let the child do as he/she pleases and "ignore bad behaviour") or neglectful (give little attention or guidance and lack involvement with the child).

If "corporal punishment" implies a harsh kind of discipline method, let’s first consider what discipline encompasses. The root word "disciple" means learner. Discipline at a basic level involves instruction and teaching first. Training comes next, which helps the child develop habits and proficiency in his instruction over time. In sequence, discipline then involves correction and consequences. When dealing with defiance, disobedience and out-of-control behaviour, discipline may require "the rod" of correction to impart wisdom (Proverbs 29:15). And this is to be used reservedly and certainly not out of anger.

Which discipline method to use depends on age and context. Redirecting or distraction is a helpful method for children under three years of age because they are not capable of regulating their own emotions. The use of a reflection chair for a 6-year-old, or a time-out corner for a 4- or 2-year-old to cool down (4 minutes and 2 minutes respectively) is appropriate.

Not all tantrums (or misbehaviours) actually require discipline but rather, an understanding of the child’s difficulties. To manage a temper tantrum of a 2-year-old is to first discern if it is borne out of a need or is a control tantrum. If a child is hungry

or tired, respond to these needs with food or sleep. If a child simply wants her way, sometimes not giving the attention, works.

Family Estranged daughter refuses my efforts to reach out

I have an estranged daughter based in Australia. No matter how I try to reach her, she refuses to reply in spite of my apologies for having said hurtful words to her while growing up. How should I untie the knot?  Perplexed

Li Ping says Dear Perplexed,

Your daughter’s refusal to reply could be due to a few reasons. She may still be hurting and unwilling to forgive. Apologies—while important on your part to demonstrate taking responsibility—do not automatically lead to healing. She may also not trust that you have changed. Finally, she may have moved on from the relationship and be unwilling to risk being hurt again.

May I suggest the following? Firstly, keep praying for the Lord to bring healing and reconciliation. He hears your pain and is the only one who can change hearts.

Secondly, give your daughter time and space. Forgiveness is given, not demanded. Communicate your remorse for the wrong you have done, empathy for the hurt you have caused, but also your willingness to wait for her to reconnect when she is ready. Reduce the frequency of your communication with her. When you do contact her, convey words of affirmation and blessing without demanding a response.

Finally, reflect on whether there were other actions, beyond your words, that might have hurt your daughter, and what personal work you might need to engage in, perhaps with a counsellor, to be in a better place to forge a healthy relationship with your daughter should she be willing to reconnect.

At The Workplace

Should I blow the whistle on a colleague who trusts me?

My colleague was unhappy that I reported an error to my bosses. As per protocol, this involved listing the names of all of the personnel involved in the incident. He later confessed to me over text that he had not been reporting such incidents to my bosses due to fear of negative repercussions. I feel that this is not the right thing to do. Should I blow the whistle on this colleague to my supervisor?  Zoe

Li Ping says

Dear Zoe,

I hear the dilemma you feel in balancing your relationship with your colleague on the one hand and doing the ethical thing—abiding by the rules—on the other. The fact that your colleague confessed his hiding of past incidents to you suggests he trusts you. Have you considered asking him to confess to his supervisor himself, or at least be willing to report future errors? You may be able to influence and persuade him to do so.

If he still refuses to do so, then you will need to prayerfully consider whether to blow the whistle on him or not. Some factors to consider: (1) How detrimental will it be to the organisation or others if this colleague continues to hide future errors? (2) Does the organisation treat such reporting of errors fairly, i.e. not be overly harsh and punitive? Your willingness to do so yourself suggests it is not. (3) How important is your relationship with your colleague to you? Are you willing to risk his displeasure and retaliation in order to do what you think is right? Pray for the Lord to grant you discernment, and also the wisdom and courage to do what he leads you to do.

Which scoundrel is beside you?

The biblical account of Jesus hanging on the cross, a cruel instrument of capital punishment the Roman Empire reserved for its worst criminals, tells of two others who were being crucified beside him. One of the criminals cried out to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness. Jesus, even while in agony, assured him of forgiveness and a place in Paradise. The other criminal continued to be disbelieving and scornful up to the end.

I referred to this event in a recent conversation with a client. I asked if she thought her husband was like the criminal who repented or the one who resisted submitting to God. She was then in a difficult place. After having experienced hurt and disappointment after disappointment, she was asked once again to give her husband another chance.

How is anyone caught in such a situation to decide? What should one do when confronted with the dilemma of giving another chance or staying the hand of mercy? Is it even possibly right to withhold mercy when we ourselves have received so much from God? Is the biblical principle of forgiving "seventyseven times" (or in short, endlessly) what we should do regardless of the situation?

Before offering some guidelines for your reflection, let me say that this article does not offer a fool-proof way of making the right decision. I have come to realise that I am a poor discerner of whether someone is telling the truth. As a counsellor, I take the position of believing what I am told. Even when faced with inaccuracies, I seek to clarify if it is a miscommunication or to understand what might have prompted the falsehood.

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars. Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column for more than 16 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

My first guideline is that forgiveness may be extended when someone has asked for it. Has the person who has hurt you recognised their wrong and is asking to be forgiven? Being forgiven for an action that is not acknowledged as wrong is meaningless to the relationship, much less to the offending party.

There are some situations when one can forgive in the absence of an admission of guilt or responsibility by the other party. Examples are when it is hard to establish who is the guilty party or when that person is no longer around to answer for their actions. The hurt party then "forgives" in order to move on and let go of the hurt and the right of redress. When this is done, it is less an act of kindness to the other than being kind to yourself. It is an effort to not allow the pain or anger of what has happened consume you any further.

A second guideline is whether the admission comes with a promise not to repeat the offence again. This should preferably be done without making excuses for one's actions or even blaming the other, for example, "I was drunk and didn't know what I was doing" or "You kept shutting me out and I had nowhere to go, no one to turn to". In the absence of such a pledge, one can still forgive but then needs to be cautious and not put oneself in such a vulnerable position again. Basically, it is taking a position that though I forgive you, I do not trust that you will not hurt me again.

A third guiding principle if one is to remain in a close relationship with the other, besides an admission of responsibility and a promise not to

repeat the offence, is the consideration of whether the person's promise alone is sufficient. In some instances when the offensive behaviour is habitual, such as in gambling or lying, an avowal to change without a plan of how to change is not good enough.

Any good plan to change should include what to avoid (for example, deleting football gaming apps from one's mobile phone) and what to add (such as, taking up a sport as a healthy pursuit). Another helpful feature is to practise greater accountability. This could take the form of removing passwords from one's phone and having someone to whom one can be accountable.

As I mentioned earlier, these steps are not guaranteed signs that there is a change of heart. But they may be a way of seeing if the offending party can be trusted again. If so, perhaps the scoundrel has begun to turn over a new leaf.

Creation Care and the Gospel

A guide for churches tackling sustainability issues

What does being a Christian have to do with saving the earth? What can Christians do to practise both stewardship while tending to their relationship with Christ?

Creation Care and the Gospel seeks to answer these questions in four chapters by examining the origins of Creation Care in the Old Testament and the New Testament and explores how Creation Care can be implemented in our lives as Christians and within the Church. Each chapter ends with questions that would be useful for group discussions or personal reflection.

In the first two chapters, Ps Leow Wen Pin, Associate Pastor at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, takes us through the Bible to explain why Creation Care should be part of every Christian's life. Through his examination of the Bible, he notes a deliberate order in Creation through the emphasis of "separation" of the elements such as "the light from the darkness" and arrangement of the fauna "according to its kind" that remind us of God's creative purpose.

The third chapter is written by co-founder of Creation Care Sg, Dennis Tan. He draws six lessons from creation that Christians can apply in their lives. For example, like the Tembusu tree, we "should be rooted in [b]iblical knowledge" and like "cicadas", we should be "vocal". He calls for Christians to care for creation and speak up against unsustainable behaviours.

Finally, Rev Lam Kuo Yung, Senior Minister at Katong Presbyterian Church, mentions how Creation Care can be incorporated into church life through education and action. This could mean practising sustainable habits such as purchasing second-hand furniture and avoiding single-use items, recognising that

"we most honour God by using his resources wisely".

The book is a firm reminder that Creation Care has always been a core mission of Christians, reaffirmed by the gospel and Apostles' Creed that speaks of God as "maker of heaven and earth".

The relationship between Christians and the earth has always been intertwined, and it is natural that we care for God’s creation as much as we care for each other. As Rev Lam suggests, we should be "[raising] champions" to inspire change and create a sustainable church.

Creation Care and the Gospel serves as a great primer for any Christian keen to understand Creation Care and its intersection with our relationship with God.

Creation Care and the Gospel

By Lam Kuo Yung, Leow Wen Pin and Dennis Tan, edited by Leow Wen Pin

Available from 16 September via Armour Publishing https:// armourpublishing.com/product/armseries-creation-care-and-the-gospel/ Information correct at time of publishing

Tan Yan An is an English student at Nanyang Technological University and worships at Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church. / Cover art courtesy of Armour Publishing Pte Ltd

Experiencing the Word through worship

During the Aldersgate Lectures in May, Rev Prof David Wilkinson gave a lecture titled "Star Wars, Star Trek & Exoplanets" that covered astrophysics, science fiction and how we as Christians fit into the galaxy alongside any possible extraterrestrial neighbours. His talk attracted a huge turnout, both on-site and virtually, and I think that clearly reflects the fascination with other worlds. The genres of science fiction and fantasy are full of endless possibilities, allowing our imaginations to run wild as we picture worlds both like and unlike our own. Despite the fantastical settings, many times these fantastic worlds hold up a mirror to us, encouraging us to look within ourselves at what makes us human.

In a parallel vein, engaging the Word of God presents a similarly thoughtprovoking journey. When we immerse ourselves in the narratives of the Bible, we are invited to perceive ourselves in the intricate tapestry of its stories. Just as science fiction tales offer reflections of our own humanity through inventive lenses, the sacred stories within the Bible provide a profound mirror for selfexamination. Through the experiences of biblical characters and the timeless wisdom woven into these narratives, we encounter echoes of our own struggles, triumphs, doubts and faith.

Numerous platforms allow us to engage the Word, but for many, worship serves as the primary occasion to encounter it. The Word shapes the liturgy and serves as the cornerstone for designing the Order of Worship. Hence, it is vital for all leaders and teams involved to envision the most effective way in which the Word can be experienced.

Engaging lay readers to deliver Scripture readings during worship is a foundational practice that some churches have omitted. It is an area of ministry that churches may want to explore and develop especially if it is not currently in place. I am confident that within the congregation, there are skilled storytellers, adept public speakers and individuals with backgrounds in drama. Our task is to identify and inspire these talents, motivating them to actively participate in enlivening the Word in worship.

The encounter with the Word takes place from the beginning (Gathering) to the conclusion (Sending) of the worship service. This encompasses the prayers, the transitional words, the music and the sermon. When these elements are thoughtfully prepared and thoroughly coordinated to weave a consistent thread, worshippers can depart with a profound and enriching experience.

Kathryn Cheng is an Assistant Programme Executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship and Music Department. She is a member of Foochow Methodist Church.

Walking alongside you with compassion and care ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

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

Romans 8:38–39

HOSANNA BREAVEMENT SERVICES PTD LTD

Studying the Word changed my life

Iaccepted Christ in my teenage years through the Girls' Brigade and have been a Kampong Kapor Methodist Church member since 2019. To me, being a Methodist means being connected to a broader group of churches committed to making disciples of Christ: disciples who, being saved through God's grace, bear testimony through pursuing holiness in all areas of their life. After all, as Wesley wrote, a Methodist is "one who lives according to the method laid down in the Bible".

Embarrassingly enough, it has only been in recent times that I have taken to studying the Bible more seriously. Much of Scripture was, to me, mere stories and standalone verses. That changed following my participation in a DISCIPLE I class last year, where my hunger for the Word grew. Studying the Word in a small group was also helpful for accountability.

As I read the Bible with greater intensity and faithfulness, I noticed changes in my life. For example, I recall God's truths and promises in times of trouble more easily now. I have also grown to recognise that the Word is more than just ideas on pages. The Word is also a Person—Jesus Christ—whom I am still learning to trust and obey daily.

I pray that God will rekindle a deep love for the Word among us. I also pray for more to serve as teachers and preachers of the Word. And if you have not considered reading the Bible habitually and deeply, ask yourself, why not?

Kimberly Chia serves in the Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC). She is also co-facilitating a DISCIPLE I class, and trusts that God will sustain her in this new season of ministry. / Photo courtesy of Kimberly Chia

ETHOS ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023 X GOFORTH: THEOLOGY OF MISSION IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

23 September (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

7 Armenian Street, Bible House, Pavilion of the Nations, S179932 Registration via https://ethosinstitute.sg/ethosconference2023/ Limited seating available. For details, contact info@ethosinstitute.sg

Whether you are a theologian, pastor, church leader, missionary or simply interested in the intersection of theology and missions, this symposium invites you to join a vibrant community of individuals passionate about theology and missions. Together, we will explore the theology of mission, forge connections and inspire one another to take meaningful action in fulfilling God's mission in the post-pandemic era. Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to be part of the conversation and shape the future of missions.

SPEAKERS:

Mr Quek Tze-Ming / Bible Graduate School of Theology

Topic: Biblical View on the Mission of God in the Pandemic World

Rev David Lim / ACTS College

Topic: Theological View on the Mission of God in the Post-pandemic Era

Dr Bernard Koh / TCA College

Topic: Ecclesial Responses to Missions in Post-pandemic Times

Dr Calvin Chong / Singapore Bible College

Topic: The Digital Turn for Missions in the Post-pandemic Era

Organised by ETHOS Institute and GoForth

STORIES FROM THE FIELD: CULTURE CLASH

3 October (Tuesday), 8.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom

Register by 2 October via https://www.wycliffe.sg/events

Culture clashes are inevitable in all mission work across cultures. How we react, accept, and, eventually, adapt or adopt when faced with this clash of value systems will determine the fruit of our mission work. If we are not careful, attempts to be an "insider" can cost us our sense of identity or sanity! Come hear how Daniel Jesudason coped when he had to live and move among two tribal people groups in Papua New Guinea.

Organised by Wycliffe Singapore

MFM 3RD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: THE HEAVENLY FATHER AND EARTHLY FATHERS

14 October (Saturday), 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street), 8 Short Street, S188214

Registration is required. Register by 10 October via https://tinyurl.com/3rdMFM

Admission is free

The Methodist Fathers Movement (MFM) is a place where fathers, as head of the home, can receive God’s impartation to be a blessing to their families and leave a fruitful legacy for generations to come. Join us this year as we celebrate our 3rd anniversary with the theme “The Heavenly Father and Earthly Fathers”. Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon will share how fatherhood speaks of identity, authority and intimacy as he speaks from Matthew 6:9-10.

Organised by MFM