Q&A with an SIM leader: Watson Rajaratnam

Tell us a little about your background.

My father came from India but settled in Singapore just after World War Two, when he was working for the British Royal Air Force. I was born in Singapore but a trip back to India with family played a key role in my coming to Christ. I accepted Christ as my saviour when I was a teenager and have had mission on my heart since then. Immediately after my postgraduate studies, I travelled to North India and served as a “tentmaker academic” in Lucknow. I intended to become a career missionary there but visa issues brought me back to Singapore, where I continued work, first as an academic and then as a journalist.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married to Vijaya, whom I met in India. She is as passionate about mission as me and has been a pillar of support. We have a daughter, Sangeetha, who is a sociologist, and a son Santhosh, who graduated in Policy Studies and Business Management and is now an intern, doing student outreach in Singapore.

How did God lead you to SIM?

That is a long story! Back in 2000, I was working as an editor in Singapore and I came across a little advertisement in the Methodist Message magazine, inviting missionminded people to contact SIM. Thus began my seven-year journey with SIM leaders, including Dr Stanley Ling and Dr Andrew Ng. They invited me to various events, including a trip to India in 2007 to set up the SIM north east India office. February 2, 2008 was my last day with Media Corp and my first day with SIM! First, I served as SIM Singapore Director for three years, then as mission mobiliser in Zambia and Malawi for nine years, until God called me back to succeed Stanley as East Asia Regional Director.

What key things do you hope to achieve in your time/your role with SIM?

We have a five-year plan focussing on four key ministries, all of which come from SIM’s mission statement. The first is frontline mission, sending more workers to unreached communities; the second is disciple-making, which is key to making long-term followers of Christ; the third is producing missional churches, which can send workers into the harvest field; the fourth is turning the mission fields into mission forces, empowering the old receiving entities to become sending entities as well.

What inspires you when life gets difficult?

My understanding of God’s abundant love for me and knowing he has called me, even though I am not worthy. I have two spiritual mentors, with whom I meet regularly for accountability.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I enjoy morning walks, as time allows. I like to read, watch TV with my children, and spend time with my family.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

“So, you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke 17:10).

What piece of technology could you do without/ never do without?

My phone and my computer are both necessities, but I never want to become a slave to them. I want them to be my servants.

How can we pray for you?

That my decisions would bring glory to God’s name and help in the advancement of his mission. Pray I will abide in Christ, remain connected to him, and rely on him always.

That I would have discernment and wisdom as I walk with my SIM East Asia colleagues. I know not everyone moves at my speed, so pray for patience as we listen to God and walk behind him, not ahead of him.

That I would get the balance right between ministry and sabbath, especially that I would make quality time for my wife and children.

Watson Rjaratnam family