0129-6868MCI MCI (P) ISSNISSN 0129-6868 (P)019/11/2017 019/11/2017
Vol 120 No 6 • JUN 2018
inside
this issue...
message.methodist.org.sg message.methodist.org.sg
Book review On Being the Antioch of Asia
MCS Focus: Missions A challenging and changing landscape
Living in a ‘VUCA’ world... Yet, thriving, shepherding
page 9
pages 12-13
pages 15-17
NEWS Jason Woo is Methodist Message’s Editorial Executive. When not working on the latest articles, he enjoys long jogs and cuddling up with his cats along with a good book.
THE EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT
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aving doubts and questions about one’s faith is not a sign that one is not a true believer. After all, even Jesus’ disciples themselves still harboured doubts even after witnessing first-hand the miracles of Christ. As believers, we owe it to ourselves to take much effort to know the truth about what we believe. That was the work cut out for the father-son Christian apologist duo – Josh and Dr Sean McDowell – and what they shared about at this year’s Reasonable Faith Conference that took place from 16-17 March 2018 at the Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church.
They were in town to promote the updated and expanded edition of Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World – a book that explores the reliability of the Christian faith through the lens of ancient historical records and modern science. The contents of the book formed the backdrop of the Conference where the McDowells made a case for the validity, reliability, and veracity of the Biblical claims surrounding the identity of Jesus, His death, and His resurrection. Continued on page 21... Photos courtesy of Reasonable Faith Conference team
COMING UP The Rev Ng Beng Keow is Chairperson of the Chinese Annual Conference Board of Worship & Music, and leads the Organising Committee of the 9th Worship and Liturgical Conference of the World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches.
REALISING THE POWER OF LIFE’S LITURGY Life’s
Te l o k Aye r C h i n e s e M e t h o d i s t C h u rc h 2 3 5 Te l o k A y e r S t r e e t , S i n g a p o r e 0 6 8 6 5 6
World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches
9th Worship & Liturgical Conference
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he 9th Worship and Liturgical Conference of the World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC) seeks to promote a deeper understanding as well as enhance believers’ personal experience of the ‘liturgies’ of life. It has been more than a decade since the Liturgical Conference was last held in Singapore. This year’s event is co-organised by the WFCMC and Singapore’s Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Board of Worship & Music, and will take place at Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church from 12 to 14 July 2018.
T h e L i v i n g P o w er of
Liturgy
12-14 JULY 2018
Opening Ceremony
Reflecting on Life’s Liturgy Rev Dr Lu Chen Tiong Closing Ceremony
Theme 1
The Living Power of Baptism
Life’s Liturgy – Living out Christ President Dr Goh Nai Lat
President Dr Lam Sung Che Theme 2
The Living Power of Holy Communion Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey Theme 3
Jointly Orgainised by: 新加坡卫理公会华人年议会
Chinese Annual Conference The Methodist Church in Singapore
Enquiry:
The Living Power of Holy Matrimony
崇拜与音乐部
Rev Dr Khoo Ho Peng
Board of Worship & Music
Theme 4
www.cac-singapore.org.sg
Ms Toh Bee Kin +65 6478 4811 • WhatsApp +65 9696 8074 Email: cac-w&lconf2018@methodist.org.sg
Online Registration: www.tinyurl.com/Worship-LiturgyConf
The Living Power of Funeral Rites Rev See Ping Eik
In line with the theme ‘The Living Power of Life’s Liturgy (生命礼仪的生命力)’, the Conference will centre around four lectures:
WFCMC 9th Worship and Liturgical Conference 12-14 July 2018 (Thursday-Saturday) Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church, 235 Telok Ayer Street, S(068656)
a) ‘The Living Power of Baptism’ by the Rev Dr Lam Sung Che, President of Hong Kong’s CAC and WFCMC Chairman; b) ‘The Living Power of Holy Communion’ by the Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey, CAC Singapore; c) ‘The Living Power of Holy Matrimony’ by the Rev Dr Khoo Ho Peng, Principal of Methodist Theological School, East Malaysia; and d) ‘The Living Power of Funeral Rites’ by the Rev See Ping Eik, CAC Singapore.
Conference fee: $120 per participant
Participants can respond to the lectures during two forum discussions. There will also be morning worship and devotion sessions, as well as nightly sharing-cumfellowship among the local and overseas participants. The Opening Worship and Holy Communion Service will be held on 12 July 2018 at 7.30 p.m. The Rev Lu Chen Tiong
Register at www.tinyurl.com/Worship-LiturgyConf by 10 June 2018. Programme information is available at www.cacsingapore.org.sg/2018-wfcmc-9th-worshipliturgicalconference For registration or enquiries, please call Ms Toh Bee Kin at 6478-4814. from Sarawak will speak on ‘Reflecting on Life’s Liturgy’. The Closing Worship Service on 14 July 2018 at 2.30 p.m. will have Singapore’s CAC President the Rev Dr Goh Nai Lat sharing on ‘Life’s Liturgy – Living out Christ’. All are welcome for these two services; admission is free. n Event graphics courtesy of CAC Board of Worship and Music
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.
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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 for two quadrennia from 2008 to 2016.
URBAN FISHERS OF MEN
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uring His ministry on earth, Christ preached the gospel in major towns around the Sea of Galilee as well as cities to the south, including Jericho, Bethany, and Jerusalem. He called His first disciples while they were going about their daily work – Peter and Andrew were fishing, James and John were repairing their nets, and Matthew was collecting taxes. These harvest fields of His, Jesus emphasised to the disciples, were ripe and urgently needed workers. As the disciples obeyed, the Lord led them to bountiful harvests. After Peter and his fellow disciples had a fruitless night fishing, the resurrected Christ told them to let down their nets in deep water, and soon they had a plentiful catch of fish. In a similar vein, the Holy Spirit led Peter to preach the gospel in Jerusalem at Pentecost, and 3,000 people believed and were baptised that day, later growing to 5,000. Where then are the “deep waters” of our age, where thousands gather and can be reached with the gospel message?
It is projected that by 2030, there will be an influx of 1 billion people into Asia’s cities. Not only will these cities become even more densely populated, rapid infrastructural developments will also cause dramatic economic, educational, and technological changes.
Priority must be given to developing strategies and methods for urban evangelism. As city dwellers, Singaporeans are familiar with urban environments and social relationships. We are well-placed to relate to our neighbours. To be even better equipped as urban fishers of men, I urge all Methodists to attend the GoForth National Missions Conference from 21 to 23 June 2018. GoForth is a conference for all Christians, not only those who are preparing to be missionaries someday. Its multi-lingual programme includes seminars and workshops suitable for Christians of diverse language and age groups. Besides themed talks, there will be sharing by missionaries from different regions, as well as booths for missionary organisations to introduce and showcase their ministries. All these will help broaden our missionary horizons, as well as give us a better understanding of how to interact with believers of other religions. Christ preached the gospel with such great urgency; so must we. Register for GoForth today, and invite your friends to join you. Visit goforth.org.sg, and register by 15 June 2018. n Picture by Manash Pratim Dutta/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • JUN 2018
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CHURCH PROFILE Kalayarasi George is Chairperson of the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) of Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (PPTMC).
PPTMC:
TOWARDS A CENTURY LORD’S SERVICE IN THE
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)
W
e praise and thank God for His faithfulness and favour upon Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (PPTMC) over the past 91 years.
The church traces its roots to the 1920s when a group of workers from Alexandra Brickworks in Pasir Panjang gathered regularly for prayer and worship as an outreach point of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). In 1927, the Brickworks company built an 800-square-foot chapel, and thus began PPTMC’s journey. In 1972, the church had to move because of the government’s redevelopment plans. The Board of Trustees of The Methodist Church in Singapore allocated land for a new building at Wishart Road – where PPTMC stands today. Funds were raised for a single-storey building, which was completed in 1977. As the church’s membership and ministries grew, work began in 1986 to add a second storey to the building. The second level was dedicated on 2 May 1987 as the church sanctuary for worship services. The first floor was used for a range of fellowship programmes and activities. The Rev R. Prabhu is currently the Pastor-in-Charge, assisted by Pastor Stephen Shadrak. They have built on the
We continue our series of profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, we may discover more opportunities to forge cross-church partnerships and collaborations.
Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference) 85 Wishart Road, Singapore 098727 Sunday Service: 10.00 a.m. Tamil Contact us: Tel: 6273-5911 work of pastors and ministry workers whom God provided through the years – Mr W. S. Packianathan, the Rev T. R. Doraisamy, the Rev J. Daniel, the Rev D. Premkumar, the Rev Dr E. J. Thoraisingam, the Rev Vinson Samuel, the Rev Stanley Sadagopan, the Rev Philip Abraham, the Rev James Nagulan, and the Rev Isaac Raju. Today, PPTMC supports missions and reaches out to Telok Blangah residents through evangelism and community service. Five years ago, PPTMC embarked on outreach in Teck Whye estate. We are grateful to the Methodist Church of the Incarnation for the use of its premises at Teck Whye Lane for worship services every Sunday evening. Led by Pastor Shadrak, the outreach effort includes regular visits and ministry to residents in the area. At the time of writing, three new believers are preparing for baptism! As PPTMC approaches its first century with hope in the Lord, we pray that He will renew our strength and use us mightily for His service and glory. n Photos courtesy of Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church
ONE MCS – ETAC HIGHLIGHTS The Rev James Nagulan was elected President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) in 2016 for the quadrennium. He is also Pastor-in-Charge of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) and Seletar Tamil Methodist Church.
THE EXPANDING SCOPE URBAN MISSIONS OF
T
wenty-five years ago, a few Christians from different churches were drawn together with a common vision. They saw men from South Asia coming to Singapore by the hundreds and thousands – not as tourists but as workers in the burgeoning construction sites. Meeting these workers at the worksites and hostels, they shared God’s love and brought them the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Soon, the outreach ministry to these men grew, and a small fellowship began in Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). The migrant workers shared their stories of struggles, pain, and loneliness of having to leave their families and travelling thousands of miles away in order to seek a better life for them. Here, they found hope in Jesus, and some even returned home as missionaries! This is the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference story of the ‘urban fishers of man’. Migration today has opened doors in many ways to reach out to the world from where we are. The concept of ‘missions at our doorstep’ reminds us that doing missions does not require us to travel far and wide, because globalisation has brought the world to us. Urban missions, however, now encompasses more than just the focus on migrant ministry which we have become accustomed to over the years. It is now not just blue-collar working men, but people of all ages and walks of life, who are
drawn to cities like Singapore with hopes of a brighter future, or who are connected as a ‘global city’ via the Internet. The challenge of urban missions also extends to those who have lived in the city all our lives. How do we reach out amid rapid changes in Singapore’s unique character as a city that is a melting pot of cultures? The Church faces the challenge of reaching diverse people in a social media age. Not all churches are equipped for every kind of ministry the city needs. Hence, more than ever before, churches must learn from and collaborate with one another. The GoForth National Missions Conference 2018 will be an opportunity for churches to network and learn how together we can best serve this city-state. At the start of His public ministry, Jesus invited disciples to “follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). At the end of this same gospel he commissioned them to “Go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20). The call and commission of Jesus Christ for the Church has always compelled us to be ‘salt and light’ wherever we are – and for many of us, that means in cities. May God help the Church fulfil His call to make disciples of all nations as we bear His unchanging message of love for all creation. n Picture by World Image/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • JUN 2018
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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 in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
PRAYERS THAT DEFINE US
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o you have a favourite prayer, one you often say or which resonates with you?
One popular prayer is the Serenity Prayer (attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr). A widely-used, abbreviated version is: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. This prayer resonates with so many people that it has been adopted as an affirmation by some self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. I recall two clients for whom this prayer had a special significance. The first is a woman married for over 20 years to a dutiful husband. Yet she found him cold and felt little affection from him. Looking at his background, we might understand why. His parents struggled to make ends meet. Moreover, with numerous children, they had little time and
personal attention to give each one. How could this man show love to his wife and two children when he had experienced so little of it himself? The knowledge that he could not openly express his feelings brought little comfort to his family. One day, the woman came for a session armed with the Serenity Prayer. I cannot say how this simple prayer helped her, but it did. Perhaps the very acknowledgment that there were “things I cannot change” enabled her willingness to embrace them. In this instance, she appeared to accept her husband would not change to suit her expectations. The second client, a professional in her late thirties, had been diagnosed with Stage Four cancer two years earlier. After several rounds of aggressive treatment, her cancer went into remission. She subsequently met with three accidents, each of which could have resulted in her death. For someone who has lived life prudently and ‘done all the right things’, she was
left feeling she had no control over her life. Why plan for the future when a random event could bring death? For her, counselling was less about trying to find answers for why these things happened, and more about figuring out how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I shared the Serenity Prayer with her. The first part of the prayer resonated with her – instead of letting the constant cancer marker check-ups determine her state of mind and health, she has decided to live life as fully as possible, regardless of what the markers indicate. She is not in denial that cancer may recur. Rather, she accepts life in the present, and if death rears its head, she will confront it. The second half of the prayer relates to finding the courage to continue investing in life with all its unknowns. What is your favourite prayer? What does it say about what you value, or about your perspective on life? n Picture by leungchopan/Bigstock.com
WELFARE SERVICES
HOME HOSPICE CARE:
MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED
By The Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team
W
ith death being a taboo subject in Singapore, conversations about palliative care for the terminally ill tend to remain off-limits until they are absolutely necessary. Dr Andy Lee, acting head of MWS Home Hospice, debunks five common misconceptions his team encounters: 1. A hospice is a medical facility to care for patients at their end of life. The term ‘hospice’ is a concept of care that focuses on improving the quality of life for terminally-ill patients, which can be delivered at home or in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Its aim is to provide a better quality of life by helping patients with their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. 2. The end is near because the doctor and nurses are coming to my home. Many patients and their families lose all hope and fighting spirit at the sight of the medical team visiting them in their homes. They assume this means that the patients are merely waiting out their days. In fact, the support of the team can help to allay the anxieties of home-bound patients – especially if they are no longer able to visit the hospital. 3. The administering of morphine should be started only when the patient is about to pass on, and the drug will make the patient drowsy. Morphine belongs to the opioid class of medications and is very effective in the management of severe pain and breathlessness. However, bad press related to diamorphine (heroin) has made many patients and their family members very hesitant about morphine. The
truth is that morphine, when used at the correct dose, can help to relieve pain and breathlessness effectively without causing undue drowsiness and side effects. 4. A patient may get addicted to pain medications, which will lose effectiveness after a while. Controlling symptoms as a terminal condition progresses often involves increasing doses of pain medications. For example, a growing tumour may cause increasing pain and thus require increasingly higher doses of medications as the condition worsens. This does not mean the patient is addicted, or that the medication is no longer working as well. 5. An unconscious patient may feel hungry because he cannot eat. Our culture views feeding our loved ones and having meals together as acts of love. There is often a lot of guilt within the family as they watch their loved ones deteriorate and eat or drink less. As a patient gets sicker, the organs start to shut down and are no longer able to process and regulate food and fluids. As such, the patient loses his appetite and does not experience hunger pangs. Debunking these common misconceptions can help relieve the anxiety of patients and their families in accepting home hospice care to improve their quality of life. n Give a donation to support MWS Home Hospice’s palliative care work for terminally-ill patients at give.mws.sg. To find out how you or your church can be involved as volunteers, email volunteer@mws.sg. Photo courtesy of the Methodist Welfare Services METHODIST MESSAGE • JUN 2018
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BOOK MISSIONS REVIEW The Rev Dianna Khoo is Area Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand with the Methodist Missions Society. She has also been appointed by the Bishop as the Mission Superintendent of Thailand. Rev Khoo is an Elder attached to Barker Road Methodist Church.
BEING THE ANTIOCH OF ASIA?
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t has been reported that Singapore was bestowed the mantle of being the “Antioch of Asia” by the late Billy Graham, 40 years ago during his crusade held in Singapore. A decade later in 1988, Patrick Johnstone, a well-known researcher in his book The Church Is Bigger Than You Think, cited statistics which showed that Singapore was the only nation in the world where “Protestant churches sent out more missionaries than there were congregations”. Using this as a backdrop, Dr W. M. Syn, Director of the Asian mobilisation base of a global mission agency, wrote On Being the Antioch of Asia to turn the spotlight on the ‘elephant in the room’ – the existing relationship between mission agencies and local churches. In an engaging manner, the writer put together the need for both local churches and agencies to review the common mandate given to the Church to be ‘salt and light’ to the world. Dr Syn collected important stories and history, giving readers a bird’s-eye view of the state of affairs in local missions. He also pushed readers to evaluate the state of missions in Singapore, using the “Antioch of Asia” concept to thoroughly examine how far the Singapore Church has progressed in this area, and where we should be heading. Of particular concern to the writer is the increasing penchant for short-term mission trips, often leaping into cross-cultural ministries before developing cultural intelligence, and thus skirting around other very pertinent issues. These are seldom meaningfully dialogued within churches and mission agencies, much less between them. One important aspect which he highlighted for mission agencies’ consideration is their role in sending missionaries to the field. The traditional model is for churches to send missionaries through an agency, but increasingly churches are sending their missionaries directly to the field, citing the benefits of closer church involvement in and stronger ownership of the mission.
On Being the Antioch of Asia by W. M. Syn Published by Armour Publishing, 328 pages Available at $28 (before GST) on Armour Publishing’s web store at www.armourpublishing.com Special Promotion for all Methodist Message Readers! Enjoy 20% discount off the price of On Being the Antioch of Asia when you purchase the book at the Armour Publishing web store! Simply key in the promo code ANTIOCH20 at the checkout page – valid only from 1 – 30 June 2018. Dr Syn therefore suggested that mission agencies expand their ‘sending’ role through the following ways: 1. Providing specific skills to help churches develop their vision and strategy for missions – especially for identified people groups. 2. Equipping potential missionaries with preaching and teaching skills. 3. Understanding the needs and workings of various sending churches, recognising that denominational and independent churches may require different strategies. 4. Developing good missiology and theology of missions, to establish a better understanding of missions in sending churches. Dr Syn’s book courageously invites readers to venture into a ‘new field’ of frank dialogue, analysis, and discernment needed to work together effectively as we face the challenges ahead. I recommend that any individual Christian, church, or mission agency should take time to read this book, and use it as a springboard for working together for the growth of God’s Kingdom. n
Book cover graphic courtesy of Armour Publishing METHODIST MESSAGE • JUN 2018
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ADMISSIONS for 2019 Now Open
Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides
ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an allround English-based education for students aged 12 - 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).
Mr Rob Burrough Principal
• Exceptional examination results; very 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 • 25+ overseas trips per year • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IB Diploma programme
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal
Achievements Include
• Top students have achieved perfect IB scores of 45 points • 19 Top of the World awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past eight years
• Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years • Admissions to top universities in the UK, US, Australia and Singapore • PSLE and Singapore GCE ‘O’ level students achieve outstanding valueadded examination results for the IB Diploma with improved pathways to good universities
• Successes at national level this past year in Archery; Touch Rugby; Cycling; Swimming; Chinese Drama; Debating; Fencing; Football; Golf; String Orchestra; Taekwondo; Volleyball; Wushu.
Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal
For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admission@acsinternational.edu.sg
Dr Kristopher Achter Vice Principal
ACS (International) - Building Through Belief"
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.
NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD J
Near to the Heart of God (The United Methodist Hymnal, #472)
une is a month of school holidays. Family travels, children’s enrichment classes, church camps, retreats, and many other activities are possible options to pause from one’s daily routine.
But beyond merely pausing, drawing near to God requires intentionality and conscious choice.
There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God;
‘Near to the Heart of God’ is a hymn that reminds us about the gift of rest. Rest is both a gift and a command. Whichever form of rest we choose, may we rest near the heart of God, which the hymn writer describes as a place of comfort, joy, and peace. It is a place where we can meet Jesus, if only we bring ourselves to rest in Him.
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God,
This hymn was written out of the tragic circumstances in the life of Cleland B. McAfee (1866-1944), who suffered the loss of two infant nieces to diphtheria in 1903.
Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
McAfee, who also composed the music, used a style typical to gospel hymns of his era where a short phrase (“near to the heart of God”), is repeated several times, allowing the crux of the message to sink into the psyche of the singer.1
There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God; A place where we our Saviour meet, Near to the heart of God. (Refrain)
Whether we feel blessed or upset, weary or refreshed, drawing “near to the heart of God” reflects an attitude of having God as the anchor of our life. When we feel blessed or refreshed, we draw near to God and give thanks. When we feel weary and upset, we draw near to God for strength.
There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God; A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God. (Refrain)
As we take our respite this season, may our hymn and prayer be: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God, Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God. n
Words: Cleland B. McAfee, 1903 Music: McAFEE, Cleland B. McAfee, 1903 1
awn, C. Michael. “History of Hymns: Near to the Heart of God.” H https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-near-to-heartof-god-arises-from-tragic-loss, accessed on 7 May 2018.
Picture by Imagesbavaria/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • JUN 2018
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MCS FOCUS: THE METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY Noel Tam is the Methodist Missions Society’s Home Director and the Country Coordinating Officer for Nepal. He worships at Pentecost Methodist Church.
A CHANGING AND CHALLENGING MISSIONS LANDSCAPE
Pictured: Various mission teams – above, with Cambodian youths; top right, teaching basic hygiene to Nepalis; below right, teaching action songs to Timor-Leste students.
T
he Methodist Missions Society (MMS), as the missions agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), is the resource provider and facilitator in missions for our Methodist churches. In partnership with Singapore Methodist churches, MMS has been sending out missionaries over the last 26 years in obedience to the Great Commission to bring the gospel to the unreached.
Website: www.mms.org.sg Email: mms@methodist.org.sg Tel: +65 6478-4818 Social media: www.facebook.com/mms.org. sg; www.twitter.com/mms_ tweets; www.instagram.com/ mms.gram
This is consistent with the mandate given by the MCS, that MMS “shall work with local [Singaporean] churches as its partner to promote the service opportunities and needs of the mission fields…” (The Book of Discipline ¶371.3). This missionary-sending model has worked well for MMS. Over the years, we have been blessed to have been able to conduct Church Planting and Community Development programmes without much restriction. However, recent political changes in some mission fields have resulted in the introduction and implementation of policies that challenge our presence and ministry there. This has necessitated a review of how MMS should conduct missions, especially in some Creative Access Nations. One of the greatest challenges facing missionaries is obtaining renewable visas that will enable them to stay in the mission field for the long term. Over the last two to three years, some missionaries have had difficulties obtaining relevant visas. This has resulted in MMS having to bring them back to serve as home-based missionaries. Their absence in the mission field presents a short-term challenge to fledgling indigenous churches.
and programmes in the mission fields. MMS is working closely with the CoC and the MCS to establish processes which ensure compliance with all related regulations and guidelines. This will translate to more intentional and deliberate discussions and approval processes, as we remain mindful of our responsibilities to donors, supporters, and partners as stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Increasingly, MMS also acknowledges the need for greater engagement with Methodist churches in Singapore. With a changing and challenging landscape ahead, we will need to work as a cohesive team with single-mindedness to fulfil the Great Commission. MMS is in the process of reviewing our church engagement strategy so as to have greater consultation with the Annual Conferences, and bring about deeper conversations and enhanced communication with local conferences, which play a crucial role in sending and supporting missionaries.
MMS hopes to mitigate this immediate gap by sending missionaries on shorter but more frequent trips to maintain relationships with the indigenous church partners and to emphasise our commitment to the ministry. Meanwhile, MMS is also accelerating the training of indigenous pastors and leaders, so that indigenous churches can soon attain autonomy and independence. Whilst the emphasis has always been to train and equip indigenous church leaders, and enable planted churches to be independent, the changing political climate has now given greater impetus and urgency for us to achieve this objective. As some of these political and situational changes in mission fields have been fairly abrupt, Singapore’s Methodist churches are advised to frequently review their established short-term mission trip programmes, so that they stay abreast of the developments and changes in the host country. MMS will continue to provide guidance to such mission teams and Methodist churches for reviewing their policies. Whilst fulfilling the mission to reach out to the unreached, we should also ensure the safety and well-being of Singaporean missionaries and mission teams. Recently on the home-front, the Commissioner of Charities (CoC) has laid more emphasis on transparency and accountability in management of fund transfers for projects
MMS remains committed to its role as the missions agency of the MCS, and by the grace of God, will continue to provide the necessary guidance and resources to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of how the MCS conducts missions. We continue to find creative and meaningful ways to do missions, which will result in vibrant indigenous churches and the expansion of God’s kingdom. In adversity, new opportunities will arise as God opens new doors. We also continually depend on Jesus, remembering that Jesus has conquered all evil through His resurrection, and on the Holy Spirit who empowers and strengthens us for the task. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) To God be the Glory! n
Pray for: MMS as we continue to do His will – “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) the leaders, missionaries, and staff serving in MMS, that God will provide courage, strength and wisdom for mission fields that are facing severe constraints.
Photos courtesy of the Methodist Missions Society METHODIST MESSAGE • JUN 2018
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METHODIST MESSAGE, AuGuST 2013
HOME Ting Hi Keng is a lawyer and worships at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church. She and her husband, Mr James Yu, have four grown-up children.
THRIVING ‘VUCA’ WORLD IN THIS
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he VUCA world is Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. From the moment of birth, Ms Sherie Ng was thrust into such a world. Her fortunetelling great-grandmother predicted that this baby girl would bring misfortune to the family. When she was five years old, her mother spiked her father’s coffee so that he collapsed. She then threw herself and Sherie’s younger sister down an 8-storey block to their deaths. The audience of some 500 women gasped in shock. They had gathered on 21 April 2018 at Toa Payoh Methodist Church for a one-day conference on “Thriving in this VUCA World” organised by Trinity Annual Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service (TRAC WSCS).
Above pic, from left: Speaker Ms Sharon Mah; emcee Ms Ruth Song; speakers Ms Jael Chng, the Rev Dr Maggie Low, and Ms Sherie Ng; and Ms Joon Chin Fum-Ko, Chairperson of the conference organising committee.
In rapt attention, they listened to the rest of Sherie’s story – how her father drowned his sorrows in gambling, leaving Sherie with his mother in a one-room flat in Bukit Merah, together with some of her other eight sons and three daughters. Sherie suffered physical and sexual abuse. The only responsible adult in that household of drunks, gamblers, and louts was a hunchbacked aunt who ran a prawn noodle stall that supported the family. Sherie would wake up at dawn to help her, as well as do the laundry and other chores. She was shunned in school because she stank
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HOME of prawns. In her loneliest moments, she sought solace by talking to her dead mother. Life brightened for Sherie when, at 15, a kind Christian woman approached her at the Outram MRT station and brought her to church. She blossomed under the friendship of Christians who also gave her free tuition. Eventually she topped her school and entered university. However, the allures of the world in the shape of a handsome, tough-talking NS commando enticed her away. They married, and over the next several years led a wild and reckless life of drinking and gambling, chalking up a mountain of debt. Again, Christian friends came into Sherie’s life and helped re-structure and pay off their debts. Sherie likened herself to a broken cottage in disrepair that God fixed. Now, after a long and arduous period of struggles and tears, she has been built into a palace. Today, she and her husband, that same commando, and their two children, are committed believers and blessings to others. Ms Jaime Wong’s early life was in sharp contrast to Sherie’s. Jaime was a bright student from Raffles Girls’ School and represented Singapore in tennis at the SEA Games when she was 13. At 14, she headed to the USA to further her studies and tennis.
She continued to do well, graduating as a top student and winning an award for all-round achievements. She found a good job, and soon had her own apartment, a car, friends, and money to enjoy life. Then, on a holiday in Singapore, she met and fell in love for the first time in her life – with a Christian woman. A murmur arose from the listeners at the conference. Jaime continued her honest sharing of the turmoil that engulfed her when, after giving up everything in the US to return to Singapore, her friend rejected her proposal for a same-gender union because of her greater love for God. Jaime was incredulous. She did not even believe that God existed, and so set out to prove this to her friend. To her consternation, the more she researched, the more she was driven to conclude that a Creator God exists, and that He, the God of Christians, forbids homosexual practice. Her passive-aggressive relationship with God led Jaime to sink into despair, illnesses, and attempted suicide. Eventually she surrendered totally to God and allowed Him to heal her mental, emotional, and physical illnesses, and break her bondage to sin. Her journey of discovery of the love and power of God brought spontaneous applause from the audience who cheered her transformation.
Jaime and Sherie, together with Ms Jael Chng who spoke on singlehood, and Ms Sharon Mah who sang her anguish to God, then formed the panel for a question-and-answer session. The probing questions showed that the speakers’ stories resonated with many in the audience. The Rev Dr Maggie Low concluded the conference with a message that the truth for thriving in tough times lies in staying close to Jesus and recognising His voice. Reflecting on the conference, it struck me that while we bask in Jesus’ love as His sheep, we must remember that He also wants us to be shepherds to others, as He told Peter in John 21:17. Jaime met a Christian friend who was a strong, steadfast, and faithful shepherd, guiding her through difficult terrain – from atheist and hedonist to Christian. Sherie thrived under the love and care of many shepherds in her life to now become a shepherd herself. In the same way, we too are to be shepherds. n
Photos by Liew Mei Lee
SOUNDINGS Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College, and Theological and Research Advisor for the ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg).
DISCIPLING THE CITY
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n a recent report on urbanisation trends, the World Health Organization predicted that by 2030, six out of every 10 people in the world would be city dwellers. This means that virtually every global growth over the next 30 to 40 years will take place in urban areas.
Soundings is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the Sociologists have coined two new terms to capture the phenomenon of the modern church in light of the gospel city. The term ‘urbanisation’ refers to the magnetic quality of cities – their ability to and Christian understanding. attract people from rural areas. ‘Urbanism’ points to the profound relationship between the city and culture(s). Most modern cities are multicultural, a diverse mix of people of different ethnicities and religions. This has led Josef Ramoneda to assert, perhaps hyperbolically, that “[t]he identity of the city is a non-identity. This is because its only identity is diversity.” It is therefore not off the mark to describe the modern city as a microcosm of the world, tucked in a confined space. But ‘urbanism’ stresses the point that cities are not merely receptacles of cultures, but transform, transmit, and magnify them. So complex is that concrete instantiation of human sociality called the city, that an extraordinary amount of sociology is needed to interpret it. Cities are never spiritually neutral. They can be surprising epiphanies of the nobility of the human spirit. But they can also be wildernesses of depravity and inhumanity.
The Church in the modern city must also be wary of the influence of pragmatism, which pervades modern culture, and the temptation to take short cuts. Sadly, evangelicalism is especially vulnerable to this. As Mark Noll has rightly pointed out in his book, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind: “The evangelical ethos is activistic, populist, pragmatic, and utilitarian. It allows little space for broader or deeper intellectual effort because it is dominated by the urgencies of the moment.” The Church that truly seeks to obey our Lord’s command must roundly reject pragmatism and populism in all their clever guises – ‘easy believism’, the demand for quick, tangible results, and the obsession with mere numerical growth – because they cheapen God’s grace. We must not portray salvation in naïve ‘decisionist’ terms (the idea that the person is saved when he raises his hand at a gospel meeting or says the sinner’s prayer). We must not separate conversion from discipleship, regeneration from sanctification, or salvation from holiness. The Church must embrace the holistic conception of salvation proposed by John Wesley, the (reluctant) founder and theologian par excellence of the Methodist movement. For Wesley, salvation is “not barely … deliverance from hell, or going to heaven”. The Church in the modern city that seeks to fulfil our Lord’s commission (Matthew 28:16-20) must first and foremost be firmly grounded in the gospel we have been called to proclaim. This assertion seems too obvious. But the city, it must be remembered, presents temptations and seductions from which the Church is not immune. The Church must be shaped by the Word and energised by the Spirit, or else the gospel we preach will willy-nilly be defaced by the acids of relativism, pluralism, secularism, and political correctness. The Church that seeks to ‘disciple the city’ must never offer an anaemic ‘gospel’ that panders to the therapeutic culture of modernity. David Wells, that indefatigable prophet of modern evangelicalism, warns of the corrupting influence of such a culture in his provocative book, No Place for Truth. “As the nostrums of the therapeutic age supplants confession, and as preaching is psychologised,” writes Wells, “the meaning of the Christian faith is privatised. At a single stroke, confession is eviscerated and reflection reduced mainly to thought about self.”
Salvation can never be bracketed away from holiness. “If by salvation we mean a present salvation from sin,” wrote John Wesley in A Farther Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion (Part 1), “we cannot say, holiness is a condition of it; for it is the thing itself. Salvation, in this sense, and holiness, are synonymous terms.” Finally, the Church that seeks to ‘disciple the city’ cannot promote an irresponsible triumphalism that simply sweeps the existential angst of city dwellers under the proverbial carpet. We must confront the ubiquitous problems of city life – crime, poverty, congestion, pollution, racial tensions, etc. In addition, we must take seriously what scholars have described as ‘urban anguish’ – the mental suffering, emotional insecurity, and loneliness of city people. The Church in the city must stand in solidarity with these urbanites, and in so doing become an efficacious sacrament of God’s grace and mercy. n
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NEWS
THE EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT ... continued from page 1 Intelligent design versus natural selection Dr Sean McDowell (henceforth referred to as Dr McDowell) questioned whether evolution can be a sufficient theory to explain the complexity of the created world. Furthermore, naturalistic evolution actually reduces diversity to a blind, purposeless process. But the world that we see around us is more consistently understood as one that has been designed, premeditated and created by a purposeful, loving God. Drawing the audience’s attention to biochemistry, Dr McDowell showed several examples bearing irreducibly complex characteristics that point towards the “presence of a fine-tuner”. “Darwin was once quoted that if ever it could be demonstrated that a complex organism existed which could not have been formed by numerous incremental modifications, his theory on natural selection and evolution would break down,” said Dr McDowell. He referred to Darwin’s Black Box, by Michael Behe, who delved into cellular structures that were previously inaccessible to scientists. He discovered that cells, which are scientific black boxes (entities that have unknown inner workings), were actually more complex than was previously thought. It was Behe who first coined the term ‘irreducible complexity’. The most famous example of ‘irreducible complexity’ was the bacteria flagellum. The bacteria flagellum is a ‘motor’ at the back of certain bacteria that helps propel it through watery substances. What makes the flagellum amazing is that it contains some 40 kinds of essential proteins, and if one of them were missing, the flagellum would not function. Thus, a simpler but nonfunctional version of the flagellum would have been weeded out by the very process of natural selection, and
would not have had the chance to develop into the current complex state. Did Jesus really die on the cross? Jesus’ death and subsequent resurrection is one of the central tenets of our faith. If either were false, then, as the Apostle Paul said, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). According to Josh McDowell (henceforth referred to as Josh), crucifixion was so brutal that it was only meted out on non-Romans, and only for the most heinous crimes such as treason. There are no formal records of anyone who has ever survived a full Roman crucifixion, not even Jesus Himself in His mortal shell. As a final step in crucifixion, the criminal would be nailed through the wrists (not the palms as commonly depicted – those would not be able to bear the weight of the body) and their feet. When nailed on the cross, breathing becomes laborious and difficult as the victims would be forced into an inhaling position. Victims would have to constantly push themselves up using their nailed feet in order to exhale, temporarily. This set of motions would continue until the victim became completely exhausted and therefore, unable to push up and breathe. Death was inevitable. With no doubt that Jesus had died on the cross, Josh listed several further reasons supporting the accounts of Jesus’ resurrection: 1. Women found the empty tomb In Jesus’ days, women did not enjoy high societal standing and were not considered to be credible eye-witnesses in courts. Yet, the Bible credited two women as the first persons to discover the empty tomb of Christ. It is clear that the writers of the Gospels were not trying to make the account more palatable to readers
by altering the genders of the first witnesses – instead they told the story as it was. 2. Burial clothing left behind A common argument that the Jewish authorities used to explain the disappearance of Jesus’ body was that it was the work of tomb robbers. Josh rubbished these claims by reasoning that had it been so, it would not have made sense for the robbers to undo the complex burial wrappings. It would have to be a ‘grab and go’ kind of heist. 3. Numerous sightings of Jesus After Jesus appeared before the disciples, He made other appearances in full view of individuals who may or may not have been believers. One of the most famous appearances was before 500 eye-witnesses who both saw and heard Him (1 Corinthians 15:6). Through the years, skeptics have been arguing against the possibility of such an appearance. The main argument – that it was a mass hallucination – has been debunked as medically near-impossible. In the case of the disciples themselves, they touched, spoke, and even ate with Jesus. 4. No solid counterarguments from the Jewish authorities After the resurrection, the Jewish religious authorities just could not find a better reason to explain away the empty tomb. Strangely, there were no records of any one disciple or follower being charged with grave robbery, despite that being the main narrative pushed by the Sanhedrin. Faced with the combined weight of such evidence, what would your verdict be? n
Editor’s Note: This article has been shortened due to space constraint – read the longer version at message.methodist.org.sg
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POEMS Dr Oliver Seet is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a Board Director of the Metropolitan YMCA.
CASTING THE NET ON THE OTHER SIDE What does he know, this carpenter, of habitat and fish think, of the movement and congregation of shoals, to tell us, schooled in line, tackle and nets, and in the pathways of fish in the sea-lanes below the waves, To tell us, bone-weary from a night of trawling in vain, to cast our nets on the other side where no fish tarry. Let us humour him, our Master, knowing this time at least he must be wrong.
But what is that massive moving shadow filling every cranny of our nets breaking now under the weight of such a haul we never had before; and what fish! Every known species in our nets! What manner of man is this? He must indeed be God in human flesh. How could we have doubted him? Lord leave us for we are not worthy of your time and love. But there was no hint of reproach in the Master’s smile; only reassurance and compassion for their guilt and doubt, for he had come for the fallen, not for the proud. Luke 5:4-10
Picture by Phonix_A/Bigstock.com
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June IS THE MONTH FOR GOING URBAN WITH GOFORTH 2018
21 – 23 Jun 2018 (Thursday – Saturday) 60 Barker Road, ACS Barker Road Campus, S(309919)
It is time for churches in Singapore to rise to our calling as the ‘Antioch of Asia’! With a line-up of specially-invited prominent international and local speakers, the 2018 GoForth National Missions Conference will look at an array of diverse strategies to empower individuals and churches to reach and transform cities with the love of Christ.
Scan here to see events online!
Register now at www.goforth.org.sg/en/registration by 15 June 2018.
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For more information, log on to www.goforth.org.sg, or stay updated with our Facebook page at facebook.com/GoForth.SG. For enquires, please email admin@scgm.org.sg or call 6339-8950.
FELLOWSHIP ON THE GREENS
11 Jul 2018 (Wednesday), morning flight registration opens at 6.45 a.m., afternoon flight registration opens at 11 a.m. 1 Orchid Club Road, Orchid Country Club, S(769162)
Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Charity Golf Tournament. Its original intention – of gathering Methodist golfing enthusiasts and their friends on the greens, in benefit of people in need – carries on today. MWS is honoured to have Trinity Methodist Church convening this milestone event. In addition to familiar activities, the Committee is planning a few surprises. Don’t miss the opportunity to help raise funds that will be channelled to create change in the lives of more than 9,000 beneficiaries served by MWS. Let’s empower them to have life to the full. Organised by the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS).
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For more information on how to donate, sponsor, or participate as a golfer, please contact Ms Ruth Ng at 64784717/6478-4700, ruthnggy@mws.sg, or visit www.mws.sg/events/fellowship-greens-2018. Dinner tables are also available for sale at $100 per seat or $1,000 per table for 10 pax. Dinner programme will start at 7 p.m.
RECONNECTING THE CHURCH WITH THE HOME
28 – 29 Jul 2018 (Fri – Sat), 9.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. 5 Boundary Road, Paya Lebar Methodist Church, S(549954)
It’s about the future. The goal of the D6 Family Conference is to come up with the best methods in passing on a spiritual legacy to the future generations. Come and meet with fellow believers to understand how we can best apply the principles of Deuteronomy 6 in our ministries to our churches, communities, and our homes. Organised by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship. Supported by TRAC Board of Children’s Ministry (BOCM) and hosted by Paya Lebar Methodist Church. Register before 14 July 2018 to enjoy the early bird fee of $500 for a group of five or $110 per head. Conference fee includes two-day admission, conference booklet, event pack, and all meals and tea breaks.
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For more info, please visit www.d6family.sg, or call 6304-3784.
LOOKING INTO NEW STRATEGIES IN CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING
28 Oct – 2 Nov 2018 (Sunday – Friday) 1 Netheravon Road, Village Hotel Changi, S(508502)
The world of publishing is changing, but the one constant is the need for excellent content. At LittWorld 2018, global publishers and writers will look at fresh new ways to help today’s readers see and apply the power of the Bible in their everyday lives and to know the Word made flesh. LittWorld is the only international stay-in conference of its kind, providing intensive training on strategic, publishing-related topics. More than 40 international publishing professionals will lead plenary sessions, small group workshops, devotionals and one-on-one consultations giving fresh vision and skills for heightened effectiveness. Organised by Media Associates International (MAI). Non-residential fees: US$450 (early bird rate till 15 June 2018). US$510 (after 15 June 2018) This conference rate includes lunches, dinners, tea breaks, and a midweek fellowship outing. (It excludes room stay and breakfast which comes with the room stay).
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To find out more, log on to littworld.org or register your interest at littworld2018.eventbee.com today!
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THINK Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon was Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 to 2012. He is one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming GoForth National Missions Conference from 21 to 23 June 2018.
WITH ONE HEART AND VOICE IN GOD’S MISSION I
n a Peanuts cartoon, Lucy walked in on Linus watching TV, and demanded that he switch channels. “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” Linus retorted. Said Lucy, holding up her fist: “These five fingers… Individually, they’re nothing, but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold!” “Which channel do you want?” Linus surrendered. Turning away, he looked at his fingers and sighed, “Why can’t you guys get organised like that?” The Church is no stranger to the power of unity – though it has a markedly different motivation and purpose. Jesus prayed for the Church before offering Himself on the Cross (John 17). What was in His heart? Towards the end of His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prayed that the Church would be united in its mission. We need to notice His words: • “that all of them may be one, Father…” (John 17:21, NIV) • “that they may be one as we are one…” (John 17:22, NIV)
• “that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me…” (John 17:23, NIV) The kind of unity that Jesus wanted in the Church is a supernatural one, not a brittle unity tinkered together by political convenience or manufactured by managerial genius. The Lord has high standards for us when He thinks of our unity. It is a ‘complete’ unity that has the Trinity as its standard and source. We are to be one as the Three Persons in the Trinity are one. And this can happen only as we are immersed in the life of the triune God (“I in them and you in me”; John 17:23, NIV). Such spirituality is the work of God who brings us to the unity of the Spirit. This unity is essential because the evangelisation of the world depends on it. Worldly concepts of unity are often used for the flexing of organisational muscle, or for selfglorification of the united group. However, the unity of the Church is for a more lofty purpose – our participation in the mission of God.
As we turn to God in humility, repentance and faith, He blesses us with His love (Romans 5:8), making us one by the power of the Cross (Ephesians 2:14-16), so that we develop one heart and voice in our witness to the world (Romans 15:5-6). It is this united witness that will convince the world that Jesus is Lord and Saviour. Let us prayerfully seek this unity so that God may be glorified and the world may receive the liberating and transforming gospel of Christ. n Unite as One Body to reach out to the world! 21-23 June 2018 | ACS Barker Road Campus
Register by 15 June 2018 www.goforth.org.sg
Picture by Yastremska/Bigstock.com