methodist message Vol 115 No 9 September 2013
inside
this issue...
The Methodist Church in Singapore
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 172/02/2013
message.methodist.org.sg
The Bishop Writes Must I confess my sins?
Fairfield 125 Fairfield Methodist School opens time capsule
Worship Wars Which style is best?
page 3
page 10
page 16
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ojina was a street kid, roaming the streets of Kathmandu and moving from house to house. Her mother had committed suicide, and her father was a metal worker, and was half blind. She was just nine years old when her aunt, a butcher, met Shanti, previously our MMS missionary in Nepal. Through this, Rojina joined Sophia’s Home together with her younger sister, Rojita. They both cried for two months as they found it very difficult to adjust. Today, at 21 years old, Rojina has finished college and is a pre-school teacher. She is also now engaged to a youth worker. The Rev Sabashtain Lepcha and his wife Grace, house-parents of Sophia’s Home, explained: “In Nepal, girls are not given priority. Usually by 14 or
15 they are married and they become mothers. Education helps them to have a better future.” The story of Rojina is just one of thousands of lives transformed as MMS goes about “our Father’s business” based on its Vision 2020, adopted in 2003, to plant 800 indigenous disciple-making churches by the year 2020. In his message, Guest-of-Honour Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup focused on El Shaddai, which has different shades of meaning. Usually translated as “the Almighty God”, it presents God as the “breasted” One, or the one who nourishes, the “all-sufficient one”. Drawing from Genesis 17:1-14, Bishop explained that God provided all and more than Abraham needed, to be the one to father many nations. What was so special about Abraham was that
The business of
transforming lives Christina Stanley Editor of Methodist Message
he was chosen to participate in God’s plan in this everlasting covenant. In 2009, there were only 24 churches planted. This number has now grown to 265 as of 2012. As such, another 535 churches will need to be planted in the next seven years. A fourstep plan will be in place to achieve this: win the lost, build the believer, train the workers to be church planters and multipliers, and mentor the leaders. The goal is to double the number of churches every two years. MMS, in partnership with many local Methodist churches in Singapore, has already reached out to Cambodia, China, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and Laos. Continued on page 19...
More than 400 specially invited guests at the Methodist Mission Society’s (MMS) “My Father’s Business” Banquet on August 25 sat riveted as they watched the telling of a transformed life in the mountainous country of Nepal.
Proposed MMS building projects in Nepal, Thailand, and China that were highlighted during the fund-raising banquet.
Coming Up
The Musical Story of Brave Maeve Grace Toh is the Assistant Editor of Methodist Message
“C
ourage comes in all sizes” – including that of a three-year-old Singaporean girl, Maeve Low, whose fight with cancer will soon grace the stage at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), in a musical that tells her inspiring story.
Brave Maeve: The Musical is the true story of Maeve, now six, who was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, at the age of three. Her mother, Ms Joanne Poon from Christ Methodist Church, wrote the story Brave Maeve to help her understand cancer treatment in a way that toddlers can – casting the cancer as a “poisonous stone” with “bad soldiers” and the chemotherapy treatments as “good soldiers”, the “strongest of soldiers to protect our precious Maeve”. Ms Poon, a drama teacher and full-time mother, had only intended the story to be for Maeve, but several divine appointments led to the story being illustrated, published as a book,
translated into 13 languages, shipped to hospitals and cancer foundations worldwide, and produced as a musical – through the generosity of countless volunteers and sponsors. She said: “All this was done because of the simple belief that each child undergoing cancer treatment should be able to have a book like that to accompany them on their journey.” “Not only did God send me help; He sent me amazing, professional help!” The story was first performed as a musical at Calvary Assembly of God in December 2012. Now, 2,400 more people will get to watch it at ACS(I). Sponsored by AXA Singapore, the proceeds will go to Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) and Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer, which Ms Poon said “were
essential in making our journey with cancer an easier road to walk”. Thanks to an anonymous donor, children currently undergoing cancer treatment will also be in the audience. Invite your friends and purchase tickets now! Said Ms Poon: “Everyone knows someone with cancer, or had cancer, and I know that you will be blessed.” n
INVITE u friends to watch this inspiring musical. Tickets can be purchased at Stash and Madam Milan. Email bravemaevemusical@ gmail.com for more information.
Tickets • Stash (181 Orchard Road #B1-05, Orchard Central, 11 am to 10 pm daily) • Madam Milan (5 Raffles Place #B1-47, Raffles Place MRT, 11 am to 8 pm weekdays, 11 am to 3 pm Saturdays) • For bulk tickets, email bravemaevemusical@gmail.com
methodist message
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 New International Version, unless otherwise stated.
Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairman, Council on Communications
Our address
Editor Ms Christina Stanley
Methodist Message • 70 Barker Road, Singapore 309936
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Tel: 6478-4786 • Fax: 6478-4794 Email: newmm@methodist.org.sg MM website: message.methodist.org.sg Church website: www.methodist.org.sg
Assistant Editor Ms Grace Toh
The Methodist Church in Singapore
the bishop writes
Must I confess
my sins? Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup was a Methodist pastor for 28 years, during which he was also President of Trinity Annual Conference from 2005 to 2012 before he was elected Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore for the quadrennium till 2016.
M For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. u
ost would answer the question saying, “Of course you must!” However, there are some who would say, “There is no need, since Christ died once and for all.” The question here is about our confession to God. When we sin against another person, James settles the question for us by saying: “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16a, ESV) Such acts are salubrious to our soul and body. But do we need to confess our sins to God, since there are scriptures that seem to suggest otherwise? “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. (Romans 8:1) “For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.” (Romans 6:10, ESV) “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12, ESV) Yet 1 John 1:9 (ESV) states “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I have come across the views of those who debunk the need for believers to confess our sins. They interpret this verse as referring to unbelievers. Personally, I think it is confusing for believers reading a letter addressed to them to find that the “we” in that line refers to unbelievers. A more convincing perspective is given by John MacArthur in his book The Freedom of Power and Forgiveness. MacArthur makes a critical distinction between what he calls judicial forgiveness and parental forgiveness. Judicial forgiveness was bought by Christ when He died for us, justifying us, freeing us from condemnation so that we do not need to seek it again. Parental forgiveness, on the other hand, is what 1 John 1:9 refers to. Our Father is displeased over His children’s recurring sin, about which He will chasten us for our good because He loves us. Sin which remains unconfessed to God can exact a toll on our physical body, not to mention the spiritual consequences. David shared this experience in Psalm 32:3–5 (ESV).
God chastens us, knowing how much going our own way will end up destroying us. When we do confess our sin to God, we are agreeing with Him regarding what is not right. It is the first step to align ourselves with His way again. Confessing our sin thus makes the chastening unnecessary. God does not need to discipline the obedient. But when we stubbornly resist His way and He disciplines us, Hebrews 12:10 says that His motivation is that we may share in His holiness, i.e. so that we might be like God. So here is the end game when we do not confess our sin: our physical body suffers (along with other aspects of our lives), and we are not aligned with God’s will (and do not see it). These are the consequences of sin (reaping what we sow; Galatians 6:7) and not God’s judgment – that was settled with judicial forgiveness. Because of His great love for us, unwilling to allow us to stray too far and too long, God will exercise His fatherly discipline to draw us back into fellowship with Him. When we do confess, our fellowship with the Father is restored. He extends His parental forgiveness. He cleanses us of all unrighteousness, thus removing the consequences of the previously unconfessed sin. We are back on track to realise the best plan that He has for our lives. n Picture by TatyanaGl/Bigstock.com
METHODIST MESSAGE • SEPTEMBER 13
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YOUTH
Young Adult Conference 2013
Reviving young adults with
God’s call Andrea Low is a volunteer contributor who is passionate about story-telling and travelling. A PR communications professional by day, she worships at Christalite Methodist Chapel.
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hristians in the 18 to 25 age range are often overlooked in church ministry. No longer teenagers and not yet adults, young adults at this age are finding it challenging to relate to youth group teachings, and yet are not ready to move into adult services. Thus Mr Isaiah Fadzlin, Coordinator of the young adult ministry in Pentecost Methodist Church (PMC), saw the need to create a platform for young adults to gather and grow in God’s Word, continuing to build a strong foundation in Christ during these crucial years. To that end, the first Young Adult Conference was held last year. This year’s conference, themed “The Call”, was held over two nights, July 25 and 26. The conference speakers were the Rev Aries Zulkarnain from City Harvest Church and the Rev Ng Chye Aik, a marketplace consultant. I attended the session on Thursday evening at PMC alongside 60 attendees. Young adults from many Methodist churches attended, including Bedok Methodist Church, Charis Methodist Church, Hinghwa Methodist Church, and my own church Christalite Methodist Chapel. It was wonderful to meet with fellow young adults from churches all over Singapore, and truly enriching to speak to one another about shared experiences. The Rev Ng delivered the message that night. With a passion for helping people experience freedom through prayer and counselling, he is currently active in the marketplace
as a consultant to companies and churches. He has more than a decade’s experience in serving in the young adults’ ministry, and previously served at Riverlife Church. Following a stirring worship session, he spoke on the topic of God’s call and what it means for us as Christians, using his personal testimony as a springboard. A particular verse he highlighted was 1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” Using scripture references outlining the lives of Moses, Joshua, David and Paul, the Rev Ng brought to life God’s call for these individuals in very different life stages and circumstances. He emphasised the importance of understanding what God’s call is about: God invites us to play a part in His story, to live out our purpose to our greatest potential. The Rev Ng shared that answering God’s call often means relinquishing our own lofty and brilliant ideas, and taking heed of God’s direction in our lives. What spoke to me most is when the Rev Ng asked: Were we merely pursuing God’s call for our lives, or were we pursuing God Himself? He shared the essentiality of chasing after
Were we merely pursuing God’s call for our lives, or were we pursuing God Himself? ... it was important to seek the Giver, not the gift, and to seek God and His kingdom first and foremost. God, not merely what He offers, even if it is a life plan and direction. In other words, it was important to seek the Giver, not the gift, and to seek God and His kingdom first and foremost. The Rev Ng encouraged us to focus on pursuing God, His heart and His passions. Only then would God’s passions be our passions, and our dreams aligned with God’s dreams. He spurred us on in our faith journey, showing from the Bible how faith can grow over time, just like how Abraham’s faith grew from his early days of walking with God to being a great man of faith (Hebrews 11). Using the example of David’s life, the Rev Ng also reminded us of the frailty of humans, and how God can still use us through our mistakes. The evening’s session closed with a group prayer where the Rev Ng and Mr Fadzlin blessed the young adults in attendance with a word of encouragement. I believe that many hearts were turned back to Christ that evening and set upon the path of seeking the Father before anything else, and trusting in His faithfulness to open doors of opportunity and to be aligned with His purposes. n
JOIN US u at the next Young Adult Conference in 2014. For more information about the conference or other events for young adults, please contact Mr Fadzlin at Isaiah@pmc.org.sg
SAYS THE PRESIDENT
“But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best Jeremiah 18:4 to him.”
God, the Master restorer and re-creator The Rev R. Prabhu was elected President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference in 2012 for the quadrennium. He is also Pastor-in-Charge of Ang Mo Kio Tamil and Seletar Tamil Methodist Churches.
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ven when we are broken, defeated, oppressed, or unstable, God can restore and bring about “beauty” from ashes, a “rock” out of sand and build an army from “dry bones”. Many of the stories in the Bible demonstrate this divine power and mercy of God, working in the midst of failures. God’s covenant people, Israel, were defeated and oppressed in Isaiah 61:3. They were like ashes: without life or hope, ugly in grief and sorrow. Yet God promised to “bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes”. Re-creation and restoration bring back dignity into our lives, and the Lord will accept us and work in us when we go to Him in our brokenness, in humility. Peter, or whom Jesus called “Simon, son of John” was unstable, outspoken and impulsive by nature, and therefore unreliable, like “sand”. Yet, in John 1:42, Jesus said to Peter that he would be called “Cephas” or “rock”. God saw in Peter the inner man; He knew he was passionate in following and serving Jesus. Jesus created him into a “rock”, stable and unyielding to the evil forces of man. The re-creation was not instant – Peter repeatedly failed to be strong in his faith, yet God, in His mercy, patiently persevered to mould and recreate fear into courage. Thus Jesus said to Peter: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18) The Jewish diaspora were scattered like “dry bones” – they were defeated, disunited and lifeless because of their sinfulness. The Lord’s Spirit asked in Ezekiel 37:2 “Can these bones live?” but in Ezekiel 37:10, “they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army”. No matter what condition they were in, God worked with and through His people, using His Word and His Spirit. Life entered their dry and defeated souls; they regained the strength to defeat their enemies. God transforms our failure into victory because we are His people. Jeremiah 18:4 says, “But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” The marred clay in the potter’s hand is not discarded but re-worked into a vessel of honour. We too can be marred by a stubborn and rebellious nature. However, like the potter who perseveres in his desire to make a vessel of worth, God recreates us to bring us back to usefulness for His namesake and glory. When God re-creates, He renews and restores us to dignity. It is not “second best” but the best. His recreations reflect His image. Re-created and restored persons are used for the intended purposes of God and for His glory. n Picture by iko/Bigstock.com
METHODIST MESSAGE • SEPTEMBER 13
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YOU & YOUR FAMILY
A time to 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.
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n her song “Big Yellow Taxi”, Joni Mitchell sings: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?” Hazy days in June made me think about how much I have taken clear skies and clean air for granted. Weeks later, my friends are still commenting on how happy they are to put up with rain instead of having to breathe smog.
...some people only remember the mistakes, setbacks and disappointments of life. They gloss over any upside that life has to offer and choose instead to focus on and remember the bad days.
remember, forget?
Yet human nature is such that in the next few weeks, most of us will have forgotten about the haze. And as the weeks turn into months, the haze may revisit us “unexpectedly”. Many, including myself, would be caught unprepared once again if it returns next year. The cycle will repeat itself; why we did not learn from it? Is it an affliction of the human condition that we seem not to learn from our mistakes? On the other hand, some people only remember the mistakes, setbacks and disappointments of life. They gloss over any upside that life has to offer and choose instead to focus on and remember the bad days. Instead of learning from life’s setbacks and being better prepared, they choose not to take further risk of being disappointed and
hurt again, living their lives as safely as they can. Such people live as if they have this permanent cloud of doom and gloom following them. Though they may be seldom caught wrong-footed, they almost never give themselves opportunities to be surprised by good outcomes. It is true that there are some lessons of life that we should never forget. One is that we should never appease aggression and bullying such as was
seen in German Nazism and Japanese militancy. History tells us how these ignored aggressions grew to engulf many other countries. But it is not so easy to remember lessons in our personal lives. How often have we found ourselves making the same mistakes over and over again, thereby hurting those whose feelings matter the most to us? When our absent-mindedness takes the form of forgetting important dates or food allergies of our spouses, such forgetfulness is annoying and can be understood as not being considerate of the other. Some clients I counselled go to great lengths to not commit the same mistake too often. One husband who was so frustrated with himself for not remembering to greet his wife whenever he arrived home decided to tie a string round his wrist to remind himself to do so! His wife was not amused by his efforts but his intentions were appreciated. Alas, I have found that men, myself included, are often more guilty of this forgetfulness. Women, if I were to risk making a generalised statement, are more likely to fault on remembering too many details. Unfortunately, many of these include errors and mistakes by their spouses. Perhaps, such women would do well to practise being more forgetful besides forgiving. So how are we to manage this God-given ability of memory? Let us remember to count our blessings and to thank God for them. We can do this by setting aside days of remembrances on occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries. First, thank God for answered prayers and the blessings He has sent our way. Next, ask that God will help us be grateful and open-minded even when things happen unexpectedly. Finally, we can also pray that we will be set free from past disappointments. In this way, we can make better use of our memory. n Picture by Flynt/Bigstock.com
WELFARE SERVICES
Methodist Welfare Services’ Golf Fund-raiser
Celebrating 25 years of ‘fellowship on the greens’ Adeline Huang is the Executive (Communications and Fundraising) at Methodist Welfare Services
“F
ellowship on the Greens” (FOTG) was first initiated by the late (then-former) Minister of State, Dr Tay Eng Soon and the late Mr Edwin Chan in 1989, for the purpose of bringing Methodists from different churches to socialise and strengthen bonds in the Methodist family over a game of golf. Today it is Methodist Welfare Services’ (MWS) flagship fund-raiser even as it continues to build on this heart-warming legacy, as seen in the joyful and meaningful fellowship among the 216 golfers at its silver anniversary, or 25th year of this golf fellowship, held recently at Jurong Country Club on July 17. 92-year-old Cecil Wong is one of our most stalwart supporters and has played in almost every MWS golf fellowship since it first began. Mr Wong recalls: “115 golfers played in the first tournament in 1989. This was convened by Barker Road Methodist Church and it raised $10,000.” Without doubt, Mr Wong is very much part of this legacy, as he continues
Neither age nor heart trouble stops Mr Cecil Wong, stalwart golf player, from enjoying Fellowship on the Greens with his fellow Methodists.
to enjoy the game with his children and grandchildren, with a full endorsement by his doctor despite heart trouble. This year, we received overwhelming response to this milestone FOTG. We had to open an early morning session in addition to the afternoon session, with the golfers split into a total of 54 flights through the day. Over $350,000 was raised, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and participants. This will be channelled into supporting all MWS centres serving the elderly, families, youth and children. To date, 11 Methodist Churches have organised the tournament, with many
repeatedly convening over the years. This year’s convening church was Grace Methodist Church. Organising committee member Mr Ross Tan, who is also Golf Captain of Jurong Country Club, pointed out: “More Methodist churches could be represented in the flights.” Agreeing, Mr Cheng Soon Keong of Wesley Methodist Church, and last year’s vice-chairman of the organising committee, expressed the need to expand future outreach to even more Methodist churches in the network. Nonetheless, regular participant Rev Dr Gordon Wong, President of Trinity Annual Conference, has a positive outlook on FOTG’s future: “There has been definite growth. We first started with Trinity Annual Conference churches and now, more Chinese Annual Conference churches are coming in to participate or convene. In future, I think more will get involved.” n
VISIT u MWS online at www. mws.org.sg or www.facebook.com/ methodistwelfareservices. SUPPORT u our cause by volunteering,
donating, and participating in MWS events. Picture by Methodist Welfare Services
Director / Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Fund-raising Identify, plan, drive and implement strategic initiatives to enhance the profile and brand name of MWS, including leveraging on social media and digital platforms. Engage and establish strong relationship networks with key stakeholders. Strategise and lead a team to deliver sustainable fund-raising programs and initiatives. At least 8 to 10 years’ experience in corporate communications, event management, marketing or related background.
Community Services Manager / Senior Executive
Welfare Executive (Girls’ Hostel)
Responsible for the day–today operations of FamilyWorks Community Services. Facilitate the growth of the Centre through partnership and collaboration with schools or organisations. Preferably with a degree/graduate diploma in social work, counseling or sociology/ psychology with at least three years’ relevant experience.
Support the residents in their physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Conduct activities and programs and keep residents engaged. Provide residential care and discipline where necessary. No relevant experience is required, just a keen interest in working with and an inclination to nurture youths.
METHODIST MESSAGE • SEPTEMBER 13
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HOME
The tongue… so tiny and deadly Peter Yeo Toon-Joo is a regular MM reader, PR consultant and ex-journalist with the Straits Times and the New Nation. He is a member of the Evangelical Chinese Church in Seattle, USA.
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as your tongue ever got you into trouble? Mine has – countless times. It has uttered things I later regretted. And hurt people closest to me, particularly my wife. Thank God, my tongue has also served me well – to teach, win friends, get on in life, and share the good news of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The tongue is used to uphold truth, and to lie. I remember one friend’s aunt: she had loudly professed her undying love for her late father, at the public reading of his will. Then, minutes later, cursed him foully – for leaving her so little of his wealth. “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8) Psychologist Jerald Jellison of the University of Southern California wrote in his 1977 book that the average person lies 200 times a day. Fortunately, we are not like that. Eh? The human tongue is so potent despite its small size. It can heal or kill, even someone a continent away. Like the little rudder that turns giant ocean liners, the tiny tongue can turn world events. Remember Britain’s wartime leader Winston Churchill? Remember Adolf Hitler? James 3:4-10 says: “Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder…
Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts… Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” Unwise use of our tongue breaks relationships, friendships, families, God’s faith communities (witness the harm caused by gossip among church members), and even nations; recall the countless cross-Straits disputes between Singapore and Malaysia sparked by what one politician in one country had unwisely said of the other country. Instead of being quick to listen, and slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19), we are often short of ear, and long of tongue! Our tongue mirrors what we feel and think. “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” (Matthew 12:35) Our tongue also gives away family secrets! Ever listened to what our kids say? If you have, you will know how some loose-tongued parents talk at home – and what they say about other people. Diseases of the tongue Derek Prince, in his book Does Your Tongue Need Healing?, lists a number of diseases of the tongue:
u Excessive Talking
“...many words mark the speech of a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 5:3)
v Idle or Careless Words
Have we not said things and then claimed we did not mean it or never said it?
w Gossip
We know we should not spread idle, untrue, exaggerated, or malicious talk. Satan, the devil, is a slanderer. Gossipers do his work. Jesus says “everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken”. (Matthew 12:36)
x Lying
People lie to gain an advantage or get out of trouble. God hates “a lying tongue… and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
y Flattery
If we heed flattery or use it, the end is ruin. “Those who flatter their neighbours are spreading nets for their feet.” (Proverbs 29:5)
z Hastiness of Speech
We speak and act rashly when angry. “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” (Proverbs 29:20)
How do we bridle our tongue? First, watch our hearts. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) You will know a tree by its fruit, the tongue. Yield your tongue and heart daily to the Lord. Follow David’s prayer to put a gate over your mouth, especially at home. Assume personal responsibility for every word you utter. Think before you speak. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29) Read one chapter of Proverbs a day. If we cannot control our tongue, we cannot serve God. We have no choice. n Picture by kiankhoon/Bigstock.com
LEARNING SAYS FROM THE PRESIDENT THE HERETICS
Manichaeism Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College. He worships at the Fairfield Preaching Point in Woodlands.
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ne of the most troubling questions that continue to exercise the minds of Christian theologians is that of evil. If the good God has created all that there is, then how can we explain the ubiquitous presence of evil?
It is no surprise that the main tenets of Manichaeism are shaped by Gnostic ideas, given the background of its founder. Like Gnosticism, this sect stressed the importance of acquiring secret knowledge through divine revelation. But unlike Gnosticism, Manichaeism teaches that religious leaders like the Buddha, Zoroaster, and Jesus have also disclosed some bits of this secret knowledge. Again unsurprisingly, Mani claimed to be the bearer of the complete and final truth, and the last and supreme
Manichaeism grouped its followers into two distinct categories: the Elect were those who have attained knowledge by renouncing all sexual and physical pleasures, while the Hearers were second-class devotees who were not required to refrain from sexual activities as long as they did not regard them in a positive light. This was the question that vexed one of the greatest theologians in the Patristic era, Augustine. In his youth and before his conversion to Christianity, Augustine found the answer offered by the Manichees so compelling that he became a follower of that mysterious sect for nine years. The sect was named after its founder Mani, the son of a member of an ascetic Gnostic sect of Persian origins. Mani grew up in this Gnostic community, absorbing its teachings and religious culture. When he was twelve years old, Mani received a vision that instructed him to leave the sect. Twelve years later, he received another vision that commissioned him to be the prophet and apostle of the new “Religion of Light”. When Mani died in the third century, his followers united under the leadership of Sisinius and brought the teachings of this sect to the Mediterranean Basin, where it became Christianity’s chief rival.
prophet. Subsequently, Mani even claimed to be the incarnation of the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit. Manichaeism grouped its followers into two distinct categories: the Elect were those who have attained knowledge by renouncing all sexual and physical pleasures, while the Hearers were second-class devotees who were not required to refrain from sexual activities as long as they did not regard them in a positive light. Augustine was a Hearer. What was Manichaeism’s solution to the problem of evil that so impressed the young Augustine? The solution that Mani and his followers offered is extrapolated almost directly and unimaginatively from the dualist metaphysics of the Gnostics. Everything is divided into two primordial realities that are in eternal and irresolvable conflict with each other: Light and Dark, Spirit and Matter, Good and Evil. These forces have such strengths and weaknesses that neither can vanquish the other.
From this basic premise, Manichaeism adopted a view of the Bible that is reminiscent of Marcion’s. The God of the Old Testament, who was responsible for bringing into being this material universe, must be an evil deity. This is because in the Manichaean system matter is essentially evil while spirit is fundamentally good. Although Mani rejected orthodox Christianity because of its undiscerning embrace of the Creator, he insisted that he was a Christian. Another aspect of the sect that fascinated the young Augustine was its strict asceticism. Because of their revulsion of the material world, the Manichees advocated a spirituality that regarded “the lower part of the body” as the disgusting work of the devil. Given Augustine’s own struggle with his sexuality, it is not difficult to see why he was impressed by the discipline of the senior members of the sect, especially among the Elect. Followers of the sect who were unable to submit to its exacting demands of renunciation (i.e., the Hearers), however, need not lose heart. As long as they continued to participate in the worship of the Manichees, embraced their doctrines, and gave to the “Church of Light”, they have a chance of being reincarnated as the Elect. Augustine eventually left the Manichaean sect because of the lewdness he noticed among its top leaders. But Augustine also became profoundly dissatisfied with the sect’s alleged “solution” to the problem of evil. If the Manichaean god is so impotent against evil, Augustine reasoned, why should we worship him at all? Several theologians of the Church besides Augustine, including St. Epiphanus of Salamis in the fourth century and John Damascus in the eighth, have energetically condemned the Manichaean heresy. The sect seemed to have totally disappeared in the ninth century. n
Background picture by Terry Evans/Bigstock.com
METHODIST MESSAGE • SEPTEMBER 13
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Fairfield Methodist School celebrates 125 Years
Hee Piang Chin is a member of the Fairfield Methodist School Board of Management.
F q The colourful ranks of students and teachers gathered on the field for our Founder’s Day Service.
or many families, Fairfield Methodist School has formed the common core of their lives. “Ah Boys to Men” actor Joshua Tan graduated from Fairfield about seven years ago. His mother and two sisters are also alumni. The 1999 head prefect, Mr Goh Sheow En is now back in the school as a teacher with 19 other Fairfield alumni. Mrs Tang Poh Kim’s grandmother was Principal, before she joined the school as a student, teacher and
eventually became the Principal for 18 years from 1983 to 2001. And so it was with great joy and thanksgiving to God that Fairfield Methodist School celebrated its 125th anniversary last month under the banner of our three-year theme, “One Fairfield” which culminated in our theme for the year, “One Legacy”. From our humble beginnings in 1888, with an enrolment of just eight Chinese girls in a school started by Ms Sophia Blackmore, a missionary from Australia, the school now has a combined enrolment of 3,000 students. As we turn back the pages
of our history, we marvel at the faithfulness of this one woman (one life) who was called by God (one love) to leave this legacy which today has grown and blossomed beyond her imagination. We remember many of our distinguished former principals as well who “built” Fairfield to what it is today – in particular, Ms Mary Olsen, Mrs Lim Bock Kee and Miss Lim Geok Kheng. They placed their faith in a faithful God, which enabled them to be faithful in their calling. The book A Brave New World published in 2005 profiles many of these stories.
Many have shared that they “found God in Chapel”. Even parents speak of the Christian culture they witness in the school as teachers see value in every pupil.
Many pupils have testified that “in Fairfield there is always God.” Many have shared that they “found God in Chapel”. Even parents speak of the Christian culture they witness in the school as teachers see value in every pupil. Alumni President Mrs Diana Chee aptly sums it up: “The rich legacy of Faith, Hope and Love has been left by principals, teachers and staff. Fairfield has also provided so many with the legacy of Friendship.” Mabel, class of 1995, shared: “Through Fairfield, God has blessed me with a lifetime of kingdom mentality. It was the primary and secondary teachers who taught me how.” Eric, teacher and parent of three boys currently attending the school, said: “Through Fairfield, God has blessed me with a renewed purpose and passion in what I am as a teacher.” As music and singing have long been an integral part of school life at Fairfield, a new performing arts studio will be built. This will build on a music legacy that goes back to as early as 1918 when a music teacher joined as staff. This led to many
t A highlight of our Founder’s Day celebrations on August 2 was the opening of the Millennium Time Capsule by our special guest, former principal Mrs Tang Poh Kim. The Capsule had been sealed 14 years ago, and contained many noteworthy items of interest including a school badge from the days when the school admitted only girls, a copy of the school’s 110th anniversary magazine and souvenir bears, as well as a photo of the 60-strong teaching staff from 1999. Mrs Tan is flanked by Mr Goh Sheow En (second from left), then Head Prefect and now Subject Head for Character and Citizenship Education at Fairfield Primary, and Mr Wee Tat Churn (right), then teacher at Fairfield and now Principal of Assumption Pathway School.
concerts and pageants, with one of these events reported in The Straits Times in 1931! Since then, Fairfield choirs have gone on to win many awards at the Singapore Youth Festival. The Performing Arts Studio will seat 300 and will provide a custom-built venue to inspire future generations of musical talents. Will you help us continue this legacy by buying a brick for $1,000 or giving a star for $10,000? Please call 6778-8431 for more information. n Pictures by Fairfield Photographic Society and Ashley Teo
MILESTONES 1888 Ms Sophia Blackmore starts a class for eight Chinese girls in Cross Street which soon becomes a school known as Telok Ayer Girls’ School. 1899 Receives its first grant-in-aid of $124 from the government. 1912 Moves to 178 Neil Road with a 300-strong enrolment by year’s end 1913 School takes on new name, Fairfield Girls’ School after its main benefactor – a Mr Fairfield. 1926 School Song is sung for the first time 1932 Students don the distinctive yellow and blue uniform 1939 Fairfield Chapel starts services in the school hall 1945 First Asian Principal appointed: Mrs Lim Bock Kee 1948 Becomes a local conference 1951 Fairfield alumni registers the Fairfield Alumnae Association with the Registrar of Societies. Begins contributing towards the development of the school 1958 School re-named Fairfield Methodist Girls’ School 1961 Becomes one School with one Principal, and appoints the first School Management Committee and School Chaplain 1983 Moves to Dover Road premises as two schools – primary and secondary – each under a separate Principal, with one Board of Management. Boys admitted for the first time, with student enrolment at 2350 with 39 teachers. 1984 Clementi Methodist Church, the forerunner of Aldersgate Methodist Church, meets at the primary school hall for church services. 1995 Aldersgate Chapel is completed and dedicated 1996 Gains autonomous status 2006 Fairfield Secondary receives the School Distinction Award 2012 Fairfield Primary receives the School Distinction Award 2013 Celebrates 125 years of God’s faithfulness with an enrolment of 3000 students and more than 200 teachers and non-teaching staff
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METHODIST MESSAGE, AuGuST 2013
CHurch profile
Brick by brick Philip Selvan Abraham is the Pastor-in-Charge of Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church
W
e need bricks to build churches, but did you know that one local Methodist church played a key role in the production of bricks themselves? Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (PPTMC) grew out of a small prayer group of Christian workers at Alexandra Brickworks, a brick factory that used to stand at the junction of Pasir Panjang Road and Alexandra Road in the 1920s. Assisted by the Tamil Methodist Church, the group met for weekly worship, meditation and fellowship. They even came to be recognised by the Brickworks authorities, who built a chapel on the factory grounds for them to gather in, furnished by the Methodist Missions. Not content to rest on their laurels, members of the fledging church began outreach at other brickworks in the area. This concern for building up the Church and for the discipleship of believers has been a clear focus of PPTMC throughout its 86-year history, especially under the pastoral leadership of the Rev J. Daniel, who served the church for 27 years. In 1972, the Alexandra Brickworks and its land changed hands, sending the church on a hunt for a new location, which was finally found at its current Wishart Road location. Today, PPTMC has nurtured many leaders who are actively serving the Lord in various ministries. Mr T.
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, there may be opportunity to forge cross-church partnerships and collaborations.
Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church (Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference) 85 Wishart Road S(098727) Sunday service: 10 am (Tamil and English) Contact: 6273-5911 or email pasir.panjang.tamil.mc@methodist.org.sg
The Mother’s Day Celebration held in a void deck in Telok Blangah attracted many residents, who got to hear the good news of Christ’s love.
Jeevanantham and Mr Stephen Shadrak are local preachers serving as supply pastors in Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference. PPTMC continues to build up not only the Church, but also the surrounding community. In collaboration with the Indian Activity Executive Committee or Narpani Pearavai of Telok Blangah Community Club, we provide financial support to needy families. We recently invited some Telok Blangah residents to our Mother’s Day Celebration held in a void deck, where we shared the love of Christ. Our members also conduct legal clinics in collaboration with Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre. Three
of our members are involved in Prisons Ministry. PPTMC continues to build and to work for God’s glory. On July 27, we launched a Tamil service at the Methodist Church of the Incarnation (MCI). We are thankful to the leadership of MCI for opening its doors for this work. n
PRAY u that we will be able to reach out to residents in Teck Whye, Yew Tee, Chua Chu Kang and beyond. Pictures by Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church
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METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013
schools
Methodist Pre-school
Long Service Awards Day and Staff Get-Together Jennifer Oliveiro-Lee is the Vice-Principal of Paya Lebar Methodist Church Covenant Kindergarten
p Mdm Soon Joon Lang
from Wesley Child Development Centre (Toa Payoh) receiving her 25year Long Service Award from Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup at Paya Lebar Methodist Church on July 12. She was one of 23 staff from various Methodist pre-schools who received their Long Service Awards that day, cheered on by the 155 other staff present.
t Mrs Adeline Tso, Principal of Paya Lebar Methodist Church Covenant Kindergarten (PLMCCK), presenting a token of appreciation to Guest-of-Honour Bishop Dr Wee. The Bishop’s message reminded the staff that they had much to learn from children, who were so spontaneous and joyful in receiving and praising the Lord. PLMCCK hosted this year’s Awards and led in a bilingual worship session.
Pictures by Paya Lebar Methodist Church Covenant Kindergarten
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HOME
W
‘Worship Wars’:
which style is best? Grace Toh Assistant Editor of Methodist Message
hich worship style is best? Contemporary, or traditional? This divide in worship style only came about 30 years ago, when a wave of new songs for musical worship were written in a style popular in the 1970s. Gradually the word “contemporary” was used as a prescriptive term to promote this new style of worship. Christian Worship historian, Duke Divinity School professor and lecturer at the Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship Studies Dr Lester Ruth suggested that questions on “what worship style is best” and “which style will get the people in” may actually distract us from focusing on the deeper questions about worship. Speaking at the Methodist School of Music Worship Symposium held in early June 2013, Dr Ruth noted that it was crucial for every church to draw from Ephesians 4:14 where the apostle Paul warns Christians against being “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching”.
Current style labels will come and go, and it is not about pitting one style against another; instead it is important for us to understand the deeper purposes of worship. Consider these questions:
• •
What makes Christian worship “worship”?
What makes Christian worship “Christian”? • If our God is Triune (three Persons in one Godhead), what impact should that have on Christian worship?
According to John D. Witvliet of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, discussions on worship can be on three levels: Experiential (What did the worshipper experience?), Technical (Did everyone do their task in the right way at the right time in the right place?), and Deep Purposes (What is the essence of Christian worship? What should worship really do and be?).
NEW PUBLICATION by Trinity Theological College
“No style of worship should be exempted from answering the question ‘What Would Paul Plan?’ from a biblical viewpoint.” The experiential and technical aspects are useful, but these also apply to large-scale secular events and are not exclusive to Christian worship. Dr Ruth prompted discussion on the deeper purposes of worship, and asked: “What Would Paul Plan?” In other words, what does the apostle Paul model in his manner of speech and behaviour that we can apply to discussions about worship? This method goes beyond finding explicit commands about worship in Scripture to using “scriptural imagination”.
From the Foreword The volume intends to nudge Christians to think about their social responsibility in a changing world. . . . If this volume stimulates some thinking, and better yet, positive engagement on the part of the faithful with Singapore society and community, then it would have done its part in making Singapore a better place: a more liveable city and a more humane society. – Lily Kong Professor, National University of Singapore
How would Paul answer these questions?
• • • •
What should we talk about in worship?
•
What should we expect to be happening between us and God?
• •
From the Preface What will the future be like and how will it impact the Christian is a pressing question that calls for deep reflection. . . . Can our Christian outlook stand up to the threats of modern secular culture? These are some of the deeper questions we must face now so that we can better prepare our future generations . . . I hope this book will spark off a series of serious Christian reflection on more specific issues facing the Church of the future. – Tan Gee Paw Chair, Public Utilities Board, Singapore
How much should we pray and what kind of prayers? What’s the role of Scripture in worship? Who gets to go first? Should the initial stress in the order of worship be placed on divine activity or human activity?
What’s the role of the people? How should worshipers relate to each other?
Stated Dr Ruth: “No style of worship should be exempted from answering the question ‘What Would Paul Plan?’ from a biblical viewpoint.” Dr Ruth suggested some possible responses. “Worship should have remembrance of God’s story and an opportunity for adequate response.” Or “Worship should contain lots of prayer and many different kinds of prayer” – noting that research shows most churches do not pray very much. Or “We should love one another in worship and beyond worship”, remembering that 1 Corinthians 13 talks about love in the context of churches fighting over worship. Another possible answer was: “Be Trinitarian and worship the Triune God.” Dr Ruth pointed out that Paul often named two or three Persons of the Trinity and drew attention to their cooperative activity in the story of salvation. Could we do the same in worship? Dr Ruth then analysed the lyrics of “Amazing Grace” and “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing” to demonstrate this. The first seems to describe a generic God, while the second specifically refers to Jesus Christ. How might a church place these songs in a way that could make it clear they worship a Triune God? Dr Ruth took pains to emphasise that “no single act of worship, no single song can do everything”. Instead, he encouraged us to be attentive to what each piece is doing and if there are gaps. “What’s in there and what does it contribute to a full picture?” Thus, in the above example, the two songs could be given a richer Trinitarian backdrop by reading 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 before singing them. “And then,” added Dr Ruth, “even a thousand tongues would not be enough.” n
The book may be purchased at The Bible Society of Singapore’s Resource Centres, the Welcome Centre of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Select Books, the Biblical Graduate School of Theology’s Book Corner and the reception counter at Trinity Theological College. You can also place your orders online at www.ttc.edu.sg
This book is remarkable – it shows vital and meaningful ways in which Christians can serve Christ by helping to build a nation that is not only prepared for tomorrow but outlasts tomorrow because of its sound and enduring values. This book fleshes out the call. I highly commend it! – Rennis Ponniah Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Singapore
Two thumbs up for this book. It is relevant, thoughtprovoking and challenges us to think about our roles and responsibilities to our nation. – Terry Kee Bishop, Lutheran Church in Singapore
This publication is long overdue. Christians in Singapore have long been actively engaging various communities through practical deeds. Moving forward, we need to explore holistically our contribution to the larger society. This book is a pull in the right direction.
Like Jesus, who came that people might have life and have it to the full, the Church needs to connect with people and be a blessing to them. The authors of this book encourage us to do just that. They challenge us to reflect on biblical truths that should shape how we think and act in a fast evolving society. – Leow Khee Fatt Moderator, The Presbyterian Church in Singapore
This is a badly needed book. At a time when Singaporeans are pondering on the direction the nation should take, this book encourages Christians to think through their social responsibility. These articles by leading churchmen, academics and pastors should stir our hearts, inform our minds and motivate us to move forward, together with others, to a better Singapore. – Bobby E. K. Sng former President of The Bible Society of Singapore
– Wee Boon Hup Bishop, The Methodist Church in Singapore
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seeks a Communications Executive Experience and qualifications: At least a Diploma in Communications or related field Skilled in Web Design, Web Management and CMS Experience in Corporate Communications including Social Media Management Fluent in writing and speaking English and Mandarin Main responsibilities: Handle the day-to-day operation of the CAC website Manage and develop website Perform regular website updates and uploading of published works Interested applicants, please send your resume to: Ms Toh Bee Kin, Office Manager Chinese Annual Conference 70 Barker Road #05-04, Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 or email to beekin.toh@methodist.org.sg
Editor’s NOTE Dear Reader, We’ve re-designed Methodist Message and given it a new, more contemporary look. The masthead on the cover is now bolder, and you’ll notice more pull-out segments of text that convey key points and messages. This will continue to be a work in progress as we evolve the look, but we would love to hear your feedback and comments. Our email is newmm@methodist.org.sg - and remember, your contributions are welcome as well. May MM be a continued blessing to you. Shalom,
Closing date of application: September 30, 2013 (Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.)
The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is a connectional church comprising the General Conference (GC), three Annual Conferences, local churches, and various agencies and organisations. This job position reports to the Editor of Methodist Message (MM), the monthly MCS newsletter, which is under the purview of the Council of Communications that reports in to the GC, the highest body of the MCS.
EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE Job responsibilities • Coordinate and liaise with contributors, printers, designers and volunteers. • Assist with church and para-church relations. • Assist with research and to monitor developments in churches, agencies and other denominations and major Christian websites outside Singapore, to ensure that the content in Methodist Message is always relevant, abreast of news, and will also include key developments that may be of value to the journey of discipleship and nurture, outreach, missions etc. • Assist in the administration of MM, including database management. • Attend and report on events, or to support in interviews, etc. • Other duties as and when required.
Job requirements • Editorial experience with strong writing skills. • Understanding of the communication processes. • Effective organisational and multi-tasking ability. • Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively across many levels of committees headed by clergy and laity. • At least 2 years’ experience in editorial, corporate communication, advertising, journalism or public relations. Salary Salary will be commensurate with experience. Application This position will require a mature and committed Christian with clear convictions about the work of the Church.
Please send your resume and a recent photo by Friday, September 27, 2013, to “The HR Manager, The Methodist Church in Singapore, 70 Barker Road, #03-01, Methodist Centre, Singapore 309936” or email hr@methodist.org.sg
Mission
“We have a two-pronged strategy for mission work in these seven countries – one is church planting, and the other is community development... Give where it is most needed. Together, we can fulfill Christ’s Great Commission.”
The business of
transforming lives
... continued from page 1
In his appeal to church leaders, corporate sponsors, donors and entrepreneurs, MMS Executive Director Rev Philip Lim said: “We have a two-pronged strategy for mission work in these seven countries – one is church planting, and the other is community development. We need the help of every Methodist, local church and Annual Conference to help us achieve our goal of planting 800 churches by 2020. Please pray with us. Be involved. Give where it is most needed. Together, we can fulfill Christ’s Great Commission.” The banquet was generously sponsored by Far East Organisation and The Fullerton Hotel. Besides the following projects that were highlighted at the Banquet, MMS will need to raise S$1.8 million to cover the cost of field operations and the FY13/14 programmes budget. Mai, Thailand: Phase Two of > Chiang Vineyard Methodist School
Vineyard started as a humble childcare centre in 2000 to meet the needs of working parents with young children living in the vicinity. This later expanded into a nursery, then a kindergarten, and in 2011, was renamed the Vineyard Methodist School. The long-term goal of the school is to provide a well-rounded primary education, including a full English-medium curriculum for nationals. To cater to the rapidly growing needs, English and Chinese language teachers will need to be recruited, and an extension will have to be built.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Methodist Centre and Wesley Methodist Church Since The Methodist Church in Nepal was instituted in October 2008, there are now six churches and five preaching points, supported by a faithful group of national pastors and evangelists, as well as cross-cultural evangelists. It is now timely to build a permanent home for Wesley Methodist Church and to establish a Methodist Centre, which will serve as the headquarters to train and equip national pastors for the growth of God’s Kingdom in Nepal.
>
China: Children’s Home cum > Huangshan, Training Centre
This is a partnership project with the Geng Cheng Three Self Church in Tai Ping, Huangshan to accommodate up to 30 orphans or children from broken or dysfunctional families. This will include a guest house that will be used by MMS to accommodate students from Zhangzhou Bible Training Centre, and to conduct discipleship training for national co-workers in the Anhui province. The Children’s Home will be a two-storey building with dormitories for girls and boys, and common amenities.
Both award-winning guest singers who performed on the evening of the banquet set the ball rolling, by donating a portion of their CD album sales proceeds to MMS. Vocal coach, recording artiste and song-writer, Mr Matthew Quek, performed three songs related to his life experiences and how God’s love has seen him through. One of Malaysia’s top recording artistes, Ms Juwita Suwito, then performed songs from her latest album, “The HeART of Hymns”, including “Holy, Holy, Holy” as she found it interesting that an English clergyman with a heart for missions, Reginald Heber, had penned the lyrics and later served as Bishop of Calcutta. The music continued to play with two solo renditions by saxophonist Samuel Cheah, a member of the “Burnt Offering” worship team from Pentecost Methodist Church. The call is clear. Are you ready to fulfil God’s Great Commission through MMS? n
DONATE u to support, making your cheques out to The Methodist Church in Singapore (MMS). Call 6478-4818 for more details. PRAY u for more to come forward as full-time missionaries, volunteers and workers to help build the Kingdom. u for God’s Holy Spirit to come upon all MMS missionaries, national workers and evangelists that they will continue to have the energy, stamina, courage and wisdom to do His will. Pictures by Methodist Missions Society
POEM
Grasping for The Wind Leong Kwok Thye is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church
“I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh… while guiding my heart with wisdom… I made my works great… I acquired male and female servants… So I became great… Therefore I hated life because The work that was done was grievous to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind… God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy To a man who is good in His sight…” Ecclesiastes Chapter 2 (NKJV)
We seek satisfaction In material treasure; And gratification In personal pleasure. We seek achievements To gain fame; And build monuments To establish our name.
But selfish ambitions Of every kind; Are mere illusions, A grasping for the wind. O God, our Creator give Knowledge, joy, and wisdom; To enable us to live Your way in Your kingdom. Background picture by Flynt/Bigstock.com
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Instruments of Worship Charity Concert
Sept 7 (Saturday), 7 pm
Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), Mrs Lee Choon Guan Concert Hall A charity concert in aid of Bethany Methodist Nursing Home, featuring choral group Cantate Domino and Big Band Windworkz. Tickets available at $150, $200, or a donation of any amount. Organised by Methodist Welfare Services. For tickets, call Mrs Anna Hoffman at 6478-4713 or email annahoffman@mws.org.sg
Training leaders for DISCIPLE course
Sept 10-11 (Tuesday-Wednesday), 9 am – 6 pm (BDTBS)
Sept 10 (Tuesday), 9 am – 6 pm (IWIW, RWYA and UTOL concurrently) The Methodist Centre, 70 Barker Road, Level 3
Fees: $200 (BDTBS) or $140 (IWIW, RWYA, UTOL) Sign up now for a seminar training leaders in any of the four segments in the DISCIPLE series. You must be trained in the first segment, Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study (BDTBS), to attend trainings for the other segments. Organised by DISCIPLE Agency. Contact Ms Chng Siew Geok at 6478-4755 or siewgeok.chng@ methodist.org.sg
Attending new courses at the Centre for the Development of Christian Ministry (CDCM)
New Testament Introduction 8 weeks beginning Sept 18 (Wednesday), 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm St Andrew’s Cathedral, Prayer Hall
Instructor: The Rev Dr Tan Yak-hwee, minister with The Presbyterian Church in Singapore and Programme Secretary for Reflection and Research of Council for World Mission. Fees: $100 ($80 for returning students within a year. Free for TTC alumni and TTC full-time students – registration required.)
Reasonable Faith: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics 8 weeks beginning Sept 19 (Thursday), 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm Trinity Theological College (TTC), Lecture Room 2, Level 3 Instructor: Dr Tan Loe Joo, a lecturer in Systematic Theology at TTC. Fees: $100 ($80 for returning students within a year. Free for TTC alumni and TTC full-time students – registration required.) Organised by the Centre for the Development of Christian Ministry, Trinity Theological College. To register, visit www.ttc.edu.sg, call Ms Ian Ming at 6761-3617, or email cdcm@ttc.edu.sg
Signing up “super early” for the Global Leadership Summit
Nov 1-2 (Friday-Saturday), 9 am – 5.30 pm
Bethel Assembly of God Church, 81 Aljunied Avenue 2 Fees: $120 before Sept 12 ($150 before Oct 12, $200 thereafter). Group fees available.
Register before Sept 12 to enjoy the “Super Early Bird” rate of $120 per person or $400 for a group of four. The Global Leadership Summit exists to transform Christian leaders around the world with an injection of vision, skill development, and inspiration for the sake of the local church. Organised by The Global Leadership Summit Singapore. Register at www.glssingapore.org
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THINK
The Right to
Die?
Tony Ting has been a practising counselling psychologist for more than 30 years, with the last 14 years at Wesley Counselling Services. His areas of interest include death and dying issues, marriage counselling, addiction counselling (including gambling), and movie therapy.
D
ixie Wong was just 24 when she was diagnosed with leukaemia. Now after a decade of agonising treatment with no improvement in sight but just constant decline in her physical condition, she came to this conclusion: “I’m sick and tired of the treatment because it is clearly not helping. The side effects are more unbearable than the disease itself. I hate my life and there is no reason to carry on living. In my sickness I have become a burden to my family and friends, taking so much of their precious time, funds and other resources. My life is so meaningless…I just want to have a quick death to end my miserable existence. I want to exercise my right to die with dignity and spare my parents, siblings and friends the agony of watching me suffer a slow and painful death.” Since Dixie is convinced she has the right to die, the following are some possible scenarios: ❦ She takes her own life without help from anyone – then her death will be listed as suicide. ❦ She does not have the means to commit suicide, but someone helps her by providing sleeping pills, making it an assisted suicide. ❦ If she can’t end her life herself, and asks someone to end it painlessly, e.g. a family physician, it is voluntary euthanasia. ❦ If she lapses into a coma and is kept alive on a life support
machine and someone in her family makes the decision to take her off the machine to allow her to die, then it is involuntary euthanasia. ❦ She sets up an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) to forgo any artificial means of prolonging her life. This AMD will then be enforced to allow her to die.
The above scenarios are the many forms that euthanasia can take. Euthanasia is a highly controversial topic with many legal, medical, moral and spiritual ramifications. Take the legal standpoint for instance: all the above scenarios of dying except the last scenario are not legal in Singapore. From a moral standpoint, the last two scenarios would appear less controversial in that withdrawing or not setting up the life support machine is not a deliberate act of killing Dixie but rather, of letting her die. Yet many would argue that a life support machine should not be withdrawn on account of costs or withdrawn at all, since there is always a chance, however slim, that she might recover. Is unbearable pain the only reason people seek euthanasia? Apparently not, according to the 2012 records of physician-assisted death in Oregon, USA, where euthanasia is legal. Pain and suffering accounted for only 29 per cent or less than a third of all requests for euthanasia. Other reasons cited for assisted dying include loss of autonomy, decreasing ability to participate in activities that made life enjoyable, loss of dignity, loss of bodily functions, burden on family, friends or caregivers, and financial implications of treatment. The above are some of the same reasons that Dixie gave to insist on her right to die. Because life is precious, many will find it hard to accept Dixie’s conclusion that to die is, for her, the correct decision. Like many critically-ill patients contemplating
euthanasia, Dixie suffers from depression, a treatable comorbidity. It is possible that depression is fuelling her current assessment of life. She may be crying out for help, instead of just pursuing a death wish. If provided with a combination of medicine, individualised care, counselling, and a new perspective on life, she may choose to continue living. Dixie’s wish to end her life quickly is possibly shaped by her concern for her loved ones. She realises all too well the financial and care burden her prolonged illness has imposed on family and caregivers. From the family’s perspective, it is emotionally and physically draining for them to watch Dixie suffer, without chance of recovery, knowing that respite will come only in death. The “right to die” is a misnomer as Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 tell us there is a time to be born and a time to die. Death is a certainty and most people would agree that when the time comes, they want a “good death.” So how do Christians prepare for a good death? A good death for Christians is one left in the hands of God and it is therefore a natural occurrence in accordance to His will and timing. Euthanasia or assisted dying is not considered even in the face of pain and suffering because it can be controlled with the help of medicine. It is also true that through suffering we find hope, not necessarily in this earthly, temporal life, but in the life to come. A good death needs advance planning so that personal affairs are in order with instructions in place (e.g., a will and an Advance Medical Directive) to ensure that the family knows the person’s wishes on matters such as funeral and hospice care arrangements. On the emotional level, unfinished business in important relationships needs closure and reconciliation. Ira Byock suggests that four expressions are needed to be said to significant others as life comes to an end: “I love you, thank you, I forgive you, and forgive me.” Finally, dying is the ultimate spiritual experience for the believer here on earth. The Bible says: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15). Death for the Christians is not the end; it is the beginning of our eternal life (John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:8). n
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