Reach Out

Recognising the strengths of our seniors in the community

Jan 2021 Mdm Ang leading other seniors in an exercise session The network of seven MWS Senior Activity Centres (SACs) run by Methodist Welfare Services do more than just organise activities to engage seniors aged 55 and above. They have been applying the Asset-Based Community-led Development (ABCD) approach, which involves activating seniors...

MMS: An overview

Jan 2021 MMS engages Methodists to reach out and bless the nations Past and new quadrennium The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) was established in 1991 as the mission agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). MMS seeks to establish indigenous churches supported by mission endeavours in our region. We are committed...

Leaving a Positive Mark on Lives this Season

Dec 2020 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV) During the Christmas season, Christians remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, when God gave...

Precious resources

Dec 2020 Here’s the deal. There is bad news and there is worse news; then there is good news and a catch. Of course, there is a catch—otherwise it would not be a deal. First, the bad news. In relation to your salvation, a purchase price is involved—yes, there is quite a...

Easing the Burden of COVID-19

Nov 2020 Providing casework and counselling to enable those in need to clear their debts and build emergency savings The COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard, especially the vulnerable in our community who are already facing challenging circumstances. When Joey Loh, a social worker from Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), first visited...

RESTing in the Lord!

Nov 2020 Participants at the MMS Missionaries’ Retreat “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) Every two years, the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) invites all our missionaries and their families to our Missionaries’ Retreat, normally held in a hotel in West...

Never too old to give back

Oct 2020 Eng Bong cycling nearly 100km on 8 Aug 2020 to raise funds for MWS Bethany Nursing Home - Choa Chu Kang. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) At an age where most people are...

Thank you for the music!

Oct 2020 Through MMS, and despite facing tough times themselves, Singaporean believers contributed support for those affected by COVID-19 at SMS. The school celebrates Singapore’s National Day every year. This banner is made up of close to a hundred cards expressing well wishes for Singapore. Being able to run our summer programme...

Who are you a neighbour to?

Sep 2020 Who are you a neighbour to? The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our lives, despite the easing of control measures. For those who have fewer resources and are more likely to lose their jobs, the impact is substantially heavier. From a Christian perspective, the current pandemic is providing followers with...

Education as a missions endeavour

Sep 2020 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov 22:6) Japanese gardens provide a stunning visual experience—trees are beautifully shaped in ways that are very pleasing to the eye. The clever gardener can envision the potential beauty of...

Love through unity in action

Aug 2020 Families in mission fields bringing home their relief packages The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated at an alarming speed, infecting millions and impacting economies as countries imposed tight restrictions to halt its spread. Even as Singapore battles and grapples with the crisis, the three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in...

Never too young to make a difference

Aug 2020 MWS FDP volunteers share experiences on Zoom “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12) A passionate volunteer with MWS Family Development Programme (FDP) since July 2019, Joanne Chua from Changi...

The Laity and Its Place in The Church

Jul 2020 A disciple is one who responds to Jesus’ call to follow Him. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The challenge is for all who are called by God to take their faith seriously,...

As we obey, He enables

Jul 2020 When Edmund Tan was approached by a friendly face at the nursing home where his wife, Winnie, was serving as a volunteer befriender, to serve as well, he gently protested. “No, no, I can’t do it. I don’t have any experience in healthcare. Besides, I’m quite shy myself,” It has...

New Geographical Mission Partnerships (NewGMP)

Jun 2020 The Rev Derrick Lau having a meal in Tokyo in early Feb 2020 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) “For...

Caring beyond the ordinary in extraordinary times

Jun 2020 Letting go of a loved one on the brink of death is hard. During Mdm Tan Sai Tin’s last days, the palliative care team at MWS Bethany Nursing Home–Choa Chu Kang faithfully attended to her needs. While Mdm Tan wanted to leave peacefully, some members of her concerned and well-meaning...

A Missionary’s Heartbeat

May 2020 The Dunamis House hostelites Methodist Missions Society (MMS) started its hostel ministry in Timor-Leste with the setting up of Sundermeier Home in Gleno, Ermera District, in 2016. The home serves to provide high school youths with a safe and healthy environment to continue their education and to grow with the...

Let our light shine during the COVID-19 crisis

May 2020 Many of the families MWS serves are households from the bottom 10 per cent income group who struggle with the costs of daily living As Singapore battles the COVID-19 outbreak, new measures are being introduced throughout the country at quick succession to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Almost overnight,...

The Third Place

Apr 2020 Sunday Worship Service in progress One of the challenges to missions is to continue to be relevant to the needs of the people to whom we are ministering. In Cambodia, the setting up of The Third Place exemplifies our ministry to reach out to young women and equip them with...

Family of five spirals into debt after accident

Apr 2020 A row of rented flats that some low-income households, like Mr Yong and his family, call home As a Methodist Family, we can make a positive impact! Mr Yong TK, a father of three, used to run a stall at a hawker centre. While business was not brisk, he made...

What Is God Doing in Timor-Leste?

Mar 2020 Celebrating Restoration of Independence Day with our traditional headwear and tais In support of the St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) Development Project, donors have generously given about S$3m so far. This amount exceeds the approved budget for land acquisition and phase one of the construction, which include: a two-level classroom building with...

EAT SHARE CONNECT with the Less Fortunate

Mar 2020 Bridging the Gap, Promoting Understanding through Table Fellowship Think about the lowest point of your life—it could have been the passing of a loved one, a broken relationship or a critical illness. How did the stress you experienced affect your work, relationships and decision-making? Over time and with the support...

Reaching Generation Z in Phrao, Thailand

Feb 2020 The “One Way 146” Youth Concert in Phrao. We waited with bated breath for the electricity to come back on. It had gone out for almost an hour and we were afraid that a year’s preparation would be wasted. Then there was a bang, and the lights came back on,...

Impact Lives as a Methodist Family

Feb 2020 EAT SHARE CONNECT with the less fortunate Seventy-four-year-old Mr Lim Boo Seng lives alone in a two-room rental flat. He used to work as a dish collector at a food court but he had to stop working in 2018 when his health deteriorated. Staff of MWS Wesley Senior Activity Centre...

Eat Share Connect: Sharing meals, touching lives.

Jan 2020 Mr Tan has been sleeping in his delivery van and is working with his social worker to secure a home When Mr Tan Wei Meng* found himself homeless and had nowhere to go, he took to living in the delivery van that he uses for his work as a courier....

Freedom in Christ

Jan 2020 The youths at the Wesley Bardan Methodist Church Youth Camp in October 2019 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor 3:17) We are thankful for the mission teams from Singapore that have helped organise and conduct annual youth...

Missionaries for God

Dec 2019 Residents of Term Fun Home with various mission teams that have visited them As a missionary in Thailand, I am privileged to host mission teams from Singapore. I am often asked: “Do mission teams tire you out? Does their presence add more work for you?” The honest answer is “Yes.”...

Give Them The Reason To Celebrate

Dec 2019 The year-end festive season is a special time for Christians. As we rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we spend the days leading to Christmas enjoying good food and shopping for gifts for loved ones. But festive occasions feel very different for the people we serve. It is...

Church Engagement in Missions

Nov 2019 Foochow Methodist Church co-organised a Youth discipleship Rally with MMS in Cambodia at the Methodist School of Cambodia for our youth in Cambodia. As the missions arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) relies heavily on partnerships with the Methodist churches in Singapore to...

Giving Back to the Community

Nov 2019 Florence (first from left) and another befriender in MWS Senior Activity Centre – Kebun Baru’s Community Befriending Programme chatting with a resident in the neighbourhood. Outgoing and friendly, Florence is an active member of MWS Senior Activity Centre – Kebun Baru. She retired from her job eight years ago, but...

Not a MITE would I Withhold

Oct 2019 Evelyn (middle of front row, in jeans) with the hotelites of Sundermeier Home. In May 2018, I stayed at Sundermeier Home (SH) during a medical mission trip to Timor-Leste. After the house-parents Uncle Joseph and Aunty Grace (MMS missionaries) shared about their sabbatical plans for 2019, God prompted me to...

Harnessing the talents and abilities of seniors

Oct 2019 Ms Julie Goh conducting a cooking demonstration of a healthy recipe Seventy-two-year-old retiree Ms Julie Goh lives alone, but she is not lonely because she is part of the community at MWS Senior Activity Centre – Golden Lily@Pasir Ris. Officially opened on 24 Aug 2019, the Senior Activity Centre serves...

You can help Break the Poverty Cycle

Sep 2019 We are often told that poor people are poor because they make bad decisions. But have you ever thought that perhaps they make bad decisions because they are poor? An NUS study of families on an MWS-initiated debt relief programme called GOOD (Getting Out of Debt) showed that the mental...

Bringing a taste of Singapore to Laos

Sep 2019 Sharing love the Singapore way—through food! On 6 June 2019, a group of 15 church members and friends aged between 44 and 81 left Singapore on a mission to Vientiane to help at the Singapore Fair at Singapore Mission School (SMS). At SMS, we had the opportunity to watch its...

Bringing Joy to Others

Aug 2019 Mr Soo and wife bring joy to a resident at a birthday celebration at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee Mr Harry Soo and Ms Lilian Chang were among the first volunteers for MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee’s birthday celebrations. Each month, the husband–wife pair faithfully give their time...

Prayer in the Upside Down World

Aug 2019 Daniel, Sharon and their four children My prayer life while in the mission field has been like a roller coaster ride. I call the mission field the “upside down world”, where things are done so differently from home, and our experiences are often extraordinary and rather scary. When I accepted...

GOOD Changed Lives!

Jul 2019 In 2015, Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) developed the GOOD (Getting Out of Debt) programme to commemorate The Methodist Church in Singapore’s 130th anniversary and Singapore’s 50th Jubilee. Methodist churches contributed generously to GOOD, providing one-time debt clearance that year to over 650 families in need. These families burdened with chronic...

My Father’s Business banquet 2019

Jul 2019 For the past 23 years, MMS has organised biennial banquets to raise funds for major projects in our mission fields. The banquets, titled “My Father’s Business”, reference Jesus’ response when his parents searched for him and found him in the temple (Luke 2:49). The “My Father’s Business” 2019 fundraising dinner...

Remembering Dr Jimmy Tang Chian Piao

Jun 2019 Dr Tang (first from right) with the medical and dental team from Barker Road Methodist Church and Sengkang Methodist Church in Nepal in Nov 2018 “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matt 25:23) It is never easy to come to terms with the...

Giving as one to the community

Jun 2019 Pentecost Methodist Church and Living Hope Methodist Church raised funds to purchase food hampers which were packed and delivered by volunteers to 154 needy families in Pasir Ris In the epistle of James, all Christians are encouraged to do good: “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have...

My grace is sufficient for you

May 2019 Pranish (extreme left) with the WBMC worship team I have had the privilege to work with my home church, Pentecost Methodist Church, and MMS in our Nepal ministry since 2008. I have witnessed the hand of God at work in the lives of simple people who trust God implicitly. During...

Doing more with your gift

May 2019 Artist's impression of the ward in the re-modelled MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang We have been incredibly blessed by our faithful and generous supporters, many of whom are from Methodist churches. Without them, we would not be able to serve our 11,000 beneficiaries. Half of our services...

E.N.L.A.R.G.E. the place of your tent!

Apr 2019 Praying together for MMS. “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.” (Isaiah 54:2) Since 2016, and most recently at the Country Review and Budget Meeting held in February, MMS has annually...

Caring for the caregivers

Apr 2019 When loved ones are struck by serious illnesses and opt for home care, immense pressure falls on informal caregivers, be they spouses, children or domestic helpers. Although many caregivers hope to give their loved ones the best of care, the demands on them can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining....

Methodist School of Cambodia celebrates 20 years of God’s goodness

Mar 2019 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Ps 136:1) On 19 Oct 2018, the Methodist School of Cambodia (MSC) celebrated its 20th Anniversary. MSC first started in 1996 with a class of 15 kindergarten children under the leadership of the late Rev...

Being a servant to God and those in need

Mar 2019 Nanyang Technological University staff help to clean MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee during their Corporate Social Responsibility volunteer session. Psalm 33:5 extols our God as a God of justice: “He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” Throughout Scripture, we read of God’s...

The Heart of Giving

Feb 2019 On Good Friday about 2,000 years ago, Christ demonstrated the perfect example of love and humility by giving Himself to save His people. In Philippians 2:3–4, Paul exhorts believers to emulate Christ’s example, to “count others more significant than [ourselves]”, and “look to the interests of others”. David and Magdalene...

Participation and Partnerships in Missions

Feb 2019 The Methodist Missions Society (MMS), established on 30 Sep 1991 by The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), is the first home-grown denomination-based missionary-sending agency. MMS’s mandate, as given in The Book of Discipline (BOD), states that “the primary mission of the Society shall be to establish indigenous churches where none...

A Missions Journey of Love

Jan 2019 The Rev Philip Lim was posted to Cambodia in 2004 as a missionary with The Methodist Missions Society (MMS). Little did he know where it would take him. A people person, he loved his ministry and the people he served. During his seven years in Cambodia, the Rev Lim built...

Bringing the Warmth of Home into Nursing Care

Jan 2019 On 14 Nov 2018, Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) celebrated the opening of our first nursing home in 18 years—the MWS Nursing Home-Yew Tee. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Health, Mr Gan Kim Yong; Minister for National Development and Member of Parliament for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, Mr Lawrence...

Grace upon Grace

Dec 2018 In life, many of us face ups and downs. For some, their obstacles can be debilitating. 18-year old Agnes*, who currently resides at MWS Girls’ Residence, suffered horrific abuse by her stepfather as a child. Without adequate parental care and support, she ran into trouble with the law. Another of...

My grace is sufficient

Dec 2018 Doris with her students from The Methodist School of Cambodia in 2001 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9, NIV) How was I able to sustain 20 years of ministry in Cambodia? It was one thing to be forewarned about...

Giving Time to Bless Others

Nov 2018 Looking ahead to The Giving Methodist (TGM) 2019, we chatted with two first-time volunteers during this year’s TGM. Phyllis Han works full-time in human resources and worships at Charis Methodist Church. I heard an announcement about TGM in my church and thought it would be a good way to start...

LAOS DISASTER RELIEF: AID FOR THE AIDERS

Nov 2018 A hydroelectric dam in Southeast Laos collapsed on 23 July 2018, leading to widespread destruction and displacement of villagers throughout the province of Attapeu. In the days following the disaster, more than 3,000 Lao people clung from trees and rooftops as they awaited rescue. At least 31 died and scores are...

Doing good well

Oct 2018 Junie Foo is the new Group Executive Director of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). The former banker, who attends Christ Methodist Church, took over the reins from Mrs Jenny Bong on 6 Aug 2018. She tells us more about herself and her hopes for MWS. Q: Why did you join MWS?...

Praying with Authority

Oct 2018 When I read the amazing testimonies of students of the School of Ministry (SOM) at Tung Ling Bible School (TLBS) in its magazine, Polished Shaft, about how they had experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit and how Jesus had touched their lives, I prayed for similar encounters. God answers...

“Great is Thy Faithfulness!”

Sep 2018 I know it, sing it and acknowledge it. God’s faithfulness has been ever so real in my early experiences of serving as a MMS missionary in Thailand. My wife and I have discovered that we truly have a generous God. When we commit to His plans, we will never be...

Going the extra mile for lonely elderly

Sep 2018 Lonely and socially-isolated elderly living in Geylang East can now relive their kampong days at MWS Senior Activity Centre (SAC)–GreenTops@Sims Place. GreenTops SAC is located at Sims Place, which was known as Sar Kong Village, one of the many villages that sprang up along the Kallang River in the early...

A time for sharing

Aug 2018 The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) held its Missionary Retreat from 26 to 29 June, immediately after the GoForth 2018 National Missions Conference. The retreat is a biennial event during which our missionaries return for a time of fellowship, sharing and learning. Through the teaching on prayer, many were refreshed, led,...

A heart for our pioneers in need

Aug 2018 As we celebrate our nation’s 53rd birthday, let us not forget the less fortunate among our pioneers, who toiled to build Singapore but are now frail, impoverished, mostly alone and in dire need of care. Twelve out of our 19 MWS centres support them holistically through their autumn days. These...

Galvanising Methodists in aid of social concerns

Jul 2018 Over 4,000 individuals participated in the recently concluded The Giving Methodist campaign, which was jointly spearheaded by The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). Over 1,000 people volunteered their time; nearly 3,000 gave their voice; and over 380 donors contributed over $260,000 to help the poor...

New leaders for a new season

Jul 2018 Thailand was one of the earliest mission fields for the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). Starting in 1995, the ministry in Thailand has grown from strength to strength. We now have 28 churches and preaching points. Our major focus has been in church planting through our community development programmes. One major...

A changing and challenging missions landscape

Jun 2018 The 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...

Home hospice care: More than you imagined

Jun 2018 With 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: A hospice is a medical facility to care for...

Overcoming poverty – Two stories, one hope

May 2018 MWS MODEL OF HELP FOR FAMILIES The Family Development Programme (FDP) by the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) helps families break out of the vicious circle of poverty and distress through holistic integrated intervention. Launched in April 2016, its focus is debt repayment and savings matching at a ratio of 1:2,...

In memoriam: Pastor John Lim Thuan Woon

May 2018 “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:23 It was a sad day for us when Pastor John Lim Thuan Woon entered into the joy of his Master on 26 March 2018. Having only recently enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with him...

Melodies of the heart

Apr 2018 As a person who has music deeply intertwined with her daily life, I am fascinated by music of other cultures and by extension, how people of various cultures worship the Lord Jesus through song. Worship through song is a common yet intimate way to express one’s relationship with God. Music...

Lent: Galvanising Methodists for The Giving Methodist

Apr 2018 The period of Lent was spent a little differently this year. Several Methodists around Singapore heeded the call of The Giving Methodist (TGM) campaign to perform acts of mercy in Jesus’ footsteps. The TGM provided simple and accessible opportunities for Methodists to give time, donations, and essentially a voice for...

New SAC supports MWS’ continuum of eldercare

Mar 2018 It was a morning of exuberant song and dance on 9 Feb 2018, when nearly 200 seniors, volunteers, grassroots leaders, government agency representatives, and members of the community celebrated the official opening of MWS Senior Activity Centre (SAC) – Teck Ghee Vista. A lion dance troupe greeted the guest-of-honour, Dr...

Raising female Cambodian leaders through 1st Phnom Penh GB Company

Mar 2018 A cool breeze brought an air of excitement amongst the students and officers, as we celebrated our 2nd Combined Enrolment Parade and Service of the 1st Phnom Penh Girls’ Brigade (GB) Company and the 1st Phnom Penh Boys’ Brigade (BB) Company, on 3 Feb 2018 at the Methodist School of...

God grants growth at Sundermeier Home

Feb 2018 Sundermeier Home is located in a cool, green valley nestled between the mountains of Ermera District in Timor-Leste. Located near the district’s only secondary school, it enables young boys and girls from remote villages to finish their education. These are children who are poor and stay very far from their...

Seven ways to bless others with your time

Feb 2018 For the year ahead, how would you like to devote some time to an act of mercy, in gratitude to Christ? No matter what your abilities or talents are, you can find a meaningful way to share them with the less fortunate. As part of ‘The Giving Methodist’ (TGM) campaign,...

The growth God grants

Jan 2018 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6 The story of Yun Xia’s conversion reminds us that indeed it is God who brings about spiritual growth. Yun Xia is a fresh graduate from East Asia who has a deep desire to learn new things,...

Volunteering journeys with MWS

Jan 2018 The spirit of volunteering comes in many forms, regardless of age, background or occupation. Two working professionals share their experiences as volunteers of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). Turning her hobby into a gift of health Ms Ang Lay Hong has only been a volunteer with MWS Christalite Methodist Home (MWS...

School-building in Timor-Leste

Dec 2017 53% of the population in Timor-Leste is under the age of 19*; therefore, Christian education has immense potential for shaping lives and transforming this nation. Timor-Leste is a country ravaged by decades of war, disease and unemployment. When the conflict with Indonesia ended in 2002, few teachers were left and...

Enabling little miracles

Dec 2017 Getting back on his feet When the previously strong and healthy Mr Ang suffered a stroke last June, his world came crashing down. The 58-year-old production soundman had to quit his job, and was grappling with medical bills and paralysis on the right side of his body. Without a source...

The Red Roof

Nov 2017 It all began with a dream, a vision from God. I was down with high fever and was praying for healing. I dreamt of a church with a red roof, beautifully decorated, and located beside a vast flowing river. I heard God’s voice saying, “Go and build My church and...

ONE MWS

Nov 2017 Starting 1 Nov 2017, Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) will have a new branding approach which features a refreshed visual identity for MWS and our centres. Our new branding approach: Being ONE MWS For a stronger and more visible common identity, MWS has begun the process of bringing about harmonised branding...

Together in our Father’s business

Oct 2017 The 25th Anniversary of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) culminated with a banquet held on 27 Aug 2017 at The Fullerton Hotel. The theme of this banquet highlights the commitment of MMS in carrying out our Father’s business by being a “disciple-making movement that transforms lives”. My Father’s Business Banquet...

Golden years, new beginnings

Oct 2017 Over a year ago, Mr Liau Vui Hon (right) was just another typical newly-retired senior. Having been sedentary for most of his working life, he was physically very unfit. The diabetes sufferer also had chronic knee pain and weakness in his left leg, which made climbing stairs impossible. As his...

Can medical camps leave a lasting impact?

Sep 2017 Many doctors and mission trippers have asked me: “How effective is it to have a once-yearly medical camp in a village?” I have reflected on this question and each time I am asked, I seek God’s wisdom. Invariably, the answer from Him is the same: “My child, it’s not about...

Saving marriages, one at a time

Sep 2017 As fewer Singaporeans are tying the knot in Singapore, more married couples, on the other hand, are calling it quits. According to figures released in July 2017 by the Department of Statistics, divorces and annulments in 2016 rose 1.2 per cent from the previous year, with a significant number of...

A bridge to life

Aug 2017 The Post-COSI Integration Programme (PCOSIIP) in Cambodia was established in 2009. Its objective is to help children from the COSI Children’s Village successfully transition from a sheltered environment back into society. 15 COSI youths (10 per cent of COSI’s population) have successfully completed the programme, and graduated from universities in various disciplines. Currently, there...

Galvanising Methodists to help the under-served

Aug 2017 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us...if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do...

Man with one wish

Jul 2017 The eyesight of 74-year-old Mr Ler Eng Leong is so poor that he can only see and count fingers held directly in front of his face. His entire world is a blur. He can only discern vague shapes in his immediate environment, from the furniture and objects in his home,...

Amidst change, a mission unchanged

Jul 2017 “Your faithfulness endures to all generations” Psalm 119:90 In every aspect of our lives, change is inevitable. The same can be said of missions. People will change and how we do things to achieve our missional objectives may change due to context and circumstances. But what never changes is the...

Walking on Sunshine

Jun 2017 For the audience at the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient Awards 2017 ceremony that took place in April, it was a heart-warming and perhaps quaint sight to see a group of elderly people honoured as volunteers. The seniors, who call themselves The Sunshine Group, received an accolade in the Support Groups...

New Vineyard Methodist School block dedication

Jun 2017 A new school building housing additional classrooms and a multipurpose hall located within the Vineyard Methodist School (VMS), Thailand, was dedicated by our Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung on 13 March 2017. Present at the dedication were members of the VMS Board and representatives from the Methodist Missions Society (MMS)....

Learning is child’s play at MWS D’Joy

May 2017 By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team Imagine a preschool classroom that transforms every two weeks – into a home, salon, post office or a familiar landmark in the neighbourhood. This kind of experiential learning is now a reality for the children of MWS D’Joy Children’s Centre located in Jalan...

Prayer and spiritual warfare retreat – Nepal

May 2017 “Prayer catapults us into the frontier of the spiritual life…. Real prayer is life-creating and life-changing” — Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster The Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN) conducts regular training for pastors, leaders and the laity, equipping present and future leaders with a firm spiritual foundation, enabling them...

Fuzzy therapy that works

Apr 2017

Every second Saturday of the month, the residents of the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Bethany Methodist Nursing Home (BMNH) eagerly await the arrival of visitors of the furry kind. They are the friendly canines from Therapy Dogs Singapore (TDS), a non¬-profit voluntary welfare group which has been making monthly visits…

The rainbow connection – nurturing Laotian children

Apr 2017

Twelve years ago, it was a glorious rainbow that sealed God’s call to Lesley and Kok Liang Yeow to live and serve in Vientiane, Laos. In faith, they started a centre for teaching the English language to adults. Twelve years ago, it was a glorious rainbow that sealed God’s…

It’s cool to serve the Lord

Mar 2017

“I’m going on a short mission trip to Chiangmai.” The usual response to this is, “Cool place!” Sadly, not anymore, as de-forestation has affected the climate of this northern Thai city. Vineyard Methodist School (VMS) in Chiangmai was set up by the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). The school’s mission is…

Reaching out to families in distress

Mar 2017

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18 (NIV)…

Up close and personal with new MMS Chairman

Feb 2017 Alvin Tan – is the new Chairman of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) with effect from 1 Jan 2017. We reprint with permission an interview conducted with him by Harvest Force, the MMS publication. Harvest Force (HF): Welcome, Alvin! Tell us a little about yourself. Alvin: We are a...

When a child loses a parent

Feb 2017 Children and youths experiencing grief and trauma from a broken family background or the death of a parent are often unable to articulate their feelings effectively or find closure in their lives. Fortunately, with an early intervention programme launched by FamilyWorks Community Services, help is at hand. An outreach arm...

Life after trauma

Jan 2017 Nestled among old HDB flats in St. George’s Lane is Residence @ St. George’s (RSG). Run by the Methodist Welfare Services in collaboration with the General Conference Women’s Society of Christian Service, it is a rehabilitative haven for troubled young girls aged between 15 and 21 years old, most of...

Right values – right results!

Jan 2017 Education is one of the key focuses in the work of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) in Cambodia. The Methodist School of Cambodia (MSC) has been around since 1997. For many years, we have been teaching our students the importance of putting their best efforts in their studies, and especially...

Loving the Timorese: Reflections on MITE programme

Dec 2016 I embarked on a two-month Missions Internship Training and Exposure (MITE) programme to Timor-Leste (TL), beginning from 2 July 2016. This is my first trip to Timor-Leste and I was captivated by the beauty of this land and its people. The Timorese are friendly, resilient and they have a deep...

Changing lives with $1 a day

Dec 2016 “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something.” –Edward Everett Hale Christmas and New Year festivities are joyful times for many of us but for some, celebrations and cheer are far from their minds. Faced with poverty, physical disabilities, family conflicts,...

MMS Missions Conference 2016: Catching the Urban Wave

Nov 2016 As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) hosted a Missions Conference at Trinity Theological College on Saturday, 20 Aug 2016. The conference focused on how to effectively share the gospel in urban areas, taking into consideration the unique social, economic and psychological challenges faced by...

Ambassadors for the ‘last, lost and least’

Nov 2016 Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) has recently appointed Ambassadors within local Methodist churches to pave the way in caring for the “last, lost and least”. These Ambassadors can tap on available resources provided by MWS, to extend swifter and more targeted help for those in need served by the churches. The...

MMS launches new logo with thanks to God for 25 years

Oct 2016 Thanking God for His immense faithfulness and favour, the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) revealed their new logo at their 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on 19 Aug 2016, at the Trinity Theological College Chapel. Amid heartfelt expressions of gratitude to God for His grace, about 200 staff, missionaries, volunteers, supporters, guests...

Making new beginnings possible

Oct 2016 In the past few years, single mother Madam Kong Siow Lin struggled to provide for her two children. Not making enough to make ends meet, she defaulted on utilities and rent payments. Through the Getting-Out-Of-Debt (GOOD) Programme in 2015, her debts were fully cleared, liberating her from daily anxiety. She now draws a stable...

Creating communities of warmth

Sep 2016 The number of seniors who live by themselves has nearly tripled from 14,500 in 2000 to 42,100 in 2014. This number is estimated to double to 83,000 by 2030. According to research published by the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine’s Department of Psychological Medicine in 2015, the risk of...

The Holy Spirit’s work: Transformation through faith

Sep 2016 Are these testimonies to the work of the Holy Spirit? A 94-year-old worshipper walking 10 km each way to attend church A crippled lady in her 60s making her way to church A 70-year-old man bringing his handicapped wife, who is crippled from the waist down, on a tricycle to...

35 years on: Still much more to do

Aug 2016 More than 600 donors, volunteers, social service partners, Methodist church leaders and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) staff attended MWS’ 35th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner at Shangri-La Hotel on 30 June 2016. Sponsored by Mr and Mrs Jackson Tay of JT Global Pte Ltd, the dinner was graced by Minister for Social...

Learning to see through God’s eyes

Aug 2016 I have a few hobbies and one of them is photography – which is the talent that God has blessed me with. While on the Mission Internship, Training & Exposure (MITE) programme in Nepal from 4 Sep to 2 Oct 2015, I learnt the following from God through photography. Exposure...

MMS MISSIONS CONFERENCE 2016

Jul 2016 For the first time in the history of humankind, more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities. In 2008, the world’s population was evenly split between urban and rural areas. In less than 10 years, this percentage will increase to more than 57 per cent. It is expected...

MWS launches first debt and savings matching programme

Jul 2016 Mdm Kong, a beneficiary of the Getting-Out-Of-Debt Programme, now looks forward to building her savings through the MWS FDP. Mr Ngoh and his five children had to live with a clogged toilet bowl for months because he did not have sufficient savings to get it repaired. The 40-year-old sole breadwinner...

35 years of serving the last, lost and least

Jun 2016 Former delivery-man, 75-year-old Chong Man, lost his wife unexpectedly. Just before his wife passed away, they had both joined Charis ACE, an activity centre for seniors run by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). Chong Man received the timely support of a new network of friends. Having a sense of belonging gave...

Hearing His voice

Jun 2016 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”...

Celebrating a 25-year mission of love

May 2016 “Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love,” noted Roland Allen, a British missionary in the 20th century. For the past 25 years, it is this love that has driven and continues to drive the work of the Methodist Missions...

It’s all about them

May 2016 Come December, Mr Retnam Sahadevan (top) will be celebrating his 80th birthday at Bethany Methodist Nursing Home (BMNH) by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), having lived here for the past 15 years. The widower, who has lost contact with his children, suffers from a host of ailments including dementia, heart disease,...

Goodbye lonely years

Apr 2016 Being lonely is deadly for seniors. In 2014, 126 seniors aged 60 and above killed themselves, an increase of nearly 60 per cent from the 79 seniors who committed suicide in 2000. The risk of dying prematurely increases by 1.7 times for seniors who live alone, revealed a study by...

Sundermeier Home: Enabling brighter futures for Timor-Leste students

Apr 2016 Mirroring the beautiful morning sunrise, with its rays penetrating through the trees on the hillside amidst the morning mist, was the enthusiasm and anxiety of the 25 youths – 13 boys and 12 girls – as they sang praises in thanksgiving to God during their morning devotion on 4 March...

Growing in faith and love at Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled

Apr 2016 Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled (BHID) was started with the belief that the intellectually disabled can be enabled to give their best.We provide training, developmental and recreational activities to equip our residents and Day Activity Centre (DAC) clients with essential life skills to live as full and independent lives...

BMNH’s silver lining from the haze

Mar 2016 Last year, the severe haze conditions affected many people. The residents at the Bethany Methodist Nursing Home (BMNH) run by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) had to adjust their daily schedules as well. Before the haze, volunteers would bring residents out in their wheelchairs to enjoy nearby amenities or rehabilitative exercises....

Cambodia’s Glory Trinity MC breaks ground for new building

Mar 2016 The association Trinity Methodist Church (TMC) has with Cambodia began in 1994 when our members covenanted among ourselves and with our Lord to adopt the Khmer people of Cambodia as an unreached people group, and to become instruments to evangelise to and establish the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ...

She gave her birthday

Feb 2016 While others may throw an extravagant party or come up with an extended wish list for gifts for their 21st birthdays, Jacqueline Chua was pounding the pavement in the middle of the night on hers. The recent graduate did not want any presents for her birthday in 2015 as she...

Motivating and Equipping for Missions

Feb 2016 On 29-Aug2014, some 14 potential and newly-appointed missionaries who had earlier submitted their applications with the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) graduated from a two-month intensive training programme. The MMS has put in special effort over these couple of years to motivate, train and prepare Methodists in Singapore - MMS...

Seniors give back

Jan 2016 ‘Happy Hour’ at Bethany Methodist Nursing Home came from the belief that seniors can be empowered to age gracefully and continue to give to others. When our Charis Activity Centre for Elders (Charis ACE) seniors started ukulele lessons at the centre last year, they did not imagine that one year...

Looking for a Good Return on Investment? Support a PCOSIIP Student!

Jan 2016 Higher education not only contributes to greater economic stability, it also improves quality of life for individuals and raises the standard of living on a national level. Studies show that college and vocational training graduates live longer, and typically provide greater service and leadership in their communities. But is tertiary education...

The gift that keeps giving

Dec 2015 This year, 20-year-old Yun Ze returned to volunteer at D’Joy Children’s Centre (DJCC) which he attended as a five-year-old. Yun Ze’s family had financial difficulties when he was younger. DJCC, which is run by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), offers child and after-school student care for disadvantaged children. He has happy and...

Nepal – Challenges in a new era

Nov 2015 A major milestone was achieved in Nepal when the nation enacted its new constitution on 20 Sept 2015. This was achieved after the elections in November 2013 and the establishment of a new assembly that earnestly brought the new constitution to realisation. The national charter has been welcomed by most Nepalis...

Counselling and Care Centre: A ministry of grace and compassion

Nov 2015 The late Rev Gunnar J. Teilmann (left) The late Mr Anthony Yeo Tucked away in an old HDB block, Counselling and Care Centre (CCC)’s unassuming exterior belies its inviting interior, recently renovated with new paintings, curtains, and chairs. Many clients have found that they “feel so at home inside and...

Finishing the GOOD Race

Nov 2015 Methodist family helped 619 families in Singapore in their fight with chronic debt Madam Komathy’s family can barely make ends meet on her sole breadwinner husband’s pump attendant salary. She is unable to work due to ill health caused by kidney disease that needs weekly dialysis. The couple has been...

7th Mission Conference Session of the Methodist Church in Cambodia

Nov 2015 In front row: The Rev Som Sarun from Chress MC (2nd from right), and the Rev Ouk Ratana (4th from right). Back row: From left, Mission Superintendent Rev Sok Sovandy, Bishop Jun Yang Chul, Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Bishop Larry Goodpastor, and the Rev Prak Vuthy, the BOM Chairperson....

Into Nepal: Led by the Spirit, blessed by the Spirit

Oct 2015 In 2011, we went on a two-week mission trip to Nepal. God melted our hearts and we fell in love with the country and its people. As friends, we yearned to return to Nepal together, never imagining God would lead us there this year, and use us this way… We...

Wheels for GOOD celebrates MCS 130

Oct 2015 A dance item by Anglo-Chinese Junior College titled 'Centre of Asia'. More than 3,000 families, cyclists and beneficiaries celebrated two milestones – Singapore’s Golden Jubilee (SG50) and the 130th Anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS 130) – at Wheels for GOOD, a charity event organised by Methodist Welfare Services...

Humbled in helping others

Sep 2015 The financial education workshop by MWS’ GOOD Programme which was held at the Kampong Kapor Family Service Centre on 4 July 2015. It was humbling to learn of the financial challenges that the attendees face, and I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the MWS outreach effort for...

Ready for God’s use anytime and anywhere

Sep 2015 At the tender age of 12, Mr Benjamin Lee heard God’s call to missions. It is little surprise that his favourite Bible passage is Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus proclaimed the Great Commission, to “go and make disciples of all nations”. This conviction took him to Cambodia in early 2012,...

Restoring and turning lives around

Sep 2015 “We will endeavour to continually be a channel of God's love and mercy to reach out to help exoffenders, individuals with drug, alcohol and gambling addictions so that they get back on their feet again and be transformed by the restoration through His grace.” For more than 20 years, Mr...

MMS ‘MY FATHER’S BUSINESS’ BANQUET

Aug 2015 MMS relies heavily on the support and donations from the Methodist community to support its works in Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. By the grace of God, the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) has grown steadily and provides widening opportunities in the harvest fieldds – evangelising, equipping and...

Wheels for GOOD: Two rides to mark two milestones

Aug 2015 Mr Andy Chew, 43, is a veteran fundraising cyclist. Over the past four years, he has cycled for different charitable causes, and raised almost $40,000 in total. This year, despite nursing a broken thumb, Andy is taking on the Wheels for GOOD SG50 Scenic Ride. He has also persuaded...

Charity, Compassion and Care are at the heart of our services

Jul 2015 Children at last year's Camp GROW. “I am very glad that Celina can have an earlier start than my son. The programme is a great help to my children as I am unable to help them with English.” Chinese language preschool teacher Mdm Lu Xiaoyan was relieved and thrilled when...

Does our education system help the poor?

Jul 2015 Phoebe has big dreams. Since she saw a lawyer at work when she was 18 years old, she knew she wanted to be one. But she has huge obstacles in her way: Phoebe comes from a low-income family. Experts say Phoebe’s chances of realising her dreams of entering law...

Student Sponsorship Scheme – Raising Hope despite Rising Prices

Jul 2015 Help is sought to continue sponsoring children like these at COSI, so they can attend school. How good is your memory? Take this test and find out. (Answers are provided below, but don’t cheat!) Fifteen years ago, what was the cost for these items? A cup of coffee A plate...

Break the Vicious Cycle of Poverty Build a Virtuous Circle of Hope!

Jun 2015 Education is not ultimately about training people to be clever or successful, but about discovering what it is to be the human beings God fully intended for us to be!1 A recent UNESCO policy paper revealed that 58 million children aged six to 11 are not attending school. As...

Research sheds more light on Singaporeans in chronic debt

Jun 2015 The research study also revealed that, contrary to popular belief, these families in chronic debt are primarily intact families with four or five family members in the household, making up 69 per cent of the programme participants. A significant majority of Singaporeans in chronic debt have $100 or less...

Seeing the world through God’s perspective

May 2015 Perspectives is an invitation once again to joyfully run the race He has set before us, setting no limits on how or where He will use us. “God is a God of global purpose. He has already put in our hearts the longing to be a friend to a great...

Dignity despite frailty

May 2015 MWS expands holistic care for the frail with new service Koon Liong simply could not cope after he suffered both a stroke and colon cancer. When our palliative nurse manager from Agape Methodist Hospice (Homecare) visited him, his flat was unkempt, and his cushions, bed covers and floor were stained...

BCS – Reaching out and empowering others

Apr 2015 Session in progress at Bethel Kinderlites. BCS partners church members from Bethel Assembly of God to distribute goodies to the community on "Love your Neighbour Day". Since Jun was three, he has been attending Bethel Child Development Centre(BCDC) at Block 111 Aljunied Crescent, where children aged two to six are...

Education: Our shared DNA!

Apr 2015 Students at the Singapore Mission School in Laos. Wesley believed that education could help remedy the spiritual, social and economic woes that plagued 18th century England. Any enthusiast of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) knows that DNA is inherited. Members of the same family share similar genetic characteristics, with distinctive...

Why I left the ICU to be a palliative nurse

Apr 2015

When I saw that Methodist Welfare Services was looking for palliative homecare nurses for AMH, I was intrigued by its unusual job scope and the opportunities to reach out to patients with advanced and lifethreatening diseases. Melissa was in a position that many in her line would envy. Her…

A united response to care for the needy in the year of Jubilee

Mar 2015 GOOD – short for ‘Getting Out Of Debt’ – will help 850 families clear an average of $2,000 of chronic debt, in a united response to care for the poor in the year of Jubilee. A single mother of two, Mdm Kong’s power and water supply was cut one day...

Our God is Love: A testimony by the late Pastor Pushpa Chaudari

Mar 2015 The late Pastor Pushpa Chaudari (right) sharing the good news of God’s love with people in Surunga. We believe in a God who is Love! What a privilege! This has been my experience in my walk with Him. I was born into a Hindu family and observed this religion out...

Restoring Relationships, Preserving Families and Connecting Communities

Feb 2015 LCCS staff at a recent staff gathering. Lutheran Community Care Services Ltd (LCCS) was established in 2002 to serve families, children and youths-at-risk of dropping out of school. It is a strong advocate for the use of restorative practices in its programme design and interventions. LCCS is an affiliated partner...

1st Phnom Penh BB Company comes of age

Feb 2015 The 1st Phnom Penh Company of The Boys’ Brigade (BB) in Cambodia came of age on 30 Nov 2014, when they were presented with the State and Company Colours (flags) and put on their BB uniforms. This milestone was reached through the work of faithful volunteers from Cambodia and Singapore,...

Enjoying vitality at Charis ACE

Feb 2015 “We recognise that many elderly and retirees remain capable to serve as useful members of society. We only need to restore the seniors’ confidence by bringing them together and showing them ways in which they can volunteer and serve other members of society.” The doors of Charis Activity Centre for...

MWS wins the Charity Governance Award 2014

Jan 2015 Mr David Wong (far left) and Mrs Jenny Bong (second from left) receive the Award and a $10,000 cheque from Minister for Social and Family Development Mr Chan Chun Sing. Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) was conferred top honours at the Charity Governance Award (CGA) 2014 presented by the Charity Council...

Reach out and touch live

Dec 2014 “It is not just meals delivery, we always have to look out for the welfare of our elderly clients,” says Song Meng It seemed to be another routine day for BCCSC Senior Home Care Assistant, Mr Lim Song Meng, as he made his usual meals-on-wheels delivery to his elderly clients...

Blessed are the peacemakers

Dec 2014 This Christmas season, as we enjoy the peace and joy of celebrations in the church and with families and friends, let’s not forget those who do not have peace in their daily lives. Support children who need peace of mind to focus on their education Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are...