Community - Matthew Saw

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STEP is over. All things on this earth eventually come to an end, and STEP was no exception. As the programme drew to a close, we were asked to prepare a short letter to our church leadership, telling them about this programme and all that we had taken away from it. In it, I reflected that my greatest takeaway from this programme was the sense of community that had erupted amongst us, the participants. We started as a ragtag group of lay leaders from various Presbyterian churches, and now, we are a community, having had a common experience for 3 weeks. After this, many small projects and side groups will erupt. Some will succeed, some will fail. Deeper relationships may form, and we will talk about them. We will be invited for talks, hang out sessions, and all sorts of other get-togethers. Some will come, some will fall away, but we will always remember. When we see each other in our churches, in serendipity, and in heaven, we will reminisce about our time in STEP. We are more than a group of interns. We are a budding community, waiting for nurturing.

Pastor Kuo Yung from Katong Presbyterian Church (my church!) came to tell us about the missional church. His vision of the missional church was one that lived God’s intended life for His people. This church would be a community, a shining light on a hill that cannot be hidden, and the world will see Jesus in the love the community has for each other (John 13:35). He shared in some detail the struggles the church had to go through to reach this state, and I saw a side I never got to see in my formative years as a Christian in my church. He shared about how a conflict in the church divided many among us. Amidst the harsh words and painful exchanges, combined with changes in leadership, we effectively burned down. Out from the ashes rose a stronger group, determined to not repeat the mistakes that brought them to their knees. We decided to become a stronger church. We formed five core values that we practice and live by together, and grew in love for one another. Then God began to add to the community, by sending them people in need, people who worship other gods, and people who were spiritually bankrupt saw that light, and were attracted to it. I think we too will go through the same.
 

As STEP interns, many generations of future interns will come. God will continue to add to our number, as we repeat this programme. He will shape us and refine us with fire. Not all of us will want to be associated with STEP. Conflict and calling may divide us. Some of us will go to distant lands to serve God, leaving us to pray in waiting. However, through common experience and common belief in Jesus Christ, we will always be united. My prayer is for us to not give up meeting together, not give up serving together, and not give up relating to one another. I pray that we will become an inter-church community so bright, that other members of the body may see, and realise that there is a greater unity to be found. One that does not just exist in dreams or visions, but one that exists right now. One that builds up, nurtures the next generation, and that is outward looking enough to serve others and our own church as well. I pray that God will not let go of this community, that we will be used by Him to build up His body, that His body may reach the world together. Faith and community are symptoms of a greater thing, the great God that gathers to save.

Matthew Saw

Lukewarmness - Matthew Saw

This reflection will be short and sweet. Strangely, I did not arrive at this reflection directly through the STEP programme, but it was something that God revealed to me about myself. I hope this counts. 

On the night when a Cabinet Minister came down to speak to us, I had a dinner appointment which I had made months before. The problem with that appointment was that it was supposed to begin at 6. The Minister’s meeting with us was scheduled for 7:30. As such, I would have had to rush from Jubilee to my dinner appointment, then back again. I was at a loss.

Wisdom, I learnt, is made up of 3 components. The first is the Bible, the second is the community, and the third is the Holy Spirit and reflection. We need input from all 3 in order to say that we have treated something with wisdom and consideration. Therefore, I attempted to consult all 3. I realised that going for either would have been acceptable. Experiencing the Minister’s wisdom and experience would have been extremely valuable, however so would have been the fellowship with my brothers and sisters in music ministry. Breaking a promise would be bad, having given my ‘yes’ months ago (Matthew 5:37). Torn between two commitments, I took the diplomatic, Singaporean route to try to satisfy both parties by making a compromise. I decided that I would go for the dinner with my friends at 6, and leave at 7 to be on time for Mr. Gan’s appearance.

Upon arriving at the dinner, because of late parties, we ended up ordering only at 6:30.  Since it was a steamboat, having to wait for the water to boil, I only managed to take my first bite at 7, finishing my plate of food only at 7:30. As I was preparing to leave, amidst fierce resistance from my friends there, the ministry leader said something that stuck out from all the clamour.

“Matthew, if you leave now, you’ll be late. You should stay, leaving this dinner halfway and being late for the next one is being lukewarm.”

Although I knew that he was not referring to what the Bible says about lukewarmness (Revelation 3:16), that statement stopped me in my tracks. I knew that he was right, that I was being unfaithful to both STEP and my friends in treating my commitments to them in this way. Because of my attempt to be committed to both, I ended up being half-hearted. As I reflected on my way back to Jubilee, I realised that the same pattern had been showing in my life. In trying to be faithful to all my commitments and responsibilities, I have ended up being unfaithful to all of them. Because of that, I have built a reputation of being unreliable in church and among friends. My grades are suffering, and in attempting to make time for my hobbies, I have neglected my spiritual commitments.

Finally, I realised that I was being lukewarm in my relationship with God too. I was using all my busyness as an excuse to hide my lack of discipline in pursuing the wisdom of the Bible. The Minister said something at his session that I thought was related.

“If you truly have a heart to serve, you wouldn’t wait till you go into politics to do it. You would have started already.”

If I truly had a heart for God, I would have pursued Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, leaving everything behind, seeking first his kingdom and righteousness, letting Him decide which commitments should come first (Matthew 6:33). If I truly had a heart for God, His Word would already be first in my life, not all the other things.

I remember giving someone close to me an advice. I said that “commitment requires sacrifice.” I hope that I will be able to live out that statement, and sacrifice all to know the surpassing greatness that is God.

Matthew Saw

Public Theology And Politics - Lim Min

I was not aware of a systematic study or area of public theology until we had a conversation with Dr. Roland Chia on public theology. One of my main takeaways was that language on the pulpit has to be translated on a public square to properly engage the public. He mentioned and discussed some recent controversial news including abortion and Health Promotion Board’s Homosexual FAQs and these helped me in my personal engagement with the community around me. I do have friends who are interested in the Christian’s perspective of social issues, and yet I am often unable to provide a convincing and substantiated answer which led me to seek answers from friends and mentors who are actively involved in such ministries. 

Another point brought up was that the government is necessary and is given by the grace of God to maintain order and peace in a country. The following extract states John Calvin’s view on the civil government:

“Calvin’s views regarding government stemmed from his belief in the necessity of civil authority because of the depravity of man, his belief in providence, and his uncompromising certainty that God is sovereign over all things, including governments. His views regarding the corrupt nature of mankind as a result of Adam’s disobedience to God are well documented. He believed that man’s entire being was utterly sinful.” (Extracted from John Calvin on Civil Government by Garry Z. Cole) 

I agree with Calvin’s views on the civil government but I also hope that the church may influence the government in a manner that pleases and honours God. We should be shaping our society with values that are delighted by God. I also feel that churches should not resort to violence or riots when faced with political conflicts but submit with obedience and pray for God’s providence. Dr. Roland Chia mentioned that, “Where the church community is cornered and forced into obedience to the government, in situations where obedience to government means disobedience to God, it is always valid for Christian obedience and accept persecution by governments.” 

Hence, it is always so important for Christians to submit to God and not succumb despite difficult circumstances, reminding me to continue being a salt and light of this world, shining the light of Jesus Christ my Saviour and my Lord.

Lim Min

Active Participation In Missions - Lim Min

This week, we had a fair bit of learning about missions in a comfortable setting and also participating in missions through our visits to Onesimus Garden and Healthserve. The sharings by various pastors and lecturers helped us to understand the mission of God on a broader perspective by remembering that we are all called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I also learnt that we need not become a full-time missionary in order to participate actively in the work of God but we can also proactively reach out to the neglected communities within our midst and serve them according to their needs.

Pastor Andrew Choo shared an impactful story with us about how he prayed for the Lord’s guidance in his ministries and the Lord opened his eyes to see the needs of the people in Singapore. He saw the poor, rejected and neglected and took action to help them while being sensitive to God’s calling and direction. It was amazing to see how much his ministries have developed over the past decade. 

I personally feel that we always use the excuse of "ignorance" to the answer of why are we not participating in community service and evangelistic work. This is a sign of laziness, that we are unwilling to work actively for the Lord, to actually observe and be sensitive to the needs of others and serve them. 

The visit to HealthServe exposed me to a community that I only hear about and yet do not dare to approach. The sharing by various volunteers of HealthServe led me to question the obstacles that prevented me from reaching out to these communities and I came to the conclusion that societal perspectives and judgment are the main causes. Almost every society despises the poor, especially the capitalist society and it is the same for prostitutes, the lepers and others who are ostracized. Jesus was a radical man, eating with tax collectors, speaking with prostitutes and healing all who were spiritually sick. 

I wish to become Iike Him, a person that reaches out to the helpless and bring the gospel into their lives.

Lim Min

Some Thoughts - Nicholas Khaw

So it has come to pass that time ticked past these three weeks. Another three weeks of my life consumed by the relentless march of time. But that shall not be the attitude. It was three weeks well spent.

This past week was namely missions. What is missions, why missions, how to do missions, who to do missions so on and so forth. I felt that the topic was well covered by the various speakers in that it was very hard hitting on the individual participants, challenging them on action (with the right rationale of course) instead of merely talk and head knowledge.

The underlying point was that missions were part of God’s mission that all believers have a responsibility to participate in. Well is like taken as a given by me and perhaps many second generation Christians. If someone were to tell me that I would go like “uh, and then?” Understanding something to be true is not enough if we do not act on it, I guess. I keep harping on this point because it is the main struggle I face. This can actually be traced back to the whole Christians not being Christians (possibly due to the lack of persecution). When Timothy and HealthServe said that he did not like the term Christians and instead preferred to call himself a follower of Christ I do empathise (I have wrote about the baggage that comes with the term Christians before). Except that perhaps I am not acting like a follower of Christ yet.

Ok, enough of that. Another poignant point was raised in response to one of the questions; when churches fail to do what they are supposed to do, there comes a rise of para-church organisations. It is sad that churches fail even though it is a given that they are not perfect. That was my initial thought. Upon further reflection, I thought that it was perhaps God’s provision that these organisations were springing up to plug in the gaps left by the church. Even though it is not the church’s work, it is at least the work of members of the church. After all, in response to my question on global government, the invited politician-speaker answered that it was not feasible for such a large government to be effective (loosely paraphrased). Obviously a church faces such practical limitations as well, in administration and all that load of economic theory. But a church is different from a global government, while those in a collective government would share the identity of humanity, the church is united in Christ called by God. We have an infallible divine leadership that will someday lead us directly in heaven! I guess the conclusion here is to keep striving and praying despite the imperfections with the hope of a better age (what what).

The talk by Prof. Roland Chia was decent, good for practical Christian living in the public sphere though it should not be taken as the gospel truth. I think he gives very sound suggestions and reasons. For example, I think a place where we should all work on is to purge individualist thinking and the secular humanist viewpoint from our own thinking and then perhaps we will be able to live more like what we profess. I found Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon’s usage of the 10 commandments refreshing. It helps in some sense to show this ancient document’s relevance to today. Several points that stood out: Do not think of yourself as a leader of men, rather a follower of God. God can speak more to others than to us. All the points about idolatry.

So to conclude the whole program, I am affirmed that I should sort out my theology and then everything else will fall into place naturally. Stemming forth from the vine.

I find it really hard to just reflect on one item. I usually do it as a whole life experience. If any of my reflections thus far have been confusing and you would like to know more I guess you could drop me a text or something.

Nicholas Khaw

My Many Thousands Words - Marie Toh

A picture’s worth a thousand words; so here are some pages from my sketchbook from the lectures I attended with some notes.

I did not go expecting too much from it, but the whole experience was really a timely blessing from Him. Being dry and far the past few years, I felt God drawing close to me through this experience.

Being more equipped with certain knowledge, arousing my curiosity for His word, seeing so many people, especially the young people my age, so on fire for God really inspired me to take a step back and view how I’ve been living my life thus far, and it was a grim outlook. But with this realisation, I know that I can put my hope in a God who transcends all time and space, whose love is far too deep to uproot, and a Father who wants to purify us in and out and use us, no matter how small we feel, for His glory and kingdom.

Thank you STEP 2014. 

Marie Toh

Prof. Simon Chan on theological education and social engagement.

Dr. Maggie Low on Old Testament study and Eld. Eunice Low on New Testament study.

Rev. Tan Tiong Ann on various theological topics.

Mr. Jose Philips on science and Christianity.

Ms. Kuik Shiao-Yin on faith, vocation, and social enterprise.

Prof. Roland Chia and Pr. Joshua Woo conversing on public theology.

Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon on Christian leadership.

Pr. Gideon Teo on Biblical Counseling.

'Weeding' Process - Marie Toh

From the rich to the poor, the disparity between the two is massive and so prevalent even in such a developed country as Singapore. Being an ignorant Singaporean, God used these examples to open my eyes and think carefully about how I viewed money, and which did I actually serve.

Visiting a mega-church and the huge crowds worshipping in a well-constructed hall with air-condition, high ceiling and with every high technology available today, the experience was definitely impressive and ‘awesome’. The atmosphere boomed with excellence and the timing of the whole service was perfect. The passion that the worshippers have for God was very much felt and one can only be moved by their outward praise. However, the message seemed so swayed towards ‘the self’, that blessings only come in material and physical form, making the whole building seem to the embodiment of this message. 

Within the same week, we visited HealthServe and Onesimus Garden. From the humble exterior, one will not even take a second glance. These places never got headlines, never won any architectural design awards, yet after visiting these places, they embodied different riches that we cannot see.

As a somewhat semi-fresh graduate, I have realised a subconscious belief that how much money I could earn would equivalent to how stable and happy I would be. Having not entered the working world yet, I can only imagine this thought taking deeper roots in my heart if I do not ‘weed’ it out when it is still just a shoot. But this isn’t the only thing that I felt God was speaking to me this week.

Going to the Onesimus Garden was something I was not exactly looking forward to, due to being a sucker for outdoor and physical activities. However, God knew and He prepared a way to change my pampered mindset. Pastor Andrew Choo and his wife humbly welcomed us into the farm and began animatingly telling us how and why they started this farm. I loved how they used the weeding analogy to help ex-convicts during their therapy; it felt like a parable coming to life. After that, we went down to the real weeding and I just wanted to get my hands dirty, and I did. As everyone worked and reminded each other to think about all the weeds in our lives, I caught myself genuinely doing it and I knew that it could only have been God who placed all the thoughts I had at that time in my heart.

It wasn’t just money or a stable income, it was all the material comfort I craved, the ‘control’ I had over my own life and the fact that I have yet to surrender so many things that I held onto as my identity, more than being a child of God.

Now that I am at a strange point in my life, I would like to challenge myself to be more rooted in God’s word, focus more on what is around me and to let the ‘weeding’ process begin.

Marie Toh

The Summon - Joshua Xie

The last song that we sang, The Summons, was a really beautiful song:

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

As I sang the song, I started to see these past three weeks flash before my eyes, once again. (On a side note, this song is really great for video montages heheh…). From bola bola day 1, lessons at TTC and SBC, Frisbee and dinner at botanical gardens, more lessons at Bethel Presbyterian, cycling at ECP and the last week at the farm, HealthServe and Jubilee Presbyterian Church. All these are precious memories I will cherish forever. These past three weeks been amazing with so many wonderful people coming into my life. Everyday I thank God for this great opportunity, learning and growing together. The joy found here truly cannot be found anywhere else outside the body of Christ. 

Every time I think about how I entered this program, I am convinced that it is not be coincidence that we were gathered here. I was totally unaware of the program until one fine day when Jonathan sent me an email asking me if I was interested. It was (by the way) one whole month past the application deadline. When I looked through the program, I was totally excited! It was like the perfect opportunity for me before I went for CWM EAR (which honestly, I really have no idea what I signed up for but shhh… that's another story). The prospect of meeting other youth leaders from other churches, getting really solid theology classes, experiencing community ministries was really an opportunity hard to give up. And I really thank God for giving me a chance to be here to learn. 

Going through the three weeks, I learnt that our history as Presbyterians and church histories were really necessary in helping me appreciate our heritage. It puts many things into perspective, why and where we are here today has its reason. And as we decide where to go in the future, it is important that we return to the Word, make sure we are rooted in His will, that we are going and growing in His path. If not we would, as Rev. Tan Tiong Ann put it, 失之毫厘 差之千里. Deviate slightly at the beginning and eventually it would be huge.  (I’m not even if that is grammatically sound but you get the point) Lastly, what would it mean to be children of God if we do not be the salt and light of this world (Mat 5:13-16)? What does it mean to be the salt and light of this world? What should we be doing? Honestly, I don't think that there are specific or definite answers that apply to everyone. God has His plan for different people, but are we willing to listen? What would our responses be? Would I be able to step out of the boat, onto the water (Mat 14:29)? I wish I could but have serious doubts whether I would. So how? I really do not know. What I do know is that if the Lord has called me to do something, He would be with me. And if that is not enough to assure me, I really don't know what else would. It would be a shame for any of us who love God, to miss His call, or even worse, turn away from it. Let us turn and follow Him and never be the same.

But I am encouraged to see so many brothers and sisters who are so fervent in their search for the Lord. I am sure that the Lord looks into the deepest corners of our hearts and would never forsake our ever-seeking hearts.  These three weeks were just a start to an even longer journey ahead but I know that our paths would definitely cross again (just look at Grace and Peter, just one day only and they run into each other haha…). It’s just a beginning to lasting friendships. And trust me, the “magic” has taken place. Hehehe…

Joshua Xie

Week Of Experiential Learning - Joshua Xie

This week was packed with experiential learning. On Monday, we went to Gracious Aquaponic Culture where Pastor Andrew Choo gave us an introduction to what his ministry was all about. Setting up a farm, using farming as a therapeutic means to reach out to ex-convicts, an alternative means to educate, most importantly, it was that passion to respond in a Godly manner to the issues in society. During the introductory session, I could feel that passion, that conviction bouncing off his every sentence. And when Charlie came up to share his testimony, it was really amazing to see the way talked about his journey coming to Christ and how it had changed him. I’ve known people like Charlie from my army days. What they’ve been doing has become habits, a lifestyle that is really difficult to change. And Charlie was absolutely right when he said that Christ was the only reason why he was able to make such a huge change. It is the same for me, even being born into a Christian family. Only when I realized the need for Christ to be the Lord over my life could I leave the past behind. Only through Christ can one be free of past sins.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

After a short tour of the farm, we got our hands dirty, weeding the ground. When we were given changkol, in my mind was, “This is shell scrapes all over again… Sigh…” But when we started on the task at hand together, we just rolled. Some of the weeds were small and had really delicate roots, and that was the difficult part! If we did not remove the roots, they would just grow back! But at the same time, we had to be sure not to damage the roots of the plant as well. This analogy has been used many times throughout the Bible and Sunday school class. But nothing beats having that first hand experience in weeding. That slight frustration knowing that if we do not clear that root out, the crops might be in jeopardy (I know it seems a little melodramatic but as a first-time weeder, I think it is excusable). It is the same when we realize that the detrimental effect sin had on our life, we would probably grab on harder to Christ to weed our sins. Hey! That’s experiential learning! 

Similarly, during our visit to Healthserve, we had dinner with the migrant workers from China. During that meal, we had conversations that once again reminded me of the part of society which we conveniently forget. To be honestly, if I were there alone, the conversation would have had a lot more awkward silence. It was not that I could not understand his situation; rather, I was afraid that in my attempt, I might come off as a presumptuous, ignorant kid with a “disillusioned” Christian outlook. Thankfully, there were brothers and sisters who brought him to church. Although he was not yet a Christian, he was considering it seriously and I was touched because he understood that believing in God had to be thoroughly considered and not to be accepted purely for the promise of a better life. After understanding a little more about his background, we did a short prayer with him (trust me, this is where 20 years growing up in a Chinese church comes in handy). Through this experience, I really felt the need to articulate my faith in the Lord and how to encourage others too, especially IN CHINESE! Trying to do a literal translation is not enough. 

My largest take away was Pastor Andrew’s call to each of us, how are we reacting to the issues of society. Are we going to be like the priest and the Levite, turning away from the needy or are we going to be like the Samaritan, who reached out with love? What exactly would “reaching out with love” look like? Do we look at broken families and judge them? Or do we support them lovingly? Most of us (and I actually mean me) may be afraid because we know that we have much to learn to contribute to this broken society. But ever since the first week, we have been reminded constantly that God makes use of the inadequate. So brothers and sisters, let’s work harder together to equip us to do His good works. Let’s put our trust in the Lord and rely on His strength, not ours. 

We love because He first loved. – 1 John 4:19

Joshua Xie

Servant and Subversive Leadership - Hoi Wen

This was the way our Lord Jesus lived, He humbled Himself, taking the very nature of a servant (Phil 2:5-11). 

This week I had the privilege of listening to the leaders of Singapore and witnessing how authentically they shared their experience with us and seeing how humble they are. These are people who have led by example and by God’s wisdom, not their own. The common theme running through the different speakers was how they carry their values into the public square, shaped by our faith.

I wonder how often do we unconsciously position ourselves in the marketplace as self-righteous all in the name of upholding Godly values? 

I think it is important that we live out Biblical values and principles in the public square and voice them. But why and how we communicate them is important to think about. Communicating our stand in love and showing compassion is critical. A key word mentioned was quiet diplomacy.

Quiet diplomacy is a great way to test our motives. Do we shout from the mountain tops so that we can gain credit for the cause that we are fighting for? Or do we be subversive, transforming the system as how Christ transforms us in a slow but steady way under the obedience of Christ. Are we humble and patient enough to journey with God and people?

We learnt about spiritual leadership “in the 21st century” from Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon. I really appreciate that he didn’t talk about 7 steps to being a good spiritual leader or 7 Bible verses on spiritual leadership. Rather, he grounded it in the ten commandments, focusing on our posture towards God and thus our neighbours. That is what true spiritual leadership is, which is not about certain personality traits that qualify or leading in a way that dominate others, but it is about serving God and His people, respecting each voice, washing other people’s feet.

I realise more and more how God works through the generations. From Genesis we see how God worked through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob … in keeping His covenantal promise. As we explored the history of Presbyterianism and how it came to Singapore, I see how God is faithful through the generations. OMF is another good example where the legacy of Hudson Taylor has been passed down through the different generations in his family in one way or another and now through Jamie Hudson Taylor IV.

When we take steps in obedience to Christ, He honours our obedience and is faithful. But it is not about us, it is about what God is doing. If we want to be a part of what He is already doing, His mission, let us offer our five loaves and two small fish and let God do the multiplication and all glory be unto Him forever! [John 6:9, Matthew 13:23]

Hoi Wen

Christianity and Science - Hoi Wen

This talk by Jose Philips was so intriguing! So often modern culture has seen Christianity and Science as being almost mutually exclusive. The science on evolution and human-induced climate change are often discarded by Christians because when seen from the surface, they doesn’t seem to fit with the Bible. However, if we dig deeper into God’s Word and heart, and find out more about God’s created order, we will see that these do not clash with each other.

Darwin’s theory on Natural Selection may not have intended to disprove a creator but combined with the discovery of Mendelian genetics, the theory of evolution was synthesised. We can observe micro-evolution in natural selection, but not macro-evolution. Through artificial selection, we see how dogs have “evolved” from the Grey wolf, but we also see that mules (a cross between a male donkey and a female horse) are sterile. Mules therefore are not a species in their own right. Artificial selection is of course by design – in this case it’s by humans. Natural selection has not been shown to lead to macro evolution. Hypothetically, even if in the future this is proven, does it mean that God doesn’t exist? Does it mean that God is not involved in evolution? The Psalms and Book of Job tell us of God as the sovereign Creator, Provider and Sustainer (Ps 19:1, Rom 1:20, Job 38-39). 

The theory of evolution also contradicts the law of entropy, where "entropy changes lead to a progressive disorganization of the physical world...while evolutionary changes [produce] progressively higher organization...". Even though these two theories are said to be incommensurable, it shows us that believing in only science itself as the be all and end all requires a considerable amount of faith as well.

Hoi Wen

STEP-Fast Love - Jonathan Lau

This post is special; this is the only post I have put a photo in, and I am dedicating this to STEP. :)

On Friday, we graduated! Yay! It was an intense yet fun three weeks. To the pastors-in-charge, really want to thank you all for organizing this. It is fun, enriching, exciting (especially the first day^^) and great experience to many things that we probably wont explore. Appreciate you all,and especially after pastor Joshua Woo shared about how he had to call here and there for speakers.

To all the speakers, thank you for taking time to come down to speak to us:) It was really enriching hearing about stuffs like christianity in southeast asia, christianity and science. And also for all the theological lesson, calvin and what is it to be theologically educated.

And for what we call ourselves, the STEPers (so much pun), thank you for all the devotions that you all led, it is super applicable. Thank you all for sharing your laughter and joy with me. Without you guys, I think STEP would be quite quiet:) Fun fact: I am an introvert^^ I also thank you guys for joking around and really I am still very amazed by how God brings all of us from different churches together and make a STEP out of it!  

 

Firstly,as I looked back, wow, I wouldn’t have join STEP if Grace didn’t tell me about it. I was busy finding a job to earn money, but somehow, I couldn’t find a job suitable for me. Those suitable for me dao me -.- and then I realise that maybe I could join STEP, and when I actually look at the timetable, I was like 'let's go man'. The thing that caught my eye was the theology of worship and sacramental theology, but throughout the three week, I learn that theological education doesn’t separate both the theological knowledge and the practical part. 

Anyway, the point is that I believe that everyone in STEP is not by chance. We were chosen to learn and fellowship with one another. We were CALLED to be here for a purpose for God's mission. We could have been doing other stuff but we chose to join STEP, and that is one point I really cherish in this program, that all of you are not here by chance, but God putting each and everyone of you in my live. And I could say the same of all of you too, right?

I pray that even after STEP has ended, we will still continue to hold on to one another, always keeping in touch. And of course, we must hold on to God. As we depart to our future journey, let these memories always be in our heart, cause there will never be much opportunity for us to fellowship with other church's brother and sister. Let us continue to serve God, to help people and to fellowship with one another.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Jonathan Lau

The Mission Of God - Jonathan Lau

We have reached the last week of the STEP program and I guess it is kind of sad that it will end soon. Maybe next year STEP program can be a little bit more than 3 weeks? (Idea!) Looking back, I find it hard to really bond with 25 over people, and from so many different Presbyterian churches in such a short amount of time, but I guess God really work in amazing ways. Firstly, all of us had a goal in mind,that is to learn about God's words. Secondly, all of us really love and cherish the time of fellowship-ing with one another. That short lunch and dinner break, and the trip to botanic garden, everyone wants to get to know each other well and that is so amazing.

In that short amount of time, I have learnt a lot about how God works in many different people's lives. It doesn’t require a lot of knowledge of theology (although theology is important too), all you need to do is to see that problem and 'bang!', that is where you need to go, just like the Samaritan in Luke 10. The Onesimus farm is a place I have never been to or known about,and the first impression it gave me was WHY IS IT AT SUCH AN ULU PLACE!(Cause I have to go there myself :'( ) I like the fact that they uses the simple farming things to convey spiritual message, and how they appreciate small little plants that are growing as a blessing. The Onesimus farm helps to transform many people's live, for e.g. drug addicts.

Also, we went to Aljunied learnt about HealthServe. I was a bit reluctant to go to HealthServe initially as it clashes with the discipleship lesson I had in my church, but still went due to peer pressure. But the amazing thing was that when I stepped into HealthServe again, I actually realize more stuff than the last time. (Maybe I was daydreaming the last time.) HealthServe serves the migrant worker, work as a clinic for them. Then after, we broke up into groups and had dinner with a migrant worker. The one that was following my group was a guy whose one eye is blind. He had an accident and a nail struck his eye. He hasn't receive any compensation yet, even though his accident is closed to a year now. Due to his blindness in one eye, he is going to go back to his country. It is rather sad to hear about his story and I just pray that he will continue to hold on to God as he return back to his home. After that, we went to walk around Geylang red district. It was my first experience and it makes me wonder about why they are doing this. Some for money? I don’t know.

Through Onesimus garden and HealthServe, God opened my eyes to see that there are many people in the society, or rather in the world, that need help. What are we, as Christian, doing? 1 Peter 4:10 'As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace' Then I ask myself, what am I doing? How easy it would be if God can just tell me the direction. And that is something I struggled this week with.

The talk on missional church and missional discipleship was very interesting and refreshing. God is the missionary and we are involved in the mission of God! Never have I thought of God as the missionary, but it is true. He wants us to spread the gospel, spread the good news and we are living testimonies for him! From the past few days of exploring different social work, the area of mission is everywhere! The mission of God is a holistic mission! So what are we doing with our live now! 

For me, I really feel that missions in important, but there is one obstacle in front of me, which is whether I am willing to commit long term. People helping in healthserve and those in onesimus farm never fails to amaze me, because they had given their live to God. They have answered God's calling for them. And I am wondering, whether will I obey God's calling. Well it is really an eye opener to see the areas that I can help in, and I will slowly pray to God for his direction.

Jonathan Lau

Thus I'll Move And Live And Grow In You And You In Me - Sarah Tan

STEPers at the STEPs.

Firstly, all glory and honour goes to God, the One who make all things possible. Thank You Lord. 


And then many thanks to Pr. Joshua for the email where I was gladly introduced to STEP, for without it, I would never have had the opportunity to venture into such a meaningful journey. These three weeks flew by really quickly and seeing the programme come to an end feels so surreal and sad. I must say that I certainly have enjoyed my time in STEP. 

STEP has caused me to yearn for an even deeper and intimate relationship with God, to learn a great deal of theological matters and to make new (and definitely amazing) friends. STEP has also gave me great insights into theologies and issues that I have never put much thought into as well as revealing an overwhelming amount of things I have yet to discover. But with that, it has sparked in me a desire to want to find out more. Undoubtedly, it has made me feel so small because our God is just so great and mighty! 



One major takeaway from STEP is that God can use me, just a speck in the universe, so unnoticeable by many yet so important in His Eyes. Just how great is our God! It is definitely amazing experience God working in my life and that He reveals Himself to each and every individual differently. I have come to clearly see that God has placed amazing people in my journey as advisors, whom I very much need. In light of this, it has aligned the path I am threading on into a certain way in which I believe will lead me to what He has designed for me to do here on Earth and ultimately, into His Kingdom. 



I believe that all of us would agree that STEP was fantastically planned and well organised. We have had many amazing speakers from all walks of life, all with different backgrounds, yet speaking so in sync when we speak of our awesome God, looking towards Him and focusing our discussions and lessons on The One and Only. Undeniably, we have much to thank Pr. Joshua Woo and Pr. Willy Lau for believing in us and playing the largest (humanly possible) part in making STEP so successful. As well as to Joshua (Lee) for capturing all the beautiful memories that all of us have shared together! 



As we were graced with a wonderful celebration on Friday night, Matthew led us in the final song "The Summons". Honestly, I have sang this song many times yet the lyrics never spoke to me quite as loud as it did that night. And so will I go when He calls my name? Will I go where I don't know and never be the same? As the words flowed out from my mouth, all that filled me was a silent cry, a silent cry in submission to Him.


And if I can steal a sentence to sum up the burning desire that STEP has convinced me of, it will be this; Thus I'll move and live and grow in You and You in me.

Sarah Tan

Go - Sarah Tan

The final week of STEP was centred on one word - Go.



I have initially drafted out a few thoughts on the idea of serving but as I type and pen my thoughts on this reflection paper, something hits me (incredibly) hard.



I am currently (it's Friday now) into the second day of helping out at the SonQuest Rainforest Vacation Bible School (VBS) and today's Bible story was on the parable of the Good Samaritan. I am, then, humbly reminded of the sharing by Pastor Andrew at the Onesimus Garden. As he brilliantly puts it; We see, we hear, we do. 



I believe I have often been found guilty for the absence of the last element in this trio.  I am many times just like the Priest and Levite! That I see, I hear, but I walk away. Just as Rev. Lam Kuo Yung have enlightened us that God Himself is the "Missionary" and we are involved in the "Mission of God", we should be like the Samaritan! We have seen, we have heard, now it is the time to GO, to get out and partake in God's mission! 



We are all called to "GO" into different arenas in order to be part of His Mission. It is important to be sure of God's calling for myself and to be prayerful about it. Honestly, although I may not be clearly certain of my calling as of now, but I believe, as a Cabinet Minister casually remarked, that if God calls you to do it, He will open a door for you. If not, He will close the door. And if the door seems shut, and yet it is God's Will for you, He will push you through the door. I felt that it was rather heart-warming to be reminded that when God calls you and I to GO, He will make a way for us. 


Despite the different roles we are made to play in this world, the attitude that we should have as Disciples should be the same. We are to reflect the characteristics of Jesus as we embark on God's Mission. A song by Casting Crowns rightly puts it; "And I pray that they will see more of You and less of me." Ultimately, I believe that the light of Christ will, should and must shine through us as we go forth and do what we are uniquely called to do.

Sarah Tan

Closing Speech for STEP 2014 - Joshua Woo

STEP 2014 Graduation Dinner at National Museum.

The three weeks we spent together have finally lead to your graduation from STEP. In my Welcoming Message on the first day, I described STEP like taking the Transformers Ride at Sentosa’s Universal Studio. The ride begins with the Entrance, then the Briefing, then the Sending. 

The whole experience of taking the ride is very elaborate. It is the gateway for us to step into the world of the Transformers.

Likewise in the first week of STEP, all of us began a journey into the Presbyterian world. We launched STEP at the first Presbyterian church in Singapore. The Synod Moderator Right Reverend Leow Khee Fatt set the mood for us with Matthew 6:33-34, which challenges us not to worry about our own vague future but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and God will provide whatever we need. God is faithful to his people.

As history is testifying, the Presbyterian movement in Singapore began 171 years ago and is still going on. God has been faithful to our forefathers, and he will continue to be faithful to us. On our part, we shall seek him first. This mood paved our entrance into the world of Presbyterian history, theological education, and ministry.

The second week of STEP was when we learnt about 'Word and Sacrament'. The week began with the visitation to a Ministry's Heritage Center. According to the officers, we are the first church group with young leaders that visited the center. The trip established us in the local context. It helps us to grasp the characteristic of Singapore’s society and the challenges that we face.

The reason behind this visitation is to ground our theological thinking with the real sentiment and issues in the society. It helps us to think about God’s Word and Sacrament with the sensitivity to our surrounding. So that we don’t do and think theology in abstract and irrelevant manner---we do church ministry appropriated for the real world. As church leaders, it is our task to constantly connect the society to the reality of God.

The third week was to send you all out as developers of God’s kingdom in the broken world. It is for us to immerse into Missio Dei, the mission of God. “The whole church to bring the whole gospel to the whole world.” (John R. W. Stott)

For this reason, we are challenged to open our eyes to see and our ears to hear. At the farm, we see and hear the need of ex-convicts and pregnant teenagers. At Geylang, we see and hear the face and cry of the vulnerable and disadvantaged. At closed door seminar, we see and hear about the public sphere and political life of the society. 

Here, I have to say that the Transformers Ride analogy stops. The ride gives us an experience. But what STEP gives to each of you is not merely experience but a vision: the vision of God’s coming kingdom into the present world.

This vision is meant “to disturb the comfortable, and comfort the disturbed.” (To appropriate a phrase learnt from Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon.)

Those who are too comfortable (with everything sorted out in their life) be disturbed by God who will require us to account for what we have done with our gift and talents. While those who are too disturbed (for feeling lost as they search for their own future) will be comforted by the same God who is sovereign over what lies ahead us.

If you have captured this vision of God, then you are set on a path of changes. What begins in STEP changes the church and the world.

Each of you are gifted differently. And all of you come together in STEP to build a future for the Presbyterian community in Singapore and beyond. All of you are trained by top thinkers, entrepreneurs, artists, social activists, and national leaders. When Pr. Willy and I were designing STEP, we were very conscious to give only the best to you all. As the saying goes, “If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions.”

We believe in each of you. And we see so much talent and passion God has given you.

I have seen churches in the west being turned into pubs or places of worship of other religion. Demographic report has shown that Christian population has shrunk in the Middle East to only 5% now. My Australian friend told me she was surprised to see Presbyterian community thriving in Singapore because the Presbyterian churches in her country are rapidly declining. 

Don’t shortchange your own contribution to the advancement of God’s kingdom. Don’t waste it away. We are not merely talking about Presbyterian future here, but the future of the gospel of Christ.

We began the first day symbolically at Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church. That’s where it all started for us in Singapore. This evening, the last day of STEP 2014, we are at the National Museum. The reason we chose this place is to bring your attention to the role you can play in deciding whether will Presbyterian churches continue to thrive, or will we become museum?

Do you want to see Presbyterian community as a movement or a monument?

We know that our whole community is in need of pastoral leadership. The enrollment into full-time theological study among Presbyterian is very low.

Case in point, I enrolled into TTC in 2009. The last two students from ORPC (where I was from) enrolled in the late 1990s. One of them was Rev. Lam Kuo Yung. This means that the gap of leadership development between Rev. Lam and I was ten years apart.

In my class, there were about 30 students. And out of these 30, only 4 were from Presbyterian churches. I graduated in 2012. In the same year, there were hundreds of lawyers, engineers, designers, scientists, marketers, social workers, and etc. who graduated from other institutions. But there were only 4 theological students graduated to serve the Presbyterian community, comprised of more than 30 churches.

If this can be a hint to the trend of Presbyterian churches, then we understand why right now there are so many congregations struggling.

Therefore I want to challenge each of you to prayerfully consider God’s calling you to serve as pastors. I know the title “pastor” is not palatable to many. I was once in that position. Yet when the Lord calls through the cries of our churches, we as disciples have to respond in faith.

Pr.  Joshua Woo

Chairman of STEP 2014

Walk In A Lens Of Faith - Wei Jun

Life, as grounded: Entrance to Bethel Presbyterian Church.

The three weeks draw to a close. We stood at the steps of National Museum of Singapore, taking another group shot, ending our last official dinner together. The past three weeks had been eventful and filled with lots of lessons learnt. 

I have to admit that it was surprising to me as well. I came to the programme, thinking that I might not be able to fully commit to this but ended up coming every day without fail. And this is the reason why: my dearest new friends, thank you for making me feel at home in these three weeks. Each individual had sparked me with the warmth of a Presbyterian heart and with welcoming arms extended to show what it means like to be family. The three weeks had been filled with crazy info-intense lectures to somewhat hardcore hands-on farming. Thank you for keeping me awake and walking through those times together. The memories made and lessons learnt through these three weeks would hold dearly important to me and a STEPping stone to where we shall now begin (I can totally see all your faces and feel your responses now!)

Shiaoyin’s (co-founder of Thought Collective) sharing with us had left me reflective about the past three weeks of STEP, and possibilities to come. In this journey with God, she quoted Charles Spurgeon:

“Until the oyster is sick, it yields no pearls. Heavy damps of adversity make souls verdant. Saints, unlike the planes of earth, grow fastest in the sharpest weather. We make most progress in our voyage heavenward when the wind is rough: calms are more pleasant than profitable; better for comfort than for commerce: fairer in the present than in the retrospect. Affliction cuts the facets of the Lord’s diamonds, and so they shine with a greater lustre to his honor.”

Indeed, tough times are hard to go through. But they help us to discover our potentials and are necessary for growth. God can do amazing things in His time and I simply have to trust in Him. Life is a walk on water, and I can choose to walk in a lens of faith and less of fear. In the near days to come, I pray that I will shine forth for Him.

In these three weeks, STEP had provided me exposures to different possibilities, from facilities of theological studies to ministries and missionary works. These exposures helped me to realign certain biblical foundations to the things we do in the church and even out of the church. Importantly, many of the lessons learnt through the course of this programme would affect and aid in our future disciples, or simply, to share with our fellow church-mates. STEP had opened more doors of possibilities for me, and made me reflect upon ways I could possibly walk on water along with God and for God. While these three weeks come to an end, it simply marks my beginnings of a long, exciting journey ahead, filled with more possibilities and hopes.

Thank you Pr. Joshua Woo and Pr. Willy Lau for making this possible. 

Wei Jun

Reaching Out The Society With God - Michelle Quak

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.​ -- ​Micah 6:8

This is the verse that Uncle Timothy from HealthServe mentioned during his orientation talk. What does it mean to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God?" in the present day today? When we see suffering and injustice, how should we react? To love kindness (or in some translations, mercy) and respond with kindness and mercy? Will these lead us to walk humbly with God?

There were times when I question the documentaries which were made about migrant workers and shown on TV - "Are these problems really real, or are they hyped up to gain viewership ratings?" "Singaporeans aren't that bad right, this can't be true." Of course I wasn't doubting the reality of such injustice, but the degree to which it was real. These are indeed childish selfish thoughts. 

The STEP program has given me this opportunity to be in the field to experience for myself what reality is like. This has been a real eye-opener and the stories of migrant workers are as real as it can get. The injustice they face is uncalled for - yes, companies are trying to cut corners and survive, but our migrant workers are humans too, they too have families to feed and lives to care for. This injustice need not be restricted to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but to our peers, fellow species in general, and also to our physical environment. 

To respond to injustice with kindness and mercy is what God has called us for. In the talk on Missiology, Dr. Andrew Peh mentioned something which changed my perception of mission work: we are essentially not doing God's work for Him, but doing His work WITH him. God granted us the privilege of partnering Him in carrying out His work. We should bear this in mind as we reach out to the society as followers of God because it keeps us (or at least myself) from harbouring self-righteous thoughts. I guess this is what it means to walk humbly with God and to exercise humility in the work we do.

Michelle Quak

Mission Field Is Here Too - Sheryl Chng

Since the theme for this last week of STEP is about The Commission, Reverend Lam Kuo Yung was invited to speak to us about Missional Discipleship and Missional Church. He mentioned a lot, and I think this simple phrase “the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world” can very nicely sum up his two hours talk. 

According to the handout, this phrase means that all believers should spread all the blessings of the gospel to every man and woman. There are three important aspects of this phrase, and that is the whole gospel, the whole church, and the whole world.

Taking the whole gospel, to me, means telling people not just the good but also the “bad” news. Our trip to a certain charismatic church showed me what the prosperity gospel teaching was really about. Not that it is wrong to talk about the blessings stated in the Bible, but it is also very essential to let people know about the sufferings that some Godly people mentioned in the Bible had to bear. When we spread the gospel, it is important to let others know the whole picture, instead of just one side of the story, because only in this way will people know what they are truly believing in. 

Involving the whole church in mission work, pointed out to me (yet again) that mission is the task of all Christians, and not just the church leaders or the missionaries. To achieve this, it is said that we as a church have to united, and be one. Differences in perspectives and points of view are inevitable in any situation, and there is bound to be disagreements, even in churches. Hence, what is important is then how we resolve our differences. As some of our fellow interns have shared, we should always speak in love, and as what Reverend Lam had mentioned, we should always ask ourselves what God will do in these situations.

And last but not least, the whole world. I think sometimes when we think of mission work, we think of the poor in Africa, the exploited in China, and the starving in India. Often, we forget the poor, the exploited, and the starving right here in Singapore. This phrase really reminded me that even as we serve the community overseas, we also need to remember the non-believers back home. Of course, it is definitely a good experience and a good exposure to go for mission trips overseas, but the spreading of God’s word and His love should also be extended to those in our own country, and to our own family and friends.

The whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world. Amazing how such a short phrase can encapsulate so much.

Sheryl Chng

Showing God's Love Through Community Service - Sheryl Chng

This week, we went for two really meaningful excursions to the Onesimus Garden and HealthServe. Christian leaders who sincerely believe in serving the community started up both organizations. They spoke to us, and told us a little about what they did, and most importantly, why they are doing what they do.

At the Onesimus Garden, we had the privilege of hearing the testimony of Uncle Charlie, an ex-convict who is now a believer, working the fields of the garden. What I could really sense from his story, was that if all these misfortune that happened to him was what it took to bring him to Christ, it was all worth it. 

I really admire Pastor Andrew Choo and his wife Grace, for committing to this farm project, because besides helping ex-convicts, like Uncle Charlie, and the juvenile teenage girls get back on their feet through counseling and therapy, they also offer them jobs to work on the farm, so that they can sustain and support themselves.

The excursion to HealthServe was also a very enriching experience. So far, I have worked with children, youths, and the elderly, but never once did I have the opportunity to work with the migrant workers. A group of three of us was assigned to a Mainland Chinese migrant worker called Song, and we had a chat with him over dinner. 

We asked him why he came over to Singapore, asked why he was at HealthServe, asked if he was attending church, and basically all sorts of questions to try to get to know him better. And when it was almost time to get back, we asked Mr Song where he was going after dinner, and he replied in Chinese, that he was going back to the place he slept at. The way he phrased his sentence, implied that he didn’t think of Singapore as a home, but merely as an accommodation, somewhere which provided him a roof over his head. 

For me, this brought to light the isolation many migrant workers might feel in our community. It is definitely not easy to be alone in a foreign land, so instead of “tolerating” these migrant workers, we should really learn to “accept” them, embrace them, and invite them into our community. 

In conclusion, these two trips enforced the point that community service is an avenue through which we can share God’s love with others, and that mission work can and should also be extended to community service.

Sheryl Chng

Objectification - Yuanjie

On so many occasions we've easily went ahead to judge and dehumanize certain groups of people. The activities hence gave a different way to look at these whom we so easily turn into objects.

One such group is the clients of HealthServe. As CSWs and foreign construction workers, they have been looked upon as functional beings. Sharing a meal and talking with them brought another light to their existence and placed human faces and human stories to these characters in this societal narrative. In the process of the meal was also a realisation of where God has put us as Chinese Singaporeans in ministry and how important Chinese churches are in bridging these gaps and extending the gospel to these people (foreign workers). As I said my first ever prayer in Chinese, and I went about awkwardly continuing the conversation (with two of my similarly awkward peers) I can't help but feel a sense of regret that I've let this language be as distant as it is.

We're also known to dehumanize politicians and people in power, reducing them to mere campaign posters and political rhetoric. A dialogue session with a Minister broke that silent wall temporarily. The context with which he engaged us was not like that of the student-politician kind of engagement, but as fellow Presbyterians and Christians. It was eye opening as he shared about his journey, about policies, and how to harmonise his work carrying various hats and his faith. It was relevant, and gave insight and direction to myself too, on how I should conduct myself and to be a good testimony in my work in the public sector.

Having gone through three weeks of the program, I find a need that I cannot ignore. The step program has indeed opened many possible paths, and also made aware the many areas that are lacking in help. Indeed, the harvest is plenty and the workers few. I should seriously consider my role in church and society as a Christian.

Yuanjie

Trusting God In Times Of Uncertainty - Yuanjie

This particular Monday was exceptionally enlightening, not so much because of the content or the performance of the speakers or the presenters but rather because it really did touch on a relatively heart felt issue and mindset that I always held. Having grown up in a household where practicality is of utmost importance, many of my life choices have been made on the premise of usefulness and potential, and under the need to "reduce risks".

Thus today was a big challenge, having seen two examples of people going into uncharted territories and doing where the work is needed and answering the call as where is needed. At the same time, the concept of risk reduction is completely not within their mindsets, but rather answering a certain calling and to respond in action to that hearing being the highest priority. With pastor Andrew Choo continuing with the farm without exactly knowing how it will turn out, and shiao yin continuing the restaurant business despite the ever present financial challenges. It goes against every fibre of my rational thinking, and yet makes perfect sense somehow.

In light of this, perhaps a disclaimer is necessary; I do not think that this should ever mean that everyone should quit their day jobs and go into social enterprises. I believe that each and every one of us has a path as charted out by God. I know at least to a degree of certainty that my path may turn out to be quite different from the two examples, and perhaps my area of expertise or ministry could be vastly different. Nevertheless, it sure is a great encouragement of how to trust in God's plan for us even if we do not know where it leads.

This was a badly needed message, I realize, even though I did not even know beforehand that I needed it. As much as I plan and self reflect, I really do not know what I need as much as He does, and I'm really glad for His ever present reminders.

Yuanjie

A Great Cloud Of Witnesses - Grace Yong

Me and a cute boy~ heeheeee

This past week, one of the verses that has spoken to me a lot is Hebrews 12:1,2. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The whole journey of STEP has come to an end, and the knowledge gained, the experiences and fresh perspectives are things that I hold dear to me. One of the biggest takeaways from STEP is that it has opened my eyes to the many ministries, sacrifices and contributions of different brothers and sisters in Christ who have heard and responded to God’s calling. I am thankful that this road we are journeying on is not an individual, lonely route, but that there are fellow servants of the Lord who are seeking his will and his way, and supporting and working with each other. 

These “great cloud of witnesses” can refer to people of the past who have sacrificed so much just to allow the gospel to reach us in Singapore, and can also refer to people who are living now and leading our churches towards God’s direction. STEP was a great chance for me to learn about and meet some of these people in person, and knowing that I am not alone in this race. It is comforting to know that others have been through and overcome whatever obstacles or doubts I will face in the future. In a sense, we are just like small parts of a big puzzle which God is putting together. We each play a role, regardless of our vocation or jobs, big or small, for God searches our hearts and willingness, and not our merits or accomplishments at the end of the day!

Hence, although currently I feel slightly burdened by the amount of information and finding God’s direction in my life, the race marked out for me, I know I can place them all in God’s hands and fix my eyes upon Jesus! This sounds quite cliché, but through these 3 weeks I have seen and felt God moving and working among his good servants here in Singapore! 

I pray that as we move on in our lives and seek to glorify God and run this race, that he will allow us to fix our eyes upon him, and away from things that are so minute yet distract us so much. Jesus is the pioneer/author and perfector of our faith, and that is why we don’t need to have so many burdens, for although we are lacking and sinful in so many ways, his presence and he himself makes our contributions and offerings to Him perfect. It is not so much how capable we are, but how amazing he is! Lord help me to never lose sight of your perfect grace, love and beauty every single day.

Grace Yong

A Community In Need - Grace Yong

It’s quite amazing and funny because while I was writing this at the hawker centre, some people came up to ask me for donations to build up a community hospital. It goes to show how real this situation is, and how our community is truly in need of our service and contributions.

This week of visiting Onesimus farm and healthserve has been very eye opening for me. It has shown me how there are people in our society who are helpless, discriminated against, neglected and exploited. Many of us, myself included, may have heard about it or seen before, but decided to turn a blind eye on it, or leave it at the back of our minds. This week, I have been reminded that in this broken and desolate world, change may not be effected so easily, and situations are multilayered and complicated, with no quick and fast solution. However, that does not mean we should ignore the situation and not do anything.

After listening to Pastor Andrew’s sharing, I feel even more convicted. It is so true that often we are all talking about big things but not acting at all. Words can be inspiring and ambitious, but after hearing and seeing the reality of the situation, we need to do something. What is the bible speaking to me about? What is God calling me to do? I pray that on this journey of becoming a social worker, God will use my life to serve the community and His people. 

Recently, I have been asking myself and others, what can the gospel do to help them? And after much searching, I have realized that in asking this question I have underestimated and undermined the gospel. It is not just random words or a story thought up by man. It is so powerful and beautiful that it in itself is enough to give us hope, even in the most desolate of times. It is powerful not through us who share the gospel by words, but because of who the gospel points to!

Pastor Andrew and his wife Grace have been very inspiring to me because when we met them they looked sunburnt and sweaty, but still I could see so much passion and conviction in them. Their humility touched me. It is truly God’s grace and love moving in them that makes them willing to sacrifice comfort to work in such tough conditions.

Grace Yong

Life Lesson At The Farm - Wei Jun

The food of lives, God's lesson for me. Picture taken in Onesimus Garden, rows of other beds of soils waiting to be ploughed.

The start of the commission week had brought us to many eye-opening places. One of which included the Onesimus Garden. Pastor Andrew Choo and Grace are dedicated to helping a diverse range of people such as ex-convicts, single moms and mentally disabled. Using farming as a therapeutic and restorative therapy to engage people, the simple aim of both was to touch lives. Pastor Andrew shared with us how we could relate and reflect on the things of our lives while carrying out our assigned tasks. Some of us had a chance to get our hands busy in the greenhouse, preparing the soil for the next sow. I thought I would be able to changkol away some angst kept in me, built over the course of the year. However, as I plough on, I truly understood what God was speaking to me.

The greenhouse was hot and the morning rain had left an impact on the temperature of the greenhouse and the soil. After demonstrating how the soils had to be loosen and how the weeds had to be plucked out thoroughly, Pastor Andrew handed me his changkol. The wet compact soil made it more challenging to loosen them and that simple 20 minutes well taught me important lessons. As I changkol-ed on, I found many beautiful colors within the brown compact. It then dawned upon me that in the same way, God shakes us and breaks us at times, and that’s when beauty can be exposed and growth (of the plants too in this case) can literally take place.

At the end of my 20 minutes session with the soils, I was drenched with sweat and my hands were filled with blisters. Every hard work leaves a mark. Hard times in seasons of our lives can be painful and leave marks in us too. But all at the same time, if that opportunity wasn’t taken up, and that experience wasn’t gone through, I would have never learnt. I walked away from Onesimus Garden with the blisters throbbing with pain on my hands, but feeling thankful for God’s grace, lessons taught and simply revealing to me through such simple manners.

We had a chance to visit Healthserve at Geylang too on our second day this week. That was my first time sitting down with a migrant worker for a meal. Sharing his life with us openly despite our brief first meeting, our shu shu revealed to us some of the struggles migrants like himself face, far-away from home and in hopes of making a good income for his family back in China. Often times, we take our fellow migrant workers for granted, easily forgetting or ignoring how laborious and dangerous their jobs can be. Additionally, some like shu shu may be injured, hence finding it extremely difficult to find jobs (in the meantime while waiting for a solution to their problems, and finding themselves in large sums of debts having travelled so far to seek for employment).

Shu shu reflected to us how he was introduced to the Christian community by a friend and was really thankful that he met everyone who had extended a hand to help him and had eventually become a second family to him. It was a truly humbling experience that the church is contributing in ways to ease the physical and emotional burdens that some of our migrant workers may carry (and most of them feeling alone in their personal battle in a foreign setting). The meal had brought social issues that are occurring and well hidden within Singapore quite literally in my face. I sat beside Shu shu on the dinner table, sharing a space that belonged to all of us at that moment in time, and from that point onwards, remembering simply that these migrant workers are humans with emotions and needs, calling (sometimes screaming) simply for mutual respect from us, citizens of the host nation, who often neglect and easily discriminate against them. It was indeed the best dinner date (that is most meaningful) I had in a long while.

Wei Jun