For the first four days, the programme took us to four different places in Singapore, each of which was tied intrinsically to the local Presbyterian ministry. My reflections are sort of based on the places I have visited, not about the fellowship amongst the STEP participants. However, that is not to say that I do not feel anything about mixing around with the others, but I believe the others would have touched upon their own experiences and interaction in one way or another.
For my first reflection for this first week, I will be focusing on the first two days of the programme. On Day 1, we were invited to Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church for the introduction to the programme, as well as a time of bonding. The name of the church itself was familiar as my church recently employed a Senior Pastor, Rev. Peter Chan, who was originally from Prinsep. However, as I was to learn later on, there was a deeper significance to meeting there on the very first day. After all, it was the first Presbyterian church to be established here in Singapore.
To be able to still visit a church with such a long-standing history is a testament to God’s work here in Singapore. As a second generation Christian, I have never really considered the consequences should I have been born to non-Christian parents. While I may have initially taken my faith for granted to a certain extent, I now know that it is no coincidence that Christianity was able to permeate Singapore society and for my parents to know God. Rather, it is through God’s grace that the gospel has persevered for so long in Singapore, especially given our multi-ethnic society.
The Synod Office is another location that I have never visited, but is vital for the smooth operation of Presbyterian ministries in Singapore. It was quite a surprise to discover that such an important building could be located so close to the shopping belt that is frequent by many of us youths. Whenever someone mentions Dhoby Ghaut, the first things that spring to mind are the various places to eat and shop, or probably the Istana. In this way, the Synod Office is overshadowed by the more well-known buildings around it. Yet, this is another way of God showing us that locations do not matter. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” As long as we congregate to serve Him, even the smallest of meeting rooms can be used to bring glory to Him.
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| Synod Office |
The Synod Office is another location that I have never visited, but is vital for the smooth operation of Presbyterian ministries in Singapore. It was quite a surprise to discover that such an important building could be located so close to the shopping belt that is frequent by many of us youths. Whenever someone mentions Dhoby Ghaut, the first things that spring to mind are the various places to eat and shop, or probably the Istana. In this way, the Synod Office is overshadowed by the more well-known buildings around it. Yet, this is another way of God showing us that locations do not matter. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” As long as we congregate to serve Him, even the smallest of meeting rooms can be used to bring glory to Him.
Benedict Cheong
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