EDITORIAL

The problem is that it looks so good, but only from one side. One of the current USA presidential candidates has trumped Don’t Leave Norman as his mentor. I reproduce here a quote from an article I read recently:

The Cake Unturned “ is a religion of losers. To the weak and humble, it By Revd Canon Terry Wong offers a stripped and humiliated Lord. To those without reason for optimism, it holds up the cross as a sign of hope. To anyone I recall preaching on Hosea 7:8 almost 20 years ago. who does not win at life, it promises that whoever loses his life for Christ’s sake shall find it. At its center stands a truth that we are prone to forget. There are people who cannot be “Ephraim is a cake not turned.” made into winners, no matter how positive their thinking. They need something more paradoxical and cruciform.” (Matthew Schmitz, First Things, August 2016) f you have cooked or baked long enough, you would probably Ibe acquainted with the dreadful experience of turning out Due to this mixture in our hearts, we need to come before God food that looks cooked, only to discover that it is cooked only constantly in brokenness and humility. The Bible constantly on one side. seeks to alert us to our mixed condition. God calls our attention to - not away from - it. Moving from the kitchen to something that is more visceral in our urban jungle, imagine a half-completed high-rise Jeremiah 17:9 despairs, “The heart is deceitful above all things, building. The builder has gone bankrupt and the project is and desperately sick; who can understand it?” The next verse now abandoned. It has become a Catch 22 situation because gives hope, for “I the Lord search the heart…” Before His Word it costs too much to tear down or to complete it. Instead of and in His presence, we need to constantly bring and open being a part of the city that one can be proud of, it has become our hearts. Like the ancient psalmist, we need to constantly an eyesore. declare, “Search me, O God!” (Psalm 139:23)

As old as this verse in Hosea is, God’s people have always There is one part of Jesus’ teaching which seems tolerant of experienced the problem of “mixture.” The Bible uses many mixture. You would have read the message of the Parable of other metaphors to describe and warn us about this condition. the Wheat and Tares. There is a current reality of mixture. We recall the Lord’s message to the Church in Laodicea, that There will be a separation, a result of judgment. As to who is she had become “neither hot nor cold.” It carries the same idea useful wheat or useless tares, this can only be known in the of mixture though metaphorically, it seems like a contradiction future and that task of separation and identification belongs to Hosea’s. to God. This task is not ours nor is it to be done presently. We are too quick to apply any warning about mixture to others This is a reality that we need to grapple with as we live out our rather than ourselves. Christian life and calling. Our motives are mixed. There is a lack of integrity. I am not talking about public-private hypocrisy. We like to imagine who the wheat and tares in the church are. Integrity comes from the root word “integer,” which means The Bible says: Let others be. “one.” Our life is not one, integral or whole. It is only cooked in parts, built up in parts. Instead, focus on your own heart and life. Allow the gaze and grace of God to deal with the mixture. In fact, it is when we are There is a strange teaching going around in Singapore that says conscious of our own brokenness that we are more ready to that we do not need to ask for forgiveness of our sins. It is forgive others. “Forgive us as we forgive those who sin against an idea as old as the “positive thinking” teaching of the late us.“ Brokenness is the wellspring of compassion. American, Norman Vincent Peale, which has dominated huge sections of American philosophy and even Christianity. Don’t leave the cake unturned.

EDITORIAL TEAM Advisor: The Right Revd Rennis S. Ponniah Editors: Revd Canon Terry Wong, Ms Lucilla Teoh, Ms Sasha Michael, Mrs Karen Wong Designer: Mr Mark Lee Email: [email protected] Website: www.anglican.org.sg Printer: Hock Cheong Printing Pte Ltd Diocesan Digest©The Diocese of Singapore All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, and recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Diocese of Singapore • www.anglican.org.sg • MCI (P) 120/12/2015 Issue No 266

DIOCESNOV 2016 AN Digest

FORMED FOR ROBUST MISSION BY BISHOP RENNIS PONNIAH

ne of the important words in the book of Jeremiah advance. I further believe that God has also been sovereignly Ois the word 'formed'. The Prophet is told by God, and steadily forming the Diocese through its development over “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you,’ (Jeremiah 1:4). the years for such a time as this. The formation is quickening Then in the message the prophet is given at the potter’s house at the present time. concerning God’s people, Jeremiah observes, “But the pot he (the potter) was shaping from the clay was marred in his THE CHURCH'S, MISSION TO THE WORLD hands; so the potter formed from it into another pot, shaping As the people of God, we are called and commissioned it as seemed best to him.” (Jeremiah 18:4). The word 'formed' to participate in the mission of God. It was Rev Dr J I Packer, carries with it a strong sense of the purpose and skilful care author of the classic book, Knowing God, who summarised for that the Potter exercises in shaping a vessel that is both useful me over a lunch meeting what the mission of God entails: “It is and beautiful. It harks back to Creation when Godformed the nothing less than the redemption and re-creation of the entire first man (Gen 2:7). fallen created order.”

I have recently returned from my sabbatical leave. Several God has established the foundation for the redemption of you prayed for my wife and me, and we are most grateful. and re-creation of the world through the finished workof It certainly was a time of refreshment and replenishment. But Jesus Christ on the Cross. The Lord Jesus has inaugurated the it also was a time of formation; of being formed by God in Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3) in which every person, through new and sometimes painful ways for the road ahead. I found faith in Him, can experience the fatherly and saving rule of God myself being reshaped and refined by God to lead the Diocese in his or her life. The Kingdom of God goes beyond personal in the next lap of my tenure as your Diocesan Bishop. relationship with God, to include the restoring of every aspect of human life (family life, work, leisure, socio-political What is the distinctive feature of the next lap? I believe institutions and environmental responsibility) to divine the Lord wants me to lead you forward in robust mission. patterns so that God’s justice, compassion and righteousness This is the way in which we will experience amazing Kingdom can be reflected in the here and now of man’s existence. BISHOP'S MESSAGE In this sense, the church’s mission of extending the Kingdom of God in the world (Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 5:3- 16) is broader than world evangelisation. Our mission must include leading people and people-groups to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and it must go beyond to restore a wayward and unjust world to the ways of the Creator-Redeemer God of the universe. Such a mission is truly tough, but God has been and is forming His Church to meet the challenge to the praise of His glory.

There are three aspects of the robust mission that I want to briefly highlight. They are:

1. To proclaim the Gospel faithfully 2. To overcome hostility boldly 3. To shine God’s light winsomely Bishop Rennis with Dr J I Packer at Regent College in Vancouver

1. PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL FAITHFULLY Christ shall return to expunge all evil and bring about a new We need to recover our confidence in the persuasive universe described as the “home of righteousness” (2 Peter power of the Gospel. We are to present truth to the mind, 3:13). That is the certainty that enables us to proclaim Jesus “speaking true and rational words” (Acts 19:25 ESV), and trust as the true King of the universe and to extend His kingdom the Holy Spirit to bring about conviction, faith and a change of on earth as the kingdom which knows no end. We look at heart in the hearer (Acts 19:28-29; Rom 1:16-17). the contested present from the vantage point of a glorious, consummated End (Rev 4-5). Hence, we press on to proclaim We are also to convey the Gospel message in its entirety. the Gospel is to advance Christ’s kingdom in the midst of the In particular, we cannot trim the Gospel message of its darkness that envelops the world. ethical component. Forgiveness of sin and a new, endless life with God is for all who repent and commit themselves to We note from the book of Acts that the best way to proclaim Jesus as Saviour and Lord (Acts 2:38). Hence, in proclaiming the Gospel is through spiritually vibrant local churches (Acts the good news of what God has done in Christ Jesus, Peter 2:42:47). The passage indicates that there are four aspects to exhorts his hearers to “save (themselves) from this crooked the life of a congregation that contribute to its spiritual vitality: generation” (Acts 2:40). In the same vein, Paul not only spoke orderly teaching, genuine fellowship, reverential worship to the Roman governor Felix about faith in Christ Jesus but and fervent communal prayer. When these are in place, the also “reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the outcome is that “the Lord added to their number daily those coming judgment” (Acts 24:24-25). who are being saved” (Acts 2:47). What an incentive to build strong Spirit-filled churches! The Gospel of God’s grace towards humankind in Jesus Christ is an invitation to a changed heart and a changed lifestyle At the present time, it seems to me that the greatest in conformity with God’s design. This power of transformation need in the inner life of our parish churches is for the orderly is made real to the person who turns to God in repentance teaching of all ages coupled with intentional discipleship. and faith by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit makes May God enable us, and lay leaders – including teachers real the power of the Cross in our lives so that we can live in of our youth and children – to take robust action in this area. conformity with God’s patterns for man – which is to live truly and freely (John 10:10). This is the basis of sound teaching and 2. OVERCOME HOSTILITY BOLDLY is reflected for instance in the Joint Statement by Global South When the Gospel is proclaimed and the Kingdom of God and GAFCON Primates on Same Sex Unions (Cairo, 2016). extended, there will be opposition. Christians can be put We must robustly contend for the truth out of true love for down by intimidation or derision. In several parts of the world God and our fellow human being; and at the same time reach today, Christians face threats, discrimination and physical out to all who grapple with the brokenness of sin in their lives violence. In other parts, Christians face the subtle pressure of with the compassionate and life-transforming love of Jesus marginalisation, sarcasm and ridicule. But onward we must go Christ. to bear witness to Jesus the King and to work for the advance of His Kingdom. Suffering for Christ’s sake is normative for It takes courage to proclaim the victory of the Cross in faithful Christians. the face of the resilience of evil and its parasitic spread in the world. If Christ is already on the throne and the Kingdom As Archbishop Ben Kwashi has stated in the face of violent of God has already come through Him, why are dark forces persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria, “There isno allowed to dominate in the world and cause so much pain and Gospel if all that is seen is destruction. There is no Gospel if destruction? 1 man is not reconciled to God and man is not reconciled to man… There is absolutely no room for revenge or retaliation The truth from Scripture is that God is sovereign over evil, or vengeance in the Gospel.” 2 and even harnesses evil to serve His saving purposes. The crucifixion of Jesus is the most telling case in point. Yes, the Rather, Christians are to follow Jesus in the way of the Cross Kingdom of God is here but it awaits its consummation when as we participate in the work of redeeming and recreating the

2 | Diocesan Digest 1 See Dennis Lennon on Revelation 4-12 in Scripture Union, DAILY NOTES (Oct-Dec 1994). 2 Paper on The Challenge of Mission to the World, Global South 6th Conference, Cairo, October 2016. BISHOP’S MESSAGE world. We do not return evil for evil but are prepared to suffer 3. SHINE GOD’S LIGHT WINSOMELY for doing good (1 Peter 2:18-25). For effective witness to the Gospel, the Church must engage with the society she is part of. Christians are to We need boldness to bear the costs of faithful witness, shine for Christ in their integrity, their diligence, their love to overcome the fear of hostility and to enter those mission for others, their commitment to the larger good, and the fields that pose great dangers. Thanks be to God for raising up conduct of their everyday lives. More than that, the Church cross-cultural workers in our Diocese who will take the Gospel is to be a responsible intermediate organisation contributing to the ends of the earth. Several are already serving in our institutionally and in small teams to the welfare of thecity Deanery countries, some have gone to difficult fields in the (Jeremiah 29:7). Middle East and other have found courage to go to remote unreached people groups. Among our clergy, Revd Steven In this regard, we are very blessed as a Diocese to have Seah will move to Cambodia and Revd William Mok to Egypt the full complement of Anglican educational and community for longer-term misson at the end of this year. services to augment our witness as a Christian community. Through our pre-schools, schools, community hospital, How do we overcome our fears and the threat of hostility? autism centre, mental rehabilitation work and a whole host The only way is through the kind of prayer that cries out to of community services, we are in touch with human needs God. For such prayer helps us to regain our vision of God and at the grassroots level. Just to capture a sense of scale, more to be filled with courage and power. than 20,000 clients receive the care and practical assistance of services provided by Singapore Anglican Community Services and St Andrew’s Mission Acts 4:23-31 (ESV) Hospital each year. This is an important 23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they expression of our commitment to care for the heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, poor and those in need. And then think of the who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, large cohorts of students in our nine national 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the schools as well as the vast number of children Holy Spirit, in our Anglican pre-school institutions. These are lives to be moulded in character for the “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, society’s good and they are lives to be exposed and the peoples plot in vain? to the Christian worldview. The Church comes 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, alongside the staff in these institutions through and the rulers were gathered together, our vital School, Hospital and Community against the Lord and against his Anointed’ Service Chaplaincy services, and through 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy volunteers. servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand A growing area for our Christian and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon witness is our engagement with issues in their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word the public square. We are committed to with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and guard the moral and ethical gate of our wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 respective nations. So we courageously and And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together responsibly share our Christian values and was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to perspectives on a host of ethical concerns speak the word of God with boldness. ranging from LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) issues to microbiological Notice from Acts 4:23-31 how the gathered disciples research and most recently, to online gambling in Singapore. recognise that the God they worship is the Creator-God of Not only are we to engage the issues of our day but the the whole cosmos (v24). His “military might” is seen in His Church is also called to give the society an energising mastery over all creation. He is also the Lord over all history vision of a future to aim for 3 – a future that captures the (v23-28). The God they serve is the One who prophesied the freedom, compassion and righteousness that God intends for attack of the rulers of the world against Him and His Messiah, all human societies. and how their attack will be fruitless (Psalm 2). Hence, the disciples are confident that the attack on them was also As I think about the need for the Church to shine God’s under God’s supreme control. They are led to pray not for the light winsomely in a society, I can see two foundational areas removal of hostile opposition but for boldness in the midst for us to major on if we are to fulfil this calling. The first is the of opposition (v29). The effect of their prayer is that they fabric of our family life. We need to recover the practice of physically experience God’s powerful presence and experience family prayer time, to make time and build good relationships the filling of the Spirit that enables them to go on proclaiming with the family, and to strengthen the family as a discipling Jesus, without fear of the hostile authorities. and witnessing unit for God. The second is marketplace discipleship. Christians will benefit tremendously by being We, too, need the sense of God’s powerful presence to discipled and mentored by exemplary Christian leaders at the shake us up and fill us with new power to boldly advance the place where they work and in the vocations they serve in. God Kingdom, no matter what the hostility or cost incurred. Such in His grace is already raising up many workplace discipleship boldness only comes through fervent, concerted prayer. groups and fostering periodic larger gatherings like the Daniel Fellowship for those working in the public sector in Singapore.

3 See Walter Brueggemann, THE PROPHETIC Diocesan Digest | 3 IMAGINATION, Fortress Press (2nd edition, 2001). BISHOP'S MESSAGE

Through fortifying the family and pursuing marketplace We face a great challenge. But remember that God has discipleship, the quality of Christian witness will shine brightly made a great provision for His people to fulfil that mission. In in each of the seven countries of our Diocese. We will then be Christ Jesus, He gives the Christian and He gives the ChurchHis able to share winsomely with the rest of society the beauty of powerful Holy Spirit. Let us not be deterred by the difficulty holiness... that is, the beauty of living under God’s loving rule of the task; let us not be disheartened by the thick darkness and in keeping with God’s patterns for humankind. sweeping over the nations and let us not look to our own resources. Rather, let us be filled afresh and continuously with GREAT CHALLENGE, GREAT PROVISION the Holy Spirit so that together we can proclaim the Gospel Humankind lost her God-given destiny through her faithfully, overcome hostility boldly, and shine God’s light rebellion at the Garden of Eden. But God is not undone. In His winsomely. Let us come to God, and He will form us and fill us great love and the awesome power of redemption in Christ with power for the robust mission that advances His Kingdom Jesus, He is restoring man and the whole fallen created order and glorifies His great Name. to His divine intentions. There is so much pain and destruction in the world, not least because of the darkness in every human heart and the injustice of socio-political institutions. Yet, God is working on re-creating the whole order of human life. His Your shepherd and fellow witness, mission can be seen as the edenisation of the world. It is a robust mission and He calls His Church to it.

Bishop Rennis Ponniah

4 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNION NEWS GLOBAL SOUTH CONFERENCE 2016

Participants of the Global South Conference 2016 nglicans of the Global South met from lessons from this history. First, drawing on moving away from a dependency on Athe 3rd to 8th October in All Saints’ the conference theme from I Corinthians Western aid to a more self-sustainable Cathedral, Cairo, Egypt. Archbishop 4:2, the church must be found faithful developmental mode. And as concerns of Mouneer Hanna Anis of Egypt, Chairman to the gospel received from the apostles. terrorism and religious violence, Christians of the Global South Steering Committee, Second, the truth will prevail in the end. must again look to history, following the welcomed the participants which included Anis decried an “ideological slavery” example of the martyrs, if necessary. archbishops from the provinces of Sudan, in which some in the Western Church “Our unity in the Global South is very Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, use their money and influence to push important,” said Anis as he closed the Southern Africa, Western Africa, Indian their agenda on the Global South. They opening session. “We must face our many Ocean, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, undermine the scripture and the traditions challenges together.” Myanmar and South East Asia. Joining of the Church in redefining the definition The Anglican Church has 85 million them were bishops and archbishops from of marriage, he said, and their unilateral members in 164 countries, making North America, Australia, and the United choices to ordain homosexual bishops it the world’s third largest Christian Kingdom. is fraying the fabric of the worldwide denomination behind Roman Catholic In his opening address, Archbishop . Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Anis gave a brief history lesson, recalling “I want to weep,” Anis said, “as Jesus Anglicans in the 24 provinces of the Global an earlier Archbishop of Egypt, the 4th did over Jerusalem.” South number 61.8 million, constituting century Athanasius of Alexandria. “He Anis also challenged delegates over 72 percent of the worldwide Anglican was known as contra mundum, ‘against the weaknesses of churches in the Global Communion. the world’,” said Anis of the ancient South. Corruption, tribalism, polygamy, The Conference met over the next champion against the heresy of Arianism, poor treatment of women, and the six days to explore the influence of the “He was opposed at that time even by the prosperity gospel all show the need for Church in Africa. A communique and a emperor, but eventually the false teaching greater theological education. joint statement on same-sex union were disappeared, while orthodoxy flourished.” The church must also address the also released. Anis encouraged delegates to take two issues of poverty and economic migration,

Statement from the Global South Primates and GAFCON Primates Council Concerning Same-sex Unions

6th October 2016 3. God’s message of hope is therefore nor love him. Yet our love for God is both addressed to every man, woman and to believe and obey, and so our message 1. We acknowledge that God is the Creator child around the globe, that they might is to call people to repentance and love of the whole cosmos and of humankind. be redeemed, restored as image bearers for God, that they might be forgiven and Male and female, God created them in of God through the life, death and live their lives in accordance with God’s his own image and likeness to know him, resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and pattern for humankind as disciples of the worship him and share in his glory and inherit eternal life. Lord Jesus Christ. love. 4. As we proclaim the gospel of our Lord 5. We recognise that the brokenness of our 2. We affirm the dignity and value of every Jesus Christ to a broken and wounded world produces many aspects of human human being, as each bears the image world, we acknowledge our own failures behaviour which are contrary to God’s of our gracious God. We recognise that and weaknesses in the light of God’s word, good design. These include slander, greed, humankind’s rebellion against God has the Bible. As God’s love was declared to malice, hatred, jealousy, dishonesty, tainted that image, but not eradicated it. us, before we loved God, so we declare selfishness, envy and murder, as well Yet every person is precious to God. God’s love to those who neither know him as fornication, adultery and same-sex Diocesan Digest | 5 COMMUNION NEWS unions. In addressing the issue of same- sex attractions, but in order to guard 10. Our faithfulness to God and knowledge sex relationships, we are not minimizing the sound doctrine of our faith, which of his love empowers us to offer sensitive the sinfulness of other forms of behaviour also informs our pastoral approach for and compassionate ministry to those who that are contrary to God’s character and helping those who struggle with same-sex are sexually broken in the area of same- pattern for humankind. Rather, we are impulses, attractions and temptations. sex attractions and unions. Our pastoral addressing an issue that continues to approach is to accept people for who be contentious in both the Church and 8. In this respect, the Church cannot they are, just as God accepted us for who society and that strikes at the very heart condone same-sex unions as a form of we were. We oppose the vilification or of biblical authority. behaviour acceptable to God. To do so demeaning of those who do not follow would be tampering with the foundation God’s ways. We affirm that every person 6. We affirm that the clear teaching of of our faith once for all laid down by the is loved by God, so we too must love as Jesus, and the Bible as a whole, is that apostles and the prophets, with Christ God loves. Our role is to restore them to marriage is an estate for all people, not Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone God’s divine patterns by inviting them to just for believers. It is a holy institution, (Ephesians 2: 20-22; 1 Corinthians 3:10- receive the transforming love of Christ created by God for a man and a woman 11; Jude 3). that gives them the power to repent and to live in a covenantal relationship of walk in newness of life. We rely on the exclusive and mutual love for each other 9. Any pastoral provision by a church Holy Spirit’s power to reveal to them the until they are parted by death. God for a same-sex couple (such as a liturgy measureless goodness of God and the designed marriage for the well-being of or a service to bless their sexual union) greatness of God in setting the captive society, for sexual intimacy between a that obviates the need for repentance free as a new creation. husband and a wife, and for procreation and a commitment to pursue a change and the nurturing of children (Genesis of conduct enabled by the power of 11. We recognise that discipleship involves 2:18-25). the Holy Spirit, would contravene the growth and while we long for all new orthodox and historic teaching of the believers to come to maturity in Christ, 7. We contend that sexual intercourse Anglican Communion on marriage and we know that this is a process. For those between two persons of the same sex is sexuality. Such pastoral provisions, while who are same-sex attracted, the path of contrary to God’s design, is offensive to superficially attractive in giving a more discipleship and living in conformity with him and reflects a disordering of God’s humane and socially acceptable face to the God’s Word can be difficult. We commit purposes for complementarity in sexual church, actually hide the contravention of ourselves afresh to care pastorally for relations. Like all other morally wrong doctrine involved. We must be faithful in them as members of Christ’s body, building behaviour, same-sex unions alienate us guarding the good deposit of the gospel, in them up in the Word and in the Spirit, and from God and are liable to incur God’s all its gracious gifts with all its covenantal encouraging them to walk by faith in the judgment. We hold these convictions obligations as well, not for the mere sake paths of repentance and obedience that based on the clear teaching of Scripture. of orthodoxy but out of genuine love for lead to fullness of life (John 10: 9-10). We hold them not in order to demean God and our fellow human beings. or victimise those who experience same-

THE SIXTH TRUMPET: Communiqué from the Sixth Global South Anglican Conference Cairo 2016

1. The Sixth Global South Anglican of the Diocese of Egypt. The warmth of 7. We welcome the steps toward the Conference took place in Cairo, Egypt their welcome and hospitality provided a formation of the new Province in Chile from 3rd through 8th October, 2016. The context in which we were able to share, and the forthcoming inauguration of the theme for this Encounter was: “...found discern, pray, study, worship and take Province of Sudan. faithful.” This is taken from 1 Corinthians counsel together so that we might more 4:2: “... it is required of stewards that they clearly discover a united and prophetic 8. The Global South Primates also elected be found faithful.” voice about matters that are affecting our a new Global South Primates Steering beloved Anglican Communion and our Committee (GSPSC). Archbishop Mouneer 2. Delegates from sixteen Anglican world. Anis (Jerusalem and the Middle East) was Provinces were present. We were 5. We were also grateful to the Ministry reelected as the Chairman, Archbishop also joined by Anglican leaders from of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Nicholas Okoh (Nigeria) was reelected Bangladesh, USA, Canada, England and Affairs for facilitating this Conference and as Vice Chairman, Archbishop Stanley Australia. the Ministry of Tourism for arranging the Ntagali (Uganda) was elected as Secretary, memorable visits to the places of interest. Archbishop Ng Moon Hing (Southeast 3. We were encouraged by the warm Asia) as Treasurer and five other ordinary welcome given by the President of Egypt, 6. We were encouraged by the presence of Members: Archbishop Stephen Than His Excellency, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to ecumenical guests at our opening Service. Myint Oo (Myanmar), Archbishop Tito the Primates and the generous gift of Papal Nuncio Archbishop Bruno Musarò, Zavala (Southern America), Archbishop his time. He affirmed the important role who represented Pope Francis, brought Masimango Zacharie Katanda (Congo), religious leaders play in bringing peace. greetings and stressed the importance Archbishop Martin Blaise Nyaboho The Primates were encouraged by his of this meeting in discerning the signs (Burundi) and Archbishop Foley Beach commitment to affirm common citizenship of the time in the light of the Gospel. (North America). We also thanked God for and promote freedom of religion. Metropolitan Bishoy representative of the services of the outgoing members of Pope Twadros II, Bishop Krikor Kosa of the the GSPSC. 4. We were immensely grateful for the Armenian Catholics in Alexandria and Dr. wonderful hospitality provided for us by Said Amer, representing the Grand Imam 9. Our gathering at All Saints’ Cathedral Archbishop Mouneer Anis and the people of Al-Azhar, also brought greetings. powerfully reminds us of God’s infinite 6 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNION NEWS mercy and grace: “Out of Egypt I called celebrate the great things he has done. realities of suffering in the Church and my son” (Hosea 11.1). It fills us with a The Lord is good, and his love endures in particular, Egypt and North Africa. huge sense of gratitude to God who has forever (Psalm 107:1). Carthage calls us as Anglicans to focus rescued us from the power of darkness on the cost of discipleship and to live and brought us into the kingdom of his 14. God has also led us in this journey faithfully and uncomfortably for Christ in a beloved Son (Colossians 1.13). God has to respond with compassion to the world dislocated from God. Carthage also called us to be his instruments to do his brokenness in the present-day world. reminds us of the historic role of bishops work and speak out for him, to tell others We live in a time of great human who were confident of their authority to of the night-and-day difference he made suffering, deprivation and dislocation. order the Church and at the same time, for us – from nothing to something, from We see this brokenness in the faces of how divisions can weaken her. rejected to accepted (1 Peter 2.9, The the oppressed, the persecuted, victims Message). of human trafficking, the refugees, the 20. We also looked at the theme, “How internally-displaced persons, persons Africa shaped the Christian mind.” We 10. Through the Bible Studies, we with disabilities, the poor, the hungry, were led on a journey to walk together with reflected on the needs of the people the sick, the homeless, victims of HIV/ an array of saints, bishops and monks and of God in marginalised centres, the AIDS, and adults and children whose lives rediscovered the rich Christian heritage challenges of unity and false teachings are violently shattered by wars, terrorist in Egypt and North Africa. This region and the work of evangelism and mission in attacks and conflicts. The suffering in was in fact the crucible of spiritual and the world today. From Ezekiel 37, we were many parts of the world today compels intellectual traditions that have shaped reminded of a sovereign God who calls us us to respond more deeply in Christ’s Christianity down the centuries. This to live in holiness and rely on Him to turn name to extend the Kingdom of God – the lasting heritage was borne out of fidelity around seemingly hopeless situations. righteous, just and compassionate rule of to the gospel and integrity of Christian From Ephesians 2:19-22, the unity of the God - in all corners of the world (Micah life, even at the cost of suffering and Church is based on the finished work of 6.8). martyrdom. The Church in Africa today is Christ on the cross. The Gospel has always challenged to take up the continuing task been believed in and preached in the 15. The risen Christ gives us his peace in of shaping the Christian mind. midst of competing values and ideologies. the midst of crisis, a peace to be shared In our generation we must not fail nor be with the world. He opens our eyes and 21. We affirm the biblical and historic faith ashamed as stewards of this same Gospel. inflames our hearts with love, so that we that our Anglican forebears have faithfully can interpret life in the light of his holy handed down to us at great cost and To be part of God’s mighty work in our Word. We ask God to continue to use our which continues to shape our discipleship generation Churches to serve the human needs that and mission: 11. We especially celebrate with joy the are all around us. spiritual journeys of our Churches since a. We are part of the one, holy, catholic our first meeting in Limuru, Kenya in 1994. 16. But the great need of the world is and apostolic Church worshipping the one We thank God for the history of the Global for the bread of life, Jesus Christ himself. true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We South. We remember our roots as an We need to proclaim the gospel faithfully profess the faith uniquely revealed in the ecclesial body that grew out of the “South- and plant Christian communities amongst Holy Scriptures – the canonical books of South Movement” which was then under the unreached. To do this, we need to the Old and New Testament that contain the auspice of the Anglican Consultative build strong and vibrant parishes that are all things necessary for salvation, and set Council. God has used us beyond our committed to orderly and regular teaching forth in the catholic creeds, which faith original reasons for coming together. The as well as intentional disciple-making. the Church is called upon to proclaim Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of life has been afresh in each generation. powerfully at work in us, to will and to act 17. Extending God’s kingdom in the to fulfil God’s good purposes. world includes shining the light of His b. The doctrine in our churches, as our rule winsomely. This involves personal Anglican forebears bequeathed to us, is 12. God places in our hearts the resolve and communal holiness and doing good grounded in the Holy Scriptures and in to be part of his mighty work in our works in the society. We are redeemed such teachings of the ancient Fathers and generation. He is merciful to us and to be remade in the image of God and Councils of the Church as are agreeable has answered our prayers in ways and therefore to grow in godliness, integrity to the said Scriptures. In particular such in circumstances that far exceed our and holiness. We acknowledge our own doctrine is to be found in the Thirty-nine expectation. We have witnessed the brokenness before God. Articles of Religion, the Book of Common gracious and powerful breaking in of the Prayer 1662 and the Ordinal. Holy Spirit in the present time. We recall 18. Christian witness in the public square with joy the many ways that God has on ethical issues is a vital way of helping Unity in the Body revived our Churches through his light- society to keep to God’s patterns and 22. Our fidelity to this Anglican heritage shedding holy Word and fresh-anointing intentions for the world. God’s people also prompts us to repent of our failings of his Spirit. He makes us able to take up must give society a prophetic picture in keeping the unity of the Spirit through responsibilities and initiatives for mission. of a future to aim for, one that is freed the bond of peace in God’s household. He uses us to contend together in the from economic driven-ness and social We recognise that division and dislocation face of false teaching for the faith that oppression to justice, freedom and amongst orthodox Anglicans have arisen was once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). compassion. during the disputes on human sexuality. We repent of our failings to share with one 13. The initial forms of partnership that Drawing from our heritage another more sacrificially across ethnic, have emerged among us - in mission and 19. At this conference, we drank deeply national and economic divides in the evangelism, in economic empowerment from the rich Christian heritage in Global South. We confess that our disunity and in theological education - have helped Egypt and North Africa. We reflected makes us less able to be an effective sign to give us a shared life and a shared on the history of the Church in Carthage of God’s kingdom in the world. history, and we are desiring for more. We (now Tunis) and were reminded of the a. We affirm and cherish the witness of Diocesan Digest | 7 COMMUNION NEWS the Global Anglican Future Conference makes a fundamental break from the 29. The instruments are therefore unable (GAFCON), and other Anglican Churches teaching on marriage in our Anglican to sustain the common life and unity of the and networks that God has raised up in heritage. Churches that condone these Anglican Churches worldwide, especially in guarding the integrity of the gospel. practices are severing themselves from an increasingly connected and globalising their own spiritual roots. world, where different ideas and lifestyles b. We recall the commitment of the Global are quickly disseminated through social South Primates Steering Committee 25. We are grieved by those provinces media. This undermines the mission of the Communique in March 2008 to pursue and dioceses whose actions violate Church in today’s world. unity amongst the doctrinally orthodox. clear teaching of Scripture in Lambeth We will not allow different convictions and Conference 1998 Resolution 1.10; they 30. We are deeply saddened that the strategies on relating to the Communion also ignored the recommendations of Provinces of Scotland, Canada and Wales over specific issues to disrupt the common the (2004) as well as have recently made moves to change vision, unity and trust we share. Therefore, subsequent Primates Communiqué/ their Canon, teaching and practice in we need to be attentive to what God is Statements that have placed a moratorium relation to same- sex union. These have speaking to our Churches in the GAFCON on the consecration of homosexual bishops been done against the Primates Gathering Jerusalem Statement and Declaration of in same-sex unions and the authorisation Communiqué of 16th January 2016 2008, the Nairobi Communique of 2013, and implementation of public rites for the (Addendum A, paragraph 2). and look forward to working together blessing of same-sex unions. By departing with them in guarding and propagating from the historic faith and order of God’s 31. The (COE) has a the good deposit of faith that we have people, they also undermine their moral unique role in the life of the Communion, received. witness to their own societies, and cause which means that decisions it makes huge confusion among the Anglican on fundamental matters impact the c. This conference rejoices with the 2015 faithful in our Churches in this globalising Communion more deeply than those decision of the Global South Primates to world. made elsewhere. This is because both of welcome the Anglican Church in North its historical role and the particular role of America (ACNA) as a partner Province. 26. We received with thanks the joint as first among Additionally, we will continue to extend statement by the Global South Primates equal amongst the Primates. We are our support and fellowship to orthodox and GAFCON Primates Council on same- deeply concerned that there appears to be Anglican dioceses and parishes in those sex union/marriage (6th October 2016) a potential move towards the acceptance Provinces which have departed from the that was presented to the Conference. of blessing of same-sex union by COE. This biblical and historic teaching on human We resolve not to be endlessly distracted would have serious implications for us sexuality and marriage. by the same-sex issue or diverted from should it occur. our mission. To develop momentum in d. We need to respect different integrities our mission, we need to urgently develop 32. The present and potentially escalating for those Churches that accept the robust structures and processes to bring crisis poses challenges to the Global ordination of women and those who the whole gospel to the whole world. South in the shepherding of her people. do not. Mutual respect should be given We recognise the need for our enhanced to different streams of Anglo-Catholic, Ecclesial Responsibility ecclesial responsibility. We need to Evangelical and Charismatic Anglicans. 27. The prolonged failure to resolve strengthen our doctrinal teaching, our disputes over faith and order in our ecclesiastical ordering of our collective life Clarity in the Gospel we proclaim Communion exposes the Communion’s as a global fellowship and the flourishing 23. We recall our Anglican heritage not ecclesial deficit, which was highlighted in of our gifts in the one another-ness of our merely with nostalgic interest. Rather, the Windsor Continuation Group Report mission. its doctrinal and liturgical framework (2008). continues actively to shape our Christian 33. The Global South Primates will life, and bind Anglicans worldwide 28. This deficit is evident in the inability therefore form a task force to recommend together as one people with a mutually of existing Communion instruments to how these needs can be effectively recognisable ecclesial identity. This discern truth and error and take binding addressed. enables us to discern the movement of the ecclesiastical action. The instruments Spirit, and strive together as one for the have been found wanting in their ability Going Forward faith of the gospel against false teachings to discipline those leaders who have 34. “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea in our time. That is, it gives us the lens abandoned the biblical and historic faith. 11:1). We are resolved, as a renewed through which we can see the world as To make matters worse, the instruments Global South body, to go forth, following Jesus would see it, and follow him as he have failed to check the marginalisation Jesus, to bring the light of the Gospel to would call us. of Anglicans in heterodox Provinces who the ends of the earth, through the Spirit’s are faithful, and in some cases have power and for the Father’s glory. 24. This heritage speaks with special even sanctioned or deposed them. The emphases to the powerful post-modern instruments have also sent conflicting “But one thing I (we) do; forgetting values and revisionist approaches that are signals on issues of discipline which what lies behind and straining forward creeping into the Church in the present confuse the whole Body and weaken our to what lies ahead, I (we) press on time. Authorisation of liturgies and making confidence in them. toward the goal for the prize of the pastoral provisions for blessing of civil upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” unions of same-sex couples and blessing “... for my people have committed (Philippians 3:13-14) or solemnising of same-sex marriage two evils: they have forsaken me, the are clear departure from the historic fountain of living waters, and hewed understanding of Anglican faith and order. out cisterns for themselves, broken On the same basis, the consecration of cisterns that can hold no water.” bishops, ordination of priests and making (Jeremiah 2:13) of deacons who live in same- sex union 8 | Diocesan Digest TEACHING

THE BIBLE AS CANON OF THE CHURCH

he Bible is a two-part book which and complementarity – especially where old scriptures on the Road to Emmaus, began as a grand single book. As difficult to perceive. and beginning with Moses and all the Tsuch, it was entrusted to a grand prophets, he showed how the scriptures single people, even as its contents spoke THE CHARACTER OF SCRIPTURE disclosed him? of all peoples and of their destiny with The English reformer Secondly, and this is important in our God. When a second book emerged had a dream. Move the orderly rhythms age of historical consciousness, God uses alongside it, the danger arose that the of prayer, psalm recitation and bible human agents to make himself known. relationship between the two books reading—augmented to hear the entire Moses and all the prophets and apostles would be misunderstood. Instead of sweep of scripture—from the monastery -- these are specially chosen people. What accordance and complementarity, the two into the home and parish church, the they know of God they do not infer or parts would be viewed as competitors or priesthood of all believers. His vehicle for deduce but rather their ears are opened as developmentally progressive: weak to doing that was the scripture-saturated and their mouths directed. strong, old to new, deficient to complete. . Its lectionary Historical reading of the Bible has The terms Old and New were originally insured that all of scripture; Old and New properly sought to bring precision to taken to mean original and abiding, Testaments, would be placed before the the literal sense by focusing on authorial venerable; and complementary and people of God, and heard in continuous intention. What did the human author fulfilling. With the rise of natural science reading and orderly fashion. In this way intend? The difficulty with this approach, and evolutionary conceptions, old and the people of God would be marinated in whatever its merits, is that it tends to new can take on a different understanding: God’s word, in the full counsel of God. believe the human author is something outdated, incomplete; and improved, One of his collects—the prayer he or someone to be recovered through superior, superseding. composed for the given Sunday of the historical investigation. Isaiah and Moses The high and proper evaluation of church year—was positioned right at the and Solomon and Paul disappear as the sense of ‘old’ was especially so for beginning of Advent, and the start of the organizing principles or authorized agents, Gentiles who lacked a grand single story Church Year. It gives good evidence of the intended to shape the way we understand of origins and promise, and so turned to way scripture has informed his prayer the coherence of the biblical testimony. the single scriptures with relish and hopes writing, and also gives us an important Instead we search for them as historical of fresh discovery. The evangelist Luke is glimpse at how he understood the individuals. In the canonical perspective an example among others here. The New character of Christian Scripture, which is they are there, however, not to be probed Testament begins in such a way as though the topic of my first talk tonight. for how they held a pen, or what we know the final book of the old grand story, Paul writes in Romans 15: For with confidence to be their real thoughts, Chronicles, has been opened up and its whatever was written in former days or how their works came to be—intriguing story line continued in the genealogies of was written for our instruction, that by though that may be—but as framing our Matthew and the Faithful Israel of Luke. steadfastness and by the encouragement expectations about the character of the As a term, “canon” arose so as to of the scriptures we might have hope. material witness. They assure that the try to assure that the two parts of the Romans 15 is the reading Cranmer myriad pieces of mosaic that constitute one Bible would be taken as profoundly chose for the second Sunday of Advent. Scripture’s warp and woof come together complementary, and guard against His prayer therefore reads: to show the image of a King and not a developmental understandings whose Almighty God who has caused all fox. Moses is the authority, the organizing theological conclusion was two different Holy Scriptures to be written for our agent, to whom we are to look for Gods and two different and opposing learning: Grant us so to hear them, coherence and larger significance across dispensations. To call the Bible “canon” read, mark, learn and inwardly digest five books. Solomon is the glue that holds may mean several different things in our them, that by patience and comfort of together three works associated with him, period.1) Literary stability and scope. 2) thy holy word we might have hope. written to give us access to realities we Addressed to a specific audience of Israel Several things can be noted. By know about him elsewhere attested in the and the Church, and in that form overheard placing this prayer at the very start of canon. The thirteen letters of Paul are to by the world at large. 3) Encouraging his prayer book project, we are alerted be read as a complete work. figural association and complementarity to the centrality scripture will have for The other problem with a certain across diverse parts. Cranmer in all that follows. All Holy fixation on human agency is that it But the “canon” of faith or “rule of faith/ Scriptures, he writes, has been written for forgets what inspiration means. To be truth” also testifies to an understanding our instruction. Not one part hotter and inspired of God, to be chosen to speak of the two testament Bible as a whole in another part colder. The difficult passages by him, is to be given more to speak and which One God in Christ is active in both are meant to humble us and made us ask declare than one’s own human intention parts: under signs and figures in the first, for a teacher who does not arise natively comprehends. The prophets are told they and in an incarnation in the second whose in our understanding. This sentiment goes will be misheard. That their words will full significance is difficult to grasp without back to the earliest church fathers, who live on and witness to generations they reference to the first as critical to its preferred the Old to the New Testament know not. Sometimes they fall down apprehension. To call the Bible the canon because Christ was hidden in them and and in confusion confess they cannot of the church is to underscore this earliest this allowed him to appear in ways strange comprehend what God is showing or conviction about its essential coordination and reorienting. Did not Christ open the saying, but God’s response is to draw forth Diocesan Digest | 9 TEACHING their speech all the same and insist it will tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags does not consist in editing a first scripture accomplish what God purposes, through itself along and desire fails; because so that its special character is made to time. The OT makes this point insistently. man goes to his eternal home, and the conform to a later reality in time. “My The word of God is living and active. It mourners go about the streets; before God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me, accomplishes what God purposes. The the silver cord is snapped, or the golden he cried from the tree” is that not our word given to old prophets outlived them bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken Psalm 22. Its newness does not consist and speaks on. The canon is the witness at the fountain, or the wheel broken at in making clear that a first witness has to how speech of old is speech inspired to the cistern, and the dust returns to the done its work and so now is no longer keep on speaking. About the Bible we do earth as it was, and the spirit returns scripture, but historical background, or an not say, “I’ve read that already.” To read to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, inferior witness displaced by a superior. today and tomorrow is to discover a Living says the Preacher; all is vanity. Christian Scripture is ineluctably two- God whose word remakes us day by day. That is a sentence to be read aloud. fold. It does not consist in detailing a God has caused all Holy Scriptures to It isn’t even a sentence, but a string of truth never before known, in an idiom be written for our learning. He has left us impressions we are to hear and catch as completely new, but instead is a literature with a testimony to himself. It belongs to a total picture. Grant us so to hear them. everywhere insistent that it must rely for the doctrine of providence that God has But God has also provided for a its truthfulness on a prior testimony. If assured that in every age we may search scripture that can be read and held in the one removed every reference to the OT after him and find him. As Paul says in hands. Some of this is the phenomenon from the NT it would be unintelligible and Acts 15, in every generation and in every of Pentecost and the drive to have a torso both. “He rose again on the third place Moses has testified to Israel and scripture arise in every known tongue on day in accordance with the scripture” through them to the Gentiles, “For from the planet. We go to the Bible as a fixed means that resurrection as a reality has early generations Moses has had in every reality, as with a sacred scroll preserved no independent standing apart from the city those who preach him, for he is read in a temple. But the Bible also goes forth. disclosing character of sacred scripture. every sabbath in the synagogues.” Translators of scripture are missionaries in “For as yet they had no yet understood Now Cranmer introduces a string of the most basic sense of the word: they are the scripture” is a statement about how verbs: hear, read, mark, learn, inwardly sent forth in the form of bible translations the Risen Christ makes himself known digest. There is something about Holy they undertake that in turn give rise to when comprehended through what has Scripture that cannot be comprehended faith beyond their intentions or personal been said and promised beforetime and by a single verb. I read Moby Dick. About presence. how, lacking that, the eyes of faith cannot a great work of fiction, we still use one “To mark and to learn” gets at the adjust to the character of eternal life being verb. Even about a work we may want to reality that scripture gives us pause. It shown forth. read again. We don’t typically read aloud isn’t a page-turner, as we may mean that Clement states it this way -- The fact a book like Moby Dick, though good plays with a good novel. It is meant to get our that God has done something final is tied are brought to life in oral speech. attention. To force us to think and pray. up with having revealed that this would The Bible is heard. We hear it, as Paul To introduce us to its frame of reference. be so long ago. The only truly final things says, in the synagogue, in church, with What Roland Barth called “the strange are those whose promise can be identified others, solemnly proclaimed, formally world” where God is on the move and deep in time preceding. The very name of marked off as special kind of speaking. things happen that are at once familiar God means: I am He who make good in In antiquity written literature was but also very much not. That upset and time on promises I have made solemnly rare, as paper was rare, and memorization rearrange and cause to read, and to mark ahead of time, in relationship with those amounted to learnedness. Paul had and to learn. to whom I have made them, upheld them memorized all of scripture both in Greek This must now be underscored through trial, and fulfilled them. I am the and in Hebrew. He could recite it, bring it because the sole scriptures have in time LORD. to mind and heart, let it arise to guide and been accompanied by a second scripture: confirm, sometimes out in front of him as the New Testament. It would be wrong much as inside him. A fascinating account to make all of the characters of the Bible in antiquity tells of seeing someone operate on the same plane, and so ignore This is a summary reading a scroll whose lips did not move the movement from the election of Israel of a talk which Dr – private reading “to oneself” was odd to the adoption of Gentiles, you and me, Christopher Seitz enough to merit comment. To say that accomplished by the Son of God who is gave at a lecture on scripture is living and active means that it both the called Israel and the redeemed the Bible as Canon is to be heard, vive voce. Listen to the last Adam. The movement from Old to New of the Church at the chapter of Ecclesiastes, is not a movement from less to more or Cathedral recently. Remember also your Creator in the of progressive religious improvement. He was Professor days of your youth, before the evil days Christ is the only mediator of both of Old Testament at come, before the sun and the light and covenants, Old and New. He is known in Yale University and the moon and the stars are darkened Israel in signs and in figures. He is made the University of and the clouds return after the rain; in known in his Son in the New Testament, St Andrews before the day when the keepers of the house yet the grasp of this truth is shown to going to Wycliffe College, University of tremble, and the strong men are bent, be difficult during the Incarnation, and Toronto in 2007 to be the Senior Research and the grinders cease because they only really comprehended when seen in Professor of Biblical Interpretation. are few, and those that look through accordance with the scriptures of Israel. He has been a fellow of the Alexander the windows are dimmed, and the One cannot operate outside of this circle von Humboldt Foundation, the Luce doors on the street are shut; when the of comprehension, or what the fathers Foundation, and the Center for Theological sound of the grinding is low, and one called, “the rule or canon of faith.” Inquiry. Ordained as an Episcopal priest, rises up at the voice of a bird, and all Here we find the dimension of he has served in many parishes across the daughters of song are brought low; Christian Scripture which has no the globe. His publications on the OT they are afraid also of what is high, counterpart in any other literature. The and biblical interpretation are widely and terrors are in the way; the almond second literary witness is truly new. It acclaimed and cited. 10 | Diocesan Digest PROVINCIAL NEWS A Long Spiritual Path (Excerpt of article from ACNS by Gavin Drake)

he Most Revd Ng Moon Hing’s who cannot afford hotels while Telection as Archbishop of South visiting them. In Indonesia, the East Asia could not have been province runs a microfinance anticipated since he was born into program offering grants of less than a family of Buddhists and Taoists. £100 to help people start their own At 20, he became the first person in businesses. In Nepal, the province his family to convert to Christianity. runs children’s centres and children’s “I was brought by friends to a homes, and is actively involved in church and there I was convicted and reconstruction and support after the found Christ,” said Archbishop Moon earthquakes in 2015. Hing, “It was difficult at the beginning As he takes on the leadership because my parents were very against of the Province of South East Asia, it. None of my family were Christian Archbishop Ng says his focus will be and I had to journey alone in those on church, politics, and manpower. early days. For the church, he wants to “A couple of years down the road speed up the process of creating I graduated from the university and I new dioceses in the missionary worked for a number of years as a civil deaneries. He said that most of them, engineer. And then I received a call. apart from Laos and Vietnam, are Actually, I received the call before I “growing quite fast” and he wants graduated, so the call carried on until to establish a timetable for creating I realised the time is right. So I quit the dioceses. job and entered into ministry.” “The difficulty we have is that we After a few years of theological don’t have the money yet,” he said. “We training he was ordained at age The Most Revd Ng Moon Hing have the people, we have the church, but 30. After serving his curacy he we don’t have the finance to help them was sent to serve St. Peter’s All of this is taking place in a region run. Transport will cost a lot; they are too Church in Ipoh and remained there for where Christians are in a minority. The far to meet each other. They don’t have cars, the next 20 years. In 2007 he was population of the Province of South East like us, so everything is money. appointed Bishop of West Malaysia. Asia is around 500 million, and not more “Nepal is 10,000 members, yet we In September 2015, Bishop Ng was than 1 percent is Christian. “In every one cannot create a diocese because we have elected archbishop of the Province, of these countries we are a minority and so to put in a lot of infrastructure like diocesan succeeding the Bishop of Kuching, the we work very sensitively,” Archbishop Ng centres and operations centers to help them Rt. Revd. Bolly Lapok. He was installed said. “And the people look at Christianity to carry on the mission work without us. This on 22 Feb 2016 at a service in St. Mary’s as a foreign religion — a religion of the work must carry on.” Cathedral, in Kuala Lumpur. white people.” “On the political side we are seeing The Province of South East Asia The province uses two main a lot of instability,” the Archbishop said, comprises four dioceses: West Malaysia, approaches to its evangelism: its main “We want to train and disciple the people which covers the Malay peninsula; focus is on friendship evangelism, but it so that in the event of any changes, their Kuching and Sabah in northern Borneo; also does evangelism through education, faith in Christ will not change [and that], and Singapore. But the province is much schools, and social ministry. While the whether the country is doing well or doing bigger than this, extending into Cambodia, way this is done varies throughout the badly, they hold on to Jesus Christ tightly. So Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, missionary deaneries, the common focus we need to intentionally train and help them and Vietnam, which are countrywide is on education and teaching the English to become disciples.” missionary deaneries. Legally, these language. And on the issue of manpower, the missionary deaneries are part of the In Cambodia, the Province has Archbishop is blunt: “We don’t want this Diocese of Singapore, but for all practical established the Project Khmer Hope, generation to do lots of things and the purposes they are deaneries of the whole providing two years of free education to next generation to know nothing at all.” province and the province is engaged in train people to work in in hotels, embassies, He explained that when he became Bishop missionary activity with them. or big corporations. It also teaches people of West Malaysia he realised that the “Our aim is that every one of these to make palm sugar. “A lot of people grow age profile of his clergy meant that countries will have a diocese by themselves,” palms but they don’t know what to do with he would lose half of them through the Archbishop said. “They are very fast- it,” Archbishop Ng said. “We teach them how retirement by 2020. growing; the fastest-being Nepal, even to make palm sugar and export it.” “So if I don’t intentionally develop more after the earthquake. Now they have In Thailand, the province established people we are going to face a manpower about 10,000 members going to church Salem homes to provide accommodation shortage,” he said. “Over the past nine every Sunday.” for families of people staying in hospital years I have developed, trained, and

Diocesan Digest | 11 DEANERIES - NEPAL equipped many more to come into the only Christian in his family. On his father’s He said there is a lot of joy in his family ministry. Every year I ordain more than 10 side he has three uncles and an aunt. at his new role. “Everybody is excited but people because I have actively developed, Three of the four are now Christians, as they don’t know what the archbishop is all trained, and equipped them and also are their families. about,” he joked. encouraged them to give their lives to God.” Archbishop Ng was one of 11 siblings. On being Archbishop, The Most Revd He said that similar numbers were Of his 10 brothers and sisters, eight have Ng has this to say, “I am very happy and being ordained in Sabah and Singapore become Christians, as have their families. His very glad to be involved in this era, at this and that people were also being ordained father died a non-Christian, but his mother, time. As archbishop I will want to see in the deaneries, although in smaller who had been against his conversion, has the growth to carry on, if not faster, in numbers. converted. “When my mum became a order to catch up and prepare ourselves for For Ng, the transformation from Christian I baptised her myself,” Archbishop the worst to come. We do not know what a Buddhist teenager to the Anglican Ng said, “Some 70 or 80 percent of the whole will happen, but extremism is coming Archbishop of South East Asia began as a family are Christians now but we still have 20 our way. Too many extreme things are “lonely journey.” But he is no longer the to 30 percent to work on.” coming.”

NEPAL: Turbulent Times By Revd Lewis Lew, Dean of Nepal

hile sitting in the sanctuary of Wthe Living Hope Church amongst 234 confirmation candidates, my mind was filled with the memories of my first missions trip to Nepal in April 1980. At that time, it was illegal to baptise anybody. Anyone caught doing so could be imprisoned for up to six months. Today, however, Nepal has one of the world’s fastest-growing Christian populations. All this has happened within one generation. God is doing a mighty work in Nepal. It warms my heart to have witnessed all this first hand; but I am also concerned, because I see that these large numbers of young adults and youths who are getting confirmed do not remain for very long in their churches, because they inevitably disperse to various parts of the world to further their studies or to seek Monsoon finally retreats from Nepal many children having to study in make- employment. There is thus a great and A monsoon entered Nepal on 15 June shift buildings and poor environment urgent need to quickly disciple and equip this year, and it finally withdrew on especially in the winter, breaks my heart. them for ministry amongst the Nepali 12 Oct after a delay of 19 days. This The Diocese of Singapore is glad that it diaspora. Because the Anglican parishes monsoon resulted in widespread severe could partner the Red Cross in rebuilding in Nepal are still young, they need our flooding and landslides. Many deaths three schools in Chimchook, Gumdi VDC partnership in this urgent task of disciple- were reported and many families were of Dhading. making. displaced due to the landslides. The entire The greatest challenge in Nepal’s village of Cheprang of Dhading had to be Where is Nepal Heading? churches today is the discipling of new evacuated. The tourism industry, the main source of believers. The Christian population is Our rebuilding work on the 30 income for the country, continues to be growing rapidly, and there just are not churches was severely affected. Many slow. This is due in part to the political enough mature Christians to disciple roads are un-passable, and in some places instability of the country. Air Pollution is them. the floods submerged roads for days and bad; so far 9,940 have died from pollution It has been 20 months since the 7.8 even weeks. But our God is gracious, for related causes. The World Health earthquake hit Nepal on 25 April 2015, we completed the rebuilding of our first Organization called for efforts to end yet recovery has been painfully slow - less church building in early October. As the tuberculosis which has killed 7,000 people then 1.2 percent of the schools that were monsoon clears, the rebuilding work for thus far. The number of mental health destroyed are rebuilt, and few of the 9 all the other churches will go full throttle. patients in Kathmandu Valley has been million people affected by the earthquake on the rise due partly to the impact of the have their homes rebuilt. Most are still School Reconstruction Yet to Gather Pace devastating earthquakes last year. This is living in makeshift shelters. These people According to a Himalayan Times report only a short list amongst all the critical have courageously braved two monsoons on 15 Oct, of the 7,923 schools that were needs in this mountain nation. The needs and one extremely harsh winter, and by destroyed by the earthquake only 100 here are great; the 82 Anglican Churches the time this article is printed, we would were rebuilt, and another 118 school here are constantly engaged in praying for be looking at the start of yet another rebuilding projects are in progress. The a spiritual revival for the country. Join us winter. need is staggering, and the thought of the to pray for Nepal!

12 | Diocesan Digest DEANERIES - THAILAND 25th Anglican Church in Thailand (ACT) Thai Ministry, 1991-2016

wenty-five years ago, on 7 October the lessons learnt, values T1991, the Venerable Gerald Khoo and for handing down to future Deaconess Dorothy Khoo started the first generations and which Thai service in the modest Chapel at Christ describe the character of Church with just seven members. ACT. ACT is a family that To date, the Anglican Church in Thailand provides fatherly care and (ACT) has grown to 510, gathered in 13 brotherly love; it is rooted congregations, four kindergartens, three in Scripture, history and student centres, and two community customs, and it exists to service ministries across the country. preach the gospel and The growth was not without pain plant churches. and problems; crises resulting in staff On 9 October, 400 resignations, hurt members leaving, members of this family congregated in unfinished, that drives us to our knees embezzlement and even a fatal traffic Christ Church Bangkok for the Thanksgiving A need that, undiminished, accident in which a staff member died and Celebration Service. A rendition of rebukes our slothful ease in the course of her duty. The most bells heralded the call to worship. The We, who rejoice to know Thee, devastating of all was when Ven. Gerald various congregations came forward at renew before Thy throne Khoo passed away suddenly on 13 different parts of the service to offer their The solemn pledge we owe Thee, December 2003. Revd Yee Ching Wah worship through song and dance. There to go and make Thee known was appointed to continue the work. It were children, youth, adults, donned in was a steep learning curve for everyone. a myriad of outfits – it was an incredible Indeed, the Anglican Church in In ruminating the various stories that expression of unity in diversity. Thailand is facing a task unfinished and it embody this miraculous account of God’s Bishop Kuan Kim Seng began his would require much prayer and support faithfulness and grace, the staff of ACT sharing by reading the words of the from the aggregated Anglican partners to summed it up with three words: Family, offertory hymn, Facing an Unfinished stand with our Thai brethren, till the work Rootedness and Mission. These delineate Task by Frank Houghton, Facing a task of the Lord is done.

LAT KRABANG: Work in Progress lanning for this new church plant The team then began to search for Pstarted in 2009 with weekly prayer a piece of land to position the future meetings of about 10 people in Christ cathedral of ACT. The search ended Church Bangkok. The praying and on a 11,200 square metre plot of land waiting continued for two years. God directly opposite LKAC; across a canal led us to Lat Krabang district in Eastern at the back of the land is CSC. The Bangkok, where there were several purchase was made on 30 September community groups identified: 2014 and the land dedication ceremony 1. Students from a major Option A - Lat Krabang Anglican Church took place on 21 March 2015. ACT’s university, three-fold vision for this place is: 2. Workers from the nearby 1. A Tabernacle for His Glory - a international airport and place of worship industrial estates, and 2. A City on the Hill – the public will 3. Existing and new residents in be drawn in and feel welcomed Lat Krabang, an area identified 3. A Home for the ACT family – a by the Thai government as a place where future generations strategic development to ease will have a sense of unity and the congestion in Bangkok. Option B - Lat Krabang Anglican Church belonging with Lat Krabang as a physical reference point. Revd Andrew Yap and his wife Wat Plooksattha Secondary School Diana, from St James’ Church, started students. As a result, many have come to Phase 1A of the construction started Cornerstone Student Centre (CSC) in know God. on 15 May 2016 and it will be completed December 2011, located in the student As the outreach to the students and by the end of this year. This phase hostel area of King ’s Institute community continues, the nucleus of the includes a Welcome Centre cum Chapel, of Technology Ladkrabang, providing church has started to grow, assisted in boundary wall of the whole compound, English language classes and other part by many from the Tribute Programme an access road, sewerage and electrical workshops for tertiary students. (Diocese of Singapore), which include system. The next phase, 1B, will include CSC has organised annual English members from St Andrew’s Cathedral. a church, accommodation and a Immersion Camps for the university Joined by Revd Lee Mullins, and his wife kindergarten. students, hosted by St James’ Pawinee, from the Diocese of Western Do pray for the contractors and Church and has partnered Yishun Anglicans, the inaugural service for Lat sufficient funds for the building project Christian Church Anglican (Chinese Krabang Anglican Church (LKAC) was held and ministry. Pray for more mission Congregation) to conduct Annual on 4 August 2013 at a shop house along volunteers to join the team at Lat English Proficiency Camps for nearby the main road at Lat Krabang Soi 40. Krabang

Diocesan Digest | 13 DEANERIES - CAMBODIA Revd Steven Seah, our Missionary in Cambodia

Since the beginning of his episcopacy, Bishop Rennis Ponniah has made it a diocesan goal to “mainstream the mission deaneries”. One of the ways of is to, wherever possible, have the dean or associate dean stationed in the deanery countries, in order to provide more direct on-the-ground pastoral leadership. By His grace, the Lord has laid it on the heart of Revd Steven Seah, Associate Dean of Cambodia, to serve as a full-time missionary in Cambodia, together with his wife Gwen. Bishop Rennis will be commissioning Revd Seah to commence this role in mid-November this year. Revd Seah explains how he sees Revd Steven Seah and Gwen Seah his calling and role in Cambodia in his testimony below: Why I am going to Cambodia

y wife, Gwen, and I will be moving to Cambodia to to work and told the rest of the congregation to disassociate Mserve in the Deanery of Cambodia as missionaries, from them but not to regard them as enemies so that they come mid-Nov. I have handed over my role as vicar of my would be shamed into correcting their ways. Even the goal of parish in Singapore with effect from the end of August and shaming was for their sake. Paul then ends his letter with this I am currently on a sabbatical break to rest and rejuvenate. benediction, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” The benediction was to “all”, including those who were My involvement in the deanery began in 2009 when the idle and disruptive. parish decided to send a couple, Lawrence and Lyn Wee, to Cambodia to be English teachers. I knew then nothing about From my vantage point, what our Cambodian brothers the deanery, the people, the work and what my members and sisters need most at this time is a pastor to care for them, would be going into. I wanted to find out more and so visited to lead them, and to teach them how to grow and live in this the Church of Christ our Peace, Phnom Penh, and met the new life we have in Christ marked with freedom and love. For pastors and staff. At the end of 2009, I was appointed the this, I felt I needed to be with them on the ground. Home Base Coordinator. On 1 May 2011, I was appointed Associate Dean of Cambodia, and have been traveling to Thus, when Bishop Rennis asked me last August to split Cambodia a few times a year to attend council meetings, my time between Singapore and Cambodia for the next two to preach and to join short-term mission trips to the rural years during this transitional period of rebuilding the church, provinces. I offered to go to Cambodia until my retirement. The rest as they say is history. He gladly accepted my offer. Last year, God laid a burden on my heart. I was teaching the epistles of Paul and saw something in his letters that Gwen and I are stepping out of our comfort zone. We will was always there but never struck me until then. Paul was have to learn the Khmer language, adapt to a different way of not only a missionary par excellence, planting churches in life and culture, be apart from our children and trust God to the major cities and a brilliant theologian that undergirded provide others in the family to look after my elderly mother. his epistles with sound theology. He was, at heart, a caring However, we are encouraged that God will give everything we pastor. need to do His will (Hebrews 13:21).

I first saw this in his first letter to the Thessalonians, how he longed to be with the young church he had just started in Revd Steven Seah is the Associate Dean of Cambodia Thessalonica as they were facing persecution after he was forced to leave them and he was concerned if they would hold firm to their faith (1 Thess 2:17-3:3; c.f. Acts 17:1-9). When it became unbearable not knowing how the Thessalonians were doing, Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to strengthen Let us continue to pray for Revd Seah and his family, especially in: and encourage them, giving up someone that was a great 1. Adapting to life in Cambodia. 2. Learning the Khmer language. help to his ministry for their sake. In his second letter to the 3. Building deep relationships with pastors and staff on the ground. Thessalonians, Paul warned the idle and disruptive to return

14 | Diocesan Digest DEANERIES - CAMBODIA De-consecration and Ground-Breaking for the Redevelopment of The Church of the Lord Jesus

Christ our Peace, Phnom Penh by Venerable Wong Tak Meng, Dean of Cambodia in the theatrette of an art school five minutes’ walk from CCOP. Since moving there, the International Congregation led by the Revd Gregory Whitaker has nearly trebled its attendance to 140. Under the care of Revd Tit Hieng, Rev Jesse Blaine and Pastors Lina and Sunly, the Khmer Congregation is growing as well. A final de-consecration service was held on 30 June 2016 before the site was handed over to the contractors. Bishop Low Jee King exhorted the church to be faithful to the Gospel. Revd Tit Hieng (Vicar) and Revd Steven Seah (Associate Dean) concelebrated Holy Communion Staff, missionaries and supporters of ACC, 30 Jun 2016 at the rattan . The Bishop led in the words of de-consecration, handed the The Preacher in Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 saw many mission teams comprising sacramental vessels and linen to the declared, internationals and locals joining hands in Khmer pastors and prayed for the growth prayer before launching forth in packed of all the congregations in ACC. For everything there is a season, and a four-wheel drive vehicles to preach the Following the de-consecration, a time for every matter under heaven: …a Gospel in rural Anglican congregations. ground-breaking ceremony was held. time to kill, and a time to heal; a time More than a place for Sunday activities, Revd Hieng shared precious memories to break down, and a time to build up… CCOP was a place where missionaries, of God’s grace. Dean Wong Tak Meng Cambodian and expatriate brothers and recounted the spread of the Gospel or the Church of Christ our Peace, sisters shared daily life together. The Revd through Revd Cormack, Revd Mok, FPhnom Penh (CCOP), the time has William Mok Wai Mung and his late wife Revd Tit Hieng, Revd Norman Beale, Revd come to thank God for the witness of Mee Hwa, who served nearly 12 years in Raju Bhagwat and other clergy, as well the Gospel over the past 23 years, and Cambodia, welcomed everyone to their as the pastors and lay leaders who have to prepare the ground to be redeveloped home, especially the neighbourhood served in CCOP. He also acknowledged into an 8-storey 300-seater church and children. Several young people found their the many in Cambodia, Singapore, the national office of the Anglican Church of life partners in the CCOP Khmer Youth United States and other countries who Cambodia (ACC) in the cultural heart of Fellowship, and are now raising children in have helped in prayer, in expertise and the city. strong Christian families. in giving, so that the project can finally CCOP began life as the first The vision to redevelop the aging move ahead. The Bishop prayed for Anglican church in Cambodia with the and space-constrained villa was birthed blessings and safety, and led in the ground- commissioning of the Revd Donald by Revd Mok around 2003-2004. Many breaking in the garden with Dean Tak Cormack by Bishop Moses Tay on Palm obstacles had to be overcome, especially Meng, Vicar Tit Hieng and Revd Gregory Sunday 1993 while the plaster was still the ownership of the land, the design of Whitaker. drying in the newly renovated Villa the building and, of course, the raising of Champa. The simple French colonial the funds. Both expatriate and Cambodian bungalow, once the home of the mayor members of CCOP enthusiastically of Phnom Penh before the city fell to the embraced the vision. In the effort to raise Khmer Rouge, became a place of peace funds for the new building, many gave We look forward to the completion of and hope in the midst of the rapidly beyond their means; some even sacrificed the new CCOP in 2018 (the 25th year of the growing capital city. their meals in order to give a little more. Anglican Church of Cambodia) and request The initial years were nerve-wracking, Generous gifts also came from individuals the intercession of brothers and sisters for: as security was uncertain during the and churches in Singapore and elsewhere early days after the UN Peace Accord. who have heard of this faith project. 1. The building permit to be obtained Yet, thanks to God who hears the prayer By God’s grace, after years of patient from the Cambodian authorities as of His people, Revd Cormack led in prayer and preparations, the building soon as possible. worship and preached God’s Word in design endorsed by the ACC Provisional 2. The raising of the remaining S$500,000 Khmer and in English. The message of Council was approved by the Synod of needed for the building cost. salvation and healing was proclaimed the Diocese of Singapore in November 3. The safety of the workers on the and spiritual nourishment was offered 2013, and the final and formal approval construction site. in CCOP to Cambodians and expatriates for the redevelopment at the cost of 4. The Architect, Consultants Team, alike. Children were taught Bible stories US$3.2 million was given by Synod in Building Committee and Contractors and praise songs in the verandah upstairs. November 2015. that they will receive wisdom, Many were joyfully baptized in the unique We praise God for providing an guidance and favour from above. circular baptism pool in the garden behind excellent venue for both the International the banana trees. The front yard of CCOP and Khmer Congregations to worship Diocesan Digest | 15 DEANERIES - CAMBODIA & INDONESIA MISSIONARY PRIESTS FROM THE WIDER COMMUNION Ordination of Revd Jesse Blaine By Ven Wong Tak Meng

him with a strong command of the Khmer Anglican Church in North America. language and amazing progress in foster The ordination service providentially care. He was well loved by both the coincided with the meeting of the Cambodian and international members of Province of South East Asia Mission CCOP. Services (PROSEAMS) in Phnom Penh. By 2014, Blaine was ready to continue This made it possible for Bishop Kuan Kim his discernment for Anglican ordained Seng (Director of Missions, Singapore, ministry. On behalf of Jesse’s home and Chairman of PROSEAMS), Bishop church, the Restoration Anglican Church in John Yeo (Assistant Bishop, Sabah), and Bp John Guernsey ordaining Revd Jesse Blaine into the Priesthood, 29 May 2016 Arlington, Virginia, Revd Gregory Whitaker other canons, clergy and lay members of led in his ordination discernment process. PROSEAMS to participate in this historic first met Jesse Blaine in January 2012 His call and readiness for ordination was ordination. Iwhen we were inviting participants at strongly affirmed by CCOP leaders. Blaine Revd Jesse Blaine will work with Revd the Anglican Global Mission Partners began planning a transition to pastoral Tit Hieng and his Cambodian ministers Consultants in Fort Worth, Texas, to ministry in the Anglican Church of to strengthen the Khmer congregation in consider a missionary call to South East Cambodia (ACC) as a missionary through CCOP, develop Khmer outreach in Phnom Asia. By then, Jesse was already on his the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Penh, and help in the training of Khmer way to Cambodia with World Orphans to Senders (SAMS). ministers. set up Children in Families, a foster care By God’s grace, Blaine was ordained May Revd Blaine’s ordination enhance network for needy children. as a Deacon in the Diocese of Mid Atlantic the growth of the Khmer ministry in Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, Blaine (DOMA), Anglican Church in North Cambodia and the raising up of more and his family made the Anglican Church America, in 2015. On 29 May 2016, he was Cambodian clergy and church leaders for of Christ our Peace (CCOP) their spiritual ordained as a priest in Phnom Penh by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the home, serving as a lay leader alongside his Diocesan Bishop, the Right Revd John words of Revd Blaine himself: “May the Revd Gregory Whitaker. The Lord blessed Guernsey, according to the canons of the people of Cambodia know His name!” Introducing Missionary Presbyter Revd Matt Colvin and his family

The Colvins are American missionaries instrumental in funding the rebuilding who have newly arrived in Bandung, of two birth clinics in the disaster zone West Java to help the Gereja Anglikan in Leyte. Sora will seek to use her skills Indonesia. From 2013-2015, they served to minister to mothers and babies in Colvin Family as missionaries in Davao City in the Bandung, possibly through the church. Philippines. Matt was ordained a priest in Colvin met the Dean of Indonesia eaten durian, mangosteens, and many the Reformed Episcopal Church, which is Revd Dr Timothy Chong in 2014, and Dean other things that one will not find in Ohio. a sub-jurisdiction of the Anglican Church Chong invited him to return to Bandung in Above all, they have seen their parents in North America. Their home parish is 2015 to give some lectures on the Jewish at work in the service of the gospel, and the Reformed Episcopal church in background of the New Testament at St. shared in that work themselves. Cincinnati, Ohio. Paul's, a Bible college that belongs to one Matt and Sora are grateful to the Matt holds a PhD in ancient Greek and of the Anglican churches there. Colvin’s Diocese of Singapore for giving them the Latin. In the Philippines, he taught Biblical work in Bandung will focus on two areas: chance to work in a place of tremendous Greek and Hebrew to evangelical pastors, starting an English-speaking congregation opportunity for the church. Please pray: taking them through Greek grammar of the Gereja Anglikan Indonesia, and in less than eight months, so that they teaching Biblical studies and languages • for the Colvins' children's education, were able to read the New Testament for to the students at St. Paul's. The Colvins that they may have a positive themselves. will be studying the Indonesian language experience in their new schools Sora is a certified professional midwife intensively for their first year in Bandung, • for a good transition for the whole who has attended over 450 births, most in order to build a strong foundation for family as they find their way in a of them in a charity birth clinic in Davao future teaching and ministry. new culture. City. She has expertise in breech birth and Matt and Sora have four children; • for the family's progress in learning neonatal resuscitation, and has trained Ezekiel, Naomi, Isaiah, and Hosanna. Bahasa Indonesia. dozens of student midwives, both Filipinas They are having an interesting childhood • that God will use this family for the and North Americans. She volunteered indeed; their passports now contain strengthening of the whole deanery in an emergency birth clinic housed stamps from five different Asian countries. of Indonesia, and especially for in tents in the aftermath of Typhoon They have been up close with whale sharks the edification of the Indonesian Haiyan (Yolanda) in early 2014, and was and monkey-eating eagles. They have pastors. 16 | Diocesan Digest DEANERIES - VIETNAM ABBA English Ordination of Revd Jesse Blaine Summer Camp 2016, June 10-20

By Audrey Tan, Church of the Good Shepherd (English)

leven years ago, the Diocese of ESingapore worked with the UNESCO Club in Hanoi and hosted its first Summer Learning a worship song at the start of the day Camp for Vietnamese students. Mrs Soon Guat Eng, wife of Canon Soon Soo Kee who Village. The children’s English immersion youth, and a message by Revd Jonathan was then the Dean of Vietnam and priest- programme began each day with worship Wong. Three children gave their lives in-charge of Church of the Good Shepherd, and devotions, followed by lessons on to Christ. The camp ended with a Talent English congregation (COGSE), rallied the various topics such as Christmas, Easter, Night, where the five groups performed parish to organise English lessons, outings food and hobbies. skits. to various tourist attractions and home- Their excursions included trips to There was also encouraging feedback stays. Mount Faber and a cable car ride to the from all parties by the end of the Camp: Since then, this Summer Camp has S.E.A. Aquarium, and Universal Studios in become an annual affair, with other Sentosa, the Zoo, the Night Safari and the “I like the teachers becuase they are very parishes having taken turns to run the Alive Museum. They visited the Merlion, funny and friendly. I am touched by their camp. From 2012, St Andrew’s Cathedral the Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Little care. I like the English lessons (where) I learnt oversaw the coordination of the Camp India and Chinatown. There was also a trip about love, peace and joy.” - Phuc, age 11. in alliance with and in support of ABBA to Bugis for shopping, JEM’s J-cube for ice- English Language Centre in Hanoi. After skating, and there were dinners at Satay- “I like learning about Singapore history. many years, COGSE hosted the event by-the-Bay and at Swensen’s. And the teachers were very joyful and gentle, again this year. This year, the COGSE planning so when I was sad sometimes, the teachers Thirty-two students from Hanoi and committee re-introduced the home-stay made me happy.” - Khoa, age 10. Halong aged 10 to 17 attended this year's component. Apart from COGSE members, camp. Accompanying them were Mrs several families from other parishes also One host family had this to say, "We Rebecca Vu, the principal of ABBA Centre, volunteered their homes, so the children enjoyed it and would like to host again... I a schoolteacher and three volunteers from got to spend a weekend in local homes really believe that we have in some very small Church of the True Light in Hanoi. The and interact with Singaporean families. way planted a seed that will be harvested in students were divided into five groups; The weekend included a Good News time to come." Love, Joy, Peace, Patience and Kindness, Challenge at COGS on Saturday evening, and stayed in hostel rooms at St Andrew’s where games were played with COGS

The campers at St Andrew's Village

Diocesan Digest | 17 COMMUNITY SERVICES New SACS Centres

Volunteers from SACS Senior Services providing support at the official Guests at the soft launch event of SACS Centre at Floral Spring. opening event of SACS Centre at Golden Orchid.

Third from right, anti-clockwise: Dr. Arthur Chern, Group Chief Executive Officer, SACS and SAMH; Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Senior Minister of State for Defence; Revd. Ng Hwee Leong, Priest-in-Charge, Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) – Mandarin Congregation; (third from left) Ms. Winnie Chan, Head, SACS Senior Services; and staff of SACS.

Guests at the official opening event of SACS Centre at Golden Orchid.

From left to right: Ms. Alice Chin, Deputy Head, SACS Senior Services; Mr. Edward D’Silva, Member, SACS Board; Dr. Arthur Chern, Group Chief Executive Officer, SACS and SAMH; Mr. Keith Chua, Vice-President, SACS Board; The Venerable Wong Tak Meng, Member, SACS Board; Mr. Ang Wei Neng, Member of Parliament, Jurong GRC and Advisor to Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations; Ms. Winnie Chan, Head, SACS Senior Service; Mr. Eric Sim, Chairman, Jurong Central Zone A Residents’ Volunteers from Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) engaged members from Committee; Mr. Leong Poong Choon, Vice-Chairman, Jurong Central SACS Centre at Floral Spring, in a game of Rummikub. Zone A Residents’ Committee; Mr. Yap Thian Ling, Chairman, Jurong Green Community Club Management Committee; and Revd. Ang Soo Sung, Priest, Westside Anglican Church.

he Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) has SACS is blessed to have Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) – Texpanded its suite of Senior Services with two Senior Activity Chinese Congregation, and Westside Anglican Church as anchor Centres, namely SACS Centre at Floral Spring (Block 426A Yishun parish partners for SACS Centre at Floral Spring and SACS Centre Avenue 11) and SACS Centre at Golden Orchid (Block 499 Jurong at Golden Orchid respectively. The pastoral staff and church West Street 41), which began operations in May and June members support the Centres by participating in its community 2016 respectively. The Centres serve as community space for outreach programmes and assisting in the running of its activities. residents living in studio apartments to gather and participate in Mr Ong Ye Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher programmes that promote holistic wellness. Education and Skills) and Senior Minister of State for Defence Both Centres provide basic support services to seniors living graced the soft launch event held on 16 April 2016 at the SACS in the studio apartments. These services include: Centre at Floral Spring. On 30 July 2016, an official opening event was held at the SACS Centre at Golden Orchid, with Mr Ang Wei • Manning emergency alert response calls during operating Neng, Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC and Advisor to hours; Jurong GRC Grassroots Organisations as the Guest-of-Honour. • Providing information and referral services for eldercare and In addition to the Centres’ staff, volunteers from both anchor government related services; and parishes were on-site to provide logistical support to the events. • Organising social and recreational activities for seniors at the Centres such as arts and crafts, cooking sessions, and board games to encourage interaction with their neighbours.

18 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNITY SERVICES New SAMH Services: General Nursing Homes co-located with Senior Care Centres

y God’s grace, St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital B(SAMH) will operate three general Nursing Homes in the next three years. Located at Henderson Road and Margaret Drive, both St. Andrew’s Nursing Home at Henderson and St. Andrew’s Nursing Home at Queenstown are expected to be operational in early 2017. Under the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s Build-Own-Lease (BOL) scheme, the government pays for the capital cost of building the nursing homes, owns the nursing homes, and tenders out the operation of these homes competitively. SAMH has been appointed by MOH to be the operator of these two BOL nursing homes. The third Home, an initiative of St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church in collaboration with SAMH, is expected to be operational in 2020. Located at 30 Dover Avenue, the nursing home St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Henderson) will be within an integrated complex, housing both the nursing home and a pre-school. Spaces and programmes will be created to facilitate and nurture intergenerational connectivity and activities, with the aim of improving the quality of life for both groups. All three nursing homes will provide integrated residential, centre-based and home care services. The nursing homes will each have a co-located Senior Care Centre which will provide day care, centre-based nursing, integrated home care and community case management services. Active and maintenance rehabilitation will be available for those residents who will benefit from it. To encourage interaction, residents can participate in weekly social activities. Home care services will also be available for home-bound residents living in the vicinity. These services will be launched at a later date. St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Queenstown)

Artist impression of nursing home in collaboration with St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church (Picture courtesy of St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Church)

Diocesan Digest | 19 MISSIONS ACROSS' PROJECT JAPAN-KUMAMOTO By Revd Michael Teh, Chairman, ACROSS

he Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan, was rocked We were eventually connected with the Kyushu Christ Tby two powerful earthquakes (of magnitude 6.2 and 7.0) Disaster Relief Centre (KCDRC), which is a network of in the span of three days in April this year which resulted evangelical churches in Kyushu united in serving those who in about 50 deaths, over 3,000 injured and displaced over are affected by the earthquakes. Missions amplify through 44,000 people due to damaged or destroyed houses. cooperation. Most of these people have not heard of the Gospel of Jesus The first relief team of seven volunteers and the second Christ as Christianity was banned and Christians persecuted relief team of six volunteers assisted the locals in many tasks for over 350 years since the arrival of Francis Xavier in 1549. such as clearing debris from homes, cleaning homes, helping Crisis relief is mission! in agricultural work, and even cooking up a meal or two. A recce team was deployed in May 2016 and Missions show God’s love in a very tangible way. with God’s guidance, ACROSS was connected with We give thanks for every Christian volunteer from the Mr Eric Lee, a Singaporean living in Kyushu with his various nations. Each volunteer is an ambassador for the Japanese wife, Yumiko-san. Missions connect people. advancement of God’s Kingdom through acts of love and kindness. Crisis relief is missions during the end-times!

Team # 1 assisting a home owner to clear debris from her home. Team # 2 helping to clean up a damaged Onsen.

CROSS responded yet again to assist in the relief work Aat Berastagi, Sumatra, where the active volcano, Mt ACROSS' PROJECT Sinabung, erupted and caused the surrounding residents to be displaced. Working with an Indonesian Christian MT SINABUNG organisation called Peduli Bangsa, ACROSS sent a recce team of four persons to assess the situation and a follow- up team to witness the distribution of relief items worth RELIEF about S$10,000.

20 | Diocesan Digest SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS world. Rumours of war saw an increase of lives of many families. the British and European community in It was also a period of great fellowship St Paul’s the military bases scattered throughout amongst congregation members, and the island. It was under these established the strong platform from Church is 80 circumstances that Archdeacon Graham which a strong youth ministry would White caught the vision to expand flourish under his successors. the ministry of St Andrew’s Cathedral As the congregation grew, plans were to the rural outlying communities of being made for a new Church building Singapore. Assisting him on this mammoth and a Church Parish Hall. The Parish Hall task was George Rae Koehlers, a server was built and dedicated in July 1982 and at the Cathedral. the new Church Extension (the present St Paul’s Church started as a house configuration) was eventually completed church. A handful of worshipers met in an in 1994. old mission’s house-home of Mr J Gibson, a stone’s throw from the present location Chinese and Tamil Congregations of St Paul’s Church. (This house has since As the 1990s dawned, the Parish n the grounds of St Paul’s Church been rebuilt and is currently the premises Church Council almost concurrently had Othis October, the Vicar, Revd Ng of Helping Hands.) the vision to start a Mandarin and Tamil Koon Sheng had a tabernacle ("Sukkah") Under the leadership of Archdeacon outreach. The Chinese Congregation erected for members of SPC to celebrate White and Mr WPD Parsons (a member started as an informal Bible Study Group the Feast of Tabernacles as part of the of the laity), the house church grew fast led by Parish Worker Karen Ong. As the parish's 80th Anniversary celebrations and soon the Diocese saw the need to numbers grew, the Chinese Service was and that of the 25th anniversary of its purchase a plot of land to build a church officially launched in January 1990 under Indian congregation. for the community. Thus was laid the the leadership of PW Karen Ong. The The Sukkah was used as an educational foundation of Christian fellowship at St congregation has grown in leaps and and practical vehicle for activities Paul’s. bounds and in 2013, a second Mandarin during that whole week. Congregation Together with the land, purchased service was launched. The congregation members brought fruit and flowers to in 1935, with building costs donated by also has a full time ordained priest, Revd decorate the communal booth. The little Mr Oehlers, on 3 December 1935, the Chang Lubin. ones also participated as the St Paul’s foundation stone was laid by Archdeacon The Tamil congregation also started as kindergarten children brought fruit for the Graham White and Bishop Basil C Roberts. a home cell group in early 1990, meeting in celebrations. The fruits will be taken and This was witnessed by Sir Andrew the home of then Parish Worker Lawrence eaten. It will also be the site for meals Caldecott, the Colonial Secretary and Visuvasam. As the group grew in size and and other activities for families and friends. Governor-elect of . Built in the spiritual maturity a decision was made At the Opening Service of the Feast design of a cross, the church building was to launch the Tamil service in October of Tabernacles on 16th October at 8 pm, completed in April 1936 and on 4 April 1991. Lawrence was later to become the Pastor Peter Tsukahira, co-founder of 1936 it was dedicated to the glory of God. first fully ordained priest in-charge of the Kehilat HaCamel; an Israeli Messianic During World War II, although Tamil congregation, but in January 2012 congregation in Haifa, Israel, was the information is sketchy, there is anecdotal left St Paul’s to become the Vicar of Church guest speaker. evidence that church services continued of the Epiphany. The Tamil Congregation The celebrations of the Feast of the throughout the war period, although is now led by Pastor Sooriya. Tabernacles climaxed with a Concert on not necessarily in the church building. the 23rd October. A couple whose child Rev Dong Bin Seng, one of the few local Saturday Special Services is in the St Paul’s Church Kindergarten ministers at that time, shepherded the One distinctive feature of St Paul’s is the and who are professional musicians with Church during this difficult period. Saturday Special Services. This Service is the SSO featured in the "Gospel and In 1959, the church was granted held every Saturday at the Main Sanctuary Music Concert" which is evangelistic and independent status as a Parish Church, from 5 to 7 pm. The basic reason for inspirational. due much to the work of Archdeacon DD having this S3 is to have an additional Revd Ng Koon Sheng is currently assisted Chelliah. In 1961, Archdeacon DD Chelliah avenue of space and time for the worship by Revd Gary Chng who also oversees was appointed the Vicar of St Paul’s of the Lord and the ministry of the Word the Youth Ministry. Church. He faithfully served the Church of God besides the existing Worship until his retirement in 1971, without Services of the Church, and to expand on About St Paul’s Church taking the vicar’s salary. During his tenure, the former Youth Service so that more St Paul’s Church is an Anglican church the church grew in its services to the can be done during that same avenue of of the Diocese of Singapore situated community, especially through the work of space and time with the same human and along Upper Serangoon Road, near the the kindergarten and other ministries like material resources. junction Hougang Street 21. Established in the Sunday School, Women’s Fellowship, It is "special" because it does not 1936, with essentially an English-speaking and the Youth Fellowship. It laid the conform or is it limited to the usual format congregation, today the Church conducts groundwork for St Paul’s Church to make of an Anglican liturgical service. Therefore, it services in English, Mandarin and Tamil. the transition to the modern era. is flexible and free to accommodate almost There are also various ministries and With a heart for the needy and any emphases (eg, evangelistic, healing, activities to serve the needs of individuals, underprivileged, a new session of the revival, prophetic, teaching seminars), families and the community at large. Kindergarten was opened, with the style (eg, charismatic, messianic, musical support of volunteer teachers, to cater for concerts) or need (eg, youth and family Beginnings the needy students in the neighbourhood. needs, special occasions, feast days of In the 1930s, colonial Singapore It was also a period in which some Lord) of corporate assembly as well as seemed an idyllic island city, impervious of the existing ministries grew and St in different languages with translations to the dark clouds that had threatened Paul’s reached out to the surrounding into English. It is the special Service many throughout the then developed community (pre-HDB flats), touching the of the Parish. Diocesan Digest | 21 SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS 26 June 2016, needlework with prayer, a quilter A Day of Celebration of the catches a glimpse of the love of Lord’s goodness for 60 years in The 60th Anniversary God. During this time, we would Serangoon Gardens! chatter and fellowship with one lthough St Peter’s Church has another. We have members from Abeen in Serangoon Gardens of St Peter’s Church our own church, friends and for 60 years, you could say it first even passers-by who saw our saw light as a Mission Chapel in By Lucilla Teoh banner and joined us for a time Stamford Road in 1875. In 1873, of fellowship. Truly a community the government of the Straits project by many of our church Settlement granted a piece of members and friends. Revd land to the St Andrew’s Church Paul Tan arranged for Revd Lewis Mission for a school and other Lew, Dean of Nepal, Revd Shyam related buildings. On 14 February (Golgotha Church} and Revd Rinzi 1875, services were held for the (Nazarene Church) in Nepal to very first time in this mission visit the Ladies’ Workshop in chapel which was consecrated as November 2014. They gave us an St Peter’s Church in 1907. Services overview of the work done by our were held in English, Malay, Tamil, Anglican diocese in Nepal, and , Hakka, Cantonese, our brothers’ work of housing the Teochew and Hylam. The land orphans. This visit encouraged was subsequently acquired by and inspired us further to fulfill the Singapore government for the our dream of providing 60 then National Library. blankets by June 2016. Instead of an expensive When Revd Canon Ong Chooi dinner at some elegant ballroom, Seng (our current Vicar) told us plans were made to celebrate St about the devastating earthquake Peter’s 60th Anniversary with that hit Nepal in 2015, we were lunch celebrations held in our own Parish Yoke Fong (wife of Revd Canon Fred David, reminded of this verse, Hall. A quick decision was made at a PCC our church camp speaker 2014), we were “For I know the plans I have for you meeting, four weeks before the event, encouraged by her handicraft work for the declares the Lord, plans to prosper you to air-condition the hall. Within three people whom she ministers to in Malaysia days, sufficient funds were raised from and other areas too. In obedience and and not to harm you, plans to give you our members for the project. The newly faith, after our return from church camp, hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). air-conditioned hall was readied about a proposal was made to Revd Paul Tan Little did anyone know there was going to two weeks before the event – complete (our Vicar at that time) and the PCC of St be an earthquake in Nepal in 2015 BUT with white-washed walls, gleaming glass Peter’s Church. The 2014 church camp God knows all. In the midst of all the news, windows and doors and sweet-smelling birthed the Love Blankets for Nepal. A we trusted that the Lord will enable us to spanking clean floors. dream fulfilled by God for St Peter’s complete the Love Blankets. The morning of 26 June 2016 began Church 60th anniversary. In May this year, we embarked on a with the Sunday Worship Service. Ladies met in church every Wednesday fund raising drive, with a Flea Market and Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng, our Guest between 1.30pm to 4.00pm and started Food sales in the church. Many of our of Honour, delivered the sermon. (His working towards making 60 blankets. members and friends participated. All message is posted under “Recordings” at Quilts wrap our hearts in warm emotions funds received went “To Bless the People the top of the front page of our website at as they are made with love, the sacrifice of of Nepal”. With the funds raised and www.stpeters.org.sg). time and talent, and skills in planning. The donations received we were able to buy The luncheon was held immediately hours required to create a quilt offer plenty school supplies for the children and small after the service. It was a day of joy indeed of opportunity to think about the person gifts for the people we would meet on our with a blessing draw, a quiz, musical for whom it is intended. When combining trip. entertainment by a talented young adult, dance items by our young lasses as well St Peter’s Church journey to Nepal, 27 June – 1 July as the more senior ladies. The food was God is good all the time. God has paved the way with no hassles at a glorious spread of Chinese, Peranakan, the Kathmandu airport. No questions were asked by the airport personnel Indian cuisines and local hawker fare. regarding the seven duffel bags. NB: St Peter’s Church’s early history During our five-day trip, we visited Golgotha Church, Nazarene Church, is captured in an article in the Diocesan Saathi Women’s Shelter. It was at Golgotha Church and Nazarene Church that Digest October 1975 issue and in our self- we presented the Love Blankets to the lovely children. published coffee-table book A Time To Remember citing the vision of Archdeacon Revd Robin Woods who served in the Diocese from 1951-1957.

Love Blankets for Nepal Sharing God’s Goodness It started with a dream, a dream to sew blankets for a community. But which one? God hears the desires and prayer of one’s heart. As we shared our ladies work with 22 | Diocesan Digest SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS Chapel of Christ the King turns 30

for CCK’s contributions to the missions work in Cambodia, “Since that very first trip when you sent Revd Philip Soh and sister Magdalene to explore the work in Cambodia, our partnership has grown from strength to strength. Your work in children ministry; in medical missions; and in so many other areas, has really made an impact in the church in Takeo Province. Beyond that, you have sent and supported Lawrence and Lyn to be missionary English CCK's Filipino Fellowship celebrating God's goodness teachers, first in the Four Rivers English Language Centre in Phnom Penh, and now he lunch at the Blossom Garden making for the many migrant workers and in Project Khmer Hope. TRestaurant on 28 August was a professionals in Singapore. Indeed many “Now, on this your 25th anniversary, joyous gathering of celebrants from of these Filipina sisters, upon completion you have outdone yourself as you prepare CCK’s past and present. It was indeed of their contracts, have returned to the to send and support Revd Steven Seah and a time of Celebrating Our Heritage Philippines equipped as evangelists and his wife Gwen to be full-time missionaries and Rekindling Old Ties for everyone missionaries. Lores Anciano, who was in Cambodia. A big “thank you” on behalf of who gathered. instrumental in setting up and leading Revd Tit Hieng and everyone in the Anglican In their celebratory messages to the this Fellowship, herself returned to the Church of Cambodia. You are truly a blessing congregation, Archdeacon Wong Tak Philippines in 1999 to start a bible school to Cambodia and an inspiration to all our Meng, Dean of Cambodia, and Bishop and church. The Filipino Fellowship partner parishes!” Rennis Ponniah expressed heartfelt praise continues today under Pastor Annie Salde. As to the future of CCK, the Bishop to God for the journey that this parish has She believes that the Lord is opening the concluded, “So on your 30th anniversary, you taken, and the faithfulness of its members heavens and they can continue to do are poised for change - in fact, for advance. in their participation in outreach and mighty things. With Revd Steven moving to the mission missions. Bishop Rennis went on to thank God field, we welcome your new vicar designate, Bishop Rennis Ponniah said, “This for CCK’s mission focus and engagement Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow and his wife is a grand day where we remember our in Cambodia. Joyce. Bless them with your family life, and history. 30 years ago, Chapel of Christ the “In 2009, you sent out Lawrence grow under their gifts and their strengths. King was a cell of pioneering Christians and Lyn Wee, and you have supported “We as a Diocese, in God’s grace, are settled in St Margaret’s school. From them through the years. You have also committed to kingdom advance through that cell of several people, you are today contributed to the redevelopment of spirit-filled local churches and strong ministry a congregation of over 200. I recall how Chapel of Christ our Peace. And now arms. Your progress, which we celebrate Dr Ong Chit Chung who was part of that comes a climactic moment, that on your today on your 30th anniversary, gives us pioneering group, was at the very heart 30th year, you are sending out your own good reason to trust that this Diocese will be of the impetus of starting a new church vicar and his wife!” a beacon of truth and light in Singapore and in Chinatown. We thank God that He has Venerable Wong was also gratefulness in the nations beyond. God bless you!” used you in a special way for the work that is in St Andrew’s City Church, now in Tanjong Pagar. “Your happy occasion is also an opportunity to recognise your strengths, with thanksgiving. You are a family church, which means you have a very vibrant link between youth and children and adults. So build on these strengths. You are also known for your Filipino Congregation. I rejoice in the things that God has given you and the growth of your life. “Your 30th anniversary is also a time to renew your commitment to evangelism and mission. In evangelism, God has given you an immediate harvest field – St Margaret’s Primary School. I thank God that with His help we will be able to reach the students and through the students, the families. So persevere. Our God is a God who opens doors.” Bishop Rennis also expressed hope that CCK’s Filipino Congregation will continue to grow from strength to strength and be a place of refuge and disciple- Celebrating Our Heritage, Rekindling Old Ties at CCK's 30th Anniversary Lunch Diocesan Digest | 23 SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS

My Saviour’s Church: We are 25! By Revd Charles Tewer

Our Beginnings Archdeacon Siow Chai Pin graciously y Saviour’s Church (MSC) is a Tamil allowed MSC to use the Church of the SUNDAY SERVICES Mparish located in Prince Charles Good Shepherd for mid-week meetings 9.00 am – Tamil Service Crescent. It was started in 1981 as a and other activities. fellowship with about 10 people in the MSC conducted its weekly services 3.00 pm – English Service Church of Our Saviour (COOS) by Revd in SJSM for seven years while waiting for Every 3rd week of the month – Derek Hong. In 1981 as the fellowship the redevelopment of the new building to Combined Service at 9.00 am grew, the late Revd M.K. Bennett who be completed. Finally, on 29 August 2009 had joined as a pastoral staff of COOS when the redevelopment of the building Every 1st and 3rd week is a communion was approached to lead the Tamil was completed, MSC held its first service service congregation. In 1991 when the Tamil in its present building. SUNDAY MINISTRIES congregation received parish status, he MSC has gone through several was then inducted as the first vicar of transitions over the last few years. Most 8.00 am – Prayer Meeting (Tamil) this congregation which was renamed My notably the demise of its founding pastor, 8.00 am – Children Ministry (Tamil) Saviour’s Church. Revd M.K. Bennett. Throughout these By God’s grace as the church grew transitional periods, God had placed his 1.00 pm – Other Ministries over the years, ministries in MSC appointed servants to lead the church. 2.00 pm – Leaders Meeting (English) expanded as a result; children, dancing, The church is grateful for the leadership drama, media, music ministries to name of Bishop Rennis Ponniah, Revd Israel 2.00 pm – Children Ministry (English) a few. MSC’s outreaches expanded to Selvam, and now Revd Canon Steven WEEKLY MEETINGS include Malaysia, Sri Lanka and India. As Asirvatham who is the Acting Vicar of My a result of these outreaches MSC planted Saviour’s. Today, MSC continues to do the 7.00 pm – Leaders Meeting churches in India, five of which are now work of the Lord in Singapore and in its (Wednesdays) MSC extensions. five branch churches in India as his Spirit 6.00 am – Friday Morning Prayer leads the church. It is now praying and Meeting Our New Church working towards building a 500 strong In 1993 MSC felt that it needed a Tamil congregation. CELL GROUPS bigger sanctuary with more rooms for Revd Charles Tewer’s hope for MSC, 7.30 pm – Every Thursday and Friday its expanding ministries. With the help “Discipleship was foremost in the heart of the Diocese of Singapore, churches, of Jesus when he was on earth, and it PRAYER, PRAISE & WORSHIP organisations, individuals and MSC continues to be the primary focus of His 7.00 pm – Every last Wednesday of members, funds were raised for a new Church till He returns. I pray that My the month building. During the redevelopment of Saviour’s Church will continue to remain MSC, the vicar of St John’s St Margaret’s in Jesus by loving the Lord with her WHOLE NIGHT PRAYER MEETING Church (SJSM), Rt. Rev. Rennis Ponniah, entire being (Matthew 22:37-40), and 11.00 pm – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturday graciously allowed MSC to use SJSM’s bearing much fruit in character and in of every month premises for its weekly services, while evangelism (John 15:5).” 24 | Diocesan Digest SINGAPORE ANGLICAN INDIAN BOARD & DIOCESAN YOUTH BOARD Good News Miracle Meetings, 22-24 July, 2016

By Revd Israel Selvam, Chairman, Organising Committee

very few years, the nine Anglican Indian EChurches in our Diocese will come together to organize a combined event. desire of the Psalmist, 'How good and through songs and testimonies as well. This year under the banner of the newly pleasant it is when brothers live together We were also blessed to have Dr. John formed Singapore Anglican Indian Board, in unity!' (Psalm 133:1). minister to our pastors at the one day we organized a three-day Good News The speaker, Dr. John Solomon from Pastors' Seminar. His sharing from the Miracle Meetings at the parish of Christ Miracle Ministry International, Chennai, Word with the theme Triumphal Ministry Church from 22-24 July 2016. India has been in the Lord's ministry for and his experiences in life and ministry as These meetings brought together over 40 years and has ministered around a servant of the LORD was heartfelt and it believers with the sole purpose of reaching the world. Each night, the Word of God blessed all who were present. out to friends, relatives and family with came very powerfully through him We are grateful to our God for the the Good News of Jesus Christ. With this reaching and touching many. newcomers who came and left behind clear objective in mind, the Organizing During the time of prayer and their contacts. Each church, alongside Committee consisting of representatives dedication, we witnessed people its pastors, is committed to follow-up on from the nine churches, prayerfully coming forward to the altar for healing, every one of them, building bridges and to planned the details of the meetings. The deliverance, salvation and re-dedication. continue to minister and share the Good unity at the planning table reflected the His wife, Mrs. Shanti ministered to us News of Jesus Christ.

REBOOT SINGAPORE

8th September 2016

eboot Singapore was a one-day forum Rorganised by the Diocesan Youth Board in collaboration with Ravi Zachariah’s International Ministries (RZIM). This event saw approximately 300 Anglican youth at St Andrew’s Cathedral having questions on the faith addressed by eight speakers. Various Apologetics topics such as I have always been afraid of sharing What I learnt at REBOOT left me in awe “Why trust the Bible? Does God exist? my faith because I wasn’t confident I of God’s sovereignty and felt incredibly loved What about other religions? Hasn’t could answer the questions people would by Him. The speakers were awesome and Science disapproved God? What about have about Christianity. REBOOT not only their messages were well delivered! suffering?” challenged the participants to provided answers for the many different – Deborah (21), COGS consider the truths of the faith. questions I personally had about Christianity, The impact of the forum can be seen but also inspired me to share with people in the feedback we obtained from youth what an incredible and loving God we have! from Church of Good Shepherd’s English – Hannah, (19), COGS Congregation:

Diocesan Digest | 25 DIOCESAN YOUTH BOARD

Building One Generation 2016 (B1G)

By Lucilla Teoh, 23 July 2016

t 11 am as I entered the Cathedral ANew Sanctuary, I met Revd William Tham, Chairman of the Diocesan Youth Board. He was looking pleased, surprised and ever so slightly anxious. Why? The response to this year’s B1G Conference, organized by the Diocesan Youth Board was way better than anticipated. Up until yesterday, parishes were still registering interest. What a happy problem to have. The morning session was primarily aimed at youth pastors and leaders. They were led in a robust praise and worship by the team from Light of Christ Woodlands Church. The keynote speaker was Pastor Jeremy Seaward who has been the youth Samuel Phun's “Keeping and raing ‘Z’ Gen leaders pastor of Victory Family Centre, Singapore, for 15 years. He is a sought after speaker Abraham as his vision became clearer. During lunch, the youth pastors and who has a desire to see young people Another challenge thrown by Seaward leaders had further opportunities to fulfil their Godly purpose and win their was this question, “Can you see what God engage with Seaward. generation for Christ. wants to do here?” If you can, then that In the afternoon, there were two For his message, Seaward kept can change our perspective and priorities workshops for youth. The first was on challenging those present with this refrain, and even the obstacles will not seem “Keeping your visitors” by Seaward and “What do you see?” He based his sharing permanent. the second by Rev Samuel Phun on on Genesis 15: 1-6 and Hebrews 11: 8-10; His vision for this generation is to “Keeping and raing ‘Z’ Gen leaders. using the patriarch Abraham’s responses know God, and to raise leaders to be used I attended the latter workshop. Revd to God’s call as a template. by God. And from there flows his and Samuel Phun is 50 years old and has spent Seaward used the motif of sight his wife’s ministry. Hence Seaward’s final the last 29 years serving the Lord. He is the and vision to weave his message of challenge was, “What do you see for your senior pastor of River Community Church. encouragement. He shared that failure leaders? Do you see something in him or Although a jovial and engaging happens; things don’t work out the way her?” speaker, peppering his sharing with we planned. We can caught in a routine Recognizing that the journey can be personal anecdotes, his passion for the and lose our effectiveness. Our faith vision long, lonely and tiring, Seaward ended by Lord was clearly palpable. He shared can be shot down – he certainly had this praying for the youth pastors and leaders for him the key was found in John 15:5 - happen to him. using Ephesians 1:18, “I pray also that the Abiding with God. For him, if we want to What was the turning point? The eyes of your heart may be enlightened train and keep leaders, we need to reflect answer come from the question “What in order that you may know the hope to God’s character ourselves. Do we give God do you see?” God showed Abraham the which he has called you, the riches of his time and attention? Do we soak in His stars and that was the turning point for glorious inheritance in the saints...” Word? Do we care for His Holiness? 26 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN YOUTH BOARD For Joanna, the workshop reminded her of friends to come and hear the good news the importance of reflecting God’s values. shared by Pastor Seaward. I spoke to Mr Leon Stewart, church After the B1G Conference, the Diocesan staff of St Paul’s Church. He attended Youth Board planned an equipping event Pastor Jeremy Seaward’s Workshop. He Re-Boot which was held on 8th September felt it was a good wake up call for there in St Andrew’s Cathedral, followed by were some things that were not done and a Sports Day on 25th November at St needed to be changed. The workshop Andrew’s Junior College. also helped to surface things that he was To what end? The DYB vision is sub-consciously aware about but had not “Empowering Youth Pastors and Leaders, I met some youth from St Paul’s Church addressed. Enriching Youths.” Praying that like and they shared with me their takeaways. As part of the full day Conference, the Abraham, our youth will see God’s promise Duan Yang and Xi Mi found Revd Phun to participants gathered to intercede and and keep their focus on Him and for Him. be really funny and said important things pray for their peers led by Pastor Seaward for the next generation such as duty and Revd Tham. and responsibility to God, what our goal For the Day Conference, there were should be. Rachel felt her takeaway was 371 from 17 churches. The night session that engaging the heart is most important. was an open event for youth to invite their

East Asia Youth Forum heralds call to full time Christian ministry

he Council of Churches of East all about people and not activities. TAsia (CCEA) Youth Forum was A word that came to his mind was held in Hotel Transit, Kuala Lumpur, “Generation”. Mr Ang observed, Malaysia from 27 July until 1 August "For young people, we all have 2016 with the theme “Rise for God a part to play and that is to know and Service to Neighbours through God and made Him known. We Christ”. A total of 93 young people need to rise up and share the good from nine different countries news with our friends. If we don’t participated in this event. They were CCEA Youth Forum delegates do it together, there will be no next from Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, generation. I think is the wakeup Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, extremisms. This led to a beginning of a call at least for me. I am glad that the DYB Singapore and the Philippines. new friendship and partnership between has SERVE where young people set aside youth in the East Asian region. three months to know who God is, what For Revd Israel Selvam, Yishun God can do and what they are called to The Youth Forum 2016 revolved around Christian Church Anglican, the visit to do." the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican the Selangor State Assembly was a huge Another Singaporean delegate, Mr Communion. They are: blessing as the delegates heard Ms Hannah Japheth Lim, Yishun Christian Church Yeoh, the very first woman to be elected Anglican, found the sharing on the fourth • To proclaim the good news of the speaker of the state assembly in Malaysia, mark: “To transform unjust structures Kingdom. share how important it was to know that of society, to challenge violence of every • To teach, baptise and nurture new her work was her call from God and that kind and pursue peace and reconciliation” believers. young people too can play a positive role significant. It set him thinking about what • To respond to human need by loving in politics, glorifying Christ in the process. more could be done by the DYB on this service. She also shared how she treats all in her front - How do we teach our young people • To seek to transform unjust structure constituency equally regardless of their to “prophetically” serve their generation, of society. racial, or religious or other backgrounds. bringing God’s truth and justice for all • To strive to safeguard the integrity of In Revd Selvam’s opinion, the closing people into the various spheres, in the creation and sustain and serve the life service was a blessing as it wrapped up socio-political climate of Singapore. of the earth. the Forum well; and when the altar call The Forum raised many areas for was given by Archbishop Ng, several stood further consideration and reflection, up to commit themselves to serve God paving the way for future collaborations The Forum began with an opening full-time. It was a good sight to behold and partnerships. What the Forum has service by the Archbishop of the Province and bonds were built throughout the days done is challenge Anglican youth leaders of South East Asia, the Most Revd Datuk together. to look into how to better serve the Ng Moon Hing, with a call to sincere and Mr Ezekial Ang, our DYB coordinator, young people in our Diocese, building and simple obedience and trust in the Lord, had one major takeaway. In the sharing equipping them to serve. and to be ready to rise above to face from the different Dioceses, one common the challenges of the world especially thread he noted was people. The Church is

Diocesan Digest | 27 EDUCATION BOARD A TRIBUTE TO MRS LIZA GEORGE: Principal of St. Margaret’s Secondary School, 1967 to 1990

utting a dignified figure as she walked might have thought her aloof. However, Caround the school in her beautiful the twinkle in her eyes was unmistakable sarees and matching accessories, Mrs whenever she saw the lighter side of George would consider how the school things. environment could be enhanced. She Reaching out to both staff and renovated the canteen and added tiled students in her own personal way, she walls which was novel in the 1980s. made an impact on them. When she Then, she raised funds to build the visited a teacher who had become an gymnasium, making St. Margaret’s one amputee because of cancer, she related of the few schools in Singapore with the story of how a ballerina had both such a facility at that time; students legs amputated and yet gained enough from other schools would make their “A principal ahead of her time, with a confidence to dance again. The teacher way to our premises for badminton stern demeanour that belies a kind heart” was encouraged by how Mrs George, tournaments. Our tennis courts were is how many in the St. Margaret’s family a woman of few words, cared enough also the envy of many. will remember Mrs George. to visit her and to share the story to Concerned about the holistic encourage her. development of students, she whole- Another act of her kindness is heartedly supported co-curricular when she came behind a fund raising activities (CCA). She introduced tennis when it was not a common project for a student Siti Aishah, whose kidneys had failed. It was CCA. In 1984, she rewarded the school tennis team, which won launched because she supported the initiative and galvanised the the National Schools Championships, with a trip to Australia. The school to do their best to help the student in need. year before, she had taken the badminton team on an incentive For a number of years, annually, she would invite the staff trip to Lake Toba. Indeed she was already exposing our students to her home for dinner. She would cook some dishes, serve and to overseas trips even when it was not the norm then. preside over the gathering, the epitome of graciousness. Staff Students would remember how Mrs George hardly raised bonding had not been named as such yet but she was already an her voice. Yet, with her at the helm leading the staff, students advocate. simply behaved because it was expected of St. Margaret’s girls The school will not forget her attendance at many Speech Day to do so. She was proud that they were disciplined, worked hard and Founder’s Day celebrations. Her ties with the school remained and produced good results both in the academic arena and in co- strong long after she retired. Her message to the graduates of 2014 curricular activities. and the graduating class of 2015, on the occasion of the school’s Much could be gleaned about Mrs George from the Monday 173rd Speech Day and Singapore’s Jubilee in 2015 reminded all morning Devotions to the whole school. Her faith in God was present of how time should be maximised to help others. Mrs evident as she shared simple lessons. One former student George herself exemplified how time has to be grasped, not just remembered how she shared that we should not be swayed by for herself but in serving the community. the undesirable fads of the day but be grounded in godly values. “For charity, patience, devotion, let’s be known” our school Given her quiet composure and unspoken expectations, some song exhorts. Mrs George lived out our school motto to the end.

St Hilda’s Schools: Vision Night 2016

By Venerable Wong Tak Meng, Acting Chaplain, St Hilda’s Schools t all began with a simple question: How can we get all the Christian Istakeholders of the two St Hilda’s Schools to recognise our common calling, and to join hands in prayer, in encouragement and in collaboration for the Gospel together? Out of this deliberation came the idea of the Hildan Vision Night 2016: an evening of praise and worship, remembering our humble beginnings, renewing our vision as a school with a mission, and re-dedicating ourselves in covenant prayer and intercession to advance the Gospel. The initiative was enthusiastically endorsed by the Schools’ Management Committee (SMC), with the theme “Joining Hands, Going Forward towards 2034”, that is, setting our eye on the centenary of St Hilda’s Schools and Church. Stakeholders of the Hildan family in prayer

28 | Diocesan Digest EDUCATION BOARD On 1 July 2016, close to 500 brothers and sisters of the Hildan Family gathered in the Hildan Ark in the Primary School for this very purpose. Among them were current students from both schools, their parents, teachers and principals past and present, alumni from the present Tampines and the past Ceylon Road campuses, as well as pastors, leaders and members of both the Chapel of Christ the Redeemer (CCR) and St Hilda’s Church (SHC). We were honoured to have Bishop’s Commissary, the Right Revd Kuan Kim Seng as the Guest-of-Honour. Revd Joshua Sudharman, Chairman of the Diocesan Education Board, came to lend his hearty support. The evening began with vibrant worship led by past Hildans who have received the seed of the Gospel, grown in faith and Bishop Kuan Kim Seng leading in the covenant prayer are fervently serving the Lord in various churches. The current Hildans responded by running to the front fostered Christian unity and founded religious communities even of the hall, to lead the congregation to dance and sing to the Lord to her last days. He reiterated our shared mission to be a “city on together! a hill”, raising up God-fearing men and women to serve God in A specially commissioned film entitled The Hildan Heart— church and society. scripted, directed and produced by past Hildans and current CCR Bishop Kuan led the Hildan Family in the covenant prayer, to leaders Angel Lee and Amos Tan—was presented. It traces the rededicate ourselves in unity to the mission that God has given journey of beloved alumna and retired teacher, Mrs. Grace Boon. us. Before he gave the Benediction, Bishop Kuan noted the strong The Chaplain acknowledged all the groups that make up support of the Boys’ Brigade and the Girls’ Brigade who continue the Hildan Family, and recounted the faith and sacrifices of to serve God in school and nation with distinction. He encouraged Archdeacon Graham White and the Hildan pioneers. He shared the congregation not to be ashamed to make our stand for Christ, the inspiration of Hilda of Whitby who championed education, in worship, word and action.

Excellence in Early Childhood Education

he Diocese congratulates Ms Amanda Poh Sher Ling from St James’ Church TKindergarten (Harding) for winning the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) 2016 Outstanding Early Childhood Educarer Award. This Award recognises the achievements of exemplary educarers who expand the boundaries of professionalism and who believe in scaling up quality of the curriculum and pedagogical practices to make them outstanding and exceptional. Amanda manages teachers, operations and programme as Head of the Pre-Nursery level. Senior Principal and academic Director, Dr Jacqueline Chung, says, “I have seen Amanda blossom from a fresh-faced, inexperienced teacher in her teens to a gently confident team leader whose integrity and sincerity make her well-regarded and respected by everyone. She is a fine example in her commitment to serve God and willingness to learn and develop both professionally and personally.” Congratulations also to St James’ Church Kindergarten for getting ECDA’s Distinction Award in Early Childhood Innovation for their IM-in-a-box Toolkit. This Award recognises child care centres and kindergartens which have nurtured a culture of innovation that have improved and enhanced existing Ms Amanda Poh from St James' Church Kidnergarten programmes, curriculum and pedagogical practices, processes or services. IM- in-a-box” is a creative and useful one-stop resource for centre leaders in the induction and mentoring process of new staff.

Diocesan Digest | 29 EDUCATION BOARD ACTS Seminar 2016

“Building the Connection between Character, Thinking and Service”

n 8 July 2016, the Anglican schools in Singapore congregated Oto hold the third ACTS (Anglican Character Thinking & Service) Seminar. The ACTS Seminar is an opportunity for teachers from all Anglican schools to share their learning, their best pedagogical practices in developing character, thinking and service in their students. Fittingly, this year’s theme was “Building the Connection between Character, Thinking and Service”. ACTS Seminar participants This year, the Seminar was jointly organised by Anglican High School, St Andrew’s Junior College, St Andrew’s Secondary School Mr Ong shared this thought-provoking quotation from Mr and St Margaret’s Secondary School. St Andrew’s Secondary Lee Kuan Yew when as Prime Minister, he addressed Principals School had the privilege of hosting the Seminar. The Seminar in 1966, saw presentations from the teachers of all four schools, as well The ideal product is the student… who is strong, robust, as St Andrew’s Junior School. Workshops ranged widely across rugged, with tremendous qualities of stamina, endurance… great disciplines and extended beyond the curriculum to the co- intellectual discipline and, most important of all, humility and curricula. All of them had in common an emphasis on applying love for his community, a readiness to serve… critical thinking skills. As always, this year’s Seminar was notable for the spirit of The Seminar was graced by our Guest of Honour Reverend fellowship and teamwork in which all schools came together. Joshua Sudharman, Chairman of the Diocese Education Board, 2 Thessalonians 1:3 “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, and our Keynote Speaker, Mr Ong Kong Hong, Director of MOE’s brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and Curriculum Policy Office. Mr Ong brought across the importance the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.” of the links of thinking, doing and feeling for student engagement Indeed, such seminars forge bonds among Anglican teachers which and holistic development. are precious indeed.

Unfolding His Story: A Book Review By Edmond Chua

n our relatively short local church history, the story of the independence Bishop, the Right Reverend Joshua Chiu Ban It, in ICharismatic Movement resulting in the reinvigoration of church office from 1966 to 1982, and senior priest, the Revd Canon Dr leaders and churches cannot but be significant. James Wong, whose testimonies of the Charismatic experience Add to this the fact that the Anglican Church and certain are included in the publication. well-known persons figure prominently in that narrative, skilfully Although the authors have taken it upon themselves to crafted and fairly presented as it has been by a young writer provide a comprehensive and holistic account of the Charismatic and his former journalist father, and the story becomes nearly influence among Singapore churches from inception to the irresistible for Anglicans. present day, the book, at 243 pages, does not feel like an onerous Georgie Lee and Galven Lee’s Unfolding His Story: The Story read because it is peppered with quotations from key personages of the Charismatic Movement in Singapore (Armour Publishing, and segmented with interesting and instructive biographies of 2015) traces the roots and charts the course of the phenomenon twelve individuals who have been transformed in some way by known as the Charismatic renewal which began some forty years the Charismatic movement. ago and soon after took the local church scene by storm. More importantly, it constitutes a redoubtable and irrefutable This informative book relates the way in which the pervasive defence of Charismatic Christianity which has repeatedly Charismatic influence among churches in Singapore originated validated its role and function in the wider church; for it isa in internal and remarkably personal changes that occurred in gospel that comes “not only in word, but also in power” (1 Thess. the lives of individuals like the sixth and first Asian, and post- 1:5a-b, ESV). A Reader’s Response was delighted and indeed blessed to discover in Georgie and Gaven Lee’s Unfolding IHis Story some key foundational events in the history of the Church of the Ascension. With Quek Peck Hong’s baptism in the Holy Spirit at the St Andrew’s School in 1972, the ensuing revival brought in a continuous stream of students into Ascension over the years. Many of them in turn brought their siblings and family members to Christ, resulting in a very significant church growth. Up till today these converts remain active church members and leaders. Unfolding His Story is a reliable record as it is based on Gaven’s first class honours history thesis. It is a valuable preaching resource; I use it to remind ourselves of what God did decades ago and inspire us to seek Him afresh that He visits us powerfully once again! It also helps us grasp the importance of our chaplaincy work among the students and youths, for it was among them that God began His work in our church.

Revd Dr Joel Leow Vicar, Church of the Ascension

30 | Diocesan Digest DIOCEASAN NEWS BY HIS GRACE ALONE

By Revd Canon Louis Tay Centre (DTC) in Singapore and was accepted. The request he only constant in for disruption from National Tlife, apart from God, is Service to commence my change. He reminds us of Diploma in Theology studies our status as strangers and through normal channels exiles (Heb 11:13) headed was turned down. I appealed for the everlasting (abiding) through my Director of SAFTI, city which, by His grace, He is but was posted meanwhile to preparing us for. Tengah Air Base before being In spite of being raised in re-assigned subsequently St. Andrew’s Cathedral, it was to the Dental Clinic at only in Inter-School Christian Singapore General Hospital. Fellowship (ISCF) in my Pre- It was there that, a letter from University days that I came MINDEF arrived to announce to a personal awareness of that I was to be released six sin, and, my need for Jesus as weeks before the completion Saviour, Master, Standard and of National Service, thus Christ. allowing me to commence This inter-denominational DTC on time. Truly “God setting for growth as a will make a way where there Christian disciple continued as seems to be no way” (Is 43:19 I proceeded to the University & 1 Cor 10:13). of Singapore in 1968 to study Dentistry. During my first Family Photo - FRONT ROW FROM LEFT-Rev Canon Dr Louis Tay, Mrs Priscilla LIFE PARTNERSHIP year, I assisted Canon James Tay, Mrs Ana Palaez (Priscilla's mother) BACK ROW FROM LEFT - Mrs Cathy A year later, my wife Sim (Luke's mother-in-law), Matthew Tay, Luke Tay, Mrs Daphne Tay Wong, then Precentor of St Priscilla (Pelaez), who Andrew’s Cathedral, to run came from the Philippines, the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) Camp at the Dean’s House at joined DTC. I have always been taught that, next in importance Cavenagh Road. There Dr G.D James (Executive Director of Asia to receiving Christ as personal Saviour, is the choice (or more Evangelistic Fellowship) preached on the early church depicted in precisely, God’s choice) of one’s life partner (Prov 5:18; 12:4; Acts as a Growing, Groaning, Giving, Glowing and Going Church. 18:22; 19:14; 31:10, 30). His challenge to us campers to individually bear these five traits In 1976, after completing DTC, I served out my remaining six evoked a strong response from the majority of campers and was weeks and finally discharged my National Service duties. I was my call to the professional Christian ministry. made an Anglican deacon by Bishop Joshua Chiu Ban It on 4th October 1976 together with Soon Soo Kee and Ronald Hu. NEXT CALL Priscilla and I married in July 1977 when she completed At the end of the first academic year (1969), I joined two her DTC. I had commenced my Diploma in Theology studies by second-year medical undergraduates on a 4-week mission trip to external examinations with the University of London whilst in DTC Thailand to be exposed to the work of the Overseas Missionary and subsequently the Bachelor of Divinity (University of London) Fellowship (OMF). In was then I first sensed God’s leading towards by external exams during our 18 months in England (1980/81). overseas missionary service. We have two sons, Luke and Matthew. Through the years, God During my dental houseman-ship in 1972, I was among the has provided amply for us as a family. earliest intake into full-time National Service. As a dental surgeon, In my 40 years in ordained ministry, we have served in nine my national obligation was backdated to include my houseman- parishes (Church of the Good Shepherd (English) 1976-79; St. ship year. After being commissioned, I became a Dental Officer Stephen’s Church, Norbury and Thornton Heath in the Diocese in SAFTI and helped in the Military Christian Fellowship. From of Croydon 1980-81; St Hilda’s Church 1981-86; St. John the my experience of trying to juggle this dual role, it became clear I Evangelist Church, Albany in the Diocese of Bunbury (Australia) couldn’t be a dental missionary as it would be frustrating for me to May to Jul 86; St Andrew’s Cathedral 1986-91; St. Peter’s Church be unable to fulfil both my dental duties and the Christian mission 1992-95; St Paul’s Church 1995-2004; St. Hilda’s Church 2004-07; work to my ‘complete’ satisfaction. It was obvious I had to choose and finally St Andrew’s Cathedral till I officially retired. one or the other. It appeared then that pastoral ministry rather I have been privileged to serve on the Board of St. Andrew’s than dental work, enabled me to be more effective in touching Mission Hospital Board, four years as the Brigade Chaplain of the lives to count for eternity! Boys’ Brigade, Singapore, many years as Board Member of the Singapore Leprosy Mission, Ex-co Member of the Bible Society of THEOLOGICAL PREPARATION Singapore, Ex-co and subsequently Board Member of Celebrate I had been pursuing part-time biblical and theological Christmas in Singapore. training with various seminaries - Laymen’s Institute of Theology (Anglican Church), Melbourne College of Divinity, Australian CONTENTMENT IN LOVING GOD College of Theology, and Singapore Bible College. I could persist He constantly reminds us, “What does it profit a man to gain the along that path or I could study theology overseas on a full-time whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mk 8:36). Contentment is to be basis. Through counsel from Canon James Wong and Reverend found in fearing and loving God whose words always prove true. “Give Howard Peskett, I applied for training at the Discipleship Training and it will be given to you” (Lk 6:38) and “It is more blessed to give

Diocesan Digest | 31 DIOCEASAN NEWS than to receive,” (Acts 20:35) were divine promises which we claimed This disciplined yet delightful feeding on His Word in order to and practised in our lives. God calls us to be materially content and obey Him, through the Holy Spirit’s strengthening, has anchored spiritually discontent. In pastoral ministry, God stretched us as we my 40 years of ordained ministry. This spiritual feeding (2Tim served as a team (Eph 4:11-13) - in COMPLETING and PERFECTING 2:15) is done through daily hearing, reading through the Bible the Church, which is the Bride of Christ (Mt 24:14; Col 1:28). every year, meditating on, memorising and studying the scripture One key lesson in life is we have learnt is to ask are we are in order to obey/apply and preach in the power of the Holy Spirit. overflowing rivers of living water (John 7:38) or in our flesh, Whatever our abilities, experiences or track records, we need to running on empty (Jer 14:3). We all need fresh manna each day be reminded that “apart from me you can do nothing”, as Jesus since it is only as we behold the glory of the Lord (through his said (Jn 15:5; Ps 119:11, 94:12). MEANS OF GRACE) that we can be transformed into His image, from a lesser to a greater degree of glory (2 Cor 3:18).

my initial disinclination about being a pastor’s wife. Louis and I got married in July 1977, a On Being a week after my DTC valedictory. Clergy Wife Some of my Challenges One early challenge for me was when Mrs Pricilla Tay Canon James Wong asked me to preach at the house churches of Church of Good never wanted to be a pastor’s wife. My Shepherd. Women were not allowed to Ipre-conceived notion was that I cannot ‘mount the pulpit’ in my home church! It was be one. But God, in His sovereign wisdom my husband’s encouragement that made me and providence gave me a man whose venture into preaching. heart’s desire is to be a pastor! I never Louis and I were called separately into wanted to be a ‘professional Christian the ministry and our two sons had to “piggy worker’ as well. I had the ‘call’ when I was back” in our chosen lifestyle. We tried to in my third year at university and tried give them the best we could afford. Family hard to ignore it. I came to understand prayers were occasions when we heard that ‘delayed obedience is disobedience’. Revd Canon Louis Tay & Mrs Priscilla Tay heart wrenching statements like “Mummy, In 1973, I joined the staff of Inter- God does not answer prayer when it comes Varsity Christian Fellowship (Philippines). It was at a staff retreat to Chinese!” An expressed desire to study abroad was a testing when I prayed specifically for my future. Increasingly, the Lord time. I explained to my son that it is a good idea but we could not placed in my heart that He wanted me ‘full-time’ for the rest of afford it. I encouraged him to do his best and we would pray for my life! I was in a dilemma. I felt inadequate to handle God’s God to grant his heart’s desire. By the grace and mercy of God, Word as my training was in Public Health. Also, as an only child, both our sons were on scholarships and had some overseas stints it was understood that I will take care of my ailing father. As I in university. poured my anxiety to the Lord at the retreat, I saw myself walking Although, we agreed that if we had children, I would be down the hill with a bespectacled man with a military haircut a stay at home mum, I was able to serve still by careful time and with two boys! I thought I was hallucinating. I spoke to my management. I was involved in writing and teaching Diocesan mentor. She said that God can speak in creative ways when my training modules and served as chairman of the Diocesan heart is in fellowship with Him. Women’s Board. I served part-time with The Leprosy Mission In 1975, I came to Singapore to study theology at the S.E. Asia. I also managed to write articles for magazines. I visited Discipleship Training Centre. For my church participation, I was our leprosy work in other Asian countries, joined mission teams assigned to an Anglican church. It was then that I realised that the and was a conference speaker. At the moment, I am the main person I saw in the vision was my classmate who was attached to caregiver for my mother, but by God’s grace, I am able to take on this church! It was Proverbs 3:27 which convicted me to change speaking engagements within Singapore. Your Hundred Matters The diocesan mission work in our deaneries continues to make a difference in the lives of so many. Each transformed life is a testimony to the power of the gospel of Jesus and His amazing grace.

Give Him a Hundred is a simple idea: If every one of us gives a hundred, we will, together, have resources for missions in these six countries: to send out more mission personnel, and cover ministry and infrastructure development costs. This is our collective responsibility. When each of us does our part, the task will not seem so insurmountable. Your hundred matters! May the gospel of Jesus be preached to the ends of the earth!

Bishop Kuan Kim Seng Director of Missions

Please issue you cheques to The DIOCESE OF SINGAPORE Special envelopes are available from your parish offices. 32 | Diocesan Digest DIOCEASAN NEWS The Consecration Bible and Pectoral Cross of Bishop Joshua Chiu Ban It (Excerpt from the presentation speech made by Ms Su-Lin Ang, niece of Bishop Chiu.) 14 May 2016

n behalf of their uncle, the Right OReverend Joshua Chiu Ban It, 6th Bishop of Singapore and Malaya, his family presented his Consecration Bible and Pectoral Cross as a gift to St. Andrew’s Cathedral. This Consecration Bible and Pectoral Cross have special historical and spiritual significance in the life of the Anglican Church in Singapore: They are historically significant as they were presented to Bishop Chiu at his consecration as the first Asian Bishop Photo Credit: David Pooh of this Diocese in a newly independent From Left - Keith Chua, Su-Lin, Bp Rennis Ponniah, ABp Ng Moon Hing, Yu-Lin and Canon Terry Wong Singapore in 1966. They are spiritually significant because out. He lost all communication with in the Morning by Dennis Bennett. When they remind us that God used Bishop his family in Penang. It was at this time he prayed to receive the Holy Spirit, Chiu in the 1970s as His instrument of that he promised God that if his family he was conscious of a great difference. transformation in the entire Diocese survived the war, he would give his life to He was filled with love, joy and peace through the power and work of the Holy serve God. His family did indeed survive and burst out in praise, first in English, Spirit in healings, miracles, signs and and Bishop Chiu kept his promise to God. then in Chinese and finally found that he wonders. These gifts are emblems of the He studied theology at Trinity College, was uttering new sounds and syllables. handover of the spiritual mantle of Elijah - Cambridge and after his ordination he He had been baptised in the Holy from Bishop Chiu to Bishop Rennis - as in 2 ministered both in Singapore, as parish Spirit. His life was changed from that Kings 2:9 where Elisha asked for a double priest and Vicar of St. Hilda’s Katong, and moment onwards as his ministry became portion of the Holy Spirit! overseas in England and also in Penang. empowered by the Holy Spirit. In the Bishop Chiu was born in Penang on In November 1966, Bishop Chiu was next ten years until his retirement in 16 July 1918. He will celebrate his 98th consecrated and enthroned as the 6th 1982, the Holy Spirit swept through the birthday this coming July. He won a Bishop of Singapore and Malaya, as the Diocese of Singapore and transformed Scholarship to study law at Kings College Diocese was then called. the life of the church. Bishop Chiu at the University of London. While he In 1972 at a conference in Bangkok, retired to England but continues to was there, the Second World War broke Bishop Chiu was given a book 9 O’Clock minister to all whom he meets.

Pectoral Cross of Joshua Chiu Ban It: A Gift from St Augustine’s College, Cambridge A pectoral cross (from the Latin pectoralis, "of the chest") is a cross that is worn on the chest, near the heart usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. In the Anglican church, it is only worn by the Order of Bishops.

Consecration Bible of Joshua Chiu Ban it, First Asian Bishop of Singapore and Malaya The Consecration Bible was presented and signed by the nine bishops who laid hands on and consecrated Joshua Chiu Ban It as Bishop of Singapore and Malaya. They are:

Rt. Revd James C.L. Wong, Rt. Revd Lesslie Newbigin, First Chinese Bishop of Episcopal Diocese Bishop of Madras, India of Taiwan, the Archbishop’s Delegate and Chairman, CC SEA Rt. Revd Cecil Emerson Barron Muschamp, Rt. Revd Macario V. Ga, Bishop of Kargoolie, Australia Supreme Bishop of the Philippine Independent Church Rt. Revd Bertil Envall, Bishop of the Lutheran Church, Malaysia Rt. Revd David Howard Nicholas Photo Credit: Joyce Ho Allenby, Inscription: Rt. Revd Benito C. Cabanban, Bishop of Kuching, Sarawak First Filipino Bishop of the Philippines in “WITH GREETING AND AFFECTION the Episcopal Church Rt. Revd Tan Sri Roland Koh Peck-Chiang, CANTERBURY – SINGAPORE IN ONE COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP Bishop of Jesselton, Sabah ST AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE”

Diocesan Digest | 33 DIOCEASAN NEWS Diocesan Certificate for Biblical Studies The DCBS modules have been helping many grow deeper into the Word of God by guiding Theological Education Board participants to actively engage in reading and reflecting on what God is saying through the 66 books. Currently it is run at two venues: 2017 Course Schedule St Andrew’s Cathedral (Wed evenings) and St James’ Church (Sat mornings). It is still not too late to come and see, and to drink deep from the living waters. 2017 DCBS Year 3 2017 DCBS Year 4 Course on St Andrew’s Cathedral St James’ Church St Andrew’s Cathedral Wednesdays 7.30 – 9.30 pm Saturdays 9.30 am – 12 noon Saturdays 9.30am – 12.00pm Overview 3: Canonicity of the Bible Overview 4: Themes of the Bible February 11, 18, 25 & March 4, 11, 18 February 15 & 22 February 11 & 18 This course explores the theological, Ms Lucilla Teoh Ms Lucilla Teoh ecclesiological and missionary movements New Testament Introduction 3: New Testament Book Study 4: that shape the life of the Anglican Church Non-Pauline Letters Acts of the Apostle from the pre-Reformation era till modern March 8, 15, 22 & 29, April 5 March 4, 11, 18 & 25; April 8 times. It will also look at the history of Ms Lucilla Teoh Revd Peter Chen the Diocese of Singapore and the earlier New Testament Book Study 3: Hebrews New Testament Book Study 4: missionary work that shaped her life and April 19 & 26; May 3,17, 24 Book of Revelation growth. It is geared towards equipping those Revd Gilbert Wong April 22 & 29; May 6, 13 & 27 serving in parish leadership and ministry (ie Old Testament Introduction 3: Revd William Chee PCC members, lay readers, parish workers, Latter Prophets Old Testament Introduction 4: Writings etc) July 19 & 26; August 2, 16 & 23 July 15, 22 & 29; August 5 & 12 Please register online at Revd Chua Siang Guan Revd Charles Tewer www.cathedral.org.sg/register Old Testament Book 3: Book of Isaiah Old Testament Book 4: Psalms or email any enquiries to Sept 6, 13, 20 & 27; Oct 4 August 26; Sept 2, 9, 16 & 23 [email protected] Revd William Chee Revd David Lee Vicar’s Induction

Revd Canon Daniel Tong was inducted on 16 October 2016 as Vicar of St Andrew’s Community Chapel. Prior to this appointment in December 2015, Canon Tong was Vicar of Chapel of the Resurrection (2007-2015), Vicar of Chapel of Christ the Redeemer (2000-2007), Acting Vicar of Church of the Epiphany (1998-2000), and Priest-in-Charge of Church of the Good Shepherd English Congregation (1995-1999). Canon Tong received his theological training at Trinity Theological College (Bachelor of Divinity, 1993; Master of Theology, 2005). He was ordained a Deacon in November 1993, a Priest in 1994, and collated a Canon in May 2007.

Introducing Our Newly Ordained Clergy Nepal Rev Amosh Shahi Date of ordination: 8 May 2016 Theological Training: Bachelor of Theology Previous Work Experience(s): Business of marketing and furniture product Family: Married to Anita | Children: Angel (7) & Agnese (3) Favourite verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5 : 11

Revd Sanjeev Sunuwar Date of ordination:8 May 2016 Theological Training: Master of Divinity Previous Work Experience(s): Legal services Family: Married to Mani Devi Sunuwar | Children: Samarpan (32 months), Samprada (4 months) Favourite verse or quote: “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.” 2 Chronicles 7:17-18.

34 | Diocesan Digest DIOCEASAN NEWS Indonesia Revd Daniel Rudol Sihombing Date of ordination: 8 May 2016 Theological Training: Bachelor of Theology, St Paul’s Theological Seminary, Bandung (2005-2011) Previous Work Experience(s): Sales Marketing Previous Ministry: St Paul’s Church, Bandung Current Posting: Pastor-in-charge at St Peter’s Church, Bandung Family: Married to Diana Novianti Gandamiharja | Children: Elise Natania (6) & Evangelina Angeline (4)

Singapore

Revd Joshua Sundraraj Date of ordination:8 May 2016 Theological Training: Bachelor of Divinity, Trinity Theological College Previous Work Experience(s): The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore Previous Ministry Experience: Parish Worker, Chapel of the Holy(s) Spirit Current Posting:Deacon, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer Family: Married to Santhi | Children: Joseph (20), Faith (18), Joy (16) Favourite verse or quote: “Trade not your passion for glory.”

Revd Alvin Toh Date of ordination:8 May 2016 Theological Training: Master of Divinity 2005, Singapore Bible College Previous Work Experience(s): Corporate Banking 1996-2002, American Express Bank and Keppel TatLee Bank Previous Ministry Experience: Pastor (Christian Education & Young Adults), Calvary Baptist Church Pastor (Service Pastor, Christian Education, Boys’ Brigade Chaplain), St Andrew’s Cathedral Current Posting:Deacon, St Andrew’s Cathedral Family: Married to Felicia Lam | Children: Dylan (16), Dawn (13), Dionne (9) Favourite verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Revd Edison Wilson Date of ordination:08 May 2016 Theological Training: Master of Divinity, Madras Theological Seminary & College Previous Work Experience(s): Dialysis Therapist for 24 years Previous Ministry Experience: Pastoral Intern, Parish of Christ Church (2009-2010) Pastoral Worker, Parish of Christ Church (2010-2012) Parish Worker, Parish of Christ Church (2012-2016) Current Posting:Deacon, Parish of Christ Church Family: Married to Kirubai Rani | Children: Gifta Gracious (7) Favourite verse: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

Revd Yap Chee Han Date of ordination: 08 May 2016 Theological Training: Diploma In Christianity Studies, Singapore Bible College; Master in Divinity, Trinity Theological College Previous Work Experiences: About 20 years in electronic manufacturing supervision and management; about 2 years in the financial industry. Previous Ministry Experience: Community service, worship ministry, cell ministry, youth ministry, senior ministry, Chinese Alpha and pastoral care. Current Posting: Deacon, St John's-St Margaret's Church - Chinese Congregation Family: Married to Teo Mui Leng, Doreen | Children: Benjamin Yap Kian Hwee (18), Shermaine Yap Suh Min (14) Favourite verse: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV)

Revd Bernard Yee Date of ordination: 8 May 2016 Theological Training: Bachelor of Divinity, Trinity Theological College Previous Ministry Experience: Tribute, St John’s Chapel (2004-2005) Parish Assistant and Parish Worker, St John’s Chapel (2005-2016) Current Posting: Deacon, St John’s Chapel Family: Married to Dorcas | Children: Arwen (6) and Arlyn (4)

Diocesan Digest | 35 DIOCESAN NEWS GAZETTE

1. Revd Ng Hwee Leong was appointed Support Services (CRSS) Bukit Batok, wef 13. Revd Jonathan Wong was appointed Honorary Chaplain of Senior Activities 1 July 2016. Convenor for TEB Track 3: Leadership Centre at Floral Spring with effect from Formation wef from 1 August 2016. 1 March 2016. 7. Revd Barry Leong was appointed Acting Vicar of Light of Christ Church Woodlands 14. Rev Dickson Chiu is on no-pay leave wef 2. Revd Pan Chou Wee officially retired on and Chaplain of Christ Church Secondary 1 August 2016. 25 May 2016. School with effect from 1 August 2016. 15. Bishop Low Jee King was appointed 3. Revd Philip Soh was licensed to officiate 8. Revd Tang Wai Lung was posted as Priest Acting Vicar of Chapel of Christ the in our diocese with effect from 1 June to St James’ Church wef 1 August 2016. Redeemer wef 1 September 2016. 2016 for a period of two years. 9. Revd Wong Kok Yean was posted as 16. Rev David Lee was appointed Acting 4. Revd John Lin was appointed Vicar of Priest to Marine Parade Christian Centre Vicar of St Hilda’s Church for the period St John’s Chapel and Chaplain of St wef 1 August 2016. of 1 September to 31 December 2016. Margaret’s Secondary School with effect from 1 July 2016. 10. Revd Steven Chong Seng Chee was 17. Revd Canon Louis Tay officially retired on posted as Priest to Chapel of the Holy 8 September 2016. 5. Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow was Spirit wef from 1 August 2016. appointed Vicar of CCK and Chaplain 18. Revd Ian Hadfield resigned. His last day of St Margaret’s Primary School wef 1 11. Revd Joseph Goh was appointed Warden with All Saints’ Church, Jakarta was 21 September 2016. for Lay Readers wef 1 August 2016. September 2016.

6. Revd Bertram Cheong was posted as 12. Revd Huang Ao-you was appointed Sub- 19. Revd Alan Wood was appointed Acting Priest to St Andrew’s Cathedral wef Warden for Lay Readers wef 1 August Vicar of All Saints’ Church, Jakarta wef 1 July 2016 and appointed Honorary 2016. 21 September 2016. Chaplain of Community Rehabilitation &

The following Parish Worker/Parish Assistant licenses were issued on: 1 June 2016, to: 9. Ms Wong Lai Yui, Parish Assistant at St 27 October 2016, to: 1. Tan Puay Lan Grace, Parish Worker at St Andrew’s Community Chapel 18. Ms Tng Xin Lei Corine, Parish Assistant at Andrew’s Cathedral 10. Ms Mao Shufang, Parish Assistant at St All Saints’ Church 2. Fu Ka Fai Roger, Parish Worker at St Andrew’s Community Chapel 19. Ms Ngu Hung Ee, Parish Assistant at All John’s Chapel 11. Mr Choo Xianjie, Parish Worker at St Saints’ Church Andrew’s Community Chapel 20. Mr Hong Yuxiang Jeremy, Parish Assistant 3 June 2016, to: 12. Ms Lydia Wee Shwen, Parish Worker at at All Saints’ Church 3. Wilfred Joseph, Parish Worker at Chapel St Andrew’s Community Chapel 21. Mr Tan Chin Han, Parish Assistant at All of the Holy Spirit Saints’ Church 17 October 2016, to: 22. Mr Tan Ching Gabriel Justin, Parish 11 October 2016, to: 13. Mr Aaron Cheng Tiang Ping, Parish Worker at Chapel of Christ the King 4. Ms Amanda Ng Huiting, Parish Assistant Assistant at Church of the True Light 23. Ms Zhou Jue Jing, Parish Worker at at Chapel of Christ the Redeemer 14. Mr Tan Meng Jark, Parish Worker at St Chapel of the Resurrection 5. Mr Aaron Albert Carthigasu, Parish Andrew’s Cathedral 24. Mr Tai Chee Pin, Parish Worker at Chapel Assistant at Chapel of Christ the of the Resurrection Redeemer 18 October 2016, to: 25. Mr Thomas Jacob s/o Isaac, Parish 6. Mr Rayman s/o Thomas Pezhumkattil, 15. Ms Ang Gek Leng Shirley, Parish Worker Worker at My Saviour’s Church Parish Assistant at Chapel of the at Church of the Ascension 26. Ms Yong Wann Yi Wendy, Parish Worker Resurrection 16. Mr Wee Lian Kuanh, Parish Worker at St at St Hilda’s Church 7. Mr Loy Chun Teng Brandon, Parish Andrew’s Cathedral Worker at St Andrew’s Cathedral 4 November 2016, to: 8. Mr Chong Kum Cheong Adrian, Parish 21 October 2016, to: 1. Ms Lucy Anna Heron Balandaran, Parish Worker at St Andrew’s Cathedral 17. Ms Tan Gek Peng Cheryl, Parish Worker Worker at Yishun Christian Church at Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) (Anglican)

DIOCEASAN OFFICE STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT

We welcome Ms Angel Loy who joined the office on 1 November 2016 as Administrative Officer (Finance).

CORRECTION We apologize that in our last issue pg 28, Mr Vincent Kang, Vice Principal of Anglican High School, was misidentified as Mr Joseph Tam. 36 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN LISTINGS ST ANDREW'S CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION ST JAMES' CHURCH 13 Francis Thomas Drive 1 Leedon Road 11 St Andrew's Road Singapore 359339 Singapore 267828 Singapore 178959 Web: ascension.org.sg Web: sjc.org.sg Web: livingstreams.org.sg Vicar: Revd Dr Joel Leow Vicar: Revd Chua Siang Guan Dean: Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah Mandarin Congregation Mandarin Congregation Vicar: Revd Canon Terry Wong Priest: Revd Wong Ngiam Koy Clergy: Revd Luke Ting Mandarin Congregation 11 St Andrew's Road CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD ST JOHN'S CHAPEL Singapore 178959 2 Dundee Road 111 Farrer Road Priest-in-Charge: Revd Canon Dr Titus Chung Singapore 149454 Singapore 259240 Vicar: Revd Huang Ao-you Web: sjcp.org.sg Extension Centres of SAC English Congregation Vicar: Revd John Lin WESTSIDE ANGLICAN CHURCH Clergy: Revd Jonathan Wong Mailing Address: ST JOHN'S - ST MARGARET'S CHURCH St Andrew's Cathedral, CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR 30 Dover Avenue 11 St Andrew's Road 130 Margaret Drive Singapore 139790 Singapore 178959 Singapore 149300 Web: sjsm.org.sg Office (Mailing Address): Vicar: Revd Joshua Shaam Sudharman ACTS CENTRE Congregation Blk 203A Henderson Road, #09-13 Mandarin Congregation Mailing Address: Singapore 159546 Clergy: Revd Dr Ivan Ee St Andrew's Cathedral Web: coos.org.sg 11 St Andrew's Road Vicar: Revd Daniel Wee ST MATTHEW'S CHURCH Singapore 178959 Mandarin Congregation 1K Eng Hoon Street Clergy: Revd Eric Chiam Singapore 169796 JURONG ANGLICAN CHURCH (Mandarin) Web: smc1902.org West Coast Recreation Centre CHURCH OF THE TRUE LIGHT Vicar: Revd Stephen Lim 12 West Coast Walk, #02-10A-C 25G Perak Road English Congregation Singapore 127157 Singapore 208142 Clergy: Revd Stephen Lim Web: truelight.org.sg PARISHES Vicar: Revd Winston Tan ST PAUL'S CHURCH 843 Upper Serangoon Road ALL SAINTS' CHURCH HOLY TRINITY PARISH Singapore 534683 600 Upper Changi Road 1 Hamilton Road Web: stpaulschurch.org.sg Singapore 487012 Singapore 209175 Vicar: Revd Ng Koon Sheng Web: asc.org.sg Web: holytrinitychurch.org.sg Vicar: Rt Revd Low Jee King Vicar: Revd Lim Kek Wah ST PETER'S CHURCH English Congregation 1 Tavistock Avenue Web: asc.org.sg LIGHT OF CHRIST CHURCH WOODLANDS Singapore 555104 Priest-in-charge: Revd Lewis Lew 20 Woodlands Drive 17 Web: stpeters.org.sg Singapore 737924 Acting Vicar: Canon Ong Chooi Seng CHAPEL OF CHRIST THE KING Web: lightofchrist.org 99 Wilkie Road Acting Vicar: Revd Barry Leong YISHUN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (ANGLICAN) @St Margaret's Primary School 10 Yishun Avenue 5 Singapore 228091 MARINE PARADE CHRISTIAN CENTRE Singapore 768991 Web.cck.org.sg 100 Tembeling Road Web: ycca.org.sg Vicar: Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow Singapore 423597 Vicar: Revd William Chee Web: mpccnet.com Mandarin Congregation CHAPEL OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER Vicar: Revd Barry Leong Priest-in-charge: Revd Ng Hwee Leong 2 Tampines Ave 3 Mandarin Congregation Singapore 529706 Clergy: Revd Wong Kok Yean SCHOOLS Web: ccr-redeemer.org Acting Vicar: Rt Revd Low Jee King MY SAVIOUR'S CHURCH ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL Mandarin Congregation 2 Prince Charles Crescent 600 Upper Changi Road Clergy: Revd Lui Choo Huat Singapore 159011 Singapore 487012 Web: mysaviours.org www.anglicanhigh.moe.edu.sg CHAPEL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Acting Vicar: Revd Canon Steven Asirvatham 3 Sorby Adams Drive CHRIST CHURCH SECONDARY SCHOOL Singapore 357690 ST ANDREW'S CITY CHURCH 20 Woodlands Drive 17 Web:chs.org.sg 250 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-01 Singapore 737924 Vicar: Revd Michael Teh St Andrew's Centre www.christchurchsec.moe.edu.sg Singapore 088541 CHAPEL OF THE RESURRECTION Vicar: Revd Derek Lim ST ANDREW’S JUNIOR COLLEGE 1 Francis Thomas Drive #02-17 5 Sorby Adams Drive Singapore 359340 ST ANDREW'S COMMUNITY CHAPEL Singapore 357691 Web: cor.org.sg 8 Simei Street 3 www.standrewsjc.moe.edu.sg Vicar: Rt Revd Kuan Kim Seng Singapore 529895 Mandarin Congregation Web: sacc.org.sg ST ANDREW’S JUNIOR SCHOOL Clergy: Revd Lee Kong Kheng Vicar: Revd Canon Daniel Tong 2 Francis Thomas Drive Mandarin Congergation Singapore 359337 Extension Centre of COR Clergy: Revd Foo Chee Meng www.saintandrewsjunior.moe.edu.sg CENTURY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ST GEORGE'S CHURCH ST ANDREW’S SECONDARY SCHOOL CHRIST CHURCH, PARISH OF Minden Road 15 Francis Thomas Drive 1 Dorset Road Singapore 248816 Singapore 359342 Singapore 219486 Web: stgeorges.org.sg www.standrewssec.moe.edu.sg WEB: christchurch.org.sg Vicar: Revd Mark Dickens Vicar: Revd Canon Steven Asirvatham ST HILDA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL ST HILDA'S CHURCH 860 New Upper Changi Road CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY 41 Ceylon Road Singapore 467353 407 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799512 Singapore 429630 www.shps.moe.edu.sg Vicar: Revd Lawrence A. Visuvasam Web: sthildas.org.sg Vicar: Ven Wong Tak Meng

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ST HILDA’S SECONDARY SCHOOL ST ANDREW’S LIFESTREAMS THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS 2 Tampines Street 82 1 Francis Thomas Drive #02-06 52 Telok Blangah Road #01-05 Singapore 528986 Singapore 359340 Telok Blangah House www.sthildassec.moe.edu.sg Singapore 098829 ST ANDREW’S AUTISM CENTRE ST MARGARET’S PRIMARY SCHOOL 1 Elliot Road GOODNEWS COMMUNITY SERVICES (GNCS) 99 Wilkie Road Singapore 458686 (the community services arm of Chapel of the Singapore 228091 Resurrection) www.stmargaretspri.moe.edu.sg ST ANDREW’S NURSING HOME (BUANGKOK) 1 Francis Thomas Drive, #02-17 60 Buangkok View Singapore 359340 ST MARGARET’S SECONDARY SCHOOL Singapore 534012 www.goodnews.org.sg 111 Farrer Road Singapore 259240 ST ANDREW’S SENIOR CARE – JOY CONNECT Services of GNCS www.stmargaretssec.moe.edu.sg Blk 5 Beach Road #01-4919 COMMONWEALTH STUDENT CARE CENTRE Singapore 190005 Blk 37B Commonwealth Drive, #01-01/02-00 KINDERGARTENS Singapore 142037 SINGAPORE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SERVICES ACENSION KINDERGARTEN (SACS) PASIR RIS FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE 11 Francis Thomas Drive 10 Simei Street 3 Blk 256 Pasir Ris Street 21, #01-289 Singapore 359338 Singapore 529897 Singapore 510256

CHRIST CHURCH KINDERGARTEN Services of SACS: SONSHINE CHILDCARE CENTRE 1 Dorset Road Psychiatric Services Blk 211 Bukit Batok Street 21, #01-252 Singapore 219486 HOUGANG CARE CENTRE Singapore 650211 20 Buangkok View Block 4 QUEENSTOWN GOOD SHEPHERD KINDERGARTEN Singapore 534194 DEANERIES 2 Dundee Road Singapore 149454 SIMEI CARE CENTRE CAMBODIA 10 Simei Street 3 ST HILDA’S KINDERGARTEN Singapore 529897 ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CAMBODIA (ACC) 83 Ceylon Road Mailing Address: Singapore 429740 c/o #57 Street 294, Sangkat BKK 1, COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AND SUPPORT Khan Chamcar Mon ST JAMES’ CHURCH KINDERGARTEN SERVICE (CRSS) Phnom Penh, Cambodia 29 Harding Road @Bukit Batok or PO Box 1413 Singapore 249537 Blk 267 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4 #01-206 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Singapore 650267 Tel: (855) 23-217 429 ST PAUL’S CHURCH KINDERGARTEN Fax: (855) 23-362 023 839 Upper Serangoon Road @Pasir Ris Email: [email protected] Singapore 534682 Blk 534 Pasir Ris Drive 1 #01-266 Bishop and President of the ACC-Council: Bishop Singapore 510534 Rennis Ponniah CHILDCARE & FAMILY CENTERS Dean: Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng @Yishun Associate Dean: Revd Steven Seah ASCENSION KINDERCARE Blk 707 Yishun Avenue 5 #01-36 Chairman of the ACC Council: Revd Tit Hieng Blk 105 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, #01-436 Singapore 760707 Home base coordinator: Revd Steven Seah Singapore 350105 Associate Home Base coordinator: Revd David Lee, EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES Revd Thong Tang Hiong HEARTFRIENDS BASC SACS Centre @HillV2 Blk 3 Dover Rd, #01-35, 4 Hillview Rise #02-22, HillV2 THE CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST OUR Singapore 130003 Singapore 667979 PEACE #57 Street 294, Sangkat BKK 1 KIDDY ARK CHILDCARE & DEVELOPMENT CENTRE Senior Services Khan Chamcar Mon Blk 727 Tampines St 71, #01-11 SACS CLUSTER SUPPORT @ JURONG EAST Phnom Penh, Cambodia Singapore 520727 Blk 374 Jurong East St 32 #01-486 Vicar: Revd Tit Hieng Singapore 600374 Email: [email protected] PRAISELAND CHILDCARE & LEARNING CENTRE Blk 662 Yishun Ave 4, #01-235 SACS SENIOR GROUP HOMES @ JURONG EAST THE CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST OUT Singapore 760662 Blk 373 Jurong East St 32 #02- PEACE (INTERNATIONAL) 432/434/436/438/440/442 #46 Street 334, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 1 ST ANDREW'S CATHEDRAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT Singapore 600373 Khan Chamkarmon CENTRE Phnom Penh, Cambodia Blk 511 Jurong West St 52, #01-80 SACS CENTRE @ FLORAL SPRING Priest: Revd Gregory Whitaker Singapore 640511 Blk 426A Yishun Ave 11 #01-74 Email: [email protected] Singapore 761426 COMMUNITY SERVICES CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD SACS Centre @ GOLDEN ORCHID #6 Street 280, Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 2 ST ANDREW’S MISSION HOSPITAL (SAMH) Blk 499 Jurong Est St 41 #01-812 Khan Chamkarmon 8 Simei Street 3 Singapore 640499 Phnom Penh, Cambodia Singapore 529895 Tel: (855) 23-218 027 PEACE-CONNECT SENIORS CLUSTER OPERATOR Priest: Revd Chan Peng Wah Services of SAMH Blk 8 North Bridge Road #01-4102 Email: [email protected] ST ANDREW’S MISSION HOSPITAL CLINIC (SIMEI) Singapore 190008 8 Simei Street 3 ROKAKOS CHURCH SINGAPORE 529895 Special Group Services Group 15, Street 705 SACS FAMILY CARE CENTRE Rokakos Village ST ANDREW’S MISSION HOSPITAL CLINIC (ELLIOT Hotline: 1800-346 4939 Sangkat Prey Sour ROAD) Khan Dong Kour 1 Elliot Road CITY COMMUNITY SERVICES Phnom Penh, Cambodia SINGAPORE 458686 Social Service Hub @Tiong Bahru Vicar: Revd Tit Hieng 298 Tiong Bahru Road #10-03 Email: [email protected] ST ANDREW’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Central Plaza 8 Simei Street 3 Singapore 168730 Singapore 529895 www.citycomm.org.sg

38 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN LISTINGS Email: [email protected] MISSION DISTRICTS PROVINCE OF WEST KALIMANTAN RANGSIT ANGLICAN CHURCH GAI Pontianak 52/200 Moobaan Mueng Ek, KAMPONG SPEU MISSION DISTRICT Soi Ektaksin 9, Phaholyothin 87 Road Prey K'dei Village, Svay Kravanh Commune, PROVINCE OF MALUKU Lakhok, Ampher Mueng, Pathum Thani 12000, Chbar Mon District, Kampong Speu Province GAI Ambon Thailand Priest-in-charge: Revd Tan Chor Kee SVAY RIENG MISSION DISTRICT PROVINCE OF WEST NUSANTARA Email: [email protected] Svay Prahoot Village, Koek Pring Commune, GAI Niki-Niki Svay Chrum District, Svay Rieng Province GAI Kupang LAT KRABANG ANGLICAN CHURCH 1168, Soi Lat Krabang 40 KANDAL MISSION DISTRICT LAOS Lat Krabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand. Prek Thom Village, K'bal Korh Commune, Contact: 087-679-6006 Kien Svay District, Kandal Province THE DEANERY OFFICE Priest-in-charge: Revd Andrew Yap c/o Diocese of Singapore Email: [email protected] TAKEO MISSION DISTRICT 1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01 PO KAREN CHURCHES IN OMKOI DISTRICT Preh Kraom Village, Kvav Commune, Singapore 359340 c/o 11 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangrak, Trang District, Takeo Province Tel: (65) 6288 8944 ext. 211 Bangkok 10500, Thailand Fax: (65) 6288 553 PURSAT MISSION DISTRICT Dean: Revd Mark Dickens LISU CHURCHES IN PAI DISTRICT Ksaet Borei Village, Santreae Commune, Email: [email protected] c/o 11 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangrak, Phnom Kravanh District, Pursat Province Bangkok 10500, Thailand NEPAL INDONESIA THAI ANGLICAN CHURCH FOUNDATION THE DEANERY OFFICE 11 Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak THE DEANERY OFFICE c/o Diocese of Singapore Bangkok 10500, Thailand Diocese of Singapore 1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01 Tel: (66) 2-235-4000 ext. 63 1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01 Singapore 359340 Fax: (66) 2-235-4001 ext. 19 Singapore 359340 Tel: (65) 9387 0447 Chairman: Dr Chusak Vongsuly Tel: (65) 6288 8944 Fax: (65) 6288 5538 Manager: Mrs Jarin Jindawong Fax: (65) 6288 5538 Dean: Revd Lewis Lew Email: [email protected] Bishop & Chairman of GAI Council: Bishop Rennis Email: [email protected] Ponniah RAINBOWLAND COMMUNITY SERVICES Dean & Vice Chairman of GAI Council: Revd Dr THAILAND FOUNDATION Timothy Chong 11 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangrak THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN THAILAND (ACT) Bangkok 10500, Thailand GEREJA ANGLIKAN INDONESIA 11 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangrak Tel: (66) 2-235-4000 ext. 63 National Office: Bangkok 10500, Thailand Fax: (66) 2-235-4001 ext.19 Jalan Arief Rahman Hakim 5, Menteng Tel: (66) 2-632-2500 ext. 18 Chairman: Mrs Mayurin Fordham Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia Fax: (66) 2-632-0606 Manager: Mrs Jarin Jindawong Tel: (62) 21-3190 8545 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: (62) 21-3190 9838 Bishop: Bishop Rennis Ponniah Dean: Revd Yee Ching Wah ST ANDREW’S CENTRE CHIANGMAI PROVINCE OF NORTH SUMATRA Clergy: Revd Andrew Yap, Revd Timothy Eady, Revd 101 Moo 1, Tambon Nongpakhrang, Ampher Muang, New Life Anglican Church, Medan Pairoj Phiammattawat, Revd Dickson Chiu, Revd Tan Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand Good News Church Sri Gunting Church, Medan Chor Kee Tel: +66 52 003 253 Good News Anglican Church, Hamparan Perak Home Base Co-ordinator: Revd Tang Wai Lung Fax: +66 52 003 254 Medan Centre leader: Ps Somsak Sangswangsajjagul CHRIST CHURCH BANGKOK (ENGLISH) Email: [email protected] PROVINCE OF RIAU ISLANDS 11 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangrak Church of the Good Shepherd, Batam Bangkok 10500, Thailand VIETNAM Church of the True Light, Batam Tel: (66) 2-234-3634, (66) 2-233-8525 St Matthew's Church, Batam Fax: (66) 2-236-6994 THE DEANERY OFFICE Revival Anglican Church, Tanjung Pinang, Bintan Website: www.christchurchbangkok.org c/o Diocese of Singapore Grace Anglican Church, Karimun Acting Vicar:Revd Timothy Eady 1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01 Email: [email protected] Singapore 359340 PROVINCE OF BANTEN Tel: (65) 6468 8425 St John's Church, Citra Raya CHRIST CHURCH BANGKOK (THAI) Dean: Revd John Lin 11 Convent Rd, Silom, Bangrak Email: [email protected] PROVINCE CAPITAL REGION OF JAKARTA Bangkok 10500, Thailand All Saints' Church Tel: (66) 2-235-4000 ext. 18 CHURCH OF CHRIST OUR HOPE St Peter's Church Fax: (66) 2-235-4001 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam St James' Church Priest-in-Charge: Revd Pairoj Phiammattawat Priest-in-Charge: Revd Nguyen Hong Chi Church of Christ the Redeemer Email: [email protected] Church of Christ the King CHURCH OF THE TRUE LIGHT CHRIST CHURCH, BANCHANG 23 Do Quang Street PROVINCE OF WEST JAVA 83/61 Sukhumvit Rd, Banchang Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District Holy Trinity Church, Bandung Rayong 21130, Thailand Hanoi, Vietnam St John’s Church, Bandung Tel/Fax: (66) 38-601 273 Priest-in-Charge: Revd Jacob Vu Hong Thai St Mark's Church, Bekasi Email: [email protected] St Paul's Church, Bandung ABBA ENGLISH CENTRE St Peter's Church, Bandung CHRIST CHURCH SAWANG DAEN DIN 23 Do Quang Street PROVINCE OF EAST JAVA 522/2-3 Moo 20, Nittayo Rd Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District Christ Church, Surabaya Sawang Daen Din Hanoi, Vietnam Sakol Nakorn 47110, Thailand Principal: Mrs Rebecca Ngoc PROVINCE OF NORTH KALIMANTAN Tel: (66) 42-722 166 Email: [email protected] Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Tarakan Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.facebook.com/ABBA.English. Church of Christ the Rock, Tarakan Centre Church of the King of Kings, Nunukan KORAT PHISUT LOGOS CENTRE GAI Sermanggaris 54/3 Samsip Kanya Road, Ampher Mueng GAI Sebakis Nakhorn Ratchasima 30000, Thailand Tel: (66) 44-956 297 PROVINCE OF EAST KALIMANTAN Priest-in-Charge: Revd Dickson Chiu GAI Samarinda Staff:Ms Chua Kim Yien

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