EDITORIAL A Theme for Life

By Revd Canon Terry Wong

When I first arrived as the new Vicar of the Cathedral, I heard In fact, selective love is not love at all. Think about the severe much feedback on the ministry areas that can grow or be condemnation on showing partiality in the second chapter of improved on. There was one unusual feedback. This member James. told me that if the church is to have something to focus at for a new season, it should be love. You may have heard about Rudolf Hoss. A doting father and a loving husband, he spent his evenings with his family. He was Love!? That really got me thinking. a warm and loving family man. What was his work during the day? He was working as the longest serving camp commandant Isn’t love something that is timeless and should mark the very of the Auchwitz Concentration Camp during World War Two. heart of the life of the Church? Do we need to declare “A Year He supervised the genocide of thousand of Jews and other war of Love”? It would be strange for a clinic to declare, “2016: A prisoners and invented ways to systematically and efficiently year to help the sick to recover.” We normally do not specify eliminate them. By day, he was a mass murderer. And in the what is fundamental to an organization. That suggestion evening, he will bring hs children out on horse rides and kissed caught me by surprise. them tenderly to sleep. What was missing here?

But should I be? What condemned him finally was not who he loved, but who he didn't. One Sunday, as I was touring the ground, an exasperated Singaporean (not sure she was a church member) came up to I had just attended a Leadership Conference in London. The me and complained about the many foreigners on our ground theme was "Leading out of Love." Again somewhat surprising on Sundays. She used the word “infestation” a few times. I that a conference of this stature should have such a generic thought that is a word reserved for rats, cockroaches and theme. But it was a wonderful reminded of the primacy of other troublesome insects. She expected me to share in her love to life and ministry. Hearing an interview of Jean Vanier disgust (I should add that I do suffer from katsaridaphobia!*). was an eye-opener. He founded the L' Archie communities for I was wearing my collar and returned a rather vicar-ly smile, those with developmental disabilities. It made me think of the “Eh? Sister, why is that a problem?” She was surprised that I need for Christianity to truly take root in our Asian cultures, was surprised by her remarks. Instead, I was surprised that she and fertilize it for generations till we truly understand how to was surprised. We momentarily stared blankly at each other, love. co-surprised as fellow Singaporeans, but in our worldviews, it could not be more different. If anything, the life of Jesus reminds us again that God crossed many barriers to show us His love. And just as important, how This is xenophobia. I don’t condemn or judge her. Perhaps to love. To love like God, we need to come out of our tribal and she has had a negative experience with a foreigner. I only familial tendencies. Like Jesus, we need to meet them face to felt a deep sense of grief that even with all our education face, eat with them, laugh with them and occasionally cry and supposed civility here in Singapore, many still struggle with them. Jesus often laid hands on the sickbefore they were to love beyond the familiar. There is still tendency to see a healed. That you can only do in proximity. He saw and treated person, framed in his or her tribal background of race, culture, them as persons made in His Father’s image. language and political affiliation. The “us and they” is a barrier that needs crossing. As Paul has said, “Here there is not Greek May His grace help us to learn how to love like He did. It is a and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, theme that deserves a lifelong pursuit. slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11)

*Fear of cockroaches

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) 113/04/2017 Issue No 267 DIOCESAN MAY 2017 Digest

IT’S HARVEST TIME BY BISHOP RENNIS PONNIAH

“Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labour.” John 4:31-38

ave you ever been so happy that you did not need to eat? Jerusalem, Jesus sees the spiritual hunger of the common people In this account in John 4, Jesus did not need food because and their readiness to receive the Good News of the Kingdom. He H was exhilarated by the prospect of many, many lives being In her response, Jesus saw a ripe mission field. And He was not hungry and ready to receive the good news of the Kingdom of wrong. Through her, her whole community came to believe the God. Good News of a new life in Jesus.

Our Lord’s vision of a mighty harvest was triggered by the Hence, with the eyes of faith, Jesus said to His disciples, openness and positive response of just one woman He met at “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I the well. Hungry for love, this Samaritan woman was trapped in tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for an immoral life. She was a social outcast. To avoid the glares and harvest.” (v35) murmurs of people, she had come at mid-day to draw water from the well. There, she met Jesus and responded positively to his HEAR AND BELIEVE WHAT THE LORD IS SAYING conversation with her. Struck by His person and His words, she “There is four months to the harvest’ is a Hebrew farmers’ forgot her social standing and ran excitedly to her community proverb to mean that there is always a waiting time between saying, “Come and see. Could this be the Christ?” The encounter sowing and reaping. But Jesus says that the fields are already ends with the villagers saying, “… we know that this is indeed the ready for harvest, meaning that the moment you sow, you will Saviour of the world.” (v42) find the crop ready for harvest. Dare we believe that such a time In Samaritan territory, outside the formal religious life of is upon us? BISHOP'S MESSAGE

I believe it is so. This conviction has been brewing and growing By creating space for God, we are allowing the Potter to in me for some time now. I believe the next three years (2017- mould us into vessels for the Harvest. 2020) will be “Harvest Time.” The Scriptures (Isaiah 60:1-3; Micah 4:1-5; Colossians 1:4-6; Revelations 7:9-14) speak to my soul that in the midst of thickening darkness, the light of God is shining; in the midst of great moral confusion, there is spiritual hunger for the truth, and in the midst of hardened secularism and religious- ethno militancy, the love of Jesus will prevail.

I believe that God in His mercy is bringing about a spiritual awakening in all seven countries in our Diocese. Our church in Nepal is leading the way: the number of people worshipping in our Anglican congregations has increased from 9,000 to 12,000 over the last two years since the earthquake in 2015. It encourages us to believe that God will create a spiritual hunger in the people and He will revive His church to passionately reach out to them with the Good News of Jesus Christ that people are drawn to the b) Pray for revival light of God’s love and when we share the Gospel, that they will Revival is God’s work – when He acts in mercy and might to be ready to receive Jesus Christ personally as their Saviour and turn the hearts of people to Him, He does so in response to ‘crying follow Him as Lord. It will be a time of a stunning, mighty harvest out’ prayer – when we cry out in desperation from our hearts … a time when we don’t say, “four months to the harvest” but we for God to intervene in a world blinded by Satan and hurtling testify that “the fields are ripe for harvest”. towards self-destruction (cf Mark 5:1-13) because evil forces exacerbate the darkness of man’s self-love, animosity towards Where is this harvest? This harvest in in our social networks, others and intoxication with autonomy and material comfort our neighbourhoods, our Anglican schools, our community (Revelations 14:8). service recipients and in the marketplace of work and business. The Lord is also opening up brand new mission fields, for example, Therefore, let us in personal intercession and in prayer bands one of our parishes has launched a ministry to children of those and assemblies, cry out to God to break the stranglehold of evil in prison. Our Deaneries are planting churches in new responsive and to pierce the darkness with the light and power of the Cross regions. of Christ. And let us pray with perseverance like Elijah (1 Kings 18:41-45) until we hear the sound of rushing rain from heaven So this is why we do not say, “It is four months to the harvest.” to cleanse and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). It is because the harvest is already here. When we share our faith and strengthen our witness to God’s tremendous love in Christ, Pray for healing and amazing signs of the power of Jesus to we will find that people are ready to believe in Jesus and eager open people’s minds to the unique message of the Gospel. And to grow in the new life of being His disciple (Matthew 28:18-20). pray that when the message is shared, the Holy Spirit comes upon the person with convicting and transforming power. How do we enter this time of harvest? c) Consecrate ourselves for the work of the harvest PARTICIPATE IN WHAT GOD IS DOING To be involved in the harvest is to engage in spiritual work for God is bringing about a mighty harvest. It will be a harvest of the LORD. A spiritual battle is involved in the winning of lives for many souls, a harvest of new Kingdom workers (of all ages) and Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) and the advance of God’s kingdom of a harvest of holiness. With this conviction, let me briefly describe love, justice and righteousness (Ephesians 6:1-10). Hence, Joshua five ways in which we can participate in what God is doing. told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things for you.” (Joshua 3:5) a) Create space for God to act Many of us tend to be overly active in doing God’s work. We To consecrate yourself is to repent of your sin and your need to step back from our packed, and from over-managing our sinfulness and to turn towards God for newness of heart, habit lives and programmes, to pause and listen to the Lord who alone and conduct. It is to be set apart for God’s holy use in the is able to bring about revival. purpose God has for you. It involves abstaining from routine activities in order to stretch yourself spiritually through prayer We need to create space daily and weekly to walk with God and fasting and other spiritual disciplines to be fit forthe more intimately and to listen to Him unhurriedly. Like Elijah (1 demands of fulfilling God’s purpose. An example would be our Kings 19), some of us need to bring our exhaustion, brokenness Lord in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) where He prayed in earnest and emptiness to God so that we can be spiritually restored and anguish (an athletic term for a rigorous workout before the redirected by the Lord’s still small voice deep in our souls. In event). We need consecration to be spiritually fit and focussed our interpersonal relationships, both with our family members to participate in God’s mighty harvest. and those we seek to influence for Christ, we need to create more one-on-one time where there is a meeting of lives and an d) Prepare our churches for the harvest openness to God together. We need both spiritual and practical preparation. We need to be renewed in the Holy Spirit to have the deep hunger and And when we gather as believers, whether for a church passion for God’s glory and the salvation of souls. We need to be business meeting (Acts 15), a ministry (Acts 13) or a timeof empowered by the Holy Spirit to be bold and effective witnesses corporate worship, both in small groups and in large services (1 to God’s saving work to redeem and re-create persons through Corinthians 14:26), let us take time to praise and adore the Lord the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. God Almighty, to listen for His voice and to create space for Him to act through the exercise of gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). At the same time, we need practical preparation to equip our people to communicate the Gospel to their context and to strengthen our disciple-making processes so that new lives are 2 | Diocesan Digest BISHOP'S MESSAGE grounded in the faith and growing from glory to glory as they c. Unexpected streams of new people wanting to know the follow Jesus. We will need to strengthen our pulpit preaching, Lord in several of our churches, Deaneries and outreach our worship services, our prayer counselling and healing teams as arms. well as our “children and youth” outreach ministries so that our d. Upsurge in marketplace evangelism and discipleship nets are ready for the mighty catch (Luke 5:1-11; John 21:1-9). e. Progress in our three Diocesan goals of building strong parish churches, mainstreaming our Deaneries and harnessing our educational, medical and community services.

Without doubt, all this is the Spirit’s work and the Holy Spirit is leading us further forward.

e) Reach out to others with a new level of faith If we believe that it is Harvest time, then we know that God is at work in wondrous ways. Let is therefore step out with faith, with love and holy confidence, to share the good news of Jesus Christ and His kingdom at every opportunity. This is something we can do individually, in teams and as a church. I am praying that your church will not only tell you that you must evangelize the lost but that your church will positively help you to reach the lost. Bishop Rennis praying for Nepali villagers

In 2019, the churches in Singapore, through the National CONCLUSION Council of Churches in Singapore (NCCS) and the Evangelical As I look at how God has provided for the mission and ministry Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS), are planning a National Harvest of the diocese thus far, I am encouraged to believe the axiom: event in a very large setting. It is important that we know that the “God’s work done in God’s way will not lack God’s resources.” I National Harvest is not mass evangelism – rather, it is personal invite you therefore to give yourself whole-heartedly (your time, evangelism done on a mass scale. The whole body of Christ in your finances, your gifts and graces and all that you are) to the Singapore is to be mobilized to proclaim and meaningfully share work of God’s mighty harvest. with fellow-citizens that there is ‘life in One Name’ (John 1:4, 12). God’s chief resource for the accomplishment of His purpose is the person. A church made up of Kingdom-minded people wholly committed to the Lord Jesus is a powerful instrument in God’s hand. As much as we trust God to provide the financial and spatial resources needed for Harvest-time endeavours, let us give ourselves afresh to God that we may be energized by His love, emboldened by His promises and empowered for ministry by His Spirit.

Our God is faithful and our God is able. I look forward to leading you and working side-by-side with you for the harvest. God will send “the rain” of the Holy Spirit and He wants to send you and me out as workers into the world to bring in a mighty harvest. May we do so in the Spirit’s power for love of Jesus our Lord and to make glorious the praise of God our Father! Onward … people of God for the glory of such a great God! An Alpha group in session BE ENCOURAGED BY THE SPIRIT’S MOVEMENT As I share what is before us in the next three years, let me quickly add that the Holy Spirit has already been at work in our Diocese to prepare us for a mighty harvest.

We can be encouraged by the following short-list of how the Spirit has been moving in our midst: Bishop Rennis Ponniah a. A chastening towards holiness so that leaders and churches are vessels ready for the Master’s use. b. A connection among different parts of the Diocese, not least between Singapore parishes and the Deaneries, so that we are synergizing for collective mission. Diocesan Digest | 3 COMMUNION NEWS

Out of Egypt

By Keith Chua, Vicar’s Warden at St Andrew’s Cathedral, member of Standing Committee, Vice President of Singapore Anglican Community Services, and Provincial Synod Representative

hese are the words from Scripture Mouneer Anis visited Singapore as he Communion. Archbishop Mouneer that will greet you as you walk toward prepared for his ordination (1999) after continues to chair the Global South today Tthe entrance to the offices of the Diocese serving as a medical doctor for many years after taking over from Bishop John Chew of Egypt. The words are inscribed on at Harpur Memorial Hospital. The common in 2012. a large stone placed in the center of ministry that probably contributed toward the courtyard. Within this four-storied this initial connection was SOMA (Sharing Ties with the Diocese of Egypt continued building you will also find the Alexandria of Ministries Abroad – an international under Bishop Rennis Ponniah. Both School of Theology (Cairo Campus), a ministry started during the early years of Assistant Bishop Kuan Kim Seng and Centre for work amongst the refugees the renewal of the 70s and 80s within the Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng have already from countries in Africa (Refuge Egypt) Anglican Communion.) been in close ministry partnership with and the All Saint’s Garden Conference the Diocese of Egypt. I was privileged to Centre on the top level. Egypt played host to the 3rd Global South continue to work closely with Archbishop Encounter (2005) – this was a watershed Mouneer in the Global South Economic The Diocese of Egypt with North Africa gathering as it met during a very difficult Empowerment track. and the Horn of Africa spans eight point of the Anglican Communion. The countries. Outside of Egypt there are two churches in the Global South clearly saw area Bishops – one oversees the Horn of the need to partner, share and collaborate Africa (four countries - Ethiopia, Eritrea, for the strengthening of the work of the Somalia and Dijibouti) and the other Church – agreeing to tackle the realities oversees North Africa (three countries - of economic disparity and the need for a Algeria, Tunisia and Libya). relevant theology in the light of growing liberal thinking and compromise. ‘Out The similarities with the Diocese of of Egypt’ came the 3rd Global South Singapore (seven countries) are quite Encounter. With the benefit of the passage fascinating. The parallels are also of just over a decade we can see how the apparent when we look at the Province Lord has continued to guide, shape and From left to right: Keith Chua, Ven Wong Tak Meng, of Jerusalem and the Middle East (a total mould our Church since the 3rd Encounter. Bishop Rennis Ponniah, Assistant Bishop Kuan Kim of 21 countries in four Dioceses) and the Seng, Revd William Mok and his wife Deborah Province of South East Asia (a total of nine The ministry relationship was further countries in four Dioceses). strengthened when both Diocesan Bishop Rennis led a small team to the Bishop John Chew and Diocesan Bishop Diocese of Egypt in the second half The beginning of intentional ties between Mouneer were elected Primates of their of February 2017. While this visit was the Diocese of Egypt and the Diocese respective Provinces. As Primates both centered on three key events, there is of Singapore go back to efforts under leaders worked in close partnership, likely to be strategic significance that will Bishop Moses Tay and the beginnings of fellowship and collaboration in tackling become more apparent in the days ahead. the Global South in the 90’s. Archbishop the challenges confronting the Anglican

4 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNION NEWS

The team included Bishop Kuan, The extension of facilities at the Alexandria One of Christ’s apostles, St Mark Archdeacon Wong, and two laypersons, School of Theology (Alexandria Campus) established the Church in Alexandria, the brother Hia Chek Phang (representing Our represents a partnership of the Diocese beginning of the Coptic Church in the Daily Bread Ministries) and myself. Joining of Singapore, St Andrew’s Cathedral and middle of the first century and the work of us in Cairo was Revd William Mok and the parishes. The expanded facilities will the Church continues till today. his wife Deborah. Revd Mok is a Clergy provide for a growing student population Missionary sent recently from our Diocese with added residential and training The Egypt of today is still a country rich in to serve in Egypt. facilities. agriculture and produce. Taking the train from Cairo to Alexandria, we could see the Bishop Samy Fawzy fertile plains of the Nile Delta. Revd Mok has been working bought for us delicious strawberries for very closely with a fraction of what it would cost in almost the Diocese and has any other place. spent time in study and preparation The Egypt of today also continues to be in Singapore. He a refuge for those from other countries represents the next in Africa. Christians from the continent generation of leaders continue to find refuge in Egypt. We in the Diocese of saw many being provided with food and Egypt. Relationships shelter within All Saints Cathedral. take time and these have already Last year the 6th Global South Conference extended back well was held in Cairo in October. The original over a decade and venue for this gathering was to have more. I had the been Tunisia in 2015. However it would opportunity to get to seem that the Lord had other plans and Archbishop Mouneer Anis presenting Bishop-elect Samy Shehata with a pectoral know Bishop Samy the 2015 conference was retimed and cross and work closely with relocated to Cairo. The Communiqué from him as part of the the 6th concludes with these words – The three key events were the Dedication support team for the 3rd Encounter. of the All Saints Garden Conference Centre, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea the Dedication for the new facilities at the The Church in Egypt is presently facing 11:1). We are resolved, as a renewed Alexandria School of Theology (Alexandria very difficult times. The terrorist attack on Global South body, to go forth, following Campus) and the consecration of Bishop the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo in December Jesus, to bring the light of the Gospel to Samy Fawzy. 2016 preceded our visit. As we drove the ends of the earth, through the Spirit’s around Cairo and Alexandria in February power and for the Father’s glory. All these three events are representative of we saw many churches with security the deep and strong growing relationships personnel and some with road access The timing for the role, purpose and place between our two Dioceses. They form closed. In Alexandria we were scheduled of the Church in Egypt is crucial and key in an interesting pattern of partnership and to visit St Mark’s Coptic Church, which the Lord’s redemptive plans and purposes. collaboration at all levels -- Bishops, Clergy was one of two Coptic churches targeted We are privileged as a Diocese to be called and Lay. on Palm Sunday 2017. However we had to into partnership with the Diocese of Egypt skip this owing to time constraints. These along with other Dioceses and Provinces Easter attacks occurred just over five in the Communion. weeks from our visit. This partnership will likely require The challenges to the Church have sacrifice. strengthened the resolve of the Christians in Egypt. In Isaiah 19:24 we read this "He who has an ear, let him hear what the prophetic promise: “… with Egypt …a Spirit says to the churches." Rev 3:22 blessing in the midst of the earth, whom the LORD of hosts has blessed, saying ‘Blessed be Egypt my people...” The reception area of the Garden Convention Centre at All Saints’ Cathedral, Cairo God brought His Chosen people out of Egypt, out of The All Saint’s Garden Conference Centre refuge and captivity around was a gift of financial resources and 1450 BC. Hosea’s prophecy expertise by laity from and through the (Hosea 11:1) from around 750 Diocese of Singapore. Located on the BC and fulfilled in the record of Cathedral grounds, it is a fully equipped Matthew 2:15 where our Lord Conference Centre with guest rooms, and Saviour took refuge as a meeting and conference rooms, and child and then went forth as supporting food and beverage facilities. Redeemer of the world. It will complement the existing Guest St Mark’s Pro-Cathedral, Alexandria, viewed from St Andrew’s Hall, St House. Mark’s Building (next door) Diocesan Digest | 5 PROVINCIAL NEWS Go! Make Disciples of All Nations An excerpt of Archbishop Ng Moon Hing’s Presidential Address at the 2017 Provincial Standing Committee Meeting

ur Province of South 3. Spiritual Formation East Asia consists of An intentional spiritual Othe Dioceses of Kuching, formation course that is Sabah, Singapore and West more practice than theory, Malaysia. The Provincial and necessary for all church Standing Committee met members, especially leaders on February 13-15 at the and clergy. A revisit to the St Andrew’s Cathedral in spiritual disciplines of the early Singapore this year. or modern church traditions will help us not to reinvent In his Presidential Address, the wheel but to savour the Archbishop Ng Moon Hing richness in spirituality. exhorted our leaders to be alert and respond to the 4. Social and Mission competition we face from Involvement the onslaught of darkness of Community involvement and this world on the good of the mission-oriented tasks are Gospel. necessary for members to depend on clergy or pastors, but rather put to use all that they have acquired in Evangelism and Church Planting on laity. training. The message of GIVING must be To counter this onslaught, we need to prominent. We give of our (FATT) finances, be swift, exact, and intentional in our [He added] Clergy or pastors are attention, time and talent, to the Least, approach to evangelism and church necessary for the equipping of the the Little, the Lost and the Less. planting. It is insufficient to evangelize saints, and the saints are to be released and grow in number without setting the for the ministry of the church. These Archbishop Ng felt that a true disciple additional and ultimate goal of planting days, clergy and pastors are often with proper discipleship training will bear new churches. asked to do the ministry of the church the following fruits: and this leaves no one and little time 1. Articulate the Gospel in season and New believers need be nurtured into for the equipping of the saints. out of season; Disciples of Christ; equipped to evangelize. 2. Feed himself with spiritual food and They also need a church; a community We need to restore the original purpose understand Biblical truth; of faithful that is their family of God. as taught in the Scriptures: we need to 3. Worship God and enjoy spending time Archbishop Ng said, make disciples and equip them for all to pray and hear from Him; that the Lord Jesus has taught us. 4. Love God and is passionately willing A community that does not grow is one and joyful to serve Him part-time, full- which is awaiting death. A community Bishop Ng listed a few basic tasks for every time or all the time with a servant’s (should) either grow in size or multiply church and they are: heart; and into new communities; otherwise it will 5. Love his neighbour and is willing to only diminish gradually. 1. Biblical and Theological Formation walk the second mile in mission and Bible study is the first step in the systematic social ministry. Additionally, these “new churches must acquiring of biblical and theological be nurtured to become strong and knowledge. The aim is for pastors to teach In his concluding comments, Archbishop dynamic ones which can eventually look every member to understand and know Ng pointed the way forward, after themselves and multiply.” basic church doctrines and biblical truth. In the midst of [today’s] challenges, I At the very least, every member should believe the best way to plant churches Discipleship Training know how to articulate the Gospel. and grow dioceses is to make disciples. Regarding discipleship training, The best way to counter extremism Archbishop Ng explains, 2. Character Formation and terrorism is to make disciples. The Members with character flaws cannot be best way to stay above water in the The commonly heard comment is ‘Our of use and can cause great damage with atmosphere of secularism, atheism and church does not have a pastor and we repercussions. Clinical Pastoral Education capitalism is to make disciples. are desperate to find one; otherwise and character formation classes can we are badly affected in our growth’. set people free from their blind spots There is no short cut to making disciples. This shows a poor understanding of and idiosyncrasies, and build them into It needs vision, planning, perseverance, theology, ecclesiology and ministry mature, upright, responsible persons. love, passion, commitment, focus, and philosophy. The church should not finally, the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

6 | Diocesan Digest TEACHING ARTICLE What are the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion?

By Revd Jonathan Wong, Priest at Church of the Good Shepherd (English congregation)

Introduction role in how we guard our doctrine and against Luther’s book, The Babylonian The apostle Paul encouraged the young belief. This essay hopes to answer three Captivity of the Church, which earned him pastor, Titus, to “teach what accords questions regarding the Articles: 1) How the title “Defender of the Faith” from the with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1) This is did they become part of our Anglican Pope. The resulting reply from Luther to still an important principle for the work formularies? 2) What were their purpose Henry was ill-tempered and disrespectful, in the Singapore church today. How can and structure? And 3) are they still with the reformer calling him among we do this? One way we can do this as relevant for us today? other things, a “raging madman,” “lying Anglicans is by returning to the resources baboon,” a “wanton buffoon,” and as the early Anglican reformers provided A Brief History of the Articles having a “blasphemous and malignant us—our Anglican formularies. They were To understand how the Articles became mouth.” The king never forgave, and first formed during the period of the part of our Anglican formularies, we must certainly never forgot, Luther for this Reformation of the Church in England, and understand the history of the Protestant insult. are still an important resource to regulate movement in the Church of England. The and guide the doctrine of the Anglican term “Anglican” is derived from the Latin Even though his desire for an annulment Church in Singapore. Ecclesia Anglicana, meaning the Church from Catherine of Aragon led him to sever in the locale of England. The roots of the Church of England from the authority “Formulary” is not a commonly used Anglicanism are found in the Church that of the Pope through the Act of Supremacy word today. It originates from the Latin emerged from the English Reformation of in 1534, thus establishing himself as the formularius libre, which means “a book the 16th century. head of the Church of England. To be of formulae”. In the context of church, clear, he did not do so with any intention this would mean a book which contains Contrary to popular opinion, the English to reform the church. He was actually set forms and rules that the church Reformation was not the sole product still quite Catholic in sensibility and believes, teaches and confesses, the of Henry VIII’s desire for a change of his theology. The real architect of the English liturgy prescribed for worship, and the marital status. While the king had a role, Reformation was Thomas Cranmer. way it orders its ministry. In our Anglican its roots go much deeper. Its origin can context, these formularies are spelled out be found 200 years earlier, when faithful in Section A of the Canons of the Province men such as Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton of South East Asia, which states, and John Wycliffe helped birth a renewed devotion to Scripture in England. This, The doctrine of the Church in the along with the humanism espoused by Province is grounded in the Holy Erasmus of the early 16th century and Scriptures and in such teachings of the nurtured by William Tyndale, prepared ancient Fathers and Councils of the the way for the Reformation in England. Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular such doctrine is The spark that ignited the Reformation to be found in the Thirty-nine Articles of was lit on 31st October 1517 by Martin Religion, the Book of Common Prayer, Luther’s 95 theses. Whether he actually and the Ordinal. (emphasis mine) nailed them to the Wittenberg church door is unclear (current scholarship indicates that this is probably folklore Thomas Cranmer and it may not have been as dramatic as that). But what is evident is how his Cranmer was a theologian and clergyman theses caused the movement of Church who had been deeply influenced by reformation and renewal to spread like Erasmus, and consequently believed that wildfire throughout Europe. The ideas the theology must be based on the plain Reformation espoused – the appeal to the sense of Scripture rather than on the authority of Scripture, and in particular Church’s own authority. As a professor at to the doctrine of justification by faith Cambridge who had expertise in Canon did not take very long to make their way law, he was chosen and sent by Henry VIII across the English Channel to the British to Germany to make a case for the king’s Photo credit: Anthony Easton Isles. The Reformation which took place in “divorce” and to try to win the support of (https://flic.kr/p/pNpQFU) England, however, was different from that Emperor Charles V, who was actually the of the Continent. nephew of Catherine (which made this a Of these three, the Thirty-nine Articles are lost cause). In Germany, Cranmer learnt probably the least read and understood King Henry VIII actually detested Martin first-hand the teachings of Martin Luther today, even though they play an important Luther. The king had written an apology and his fellow reformers. He became

Diocesan Digest | 7 TEACHING ARTICLE convinced about the unconditional love Articles are unmistakably a product of the In this light, Cranmer likewise modelled of God made known in the justification Reformation, and reflect the Protestant the original Articles of Religion on the by faith in Christ that saves sinners, and doctrinal roots of Anglicanism. However, Augsburg Confession, as a way to shepherd sealed his conviction as a Protestant. Anglican theologian Oliver O’Donovan the Church well. The purpose of the articles points out that, was to help the Church teach the Faith In 1533, Cranmer was recalled by Henry with clarity, especially on controversial to become the new Archbishop of There was nothing particularly 'middle' matters. There was no question that the Canterbury. This paved the way for him of the English Reformers' theological Articles were Scripturally-based, but their to become the theological progenitor of positions... Their moderation consisted distinctiveness against the other reformed the English Reformation. However, the rather in a determined policy of confessions were “conscientiously actual theological changes took place separating the essentials of faith and minimalistic” (especially in their final only after Henry died and was succeeded order from adiaphora... Anglican form) in what they dealt with. by his son, Edward VI, in 1547. Cranmer moderation is the policy of reserving had been appointed, along with other strong statement and conviction for The Articles were conceived as a way to fellow reformers, to guide the boy king the few things which really deserve safeguard the truth of the gospel which (he was only nine when he ascended the them. Yet that does not mean that it is had been rediscovered in the Reformation. throne) and it was in this period that the incapable of conveying certainties. (On J.I. Packer and Roger Beckwith point out Reformation of the church flourished. A the Thirty-Nine Articles: Conversations that “the articles were intended to ensure Protestant Book of Common Prayer was with Tudor Christianity, 2011. p 8) that the gospel of justification by faith released in 1549, which was later revised and Salvation by grace, so long lost before to become even more reformed in 1552. the reformation, should not be lost to the For this reason, the true via media The Ordinal of 1550 grounded the roles of church again.” (The Thirty-Nine Articles: of Anglicanism lies in its ability to the deacons, priests and bishops in New Their Place and Use Today, 2007, 68.) To forge a middle way between what are Testament practice, and Cranmer, with the this end, it would be fair to say that it essential to the faith, and the things help of Bishop Nicholas Ridley, drew up a largely mirrored many of the Reformed that are of secondary importance. concise official statement of doctrine in confessions of the period. However, as This is why Anglicanism is able within the form of the 42 Articles of Religion in Oliver O’Donovan pointed out, "the genius the framework of Scripture to provide 1553. of the Church of England [wasn't] to grow such a broad umbrella to the different its own theological nourishment, but expressions of Christianity under its When Edward passed away prematurely only to prepare what was provided from structure. that same year, Cranmer tried to secure elsewhere and to set it decently upon the the Reformation by supporting Lady table." (On the Thirty-Nine Articles, 6.) Jane Grey, a distant relative to Edward. The Purpose and Structure of the Articles The result is that there is a great breadth This ultimately failed nine days later Considering the fact that one of the of Christian expression under Anglicanism. when Mary, Henry’s oldest daughter rallying cries of the Reformation was Sola It is a place where Anglo-Catholics, with Catherine, rose to the throne. She scriptura (Latin for “by Scripture alone”), Evangelicals, and Charismatics unite in wrenched the church back to Roman which was shorthand for the conviction the worship of the one God, yet with Catholicism and earning the moniker that the Bible was to be the sole and many different forms and expressions, all “Bloody Mary” because of her actions in sufficient authority for the doctrine and while holding fast to a common faith and purging the English Church of all Protestant practice of the Church, the question one commitment to the gospel. reforms. Many of the Reformers left the may ask is why it was necessary to create island, and some, including Cranmer, lost the Articles as formulary for the Anglican The Articles of Religion were composed their lives during this dark period. But the church. Are not the authority of Scripture alongside the Book of Common Prayer, fire that was lit eventually took hold when and the appeal to the three historic and the Ordinal and this was intentional Mary was succeeded by her half-sister, creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian) on Cranmer’s part. Together they helped Elizabeth I. Upon ascending the throne, enough to guide the doctrine of Church? the Church of England to define its own she returned the church to its Protestant Why is there a need to come up with Faith and Order in continuity with the roots. One of the key changes she brought a confession in the form of the Articles? Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, about was restoring the formularies which while at the same time establishing that Cranmer developed. In particular, she To understand its genesis, we need it was institutionally and jurisdictionally had the new Archbishop of Canterbury, to examine what was happening in separate from the Church of Rome. Matthew Parker, revise the articles to the the broader Protestant movement in current 39. The purpose was to help forge Europe. Luther in his quest to reform The limitations of this essay prevent a a middle way (via media), as part of the the church wrote, with the help of Philip fuller treatment of the articles themselves. settlement to bring peace to a land which Mélanchthon, the Augsburg Confession However, an overview of the structure was torn by religious violence. to clarify what the Lutherans believed. can be helpful to understand how they They were meant to defend their position were intended to serve the Church. There While older Anglican scholarship saw as reformers against the charges levelled are different traditions of interpretation Elizabeth’s way as finding a path between against them by the German Catholics. of the articles and an account of them Rome (the Catholic) and Geneva (the The other continental reformers also can be found in the booklet by Packer Reformed), current scholarly consensus came up with various confessions for and Beckwith. And while there are some sees the Elizabethan amendments of the their own churches so as to help them differences in how the various sections Articles from 42 to 39 as also bringing teach doctrine and to defend themselves are categorized, they can essentially be a more comprehensive Protestantism against attacks by those who opposed the roughly divided into two parts: for the Church of England. In essence, theological changes that were sweeping it also provided a via media between through the churches of Europe. The first is from Articles 1-18 and they Geneva and Wittenberg. As such, the center around the Faith that we have 8 | Diocesan Digest TEACHING ARTICLE received, firstly from the Early Church for example, article 33 deals with we still need to return to the Reformation (1-5) and secondly from Holy Scripture, excommunicated persons, a practice principles of the authority of Scripture, a which provides the lens through which that is no longer practiced; and article respect for the “faith once for all delivered we can have a correct understanding 37 defends the monarch’s power to rule to the saints,” and the primacy of the of doctrine (6-8). The third part of this the realm against the claims of the pope, Gospel which promises the unconditional section deals with Faith expressed through something which is quite irrelevant for us love of God which justifies sinners through the Reformation teaching on Justification today. Yet the majority of the articles deal faith. We are facing a crisis in our times (9-18), drawing from Augustine of Hippo with issues that are still alive five centuries that compels us to cling to our creedal and also his interpreter, Martin Luther. later. It has been suggested that pressure and confessional statements, so that we to sideline these articles, by churches in will not lose our moorings in the sea of The second half then explicates what it the West such as the US and Canada, are change that threatens to toss us about means to be one united people of God the result of “chronolatry”, which is the with “every wind of doctrine.” (Eph 4:14) in the Nation (Articles 19-39). The earlier worship of the present (Peter Toon). This part of this section looks at the Church, is the belief that new ideas and knowledge There is no doubt that a 16th century and its practices and sacrements, while are always superior to what is “older”. document cannot possibly deal with all the later part deals with the particularities The revisionist pressures we face in the the issues and problems we face today. of the Church’s relationship with the Communion are complex, yet if we distill However, if the Anglican churches today civil authorities of the day. These last many of the issues, we can see that many want to maintain their position as “the few articles have especially given rise to progressive agendas are rooted in this church of the living God, a pillar and objections regarding the relevance of the conviction. They believe that the minds buttress of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15) then Articles for today. This is because much and opinions of people who live today are the ongoing study and appropriation of of the material in these later articles are better and more informed. As such, the the 39 Articles of Religion can help us to incomprehensible to those who are not teachings and confessions of yesterday are regulate and “teach what accords with living in context from when the articles less valuable, and should be disregarded sound doctrine”! were first composed. as obsolete for the times. Swept up in this revisionism is the appeal to Scripture as This naturally leads us to ask how this authority. They cannot see how something The Articles show that the roots of confession which was written in 16th that was written thousands of years ago, Anglicanism were nurtured in the century England, could have any relevance could be relevant and useful for this day soil of the Reformation. And as we and use for us as Anglicans who live in and age. celebrate the 500th anniversary of South East Asia today. that important event, it is clear that One of the ways that we can combat in our day we still need to return to this “spirit of the age” is by following the Reformation principles of the Considering the current divisions of the Reformation’s impulse to return to authority of Scripture, a respect for the Anglican communion, and the the sources (ad fontes). This means re- the “faith once for all delivered to the ways in which the wider Church now examining the wisdom of those who went saints,” and the primacy of the Gospel finds herself in competition in the before us, and to appropriately value the which promises the unconditional marketplace of ideas, not only against resources given to us in the past which love of God which justifies sinners the philosophies and worldviews of are rooted in the unchanging, eternal through faith. We are facing a crisis other faith traditions, but also against Word of God. It is the contention of this in our times that compels us to cling secularism and opinions of today, we essay that the Thirty-nine Articles is one to our creedal and confessional need more than ever to be prepared such resource. The Articles show that statements, so that we will not lose “to contend for the faith that was the roots of Anglicanism were nurtured our moorings in the sea of change once for all delivered to the saints.” in the soil of the Reformation. And as we that threatens to toss us about with (Jude 3) celebrate the 500th anniversary of that “every wind of doctrine.” important event, it is clear that in our day Their Relevance today Packer and Beckwith point out that "Creedal and confessional statements Recommended Reading emerge[d] at times of crisis in church life, The Thirty-Nine Articles: Their Place and Use Today, J.I. Packer and R.T. Beckwith, when it seems that, unless the apostolic Latimer Trust, London, 2006 faith is clarified afresh, error will simply overwhelm it." (On the Thirty-Nine On the Thirty-Nine Articles: A Conversation with Tudor Christianity, Oliver O'Donovan, Articles, 64.) Considering the current SCM Press, London, 2011. divisions of the Anglican communion, The Faith We Confess: An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles, Gerald L. Bray, Latimer and the ways in which the wider Church Trust, London, 2009. now finds herself in competition in the marketplace of ideas, not only against the Reformation Anglicanism: A Vision for Today's Global Communion. Ashley Null and philosophies and worldviews of other faith John W. Yates, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois, 2017. traditions, but also against secularism and A Faith for Today: A Commentary on the 39 Articles by Donald Allister opinions of today, we need more than http://archive.churchsociety.org/publications/documents/Leaf_Allister39Articles.pdf ever to be prepared “to contend for the J.C. Ryle on the 39 Articles faith that was once for all delivered to the http://www.churchsociety.org/issues_new/doctrine/39a/iss_doctrine_39A_Ryle.asp saints.” (Jude 3) The Doctrine of Salvation in the 39 Articles by David Phillips It is true that some of the articles http://archive.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_094_WaytoHeaven.pdf answer questions we do not ask today; Diocesan Digest | 9 DIOCESAN NEWS

Making of Deaconesses

We warmly congratulate and welcome our new Deaconesses, Ds Laura Seet and Ds Anong Lekmuang who were made deaconesses at a special service on 19 February 2017 at St Andrew’s Cathedral.

The Office of Deaconesses

By Revd Canon Dr Titus Chung, Priest-in-Charge of the Mandarin Congregation at St Andrew’s Cathedral, and a member of Standing Committee

The word “deaconess” comes from the ministry of the deaconess, and expressly Christian heritage. Greek verb diakone that means to serve, underlined the making of deaconesses by to assist, to minister. It was used in the the imposition of hands. Although we do In our Anglican tradition, the office of New Testament in connection with serving not have much material on the subject in deaconesses is a unique ministry for food and other aspects of ministry. The the Eastern Church, its office existed and women who have been specially called noun diakonia can mean to minister. was recognised by the Council of Nicaea and who are willing to commit to life-long (325 AD). service and ministry to the Church. Unique The ministry of deaconesses has because it is of its own kind, sui generis, foundations that can be traced in Scripture Its subsequent development into a unique in its characteristics, it should thus and apostolic tradition. The ministry of unique office underlines the invaluable not be regarded as the same as that of a deaconess existed in Jesus’s day (Luke contribution of faithful women who bear the ordination of deacons. In other words, 10:40-42). The Apostles, particularly the likeness of Christ in building the life the deaconess is not one of the historic St Paul (Romans 16:1-2, 1 Timothy of the church. Deaconesses have played threefold Orders of the Church. The office 3:8-12), acknowledged the ministry of a significant role in caring for the poor, of Deaconesses affirms and enhances deaconesses. Church fathers such as the marginalized and the needy; giving the ministry of women with that special Clement of Alexandria (155-200 AD) and instruction in the Christian faith; assisting calling within the ecclesiastical order of Origen (185-254 AD) underlined in their and leading the divine service and sharing our Diocese. Deaconesses serve under the writings the significant contributions the tasks of pastoral leadership. Indeed, authority of the Diocesan Bishop typically of deaconesses in caring for the weak this special and humble service by women serve alongside Clergy in the parish and needy in the church. The Council in the life, mission and ministry of the churches they are assigned to. of Chalcedon (451 AD) highlighted the Church is very much a part of our rich

10 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN NEWS Introducing Our New Deaconesses

Deaconess Laura Seet community outreach, Service Pastor of I was born into a Christian household; one of SJSM’s English worship services, baptised as a child in St Andrew's cell pastor, trainer of cell leaders and many Cathedral. I gave my life to Jesus at a rally other pastoral duties within and beyond in St John’s-St Margaret’s Church (SJSM) the parish. I have also served overseas in when I was 15 years old. My family and South Africa, Philippines, New Zealand, I have been with this church since 1971. and went on short-term mission trips to Prior to my calling into full-time pastoral Indonesia and Timor Leste. ministry, I served as PCC member, Sunday School teacher, youth leader and young I have also had the privilege to sit at the adults leader. My call to full-time ministry feet of many faithful servants of the Lord was through a prophetic word released at during my sabbaticals, such as Selwyn a leaders’ gathering at the end of 1986, Hughes and Jackie Pullinger, who have in which the Lord used John 12:24-25 to honed my ministerial skills in counselling Deaconess Laura Seet (in blue) with her address my inner struggles. and in the exercise of spiritual gifts and husband Chan Tau Yum (left) and sons John outreach to the needy and those with and Jackie I became a full-time pastoral staff member substance addiction. at SJSM on 15 September 1987 and was assigned to pastoral duties that included I am married to Chan Tau Yum and we overseeing Sunday School as well as have two sons; John (19) and Jackie (16). being Assistant Chaplain of St Margaret’s As a family, we desire to serve the Lord in Secondary School. My responsibilities whatever and wherever He leads. over the years have broadened to include other ministries such as intercession,

Deaconess Anong Lekmuang When I was in the bible school, I came I thank God for His calling for me to serve to know the school’s Director who was a Him. I was convicted of the call when I missionary from Korea. His commitment was still a student and a young Christian. and sacrifice in serving God was a most A significant event happened that made inspiring model for me. He slept only me realise how important a good pastor four hours a day and I have never heard a is for Christians. It gave me the conviction single word of complain from his mouth. and desire to be a good servant of the Although he is a Korean, he poured his Lord. When I completed my high school, whole life to serve among the Thai people. I only had one aspiration, and that was He often said to me, “Anong, do your to study in a bible school and be a pastor. best your whole life.” These words were I reminded myself all the time that my etched into my heart till today. It reminds whole life is for serving the One and only me always that the life I was given is to God. serve the one and only God.

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!

Assistant Bishop Kuan Kim Seng Director of Missions

Please issue you cheques to The DIOCESE OF SINGAPORE Special envelopes are available from your parish offices. Diocesan Digest | 11 DEANERIES - NEPAL

pain from the freezing water that I had to An Historic and bear for the 20 minutes pale in comparison to what these people have to suffer for their faith in Christ. My prayer for these Memorable Episcopal candidates was from Philippians chapter 1 – that their faith will serve to advance the Gospel of Christ in Lappa and beyond. Visit My only regret was that we were unable An excerpt from Updates of Revd Lewis Lew, Dean of Nepal and Priest at All Saints’ Church to stay longer and wait for 15 others who were a couple of hours’ journey away who also wanted to be baptized. This is a good reason for me to return to Lappa soon.

At the end of that day, while waiting for the weather to improve so that our helicopter could arrive, a line of local believers formed quickly to seek prayers from Bishop Rennis. They included the elderly and babies who were sick but had no access to medical help. The nearest health post is a 12-hour journey on foot through very difficult and dangerous terrain, and manned often by staff who have little or no medical experience. ishop Rennis Ponniah’s normal church building of the Lappa Church. episcopal visit turned interesting when The original building was destroyed in Bhis flights were delayed for three hours the earthquake and its members are in New Delhi and another two hours at still waiting for a new building to be Kathmandu domestic airport. As the clock constructed. ticked away, Archbishop Foley Beach, who was already in Pokhara with his chaplain At our debriefing session, Archbishop Canon Jack Lumanog, quickly familiarized Beach commented that he was humbled himself with the liturgy of our Confirmation to witness the spiritual hunger of the local Service, and eventually presided over the believers and the powerful move of service. In the meantime, Bishop Rennis the Holy Spirit at the two services. His had sent a text to invite Archbishop Beach sentiment reflected that of everyone on to officiate at the service in his place. It the team. We can attest to the earnest faith For the next two days, Bishop Rennis, was heart-warming to see the two bishops these local believers displayed despite the Canon Steven Asirvatham and I taught of one mind, willing and ready to serve reality of their harsh living conditions, and at the annual CAN Leadership Training one another. their needs while receiving so little help Conference from the book of 2 Timothy. after the quake. It has been amazing to About 60 of our clergymen, School of The Confirmation Service packed the hall see how the Lappa Church has grown to Ministry graduates, district coordinators of Maranatha Church, which is situated 1,300 members. and pastors attended this conference. in a slum area in Pokhara City. It was an historic moment, because these 317 While the confirmation service was going This was followed by another historic confirmands are the very first Anglican on in the Lappa Church, Canon Lumanog event for the Anglican Church in Nepal, members from this western region of and I hiked the half-hour trail across a which saw Bishop Rennis consecrate the Nepal. They were reminded that they ridge to a remote part of the village. Living Hope Church building, which was would be the ones sent to reach the lost, handed over from the builders in April just as the Lord commissioned us to go 2016. It was a joyous and emotional and make disciples of all nations (Matthew occasion for the members of Living Hope 28:19-20). Church as they recounted the Lord’s faithfulness and blessing to their mustard- The second Confirmation Service took seed-faith when they set up the church place the following day in Lappa, Dhading. under Revd Prem Tamang three years ago Lappa is made up of three villages with with just 12 members. Today, Living Hope a population of 6,000 and sits at 2650m Church has a membership of 300 and runs above sea level, on the remote northern Here I had the joy of baptizing 18 new two services, in Nepali and English. tip of Dhading, near the Manaslu Ranges, believers in the freezing waters of a not far from the Tibetan border. One way “baptism pool” that was actually a stream As we wrapped up the week of ministry to get to Lappa Village is to hike on foot from a waterfall. I was overjoyed to see in Nepal, we were awed by the wind of for four days. We chose the easy way - the faith of these new believers, many of the Spirit that is blowing in this nation. by helicopter from Kathmandu. Bishop whom are in their late teens. They know God is certainly moving in amazing ways. Rennis and Archbishop Beach had the joy very well that when they choose to follow My prayer is for the Church in Nepal to be of confirming 219 members at a special Christ, they will face severe persecution caught in this wind of God. service held in the temporary makeshift from fellow villagers of other faiths. The

12 | Diocesan Digest DEANERIES - NEPAL Project Taja Asa ProSEAMs (Fresh Hope) Mission Meeting and Community Improvement Training Confirmation Workshop Service in Excerpt of write-up by Mr Heng Fu Wen, Taja Asa Project Manager Tawal, Dhading roject Taja Asa is the Deanery of Day 5 Community Disaster Preparedness Nepal’s initiative to bring fresh hope to Against the backdrop of God’s beautiful Pits Anglican communities by (i) developing outdoor classroom, the facilitators taught 9-13 March 2017 human-centric resilience through the principles of Jesus’ Servant Leadership by Revd Lewis Lew, Dean of Nepal community improvement training, and (ii) model through group discussions and improving infrastructure-centric resilience numerous fun and challenging outdoor through quake-resilient community activities designed around disaster structures. preparedness.

The pilot Community Improvement There were also mission exercises that Training (CIT) Workshop that was run in required participants to form teams to August 2016 saw many positives emerge. collect information on surrounding villages CIT Workshop 2 consisted of a facilitator as part of “Loving and Understanding team from Singapore and another from your Neighbour”. These culminated Nepal (made up of Anglican pastors in the Leaders’ March on the final day ed by Assistant Bishop Kuan Kim and members from YWAM), who linked as participants applied the principles Seng, the six-member ProSEAMs up at Kathmandu and headed up the of servant leadership to a simulated L(Province of South East Asia Missions) mountains of Northern Dhading to train evacuation mission exercise. Committee held their meeting this year 100 participants from 11 villages from 19 in the mountain village of Tawal, in to 23 January 2017. We look forward to CIT 3 in March 2017, Dhading, Nepal. It will be an experience and many more opportunities to serve they will remember for a long time. CIT2 Workshop Programme: Him. Day 1 Purpose & Types of Leaders Kawal is situated 66 kilometres north Day 2 How to Become a Servant Leader west of Kathmandu at a relatively low Day 3 Building a Team of Servant Leaders elevation of just 1430m. Getting there Day 4 Community Assessment & Planning involved a gruelling seven-hour jeep ride and a challenging four-hour hike that eventually became six hours when the team was hit by a freezing hailstorm. Expecting regular spring conditions, the team was poorly equipped and had to brave extreme cold. 20 kilometres north, villages were snowed in under 70cm of snow.

Seizing the opportunity to have two bishops in Tawal (Bishop John Yeo of Sabah and our Bishop Kuan Kim Seng), a Confirmation Service was held on 11 March in the near-completed Tawal Allan Ng, Facilitator, St Hilda’s Church Church building. A total of 230 members I was reminded that God is Love. His love for were confirmed, with candidates from Bir Bahadur Tamang, me puts my heart right to serve and teach. the north trooping down to Tawal CIT 2 Participant, Pokhara There was explainable joy in communing, despite being snowed in. Bishop Kuan I learnt a lot about the heart of a servant praying, sharing testimonies, and learning presided over a spirit-led service, and leader. It has to do with being unselfish, from each other. (I experienced) a unity it was heart-warming to see the Nepali like how our Lord Jesus came not to be in service and fellowship in Christ and believers so filled with joy, passion served but to serve. I have also learnt a lot the opportunity to freely worship God in and enthusiasm, despite the constant about building character in the team and the overwhelming presence of the Holy adversities they face outside this church want to apply these teachings to my life Spirit, (that) soon led to a deep sense of building. and ministry. belonging and connectedness.

Diocesan Digest | 13 DEANERIES – THAILAND A Milestone Dedication Service

By Revd Canon Yee Ching Wah, Associate Director of Missions and Dean of Thailand

Front view of Lat Krabang Anglican Church’s newly completed Welcome Centre

fter 10 months of construction that began on 15 May 2016, an outstanding landmark is now positioned in Lat Krabang. AAnyone driving pass the six-lane road in front of it will notice this modern yet classic brick-faced building with its prominent cross and welcoming frontage. The Architect, VaSLab Architecture, conceived the design based on the given brief that this place is to be the tabernacle for His glory, a city on the hill and a home for the Anglican Church in Thailand (ACT) family.

On 1 April 2017, our Bishop Rennis Ponniah dedicated this new building in the presence of guests from Singapore and Thailand. Among those present were Assistant Bishop Kuan Kim Seng, Assistant Bishop Low Lee King, and representatives from the Singapore parishes of St Andrew’s Cathedral, St John’s-St The Chapel Margaret’s Church, St James’ Church and Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) Chinese Congregation. Also present were distinguished In the presence of these 200 witnesses, the service began with guests from Thailand representing the Evangelical Fellowship our Bishop and his attendants symbolically knocking three times of Thailand, the Church of Christ Thailand, the Boys Brigade of on the door of the church’s main entrance, and the local leader, Thailand, IDMC Thailand and long-time friend of ACT, Mrs P. Mr Dhanadhis Jirathammakul, declaring: “We have received your Wongduen Yontararak. Leaders and member representatives vision to plant this new church in Lat Krabang, Bangkok for the from all the ACT churches came together to rejoice over this gift extension of His Kingdom!” and handing the keys of the church from God that will be their future Headquarters. to the Bishop who in turn entrusted it to Priest-in-charge, Revd Andrew Yap.

VIP guests from Thailand – Vice Chairman of Evangelical Fellowship Thailand (R); Vice Chairman of Church of Christ Thailand (2nd from right) Local Leader handing over keys to Bishop Rennis Ponniah 14 | Diocesan Digest DEANERIES - THAILAND In a fitting sermon from John 7:40-44, Asst. Bishop Kuan extoled May LKAC pulsate the heartbeat of God while extending the how “God overrules” to give us more than we ask or imagine - Kingdom of God in and beyond Lat Krabang to the rest of Thailand! by giving, beyond this piece of property, Christ our Messiah. He concluded by saying that when ACT becomes a Diocese one day, perhaps the church plant should be called the Cathedral of the Messiah.

Dedicatory prayers at the cafeteria

The Welcome Centre is one of four buildings in LKAC’s building The Dedication Service project, and its completion marks the end of Phase 1A. In two years, God willing, the estimated $2.5m construction of the other The service continued with dedicatory prayers for the Chapel, the three buildings can begin. These structures will house church Office, the Café and the surroundings. There was a prophesy that facilities, residences, and a kindergarten. To God be the glory! this place shall have a life-giving heart that reflects God’s heart; and shall be a place of the Good Samaritan where the needy gets help. This word was affirmed by visions of light and living water that will draw in and refresh all who pass by. A Celebration & Preparing for the Future

By Revd Mark Dickens, Dean of Laos and Vicar of St George’s Church

n November 2016, an In March 2017, Bishop important celebration was Rennis Ponniah visited Iheld in Vientiane to give thanks Vientiane and met with to God for a very special lady: key leaders, including St John’s St Margaret’s Church committee members of member Dr Choy Leng, and her Church of the Holy Spirit service with the Anglican Relief (CHS). During the meeting, and Development Agency we had a very helpful (ARDA) over the last 20 years. discussion about the future. We reviewed the unique During this time, Choy Leng nature of CHS; a church was twice ARDA’s Director, taught English classes, gave medical that attracts and reaches out to a wonderful multicultural mix advice to many, and helped hundreds of students; all the of people from many different denominational backgrounds while powerfully demonstrating the and traditions. Bishop Rennis assured the committee that the love of Jesus. I believe there will be Diocese is very committed to CHS and is seeking to help and many more Lao believers in heaven guide it in ways that bring honour to God. It was noted that because of the witness and work of the important initiatives in health, education and prisoner Choy Leng. We are praying that God support from members of CHS link up well with the aim of the will raise up more Choy Lengs. We Deanery; which is to serve all peoples in Laos as we display need more women and men who the love of Jesus Christ in word and deed by working with our are willing to leave safe, secure and ministry partners throughout the country. comfortable Singapore and move to Laos to serve long term.

Diocesan Digest | 15 DEANERIES – INDONESIA INSTUTITION AND INDUCTION SERVICE OF ALL SAINTS’ 30TH VICAR By Revd Dr Timothy Chong, Dean of Indonesia

ll Saints Anglican Church, Jakarta, was first established as a and pioneered the degree programme at the college. The college collecting station primarily for missionaries entering China. prepares students for ordination in the 43 dioceses of the four AThe land was purchased in 1819 by the London Missionary northern provinces. Helen lectured as well as was the PA to the Society. Later, All Saints became a colonial chaplaincy and then, an Dean. She also spent about one year as Administrator of the international church. It is the oldest English-speaking institution Anglican Hospital in Wusasa. Alan was preferred Honorary Canon in Indonesia. in the Diocese of Zonkwa in 2010 and Archdeacon in Diocese Alan and Helen Wood first served in Nigeria from 1981 to 1993 of Kebbi in 2012. They returned to Australia at the end of 2013 with the Sudan United Mission. Alan was engaged to teach in due to some health issues. After recovery from successful back theological colleges and was ordained in 1988. On their return surgery, CMS asked the Woods to help in Jakarta from November to Australia, they served in Sydney Diocese from 1994-2007. 2014 as an Associate Minister, and in September 2016 he was In 2007, the Lord again called the Woods to Nigeria to lecture appointed Vicar of All Saints. On 9 April 2017, Venerable Alan at St Francis of Assisi Theological College, Wusasa, in northern Wood was inducted as the 30th Vicar of All Saints Church by Nigeria, under CMS Australia. Alan was the Director of Studies Bishop Rennis Ponniah.

GROUNDBREAKING SERVICE FOR OUR ANGLICAN CHURCH IN SEIMENGGARIS, NORTH KALIMANTAN.

he work in Seimenggaris is undertaken by the Diocese of Sabah. It started in May 2005 in response to the repatriation Tof Indonesian workers from Malaysia. The church purchased a house which became the nucleus of the Anglican ministry there. After years of labouring, the local district in seeing the effort of the church in this place, gave a piece of land for a new church building in Seimenggaris. The ground-breaking ceremony was officiated by Bishop Melter Tais, the Diocesan Bishop of Sabah, on 4 April 2017. The event was witnessed by church and government officials.

16 | Diocesan Digest DEANERIES – CAMBODIA

PROJECT KHMER H.O.P.E.

tarted as a project of the Cathedral PKH graduates have found jobs in hotels, MAIN AIMS FOR 2017 in 1999, the mission of PKH is to construction and engineering firms, 1) Equip up to 120 and 50 youth, Stake practical humanitarian steps to be and other establishments in Cambodia. at PKH Chbarmon and PKH Aoral relevant to the Khmer people, meeting The PKH Centre in Aoral also serves as respectively, with vocational skills. them at their points of need and reflecting an English tuition centre for about 28 2) Provide 360 children with daily meals, the love of Jesus Christ through these acts secondary school students. English tuition and Bible Knowledge of kindness. PKH has the aim of alleviating at PKH Centre, and education at poverty and creating sustainable Chom Bok Primary School. livelihoods for Cambodians with social, 3) Teach English to 110 poor orphans economic and health disabilities. and children at PKH English School. 4) Support 34 orphans/street kids at Today, PKH carries out its work at four the Seeds of Hope Orphanage. locations in the Province of Kampong Speu 5) Conduct computer classes at PKH in Cambodia: Centre, Aoral during school holidays 1) Project Khmer H.O.P.E. (Anglican) Centre, Chbarmon 2) Project Khmer H.O.P.E. PROVIDING YOUTHS WITH PASTORAL English School, Chbarmon GUIDANCE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO 3) Project Khmer H.O.P.E. RECEIVE THE GOSPEL (Anglican) Centre, Aoral PKH also supplements each child with one 4) Project Khmer H.O.P.E. full meal per school day, basic healthcare, (Anglican) Centre, Trang tuition in English and Bible knowledge. In 2016, this work was carried out for 360 We give thanks to God for the privilege of children, before and after school, at the serving Him in Cambodia for the last 16 PKH Centre in Trang. To date 24 members APPEAL FOR SUPPORT years. Together with all who pray, serve from 20 families from this Commune have The projected operational costs for PKH’s and give towards its work, PKH was able been baptized! 2017 work is US$500,000. PKH would to carry out these works in 2016: like to invite you to make a difference in NEW WORK - Project Khmer H.O.P.E. the lives of poor and needy Cambodians HELPING POOR YOUTH BREAK OUT OF English School by supporting its work financially. All THE POVERTY CYCLE BY EQUIPPING THEM This year, PKH embarked on a new work of contributions will be appreciated and FOR JOBS teaching English to poor children, 6 to 18 acknowledged with official receipts. Your PKH equips youth with marketable skills years old. The PKH English School (PKHES) support will be used solely for the work by providing vocational training at its two started on 1 Oct 2016. It is located on of helping the poor and needy within centres in Chbarmon and Aoral. the grounds of Kampong Speu Orphans the scope of PKH’s works and not for Centre(KSOC), adjoining the PKH Centre administrative costs and overheads. In 2016, a total of 115 youths were in Chbarmon. With this, another 110 poor equipped with vocational skills for children have the opportunity to learn to For further enquiries, including bank the hospitality services and technical read, write and speak English daily. transfers to PKH, maintenance industries. please visit www.pkhcambodia.org, email [email protected], or phone 65-6337 6104.

Diocesan Digest | 17 DEVELOPMENT BOARD Gifts of Land, Building and Resources Every Provision is from Above Excerpt of a Synod report by Dr Gan Cheong Eng, Chairman of the Development Board, and a member at St. John's Chapel

his article is a testimony of how God has blessed our Diocese in terms of real estate, to further His Kingdom. It highlights THis continuous faithfulness and the many challenges He has helped us to overcome in the acquisition of land, construction of buildings and utilization of facilities.

THANK GOD FOR OUR LAND 1 Corinthians 10:26 says that “the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." And Leviticus 27:28 tells us that “every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord.” These verses remind us that His gifts of land is for us to worship Him, and we should value our consecrated land as gifts from the Lord and be dutiful to preserve them. St John’s-St Margaret’s Church in the Dover area has plans to build and manage a nursing home within its church property In this context, we recognise Diocesan land handed over from colonial times as gifts from God. All these prized real-estate are We cannot afford to be complacent about the use of our existing zoned for religious and institutional use. land because Singapore’s land limitation results in high real estate costs - all the more so for land in strategic locations. Public tenders for land for church use are rare, and their lease periods are short. Competition further escalates prices.

Nevertheless, the high cost of tendered land and lease renewals can be a blessing in disguise if it forces the maximum use of land through partnerships with other Christian institutions. The Hub Concept encourages such multi-partite sharing and maximises its use in strategic locations. However, this concept has yet to trend.

Our Diocese needs foresight and advanced planning to obtain new sites in new town developments. We also need a land bank to replace lands with diminishing tenures. This includes buying land in the outer parts of the island.

St Andrew’s Cathedral: A gift of land in the heart of the city that provides a well of living water. The situation in our deanery countries needs developing. Not many land parcels Several other parcels are private gifts of commercial and have been handed down. Most new parcels have been donated residential properties that have been re-zoned for religious use. by Singaporeans, in keeping with traditional and historical Matthew 23:26 teaches us not to leave talents or gifts fallow. generosity within the Church. Beyond treasuring and preserving these inherited property, we want to practice faithful stewardship by maximizing land usage Land is much cheaper in the bigger deanery countries, even in within the land tenure to advance His kingdom. city areas. Current church planting efforts depend on ad-hoc land offers. However, church planting will require strategies Many of our Diocesan estates are strategically located near that target outreach at a national level. Purchases must be on populated areas in the central city and southern areas. Density fair market value and not the vendor's asking price. Foreign and development growth in these locations promise not just land laws are different from Singapore’s, so land parcels may outreach potential but appreciation in value as well. National come with encumbrances such as development restrictions and economic growth can further appreciate the value of these assets corresponding infringement risks. Trusteeship in holding land is even further. also not straight forward in some countries.

18 | Diocesan Digest DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Church of the Epiphany: A site preserved by the Lord, that was St Andrew’s School Batam, Indonesia acquired in 1962 and with over 50 years of lease remaining. Plans are Our work in our Deaneries mirrors our local educational thrusts in underway to build a new church complex for multiple congregations Christian outreach.

St Paul’s Church: Freehold site in Upper Serangoon/Hougang Rebuilding in Nepal

THANK GOD FOR OUR BUILDINGS THANK GOD FOR OUR RESOURCES Hebrews 3:4 says, "For every house is built by someone, but the We have also witnessed God’s provision through large sums builder of all things is God." of money from anonymous donors and timely expertise from volunteers. Other times when internal support is weak and Buildings provide us shelter from weather, a cover over our sluggish, help from unexpected quarters appeared. assets, and a place for gathering. We use church buildings for worship and ancillary parish community activities. Ten percent of One must never forget that the blessings of land and buildings building space may be allotted for kindergartens. There is also are from God and are for the extension of God's Kingdom. In limited plot ratio with other restrictions. Matthew 28:19 Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all The process of building and construction is complex and nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son multidisciplinary in trade and profession: Each step requires and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have specialists with their specific vocational skill sets; while time and commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of environmental factors add volatility to the process. It is also a the age.” Let us faithfully steward the real estate blessings of God big budget item that presents temptations to cheat and waste. in this direction. Amen. Navigating through these complex challenges necessitate God’s wisdom. May He provide discernment to all of us who serve Him in this area. After all, temple building is a spiritual process. "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain." (Psalm127:1)

It is obvious, to the Singapore authorities as well that church building usage is very low. Optimizing usage, however, is frequently limited by self-interest and logistical difficulties. Some common challenges include low sinking-fund provisions for major item replacements, and a lack of expertise in building and maintenance management. In Singapore, building management has the added challenge of new security and hygiene arrangements. These challenges can be expected in our deaneries as well, but with the added obstacle of cross cultural communications which can A target site to re-establish Anglican presence in the western area impede cooperation. Yet, God has been faithful to us in preserving of Singapore all our Diocesan buildings. Diocesan Digest | 19 COMMUNITY SERVICES Caring for the Community

Staff Dedication Service at SANH (Henderson) on 18 January 2017

ligned with St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital’s (SAMH) heritage of Our Saviour Singapore in serving the residents at Henderson of serving the needs of the community, SAMH started and Queenstown respectively, God has also brought His faithful Aoperating the St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Henderson) and St. servants into the SANH family. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Queenstown) in February and April 2017 respectively. With these developments, there are now three Sharing his testimony at the SANH (Henderson) staff dedication nursing homes under the St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (SANH) service, Mr Sa Simon, Healthcare Assistant, SANH (Buangkok) banner, including the pioneer SANH (Buangkok), a psychiatric said, “I joined SANH (Buangkok) two years ago. The SANH family nursing home, provides holistic nursing and rehabilitative care for comprise members from various countries such as Malaysia, 300 residents. Singapore, India, Myanmar and the Philippines. Being far away from our families and friends, we can get homesick. I thank God SANH (Henderson) and SANH (Queenstown) provide integrated that not only did He answer my prayer and paved the way for me residential care (including dementia care), centre-based and to work in SANH, He has also watched over my family and me. This home care services for the elderly. Aiming to deliver Better Health, has encouraged me to strive on and obey God’s commandment Better Care and Better Life, the model of care focuses on provision in serving His people. Working in SANH has molded me into be a of resident-centric quality care. Residents are empowered to take better person!” charge of their own lives and health by participating in the nursing home’s social and health promotion activities and programmes Ms Tabuada Deborah Olivina, Enrolled Nurse from SANH of their choice. The ultimate aim is to provide residents with an (Henderson) enthusiastically added, “I joined SANH (Buangkok) enriching, home-within-a home memorable experience. three years ago and gained plentiful learning opportunities. Although each one of us has a different reason for serving in As SANH reaches out to the community, we thank God for His SANH, let us do our best in taking care of the residents and bring guidance and provision of resources. Besides being blessed with glory to the Lord!” the support of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Church

St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Henderson) St. Andrew’s Nursing Home (Queenstown)

20 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNITY SERVICES Fostering a Culture of Love

by Barnabas Sim, CITY Community Services

e have just passed the seasons of Advent and Lent when we are reminded how God became Immanuel (cf. Is 7:14, WMt 1:23). This Immanuel, who loves us to the end (Jn 13:1), also loves the ones who usually receive little attention, like children. “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Mk 10:14 ESV)

In frenzied Singapore, working adults can get caught up in the rat race – servicing loans, meeting the ever rising costs of living, fighting in a competitive job market, etc. Often children are left to their own devices – literally, for example, time spent on their mobile phones, tablets, or computers; and metaphorically, for example, time spent loitering outside school, hanging out in malls. Would they know what love looks like in the real world, outside of their devices? Sadly, for many the answer is no. Game time at Befrienders Club At CITY (Character in the Young) Community Services, a culture of Serving around 300 children weekly through our Kids’ Loft Student love is fostered in the young lives whom we have been given the Care Centre, Befrienders Clubs, and BFA with a small core team privilege to work with. Immanuel’s incarnational love is needed of staff is a challenge. The work is for the long haul; the fruits are in their struggles; being a latchkey kid; having feelings of low self- not immediately evident. esteem or being unloved or misunderstood. This is especially so for those who have become so hardened that they need to re- “… ‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and learn what it means to love and be loved. you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’” (Mt 25:35-36, ESV). God comes to us in these children (cf. Mt 25:40, 45). May our Father hear our prayers for each and every child to experience the incarnational and transformational love of Immanuel.

CITY needs Heros like the one mentioned by Cassandra. We need Volunteers to model Immanuel’s love, and who can commit their time and skills in our clubs or student care centre. This may mean contributing an afternoon or two of your time to invest in young lives as a Befriender. Donations are also appreciated to support full-time staff, the student care centre, and for the children (eg. Provision of snacks, outings, camps). Contact our General Manager, Mrs. Patricia Aw, at [email protected] or 9823 6955, for more information. Getting help with homework from a volunteer

“… I really want to improve … even if I do make mistakes, so that I can give back the values that you (the Befrienders teachers) have taught me, to the (younger) kids … the real hero is you, for all the commitment you have for us, all the love you've showered us in and all the time you've used on us even if you're busy… thank you for all the times you've taught me self-love, encouragement, respect, resilience in what I do and to be positive, and my inspiration to never give up in life…”, wrote Cassandra, a Befrienders Alumni (BFA) member.

‘Chariot Race’ during CITY Orientation Camp 2017

Diocesan Digest | 21 COMMUNITY SERVICES Singapore Anglican Community Services Celebrates 50th Anniversary

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good words and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

017 marks the 50th Anniversary of Singapore Anglican On 31 August 1967, the SAWC was inaugurated to minister to and Community Services (SACS). It started with a simple step of to carry out community services and welfare work amongst the 2Faith, sowing Hope among the sick and needy, and bringing the elderly, the poor, the destitute and the aged sick, according to the Love of God to the Community. teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was a modest set-up operating from a small building in the compounds of the Armenian Church. The genesis of SACS began in the early 1950s with the The Student Counselling Services became the very first service establishment of a free clinic by Mrs Catherine Thomas, a trained arm of the SAWC. Collaboration were initiated with other social nurse and wife of the principal of St. Andrew’s School, Mr. Francis service agencies such as the Wilkie Road Children’s Home, a Thomas, to serve the needy villagers living in the Potong Pasir drug rehabilitation centre and the Christian Outreach tothe area. Handicapped.

In August 1986, the Whampoa Care Centre was set-up. It served as a family crisis refuge for women and children, and a day care sheltered workshop which provided skills and job opportunities for persons with mental health issues. Through this service, we realised some of our clients’ fundamental cause of destitution and helplessness was due to their mental health issues. There was a lack of help for people with mental health issues during the time. This motivated us to begin psychiatric rehabilitation and counselling services, which became one of our core services up to this day.

Mr and Mrs Francis Thomas

In the 1960s, a student of St Andrew’s School committed suicide. The unfortunate event highlighted the need for student care and counselling. This led Mr Francis Thomas to set up the School Counselling Services in a little wooden building on the grounds of St Margaret’s Primary School.

God continued to work greater plans through Mr. Francis Thomas. In 1966, he was asked by the Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Venerable Tony Dumper to look into the formation of the Anglican Whampoa Care Centre Welfare Council, which was later renamed the Singapore Anglican Welfare Council (SAWC). SAWC was restructured to bring together the other community service arms of the Diocese, and was renamed the Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) in 2004. While there are various community service and parish-based initiatives under the umbrella of SACS, we shared a common mission – to seek the welfare of the city and serve the needs of the disadvantaged and the destitute with the love of God.

Through the years, God has blessed the works of SACS and expanded our stable of services. Today, SACS is one of the largest and leading Voluntary Welfare Organisations in Singapore, especially in mental health services. Our Psychiatric Services arm includes Residential and Day Rehabilitation Services at Hougang Care Centre and Simei Care Centre, Community Rehabilitation Support and Services at Bukit Batok, Pasir Ris and Yishun, and the Integrated Employment Support Services. Together, they provide SAWC operated from the premises of the Armenian Church in the early a seamless continuum of psychiatric rehabilitation services to days. 2,000 persons with mental health issues annually. 22 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNITY SERVICES

Psychiatric Services

Spurred on by our ethos, we made in-roads into Senior Services As we enter into the year of Golden Jubilee, a new service to meet the prevailing need of the aging community in Singapore. milestone awaits. The works of SACS’s Psychiatric Services have Following the established work of PEACE-Connect Senior Activity received affirmation from the Ministry of Health. In 2016, it Centre at Kampong Glam, a Holy Trinity Church initiative, it appointed SACS to operate a Sheltered Home for Person in Mental was appointed as a cluster operator in 2015. The SACS Cluster Health Recovery. A first-of-its-kind in Singapore, the Anglican Care Support and Senior Group Home at Jurong East were opened to Centre (Farrer Park), is part of our continuum of care for persons enable needy seniors to age-in-place within the community that with mental health issues. The centre, when ready in 2017, same year. SACS Senior Centres at Floral Spring, Golden Orchid will offer temporary accommodation to 60 adults and 20 youth and Hillview were new initiatives rolled out in 2016 to reach out recovering from mental health issues, and help them reintegrate and engage seniors actively through various programmes at the into the community. centres. God has guided SACS in the past 50 years and is shining brightly on us. The future of SACS is not only about continuing the heritage of serving the needs of the community, but most importantly, it is about doing it God’s way and serving with a heart that exemplifies His great love.

Senior Services

Our Family and Children Services continue our mission in reaching out to the groups- at-risk. SACS Family Care Centre has provided temporary refuge and support to more than 3,000 women and children of domestic violence since 1986. CITY Community Services seeks to meet the needs of underprivileged primary school children through Befrienders Clubs in 16 primary schools.

Family and Children Services

Diocesan Digest | 23 COMMUNITY SERVICES

Serving with Love: Singapore Anglican Community Services - St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital Joint Charity Dinner

Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, together with board members and management of SACS and SAMH as well as invited guests.

Photo from left: Mr. Sim Gim Guan, CEO, National Council of Social Service; Mr. Andrew Goh, Vice-President, SAMH; Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH; donors from the Lew Foundation - Mr. Freddie Lew, Mr. David Lew and Mr. Lew Chee Beng; Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development; Bishop Rennis Ponniah, President, SACS and SAMH; Mrs. Amir Ponniah; Mr. Anwar Shaikh, Donor; Ms. Unaiza Shaikh, Donor; Mr. Keith Chua, Vice-President, SACS; and Dr. Loh Yik Hin, CEO, St. Andrew’s Community Hospital.

ingapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) and St. Andrew’s continue its steadfast delivery of care. Mr Anwar and his family Mission Hospital (SAMH) held its annual joint charity dinner at have also since become active volunteers at SACH, contributing Sthe Pan Pacific Singapore on 28 October 2016. The dinner was to holistic patient care by befriending the elderly patients, attended by donors, partners, supporters as well as board and particularly those with dementia. committee members of SACS and SAMH. Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, graced the dinner as In his address to the guests at the dinner, Minister Tan Chuan-Jin the Guest-of-Honour. A total of $607,000 was raised that night acknowledged the relevance and partnership of SACS and SAMH’s and the proceeds will fund SACS and SAMH’s growing range of services in today’s context, where there is a pressing need to services. provide quality care for seniors in an aging population, and build an inclusive society for persons with special needs and mental At the Charity Dinner, Bishop Rennis Ponniah, President, SACS health issues. He shared about SACS and SAMH’s appointments and SAMH, quoted the late James Hudson Taylor, a Christian by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and MSF to operate new services missionary to China, “God’s work done in God’s way will never – two new nursing homes at Henderson and Queenstown, an lack God’s supply.” He gave thanks to God and to our supporters Adult Disability Home for persons with autism, and a Sheltered for partnering SACS and SAMH in our care mission, citing two Home for Persons in Mental Health Recovery. SAMH will also examples of support. First, the support from the Lew Foundation, operate a third nursing home at Dover Avenue, an initiative of St. which pledged $4 million towards the work of St. Andrew’s John’s - St. Margaret’s Church. “The way forward,” Mr. Tan said, Nursing Home (SANH) in Buangkok and two new nursing homes “is collaboration.” He further encouraged SACS and SAMH to forge in Henderson and Queenstown. In line with its philanthropic partnerships with as many stakeholders as possible, “because the objectives, the Lew Foundation also committed its support for collective strength is the sum of our individual parts.” the upcoming Adult Disability Home which will be operated by St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC), in collaboration with the SACS-SAMH Joint Charity Dinner - 25 August 2017 Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). SACS and SAMH will be organising a joint Charity Dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Friday 25 August 2017, to raise Bishop Rennis further shared the example of the support of funds so that we can continue to deliver quality services at another generous donor, Mr Anwar Shaikh and his family. Mr affordable prices to all who require the necessary assistance. Anwar’s wife was admitted to St. Andrew’s Community Hospital’s Our Guest of Honour will be Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, (SACH) Palliative Care Ward in September 2016 and passed away Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic not long after. Despite their bereavement, Mr Anwar and his and Social Policies. We aim to raise $900,000 from the Dinner to family surprised SACH with a gift of $105,000, in appreciation for support and expand the work of SACS and SAMH. Please email the care that was shown to his wife and their family during Mrs us at [email protected] for more details. We look forward and Anwar’s last days and as an encouragement to the hospital to thank you for your continued support of our work. 24 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNITY SERVICES

Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH, shared with Mr. Tan Development, gave an encouraging speech which emphasised the Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, about the new synergistic partnerships between SACS and SAMH, to benefit more and upcoming services of SACS and SAMH. people in need in the community.

The Lew Foundation pledged $4 million in aid of the work of St. A stirring finale performance led by SACS and SAMH Management. Andrew’s Nursing Homes (Buangkok, Henderson and Queenstown). The first song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was dedicated to all persons In addition, the Foundation also extended its support for St. Andrew’s with mental health issues, and to SACS Psychiatric Services, which Autism Centre’s Adult Disability Home at Sengkang. celebrates its 30th year of service in 2016. The second song, the SACS- SAMH Anthem, “Here I Am, Lord”, got the audience singing together From left: Dr. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH; Bishop with much gusto. Rennis Ponniah, President, SACS and SAMH; Mr. Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development; and Mr. Freddie Lew, Lew From left: Mr. Dennis Ang, CEO, SAAC; Dr. Loh Yik Hin, CEO, SACH; Dr. Foundation. Arthur Chern, Group CEO, SACS and SAMH; Mr. Steven Ting, Head, Psychiatric Services, SACS; and Mr. James Chan, Director, Hougang Care Centre.

Hougang Care Centre (HCC) set up a booth to display works done by Hougang Care Centre (HCC) set up a booth to display works done by their clients. Mr. Anwar Shaikh (centre) their clients. Mr. Anwar Shaikh (centre)

Diocesan Digest | 25 COMMUNITY SERVICES THE MISSION OF PROVIDING SOUL CARE FOR ALL By Benjamin Jeyaraj William [Mr William is Chairman of St Andrew’s Lifestreams, a member of St Paul’s Church and also the Secretary General/CEO of the Singapore Red Cross.]

he complexity of today’s society fullest, and for parishes to send our PARTNERSHIPS intensifies the complication of the members and staff for professional Lifestreams retains a small staff of trainers Tissues with which people struggle. As our counseling and wellness for ministry. and counselors, but works with partners Diocese embarks on “Kingdom Advance”, Lifestreams also serves as a resource to enlarge its reach and enhance its one way to do so is to reach out to our center to screen and refer more complex programmes. Recently we have engaged community in their struggles. As these counseling cases to appropriate agencies renowned therapists like Dr Edmund Ng struggles exist within our churches as well, and specialized services. Furthermore and Dr Carolyn Ng to complement our there is an urgent need for expertise in Lifestreams provides creative and programme on grief counselling. our parishes, schools and deaneries that specialized therapeutic services like can enable us to reach out and adequately Theraplay, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Grief Looking ahead, we are excited to partner help people handle and manage life’s Counseling and Marriage Preparation. with Crusade for World Revival’s (CWR) issues. Waverley Abbey College (whose founder TRAINING is the late Selwyn Hughes of Everyday In order to provide soul care for all, Lifestreams’ training programmes aim With Jesus fame) to use Lifestreams Lifestreams is paying close attention to to develop and build a pool of quality as a platform to bring to Singapore the needs, issues and concerns that our Christian counselors who are equipped CWR’s signature Care and Counselling churches are facing in ministering to our with counseling skills that are enhanced programmes, as well as, new specially- congregations and reaching out to the with a biblical perspective. Another level designed short-term programmes community. Beyond availing its services of training aims to equip lay, pastoral and (e.g. weekend workshops) suitable for and training programmes to the public, ordained leaders within our parishes with individuals and groups, on a regular basis. Lifestreams exists to support and work the necessary skills to provide “first aid” with the Diocese of Singapore and its and ongoing “aftercare”. Lifestreams also NEW WINESKINS parishes in our mission to reach out to our provides training for people with specific Lifestreams is presently reviewing the communities, and to provide and equip needs and concerns such as parents content and structure of her ministry, ourselves in the area of “soul care”. and teachers dealing with youth, and with a view of strengthening our support couples who are preparing for marriage. to the parish churches. Please pray for COUNSELLING SERVICE Additionally, Lifestreams also conducts this review, and watch this space for Lifestreams’ professionally trained talks, workshops, seminars and retreats announcements of finalized changes. Christian counselors provide a Christian that serve to create awareness and invoke perspective and a safe haven for people interest on issues of concern that the who are seeking help to live life to the Church and society are currently facing. Lifestreams’ Therapeutic Services: Counselling and Creative Therapy for Families, Adolescents and Children

Individual and Couple Counselling Play Therapy Theraplay - a safe and empathetic way to greater freedom in Christ. Lifestreams has a dedicated play Emotional health and spiritual maturity therapy room for children and are inseparable (Peter Scazzero, 2006). adolescents with emotional regulation Have you been suppressing anger, issues, anger management, ADHD, Simple Theraplay Materials sadness, anxiety and fear instead of issues adjusting in schools, withdrawn acknowledging them as God’s gifts for tendencies or personality, problem An engaging, playful, relationship- a fuller life. Are there incidents in the socializing with peers, and other issues. based treatment method that focuses past that you would rather forget, but on improving the child’s behavioral could not and continue to influence Play therapy creates a safe space for and emotional challenges through the your present. Individual/Couple or the child to explore, express and work parent-child relationship. It helps the Family Counselling can provide a safe through these difficulties. The child child overcome fear and increase trust, environment to address these common emerges from it with increased self- and creates a positive change in the struggles in life. It pays to pay attention confidence, and greater resilience child’s sense of self. to our emotional health as we do our to handle the daily socio-emotional The therapeutic goal of this treatment physical health. For an online personal challenges. method will lead to the full range of assessment, go to: positive outcomes associated with http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ secure attachment: optimism and high personalassessment/ self-esteem, the ability to empathize and get along well with others, and long-term mental health.

26 | Diocesan Digest COMMUNITY SERVICES Highlights of Programmes in 2016/2017

Signposts for building better behaviour (October/November 2016) Signposts is a five-week parenting workshop that teaches parents how to systematically and strategically deal with difficult behaviours at home. This programme is a partnership between KK Woman’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) and Parenting Research Centre, a non-profit organization in Australia. Lifestreams an authorized service provider to conduct the Signposts programme in Singapore.

When asked what they found most helpful about the programme, participants said they liked learning about “the creative ways of managing the child’s high-risk situations” and “parenting strategies such as managing instructions and rethinking triggers for difficult Parents of Ascension kindergarteners with Signpost facilitators Jenny Ong and Hazel Yeo behaviour.”

The Virtues Project By Jenny Ong TM The Virtues Project inspires Individuals to live more authentic and joyful lives, families to raise children of compassion and integrity; educators to create safe, caring and high performing learning communities; and leaders to inspire excellence and ethics in the workplace. It teaches a framework to live the best life we can and to help others do the same.

Journeying with a Griever (February 2017)

- using the TIME Approach, by Dr Edmund Ng, DMin (Wales)

Dr Edmund Ng is one of very few Asians certified in Thanatology by the Association for Death Education and Counselling, USA to teach on working with grief. More than 39 participants attended this half-day seminar.

A Talk on the Impact of Play (September 2016)

Lifestreams’ PTI-certified play therapists shared with 50 educators at Sparkletots about the impact of play on child development and self-image. Using real-life examples, these educators learned to take perspective through the lens of children, especially those with special needs.

Pastoral Care Modules (April 2016)

Module One: Learning to Dialogue (L2D) By Jenny One and Ian Poulier Learning To Dialogue (L2D) focuses on developing Interpersonal Skills for The Dialogue Model, a framework demonstrated by Jesus in His approach to people, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds. Pastoral carers develop competence in establishing and maintaining effective pastoral relationships while walking with their community in their faith journey with God Diocesan Digest | 27 DIOCESAN YOUTH BOARD

SERVE 2017

ERVE is the Diocesan Youth Board’s signature discipleship programme organised specifically for youths who have just completed their O and A level examinations. It Sruns annually for three months, from January to March. Its curriculum includes interactive lectures; discussion groups; experiential skills-learning from attachments to the Anglican Community Services centres and diocesan parishes; and missions in some of our deanery countries.

This year, 53 youths from 16 Anglican parishes and two Lutheran churches took part. Supporting the SERVE programme this year was a dedicated and passionate team of two programme and administrative coordinators, eight mentors, and 26 lecture and retreat speakers. These speakers included deans, chaplains, clergy, parish workers and Christian leaders within our Diocese and beyond, who taught, briefed, guided and supervised each youth through the various programme components.

Participating Churches

Chapel of the Resurrection | Chapel of Christ the King | Church of the Epiphany | Church of the Good Shepherd | Church of the True Light | Light of Christ Church Woodlands | Marine Parade Christian Centre | Parish of Christ Church | St Andrew’s Cathedral | St Andrew’s City Church | St Andrew’s Community Chapel | St James’ Church | St John’s Chapel | St John’s-St Margaret’s Church | St Peter’s Church | Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) | Jurong Christian Church | Queenstown Lutheran Church

CAMBODIA MISSION TRIP MENTORS THAILAND MISSION TRIP MENTORS From left to right: Emmanuel, Serena Liaw, From left to right: Cherlie Cheong, Isaac Eliza Poh Cheong, Esther Peh Not in photo: Choo Xian Jie Not in photo: Ryan Kam

28 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN YOUTH BOARD

his year, DYB was blessed to have SERVE alumni Eliza Poh from Marine Parade Christian Centre return as a SERVE Mentor. She shares, “I joined SERVE in 2014 after completing my A-levels. I saw Tit as a great opportunity to get my walk with God back on track so I said, ‘Sign me up.’ I am glad I went through SERVE before starting university. It helped me much more than I imagined it would.”

“I am currently on a study break and in the Tribute programme with my church so my Vicar sent me here,” said Eliza. “Coming back to SERVE has once again pushed me out of my comfort zone because I am still facing new challenges and I am truly thankful for every bit of this experience. My takeaway from being a mentor this year is that God does not need me to be perfect before He can use me.”

When asked if she had any encouraging words for those who are thinking of joining SERVE 2018, Eliza commented, “It is no coincidence that you are thinking about this, whatever your reasons may be. God is going to speak to you and use you in unexpected ways, so be excited and come with an expectant heart!”

“I joined SERVE for all the wrong reasons. “My SERVE highlight was my community God was not one of my priorities. But after service attachment to the SACS Family Care sitting through the lessons, my relationship Centre. I got to understand the needs of with God changed gradually. SERVE has the parents and children there. Working helped to clear most of my doubts about with the staff showed me how to help the God. It has also taught me that I am worthy children and how to show God’s love, even of His love – something I never believed though they may be difficult at times. It until now. I feel I have changed – I have so allowed me to have empathy and to make a much more to look forward to.” difference, no matter how small, in the lives Melanie Minu Mathew, of those in need.” Darrill Chan, St Andrew’s Cathedral Light of Christ Church Woodlands

“During the evangelism session, Mr Wallis “One of the highlights for me was my Sultan showed us a cartoon video about attachment to the parish and to Singapore carrying the candle. The video touched me Anglican Community Services. I went to because it reminded me of our calling to be serve, but I returned feeling blessed by the the light of the world. It was also special people there. I learnt to be slow to judge, for me when Steve Loh from Youth With A to be humbler and more patient, and to try Mission prayed for me and told me that the to see others through Jesus’s eyes. During words ‘light of the world’ came to his mind, my time there, I also learnt the importance and that God will ‘call me to dark places’. of praying for others. God also showed me I also learnt that the power to change the the immensity of His love – that He loves world lies not in me but in God. So I pray everyone, and He uses our imperfections that God will give me the strength to stand and inadequacies to bless others and glorify firm in Him and in my faith, and also the Him.” Tershenne Tan, courage to follow Him because I know He is St John’s-St Margaret’s Church real.” Jane Seow, St James’ Church

SERVE Speakers Mr Ezekiel Ang – Diocesan Youth Board Coordinator. Ms Shirley Bong – Creative Arts Ministry @COR. Revd Chris Chan – Priest @Chapel of the Resurrection. Mr Joseph Chean – National Director of Youth With A Mission Singapore. Mrs Cherlie Cheong – was Youth Pastor @MPCC. Revd Gary Chng – Priest @St Paul’s Church. Revd Darren Choo – Priest @Church of Our Saviour. Revd Foo Chee Meng – Senior Chaplain of Singapore Anglican Community Services, and Priest @St Andrew’s Community Chapel, Chinese congregation. Revd David Lee – Priest @St Hilda’s Church. Mr Lee Hee Khian – Founder of Wonderfully Made (a counselling and education consultancy). Mr Gregory Loh – member @St Andrew’s City Church. Mr Steve Loh – Director of Youth With A Mission Singapore’s Discipleship Training School. Pastor Loon Fu-Man – Youth Pastor @St John’s Chapel. Revd Canon Ong Chooi Seng – Vicar of St Peter’s Church and Chaplain of SACS Family Care Centre. Mr Eugene Seah – Motivational Speaker, and member @St Andrew’s Cathedral. Mr Victor Seet – Certified StrengthsFinder Coach, and Founder of Strength School. Ms Mabel Siew – was Counsellor @Church of Our Saviour. Mr Wallis Sultan – member @Grace Assembly of God. Revd William Tham – DYB Chairman and Priest @Light of Christ Church Woodlands. Mr Jeffery Tan – Speaker, trainer, certified coach @JTan Coaching. Pastor Jeremy Joe Tan – Youth Pastor @Chapel of the Resurrection. Mr Jason Wong – Director of Focus On the Family. Ven Wong Tak Meng – Dean of Cambodi. Revd Canon Yee Ching Wah – Dean of Thailand. Pastor Andrew Yeo – Worship Pastor @Cornerstone Church. Revd Joseph You – Priest @Chapel of the Holy Spirit Diocesan Digest | 29 CHINESE BOARD CHINESE BOARD

New Immigrants’ Ministry

The New Immigrants’ Ministry Conference was held on 5 Mar 2016 at St. John’s - St. Margaret’s Church. There were three workshops that dealt with topics that catered to this ministry’s specific needs. A hundred new immigrants and ministry leaders from the Chinese Churches participated in this Conference.

A Chinese Cultural Night was held on 29 Oct 2016 at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Main Speaker Revd Huang Ao-You encouraged the 756 attendees as new immigrant Christians to find a local church, participate actively inits activities, do their best to integrate into the Church, and carry the gospel mission with them. They were urged to actively invite their non-Christian friends to attend a church service, and to bring them to the saving faith in God, and to build a relationship with Him.

Youth Ministry Committee (YMC) Family Life Seminar

Approximately 50 participants from nine churches attended a The Diocesan Family Life Seminar was held on 27 Aug 2016 at Disciples’ Gathering that the Youth Ministry Committee (YMC) the Diocesan Centre and the Church of the Ascension with 265 convened at St James’ Church on 27 February 2016. An “Old attendees. After Revd Thong Tang Hiong’s message based on the Testament Review” helped participants get a grasp of contents in theme of “We are One Family,” there were five other theme- the Old Testament. related workshops, including one for Children’s Ministry.

A “New Testament Review” was presented at the second Disciples’ Gathering that was held on 13 August 2016 to 40 youths from eight churches. The course was conducted in a humorous, playful and relaxed manner, allowing participants to learn and understand the New Testament in a short time. YMC also organized a special event on 22 October 2016 at St James’ Church, playfully termed “High-Fun-Time”. Through games and matches, the youth learned the Old and New Testament stories through creative methods. It was attended by almost 100 youth from eight churches.

30 | Diocesan Digest CHINESE BOARD Annual Chinese Church Leader’s Conference

The annual Chinese Church Leaders’ Conference was held on 23 April 2016 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The 265 attendees included clergy and parish workers, parish assistants, lay readers, council members, theological students, cell leaders, sunday school teachers and church administrators of the Chinese churches, who came together for fellowship Parish Worker/Parish Assistant Family and for special workshops. Assistant Bishop Low Jee King inspired those present to “Seize Retreat the Present and Look to the Future”. The Chinese PW/PA Family Retreat was held on 20-23 Jun 2016. Forty- three pastoral workers and their families, together with five Clergy advisors, attended this retreat in Johor, Malaysia.

Other Key Events

An offering of $17,254.65 was collected as gifts and provided a fellowship lunch to The annual Combined Seniors’ Gathering on Chinese Board Sunday on 7 Aug all the students, the Parish Workers and took place on 4 Nov 2016 at Joy Garden 2016 to aid the Jurong Church’s Building Parish Assistants who attended. Restaurant, SAFRA Jurong. The 960 seniors Project. Following tradition, all the clergy from our Chinese churches were blessed exchanged pulpits and preached in each Twenty-four of our clergy and their wives by Revd Ng Hwee Leong’s message on other’s congregations that Sunday. attended the11th World Anglican Chinese “Finishing the Race Gracefully.” The Clergy Fellowship. This quadrennial seniors presented various performances Nineteen theological students were event was held from 5-8 Apr 2016 at the while lunch was served. In keeping with invited to attend this year’s Theological Mariners’ Club in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong tradition, all retired Bishops, clergy Students’ Gathering, which was held Kong. The speaker was Revd Dr Philip Siew and their wives were invited to join the on 20 Aug 2016 at St Hilda’s Church. Tye Yau who is the Principal of Seminari gathering. An offering of $7,758.30 was Revd Joseph Goh shared on theological Theoloji Malaysia. collected to support the Jurong Church’s education and Assistant Bishop Low Jee Building Project. King gave an encouraging exhortation. The Chinese Board presented book vouchers

Diocesan Digest | 31 THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BOARD The Overseas Anglican Clergy Sabbatical Programme By Karen Wong

he Overseas Anglican Clergy Sabbatical them with spiritual vigour and vision.” Madagascar; Venerable Dr Godwin Programme was formed in response to Other goals of this programme include Makabi, the academic dean of the Trequests from senior Anglican clergy from exposing participants to the life and Christian Institute in the Diocese of Jos, the Global South who wished to spend ministry of the parishes in Singapore Province of Nigeria; Canon Rinji Kwashi, their sabbaticals in Singapore. and the Province of South East Asia; and the archbishop’s chaplain and the director strengthening ministry partnerships, of catechism training in the Diocese of Jos, Held in St Peter’s Hall (SPH) within the mutual learning and sharing between Province of Nigeria; Revd Brang Mai (Paul) Trinity Theological College (TTC) in participants. It also features an intentional from the Diocese of Myityina, Province Upper Bukit Timah Road, the tranquil and systematic series of lectures in of Myanmar; Revd Sa Myint Htoo (David) campus grounds and surrounding theology, spirituality, pastoral ministry and from the Diocese of Yangon, Province rainforest provide participants the serene discipleship conducted by experienced of Myanmar; Revd Ngwe Thein (John) atmosphere ideal for rest, study, reading clergy and leaders from the Diocese of from the Diocese of Sittwe, Province of and reflection. Singapore. The programme also includes Myanmar; Revd Winston Sokim, the Vicar daily morning and evening prayers led by of St Peter’s Parisj, Diocese of Kuching; Revd Joseph Goh, Chaplain of SPH says, the SPH student community. and Revd Jugah Anak Adi, the Vicar of St “We consciously plan our programme Augustine’s Church, Diocese of Kuching. with the aim to bless the participants with Clergymen who took part in last year’s time, space and resources for the Lord programme included: Bishop Gilbert to speak, minister, renew and refreshed Rateloson, the Bishop of Fianarantsoa,

Clergymen who took part in last year’s programme included: Bishop Gilbert Rateloson, the Bishop of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar; Venerable Dr Godwin Makabi, the academic dean of the Christian Institute in the Diocese of Jos, Province of Nigeria; Canon Rinji Kwashi, the archbishop’s chaplain and the director of catechism training in the Diocese of Jos, Province of Nigerian; Revd Brang Mai (Paul) from the Diocese of Myityina, Province of Myanmar; Revd Sa Myint Htoo (David) from the Diocese of Yangon, Province of Myanmar; Revd Ngwe Thein (John) from the Diocese of Sittwe, Province of Myanmar; Revd Winston Sokim, the Vicar of St Peter’s Parisj, Diocese of Kuching; and Revd Jugah Anak Adi, the Vicar of St Augustine’s Church, Diocese of Kuching.

Here are a few excerpts of participating Christian ministry needs to be a shared mobilization and the education of clergies' sabbatical reflections: responsibility, a team effort. I believe this young children and youth. Visits to the is one of the reasons the ministries of the St Andrew’s Autism Centre and the St Ven Dr Godwin Y Makabi Diocese of Singapore continue to progress Andrew’s Community Hospital showed Diocese of Jos, Province of Nigeria within this country and abroad. Sunday me the elaborate efforts made to provide services here are collaborations between healing, comfort and supportive hands This sabbatical period has been a great ordained clergy and lay workers. This is to the sick and many ailing in society. time spent away from home and the quite striking, as each person is respected, This is one concept of Christian ministry I rigours of ministry schedules. We got valued, and given room to contribute to intend to take home with me. The efforts to rest, reflect, and interact with fellow daily worship within their own gifting. of the Diocese to pull human, material ministers, church workers and members and financial resources together for the from different cultural and geographical Our visits to the diocesan community advancement of God's kingdom within contexts. service centres have also left a deep Singapore and in your deanery countries, impression on me. In my diocese, is a very inspiring endeavour. This shows My experience here has deeply reinforced our contribution to community life that the Church in Singapore is generous my conviction that leadership in tilts immensely towards community and gracious, not hoarding God's 32 | Diocesan Digest THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BOARD blessings, but freely and graciously giving experiences and challenges in ministry, Revd Winston Sokim to impact lives far and near. This attitude, pray and encourage each other. Diocese of Kuching to me, is worthy of commendation and emulation. I also enjoyed the exposure of visiting the These four months have passed very community hospital, shipyards and the fast and I will bring back to my parish Another lesson I learnt was the need to retreat in Batam. The different community many memories and experiences. There stop, reflect and refresh after a long and development, culture and environment were eight of us from different Dioceses, hard time of service. As God’s labourers, gave me a lot of knowledge and ideas. countries and backgrounds. We had a we can push ourselves to breaking point good time sharing our problems and in a desire to render selfless service. While The lessons and lecture notes conducted experiences with each other. I learnt that selflessness is required in ministry, God were very fruitful for me. some countries face even more challenges chose to create us flesh and blood, with I will bring back the books and teaching in spreading the Good News of Jesus the tendency to get tired and exhausted. materials for my future use. I plan to Christ. They face torture and death for God intends that we pause to rest, reflect, translate them all to my native language their faith. pray, study and be renewed and refuelled and use them to conduct a training before continuing the journey; otherwise, programme first in my parish, and extend The Singapore Diocese has done a ministry can become superficial. it to my diocese if I get an opportunity. tremendous work in evangelism and church planting. I like the idea of having The community life at TTC also showed I did not expect to face so many difficulties weekly clergy meetings, which I attended me that worship time is not just for with culture shock, different living as an observer. It is good to be informed of students but for the staff as well. It was standards, and understanding different new issues and developments, hear fellow an encouragement and an inspiration to accents. I am grateful that arrangements clergy’s special tasks and responsibilities, see the whole community gather together could be made for a small kitchen to cook and uphold each other in prayer. It shows frequently to deepen their relationships our own food. Fellowshipping with the the spirit of teamwork. with God and with one another. Myanmar Worship Service congregation members at St Andrew’s Cathedral every Revd Brang Mai (Paul) Sunday made us feel at home. I had the Diocese of Myityina, opportunity to encourage and advise Province of Myanmar them.

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and My wish for pastoral care came true have fellowship with the Singapore through this programme. It has made me bishops and clergy every Tuesday, and stronger and determined for my future with the other clergy on sabbatical in this evangelistic challenges for the ministry in programme. We were able to share our Myanmar.

The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Teaching on True Happiness

Synopisis which they were first taught, so that Speaker Jesus’ Beatitudes have long fascinated their original intent and meaning are Dr Tan Kim Huat is the Academic Dean readers of all stripes and colours, with grasped. The structure of this collection and Chen Su Lan Professor of New faith or no faith. This is not surprising, of Beatitudes, its main theme and the Testament at Trinity Theological College. as they are artistically expressed and meaning of each individual Beatitude He is married to Michelle, and together purport to instruct us on what true will also be treated. Thereafter, we they have three children. Whenever he happiness means. What’s mind-blowing will seek to connect the past and the is not preaching, he will be at St Hilda’s is that this happiness is not the run-of- present, and consider meaningful Church with his family. the-mill type or found in bestsellers in applications for ourselves today. our local bookshops: books that help some authors make money out of our Venue: Dr Tan Kim Huat deep desire for happiness. Instead, it Cathedral New Sanctuary is surprising and revolutionary, and graciously available to all! Time: Friday, 25 August 2017, 7.30-9.30pm and The course will focus on Jesus’ Saturday, 26 August 2017, 9am-12pm Beatitudes as found in Matthew. It will seek to understand the context against Admission is free. All are welcome.

Diocesan Digest | 33 THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BOARD

Rooted in the Word

34 | Diocesan Digest EDUCATION BOARD Education Mission We are very grateful to God for growing our Christian mission through our Anglican schools (as well as St Andrew's Autism School). Our partnership with our school principals and Board/School Management Committee (SMC) chairmen is vital for our task of sharing our Christian worldview and inculcating Christian values in our students. We are also grateful for our working partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the recruitment and appointing of our principals.

New Principals The Diocese wishes to welcome new principals Mrs Marion Tan Cheng Neo to St Andrew’s Secondary School, and Ms Patsy Neo Phei Tze to St Andrew’s Junior School with effect from December 2016.

Mrs Marion Tan was Principal of St Ms Patsy Neo was Vice-Principal Margaret’s Secondary School from at St Andrew’s Junior College from 15 December 2004 to 14 December December 2012 to March 2016. She 2014; and Principal at Beatty was selected to be on the Leaders Secondary School from 15 December in Education Programme (LEP) in 2014 to 14 December 2016. She takes March 2016 and graduated from the over from Mrs Lucy Toh, who was programme in October 2016. Ms Neo SASS’15th Principal from December was posted to St Andrew’s Junior 2010 to December 2016. School after her graduation. She takes over the role from Mrs Wong Bin Eng as Principal of St Andrew’s Junior School who has since retired on 31st December 2016.

The Diocese of Singapore also wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to Mrs Wong Bin Eng (left) and Mrs Lucy Toh (right) for their dedication and invaluable contributions to our Anglican schools.

Anglican Preschools – Accreditations & Awards The Diocese congratulates our pre-schools on their achievements The Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework (SPARK), and would like to thank the Management Committee Members, implemented since 2011, is a quality assurance framework senior management and staff in all our Anglican Pre-schools who to assist pre-schools in Singapore in raising their quality in the work tirelessly to provide a godly environment to all the children areas of teaching and learning, administration and management they come into contact with. processes, thereby enhancing the holistic development and wellbeing of pre-schoolers. Christ Church Secondary School achieved School Excellence Model The Diocese is very pleased that Kiddy Ark Childcare & Christ Church Secondary School was validated by the Ministry of Development Centre, which started operations in August 2000, Education in September 2016. The Diocese is very pleased that acquired the standard for SPARK Certification recently in January the school achieved the School Excellence Model score range 2017. Praiseland Child Care & Learning Centre, which was of 350-399, a significant improvement from 2010. The school established in September 1990, achieved SPARK in May 2016. was assessed on their leadership direction, student-focused processes and student results. We give Christ Church Secondary They join Anglican kindergartens Ascension Kindergarten who our heartiest congratulations. To God be the glory! achieved SPARK accreditation in 2011, and St. James’ Church Kindergarten (SJCK) (Leedon and Harding) who achieved it in St. Margaret’s Secondary School awarded the School Distinction 2012. Both attained re-certification with flying colours in recent Award years (2014, 2015 and 2017). St. Margaret’s Secondary School underwent External Validation by the Ministry of Education in Sep 2016. The Diocese is very pleased SJCK (Harding) and The Ascension Kindergarten have also been that the school was awarded the School Distinction Award. The recognised for Progress in Teaching and Learning. SJCK (Harding) school also received all five Best Practice Awards – Teaching & has also been awarded SPARK (Commendation) Certification. Learning, Character Development, All-Round Education, Staff Well-Being and Partnership. The evaluation criteria went beyond In addition to achieving SPARK, SJCK also received two awards academic achievements and included holistic aspects as well. We at the 2016 Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) give SMSS our heartiest congratulations. To God be the glory! Conference – the Early Childhood Innovation Award (Distinction) and the Outstanding Early Childhood Educarer Award (Ms Amanda Poh). Diocesan Digest | 35 PARISH SPOTLIGHT

CHURCH OF THE TRUE LIGHT: Transformed to achieve Victory

By Ms Lucilla Teoh

“Miracle after miracle,” says Revd Winston Tan, Vicar of the Church of True Light (COTL) the minute we commence the interview. He has been vicar for almost 16 years. At every Friday prayer meeting (Chinese congregation), which has a regular attendance of 50, they have witnessed miracles especially of healing. This is echoed by Revd Samuel Kunjumone, priest of the Indian congregations, who has also seen the same at the Indian congregations’ prayer meetings.

Nestled in Perak Road in Little India, this church was started as a church reaching out to the Heng Hua and Foochow communities. Once upon a time, it was affectionately dubbed the “Trishaw Pullers” Church, as its early members were trishaw riders, taxi drivers, bus conductors, and shopkeepers from the neighbourhood. The current church was built in 1957.

In 1911, Miss Apple, a missionary from the Church of England Zenana Missionary Society, arrived in Singapore to start an outreach. Mr Guok Koh Muo, who had recently arrived from China, responded to the call. He started gospel meetings in a small barber shop in Bencoolen Street in the evenings. And the numbers grew till they had to find a new venue. He would later become ordained and become COTL’s first vicar.

36 | Diocesan Digest PARISH SPOTLIGHT

Church of the True Light is home to English, Hokkien, Mandarin, Tamil, Malayam, Hindi and Singhala congregations. It holds a Bahasa Indonesia worship service which ministers to around 120 seafarers and domestic helpers. It is also the temporary home to a Korean congregation, and is firmly behind deanery work in Batam which is headed by Revd Ferry. COTL sent out two missionaries to Cambodia who have recently completed their stint. In partnership with United Bible Society, COTL is supporting a bible school on Henan Island, China. There is a member who is serving as a missionary with OMF. Another was in Chiang Mai and is now reading Divinity at Trinity Theological College. In addition, it is also providing support to the ATA and IATA accredited True Light for Asia Seminary (Kerala), which is now able to offer doctoral level studies. The Seminary is a separate independent entity though it bears the name ‘True Light.’ Prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit are key according to the Vicar.

How did a predominantly Chinese dialect church, located albeit in Little India, become a church with thriving Indian congregations? While a graduate student of East Asia School of Theology, Revd Samuel was walking in Little India and met the COTL verger, who introduced him to the vicar Revd Gregory Chiang at that time. He asked Revd Chiang for a room to hold a small prayer group which he had started. After a year, they were assimilated as a congregation and God gave the increase.

“During one of our Healing and Deliverance Meetings, an elderly uncle in a wheelchair came forward for prayer. He was healed and is now riding a bicycle,” shares Revd Samuel of one of many miracles he has witnessed at COTL over his 17 years. From that small prayer group of 10, he now oversees five services for about 450 members in four languages.

“Walking closer with the Lord, rooted in His Word,” is the prayer of Revd Vincent Hoon, priest of the English language congregation, for the members under his pastoral care. He is using materials created by Assistant Bishop Kuan Kim Seng and Revd Peter Chen. Revd Hoon happily reports that the youth are also eager to run The Alpha Course again, having done so in earlier years.

Altogether, this multigenerational family church serves more than 1,200 worshippers. Looking through different anniversary magazines is like flipping through a family photo album. The great grandchild of founder, Revd Canon Guok, for example, worships at COTL, a family church that is “transforming to achieve victory.”

Church of the True Light 25G Perak Road, Singapore 208142 Contact us: 62940797 Website: www.truelight.org.sg Email: [email protected]

Sunday Services: English 9am, 11am Hokkien/Mandarin 9am Indonesian 2.30pm Malayalam 7.30pm Mandarin 11am Mandarin Youth 9.45am Tamil/English 11am, 5pm Hindi Fellowship 3pm Sinhalese Fellowship 3pm

Diocesan Digest | 37 SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS

From Glory to Glory St James’ Church is 40 (1977-2017)

emember, Rejoice, Respond – Revd St James’ Church was birthed by Revd During this Thanksgiving Service, Chua Siang Guan, the Vicar of St Canon Guok Koh Muo. Arriving from Bishop Rennis shared his hope for SJC RJames’ Church (SJC), reminded the 1,200 China in 1911, he was soon enlisted into – Contemporary in Form, Everlasting in strong congregation gathered at the outreach work to the Heng Hua and Pathways. While SJC continues to worship Singapore Expo that these three words are Hock-Chia speaking people. Eventually he the Lord using contemporary methods at the heart of their celebration of God’s was instrumental in starting the Church and forms, she is to be steadfast in holding faithfulness and providence since 1977. of True Light, that is currently located in on to the ancient ways of the Lord, based Perak Road in Little India. In his 60s, he on Jeremiah 6:16, The Crossroads ethos of SJC is espoused was given a vision by God to build a church in this vision statement, “We are a in the Holland Village area. Although he This is what the Lord says: Crossroads Church of spirit-empowered did not live to see this vision realised, his “Stand at the crossroads and look; disciples glorifying God by obeying His children worked tirelessly to build a small ask for the ancient paths, heart and fulfilling His will to reach the church with a kindergarten. ask where the good way is, and walk in it, world.” and you will find rest for your souls. Work began in 1973 when a Church Together as one church, the Chinese and Building Committee led by Revd T.C. Nga, Bishop Rennis prayed for SJC to be a English congregations, and St Jamers past a Methodist priest who was a close friend missionary church, a place of rest for and present gathered to remember God’s of Canon Guok, was formed. A small troubled lives, to be a river of life. He also faithfulness (Luke 24: 21-24), rejoice in congregation of 17 was sent out from the prayed for SJC to be a vessel for God’s His Crossroads calling (2 Cor 3:18), and Church of True Light to start SJC. On 22 Harvest, a vessel of His glory. It is also the to respond with faith with eyes opened, February 1977, the first service in SJC was prayer of every SJC member that St James’ hearts warmed, minds filled by Scriptures led by Revd Ong Ming King. The original will be place that everyone can call home and lives empowered by the Holy Spirit. church building has since been rebuilt. and where everyone matters. To God be the glory. As early as 1962, correspondence was Presently, SJC is involved in planting seeds exchanged between the Bishop of in the Deanery of Thailand. Missionary Singapore and Malaya and Miss Gertude couple Revd Andrew Yap, and his wife Gouk, daughter of Revd Canon Guok Koh Diana, were sent out by SJC to anchor the St James’ Church Moh, about the possibility of establishing work at Lat Krabang, the site of the future 1 Leedon Road, Singapore 267828 a church in the Holland Road area. It Cathedral. Hence it was heart-warming to Contact: 64690715 was with great joy that Ms Guok and have a small Thai delegation celebrating Website: www.sjc.org.sg her brothers Peter and James, were able with SJC at this Service. Revd Canon Yee Email: [email protected] to join the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Revd Ching Wah, Dean of Thailand, shared Rennis Ponniah, Assistant Bishop Low the good news that Phrase 1A of the Sunday Services: Jee Keng, Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng, building project at Lat Krabang has been English: 7.30am, 9am, 11.15am and members of the Diocesan Standing completed. SJC has been central in fund Saturday 5pm Committee, Anglican clergy, and heads raising for Lat Krabang. On April 1, Bishop Cantonese/Hokkien: 9am of various Christian organizations, at this Rennis dedicated that building which is Mandarin: 11.15am Thanksgiving Service. the Welcome Centre for God’s glory.

38 | Diocesan Digest SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS 10th ANNIVERSARY OF JURONG ANGLICAN CHURCH (MANDARIN)

This article is based on excerpts from writings by Revd Canon Dr Titus Chung, Priest-in-Charge of St Andrew’s Cathedral Mandarin Congregation, and Revd Ang Soo Sung, Priest at Jurong Anglican Church (Mandarin)

he Cathedral Mandarin congregation Therefore regarding when and where the wondrous work of the Holy Spirit has church plant – Jurong Anglican Church church building should take place, it will spurred our hearts to praise and worship T(Mandarin) - has stepped into her 10th be according to His great plan and His our Lord. To date 478 have been baptised. year. It is indeed a day of thanksgiving and time. Our current duty is to raise funds counting our blessings. We praise God for actively while constantly seeking Him and In the next 10 years, the church should those brothers and sisters who were sent rely on him through prayer. meet new milestones of growth to fulfill out, and worked diligently for 10 years in God’s purposes: growth in the lives of Jurong. We give thanks for the many good “Seeking and relying on God” is easily said church members, developing them to fruits; whether it is the growth in numbers but not easily done. No matter how much be disciples of our Lord, just as Jesus or spiritual maturity. we have travelled on this path of church commanded us to make disciples of all planting, we keep in mind that the church nations. We also want to grow in numbers The path taken over the past decade was is a community of witness and faith. The from our members serving as bearers of filled with many detours. God permitted it, church that we work hard to build must the Gospel. to train us to gradually become that house in the end be the light and salt (Matthew that does not fall, and prepare us for bigger 5:13-16). This is also why brothers and Building the physical church and growing challenges. Land is a scarce resource in sisters from the Cathedral are willing to the spiritual church are both challenging this “Little Red Dot” of Singapore. The step out and be sent to Jurong. tasks that come with a price, but God is funds needed for church building does with us. We need only to rely on our Lord not only come from English and Mandarin Many of the ministries have developed to be strong and courageous. Submit to congregations of the Cathedral and Jurong beyond our expectations. They are a chain the will of our Lord with courage, and Church; it depends also on the supply and of sweet surprises lead by the Holy Spirit. we will surely experience God and his leading of God. In other words, while we He opened the gateway for evangelism Greatness. May all praises and glory be to are busy raising funds, it is important to be – leading into Jurong Church more than God. Amen sensitive to God’s will, and not run ahead 1,000 mainland China workers, and of Him. If we believe God is faithful and hundreds of grandparents who came from will bring his good work into completion, China to look after their grandchildren. Jurong Anglican Church then we will not feel burdened and worn Many of these who accepted Christ have West Coast Recreation Centre down while we try our best. “For my yoke brought the seed of the Gospel back to 12 West Coast Walk #02-10A-C is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew China, leading their family members to Singapore 127157 11:30) Christ. Some have even opened their Sunday Services: 10am homes for evangelistic gatherings. The

Diocesan Digest | 39 DIOCESAN NEWS

A Tribute to The Rt Revd Joshua Chiu Ban It

[A Memorial Service was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral on 3 March 2017. This is an excerpt of Bp Chiu’s niece, Ooi Su-Lin’s Eulogy delivered at the Service. Su-Lin and her family are members of St Andrew’s Cathedral.]

Uncle Ban It was born in 1917 in Penang, Uncle Ban It received his early education He arrived in London 1938 just before the eldest of three boys and five girls. His in Penang Free School. Upon the the outbreak of war. The War however name, which literally means ONE IN TEN encouragement of his local minister, interrupted his studies as his college was THOUSAND, carried a certain prophetic he applied for a scholarship to study in evacuated to Bristol. Witnessing death and meaning. God clearly intended him to be England but was turned down. Instead, destruction first hand from the bombing a man with a special calling to be an agent he succeeded in getting a scholarship to of Bristol he became depressed and even of transformation for the church. King’s College, London to study law. contemplated suicide. He remarked to a fellow student that maybe God was happy to see the suffering and deaths. Soon after he had a dream in which God showed him that He too was very distressed by the suffering and that He had a job for Uncle Ban It in the future.

After qualifying as a lawyer in 1941 he had difficulty finding a job but through his contacts with the Student Christian Movement he became a full-time SCM worker. It was here that he felt the call to ministry. He studied at Westcott House, Cambridge. In 1945, he was ordained in Birmingham Cathedral and became curate at St. Francis’, Bourneville.

The Chiu Family 1925 After some time, his uncle in Malaya who had financed his studies asked him to 40 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN NEWS

by healings, signs and wonders. Bennett recounts in his book how he himself experienced what he referred to as “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”. In Uncle Ban It's words,

My rational mind was repelled by the description of speaking in tongues, healings and miraculous happenings…. It’s a fairy tale – they can’t happen today. At the same time, I was so fascinated and exhilarated by what I was reading that I could not put the book down. When I finished the book it was time for an afternoon siesta. I prayed a short prayer, “Lord please give return to Penang to help re-establish his Religious Organisation and representatives me your Holy Spirit as you gave him to legal practice that had been disrupted by of both governments. Dennis Bennett and others mentioned the War. He obtained a leave of absence in the book.” for five years from Bishop RO Hall and The years following 1966 were tumultuous in August 1947, he returned to Penang years both for a newly independent I then dozed off. When I woke up I with his wife, Wendy, and their baby son, Singapore and for the Anglican church in was conscious of a great difference Michael. In 1949, with family matters Singapore, which was now no longer a within me. God was suddenly very settled, he asked to return to ministry but state church but one that needed to stand close. My heart was filled with love, was told by Bishop Hall that the position on its own two feet without the support joy and peace, instead of anger, intended for him was no longer available. of government. Uncle Ban It said, “It was despair and gloom. I burst out with Instead, he was posted to St. Andrew’s extremely good for us that our standing, praise and thanked God through Cathedral, Singapore where he served as far as the country was concerned, now Jesus Christ. When I ran out of English under Archdeacon Robin Woods. In 1955, depended not on the status of the church words, I resorted to Chinese. Soon I he became the Vicar of Selangor at St. in England, but on who we were and what was struggling to find the words and Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur. In 1959, we were doing.” correct theological thoughts to express he was appointed the Home Secretary by myself. The dam of the mind burst and the Australian Board of Missions, Sydney, However, he went on to say, “…by 1972, I found myself uttering new sounds and where he spent the next three years. In I was very discouraged….There was hardly syllables which had no meaning to my 1962, he accepted an assignment from the any money coming in. We were in the red. mind but which I knew in my spirit were General Secretary of the World Council There were not enough clergy to man the fluently giving expression to the praise of Churches, Geneva. On completion of different parishes, and we didn’t have and thanksgiving which was welling up his term in Geneva, he was appointed many parishes.” within me to God….” as Fellow at St. Augustine’s College, Canterbury to teach Ecumenics in 1965. Uncle Ban It was despondent. He cried His sense of depression had completely out to God in prayer. It was at this time disappeared and he was filled instead with In June 1966, the Archbishop of Canterbury, that while attending a conference in joy and peace. The change in Uncle Bunny’s the Most Revd Michael Ramsay, asked to Bangkok in December 1972, he read life was dramatic and unmistakable. My meet my uncle. The Archbishop proposed Dennis Bennett’s book, Nine o’clock in uncle said, “I became very conscious of to appoint him Bishop of Singapore and the Morning. The title of the book refers the Holy Spirit guiding me as I said my Malaya. In Uncle Ban It's words, to the events in Acts Chapter 2, when the daily prayers and services and they ceased Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and they to be matters of duty but of real joy. Each The Archbishop gave me a week in spoke in tongues and thereafter preached Eucharist has become charged with the which to give him my answer. During the Gospel with power, accompanied presence of the Lord in a new way.” that week, I found myself attending Dr. Billy Graham’s rally at Earl’s Court, London. His subject that evening was the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18- 25. His main point was, “You cannot bargain with God”. After that message, I had no alternative but to say “Yes” to the Archbishop and trust the Lord for the rest.

Joshua Chiu Ban It was consecrated on 1 November 1966 and enthroned on 2 November at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore in a service conducted in several languages and witnessed by representatives of the Council of Churches of Malaysia and Singapore, the Inter- Enthronement as 6th Bishop of Singapore 1966 Diocesan Digest | 41 DIOCESAN NEWS

Uncle Ban It's life and ministry were to cook and care for Uncle Ban It. Uncle transformed. Through the Holy Spirit, he Ban It was 82 years old when he married received a ministry of prayer and healing. Aunty Bek. Aunty Bek told me that he said Though he was Bishop with many duties to her, “I’m your kinsman redeemer!!” and responsibilities, he made time for Aunty Bek personified the Good Wife prayer and personal ministry to many in Proverbs 31 for 16 happy years. She people. Many people in Singapore still cooked his favourite Chinese dishes, made remember him with deep love and the home comfortable and convenient, affection and testify to the healing they planted a beautiful garden that Uncle Ban received through his ministry.

Starting with Uncle Ban It, the Holy Spirit It enjoyed during all four seasons, and began to move through the Diocese of most of all, she was his prayer companion Singapore. In 1973 there was a series of and spiritual helpmate. Aunty Bek cared healing services at the Cathedral. Many lovingly for him through the difficult final people experienced healing, both physical years and the whole family is so deeply and emotional. My husband, Dennis, grateful to her for her selfless love. witnessed this first hand. He had taken his godfather who was partially paralysed Uncle Ban It always kept his heart close to one such service in Aug 1973. “You will to God and had a deep humility about not need these crutches anymore. In the him. Even in his old age he was always Name of Jesus Christ be healed” were the excitedly learning new things about words prayed over him. His crutches were God. Sometimes he fretted when his taken away and he walked without any prayers weren’t answered, and on one help, even up several flights of steps. All such occasion he said the Lord told him, were amazed. And so began the story of “Ban It, when you stop fussing, I can the charismatic renewal of the Diocese of start working!” Uncle Ban It found that Singapore. both hilarious and instructive. He forced himself to obey, and the Holy Spirit was My uncle retired in 1982 and returned with free to work. his wife, Wendy, to live in the UK, where he maintained for many years an active It is fitting that I end with a spiritual insight and fruitful ministry. As Aunty Wendy’s from Uncle Ban It that he shared with me health started failing, my Aunty Bek made the very last time that I saw him in June many trips up to Verwood to care for both this year. He said, “Do you know why John of them. After Aunty Wendy passed away the Baptist and all the apostles, except in 2000, Aunty Bek continued to rush over John, died horrible deaths? The Lord told me that it is because death is just a transition into His eternal presence”.

On 9 November 2016, Uncle Ban It made that transition. Aunty Bek was given an amazing vision just before that. In her words, “I had a picture or a dream of angels - two on each side of Ban It and one by his head leading Ban It to Heaven. I saw him being led by the angels up in the sky going upwards to heaven. It was so vivid I thank God that Ban It and I know where he is going to.. to His Heavenly Father in Heaven.” 42 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN NEWS

Photo credit: Revd Canon Daniel Wee Diocese of Singapore Clergy Retreat 2017

By Revd Edwin Tan Retreat Planning Committee Chairman, Priest at Church of the Ascension

This year’s Retreat saw a hundred clergy Dr Rod Wilson was the President of Regent Revd Luke Ting, St James’ Church, felt that from seven countries gather at Hotel Jen in College in Vancouver 2000-2015; and held Dr Wilson’s message helped him realize Johor Bahru to hear from Retreat Speaker, various positions at Tyndale College and what to be aware of and how to deal with Dr Rod Wilson. He spoke on, “Personal Seminary in Toronto, including Professor, his own weaknesses, “The fellowship Holiness: Money, Sex and Power”. Dean of Students, Vice-President and and sharing with my clergy brothers Academic Dean from 1978-1995. He is also encouraged me to continue being a good, There were also opportunities for the author of two award-winning books: faithful and wise servant of God”. discussions on diocesan matters. The Counselling and Community and How Do discussions were made more dynamic, I Help a Hurting Friend? and co-authored “The retreat was a feasting on the word of engaging and fruitful by the participation Exploring Your Anger and Helping Angry God. I emerged from the retreat, filled and of clergy brothers from our deaneries. People. yet at the same time, hungering for more,” observes Revd Edwin Tan, the Retreat Many of these leaders agreed that they “I was encouraged to see us engaging the Planning Committee Chairman, Church of felt physically and spiritually refreshed deeper heart issues in such a transparent the Ascension. from their time away to dwell with the and redemptive way,” said Revd Gregory Lord and fellowship with each other; and Whitaker from the Deanery of Cambodia. many were deeply ministered to through Dr Wilson’s sessions and prayers.

Photo credit: Revd Canon Daniel Wee Bishop Rennis Ponniah thanking retreat speaker Dr Rod Wilson and his wife Bev

Diocesan Digest | 43 DIOCESAN NEWS

REFLECTIONS UPON RETIREMENT: A Testimony From Revd Canon Emeritus Mervyn Moore

The year 2001 was something of a morning and as I took the bread and broke exclusions! We obediently obeyed God’s watershed year in my life and Dawn’s. In it, I had an indescribable sense of the call and were blessed by his grace to serve preparation for my retirement from the presence of Jesus and a warmth and joy in the Mission for a little less than nine Chaplains’ Service of the South African seemed to fill my very being. I sensed our years. Navy later that year, I had applied for the Lord saying to me, “Mervyn, in my love for position of Port Chaplain to the Singapore you my body was ‘broken’ for you on the When I retired from the Mission to Branch of the Mission to Seafarers. Dawn cross, I am with you to heal your ‘broken’ Seafarers, Dawn and I returned to Cape and I were invited to fly to London just body and spirit!” That was a new ‘life- Town but not for long! Bishop John Chew before Christmas 2000 for an interview. giving’ moment for me as depression gave contacted me and asked if we would be A few hours after the interview we way to joy and hope. prepared to return to Singapore to serve were informed that my application was an interregnum of six months as Warden successful and were required to go for After the radiotherapy treatment the of St. Peter’s Hall. Back we came and we a medical examination before returning oncologist from the University of Cape left after six months for our retirement at to South Africa. A few days after the Town Medical School assured the General last. Or so we thought. examination we received the results and Secretary of the Mission to Seafarers that I was advised to see an oncologist. To the prognosis was excellent and that there I opened my email inbox one day and cut a long story short, I was diagnosed was no reason for me not to continue to there was a request from Bishop Rennis with a potentially life-threatening disease fill the post in Singapore. Ponniah for us to return to Singapore for and needed radiotherapy. “Why, after two years to serve as Warden of St. Peter’s everything was going so well, was this This assurance was followed by a whole Hall. Once again doors opened, although happening?” series of ‘open door’ experiences that at times rather hesitantly, as I was then left me in no doubt that God was calling in my early seventies when Employment I am not by nature a person subjected to Dawn and me to Singapore. The first of Passes are not easily granted but again depression, but this was just a little too these was being allowed to retire from the God was faithful and paved the way and much and I became quite depressed! At Navy three months before my retirement we obediently followed him. To his name the time, I was also assisting in a parish date without suffering any loss of benefits. be glory and praise! but the depression diminished my normal This was a certain indication that God was enthusiasm for preaching and celebrating paving the way for us. We were granted the Holy Communion. It was then that an Employment Pass by the Singapore something of a miracle happened. Ministry of Manpower and the medical Dutifully, but rather lethargically, I was insurance company through whom we celebrating Holy Communion one Sunday were insured gave us a policy without

44 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN NEWS ON BEING A CLERGY WIFE: A Testimony from Mrs Dawn Moore

My husband and I had just with some religious nut? returned to South Africa Yet, in no way did I feel after spending nine years threatened. I felt that he in Singapore. We were was a deeply religious settling down nicely and man. He asked what I was enjoying our own home doing in Singapore. I then once again when BANG, an wondered if maybe it was I email arrived from Bishop who looked suspicious just Rennis Ponniah requesting standing there observing us to return to Singapore people so I explained to for another two years to him why we were here help out at St Peter’s Hall. and how Mervyn was Just mention the name helping at St Peter’s Hall. “Singapore” and my husband’s bags are one before!” Blessed! How was I blessed Again up went the hands with another already packed!!! Me, what was I going to with my neck jarred and a badly bruised “Praise the Lord!” do? “No”, I said, “I’m not returning!” I love shoulder? God certainly left his mark on Just then Mervyn came limping around Singapore and the friends we made there me! the corner with an injured knee and I are like family but that was not enough to remember thinking that we must look a convince me to return. At clergy meeting the following Tuesday sorry sight: me with my make up all runny some of the clergy asked Mervyn how I and Mervyn limping. We must really have “NO!” I said, “Definitely not, I’m not was. He explained about the jarred neck looked like two down-and-outs from going back”! My 94 year old aunt was in and the massive bruise. They promptly South Africa! hospital, my sister-in-law had just had a formed a small circle and prayed for stroke and my husband’s sister had just me. THE POWER OF PRAYER! Two days When Mervyn reached us I introduced been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. later there was not even a trace of the him to Albert. Albert promptly threw How could I leave these people when they bruise on my shoulder and my neck was his arms around both of us and started needed my support? fine. I felt very strongly that God was praying in the middle of a sale on a admonishing me and saying, “Stop your Saturday morning! Once again the feeling Well, as things happened I found myself nonsense and support your husband!” of absolute and complete calm overtook boarding the plane to return to Singapore WOW! Message received loud and clear! I both of us. When he finished praying he with my husband. Somehow he always was deeply ashamed of my behaviour and said, “Dawn, remember this and don’t wins but I was still unhappy and made my decided then and there to give Mervyn forget it, learn it by heart – Daniel chapter feelings known by being objectionable the support he needed, which I did. The 10 verse 19: “And he said, ‘O man greatly and finding fault with everything. Nothing feelings of deep remorse would not, loved, fear not, peace be with you; be was right! I wanted to return home! But however, leave me. strong and of good courage.” and as he God had another plan for me; NOT my spoke to me, I was strengthened and way, but His way! A few weeks later at the end of April, said, “Let my Lord speak, for you have Mervyn wanted to look for a new pair of strengthened me.” It was Lent, 6th April 2014, Mervyn and trousers at a sale. It was an extremely hot I were standing at the entrance to the and humid Saturday morning and the shop God did admonish me, but gave me the Cathedral watching the cross-bearer was full of people looking for bargains. I assurance that he still loved me. Albert process down the aisle carrying the very was not in a shopping mood. I felt the heat was his messenger sent to give me this heavy wooden cross. Just outside the and my make-up felt clammy so I decided assurance. BLESSED? I AM TRULY BLESSED! entrance he propped it up against the to find a quiet spot and just observe the PRAISE BE TO GOD! wall in readiness for the next service but shoppers. I was quite engrossed in people- he did not steady it. The next minute this watching when I realized that someone very heavy cross came crashing down on was watching me. He stood right in front my head and shoulders. I was in such pain of me, face-to-face, a complete stranger. and shock that I just sunk to my knees and I was somewhat surprised when he could not stop crying; the more people asked me, “Hello, where do you come sympathized with me the more I cried! from?” “From Cape Town in South Africa”, One dear elderly Chinese lady came up I replied. He threw his hands up and to me and said, “You know, you are very shouted, “Praise the Lord!” Now I started blessed, this has never happened to any panicking! Who was this? Was I dealing

Diocesan Digest | 45 DIOCESAN LISTINGS GAZETTE

1. Revd Canon Mervyn Moore was 6. Revd Lee Mullins was appointed 11. Revd Wong Ngiam Koy was posted as conferred Canon Emeritus with effect Missionary Priest in the Anglican Church Priest of the Chinese Congregation at from 3 March 2016. in Thailand with effect from 1 January St Hilda’s Church with effect from 1 2017. February 2017. 2. Revd Canon Ong Chooi Seng was appointed Vicar of St Peter’s Church, and 7. Revd Peter Chen was appointed Acting 12. Revd Stephen Lim retired on 1 February Honorary Chaplain of SACS Family Care Vicar of St Andrew’s City Church with 2017. Centre, with effect from 7 November effect from 24 January 2017. 2016. 13. Revd Dickson Chiu retired on 1 February 8. Revd Koh Hock Soon was appointed 2017. 3. Revd Canon Louis Tay was conferred Vicar of St Matthew’s Church with effect Canon Emeritus with effect from 29 from 1 February 2017. The Diocese is grateful for Revd Stephen November 2016. Lim’s 24 years and Revd Dickson Chiu’s 27 9. Revd Chan Chee Keng was appointed years of faithful ministry in our Diocese. We 4. Revd Alan Wood was appointed Vicar Priest-in-charge of the English pray for God’s continued blessings on them of All Saints’ Church, Jakarta with effect Congregation at St Matthew’s Church and their families on their retirement. from 1 December 2016. with effect from 1 February 2017.

5. Revd William Mok was seconded as 10. Revd Huang Hui Jen was posted as Priest Missionary Clergy to the Diocese of of the Chinese Congregation at Church Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of the Ascension with effect from 1 of Africa, with effect from 1 December February 2017. 2016.

Congratulations to the following Priests and Deacons who were ordained on Sunday, 7 May 2017, at the St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Ordained to the Diaconate: Ordained to the Priesthood: Rev Amosh Shahi Mr Daniel Lim Chee Siang Rev Edison Nesakumar Wilson (Deanery of Nepal) (Holy Trinity Church) (Christ Church) Rev Bikash Shrestha Mr Paul Mohan Xavier Rev Joshua Raj Sundraraj (Deanery of Nepal) (Church of the Epiphany) (Chapel of Christ the Redeemer) Rev Chitra Kumar Rai Mr Jeremy-Joe Tan Wei Horng Rev Alvin Toh Cheuin (Deanery of Nepal) (Chapel of the Resurrection) (St Andrew’s Cathedral) Rev Sanjeev Sunuwar Mr Noppadon Hattayanont Rev Yap Chee Han (Deanery of Nepal) (Deanery of Thailand) (St John’s-St Margaret’s Church)

Mr Bishwa Ram Rai Rev Bernard Yee Meng Ann (Deanery of Nepal) (St John’s Chapel)

Mr Norpu Lama Rev Daniel Rudol Sihombing (Deanery of Nepal) (Deanery of Indonesia)

The following Parish Worker/Parish Assistant licenses were issued on:

4 January2017, to: 6 March 2017, to: 15 March 2017, to: 1. Ms Chow Wai Keng, Parish Worker at 3. Ms Teo Yew Peng Shirley, Parish Assistant 6. Ms Tien Phet Hiong, Parish Worker at St Chapel of Christ The Redeemer. at St Hilda’s Church Andrew’s City Church 4. Mr Tan Kim Cheong, Parish Worker at All 10 Feb 2017, to: Saints’ Church [C] 2. Ms Chin Lai Yin, Parish Worker at St. 5. Zhao Quan, Parish Worker at St James’ John’s – St Margaret’s Church. Church [C]

DIOCESAN OFFICE STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT

Mdm Patsy Muang joined on 1 January 2017 as Administrative Officer (Bishop's Office) 46 | Diocesan Digest DIOCESAN NEWS INDUCTION OF VICARS

Revd Canon Ong Chooi Seng Revd John Lin

Revd Canon Ong Chooi Seng was inducted as Vicar of St Peter’s Revd John Lin was inducted as Vicar of St John’s Chapel on Church on 13 November 2016. He holds an Advanced Diploma 12 March 2017. Revd Lin is a graduate of Trinity Theological in Pastoral Studies from London Bible College (1981), and a College (Master of Divinity, 2001); was ordained as Deacon in Master of Art in Counseling from Singapore Bible College (2005). November 2006; then as Priest a year later, in November 2007. He was ordained as Deacon in 1998 and as Priest in 2000; and He served in St Andrew’s Cathedral from November 2006 to served in Church of Our Saviour (1999), Chapel of Christ the June 2016 before his current posting. Revd Lin is also Dean of King (2003-2008), and Church of the Ascension (2008-2016) the Deanery of Vietnam (since August 2013) and Chaplain of St before his posting to St Peter’s Chuch in 2016. Canon Ong was Margaret’s Secondary School (since July 2016). Chairman of St Andrew’s Lifestreams (2004-2014) and is also currently the Honorary Chaplain of SACS Family Service Centre.

Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow Revd Alan Wood

Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow was inducted as Vicar of Chapel of Revd Alan Wood was inducted as Vicar of All Saints Church, Christ the King on 26 March 2017. Revd Chow was ordained as Jakarta on 9 April 2017. Revd Wood was ordained in 1988; deacon in 1995; and priested in 1996. He was installed as vicar served in Nigeria with Sudan United Mission (1981-1993); of Marine Parade Christian Centre in 1998 and appointed Priest- served in the Sydney Diocese (1994-2007); returned to Nigeria in-Charge of Westside Anglican Church in 2003, before being under CMS Australia in 2007; preferred honorary Canon in the posted to Chapel of Christ the King in September 2016. Diocese of Zonkwa in 2010, and Archdeacon in Kebbi Diocese in 2012; and served in All Saints Church, Jakarta from November 2014 as Associate Minister.

CORRECTION We apologize that in the previous issue's Diocesan Listings, Revd Timothy Eady, Vicar of Christ Church Bangkok was listed as Acting Vicar. Revd Eady was inducted as Vicar on 24 April 2016. Diocesan Digest | 47