15th Sept 2010. Wesley prayed for MHI on Wednesday meeting. A routine yearly affair. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness all these 19 years.
We prayed for direction of overseas Outreach.
Saturday will be MHI Committee retreat.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Deaf netWork
Finally finished the MHI Summer Camp 2010. Our Malaysian friends came to join us for the 3 days in Salvation Army PraiseHaven, Bukit Timah Campus. There were a tota of 8 of them. 6 from Penang Wesley Methodist Church and 2 from Ipoh Canning Garden Baptist Church.
The final day sharing and closing on Sunday after Sunday Fellowship, I stood up to share the joy I have to see the dream coming into fruition.
2008, after the Outreach Trip to Laguna Deaf School, Philippines, Patrick and the whole team brought back the excitement to share what we have with the rest. The opportunity arose when Penang reseponded after they saw the Sign Language Dictionary.
I remember Joan from Penang came one Sunday to talk to us. As our conversation progress, we discussed the possibility of having a team from Singapore to go up to Penang to see if we can help them run a camp.
The discussion turned into reality and we went up together to run the first Deaf Bible Camp in Penang at the end of 2008. There we met Annie, the Ipoh HI leader. And when we returned, we talked about the possiblity also of going to Ipoh to help them them run a camp in Ipoh.
2009 was a busy year as we went to the Asia Deaf Christian Missions Conference in Kunming and after we returned, we got a new team and we proceeded to Ipoh.
Finally 2010 June, we managed to hold a camp in Singapore with both our Penang and Ipoh friends.
I encouraged all Deaf leaders, hearing volunteers from Penang, Ipoh and Singapore to continue this trend to less others in Malaysia and elsewhere around Southeast Asia. As there are the United Nations, ASEAN, NATO, G20, etc. We can also form our network in Southeast Asia. In 2011, is the Asia Pacific Deaf Christian Conference to be held in Luzon, Philippines. We hope to be able to see everybody there with more of our HI friends and volunteers sharing our vision and dream to touch lives of the Deaf Community in our own countries and beyond.
We need to continue to share the vision with our friends in our countries of what we have learnt and shared. Not just share, we need to help them catch the vision and mobilise them to do something about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I did not have an opportunity of more time cos I wanted to share with the hearing volunteers that like the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land, our duty is to listen to God. To accept that we have the responsibility to move and go. Initiatially, there is alot of reluctance as Pharoah is not too happy with the idea of the new change. Moses had a tough time. Until finally the Israelites were released, but without regret and Pharoah had to chase them into the Red Sea.
Still God was faithful. I wanted next to share with the Deaf leaders present. In the story of the Exodus, Moses was not involved in the fighting subsequently. In one of the important events, Joshua was leading the Israelites to fight their enemies and Moses was watching on top of the mountain praying and with his hands raised. Victory had to be done by the Isralites. That means, in the end, the Deaf have to reach the Deaf. The best way for Deaf ministry is for Deaf to share the Gospel with the Deaf.
Therefore for the Deaf leaders, we can set up a network of Deaf leaders between the major cities. They must continue the ministry in their hometown. Train and encourage other Deaf people to hear the Gospel and share with others. Mobilise them and share the vision to continue more Deaf in the other cities, towns and villagers to be involved.
For the Hearing volunteers, we have a different problem. We have to fight for the vision on homeground. We have to continue to create awareness in our churches. Take up leadership roles in the ministry, in the Church committees and ensure that there is enough budget to support the Deaf. As much as we want the Deaf to be financially independent without having to borrow or ask for money, it is a known fact that most Deaf in the community will be financially and socially less well off. We should not allow the weakness in not being able to support them financially be a hinderance to the vision. We should also look after their welfare and social support eg spouse, children, etc.
Globalisation is going to be the catch word for the next 10 years. This concept needs to be on the lips of all the Deaf ministries who share this vision. We need to learn and support one another. Break new roads.
For the hearing volunteers we also have to avoid one last pitfall. Many ministries in the church encourage "new blood". This means that when we feel that we have done enough for the ministiry, we can just sit back and watch the new leadership and support them from the distance.
I beg to differ.
I feel that Deaf ministry is a unique ministry. This is because as long as we encourage Deaf leaders to give their whole life to the ministry, we need to be also "walk the talk". There is "no retirement" in the Deaf ministry; to borrow a phrase from our Singapore government. We need to continue to have the passion and give up the idea of "changing ministry" as most hearing volunteers in many of the churches are doing.
We have to continue until the day that we can no longer be useful for the ministry. Until that day come, we need to depend on God for strength.
Our theme for the Camp. Hope.....Faith and the greatest is Love.
So...."Are you cross enough?" =)
The final day sharing and closing on Sunday after Sunday Fellowship, I stood up to share the joy I have to see the dream coming into fruition.
2008, after the Outreach Trip to Laguna Deaf School, Philippines, Patrick and the whole team brought back the excitement to share what we have with the rest. The opportunity arose when Penang reseponded after they saw the Sign Language Dictionary.
I remember Joan from Penang came one Sunday to talk to us. As our conversation progress, we discussed the possibility of having a team from Singapore to go up to Penang to see if we can help them run a camp.
The discussion turned into reality and we went up together to run the first Deaf Bible Camp in Penang at the end of 2008. There we met Annie, the Ipoh HI leader. And when we returned, we talked about the possiblity also of going to Ipoh to help them them run a camp in Ipoh.
2009 was a busy year as we went to the Asia Deaf Christian Missions Conference in Kunming and after we returned, we got a new team and we proceeded to Ipoh.
Finally 2010 June, we managed to hold a camp in Singapore with both our Penang and Ipoh friends.
I encouraged all Deaf leaders, hearing volunteers from Penang, Ipoh and Singapore to continue this trend to less others in Malaysia and elsewhere around Southeast Asia. As there are the United Nations, ASEAN, NATO, G20, etc. We can also form our network in Southeast Asia. In 2011, is the Asia Pacific Deaf Christian Conference to be held in Luzon, Philippines. We hope to be able to see everybody there with more of our HI friends and volunteers sharing our vision and dream to touch lives of the Deaf Community in our own countries and beyond.
We need to continue to share the vision with our friends in our countries of what we have learnt and shared. Not just share, we need to help them catch the vision and mobilise them to do something about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I did not have an opportunity of more time cos I wanted to share with the hearing volunteers that like the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt into the Promised Land, our duty is to listen to God. To accept that we have the responsibility to move and go. Initiatially, there is alot of reluctance as Pharoah is not too happy with the idea of the new change. Moses had a tough time. Until finally the Israelites were released, but without regret and Pharoah had to chase them into the Red Sea.
Still God was faithful. I wanted next to share with the Deaf leaders present. In the story of the Exodus, Moses was not involved in the fighting subsequently. In one of the important events, Joshua was leading the Israelites to fight their enemies and Moses was watching on top of the mountain praying and with his hands raised. Victory had to be done by the Isralites. That means, in the end, the Deaf have to reach the Deaf. The best way for Deaf ministry is for Deaf to share the Gospel with the Deaf.
Therefore for the Deaf leaders, we can set up a network of Deaf leaders between the major cities. They must continue the ministry in their hometown. Train and encourage other Deaf people to hear the Gospel and share with others. Mobilise them and share the vision to continue more Deaf in the other cities, towns and villagers to be involved.
For the Hearing volunteers, we have a different problem. We have to fight for the vision on homeground. We have to continue to create awareness in our churches. Take up leadership roles in the ministry, in the Church committees and ensure that there is enough budget to support the Deaf. As much as we want the Deaf to be financially independent without having to borrow or ask for money, it is a known fact that most Deaf in the community will be financially and socially less well off. We should not allow the weakness in not being able to support them financially be a hinderance to the vision. We should also look after their welfare and social support eg spouse, children, etc.
Globalisation is going to be the catch word for the next 10 years. This concept needs to be on the lips of all the Deaf ministries who share this vision. We need to learn and support one another. Break new roads.
For the hearing volunteers we also have to avoid one last pitfall. Many ministries in the church encourage "new blood". This means that when we feel that we have done enough for the ministiry, we can just sit back and watch the new leadership and support them from the distance.
I beg to differ.
I feel that Deaf ministry is a unique ministry. This is because as long as we encourage Deaf leaders to give their whole life to the ministry, we need to be also "walk the talk". There is "no retirement" in the Deaf ministry; to borrow a phrase from our Singapore government. We need to continue to have the passion and give up the idea of "changing ministry" as most hearing volunteers in many of the churches are doing.
We have to continue until the day that we can no longer be useful for the ministry. Until that day come, we need to depend on God for strength.
Our theme for the Camp. Hope.....Faith and the greatest is Love.
So...."Are you cross enough?" =)
Friday, February 5, 2010
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Change Makers
I have been thinking for the last few weeks. Who are the change makers for the deaf community in Singapore?
Perhaps I should get back to the question we have been asking many years ago: Is there a Deaf community in Singapore? Or are we just different kinds of Singaporeans (different races, language, religions) with diferent kinds of ability and (dis)abilities?
The fact that we are a Singaporeans, means our government is directly responsible for the well being of all of us. Our social freedom, our livelihood, our education, our families.
With that argument, if there is a Deaf community (Deaf, Hard of hearing, deafened, Families and friends of the above), who champions the Deaf Community in Singapore? Who takes the lead ? Who voices out the praises the community is achieving or warns of the wrong path the community is heading towards which may happen when a wrong or difficult decision is made?
Are the change makers of the Deaf Community the Deaf Associations (secular) or the Churches (religious). Or is it, along the way, policies of normal Singaporeans are implemented. The government with ministers, NMP, MP with some interest in the disabled community will make policies that may directly or indirectly benefit some members of the Deaf Community? Or we only survive as small groups with leaders of different interest group (eg sports, dance, art, hobbies, beliefs)? Like small herds of animals with a "white horse" that the rest will invariably follow. The only difference is that animals stay true to the group and rarely change group. They depend on one another for survival and will fight off any intruders who intends harm for the group. Whereas for all humans, we are blessed with the gift of "freewill". Thus we can change group, unlike the animals.
Won't such situations run a higher risk because the leader has no accountability to any organisation. Answers to no body. And thus the group members are at the mercy. Randomly awaiting the outcome or the decision of the leader. If the leader is passive, no change happens. If the leader is active, he or she moves and motivates the group. However such actions only benefit that particular group only and not the rest who are not in the group. The group also runs a risk depending on the moral upbringing of the leader. Sometimes evil intentions are not so clear and until it is too late, the group ends up engaging in destructive behaviour that may affect the rest of the community of how those outside the community can view them.
Does it matter if the world rushes on and the community makes no attempts to better itself. Or it is not important at all and we should just continue with our own lives?
Perhaps this question is not fair because as a community of individuals, we view the world from our own individual perspective. Generally, most of us will say "It can be better, HOWEVER I am NOT complaining. Since there are many of us who are worse off than the rest." There would be the few on the both extremes....."LG....Life is GREAT!".......or "Life sucks...I want to migrate".
So, is there a need for constant change? Has the Singapore Deaf Community "arrived"? Is there any way we have to actively change for the better or should it be left to random chance?
If there is no need for constant change, then we know that Deaf Associations and religious organisations catering for the deaf have done a great job to meet the general everyday needs of the community. Fun activities, activties catered more to personal development is the focus. Singapore Deaf Association works with the media and other volunteers to create Deaf Awareness daily to inform the rest of the Singaporeans about deaf people. Singapore education is world reknown. As long as a Deaf person wants to study, they will be given that opportunity to acheive the best that they can be. The healthcare in Singapore is also another good point. All Deaf people have the right to access good healthcare. State of the art hearing aids and cochlear implants are also readily available. Post surgical support like speech therapy is also readily available. It is up to the families to motivate the patient to go for further training.
What are the areas I feel still need improvement?
1) Deaf Livelihood. Those with parents who are not well off. Compared with the average normal Singaporean, are they still being marginalised? Within acceptable risk and considering the level of education they have achieved, are capable and trained individuals still deprived of getting the jobs they want?
2) We all accept that there are differential employment. For the same position, different people get different salaries. We know compared with those who didn't go to NS (national service) salaries are lower. We know that all women are entitled 3 months of paid maternity leave. Many family friendly companies are also giving paid paternity leave. Foreigners may be paid lower than the citizens for the same job that is offered to us. Are Deaf paid lower?
3) Deaf helping Deaf. Generally a Deaf person in need approaches another hearing person to help. The concept of Deaf helping Deaf is still a rarity. As a normal Singaporean would help another Singaporean in need. Would a deaf adult go out of his way to be genuinely concerned about another deaf child who is not related to the adult?
4) Is there a need to improve sign language? Many years ago, there was a group in SADeaf who is very keen to make sure sign language becomes the media of communication amongst the Deaf Community. Thus alot of effort is put in training the interpreters, bringing in foreign consultants to improve the language in the Deaf school and the country. Lately because of the growth of Cochlear Implant, there seems to be lukewarm response to the language. For any language, there is a constant need to improve itself so the generation of people can better communicate with one another. Furthermore, there are those who feel that CI is not suitable for those who are older or those who cannot follow a strict regime of post surgery speech therapy. These are the ones who still depend on sign language. That means for the last 15 years, apart from written language they are unable to express their feelings better since there are few new signs invented?
Perhaps I should get back to the question we have been asking many years ago: Is there a Deaf community in Singapore? Or are we just different kinds of Singaporeans (different races, language, religions) with diferent kinds of ability and (dis)abilities?
The fact that we are a Singaporeans, means our government is directly responsible for the well being of all of us. Our social freedom, our livelihood, our education, our families.
With that argument, if there is a Deaf community (Deaf, Hard of hearing, deafened, Families and friends of the above), who champions the Deaf Community in Singapore? Who takes the lead ? Who voices out the praises the community is achieving or warns of the wrong path the community is heading towards which may happen when a wrong or difficult decision is made?
Are the change makers of the Deaf Community the Deaf Associations (secular) or the Churches (religious). Or is it, along the way, policies of normal Singaporeans are implemented. The government with ministers, NMP, MP with some interest in the disabled community will make policies that may directly or indirectly benefit some members of the Deaf Community? Or we only survive as small groups with leaders of different interest group (eg sports, dance, art, hobbies, beliefs)? Like small herds of animals with a "white horse" that the rest will invariably follow. The only difference is that animals stay true to the group and rarely change group. They depend on one another for survival and will fight off any intruders who intends harm for the group. Whereas for all humans, we are blessed with the gift of "freewill". Thus we can change group, unlike the animals.
Won't such situations run a higher risk because the leader has no accountability to any organisation. Answers to no body. And thus the group members are at the mercy. Randomly awaiting the outcome or the decision of the leader. If the leader is passive, no change happens. If the leader is active, he or she moves and motivates the group. However such actions only benefit that particular group only and not the rest who are not in the group. The group also runs a risk depending on the moral upbringing of the leader. Sometimes evil intentions are not so clear and until it is too late, the group ends up engaging in destructive behaviour that may affect the rest of the community of how those outside the community can view them.
Does it matter if the world rushes on and the community makes no attempts to better itself. Or it is not important at all and we should just continue with our own lives?
Perhaps this question is not fair because as a community of individuals, we view the world from our own individual perspective. Generally, most of us will say "It can be better, HOWEVER I am NOT complaining. Since there are many of us who are worse off than the rest." There would be the few on the both extremes....."LG....Life is GREAT!".......or "Life sucks...I want to migrate".
So, is there a need for constant change? Has the Singapore Deaf Community "arrived"? Is there any way we have to actively change for the better or should it be left to random chance?
If there is no need for constant change, then we know that Deaf Associations and religious organisations catering for the deaf have done a great job to meet the general everyday needs of the community. Fun activities, activties catered more to personal development is the focus. Singapore Deaf Association works with the media and other volunteers to create Deaf Awareness daily to inform the rest of the Singaporeans about deaf people. Singapore education is world reknown. As long as a Deaf person wants to study, they will be given that opportunity to acheive the best that they can be. The healthcare in Singapore is also another good point. All Deaf people have the right to access good healthcare. State of the art hearing aids and cochlear implants are also readily available. Post surgical support like speech therapy is also readily available. It is up to the families to motivate the patient to go for further training.
What are the areas I feel still need improvement?
1) Deaf Livelihood. Those with parents who are not well off. Compared with the average normal Singaporean, are they still being marginalised? Within acceptable risk and considering the level of education they have achieved, are capable and trained individuals still deprived of getting the jobs they want?
2) We all accept that there are differential employment. For the same position, different people get different salaries. We know compared with those who didn't go to NS (national service) salaries are lower. We know that all women are entitled 3 months of paid maternity leave. Many family friendly companies are also giving paid paternity leave. Foreigners may be paid lower than the citizens for the same job that is offered to us. Are Deaf paid lower?
3) Deaf helping Deaf. Generally a Deaf person in need approaches another hearing person to help. The concept of Deaf helping Deaf is still a rarity. As a normal Singaporean would help another Singaporean in need. Would a deaf adult go out of his way to be genuinely concerned about another deaf child who is not related to the adult?
4) Is there a need to improve sign language? Many years ago, there was a group in SADeaf who is very keen to make sure sign language becomes the media of communication amongst the Deaf Community. Thus alot of effort is put in training the interpreters, bringing in foreign consultants to improve the language in the Deaf school and the country. Lately because of the growth of Cochlear Implant, there seems to be lukewarm response to the language. For any language, there is a constant need to improve itself so the generation of people can better communicate with one another. Furthermore, there are those who feel that CI is not suitable for those who are older or those who cannot follow a strict regime of post surgery speech therapy. These are the ones who still depend on sign language. That means for the last 15 years, apart from written language they are unable to express their feelings better since there are few new signs invented?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Reflections of The Year 2009 in MHI
The Year 2009 is a special year for MHI as we continue fulfilling our Vision to create a unique and dynamic community of Deaf, hard of hearing (HH) and hearing people. It has already been 3 years since we recognise that the HH will become an important group to serve in MHI. During the retreat, we remind ourselves that ours is a unique community because we will treat everybody equal whether they are Deaf, hard of hearing or hearing. No body is superior and no body is inferior. Everybody has a responsibility to build the community in MHI, to reach out to the Deaf Community of Singapore and to be the light for the Deaf Community in a foreign country. It is not the hearing serving the Deaf, nor do we want to Deaf to be a welfare group which we have to constantly look after. Everybody is a individual who can contribute, participate, empower others so that we will maximise our fullest potential. We all can be the best that we can be.
For the last 3 years, MHI has been going overseas to help run camps in Laguna, Philippines in the Deaf College for Deaf Evangelistc Alliance Foundation Inc. It has shaped the way we handle our activities and we strive to constantly achieve to be a light outside Singapore. This has led, I believe, to a new idea emerging and will further enhance our direction to reachout beyond the shores of Singapore.
Back home, the Sunday Fellowship has encountered God in many different ways. With the introduction of Alpha Course in our Sunday curriculum, this has enabled many of us to experience God in a unique and special way. This help us realise that He is still our Lord and God and in control of our lives, our family and our ministry MHI.
I cannot begin describing the year 2009 without mentioning about Penang at the end of 2008 in October (24th to 26th October 2008). The launch of our Sign Dictionary has enabled us to reach far beyond the shores of Singapore. We sent some dictionaries to Penang Wesley Church and it was really remarkable timing to know that though for years, Penang Wesley has Deaf people going to the church to worship, they have yet to start a Deaf ministry. This time, when the people saw the dictionary, they were curious and excited to learn how MHI is able to do it for the last 18 years. A series of meeting led to the formation of a team to go to Penang Wesley to help them organise a Discipleship camp for the Deaf.
Armed with the 2nd Philippines trip experience on the topic of “Carrying the Cross and following Jesus”, our team trained and helped our Penang brothers and sisters understand God in a different way. A way that encourages us to give our all to Him. The presenting team was made entirely of Deaf and HH, though the hearing volunteers went as training and supporting roles. It is the start of training of our very own MHI Deaf Evangelists.
The year 2009 started with 2 HH accepting the responsibilities of going beyond what is usual for them. Joey and Zhou Meng agreed, both having finished their O levels to organise the Chinese New Year Party for MHI. Even though it was their first time to take on the responsibilities of such magnitude, they humbly accepted their role and organised the program with the help of some of the senior people. The party went smoothly and the experience they acquired through this activity has enabled them to go further later part of the year in more challenging responsibilities. The Chinese new year was held on 7th February 2009.
Later that same month in February, our long time couple Clement and Ellen tied the knot and got married on 28th February. Their wedding was held in Hortpark and many friends and relatives attended the wonderful ceremony and high tea buffet.
Sometime in January, prior to the 3rd Philippine Missions Outreach Trip, I made a recce trip to Ipoh (16th to 19th January 2009). This is because during the Penang trip, a group of Malaysians from Ipoh came along for the camp. They told us about Canning Garden Baptist Church and how there is a group of Christians who are actively sharing the Word of God there. I met up with Lydia, the hearing leader from the church who has a passion for the Deaf. There we discussed organising an Evangelistic Camp in Ipoh during the later part of the year 2009.
Our trip to Laguna (14th to 18th March 2009) was unusual because the monsoon has come earlier than usual. The trip to the top of the mountain was very eventful as the rain has caused the path to be extremely muddy, difficult and dangerous. Our theme for the camp this year was “Alignment with God”. We brought along HH teenagers this time. Still, it was an experience for them as the immigration officer almost did not allow them to enter Philippines because they were underage. A lot of the activities were held in the rain. As we left Laguna, we knew things would be different next year as we have already completed our 3 year plan of what we want to in the Philippines. We have to consider what this will lead us to.
The Easter Cup (11th April 2009) went smoothly as Adrian organised the whole competition himself for the first time. A lot of teams were made up of mixture of HH and Deaf students from St Anthony’s Convent, Balestier Hill Secondary School and Boon Lay Secondary School.
We attempted to reach out to the HI who graduated from the secondary school and started enrolling in the different polytechnics in Singapore. We tried working together with Youth for Christ and even went to their headquarters to discuss possible ways of reaching the HI through their project Poly Reach. Unfortunately it only resulted in a few meetings and ended with the Play max on 13th June 2009 on Saturday. After the event, our attempts were always met with lukewarm responses.
During the June holidays (21st to 24th June 2009) , the Ignyte team organised their first Leadership Training Camp. It was held for almost a week as the youths learnt about the skills of leadership and management.
Sunday Fellowship camp (27th to 28th June 2009) was held at the Salvation Army for the 2nd time. This time, the topic of “Spiritual gifts” was touched on. Sunday Fellowship has been going on in MHI since we started in 1993. We spent many Sundays sharing with the Deaf Bible stories, teaching them the songs in worship, to pray, read the bible, etc. We even have 2 large groups of Deaf who gave their lives to the Lord and went for baptism classes and they were baptised sometime in 2002. I have to admit that I have not yet seen the day that the Holy Spirit can touch Deaf people strongly to enable them to feel and experience the things that Hearing people experienced when the Holy Spirit touches them. Little did I realise within the year, God will show my unbelieving heart the miracle of the work of Spirit.
Another team led by Chairman Patrick Ong went back to Penang during June to help the Penang Wesley Church Deaf Ministry volunteers in sign language interpretation.
Seeds of the new idea as started to be sown since we needed to review our program of going to Laguna, Philippines. A series of coincidences landed us at the doorstep of Methodist Missions Society (MMS). As the doors keep opening for us in the direction of Cambodia, we did our research and made our inquiries. We started alerting the others and reminding ourselves to continue praying for the future revelations of what God is about to reveal to us.
24th July to 28th July 2009 was the Asia Deaf Christian Missions Conference in Kunming. We met up with the HI Christians in China and many from another organisation called DMI.
Before we go to Ipoh, a group of us visited Ms Coryell who had a stroke in Cavinti City, Manila. Another group attended the Methodist TRAC Young Methodist Leadership Camp 2009 in Johore Bahru. Anthony, Lynette, Joey, Adrian and Joe Eng went.
In September 2009 (19th to 21st September 2009) , we flew to Ipoh via Penang to help them with the evangelistic camp. This time the sharing team comprises of Adrian, Joe Eng, Yap, Zhou Meng and Pauline. Many observers followed to lend assistance to the camp. This camp opened our eyes as for the first time, we saw the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of the Deaf. I realise that a camp can cater to the many needs of the HI within a short time. It was different from the Penang Camp because that camp only focused on discipleship. However the camp in Ipoh included a short segment with the youths who used BSL (Baharsa Sign language) and also an Evangelistic dinner for the non Christians. Many commented how they experienced their hearts strangely warmed. More than 19 of them who came to the evangelistic dinner that night opened their hearts to the Gospel and we are sure many more lives were touched as Canning Garden Baptist Church continue to harvest the lost after the camp is over. However in my sceptical heart, I asked God, how come nothing happened to our group? Perhaps it is not our lot. From that camp, Lynette opened the opportunity for the participants to come to Singapore in 2010 for the Sunday Fellowship camp.
In October 2009(15th to 17th October), a small team of 6 comprising of 2 hearing, 2 Deaf, 2 Hard of hearing flew into Phnom Penh for the first time. Our mission is to see for ourselves the possibilities of setting up a Deaf school there. Prior to flying to Phnom Penh and after the experience in Ipoh, God convinced me that the future of MHI lies in the theme “Mobilising the Deaf to reach the Deaf”. This year has been like that. As many of the hearing volunteers have to temporarily leave MHI in order to look after their family, the Deaf have to stand firm and hold the ground. In Phnom Penh, we met the 2 organisations who are serving the Deaf. We brought back our information to Singapore and shared it with the rest.
As we approach the end of the year, the Ignyte team revived by Shifeng and led by Vanessa started planning for the MHI Christmas Party 2009. This time, we managed to hold it in Rendevous Hotel. It was entirely organised by the Ignyte team with no intervention from any hearing.
Before the Christmas party, Alpha Course ended with a weekend Away at Changi Village(14th to 15th November 2009). It was a powerful weekend. This time for sure, the Holy Spirit washes over all the participants at the camp. It was a spiritual experience for all. There is no question about it. This is the way the Holy Spirit can touch the Deaf. They start to see visions and dream dreams.
The Christmas Party was on 12th December 198 participants attended the party. Lynette and Steven were the two Masters of ceremony. On 23rd December the traditional Carols by Candlelight. It was very well attended. On 27th December, we ended the last Sunday of the year 2009 saying farewell and to a gathering to watch “Faith of Potatoes”.
Looking back in 2009, our direction for the next 3 years is slowly changing again if all goes well. As we change the ministry to include a large group of Hard of Hearing people (with or without cochlear implant) a huge potential to reach out to the Deaf Community is opened. We have started training Deaf Evangelists and also at the same time stress the importance of looking beyond Singapore to bless the others. As our plans for Laguna, Philippines come to a close, another opportunity is opened to explore the possibility of looking into opening MHI Cambodia in the next 3 years. I see that there will be a difficulty in increasing the number of hearing volunteers to serve in MHI as Wesley Church still has a problem of lack of young and vibrant hearing volunteers keen to be in the Deaf Ministry. Yet, we can shift our focus to include more Deaf and Hard of Hearing to become our co workers.
As MHI moves into the 18th year we have been in Wesley Church, we can learnt from our experiences and our mistakes. These lessons learnt are valuable for our friends around the region. As I review the structure of MHI, I realise we are based on 3 points of the triangle. The tip of the triangle is the Gospel which is important in MHI based on the Word of God. We do this by emphasizing the importance of Sunday Fellowship, the weekly Sunday Service and monthly prayer meetings. The other two tips are Academic and Livelihood. We encourage our members to emphasize the importance of studying hard and doing well. A culture of continuous learning is encouraged. We do this through regular tuition sessions as well as having courses and camps that will enable us to learn more. The 3rd tip is rather weak in MHI. Unfortunately, perhaps it is the environment of Singapore and our culture, we are still unable to ensure or help our HI and HH get a good job when they graduate.
Perhaps this 3rd tip can be done in another country setting up another MHI in a completely different background and culture. Then it would be the ideal situation for MHI. To be grounded in the Word of God, do well in our academic levels and be equipped ultimately to have a good livelihood.
The Year 2009 is a special year for MHI as we continue fulfilling our Vision to create a unique and dynamic community of Deaf, hard of hearing (HH) and hearing people. It has already been 3 years since we recognise that the HH will become an important group to serve in MHI. During the retreat, we remind ourselves that ours is a unique community because we will treat everybody equal whether they are Deaf, hard of hearing or hearing. No body is superior and no body is inferior. Everybody has a responsibility to build the community in MHI, to reach out to the Deaf Community of Singapore and to be the light for the Deaf Community in a foreign country. It is not the hearing serving the Deaf, nor do we want to Deaf to be a welfare group which we have to constantly look after. Everybody is a individual who can contribute, participate, empower others so that we will maximise our fullest potential. We all can be the best that we can be.
For the last 3 years, MHI has been going overseas to help run camps in Laguna, Philippines in the Deaf College for Deaf Evangelistc Alliance Foundation Inc. It has shaped the way we handle our activities and we strive to constantly achieve to be a light outside Singapore. This has led, I believe, to a new idea emerging and will further enhance our direction to reachout beyond the shores of Singapore.
Back home, the Sunday Fellowship has encountered God in many different ways. With the introduction of Alpha Course in our Sunday curriculum, this has enabled many of us to experience God in a unique and special way. This help us realise that He is still our Lord and God and in control of our lives, our family and our ministry MHI.
I cannot begin describing the year 2009 without mentioning about Penang at the end of 2008 in October (24th to 26th October 2008). The launch of our Sign Dictionary has enabled us to reach far beyond the shores of Singapore. We sent some dictionaries to Penang Wesley Church and it was really remarkable timing to know that though for years, Penang Wesley has Deaf people going to the church to worship, they have yet to start a Deaf ministry. This time, when the people saw the dictionary, they were curious and excited to learn how MHI is able to do it for the last 18 years. A series of meeting led to the formation of a team to go to Penang Wesley to help them organise a Discipleship camp for the Deaf.
Armed with the 2nd Philippines trip experience on the topic of “Carrying the Cross and following Jesus”, our team trained and helped our Penang brothers and sisters understand God in a different way. A way that encourages us to give our all to Him. The presenting team was made entirely of Deaf and HH, though the hearing volunteers went as training and supporting roles. It is the start of training of our very own MHI Deaf Evangelists.
The year 2009 started with 2 HH accepting the responsibilities of going beyond what is usual for them. Joey and Zhou Meng agreed, both having finished their O levels to organise the Chinese New Year Party for MHI. Even though it was their first time to take on the responsibilities of such magnitude, they humbly accepted their role and organised the program with the help of some of the senior people. The party went smoothly and the experience they acquired through this activity has enabled them to go further later part of the year in more challenging responsibilities. The Chinese new year was held on 7th February 2009.
Later that same month in February, our long time couple Clement and Ellen tied the knot and got married on 28th February. Their wedding was held in Hortpark and many friends and relatives attended the wonderful ceremony and high tea buffet.
Sometime in January, prior to the 3rd Philippine Missions Outreach Trip, I made a recce trip to Ipoh (16th to 19th January 2009). This is because during the Penang trip, a group of Malaysians from Ipoh came along for the camp. They told us about Canning Garden Baptist Church and how there is a group of Christians who are actively sharing the Word of God there. I met up with Lydia, the hearing leader from the church who has a passion for the Deaf. There we discussed organising an Evangelistic Camp in Ipoh during the later part of the year 2009.
Our trip to Laguna (14th to 18th March 2009) was unusual because the monsoon has come earlier than usual. The trip to the top of the mountain was very eventful as the rain has caused the path to be extremely muddy, difficult and dangerous. Our theme for the camp this year was “Alignment with God”. We brought along HH teenagers this time. Still, it was an experience for them as the immigration officer almost did not allow them to enter Philippines because they were underage. A lot of the activities were held in the rain. As we left Laguna, we knew things would be different next year as we have already completed our 3 year plan of what we want to in the Philippines. We have to consider what this will lead us to.
The Easter Cup (11th April 2009) went smoothly as Adrian organised the whole competition himself for the first time. A lot of teams were made up of mixture of HH and Deaf students from St Anthony’s Convent, Balestier Hill Secondary School and Boon Lay Secondary School.
We attempted to reach out to the HI who graduated from the secondary school and started enrolling in the different polytechnics in Singapore. We tried working together with Youth for Christ and even went to their headquarters to discuss possible ways of reaching the HI through their project Poly Reach. Unfortunately it only resulted in a few meetings and ended with the Play max on 13th June 2009 on Saturday. After the event, our attempts were always met with lukewarm responses.
During the June holidays (21st to 24th June 2009) , the Ignyte team organised their first Leadership Training Camp. It was held for almost a week as the youths learnt about the skills of leadership and management.
Sunday Fellowship camp (27th to 28th June 2009) was held at the Salvation Army for the 2nd time. This time, the topic of “Spiritual gifts” was touched on. Sunday Fellowship has been going on in MHI since we started in 1993. We spent many Sundays sharing with the Deaf Bible stories, teaching them the songs in worship, to pray, read the bible, etc. We even have 2 large groups of Deaf who gave their lives to the Lord and went for baptism classes and they were baptised sometime in 2002. I have to admit that I have not yet seen the day that the Holy Spirit can touch Deaf people strongly to enable them to feel and experience the things that Hearing people experienced when the Holy Spirit touches them. Little did I realise within the year, God will show my unbelieving heart the miracle of the work of Spirit.
Another team led by Chairman Patrick Ong went back to Penang during June to help the Penang Wesley Church Deaf Ministry volunteers in sign language interpretation.
Seeds of the new idea as started to be sown since we needed to review our program of going to Laguna, Philippines. A series of coincidences landed us at the doorstep of Methodist Missions Society (MMS). As the doors keep opening for us in the direction of Cambodia, we did our research and made our inquiries. We started alerting the others and reminding ourselves to continue praying for the future revelations of what God is about to reveal to us.
24th July to 28th July 2009 was the Asia Deaf Christian Missions Conference in Kunming. We met up with the HI Christians in China and many from another organisation called DMI.
Before we go to Ipoh, a group of us visited Ms Coryell who had a stroke in Cavinti City, Manila. Another group attended the Methodist TRAC Young Methodist Leadership Camp 2009 in Johore Bahru. Anthony, Lynette, Joey, Adrian and Joe Eng went.
In September 2009 (19th to 21st September 2009) , we flew to Ipoh via Penang to help them with the evangelistic camp. This time the sharing team comprises of Adrian, Joe Eng, Yap, Zhou Meng and Pauline. Many observers followed to lend assistance to the camp. This camp opened our eyes as for the first time, we saw the Holy Spirit work in the hearts of the Deaf. I realise that a camp can cater to the many needs of the HI within a short time. It was different from the Penang Camp because that camp only focused on discipleship. However the camp in Ipoh included a short segment with the youths who used BSL (Baharsa Sign language) and also an Evangelistic dinner for the non Christians. Many commented how they experienced their hearts strangely warmed. More than 19 of them who came to the evangelistic dinner that night opened their hearts to the Gospel and we are sure many more lives were touched as Canning Garden Baptist Church continue to harvest the lost after the camp is over. However in my sceptical heart, I asked God, how come nothing happened to our group? Perhaps it is not our lot. From that camp, Lynette opened the opportunity for the participants to come to Singapore in 2010 for the Sunday Fellowship camp.
In October 2009(15th to 17th October), a small team of 6 comprising of 2 hearing, 2 Deaf, 2 Hard of hearing flew into Phnom Penh for the first time. Our mission is to see for ourselves the possibilities of setting up a Deaf school there. Prior to flying to Phnom Penh and after the experience in Ipoh, God convinced me that the future of MHI lies in the theme “Mobilising the Deaf to reach the Deaf”. This year has been like that. As many of the hearing volunteers have to temporarily leave MHI in order to look after their family, the Deaf have to stand firm and hold the ground. In Phnom Penh, we met the 2 organisations who are serving the Deaf. We brought back our information to Singapore and shared it with the rest.
As we approach the end of the year, the Ignyte team revived by Shifeng and led by Vanessa started planning for the MHI Christmas Party 2009. This time, we managed to hold it in Rendevous Hotel. It was entirely organised by the Ignyte team with no intervention from any hearing.
Before the Christmas party, Alpha Course ended with a weekend Away at Changi Village(14th to 15th November 2009). It was a powerful weekend. This time for sure, the Holy Spirit washes over all the participants at the camp. It was a spiritual experience for all. There is no question about it. This is the way the Holy Spirit can touch the Deaf. They start to see visions and dream dreams.
The Christmas Party was on 12th December 198 participants attended the party. Lynette and Steven were the two Masters of ceremony. On 23rd December the traditional Carols by Candlelight. It was very well attended. On 27th December, we ended the last Sunday of the year 2009 saying farewell and to a gathering to watch “Faith of Potatoes”.
Looking back in 2009, our direction for the next 3 years is slowly changing again if all goes well. As we change the ministry to include a large group of Hard of Hearing people (with or without cochlear implant) a huge potential to reach out to the Deaf Community is opened. We have started training Deaf Evangelists and also at the same time stress the importance of looking beyond Singapore to bless the others. As our plans for Laguna, Philippines come to a close, another opportunity is opened to explore the possibility of looking into opening MHI Cambodia in the next 3 years. I see that there will be a difficulty in increasing the number of hearing volunteers to serve in MHI as Wesley Church still has a problem of lack of young and vibrant hearing volunteers keen to be in the Deaf Ministry. Yet, we can shift our focus to include more Deaf and Hard of Hearing to become our co workers.
As MHI moves into the 18th year we have been in Wesley Church, we can learnt from our experiences and our mistakes. These lessons learnt are valuable for our friends around the region. As I review the structure of MHI, I realise we are based on 3 points of the triangle. The tip of the triangle is the Gospel which is important in MHI based on the Word of God. We do this by emphasizing the importance of Sunday Fellowship, the weekly Sunday Service and monthly prayer meetings. The other two tips are Academic and Livelihood. We encourage our members to emphasize the importance of studying hard and doing well. A culture of continuous learning is encouraged. We do this through regular tuition sessions as well as having courses and camps that will enable us to learn more. The 3rd tip is rather weak in MHI. Unfortunately, perhaps it is the environment of Singapore and our culture, we are still unable to ensure or help our HI and HH get a good job when they graduate.
Perhaps this 3rd tip can be done in another country setting up another MHI in a completely different background and culture. Then it would be the ideal situation for MHI. To be grounded in the Word of God, do well in our academic levels and be equipped ultimately to have a good livelihood.
Friday, November 13, 2009
A new beginning
9th November perhaps marks the start of a new chapter for MHI. We embark on a journey no Deaf ministry has gone before. Like the starship Enterprise, we are exploring the edges of the frontiers.
Though the model we have adopted differs very much from the original idea, I do believe God has a hand in this modification. Still the aim is to preach the Gospel to the Deaf to the ends of the earth. To empower the Deaf and to equip them. Steven puts it nicely "Be brave and courageous".
It is a step of faith. Rather than depend on the hearing solely to do it, it is a partnership we make with one another to fulfil the Commission....."Mobilise the Deaf to reach the Deaf".
I like this quote.
It reminds me that we have a responsbility to pass it on. I have a responsbility to enable them to pass it on to their friends. Not to force anybody, but to allow the Good News to be shared. It has a continuous action to the meaning. An infinity ring to it.
They do it for others. Empowering others and equipping others.
We have come a long way. Now is to remember this partnership. That we are not alone. We do it together, one for all and all for one.
There is much to be accomplished to make sure this vision is fulfilled.
Many more will have to come onboard to share the vision before the "bus" can move.
The new idea also involves people not in MHI. It involves our fellow friends. Those in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and our new found friends in Cambodia.
We cannot do it alone. But with our friendship and our united faith in the same God, we can do it.
The walls have to come down. Our masks have to be taken off.
It is a journey of faith. Where it will lead us, we do not know. How we go, we can only trust our leaders to make the right decisions. Each of us will have to do our part, no matter how difficult it is. Our journey will NOT be take us down familiar roads. Instead, it will bring us to unknown places, unknown circumstances, villages of different language, dialects, sign language. We have to step out of our comfortable houses, our loving families, our strong friendships and take that route. We know we are not going to do it alone. But our harvest will be sweet. Abdundance. Different from those who decided they want to walk down familiar roads instead.
This will be our motivation. I believe that God will not let us down. Instead if we obey His will, it is a more exciting life that we will live.
Though the model we have adopted differs very much from the original idea, I do believe God has a hand in this modification. Still the aim is to preach the Gospel to the Deaf to the ends of the earth. To empower the Deaf and to equip them. Steven puts it nicely "Be brave and courageous".
It is a step of faith. Rather than depend on the hearing solely to do it, it is a partnership we make with one another to fulfil the Commission....."Mobilise the Deaf to reach the Deaf".
I like this quote.
It reminds me that we have a responsbility to pass it on. I have a responsbility to enable them to pass it on to their friends. Not to force anybody, but to allow the Good News to be shared. It has a continuous action to the meaning. An infinity ring to it.
They do it for others. Empowering others and equipping others.
We have come a long way. Now is to remember this partnership. That we are not alone. We do it together, one for all and all for one.
There is much to be accomplished to make sure this vision is fulfilled.
Many more will have to come onboard to share the vision before the "bus" can move.
The new idea also involves people not in MHI. It involves our fellow friends. Those in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and our new found friends in Cambodia.
We cannot do it alone. But with our friendship and our united faith in the same God, we can do it.
The walls have to come down. Our masks have to be taken off.
It is a journey of faith. Where it will lead us, we do not know. How we go, we can only trust our leaders to make the right decisions. Each of us will have to do our part, no matter how difficult it is. Our journey will NOT be take us down familiar roads. Instead, it will bring us to unknown places, unknown circumstances, villages of different language, dialects, sign language. We have to step out of our comfortable houses, our loving families, our strong friendships and take that route. We know we are not going to do it alone. But our harvest will be sweet. Abdundance. Different from those who decided they want to walk down familiar roads instead.
This will be our motivation. I believe that God will not let us down. Instead if we obey His will, it is a more exciting life that we will live.
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