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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The goal of the Back to Jerusalem project is for Chinese Christians to evangelize all the nations between China and Jerusalem. The proponents of the movement understand that Christianity spread westward from Jerusalem and eventually to Britain and America. The faith then traveled from these two countries to China. The Chinese Church now feels it has both a call and a mandate from God to take the gospel message all the way back to its origin. In a geographical sense, the good news will have spread around the world.
The vision for Back to Jerusalem actually was birthed back in the 1920’s, but due to the ever-shifting nature of Chinese politics during the first half of the 20th Century, the movement fell off the radar for a number of years, only to resurface with great passion as the century drew to a close. God first told a group called the "Jesus Family" to take the Gospel on foot all the way from China to Jerusalem.
After God renewed the Chinese people vision for Back to Jerusalem, they came to the realization that practically all of the remaining unevangelized and unreached areas in the world that have never been penetrated by the Gospel are situated west and south of China. They believe God has given them a solemn responsibility to take the fire from his altar and complete the Great Commission by establishing God’s Kingdom in all of the remaining countries and people groups in Asia, the Middle East, and Islamic North Africa. When this happens, the Scripture says the Lord Jesus Christ will return for His bride. “…We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
The furthermost point in the world the Gospel can travel from Jerusalem, therefore, is to circle the entire globe and come all the way back to where it all started – Jerusalem! When the fire of the Gospel completes its circuit of the whole globe the Lord Jesus will return! “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
The vision for Back to Jerusalem actually was birthed back in the 1920’s, but due to the ever-shifting nature of Chinese politics during the first half of the 20th Century, the movement fell off the radar for a number of years, only to resurface with great passion as the century drew to a close. God first told a group called the "Jesus Family" to take the Gospel on foot all the way from China to Jerusalem.
After God renewed the Chinese people vision for Back to Jerusalem, they came to the realization that practically all of the remaining unevangelized and unreached areas in the world that have never been penetrated by the Gospel are situated west and south of China. They believe God has given them a solemn responsibility to take the fire from his altar and complete the Great Commission by establishing God’s Kingdom in all of the remaining countries and people groups in Asia, the Middle East, and Islamic North Africa. When this happens, the Scripture says the Lord Jesus Christ will return for His bride. “…We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
The furthermost point in the world the Gospel can travel from Jerusalem, therefore, is to circle the entire globe and come all the way back to where it all started – Jerusalem! When the fire of the Gospel completes its circuit of the whole globe the Lord Jesus will return! “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Roll of Honour MHI
MHI ROLL OF HONOUROct 30, '08 4:25 AMby Victor for everyone
vick3394
Introducing
Our Past Chairman of MHI
Current Chairman 2012-2018 Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2018 Chong Ding Lee (DEAF)
Chairman 2012-2017 Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2017 Leonard Au
Chairman 2012-2014 Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2012 - 2015 Lynette Lim
Chairman 2010-2012 Ms Joey Chen
Chairman 2006-2010 Mr Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2006-2009 Mr Jeremy Lee
Chairman 2003 - 2006Ms Evelyn Yong
Chairman 2001 - 2003Ms Mabel Wong
Chairman 1999 - 2001Mr Steven Quek
Chairman 1996 -1998 Ms Janet Foo
Chairman 1992 - 1995 Mr Victor Keng
Introducing
Our Past Honorary Secretary
Current Honorary Secretary 2016 Rachel Tan
Honorary Secretary 2014 -2016 Cheok Ying Ying
Honorary Secretary 2012 Ms Magdalene Chew
Honorary Secretary (2010 - 2012) Ms Christina Tan
Honorary Secretary (2008 - 2009) Ms Lui Yanzhen
Honorary Secretary (2006 - 2008) Mr Koo Wei - Tjin
Honorary Secretary (2003/2005) Ms Melody Lim
Honorary Secretary (2001 - 2002) Mr David Lee
Honorary Secretary (1999 - 2001) Mrs Kao Soh Wai
Honorary Secretary (1996- 1998) Ms Marieta Chan
Honorary Secretary (1994 - 1995) Ms Christina Tan
Honorary Secretary (1992 - 1993) Ms Evelyn Yong
Introducing
Our Full Time Program Coordinator
Current Program Coordinator 2018 (Nov) - Unfilled
Current Assistant Program Coordinator 2006/2017 Ms Pauline Ong (1st HI staff)
Program Coordinator 2017 - Jabez Fong *Last day is 30th October 2018
Program Coordinator 2013 - 2017 - Abigail Chow
Assistant Program Coordinator 2006/2013 Ms Pauline Ong (1st HI staff)
Program Coordinator 2007/2012 Mr Anthony Phua
Program Coordinator 2003/2007 Ms Hannah Ng
Program Coordinator 2000/2002 Ms Anne Chua
Program Coordinator 1999/2000 Ms Cindy Choo
Program Coordinator 1998/1999 Mr Yip Kiong
Program Coordinator 1997/1998 Ms Evelyn Yong
Pastoral Care Member (PTM) for Christian Outreach and Social Concerns
Loke Ai Mei 2017 to 2018
Rosalia Mahendran 1999 to 2016
Vivian Navaratnam 1995 to 1998
MHI Vision :
To be a unique and dynamic Community of Deaf, Hard of hearing and hearing who touch and transform lives for Christ.
(2012)
To be a unique and God-centered family of Deaf, Heaering and Hard of Hearing that continually undergoes Christ-like transformation as we transform lives for Christ.
MHI Mission:
Share God's love by reaching out to help the needy and disadvantaged and providing opportunities for volunteers to serve.
(2012)
To do God's work among the Deaf and Hard of hearing through offering ourselves in service to God to Reach, Care for, Nurture and Build a Christ-like community. (BORN)
Core values (not approved)
Obedience
Prayer based
Unity above all
Respect
Humility
Integrity
Accountability
vick3394
Introducing
Our Past Chairman of MHI
Current Chairman 2012-2018 Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2018 Chong Ding Lee (DEAF)
Chairman 2012-2017 Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2017 Leonard Au
Chairman 2012-2014 Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2012 - 2015 Lynette Lim
Chairman 2010-2012 Ms Joey Chen
Chairman 2006-2010 Mr Patrick Ong
Vice Chairman 2006-2009 Mr Jeremy Lee
Chairman 2003 - 2006Ms Evelyn Yong
Chairman 2001 - 2003Ms Mabel Wong
Chairman 1999 - 2001Mr Steven Quek
Chairman 1996 -1998 Ms Janet Foo
Chairman 1992 - 1995 Mr Victor Keng
Introducing
Our Past Honorary Secretary
Current Honorary Secretary 2016 Rachel Tan
Honorary Secretary 2014 -2016 Cheok Ying Ying
Honorary Secretary 2012 Ms Magdalene Chew
Honorary Secretary (2010 - 2012) Ms Christina Tan
Honorary Secretary (2008 - 2009) Ms Lui Yanzhen
Honorary Secretary (2006 - 2008) Mr Koo Wei - Tjin
Honorary Secretary (2003/2005) Ms Melody Lim
Honorary Secretary (2001 - 2002) Mr David Lee
Honorary Secretary (1999 - 2001) Mrs Kao Soh Wai
Honorary Secretary (1996- 1998) Ms Marieta Chan
Honorary Secretary (1994 - 1995) Ms Christina Tan
Honorary Secretary (1992 - 1993) Ms Evelyn Yong
Introducing
Our Full Time Program Coordinator
Current Program Coordinator 2018 (Nov) - Unfilled
Current Assistant Program Coordinator 2006/2017 Ms Pauline Ong (1st HI staff)
Program Coordinator 2017 - Jabez Fong *Last day is 30th October 2018
Program Coordinator 2013 - 2017 - Abigail Chow
Assistant Program Coordinator 2006/2013 Ms Pauline Ong (1st HI staff)
Program Coordinator 2007/2012 Mr Anthony Phua
Program Coordinator 2003/2007 Ms Hannah Ng
Program Coordinator 2000/2002 Ms Anne Chua
Program Coordinator 1999/2000 Ms Cindy Choo
Program Coordinator 1998/1999 Mr Yip Kiong
Program Coordinator 1997/1998 Ms Evelyn Yong
Pastoral Care Member (PTM) for Christian Outreach and Social Concerns
Loke Ai Mei 2017 to 2018
Rosalia Mahendran 1999 to 2016
Vivian Navaratnam 1995 to 1998
MHI Vision :
To be a unique and dynamic Community of Deaf, Hard of hearing and hearing who touch and transform lives for Christ.
(2012)
To be a unique and God-centered family of Deaf, Heaering and Hard of Hearing that continually undergoes Christ-like transformation as we transform lives for Christ.
MHI Mission:
Share God's love by reaching out to help the needy and disadvantaged and providing opportunities for volunteers to serve.
(2012)
To do God's work among the Deaf and Hard of hearing through offering ourselves in service to God to Reach, Care for, Nurture and Build a Christ-like community. (BORN)
Core values (not approved)
Obedience
Prayer based
Unity above all
Respect
Humility
Integrity
Accountability
Migration from the old MHI blog Site
Wesley Milestone of grace
Nov 2, '08 7:40 PMby Victor for everyone
vick3394
1981 Kim Seng Community Clinic opens for consultation.
1982 May: Wednesday Intercession is launched.
1983 March: First Family Camp with Marriage Enrichment theme held in Port Dickson. Boys' Brigade celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
1984 New "Strangely Warmed" logo is introduced. Victory 5 evangelistic meetings take place.Wesley Lay Training Institute is established.Wesley's first missionary intern, Miss Milia Kan is commissioned with the Asian Outreach International in Hong Kong.
1985 Wesley celebrates its 100th Anniversary with a service at the World Trade Centre.Small Group Ministry starts up with 8 small groups.CareForce is established under the banner of the WSCS."Camp 100", the first combined church camp for the youth ministry is held. 10:30 am Prayer and Praise Service is launched in the Hall.The Centennial Consultation of Asian Methodist Leaders and the Centennial Evangelistic Festival are held at Wesley.
1986 An All-Night Prayer, following a Day of Prayer & Fasting, is held at Wesley inconjunction with the Luis Palau Crusade.In additional Prayer & Praise Service is introduced at 9 am to cope with the growth.Crisis Counselling Centre is set up by the CareForce. Church School now has almost 1000 students.A Care for the Unemployed Committee is started up in response to the recession.
1987 A Youth Council is established. The Small Group Ministry now has 41 small groups, and the first Small Group Leaders Convention is held. Church membership now stands at almost 3000.
1988 The Wesley Guys & Gals is launched.A Festival of Praise is organised by the Small Group Ministry, which now numbers 46 groups with a full-time Coordinator.Mission work on the home front is focused on Tampines.The first Wesley Child Development Centre (WCDC) is opened at Neil Road with 91 students.
1989 Wednesday Intercession is replaced with a Mid-Week Service.The Victory 6 celebrations are held.Wesley Centre, housing the Youth Centre, Wesley Child Development Centre and the home of the Boys Brigade, is officially opened by Dr. Seet Ai Mee.Church extension is completed and dedicated by Bishop Ho Chee Sin, Bishop Emeritus TR Doraisamy and Bishop Emeritus Kao Jih Chung.
1990 3000 copies of the United Methodist Hymnals are donated and dedicated on Aldersgate Sunday in May.The Cradle Roll Ministry is launched.Wesley celebrates its 105th anniversary, and donates $25,000 to the nation's 25th Anniversary Charity Fund.The Administrative Block is renovated.The first School of Music Ministry takes place.
1991 "Towards 2000" vision paper is introducted. 8th Assembly of the World Federation Methodist Women held at Wesley.For the first time, worship services are conducted daily during Holy Week.
1992 The Ministry to the Hearing Impaired is launched.
Two other Ministries are launched: Wesley Haven and the Legal Ministry
Nov 2, '08 7:40 PMby Victor for everyone
vick3394
1981 Kim Seng Community Clinic opens for consultation.
1982 May: Wednesday Intercession is launched.
1983 March: First Family Camp with Marriage Enrichment theme held in Port Dickson. Boys' Brigade celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
1984 New "Strangely Warmed" logo is introduced. Victory 5 evangelistic meetings take place.Wesley Lay Training Institute is established.Wesley's first missionary intern, Miss Milia Kan is commissioned with the Asian Outreach International in Hong Kong.
1985 Wesley celebrates its 100th Anniversary with a service at the World Trade Centre.Small Group Ministry starts up with 8 small groups.CareForce is established under the banner of the WSCS."Camp 100", the first combined church camp for the youth ministry is held. 10:30 am Prayer and Praise Service is launched in the Hall.The Centennial Consultation of Asian Methodist Leaders and the Centennial Evangelistic Festival are held at Wesley.
1986 An All-Night Prayer, following a Day of Prayer & Fasting, is held at Wesley inconjunction with the Luis Palau Crusade.In additional Prayer & Praise Service is introduced at 9 am to cope with the growth.Crisis Counselling Centre is set up by the CareForce. Church School now has almost 1000 students.A Care for the Unemployed Committee is started up in response to the recession.
1987 A Youth Council is established. The Small Group Ministry now has 41 small groups, and the first Small Group Leaders Convention is held. Church membership now stands at almost 3000.
1988 The Wesley Guys & Gals is launched.A Festival of Praise is organised by the Small Group Ministry, which now numbers 46 groups with a full-time Coordinator.Mission work on the home front is focused on Tampines.The first Wesley Child Development Centre (WCDC) is opened at Neil Road with 91 students.
1989 Wednesday Intercession is replaced with a Mid-Week Service.The Victory 6 celebrations are held.Wesley Centre, housing the Youth Centre, Wesley Child Development Centre and the home of the Boys Brigade, is officially opened by Dr. Seet Ai Mee.Church extension is completed and dedicated by Bishop Ho Chee Sin, Bishop Emeritus TR Doraisamy and Bishop Emeritus Kao Jih Chung.
1990 3000 copies of the United Methodist Hymnals are donated and dedicated on Aldersgate Sunday in May.The Cradle Roll Ministry is launched.Wesley celebrates its 105th anniversary, and donates $25,000 to the nation's 25th Anniversary Charity Fund.The Administrative Block is renovated.The first School of Music Ministry takes place.
1991 "Towards 2000" vision paper is introducted. 8th Assembly of the World Federation Methodist Women held at Wesley.For the first time, worship services are conducted daily during Holy Week.
1992 The Ministry to the Hearing Impaired is launched.
Two other Ministries are launched: Wesley Haven and the Legal Ministry
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A New Dream
5th July 2009 will be considered the start of a new dream for me. It has been 1 year since the production of the Sign language Dictionary. It took 3 years since Patrick came up with that idea one Volunteer gathering where he suggested a dictionary that volunteers can use as a reference guide. I took the challenge up.
Now, the dictionary is all over the world and it is starting to be a blessing for many of the Deaf ministries. It is not the end yet. I will hear more about it in the future.
MHI has been going to the Ph for the last 3 years consecutively. We started to reach out to our sister Pg Church last year to encourage them. However in my heart, such trips are just "separate trips". We go in to help and then leave our friends to return back to our lives. We cannot really say we have a "continuity" to the countries we visited. We leave a space to the help we give.
I asked myself how then do we proceed from here? Patrick asked me to find out more about M Deaf schools which I did the beginning of the year after we return from the Ph. All thanks once again to the publicity created when one of our dictionaries landed in Y. However no matter how much I try to contact further, there seemed to be a block to my inquiries. In short, all I have is BLACK.
5th July 2009 was MHI monthly Prayer meeting. I was in the group where WN was sharing about his trip to C. After the meeting, C remained in my mind all the time. I was wondering why until when the weekday came, I felt the prompting to just send an email to the Methodist Mission Society.
I knew it is over my head. But I have to do it to find out if i am going to get any response from the pastor in charge. Within a short 2 hours, I have a reply and was surprised I was referred to T who has been working as a coordinator in C.
I received a call from T who promptly wanted to see me and discuss about my ideas. The appointment was made and I found myself in her office with a small group, listening to her describe the new country of C and what was already done there by the Missions Society.
For the last few weeks, alot of thoughts ran through my mind. Can it be done? 18 years ago, MHI was started with just a small handful of volunteers. There were no hearing impaired then. We made the mistake of appproaching the adult HI. We lost our way for a few months before we realise our direction was towards the students and younger HI. As we changed direction and started looking for them, we were affirmed when God gave us many of them coming to our ministry. That is our direction. That is our target group. We were to make sure they are educated and to grow in strength and stature, to be grounded in the Holy Spirit. To know the importance to read the Bible and because valuable citizens when they grow up and to go back to the Deaf Community to help other youths.
This year as I saw many of the youths agree with the importance of education, to be the best that they can be, I see that many have made it or will be making their way to a tertiary education center be it Polytechnic or University. My concern is whether our society in Singapore when they graduate, do we recognise our youths to be the same as any graduates from the school? Will they have the same employment opportunities? Same salary scale?
Or will they still face the same economic difficulty with or without their higher education?
My thoughts were: Can we address both these issues of 1) MHI helping our friends from other countries and 2) economic issues of our graduating youths? Can we still hold on to the things we taught and shared with them like "Education builds the character of a person" and "A person of integrity gives back to the society" and finally "We will glorify God with our heart, mind and body"?
Now, the dictionary is all over the world and it is starting to be a blessing for many of the Deaf ministries. It is not the end yet. I will hear more about it in the future.
MHI has been going to the Ph for the last 3 years consecutively. We started to reach out to our sister Pg Church last year to encourage them. However in my heart, such trips are just "separate trips". We go in to help and then leave our friends to return back to our lives. We cannot really say we have a "continuity" to the countries we visited. We leave a space to the help we give.
I asked myself how then do we proceed from here? Patrick asked me to find out more about M Deaf schools which I did the beginning of the year after we return from the Ph. All thanks once again to the publicity created when one of our dictionaries landed in Y. However no matter how much I try to contact further, there seemed to be a block to my inquiries. In short, all I have is BLACK.
5th July 2009 was MHI monthly Prayer meeting. I was in the group where WN was sharing about his trip to C. After the meeting, C remained in my mind all the time. I was wondering why until when the weekday came, I felt the prompting to just send an email to the Methodist Mission Society.
I knew it is over my head. But I have to do it to find out if i am going to get any response from the pastor in charge. Within a short 2 hours, I have a reply and was surprised I was referred to T who has been working as a coordinator in C.
I received a call from T who promptly wanted to see me and discuss about my ideas. The appointment was made and I found myself in her office with a small group, listening to her describe the new country of C and what was already done there by the Missions Society.
For the last few weeks, alot of thoughts ran through my mind. Can it be done? 18 years ago, MHI was started with just a small handful of volunteers. There were no hearing impaired then. We made the mistake of appproaching the adult HI. We lost our way for a few months before we realise our direction was towards the students and younger HI. As we changed direction and started looking for them, we were affirmed when God gave us many of them coming to our ministry. That is our direction. That is our target group. We were to make sure they are educated and to grow in strength and stature, to be grounded in the Holy Spirit. To know the importance to read the Bible and because valuable citizens when they grow up and to go back to the Deaf Community to help other youths.
This year as I saw many of the youths agree with the importance of education, to be the best that they can be, I see that many have made it or will be making their way to a tertiary education center be it Polytechnic or University. My concern is whether our society in Singapore when they graduate, do we recognise our youths to be the same as any graduates from the school? Will they have the same employment opportunities? Same salary scale?
Or will they still face the same economic difficulty with or without their higher education?
My thoughts were: Can we address both these issues of 1) MHI helping our friends from other countries and 2) economic issues of our graduating youths? Can we still hold on to the things we taught and shared with them like "Education builds the character of a person" and "A person of integrity gives back to the society" and finally "We will glorify God with our heart, mind and body"?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Forgiving
What is forgiving?
Forgiving someone who did us wrong does not mean that we tolerate the wrong he did.
Forgiving does not mean we want to forget what happened.
Forgiving does not mean we excuse the person who did it.
Forgiving does not mean we take the edge off the evil of what was done to us.
Forgiving does not mean we surrender our right to justice.
Forgiving does not mean we invite someone who hurt us once to hurt us again.
Many people call forgiving a miracle and that is what it really is. Because when we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is ourselves.
Forgiving someone who did us wrong does not mean that we tolerate the wrong he did.
Forgiving does not mean we want to forget what happened.
Forgiving does not mean we excuse the person who did it.
Forgiving does not mean we take the edge off the evil of what was done to us.
Forgiving does not mean we surrender our right to justice.
Forgiving does not mean we invite someone who hurt us once to hurt us again.
Many people call forgiving a miracle and that is what it really is. Because when we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is ourselves.
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