A good and godly Singaporean once told me that he was born on World Toilet Day. I knew he was a November baby, but I didn’t know that 19 November had been designated by the United Nations as World Toilet Day! Nor did I know that this Toilet Day gave the Singapore Government (through the efforts of Jack Sim) its very first successful Resolution adopted by the UN in 2013!
Surviving medical emergencies while caring for elderly parents and schooling children
Five years ago, 64-year-old Mr Chong Moon Yeen was behind the wheel of his taxi when he unexpectedly suffered a stroke. He was rushed to the hospital and spent several days in a coma in the ICU. The stroke had caused a blood clot in his brain, and to relieve the pressure from the swelling, doctors had to perform a delicate surgery, removing part of his skull. Once stabilised, Mr Chong was transferred to MWS Bethany Nursing Home (BNH) – Choa Chu Kang, where he began his long journey of recovery, receiving round-the-clock medical and nursing care, as well as therapy.
Truthful evangelism: Our lives speak more than our words
“Evangelism” is a lofty word and much- vaunted concept, but do we ever think of how it relates to us personally? When I think of how my spiritual heritage sprang from the work of two evangelists who were obedient to God’s call, I feel compelled to pass on this blessing of a spiritual heritage to others and share God’s love with them.
Strategic Christian stewardship
The Covid-19 pandemic is a social and an economic crisis just as much as it is a health one—its repercussions, severe and far-reaching, are being felt across the world. The effects are felt unevenly across societies. The Wellcome Global Monitor 2020: Covid-19 Report, the largest study of its kind, found that the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on low-income countries and people with low incomes across all countries.
My colleagues take advantage of my helpful nature
I can’t claim to be an ardent follower of Philippians 2:3-4 where it says we should consider others first before self, but I try. My peers at work, however, see this as my weakness and take advantage of it. Working in an NGO where teamwork is emphasised, my colleagues frequently request my help with their admin tasks—work I am not good at or like to do, and certainly not my core area of responsibility. While I am glad to help and grateful to God for his spirit working in me, I am in a dilemma as to how to cope with my real duties and not be appraised as under-performing or unhelpful. How should I manage being a good employee and still reflect Christ in me? ~ itCost2bConsiderate
Relative who has questionable spending habits wants to borrow money
My close relative has been facing financial difficulties for the past few years. He has approached different relatives or friends to ask for money. Some time back, he shared his challenges and asked me if I could loan him a sum of money. At that time, I told him that I was not able to as I did not have funds. Recently, he found out that I received a big payout and has asked to meet with me. I believe he will be asking for money again. I feel conflicted as he is nice and helpful to all and has done some favours for my family. But I question how he manages his expenses. I want to help but am I enabling him to continue a habit of living beyond his means?
My child wants tuition even though she doesn’t need it
My child is doing decently in school. However, she feels insecure about not having tuition, as many of her peers do. We can afford it; I’m just not sure she needs it. Yet, it’s become a sore point, and I wonder if she sees it as our lack of support. Maybe she is the ambitious type and won’t settle until she is the top of the pack? What should I do?
The role of an usher
“Hello! Welcome to church!”
This might be what you’ll hear me say a lot of times on a Sunday as an usher.
Welcoming all who attend Sunday service and directing them to their seats is essentially what ushers do. However, there’s a lot of thought that goes behind how ushers work together to provide the warm atmosphere as the first point of contact, when someone enters the sanctuary.
Why Methodists should pay attention to the Lausanne Movement
What would happen if someone called together a congress of 5,000 Christians from 200 different countries, from a wide range of ethnicities, ages, theological backgrounds and worship styles? And imagine adding to this, another several thousand joining in the conversation online, across multiple time-zones. What would result? Would this great pooling of diversity and difference result in division and disharmony? Or would this be an opportunity for the global Church to display and declare its unity in its Lord Jesus Christ? This was exactly what took place at the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (L4), held in Incheon, South Korea from 22 to 28 September 2024.
When a harmful spirit depresses
It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace. This is the theme adopted for this year’s World Mental Health Day (10 October 2024). Recent years have generated more awareness of the importance of mental health. Today, mental illness afflicts many more of us than we used to think. We would be wise to acquaint ourselves with the different ways to promote stronger mental health in our families and friends.
The long road to healing
Jane’s story of her horrific abuse at the hands of her father was published in Methodist Message October 2023. While sharing her unimaginable ordeals was, to some extent, cathartic and empowering, her journey in search of healing and closure remained a dark and unending road. However, with family support and help from a therapist, the lights have turned on along her way.
My staff can’t seem to work independently
I supervise someone at work. She has been in this role for almost 20 years. While I try to empower and not micromanage, I have realised that she is often not able to work independently and/or think proactively about improving work processes. How do I encourage or help her to understand that she has to think more independently instead of having me tell her what to do? ~ the reluctant supervisor
