MCS rendering financial and other kinds of aid to help transform society
THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE (MCS) has been involved in community work for the past 125 years. From its early days when the missionaries arrived in February 1885, the MCS has been rendering financial and various kinds of assistance to help transform society.
In the year-long celebrations of its 125th Anniversary last year, the MCS personified its mission in transforming society by galvanising church members to befriend and render financial help to 1,000 “chronically poor” families, each family receiving $125 a month for a whole year.
This Community Outreach Project, helmed by the Methodist Welfare Services, is an offshoot of the rich heritage of the MCS’ 125 years of serving the community. With the anniversary theme, “Together in God’s Mission” in mind, church members rallied to help those caught in the poverty trap, regardless of their race or religion.
Our special interest in Social Concerns
Christian social responsibility is rooted in the teachings of the Bible. e Methodist Church in Singapore has a special interest in social concerns because it desires to be obedient to Jesus Christ, and such obedience is exemplified in the life and work of John Wesley, the “Father” of Methodism.
Our social outreach is carried out through our Churches, Agencies and Schools.
Touching lives in Singapore and abroad
Our mission can best be appreciated by our programme of outreach both in Singapore and in Asian countries. It covers not only the religious mission but also the educational and social commitment, encompassing the care of the poor, the needy and the sick. Our Methodist Churches have also been involved in ministering to prisoners and their families and helping to tackle social ills such as opium smoking, prostitution, the protection of women, gambling, drinking and drug abuse.
Today, the MCS comprises 44 local churches in three Annual Conferences with more than 38,000 full members, 16 schools with a student population of more than 22,000, 14 social service units and seven mission fields.
Recognising that Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society and that everyone is of equal worth in God’s sight, the MCS commits itself to helping the poor, the sick and the marginalised through various programmes to alleviate their difficulties, such as:
Giving cash and kind to the needy,
Feeding the poor and the migrant workers,
Visiting and befriending the sick in hospitals, hospices and welfare homes,
Giving tuition to students as well as children with learning disabilities,
Providing various kinds of counselling to students and adults with addictions, and
Helping to secure jobs during difficult times.
All these services are provided to the needy, regardless of race, language or religion.
Story: Peter Teo ■ Pictures: Methodist Church