Quek Koh Eng, Area Director and Director of Operations of the Methodist Missions Society, chatting with three volunteers.
– MMS picture.
“THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD!” This was expressed by the staff of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) to their volunteers during the Volunteers’ Appreciation Night on Feb 3, 2012. Held at the Methodist Centre, the event saw a turnout of 80 volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for more than a decade.
Mr Richard Chong, whose passion is to teach the playing of ukulele for use in mission fields, kicked off the event by leading in worship, as he had done in previous MMS events.
Bishop Dr Robert Solomon then gave his message for the night, referring to Ezekiel 22:30 to share that God is looking for someone to “stand in the gap” on behalf of the land and pray for the people. Jesus was a good example of someone who did so, and likewise, volunteers are those who stand in the gap, facing risk, danger and cost.
A video presentation entitled “Thank You for Giving to the Lord” was screened to show appreciation to the volunteers, who came from many walks of life.
Following that, MMS Chairman Mr Chou Fang Soong extended his appreciation to all the volunteers, numbering more than 700, who have helped the MMS over the last 20 years.
He reminded attendees that the vision of the MMS is to unite the Methodist community in the work of missions. Mr Chou has volunteered with the MMS for 15 years, and he shared his hopes that the volunteer base would be strengthened, particularly through engaging the younger generation of volunteers.
Another faithful volunteer, Ms Teresa Chan, shared her testimony to encourage all the volunteers. She is a lawyer by profession but her heart has always been for the mission fields, especially Thailand and Nepal. She had served in the Micro-enterprise Team, and is now involved in the Personnel Committee.
In her sharing, Ms Chan emphasised that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Each time she returned from her visits to the harvest fields, she felt that she had become a happier person as she saw how blessed she was. Serving over these 12 years has helped her develop a fiery passion for the mission work. She said: “To serve is a privilege, an honour – not a sacrifice!”
In closing, the newly-appointed Executive Director of the MMS, the Rev Philip Lim Kian Leong, thanked all volunteers and gave a brief update on the upcoming events for the year. He also led the attendees to pray for the mission fields. Each volunteer received a polo T-shirt and a foldable water bottle as tokens of appreciation.
If you would like to be a volunteer with the MMS, please send an email to mms@methodist.org.sg
Kam Leong Heng is the Communications Executive of the Methodist Missions Society.
Wanted: Helping hands
THE HELPING HAND is seeking volunteers to assist in its ministry to ex-offenders. Churches as well as individuals are welcome.
Volunteers are needed for the Bible-study programme every Tuesday from 8 pm to 9.30 pm, and the Aftercare Fellowship programme every Wednesday or Thursday from 8 pm to 9.30 pm. Arrangements can also be made for Individual Befriender/ Mentor programmes or other tailor-made programmes.
Enquiries can be directed to Mr Steven Wu in the Care and Counselling Department of The Helping Hand.
Please email him at stevenwu@thehelphand.org or call him at 6283-2204 ext 107.
