For the past 23 years, MMS has organised biennial banquets to raise funds for major projects in our mission fields. The banquets, titled “My Father’s Business”, reference Jesus’ response when his parents searched for him and found him in the temple (Luke 2:49).
The “My Father’s Business” 2019 fundraising dinner will be held on 25 Aug (Sunday) at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung will be our guest of honour.
“My Father’s Business” 2019 will raise funds in support of the St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) Development Project in Timor-Leste. This project—which includes acquisition of land, construction of classrooms, a hostel, a chapel and other buildings—will be carried out in two phases at an estimated total cost of $5.4 million. We thank God that we have raised nearly half of the funds needed!
As Methodists know, Christian education is not just about the construction of buildings; it is about building capacity for generations to come. In addition to providing excellent academic instruction, SPMS is presently sharing Christ’s love and discipling more than 120 students across seven levels in rented premises. In the spirit of John Wesley, our missionaries are teaching “values and vocation, service and sacrifice”.
As SPMS enrolment is quickly growing beyond the capacity at the current location, MMS seeks support from our Methodist community to make a reality of the God-given vision of establishing a Methodist school in Timor-Leste.
In the June issue of Methodist Message, Bishop Dr Chong wrote, “People who use their talents in service for God and for others have the greatest impact on society.” He quoted from G. M. Best’s book, Education from a Methodist Perspective: “John Wesley was as much an educator as a preacher. Methodist involvement in education stems from his passion for education, which was rooted in his understanding of the Bible and centuries of Christian tradition.”
Therefore, whilst MMS is supporting education efforts in Cambodia, Thailand and Laos through our schools, Timor-Leste, being a young nation with a very young populace, too also benefit from its children having access to quality education that also imparts Christian values as part of its curriculum.
You can help make our vision a reality by sponsoring a table at the Banquet 2019 or making a direct donation towards the SPMS Development project. Please get in touch with us at mms@methodist.org.sg or 6478-4818.
Noel Tam is the Home Director and Area Director (Nepal) for the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). He worships at Pentecost Methodist Church and is the chairman of the banquet organising committee.
Please pray:
- that MMS will be able to raise sufficient funds through the Banquet.
- for the staff and students of St Paul Methodist School in Timor-Leste.
Photo courtesy of The Methodist Missions Society