The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is clearly a mandate, not a suggestion—we are to go, make disciples of all nations, baptise—and the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) is at the vanguard of this call.
As the missions arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), we are not merely another agency looking for donors.
To truly impact nations and transform lives, we must continue to move much further beyond the model of sending to what I would call the model of partnering.
From pioneering to empowering
The partnering model means we must go indigenous. The goal of missions is not permanent dependence on non-nationals, but the cultivation of indigenous (national) churches and communities. This requires a holistic partnership where Singaporean churches and congregants work hand-in-hand with MMS and indigenous leaders.
For example, we have seen the fruit of this strategy in two key nations.
1. Timor-Leste: Building capacity through unity
In Timor-Leste, our work was birthed through a partnership with Love Singapore and the Transformation Alliance. Mindful that 95% of the population is Roman Catholic, MMS adopted a strategy centred on community development rather than building a Methodist church.
With the support of churches like Aldersgate Methodist Church, Wesley Methodist Church, Bedok Methodist Church, Hakka Methodist Church and others, we established the Sundermeier Home, Dunamis Hostel and St Paul Methodist School (SPMS).
The result? Youth who once faced muddy roads and no future are now excelling in universities and finding employment due to English proficiency and a disciplined lifestyle.
The lesson: when churches unite—Methodist and non-Methodist alike—we create a platform for national development that elevates a country out of poverty while planting the seeds of the gospel.
2. Thailand: A holistic family approach
In Thailand, our strategy emphasises that “Partnership is Presence.” It is not enough to send a cheque; we must send ourselves. These were some initiatives.
- Economic empowerment: Kampong Kapor Methodist Church established a revolving fund to help villagers buy seeds and fertilisers, allowing them to tithe from their own profits, thereby increasing their capacity for tithing.
- Investing in leaders: Churches like Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church and Barker Road Methodist Church fully funded the theological education of indigenous pastors, ensuring the church has strong, local leadership.
- Establishing and building human capital: Singapore churches and school boards partnered to establish indigenous churches, hostels and schools. Some of the churches involved were Aldersgate Methodist Church, Wesley Methodist Church, Charis Methodist Church, Toa Payoh Methodist Church, Grace Methodist Church, Faith Methodist Church and Sengkang Methodist Church.
The lesson: effective mission work addresses physical needs to build social bridges that reach hearts.
Why partner with MMS?
A partnership with MMS will undeniably have an impact on the mission field, but it will have an equally profound impact on us, the partners. Partnering is a reciprocal relationship that adds immense value to our spiritual, emotional and mental growth.
1. Deepening our spiritual walk
Missions demands reliance on God. When we step out of our comfort zone—whether through a medical mission with Wesley Methodist Church or a youth camp with Charis Methodist Church—we witness God’s power in raw, tangible ways. We move from reading about the Acts of the Apostles to living them. This “boots on the ground” experience re- ignites a passion for prayer and a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the lost.
2. Emotional and mental resilience
In a fast-paced, high-stress society like Singapore, mission work offers a powerful reset. Engaging with communities in Timor-Leste or Thailand shifts our perspective. It breaks the “bubble” of self-focus and cultivates gratitude. There is a unique mental clarity and emotional fulfilment that comes from serving others—a joy that the world cannot offer. As we pour out, God pours back into us.
3. Discovering a global family
Partnership fosters unity. When we host Thai pastors for study trips or work alongside Timorese teachers, we realise the body of Christ is vast and beautiful. We are no longer just a member of a local congregation; we become global citizens of God’s Kingdom.
An open invitation to the table
We invite every Methodist church and every congregant to find their place in MMS’ story. Whether it is funding scholarships or bursaries, partnering a ministry, joining a medical team or adopting a village—in every way, your contribution matters.
Let us be more than donors and senders. Let us be partners. Together, as one family, we can extend God’s glory, advance his kingdom, and allow him to transform not only the nations but our own hearts.
Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng is the Executive Director of Methodist Missions Society. He worships at Charis Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Missions Society
