2022 PARTNERSHIPS
December
Preaching at Renewal Christian Church
On 4 December, the General Secretary was invited to preach at Renewal Christian Church for Bible Society Sunday. Pray that more people will understand the Bible Mission and commit to supporting our mission of making the Word of God known to all peoples.
Global Patrons Fellowship – Cyprus Residency
From 8 December to 10 December, the General Secretary was invited to attend the Global Patrons Fellowship Cyprus Residency for the various Bible Societies. The Residency was attended by leaders from the various national Bible Societies and from the United Bible Societies to promote global philanthropy for the Bible Mission.
ADEO First Anniversary
On 11 December, the General Secretary attended the first anniversary of the Alliance of Domestic Employees Outreach (ADEO) held at the Bible House. Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Manpower and Education, graced the occasion as the guest of honour. Pray that we can continue to be a channel of blessings for the domestic workers in Singapore.
Preaching at Church Camp for True Grace Presbyterian Church
From 12 to 14 December, the General Secretary was invited as the keynote speaker for the Church Camp in Malaysia for True Grace Presbyterian Church.
International Migrants Day 2022
On 18 December 2022, the General Secretary attended the International Migrants Day event held in Little India. The event was co-organised by Hope Initiative Alliance and the Ministry of Manpower. Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Sustainability and the Environment, also graced the occasion as the guest-of-honour.
Preaching at Geylang Chinese Methodist Church
On 24 December, the General Secretary was invited to preach at Geylang Chinese Methodist Church for Bible Society Sunday. Pray that more people will understand the Bible Mission and commit to support our mission of making the Word of God known to all peoples.
Archdiocesan Interreligious Christmas Celebration
On 27 December, the General Secretary was invited to attend the Archdiocesan Interreligious Christmas Celebration hosted by His Eminence Cardinal William Goh at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
The Alphabet Project (TAP) Festive Community Carnival
On 31 December, the General Secretary attended The Alphabet Project (TAP) Festive Community Carnival held at Kampong Kembangan Community Club. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, graced the occasion as the guest-of-honour. We hope that the event will bring much cheer to the underprivileged families staying in the Kembangan-Chai Chee area.
November
Speaking at Light of Crossroad Church 8th Anniversary
On 6 November 2022, the General Secretary was invited to speak at the 8th Anniversary of Light of Crossroad Church.
Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference 47th Session
On 12 November 2022, the Bible Society was invited to attend and present our report at the 47th Session of the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) of the Methodist Church in Singapore. We pray and look forward to more churches to be inspired and to join us in partnership in Bible-centric ministries and mission.
Chinese Annual Conference 47th Session
On 17 November 2022, the General Secretary was invited to attend and present the Bible Society’s report at the 47th Session of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) of the Methodist Church in Singapore. We pray and look forward to more churches to be inspired and to join us in partnership in Bible-centric ministries and mission.
Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST) Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) and Employer Appreciation Day 2022 and FAST Hub Official Opening
On 20 November 2022, the General Secretary attended the FAST MDW and Employer Appreciation Day 2022 and the official opening of FAST Hub. He is also the Co-Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the event. The Minister of State for Manpower and Education, Ms Gan Siow Huang, was the Guest of Honour. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Edwin Tong, also attended the event as Special Guest.
MOM Annual Awards and Partner's Appreciation Event 2022
On 23 November 2022, the General Secretary was invited to attend the MOM Annual Awards and Partner's Appreciation Event 2022 held at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza. An award was presented to Hope Initiative Alliance, a partner of SowCare Ltd.
Trinity Annual Conference 47th Session
On 23 November 2022, the General Secretary was invited to attend and present the Bible Society’s report at the 47th Session of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of the Methodist Church in Singapore. We pray and look forward to more churches to be inspired and to join us in partnership in Bible-centric ministries and mission.
YMCA 120th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Dinner
On 25 November, the General Secretary was invited to attend the 120th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and Dinner.
Preaching at Fairfield Methodist Church
On 27 November, the General Secretary was invited to preach at Fairfield Methodist Church for Bible Society Sunday. Pray that more people will understand the Bible Mission and commit to support its mission of making the Word of God known to all peoples.
Migrant Workers Community Carnival Day
On 27 November, the General Secretary attend the Migrant Workers Community Carnival Day organised jointly by the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (SowCare is a core partner of AGWO), Ministry of Manpower ACE Group, and the Singapore Police Force Woodlands Division. The Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, was the Guest of Honour.
October
Sharing at World Vision Day of Prayer
On 3 October, the General Secretary was invited to share from God’s Word during the devotion of the World Vision Day of Prayer.
SG Cares Community Networking Session @ Woodlands & Sembawang
On 6 October, the General Secretary was invited to attend the SG Cares Community Networking Session at Woodlands & Sembawang. SowCare is a partner of the Social Service Office @ Woodlands and Sembawang to serve families with young children staying in rental flats.
MSF PEERS Network Year-End Appreciation Event
On 10 October, SowCare was invited to the MSF PEERS Network Year-End Appreciation Event for our role in hosting the rough sleepers in Bible House and in Yishun. SowCare was presented with a Star Partner Award during the ceremony.
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students Dinner
On 12 October, the Bible Society hosted the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) Dinner which was attended by students and staff from the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. The General Secretary of IFES was also present.
Meeting with the Asia Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission Chair
On 18 October, the General Secretary met with Rev. Ashish Hirday, the Chair of the Asia Evangelical Alliance Youth Commission to explore partnership opportunities for youth work.
Meeting with the Executive Vice-President of Global Leadership Network
On 25 October, the General Secretary met with the Executive Vice-President of Global Leadership Network, Mr Chris Ordway to explore collaboration in Christian leadership development.
Meeting with the Principal of Malaysia Bible Seminary
On 26 October, the General Secretary met with the Principal of Malaysia Bible Seminary, Dr Lee Ming An, to explore collaborations in Christian training programmes.
Meeting with Trauma Healing Institute Master Trainer
On 27 October, the General Secretary met with Ms Nancy Writebol, Master Trainer with Trauma Healing Institute, to explore collaboration opportunities to expand the Trauma Healing programmes with Sower Institute.
Meeting with Grace and Mercy Foundation Asia
On 31 October, the General Secretary met with the senior regional leadership of the Grace and Mercy Foundation in Asia to explore partnership opportunities.
September
Meeting Thailand Bible Society
On 1 September, the General Secretary had a Zoom meeting with Thailand Bible Society to explore future collaborations and discuss how the two Bible Societies could work more closely in the coming years.
Meeting with Care Corner Singapore Ltd
On 2 September, the General Secretary attended a meeting with Care Corner Singapore Ltd and its new CEO, Mr. Christian Chao, to explore collaborations for joint projects in community service.
MOM Holiday Experiential Programme
On 3 September, the General Secretary was invited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group as a panelist for the MOM Holiday Experiential Programme to share insights about the Migrant Workers Landscape. The Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Ms. Gan Siow Huang, was the Guest-of-Honour and one of the panelists for the session.
Thanksgiving Solemn Mass for the Appointment of His Eminence Cardinal William Goh
On 8 September, the General Secretary was invited to attend the Thanksgiving Solemn Mass for the appointment of His Eminence Cardinal William Goh to the Sacred College of Cardinals, held at St. Joseph’s Church.
International Conference on Communities of Success
On 9 and 10 September, the General Secretary was invited to attend the International Conference on Communities of Success (ICCOS) by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS). The Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, graced the occasion as the Guest-of-Honour and gave the opening keynote address for the conference.
Meeting with the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka
On 15 September, the General Secretary visited the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka to discuss collaborations for projects to help the poor and vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka, and to explore future partnerships.
Visiting Ceylon Bible Society and Launch of 100 Steps Study Bible
On 16 September, the General Secretary visited Ceylon Bible Society at the Bible House in Colombo and was invited to share a Word from the Bible for devotion. He was also invited as a Chief Guest for the launch of the 100 Steps Family Bible, which was attended by the apex leaders of the churches in Sri Lanka.
Meeting with National Volunteer And Philanthropy Centre and Center For Nonprofit Leadership
On 20 September, the General Secretary met up with the National Volunteer And Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Center For Nonprofit Leadership to explore collaborations to provide resources for churches in Singapore to strengthen their Board Governance to serve their congregations better.
August
SATA CommHealth’s 75th Anniversary Dinner
On 13 August 2022, the General Secretary was invited to attend the SATA CommHealth’s 75th Anniversary Dinner. The Guest of Honour was the President of the Republic of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob. SATA CommHealth is a partner of SowCare Ltd to provide medical services for the needy in churches and the community.
Singapore Bible College’s 70th Founder’s Day
On 19 August 2022, the General Secretary was invited as a guest speaker at Singapore Bible College’s 70th Founder’s Day.
Preaching at Shalom Baptist Church for Bible Society Sunday
On 28 August 2022, the General Secretary was invited to preach at Shalom Baptist Church for Bible Society Sunday. Pray that more people will understand the Bible Mission and commit to support its mission of making the Word of God known to all peoples.
July
Launch of the Alphabet Project
On 2 July 2022, the General Secretary attended the launch of The Alphabet Project, a new movement of Hope Initiative Alliance aimed to uplift young children from poverty by offering literacy programmes to build their confidence. The Senior Minister of State for National Development and Communications & Information, Mr Tan Kiat How, was the Guest of Honour.
Chinese Ministry Pastor's Fellowship
On 7 July 2022, the General Secretary attended the Chinese Ministry Pastors’ Fellowship organised by the Chinese Ministry of the Bible Society in conjunction with our 185th Anniversary to give thanks to God and to share about the future developments of the work of the Bible Mission.
Meeting with the Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism 世界华福中心
On 28 July 2022, the General Secretary met up with Rev David Doong 董家骅牧师, General Secretary总干事 of the Chinese Coordination Centre of World Evangelism (CCCOWE, 世界华福中心) to explore partnership opportunities.
June
Radio Interview with REACH on 96.3好FM station
On 14 June, the General Secretary was invited to an interview with REACH on 96.3好FM on initiatives for homeless individuals and rough sleepers. Present during the interview were Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC), and Zechariah Heng from The New Charis Mission.
Bible Engagement Forum hosted by the British and Foreign Bible Society
From 9 to 12 June, the General Secretary attended the regional Bible Engagement Forum hosted by the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was attended by other General Secretaries from other Bible Societies in Asia. The meeting discussed plans and strategies for Bible Engagement.
Meeting with Ms Jane Jelgerhuis and Mr James Catford
From 25 to 26 June, the General Secretary met up with Ms Jane Jelgerhuis and Mr James Catford to discuss strategies for global fundraising. Ms Jelgerhuis is the Executive Director for Global Philanthropy with the American Bible Society, while Mr Catford is the Global Patrons Ambassador with the British and Foreign Bible Society.
May
Hari Raya Puasa Celebration Event for Migrant Workers
On 3 May, the General Secretary attended the Hari Raya Puasa Celebration Event for migrant workers held at Tuas South Recreation Centre. The event was organised by Hope Initiative Alliance in partnership with the Ministry of Manpower. SowCare was also one of the partnering organisations. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng and Senior Minister of State for Manpower Dr Koh Poh Koon were guests of honour at the event. Nearly 7000 migrant workers attended the day’s series of activities.
Afternoon Tea with Mr Michael Oh and the Lausanne Movement
On 7 May, the General Secretary was invited to attend an afternoon tea session with Mr Michael Oh, Executive Director / CEO of the Lausanne Movement. Present at the meeting were also other Christian leaders.
IRO’s 73rd Anniversary Celebration
On 11 May, the General Secretary was invited to attend IRO’s 73rd Anniversary Celebration. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, was the Guest of Honour for the evening.
Meeting with Walk Thru The Bible (WTB)
On 12 May, the General Secretary met with Rev Gil Balignasay, Regional Director for WTB Southeast Asia/Pacific region, to discuss various upcoming events in Singapore in collaboration with the Bible Society’s Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship.
Minister’s Hari Raya Get-Together 2022
On 13 May, the General Secretary was invited to attend the Minister’s Hari Raya Get-Together 2022 hosted by the Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Mr Masagos Zulkifli.
MSF PEERS Network Retreat
On 22 May, SowCare was invited to attend the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers (PEERS) Network Retreat for our role in partnering with the PEERS office to operate a Safe, Sound, Sleeping Place (S3P) @ Bible House. Other S3P and shelter operators were also invited to the retreat. A resident staying at Bible House was also invited to share how SowCare has taken care of him and other residents during their stay.
AEA Strategic Planning Meeting
On 24 and 25 May, the General Secretary attended the Asia Evangelical Alliance Strategic Planning Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia. He serves as the Secretary of the Executive Council and also serves as the Chairman of the Digital and Media Commission.
Inter-Religious Organisation (Singapore) (IRO) 6th Council Meeting
On 31 May, the General Secretary met with the General Manager and team from the Social Service Office (SSO) @ Woodlands and Sembawang to explore potential collaborations to benefit the underprivileged children and families in the Woodlands and Sembawang towns.
April
Inter-Religious Organisation (Singapore) (IRO) 6th Council Meeting
On 4 April, the General Secretary and the Bible House hosted the Inter-Religious Organisation (Singapore) (IRO) for their 6th Council Meeting at the Morrison-Liang Room.
In Conversation with the Commissioner of Charities and Charity Council
On 13 April 2022 the General Secretary was invited to attend the event, “In Conversation with the Commissioner of Charities and Charity Council” organised by the Charities Unit held at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). He was also invited to attend the pre-event networking session with the Commissioner of Charities and other dignitaries.
Tanjong Pagar GRC & Radin Mas SMC Buka Puasa Event
On 25 April, the Bible Society was invited to attend the Tanjong Pagar GRC & Radin Mas SMC Buka Puasa Event hosted by Henderson-Dawson Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC). Ms Joan Pereira was the Host Adviser amongst other GRC Advisers in attendance, such as Minister Chan Chun Sing and Minister Indranee.
World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) International Council (IC) Meeting
On 25 and 26 April the General Secretary attended the International Council (IC) Meeting of World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) held in Jerusalem, Israel. He is also the Special Envoy of WEA to China and Chinese territories.
WEA Meeting with President of Israel
On 28 April, as Member of the International Council of WEA, the General Secretary met up with the President of Israel, His Excellency Isaac Herzog, at his official residence.
March
Meeting with the Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance
On 11 March, the General Secretary met with the Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), Bishop Dr Thomas Schirrmacher, to explore collaborations in providing humanitarian aid to the refugees in the Ukrainian Crisis.
Meeting with SATA CommHealth
On 16 March, the General Secretary met with SATA CommHealth to explore deeper collaborations and strategic partnership in offering healthcare services.
Inter-Faith Passover Seder Hosted by the Jewish Welfare Board
On 30 March, the General Secretary was invited to attend an Inter-Faith Passover Seder hosted by the Jewish Welfare Board. The Minister for Community, Culture and Youth, Mr Edwin Tong, was the Guest-of-Honour.
Meeting with the Singapore Baptist Convention
On 31 March, the General Secretary met with the Chairman and Executive Director of the Singapore Baptist Convention, Rev Edwin Lam and Rev Dr Bobby Lee, to discuss collaborations for upcoming projects in 2022 and 2023.
February
Prayer@Marketplace Holy Communion and Chinese New Year Prayer Meeting
On 8 February, the General Secretary was invited to celebrate Holy Communion at the Chinese New Year online prayer meeting organised by Prayer@Marketplace. The speaker for the event is Bishop Dr Titus Chung.
MCCY Engagement Session for Religious Leaders with Minister Edwin Tong
On 10 February, the General Secretary was invited to attend the MCCY Engagement Session for Religious Leaders hosted by the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Mr Edwin Tong.
Meeting with Mr Paul Williams from the British and Foreign Bible Society
On 15 February, the General Secretary met up with Mr Paul Williams, the Chief Executive of the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) to discuss about an upcoming Bible Engagement Forum hosted by BFBS.
Meeting with DBS Bank
On 16 February, the General Secretary met up with DBS Bank to explore collaboration opportunities to serve the migrant communities in Singapore and other beneficiaries.
Meeting with SATA CommHealth
On 16 February, the General Secretary met up with SATA CommHealth to explore collaboration opportunities to offer medical services for the elderly in churches, the migrant communities in Singapore, and other beneficiaries.
Meeting with MSF SSO in Bedok and Geylang Serai
On 23 February, the General Secretary met with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Social Service Offices (SSOs) @ Bedok and Geylang Serai to explore collaboration opportunities to offer English literacy programmes and story-writing competition for young children in low-income families.
Meeting with Leaders of Marketplace Movements in Singapore
On 23 February, the General Secretary met up with the leaders of various marketplace movements in Singapore to share about Bible Missions and global ministries.
IRCC Chairmen Networking 2022
On 24 February, the Bible House hosted the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Chairmen of Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs) at the Pavillion of the Nation's for the IRCC Chairmen Networking 2022 organised by MCCY. The General Secretary was also in attendance.
Meeting with MSF PEERS Office
On 28 February, the General Secretary met with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers (PEERS) Office to discuss about an upcoming PEERS Network Retreat organised by the PEERS Office.
January
Meeting with Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training and International Labour Organization
On 6 January, the General Secretary met with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST) and other partners such as International Labour Organization to discuss possible collaboration in offering financial literacy training for migrant domestic workers.
Meeting with Philippine Bible Society
On 19 January, the General Secretary met up with the General Secretary of Philippine Bible Society, Ms Perry Cartera, to explore ways to render help in missions and humanitarian relief for the people in Philippines affected by the Asian monsoon floods.
Meeting with Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches and Philippine Relief and Development Services
On 21 January, the General Secretary met up with Bishop Noel Alba Pantoja, who is the National Director of Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and the President of Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS), to explore ways to render help in missions and humanitarian relief for the people in Philippines affected by the Asian monsoon floods.
