Feature Article: Rebuilding Lives, Embracing Change & Resilience
This article was originally posted in our March 2021 Word@Work.
While 2020 was the year that saw COVID-19 ravage countries and economies all around the world, 2021 promises to hold some hope as some nations are slowly emerging from the crisis. In the midst of this transition, The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS) remains steadfast in its mission to make the Word of God known to all peoples, especially in these uncertain times. Having been in existence for more than 183 years now, BSS has never ceased to serve churches and communities around the world, as the Beacon of Light pointing others to Christ.
Strengthening Mental Wellness
As the world adapts to the “new normal”, the Gospel remains ever so relevant as a powerful story of redemption and hope. This is much needed—the lockdowns all over the world have put the spotlight on mental health issues as people find themselves struggling with the effects of confinement and isolation. A survey of 1,000 people in Singapore by Ipsos between April and May 2020 found that one in four respondents said they were not in good mental health. Similarly, an online poll by mental health charity Silver Ribbon found that a quarter of the 577 participants had experienced “more than usual” anxiety and feelings of low moods.
Now, more than ever, is the pressing time to make God’s Word more available, accessible and credible to all peoples. This is why BSS has worked with various partners, such as Care Corner Singapore, Caring for Life, Trauma Healing Institute and Lutheran Community Care Services, to roll out Bible-based mental wellness programmes to help the local community become more resilient. Since December 2020, the Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship (SIBD)—a Ministry of BSS—and Caring for Life have been jointly holding a LIFE Training workshop twice a month to help participants identify potential suicide cases, and introduce them to the basic principles of suicide identification and prevention.
Mental wellness also has to do with Trauma Healing, which is a ministry that BSS has been helming since 2014, with professional trainers from the USA and local facilitators. In order to amplify our Trauma Healing efforts, SIBD and the Trauma Healing Institute organised a Trauma Healing Initial Equipping workshop which combined proven mental health practices with the wisdom of the Bible to bring restoration and hope to the broken-hearted. SIBD also partnered Care Corner Singapore to organise a series of talks on mental wellness, titled Empowerment for Effective Self-Care. More information on these events can be found on page 28.
To continue efforts to make the Word of God accessible to all peoples, in 2021, SIBD will organise more Bible Literacy Programmes in more languages and for targetted age groups. BSS Chinese Ministry will also expand its reach by working with regional partners in 18 countries and territories in East Asia, South East Asia, the Pacific, and even in North America. It will reach out to the larger Chinese-speaking communities and bridge the gap by offering more Bible-based courses and resources to build up the Body of Christ.
Sowing Care for the Needy
Aside from strengthening our mental wellbeing, God has also called us to serve the physical needs of our fellow brothers and sisters. The Bible urges us to “share (our) bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into (our houses)” (Isaiah 58:7a). It is with this missional call in mind that SowCare—the social service arm of BSS—continues to partner the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance—to reach out to needy communities, such as the guest workers. On 17 December 2020, SowCare and its pool of volunteers were actively involved in an International Migrants Day cum Christmas Celebration that launched a nine-day long celebration for more than 10,000 workers across 75 factory-converted dormitories (FCDs). A special festive meal was served to 600 guest workers from one of the FCDs on 17 December. (More information on this initiative can be found on page 18.)
Beyond celebrating festive occasions with the guest workers, SowCare is also focused on improving their mental wellness by teaming up with partners to provide suicide prevention support, counselling, recreation activities and befriending services.
Another vulnerable group that SowCare has been blessed to help is the homeless. On 19 December 2020, SowCare hosted a Christmas celebration for 14 rough sleepers at the Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3P) at the Bible House (S3P is a community initiative to provide temporary shelter for rough sleepers, set up in partnership with the Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF)). SowCare supports S3P@Bible House, which currently houses 10 homeless individuals. The programme included a lunch and dinner for the homeless individuals, a bazaar and an opportunity for them to receive gifts for themselves and their loved ones. SowCare also distributed 500 care packs to homeless individuals in celebration of Christmas. Aside from S3P, SowCare also supports The Innkeeper’s Project, in partnership with New Hope Community Services and Singapore Kindness Movement, that aims to provide holistic care for 165 homeless individuals housed temporarily in HDB estates.
Also, SowCare aims to work and partner with more churches to impact the community by doing good together with them. (More information on SowCare’s activities can be found on page 20.)
Wielding the Word
With the Lent season upon us, Sower Publishing Centre—also a ministry of BSS—has produced a 2021 Lent Devotional, themed From Fear to Faith, commissioned by the National Council of Churches of Singapore and into its 16th year running. Visit bible.org.sg/lent to get an e-copy of the Lent Devotional 2021.
Sower Publishing Centre will also continue to render more services and digitalisation efforts to make Scriptural resources more available online and on various digital platforms.
In May, BSS will also be organising the annual DECLARE event—a 72-hour long national Bible reading event—typically held in conjunction with the Feast of Pentecost, where believers come together to read the Bible aloud in different languages.
More Partnerships and Initiatives Looking Ahead
Moving forward, BSS will continue to assist churches in digitalising their services through SowerCommuniTech—our offering of digitalisation and media services to meet the future needs of the Christian community. Watch out for more BSS digitalisation projects underway that aim to provide holistic services for the churches and community—fulfilling our core purpose in making God’s Word more relevant in this digital era.
In the midst of this Lent season, let us not forget to be the love of Christ in tangible form to the people around us. May we embody the sacrificial love of Christ to help rebuild lives in need of His transforming power and resilience that comes from an unwavering faith in Him.
Feature Article: Encouraging & Engaging Communities in Need
Encouraging & Engaging Communities in Need
Christmas is a very special time of the year; it is a time where we come together to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who came down to earth in human form to bring hope to humanity. When we consider the birth and life of Jesus, we are also reminded of Jesus’ acts of kindness to the needy and the care he showed for those around him.
In reflecting on the spirit of Christmas, renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “And when the Lord Jesus has become your peace, remember, there is another thing: good will towards men. Do not try to keep Christmas without good will towards men.”
This year presents us with unique circumstances, as we celebrate the birth of Christ in the middle of a pandemic—a greater call for us to cling on to the Word of God, which promises us that all things will work together for good (Romans 8:28). This is the spirit that The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS) hopes to echo this festive season, by encouraging and engaging communities in need as we move towards a new normal.
Engaging the Local Christian Community: Digitalisation of Programmes and Initiatives
In order to remain relevant and continue serving the Christian community, BSS has launched several digitalisation initiatives in the past few months—which have allowed us to connect with Christians and provide useful faith-based resources in spite of restrictions on public gatherings. One of our first initiatives was the various online webinars and courses to engage the public with God’s Word from the various ministries—the Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship (SIBD), ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity, and our Chinese Ministry. One of these webinars was the recent Financial Stewardship webinar, in partnership with the Evangelical Alliance of Singapore (formerly the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore) in conjunction with their 40th anniversary. More information about these sessions can be found on page 28.
To further assist Churches and fellow Christian organisations with adapting to the new normal, BSS has also launched Sower CommuniTech, which aims to help streamline administrative processes and ministry with the use of technology. Sower CommuniTech provides a plethora of digitalisation and media services, such as a National Church Procurement Platform, SecureMeet, Online AGM Solution, PayNow custom QR code generator and webinars on how to use these platforms. For more information, visit bible.org.sg/communitech.
Encouraging Communities in Need: Initiatives for Guest Workers and Rough Sleepers
In continuing with our core mission of serving the vulnerable and needy amongst us, SowCare—the social service arm of BSS—has been working closely with the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA)—to provide holistic care for the guest workers since the commencement of the circuit breaker in April. With the combined efforts of our volunteers, partners and donors, we have managed to distribute more than one million Care Meals and 1.2 million medical supplies, hygiene products and other food items to over 21,000 guest workers in 300 dormitories.
As these guest workers gradually prepare to resume work after months of lockdown, BSS hopes to go a step further in showing care for them not just in relation to their physical needs, but also their psychological and emotional needs. In this phase, SowCare is focused on the mental wellness of the migrant workers by providing suicide prevention support, counselling, recreation activities and befriending services. On 2 September, SowCare was actively involved in an outdoor activity for about 50 guest workers at Labrador Park and Hort Park. The event was a trial run for Project Sunshine—in partnership with AGWO and the Ministry of Manpower — which seeks to improve the holistic wellbeing of the guest workers. SowCare has also invited hundreds of churches to participate in the Project Sunshine initiative to bless more guest workers especially during Christmas season. More information about the event can be found on page 20.
While we have moved on to a phase of caring for the mental wellbeing of guest workers, SowCare is continuing to show care by bringing them good cheer during festive seasons, such as the recent Deepavali. SowCare supported AGWO on 14 November to distribute meals to about 8,000 guest workers from more than 70 factory-converted dormitories (FCDs)—as reported on The Straits Times and CNA. The meal comprised chicken biryani, kesari and laddus (types of Indian sweets), muruku, other Indian sweets and drinks. More than 100 volunteer drivers were mobilised to help to deliver the food to the various FCDs across the island.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, also joined the food distribution exercise. AGWO was glad to partner with the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Team of the Ministry of Manpower and other like-minded charity organisations in this initiative.
Looking ahead, we are also planning celebrations with guest workers on International Migrants’ Day on 18 December and Christmas this year.
Aside from the guest workers, whose lives have been affected by the pandemic, the ripple effect of COVID-19 has also caused substantial disturbances and difficulties for the lives of many rough sleepers in Singapore.
During the circuit breaker and beyond Phase 1, Bible House opened its doors to provide a temporary shelter for 10 rough sleepers under the S3P (Safe Sound Sleeping Places) project, launched in close partnership with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). The temporary shelter at Bible House was known as S3P@Bible House.
Since July, SowCare has also been providing essential items to almost 260 rough sleepers under The Innkeeper’s Project. This has been done through the valuable support from our generous donors and partner organisations—CDC Funds, SG Strong, and OSCAR@SG Fund. Read page 22 for more information about SowCare’s initiatives to help the rough sleepers.
Empowering Global Communities: Overseas Holistic Missions
Staying true to our mission of bringing the hope of the Gospel to unreached communities overseas, BSS has been working with our sister Bible Societies in Uganda, Bangladesh, Nepal, Lebanon, and Israel to bring the Word of God to the unreached in these countries. Our partnerships with these countries include providing and sharing resources with them to bring the Bible to the local communities, as well as providing humanitarian aid when needed—such as during the explosion that happened recently in Beirut, Lebanon, which caused the devastation of homes, and even the Bible House in Lebanon. In November, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines were massively flooded due to raging typhoons in the region that displaced millions of people. We are working closely with our sister Bible Societies in these countries to extend practical help for the victims and bring the Word of Hope to them. Read pages 10-12 for more information about BSS’ overseas missions.
In the words of the late Billy Graham, “Christ didn’t only come into the world that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, but He wants to come into our lives today, and every day of the year.” As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate Christmas amidst these new circumstances, may we be moved and comforted by the unending hope we have in Jesus, and spread His love to those in need.
Want to contribute to the Global Bible Mission? Visit bible.org.sg/donate to donate.
Cyclone Idai in Mozambique
(Image Source: UNICEF)
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About Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Kenneth:
Cyclone Idai hit near Beira city, Mozambique, on March 14, 2019. The heavy rains and strong winds led to flash flooding, hundreds of deaths, and massive destruction of property and crops. Just under six weeks later, on April 25, Cyclone Kenneth hit northern Mozambique about 600 miles away from where Idai had dealt its blow.
Cyclones Idai and Kenneth are one of the worst storms to have ever hit Mozambique. The catastrophic flooding that resulted from these cyclones has affected almost 2.2 million people in Mozambique and its neighbouring countries.
Timeline:
(from https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/2019-cyclone-idai-facts)
March 3 – The tropical disturbance that would become Cyclone Idai develops and begins to strengthen near the coast of Africa.
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March 5 – Heavy rains cause severe flooding across Mozambique and Malawi.
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March 11 – Now a tropical depression, the storm builds in intensity between coastal Africa and Madagascar.
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March 14 to 15 – Tropical Cyclone Idai makes landfall near Beira, Mozambique, as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds exceeding 105 mph.
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March 20 – Heavy rains continue along with search and rescue operations and damage assessments.
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March 21 to 27 – Governments and humanitarian aid agencies begin responding with life-saving relief supplies to the affected areas.
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March 28 – The Mozambique government calls off the search for survivors of Cyclone Idai.
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April 2 – Cholera cases in Mozambique top 1,400, according to health officials.
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April 25 – Cyclone Kenneth hits northern Mozambique with winds above 125 mph.
How much damage was caused?
Cyclone Idai wiped out roads, bridges, and dams as it swept through Southeast Africa. According to the United Nations, Cyclone Idai and subsequent flooding destroyed more than an estimated $773 million in buildings, infrastructure, and crops. As a result of Cyclone Idai itself, more than 100,000 homes were also damaged or destroyed.
Additionally, Cyclone Kenneth is estimated to have destroyed about $100 million worth of homes, crops, and infrastructure, including boats and equipment belonging to coastal fishing villages.
What was the impact on the Bible Society of Mozambique?
As a consequence of Cyclone Idai, the Bible Society depot in Mozambique suffered huge damages. The violence of the cyclone winds washed away all the roof, thus destroying all Scriptural stock in the warehouse. Additionally, the roof of the office managing the Ndau Revision Bible was destroyed, and books and computers in the office were also damaged.
What is the death toll?
More than 1,000 people have died from the impact of Cyclone Idai and Cyclone Kenneth.
About Mozambique:
Mozambique is a country of 29 million people who live between 4 extremes, namely drought, floods, poverty and tropical cyclones. Apart from poverty, natural disasters are cyclical, leaving little room for the Mozambique people to restore their country.
Singaporeans bring festive cheer to guest workers and Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs)
This article was originally posted in our Tamil Murasu.
Singaporeans bring festive cheer to guest workers and Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs)
Widely celebrated festive seasons, such as Christmas, are especially meaningful because they bring families and loved ones together over shared meals and traditions. However, these occasions can often exacerbate feelings of loneliness among vulnerable communities in society, such as the homeless and guest workers, who may not be able to celebrate with their families. Such feelings may also often be more pronounced among guest workers in Singapore, who frequently experience homesickness from having to relocate and live in an unfamiliar environment.
In an effort to alleviate the emotional struggles of these guest workers, SowCare—a charity arm of The Bible Society of Singapore—and TSL Holdings Group worked collaboratively to include guest workers in their Christmas celebrations this year.
Gathering over 350 guest worker employees at TSL Holdings Group, on 8 December at the company headquarters, the ‘Christmas with the Nations’ event sought to appreciate and recognise the efforts of their migrant employees. In the spirit of Christmas, carols were sung and guest worker employees were gifted with presents as well.
Mr Tan Swee Lim, President of TSL Holdings Group, who was present at the event as the Guest of Honour, honoured the workers who were present in his opening address.
“I am very pleased and honoured to host this meaningful event. It is our way of expressing our deepest gratitude to all of you, who have worked hard to contribute to the success of not only my group of companies, but our nation. Your contributions have included laborious work and long hours, and we are truly thankful for the role you have played.”
The ‘Christmas with the Nations’ event follows a series of Feasts of Appreciation (FOA), which were launched by the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO) in September this year. The FOA initiative seeks to invite the local community to tangibly appreciate guest workers here, by hosting celebratory meals for them.
Sharing his vision and ethos behind the FOA movement, Rev Samuel Gift Stephen, Chairman of the AGWO, said, “In a country where food is such an important part of our lives, sharing a meal with these guest workers goes a long way in showing them how we do not consider them to be alien and are truly appreciative for their role in our society.”
Seeking to include FDWs in the leg of celebrations, 300 FDWs have also been invited to attend an upcoming feast at Bible House on 15 December. The FOA for FDWs will also feature performances by various ethnic groups and a mini-bazaar, including photobooth and manicure stations.
Reiterating the role of FDWs in the Singaporean society, Mr Ezekiel Tan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SowCare, shared how, “while guest workers serve in public industrial sectors, the contributions of FDWs are close to home and to the heart. The role they assume is deeply personal and we must remember to remain thankful for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make every day.”
For more information on how individuals or groups can host a FOA, please visit hia.sg/AGWO.
