We used to reach out to Filipinos in Singapore by going to Lucky Plaza to make friends or visiting nursing dormitories, inviting nurses to Life Group.
Outreach wasn’t always fruitful. Many would say ‘yes’, but when the day came, they would change their minds. One day, no one showed up for LG, so I went back to a dormitory to invite people again.
I met a lady on the second floor who said she couldn’t come. As I went around inviting others, we kept bumping into each other. When she asked if anyone was joining, I told her I was leaving because no one wanted to come. Perhaps out of pity, she decided to join me.
From that day on, she never left. That lady was Ana Marie, who later became the wife of Pastor Ferdie. Today, they are missionaries pioneering churches in the Philippines.
If people never say no, I won’t give up inviting them. I didn’t give up on Ana Marie because God’s people didn’t give up on me. There was a time I refused to open my door when my mentors came to fetch me for service, even though they waited in the rain for over 30 minutes. It was through their consistent love and generosity that I encountered God and found a spiritual family in Hope.
Today, I still carry the same desire to see more people encounter Jesus. When we reach one person, we don’t just touch one life. We also touch families, communities, and generations. I am very thankful to God for the privilege to witness this happen, one life at a time!
“The carebears are coming!” This was a common phrase often whispered in the nursing dormitory. “Carebears” was the nickname us nurses gave the people from Hope Church. They would usually come in twos or threes, greeting nurses, and inviting us to join their life group.
One day, I saw this lady alone. When she approached me, I immediately declined. She simply smiled and said, “It’s okay. I’ll go upstairs and invite more nurses.” About half an hour later, I saw her again. She told me she was heading home alone. No one wanted to come with her to life group. Before I could overthink it, I said: “Okay, I’ll join you.” That changed the direction of my life forever.
My first Sunday service at Hope was in Kreta Ayer. After service, I joined the life group for dinner. Though they were nurses and didn’t earn much, they blessed me generously, making sure I felt loved and welcomed. I was so moved by their joy and sincerity.
In Hope, I did not feel like an outsider. I felt pursued. I felt valued. I felt like I belonged. I began to encounter God in a deeper way, through sermons, community, worship, and authentic godly relationships. Hope was the place where I learnt to love, serve, and grow in Him.
Looking back at the 25 years, I see now that every step was ordered by God. I thank God for His unwavering faithfulness in writing a story far more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
