Lionel Lee, 48 years old, has been with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for 25 years. He is married with one daughter.
How did you meet SYFC?
One of my church cell members, Angeline, serves in the ITE Ministry. Over the last two years, I have been finding out from her what this ministry and SYFC is all about. I am a racket player, and hope to use my skills to serve the Lord. Furthermore, I had applied for a one-year break from SCDF, so I was seeking a place to spend my time meaningfully, while taking care of my aged mother and uncle. SYFC seemed like the right fit for me.
What has it been like so far?
I am involved in everything to do with sports. I am in the sports element in Evolving & Digital Generation Evangelism (EDGE) Ministry, Secondary School Junior College Ministry (SJM) and Youth Guidance (YG). Whenever these ministries hold sports-related events and outreaches, I will be there to play with and get to know the students. My daughter has also joined me in the SJM holiday programmes. She too plays racket sports and I’m glad she could connect well with the students she met.
During the weekly YG sports outreaches with boys from an institutionalised home, we not only teach them how to improve their technical skills, we also teach important values like playing by the rules and winning as a team. After playing, we conduct Bible discovery sessions with the boys, providing a safe space for them to share and discuss life issues.
And since we return week after week, the boys can see we are not “one-hit wonders”, but we are here for the long haul, to journey with them. Without good adult role models in their lives, the boys appreciate helpful, friendly older friends.
Last November YG camp was a highlight for me. I was an assistant group leader. Everyone, including myself, was very blessed by the camp speakers. The younger speaker spoke about his troubled life before knowing Christ and his mini revival when he was sent to Nepal for seven months and many villages received Christ. To me, that was epic! Two of our YG students received Christ during the camp. The other speaker, from a non-Chinese background, converted to Christianity at aged 15 and was kicked out of his house. He shared how the Lord carried him through the years. I am so amazed at how good God is.
As you volunteer, what are some challenges
Since September 2025, I’ve been taking care of my mother who suffered a fractured shoulder and an uncle with moderate dementia. I’m thankful her shoulder is healed now and his condition has been relatively stable. Caregiving and my own family responsibilities, coupled with my involvement with church young adults, take up much time. Once I resume work, I’ll likely have very little time left. Still, I’m excited for what is ahead.
How can our readers pray for you?
I’m deciding whether to join SYFC or not, as a part-time or full-time staff. Please pray for wisdom, understanding and clarity to discern where the Lord is leading me after this one-year break.
