Singapore Youth for Christ turns 70 next year! I thank God for the rich heritage we enjoy. At a gathering of ex-key staff and volunteers celebrating their 70th birthday, I was so blessed to hear how they are still bringing the gospel to people God has placed around them.
Even more convinced about building lifelong evangelists right into our senior years, we developed the Build to Last (BTL) 6C model. In July, at our second BTL Weekend, staff, volunteers and friends paused to strengthen their understanding of the 6Cs. Let me share a few lessons I learnt.
The Weekend started with a look into 2 Timothy 3 as Reverend Chris Chia from Adam Road Presbyterian Church exhorted us to live a life centred on Christ. He highlighted that in the last days, people will be drawn to self, money, and pleasure, resulting in narcissism, loss of identity, materialism, and hedonism. I see youths pursuing activities for their own benefit and pleasure. Hence, we must bring the misdirected to become Christ-directed.
Reverend Chris likened reaching youths to a marathon. I run marathons. To go the distance, I need to pace myself and not run out of energy before the finish line. During the run, I must constantly fuel myself with nutrition and water. In the race of bringing the gospel to youths, I must prioritise my tasks so I do not burn out early, be nourished in God’s Word and thus finish the race God has given me to run.
As a new generation emerges, young people change. Our Teaching and Resource Director, Lim Chien Chong, pointed out that in the midst of facing the inevitable, we ourselves must change and grow in Christlikeness, as directed by God’s Word and His Spirit.
At times, I am tempted to adapt to the world. If the malls can draw hundreds of young people with a certain activity, maybe we should do something similar to attract them too. However, Chien Chong reminds me to be clear what God wants and not swayed by winds of change, to depend on God’s Word and Spirit so as to be anchored to the rock of truth.
Finally, a dear friend, Kevin Pang shared his perspective on building competence. He carries heavy responsibilities at work, dealing with youths and various stakeholders. He is also a husband, father and deacon. He approaches the discipline of rest in terms of what sustains him, not from the ‘self care’ angle. During his morning commute, listening to daily devotion and a sermon energises him for the day’s tasks. Over the weekend, fulfilling church responsibilities and fellowshipping with his small group refreshes him for the new week. What stands out is that Kevin intentionally protects his time for these activities, especially for building relationship at home.
Too often, I prioritise ministry in SYFC and church over my family. As I continue my own journey in a lifetime of evangelism, I want to intentionally make time and effort to bring my family along with me. Pray for us in SYFC to be found faithfully sharing the gospel right into our senior years, like our alumni brothers and sisters. They are truly lifelong evangelists!
With Grattitude,
Richard Tan
National Director
