Dear friend,

A team of staff and volunteers embarked on a project in 2023 to brainstorm how we can be more effective in reaching the youth of this generation. What began as a simple project eventually grew into a study where we invited students to share their perspectives with us. Through the study, we identified a group of youth whom we termed as “the willing participants¹.” These are the ones who are open to the Christian faith and willing to have deeper conversations on religion with Christians whom they trust.

Seeing the potential of this group of students, Polytechnic Ministry and Secondary School & Junior College Ministry (SJM) then took a hard look at their strategies and made changes, focusing intentionally on relationship-building with these young people.

Polytechnic Ministry used to organise events that were exciting and hype. While these events drew more students, they often provided fewer opportunities for deeper conversations. The ministry then came out with the idea of inviting students to meals held in volunteers’ homes. The organiser, Hannah Chua, was initially worried whether students would think that this is a scam and not respond to the online invite. It was a journey of faith for her, and God surprised her when students signed up two days before the dinner. Although it was a little bit awkward when the students came, the warm and friendly hosts quickly made them feel at home. Conversations about school and interests flowed naturally around the dinner table. Hannah thanked God for the dinner and for the unexpected new friendship she formed with a student who stays near her.

Last September, the SJM team categorised its LIFE Group students into two main groups — Those who are eager to share the gospel with their friends, and those who are not ready to share the gospel on their own but are enthusiastic in inviting their friends for fun activities. SJM then formed interest-based communities to gather students with the same interests like cycling and baking and encourage them to do these activities with one another. At the same time, they can think of other friends who may like such activities and invite them along.

SJM staff Leon Loh has a strong interest in coffee making and latte art. We thank God that his church generously donated a coffee machine which he can use for his ministry with the young people. Through conducting latte art sessions, Leon was able to bring students and volunteers together. Recently, he initiated a group buy of coffee beans, and one of the students who attended his latte art session placed an order. This created an unexpected touchpoint to further reach out to this youth. SJM hopes that through examples like this, evangelism can be done more organically.

SYFC’s motto is: Geared to the times, anchored to the Rock. With changing times, we must adjust our outreach methods to remain relevant to the youth. However, what remains unchanged is our dependence on Jesus Christ our Rock to do this work.

With gratitude,

Richard Tan

National Director

¹ Profiles of students we have identified in our study: https://www.syfc.org.sg/blog/praying-for-our-youth/