Dear friend,

I mentioned that the staff team is studying the book of Acts during our staff meeting and in my own reflections on Acts 13 and 14, I noted some patterns about Paul and Barnabas’ ministry in the cities they went to. They always started their preaching in the synagogues, and many would believe after hearing their message. However, there were also always those who did not believe and in most cases they were the Jews who would also stir up trouble for the two apostles. However, I am really encouraged by the apostles’ tenacity and faithfulness to continue preaching the gospel until the persecution became unbearable or life-threatening. This encouraged me greatly when we were putting together the Religious Emphasis Week (REW) programme in the mission schools recently.

Last year, I met the chaplaincy team of a mission school and after a brief discussion, they offered SYFC the opportunity to anchor this year’s REW programme in their school. While I was very happy for the opportunity, SYFC does not have a team that can put up a musical presentation. Hence, we approached and collaborated with another organisation for the programme.

The preparation of the programme was a struggle as we had expected. The staff involved were stretched as we were involved in many other projects at the same time. Furthermore, not all the volunteers were available at each rehearsal.

As always, it is challenging to present the gospel in a refreshing way to students who hear about God and Jesus everyday. But thank God for giving us the theme “You Are Valued.” Other than singing songs that the students were familiar with, the singer also shared her testimony. In her growing up years, hurts and the constant pressure to perform caused her to suffer from anxiety attacks. However, when she encountered God, she understood that her real value does not lie in her achievements but in how much God loves her. Her sharing resonated with the students and they enjoyed the musical presentation of the Good News.

After completing the programmes for this year, I asked myself if I will do it again next year, and my answer is, “Yes!” As long as there are opportunities for us to proclaim the good news of Christ, we will be committed to do it no matter how daunting the task is.

Please pray for us to be as tenacious and faithful as the apostles in our outreach to the young people.

God be our Helper.

All Glory To God,

Richard Tan

National Director