Dear friend,

Thank God for sending His Son to earth as our Saviour. We had a wonderful time celebrating and proclaiming the birth of Jesus during the Christmas season. Here are some stories from the various ministries.

The Secondary School and Junior College Ministry organised a Christmas Campaign to help students understand the Christmas story more deeply so that they might be encouraged to share this wonderful news with their friends. They read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth, the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds, and the responses of the magi and King Herod. James Lau, one of our volunteers, also urged the students from Simeon’s account in Luke 2:22-35 to marvel at and treasure Christ. The students then packed Christmas gift bags and wrote personal notes to their friends.

While it can be quite challenging at times to get students to share their faith, over the two campaign days, the students were very eager to tell their friends the Christmas story. Some of them tried to squeeze as many words as they could into the small card while some others drafted their messages on their phones first in case they make a mistake on the card.

The Polytechnic Ministry also gathered students for Celebrate Christ. Everyone at the event was reminded that Jesus came for the least of us and challenged to reach out to others. Students then chose from different outreach platforms such as home baking, conversations over the Unfiltered cards, rock climbing, or gift and note writing.

D, one of our volunteers, was grateful that her friend agreed to join her for the baking session. Through their conversations, her friend showed interest in knowing about the Christian faith and the existence of God. A student, SH, shared that the event gave him the space to have deep conversations with his friend. He added that The Unfiltered cards caused his friend to reflect more honestly about life, broke down intellectual barriers and opened the door to spiritual discussion.

The ITE Ministry organised a post-Christmas gathering for students they had met throughout the year. It was a relaxed and fun party with mass games that helped the students to bond. The ministry also partnered with a speaker from a local church who shared about how God created us as His children, reminding the students that they are not defined by their performances and that they are not alone in this life journey.

We thank God for the many opportunities to share the gospel during this Christmas season. As we continue building friendships with the students, please pray that we will have deeper conversations and help them see how the word and works of Christ can speak into the real issues of their lives.

All Glory To God,

Richard Tan

National Director

P.S. Some of you have responded to my appeal in November for the staff’s 13th month salary. Thank you so much. However, as of now, we have only managed to raise less than 50% of the amount needed. Hence, I am making this last push for the 13th month salary. I trust that God will supply our needs through your giving. Thank you for your kind consideration of this request.