Dear friend,

Mental health has been in the news recently and questions are raised about how our young people are coping with their lives. In a study published by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in 2018, 1 out of 7 people in Singapore have experienced a mental disorder and some common mental disorders are more prevalent amongst those aged 18-35 years old. The worry is that the pandemic might have caused the number of people who are depressed and anxious to rise even further and that such symptoms are now seen in even younger youth and children.

At our leaders’ retreat recently, we asked if there are students we know who may be struggling with mental health issues and whether we know how to support them. Many of us admitted that we feel inadequate to help these students. This sense of inadequacy maybe how Joshua felt when he was fighting the northern coalition in Joshua 11. By far, these were the biggest group of enemies in his conquest of Canaan. Joshua 11:4 describes their army as a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. Although the Bible does not mention that Joshua was made fearful of the size and nature of the opposing force, it is possible that he was afraid. Therefore, God told Joshua not to be afraid for He will deliver the enemies to Israel. Upon hearing from God, Joshua charged ahead.

Clearly, Joshua’s faith was on God and not on his own abilities. Joshua also set his eyes on God instead of the difficulties before him. Likewise, SYFC needs to look to God for wisdom to address the issue of mental health amongst the youth. Also, to be responsible in our outreach to these young people, we will continue to engage trainers to equip us to ask good open-ended questions and to practise active listening. May God help us to reach them with His love and wisdom.

Just as Joshua placed his faith in God’s words, we are also placing our faith in the finished work of Christ. Please continue to pray for the young people today that they will be more resilient and for all of us as Christ’s followers to look out for them and to find opportunities to share about our loving and all-powerful Savior with them.

All glory to God,