A church on a mission

“We wanted our church to be outward- rather than inward-looking.” 

Rev Dr Aaron Tay, the pastor in charge of Bedok Methodist Church in Singapore, was not keen on holding a church camp year after year. Despite the many benefits of a camp, he felt that having it annually was inward-looking, depended heavily on logistics and attracted the same church members each time.  

Rev Tay, together with the leadership team, reflected on the missions-sending heritage of the church. With that, a plan emerged to invite the congregation to look outward, beyond Singapore and to serve others around the world. 

Bedok Methodist Church’s Missions Release was launched in 2024, alternating every other year with the church camp. This resonated with the church’s mission to make disciples who love God, love one another and love those who don't yet know Jesus. 

Released into mission  

Throughout the year, the church intentionally engaged its 1,000 active members in missions. Several Sunday services emphasised the Great Commission. Once every month, during Sunday services or prayer meetings, members prayed for a least-reached people group or nation. A missions fair was held for over 100 ministry and disciple group leaders, showcasing different mission agencies and providing opportunities to serve.  A two-day missions summit was organised to equip over 300 participants in biblical foundations, honouring and praying for the least reached, integral missions, justice and missions pathways. 

Rev Tay, who began his Christian service at the age of 26 on OM’s ship, Doulos, said, “Short-term mission trips help give people exposure to mission work and when they return, they can use those experiences and share the gospel with those at home.” 

“There are many least-reached people groups in the 10/40 window, near where Singapore is located. Some of our members are professionals who travel for work and they can use their time overseas in missions as well.” 

At the end of 2024, 34 short-term teams, amounting to over 300 people, rose to the call to cross-cultural missions. In the following year, more than 20 teams continued to participate in both overseas and local missions, sharing God’s love and hope with those who had never heard of Jesus. Many of the teams built precious relationships with the local communities, serving in the areas of prayer, education, healthcare, preaching and Bible storytelling, pastoral and community care and literature distribution.  

'Sharing His Word in whatever way I can'  

The young and old were encouraged to reach out to others with the good news of Christ. About 30 children and youth, accompanied by adult leaders, embarked on their annual trip to share the gospel with the least reached in Baray, Cambodia. 

Jana Chua, 12, who initially thought the trip was going to be boring, shared that it turned out to be fun and she made many great friends. 

Jana said, “The best part of the trip was the bus rides, where we had so much fun together. I saw God at work when He called me to go to Baray. Next, I want to keep coming back and do my part in sharing His Word in whatever way I can.” 

Cleaning toilets and serving coffee  

A couple in their twenties, John* and Mei*, took a bold step to go with OM to serve displaced Ukrainian war refugees in Poland. They had a meaningful time joining OM’s ministry to children and youth; teaching English, participating in games and activities and supporting on-the-ground workers. 

John said, “We often go into short-term trips expecting to do the marvellous, the miraculous or engaging in deep gospel conversations – none of which is impossible, and we praise God when it takes place.” 

“However, I recognise that what I can do best is to help the long-term workers in whatever capacity I am able to, be it cleaning toilets and windows, serving coffee and tea to the refugees and bringing joy to the children!” 

A mission team that kept going back 

A medical mission team, comprising of doctors, an optometrist and community workers, began with a trip in 2004 to serve the displaced ethnic minorities living in Sangkhaburi, located at the Thai-Myanmar border. The collaboration with OM in the early years and other local partners later on, has lasted over a period of 20 years.  

Through this work, the team helped administer medical care, build a local school and church, support local pastors and enable young people through training and educational scholarships. They shared the gospel, with many people becoming Jesus followers and the ministry being handed over to local leadership.  

Dr Junior Hiew, the mission leader, described the sustainability of the mission: “From the initial one trip a year, the frequency of the trips increased to as often as four times a year, as more and more church members came on board to participate. Close to 20 villages in Sangkhaburi were reached out to and many of them received repeated visits to reinforce the gospel messages shared earlier.” 

“We identified and trained some young men to be potential leaders for the ministry. We brought them along for mission work, showing them how the various ministries are run. After years, these youths have become the future leaders in the ministry. They are now independently leading teams into the mission field, actively ministering to their own people.” 

'Our privilege to pass on this blessing' 

Reflecting on what God was doing through Missions Release in Bedok Methodist Church, Rev Tay remarked, “I’m encouraged. I never thought that so many would go out into missions. I’m amazed that different people have stepped up to champion missions and lead change.” 

“We are children of God, blessed with His presence and abundant life, because someone, by faith, shared the gospel with us. Ultimately, Singapore received the gospel because mission workers from afar, by faith, endured hardships to bring us the good news. It is our privilege to pass on this blessing today.” 

*name changed