181st Anniversary BSS Mission Banquet 2018: Hopeful to the End

This article was originally posted in our September 2018 Word@Work.

The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS) has always strived to be an effective mission agency, and on 3 August 2018, in conjunction with our 181st anniversary, we gave thanks to God for His guidance by hosting a Mission Banquet at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. This was made possible with the sponsorship of Far East Organization, one of our esteemed partners that has given generously towards various Bible Mission initiatives.

In attendance were Guest of Honour, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of Parliament; special guest Her Excellency Simona Halperin, the Ambassador of Israel to Singapore; leaders of United Bible Societies (UBS); General Secretaries from different Bible Societies around the world; Sower Awards recipients; and newly-appointed BSS Honorary Ambassadors. It was an evening packed with celebration, thanksgiving, and mission sharing from various Bible Societies. To be able to share in the camaraderie forged by Christians from all walks of life is a testament to that far-reaching impact of the Bible Mission that God has so graciously blessed.

The Mission Banquet was a good opportunity to showcase the collective labour in the mission field by Bible Societies around the region, as well as to highlight the plights of communities affects by life's many perils, from natural disasters to ethnic violence.

In one such instance, Rev Tej Jirel, General Secretary of the Nepal Bible Society, shared about how Nepal is still struggling to recover from the 2015 earthquake, and how many of those affected by the disaster continue to live in makeshift homes today.

Rev. Ezekiel Tan, General Secretary of BSS, also used this joyous occasion to pay tribute to individuals who have contributed significantly to the Bible Mission. The Sower Awards, now in their second year, recognise these individuals for their faithful work. Mr Tan Chuan-Jin was on hand to present the awards.

The Sower Award for Lifetime Achievement honours the extraordinary service of someone who has given their life to sow God's Word across all nations. This award went to Dr Bobby Sng, a founding member of the Christian Medical & Dental Fellowship in 1973, and the 5th president of BSS. Under his astute leadership, the organisation underwent a massive transformation as greater emphasis was placed on Bible advocacy and regional holistic ministries, contributing greatly to the global Bible Mission.

The Sower Award for Bible Missionary of the Year honours a Bible missionary who, in the face of difficult circumstances in the mission field, has courageously worked to fulfil the Bible Mission. This award went to Rev Arun Sok Nhep, a Cambodian pastor who serves with the UBS Global Mission Team. He is best known for his pioneering works in translating the Bible to the modern Khmer language, which has proved instrumental in reviving the Cambodian church.

The Sower Award for Benefactor of the Year honours the generous contributions of an individual who has impacted many lives through the Bible Mission. This award went to Datin Doris Ong, who has consistently and generously supported BSS since 2004.

The Sower Award for Volunteer of the Year honours the selfless and dedicated service of our volunteers, whom we endearingly call our Sowers-in-Action. This award went to Dr Christopher Cheah and Dr Foo Fung Fong, a husband-and-wife team who have tirelessly and faithfully contributed to the Bible Mission through Family Discipleship.

Lastly, the Sower Award for Young Sower of the Year, a new award, honours youths who have shown incredible faith and grit in contributing to the Bible Mission despite their young age. This award went to Eleaner Victoria Teo. Though she was only 12 years old at the time, Eleaner went out of her way to raise funds and purchase Bible for the Burmese people in Myanmar.

On top of the award presentations, four individuals were also named Honorary Ambassadors of the Bible Society, owing to their continuous support and involvement in the various initiatives and events in BSS. This year, the ambassadorial roles are split into three categories.

Appointed Honorary Ambassadors to Christian Communities are Rev Winston Tan, Vicar of Church of the True Light; Rev Mark Poh, Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Assembly of God; and Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup, a member of the Presidential Council for Religious Harmony.

Appointed Honorary Ambassador to the Public Sphere is Dr William Wan, General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement.

Lastly, appointed Honorary Ambassador to the Marketplace is Mrs Dorothy Chan, Executive Director of Far East Organization.

Amidst the fanfare, we were reminded that there is still much to be done to further the Bible Mission. Testimonies from individuals who personally witnessed the needs of communities around the world highlight the urgency for each one of us to act. It is therefore imperative that we do not rest on our laurels, but instead press on so that, in time to come, the Word of God will truly be made available to all peoples.


The Bible—God’s Great Gift to Mankind

This article was originally posted in our September 2018 Word@Work.

In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln’s close friend, Joshua Speed, paid him a private visit at the outskirts of Washington. When Speed, a sceptic, found the American President reading a Bible, he was incredulous. Lincoln responded, “Take all of this Book upon reason that you can, and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier man.”

As Lincoln’s statement echoes, the Bible is incomparably valuable, and the benefits mankind can derive from being intimately acquainted with it are unparalleled. It does not simply make one a “happier” person, but also “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 3:15). Therefore, the desire and goal remains for all Christians, especially for us here at The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS): that through owning, engaging with and experiencing God’s Word, everyone may truly know the Word made flesh—Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Helping people own the Bible

Out of more than 7,000 living languages in the world today, only 542 have the complete Bible. Bible translation and distribution therefore remains a key objective of the global Bible Mission, and one that BSS is committed to. We are blessed to have not only churches, but also corporate organisations such as Far East Organization to come alongside us in this work. With their partnerships, BSS has been able to support Bible translation and distribution works in Singapore, Asia and the Middle East, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Egypt. Most recently, BSS is supporting new Bible translation projects for minority communities in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam and China.

“Thank you for the Myanmar Bibles you gave us to give away freely… We made an announcement in church saying that [they] are only for pre-believers who want to read them, and all were taken up in just a few weeks!”—Ps Matthew Maung Myo Thu, Judson Baptist Church

In addition to print, BSS also seeks to utilise other platforms, such as audio and digital, to bring the gift of God’s Word to an even broader populace. The Word Intake for Spiritual Edification (WISE) programme, for example, enables people to listen to the Scriptures, and is especially helpful for those who face difficulties in reading, such as the elderly and the visually disabled. We are also developing a mobile app to reach more of the young and technologically-savvy with God’s Word. We pray that God will bring these plans to fruition!

Helping people understand the Bible

Yet simply owning the Bible is of no profit unless people are able to read it, as well as understand what they are reading. Bible engagement is therefore just as vital an objective of the global Bible Mission. As the UBS Mission Resource Centre for Bible Engagement, BSS is at the forefront of promoting Bible engagement especially in Asia Pacific, organising and supporting projects such as literacy programmes and trauma healing workshops in Singapore and beyond. Through these, people not only are able to interact with Scripture and grasp its life-giving message, but also improve their quality of life as they learn to apply the Bible’s teachings in different areas of their lives.

BSS also hosts events that help Bible Societies around the region work together in fulfilling the Bible Mission. One example is the International Bible Engagement Conference and Capacity Building Workshop, which BSS hosted on 31 July–3 August. It provided a platform for Bible Societies, especially in Asia and the Middle East, to share their expertise with one another, and introduced collaborative opportunities to serve the peoples of each other’s countries. In celebration of our 181st Anniversary, BSS also organised a Bible Mission Banquet, rallying various Christians to support the Bible Mission in serving different areas of need in our region and beyond.

Helping people experience the Bible

At the same time, Bible engagement means more than helping people learn about the Bible. It also means demonstrating and living out its truths, so that people may experience the light and hope it brings. This is especially relevant for communities frequently affected by disasters and unrest.

Therefore, BSS has resolved to serve these communities through holistic missions, seeking to meet their immediate needs. In previous years, BSS sent teams to participate in humanitarian relief efforts in the Philippines, Lebanon and Nepal, taking not only Scripture materials but also basic daily necessities. More recently, we also helped in raising support for victims of the 2017 South Asian floods, and are presently working closely with Bible Societies in Bangladesh and Myanmar to aid the victims of the escalating Rohingya refugee crisis. We pray that through these acts of care and compassion, the people will know and embrace God’s love and salvation.

That the whole world may know

On another occasion, Lincoln described the Bible as “the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Saviour gave to the world was communicated through this book.” We pray that through owning, engaging with and experiencing the Bible, the nations may know Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the world. All this is possible only with your continued support. Join us in realising this vision, and may God be glorified through it all!


First Steps—The Official Launch of the Alliance of Indian Ministries

This article was originally posted in our June 2018 Word@Work.

More than 50 leaders turned up for the inaugural Alliance of Indian Ministries (AIM) Leadership Conference in early 2018 at the Bible House. This was held in conjunction with its official launch as a ministry under The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS). To reflect its commitment, AIM invited acclaimed speakers Krish Dhanam and Jose Philip from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries to, over the course of the conference, conduct impactful lessons on servant leadership and what it takes to be a good leader for God. The much-awaited launch came at the end of the conference, which was officiated by our General Secretary, together with AIM's Chairman, Rev Samuel Gift Stephen, and core members of AIM.

Although the ministry is only in its infancy, AIM's structure is well thought out. Its core members are leaders from various churches and organisations who represent the different Indian communities in Singapore.

Under its collective leadership, AIM is also able to share more resources with fellow Indian churches, such as the annual Lent Devotion and the WISE 40-day devotional reading plan, both of which are available in Tamil. This translates to stronger outreach efforts to the people it serves, especially needy and vulnerable families. Additionally, with an already strong support network, AIM can now further advance their work—both locally and regionally—with BSS as its platform.

Evident from the two-day conference, AIM's pledge to empower its leaders has already begun on a positive note. Better equipped through those lessons, they are able to serve their communities more effectively, and that is just one of the many services that the ministry hopes to regularly offer in the future. On that same note, AIM also expressed the need for support. One of AIM's core members, Rev Dr Steven Francis, highlighted the ministry's need for prayer, for pastors and church leaders to promote their visions, and for financial support. It was also announced at the launch that AIM has a past balance of about $3,800, and BSS has matched that amount and donated it to the ministry, bringing its initial fund to about $7,600.

As word of AIM spreads, we pray that support will grow in tandem, and that God will use this ministry to touch the Indian communities at large.


Unity Amidst Uncertainty—Our Partnerships in Egypt

This article was originally posted in our June 2018 Word@Work.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”—Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

As one of the oldest civilisations in the world, Egypt has seen a wide range of religions practised, including Christianity. However, Egyptian Christians are among those often targeted by religious radicals. Yet, through various agencies that The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS) works alongside, such as the Bible Society of Egypt (BSE), we have seen how the Egyptian Christian community has been deeply impacted.

The fact that these ministries are growing so rapidly is a testament to the solidarity that Egyptian Christians have shown despite the well-documented struggles that they have regularly faced since the Egyptian revolution in 1952. As the largest religious minority in Egypt, Coptic Christians have borne the brunt of various forms of discrimination, such as laws restricting the building of churches and, in the 21st century, hate crimes committed by extremists. In one such example, on 9 April 2017, twin suicide bombings in two churches killed 45 people and injured 126. In the face of such persecution, the Egyptian Christian community rallied.

To strengthen our partnership with Egyptian Christians, BSS sent a team to Egypt in August 2017 to support mission works there. From Cairo, they headed to the province of Asyut, where the BSE, together with the local Coptic Christian church, organised the 'In His Image' event. In the face of widespread unrest, it was reasonable to expect a muffled response from Egyptian Christians. Instead, there was a multitude of people gathered in the public square, worshipping fervently.

Throughout the four-day event comprising a variety of activities—from theatrical plays to a Christian-themed talent show—the turnout gradually increased. Altogether, they had about 30,000 participants.

The team also gave out Bibles to event participants. It was evident how precious the Word of God was to the recipients; each of them kissed the Bible they received. As Bishop Thomas of the Coptic Orthodox Church emphasised, it is important for every Egyptian Christian to own a Bible as it "gives them the feeling of identity"—the knowledge that their identity is in Christ Himself. This is why the need to improve their Biblical knowledge is so great.

The team was moved by how the participants braved temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius just to attend the event, and how the Christian community remained faithful to God amidst the hostility that they face.

A major factor for this community's unity is the close bond formed between the BSE and the Coptic Church. As one of the team members reflected, "Community living strengthens their faith and unifies their identity as believers in times of persecution."

The team also visited the impoverished Garbage City in Cairo. Initially a community of unbelievers, it was through regular ministry that 90% of them (60,000) came to know the Lord. The team also visited Garbage City's Cave Church, the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Testimonies were given about how the founder of the Cave Church would minister to young people in the area, including a wealthy drug addict who gave up his vices and stayed clean for over 10 years after encountering Christ. This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the support of our partners in Egypt.

I had a great time bonding and fellowship with the Egyptian kids. Even though there was a language barrier, our love for Jesus united us as one.
Blaine UyEgypt BMT participant

Looking at the bigger picture, BSS relies on partnerships with other agencies around the world, through which we better understand the needs of the various communities and how we can minister to them effectively. These agencies are not just supported by internal staff; donors help meet many of their needs. Last year, the BSE was blessed by donors such as Mrs Dorothy Chan and Mdm Anastasia Tjendri, who gave generously to support needy families in Egypt.

In today's modern context, we can further accelerate the spreading of the Word to the ends of the earth by building a larger support network, where Christians from all walks of life come together and work in tandem. BSS therefore invites you to support our work through donating, volunteering, and praying with us. Every partnership forged is precious as we work towards fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission!


Partners in His Service

This article was originally posted in our June 2018 Word@Work.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”—Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ESV)

Well-known 17th century commentator Matthew Henry remarked, “[Two] are better than one, and more happy jointly than either of them could be separately, more pleased in one another than they could be in themselves only, mutually serviceable to each other’s welfare, and by a united strength more likely to do good to others”.

Henry’s words aptly describe the joy and fruits of the camaraderie that the Bible Society (BSS) enjoys in partnering with others to further Christ’s Kingdom through the Bible Mission. With the help and support of churches, Christian organisations and faithful individuals, the knowledge of God and His Word is spread to more communities more effectively, impacting and transforming more lives than before.

Fulfilling the Great Commission together

The Bible Mission—to make God’s Word known to all people—arose out of the Great Commission that our Lord gave to the universal Church. Being called the pillars of truth whose primary task is to proclaim the Gospel to the world (1 Tim 3:15; Mk 3:10), local churches are therefore vital partners of BSS in the Bible Mission.

One key example of this partnership is the Bible Society Sunday programme, which began in 1915. Churches of various denominations work with BSS in holding Bible Society Sundays in their churches to raise awareness of and support for the Bible Mission among their members. One of our faithful partners the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) of the Methodist Church in Singapore, with whom we have been organising Bible Society Sundays for several decades.

BSS also enjoys partnerships with different local churches in a variety of other initiatives, such as:

  • Collaborating with the Anglican Diocese of Singapore to organise the Living Word Conferences
  • Working with the Trinity Annual Conference and CAC of the Methodist Church in Singapore to host the D6 Family Conferences
  • Partnering with the Presbyterian Church in Singapore to coordinate fundraising efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

 
These efforts not only foster a greater love and hunger for God’s Word among local churches, but also open up more avenues for them to taking part in sharing and demonstrating its power among the peoples they minister to.

Serving local and global communities together

BSS also has valuable partners in various other local Christian organisations and ministries. These include interdenominational organisations such as the National Council of Churches of Singapore and the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore; local seminaries such as Trinity Theological College and Singapore Bible College; and focused ministries such as Arts Collective and the newly-established Alliance of Indian Ministries (AIM).

As each institution directs its resources and energies at different areas of ministry and outreach, our partnerships enable us to bring the light of God’s Word to as wide and diverse a populace as possible with more concerted efforts. These include:

  • Promoting Christian unity and coordinating unified missional efforts through events such as the GoForth National Missions Conferences
  • Advocating the relevance and credibility of God’s Word through programmes such as the ETHOS Lectures and Conferences
  • Stimulating engagement with God’s Word among several ethnic and interest groups through initiatives such as DECLARE and the AIM Conference

 
Our partnerships are not limited only to Singapore. As a global mission agency under United Bible Societies (UBS), BSS works closely with Bible Societies in other countries, especially those in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, to further the Bible Mission in their lands. We are thankful to have met up with the American Bible Society earlier this year to explore ways in which BSS may better serve the Asia Pacific region as a hub for Scripture translation and engagement.

We are also honoured to be involved in the work of overseas ministries in Singapore, such as WorldTeach in organising Walk Thru the Bible seminars, Concordia Center for the Family in the USA in holding family life education and ministry courses, and most recently the Planetshakers in publicising their tour in January. We look forward to similar collaborations with even more ministries to spread the light and hope of God’s Word to people of all ages in all nations!

Pooling our varied gifts together

It may be tempting to think that significant gains in furthering the Bible Mission are only obtained through partnerships with formal public organisations. Yet some of our most valued partners are individual Christians whose help and support are integral to our work at BSS. Indeed, the global Bible Mission itself came about as a vision of a single individual (18th century Welsh minister Rev Thomas Charles).

More than 200 faithful believers volunteer with BSS as Sowers-in-Action—bringing a multitude of different gifts in areas of leadership, teaching, service and administration—to sustain and improve BSS’s daily operations. Several donors are also generous and regular in their donations to the cause, which BSS is able to use to fund numerous local and overseas outreach projects. Still others participate in various programmes such as Friends of the Bible and our upcoming Mission Banquet in August to support the mission in their own special ways. Though often hidden from the public view, these contributions are vital for the continuance and furtherance of the Bible Mission work, both locally and globally.

To grow the Body and spread the Gospel

Whether big or small, public or private, we are thankful for God’s provision in and through these relationships and partnerships, which enable us to bring God’s Word and its message of life and hope to the peoples. Their help and support have made a real difference in the transformation of the lives of many in the Church and the world.

We hope and pray that even more will join us in this work, so that the Body of Christ may grow to maturity, and the Gospel may spread to all the nations, to the glory of Christ our Lord and Saviour!


A Reflection on the Bible Mission Trip to Shaanxi and Gansu province, China

This article was originally posted in our March 2018 Word@Work.

Author: Ivan Lim (Bible Mission Trip participant)
Dates: 14–23 Oct 2017

This was my first Bible Mission Trip. I was initially hesitant when a friend asked me to join. However, God's majesty, glory and love for China were clearly evident throughout the trip.

We visited the Bible schools, listed to the reports from the local churches, and learnt of their great need for pastoral workers in light of the rapidly growing numbers of Christians in China.

I was also often put to shame by the love and fervour of the Chinese believers. I heard how the Bible school students huddled together at night to keep warm in winter, and how older folks in rural areas made their way to church at two in the morning for Sunday services. The Chinese congregations responded with "Amen" in unison during prayers. The continual prayers and fasting of the Tianshui congregation for God to grant them a place to worship also greatly encourage and moved my heart.

I also gained a deeper appreciation of the term guanxi (关系; "relationship"). Upon deeper reflection, I realised that guanxi may give us access to various organisations and groups in China, but it is love—God's love—that unifies and binds these relationships together. This same love is foundational to the guanxi that Elder Zhang in Tianshui, Gansu province has with the authorities for them to entrust to him the running of the old folk's home. It is also this same love that motivates him to know the residents personally in order to reach out to them.

I came to understand that Bible Mission Trips are not simply about supporting the printing and local distribution of Bibles. It is about being there in person and being personal in relationship-building, just like how our relationship with God is a personal relationship. Remembering how the Bible and Christianity were banned in China 50 years ago, I am thankful for the guanxi with the authorities which have been build on God's love. I pray that these guanxi would continue to grow, so that the doors of China will remain open for further missions.


Sowing the Word, Rebuilding Lives

This article was originally posted in our March 2018 Word@Work.

We live in a world that is growing in affluence in many respects. As modernisation rises, many countries become increasingly developed with vast improvements in their economies, infrastructures and technologies.

Amidst such abundance, it is easy to overlook those who “fall behind” and struggle to “keep up”, sometimes even in the most basic ways. There are communities of people in many developing countries who still live in less-than-ideal conditions. Their lives and livelihood are also affected by frequent traumatic events such as natural disasters. And, most distressingly, they still lack access to God’s Word in any form or medium.

Such dire needs concerning both material and spiritual well-being make consistent mission efforts in these communities even more urgent.

Case study: Nepal

Nepal is one example. With high levels of hunger and poverty, it is one of the least developed countries in the world according to the United Nations. Its transport infrastructure is generally inadequate and its health care services are poor. Its physical geography makes it an earthquake-prone region, and floods are a frequent occurrence from seasonal monsoon periods.

In April 2015, the country was hit by the worst earthquake in its recent history. More than 20,000 aftershocks of varying magnitudes occurred during the subsequent year. Almost 9,000 were killed and 3.5 million left homeless. Thousands of houses were destroyed and entire villages flattened. Relief and rescue work began quickly with local help and international aid, but recovery has been dismally slow since.

In November 2016, The Bible Society of Singapore sent a team on a Bible Mission Trip (BMT) to Nepal. Team leader David Phung recounted:

“It was only when we were there that we saw how badly affected they were. Another sad thing we realised was that four families tore down their houses so that they could use the zinc roofing sheets to build houses for us to stay just for a few nights.”

Together with staff from the Nepal Bible Society, the team visited an orphanage with young children infected with HIV, befriending them and sharing God’s Word with them through Bible distribution and Gospel storytelling.

They also visited Ghyang Sukathokar, one of Nepal’s remote villages that received little help since the earthquake in 2015. There, they distributed zinc sheets and T-shirts for the rebuilding of homes and keeping them warm through the coming winter. God was even pleased to bring some to faith in Christ through their service!

“As we shared Christ’s love with the villagers during our speech to them, the Holy Spirit moved in our midst. Two villagers later approached the Nepal Bible Society staff and said that they want to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the Lord!” — Choo Sheng En, a participant of the BMT team to Nepal

Since then, we have received updates that more than nine villagers have also believed in Christ, with many more expressing great interest. A new church has also been planted in the village. What a great joy and privilege it is to not only take part in sowing the Word and rebuilding lives, but also witness the bearing of fruit to God’s glory! We are grateful to God for our many donors, volunteers and participants who have made the giving of such care and blessing possible.

The work goes on

Nevertheless, there are many other people in Nepal and other countries who need the same help and hope. In July 2017, Nepal was again hit by another disaster—the worst monsoon flood it has seen in several years. One-third of the country, mostly comprised of its poorest areas, was flooded. Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were also devastated by similar widespread monsoon flooding. By early September, the total number of people affected across these countries topped 45 million, including 16 million children.

During an interview in November, Rev Priyantha Wijegoonawardene of the Ceylon Bible Society described the situation on the ground:

“There is an urgent need for medicine, proper food, pure water and sanitation. There were so many diarrhoea conditions and health issues that occurred. More than 80,000 people are affected by dengue fever and 300 deaths have been recorded up till now.”

The Bible Society of Singapore conducted a nationwide fundraising drive for affected families from September to November 2017, and also assisted in the provision of basic relief necessities and Scripture tracts. Another Bible Mission Trip to Nepal has also been scheduled for March this year to further assist rebuilding efforts.

Much still needs to be done, with many in the world longing for relief and comfort not only materially but also spiritually. Join us in the Bible Mission, so that they may know and experience the life-changing hope that God gives through His Word!


Becoming All Things to All People

This article was originally posted in our March 2018 Word@Work.

“I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:22b (ESV)

Our world is an incredibly complex and diverse place—249 countries and territories[1]; 7.6 billion people; more than 7000 living languages spoken. To bring forth God’s Word to the nations, the United Bible Societies (UBS) Fellowship, comprising of 148 national Bible Societies, adopts the approach of the apostle Paul in becoming “all things to all people”, reaching out to the various people groups at their respective levels. As part of the UBS Fellowship, The Bible Society of Singapore seeks to do likewise in its outreach efforts in our home country of Singapore.

A Multi-Faceted Society

Much like our world (though on a smaller scale), Singapore is an ethnically, culturally, socially and economically diverse country. Our “Little Red Dot” is home to people of various ethnicities with their own distinct cultures. The country is also one of the most educated in the world, a thriving centre for arts and culture and a world-class business hub.

Such diversity underscores the differences in the worldviews, interests and experiences of different people. With increasing exposure to these differences amid this multi-faceted environment, questions also arise as to how upcoming generations will be affected in their own worldviews and ways of life.

Therefore, sensitivity to various needs and challenges must be present in our efforts to make God’s Word known in our local community.

A Multi-Faceted Approach

To address such concerns more directly, The Bible Society of Singapore has been exploring new outreach avenues in recent years. One such avenue is the use of the creative and performing arts to express Scriptural stories and truths. Such depictions help to stimulate the interest of both believers and non-believers in God’s Word. They also enable people of different ages, countries and cultures to engage with the Word in a more interactive and lively way.

Our most recognised programme in this avenue is the annual Colours of the Bible art competition and exhibition. It has been running for four years now in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel, and has seen participation from countries such as the Philippines, Myanmar and Israel.

In 2017, two new programmes were also launched. DECLARE—an arts worship project initiated by Arts Collective, a new ministry of the Bible Society, and supported by the Elijah7000 fellowship of fathers—united Christians of different nationalities and denominations in a corporate 72-hour-long reading and artistic expression of the whole Bible. The Bible and Chinese Cultural Festival showcased an expression of God’s Word through traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, and have left an indelible impression on many.

“It’s the first time I have seen Chinese paintings and artworks depicting the Bible. I’m heartened that we can create more awareness about Christianity among the older, senior Mandarin-speaking citizens in a language they are familiar with.”
—Wee Bee Hua, a viewer of the Bible and Chinese Cultural Festival 2017

God willing, this year, we not only hope to continue running these events, but also to collaborate with internationally-acclaimed singer-songwriter Don Moen and his ministry, Worship in Action, for an upcoming Unity in Prayer Musical.

Increasing efforts have also been made in fostering inter-generational discipleship—a vital need today in the face of increasing confusion, scepticism and suspicion of authority claims. In the last two years, events such as the NextGen seminars and the D6 Family Conference have been well-received as participants learnt how to winsomely engage and mentor their children and youths in a variety of family and ministry contexts. Following their success, the inaugural Chinese D6 Family Conference was also held in 2017 for the benefit of Mandarin-speaking Christians and their families.

“I thoroughly enjoyed [Brian Housman’s] sessions and his honest and open sharing of his personal experiences. The family topics are also varied and diverse.”
—Anonymous participant at the 2017 D6 Family Conference

Alongside these endeavours through the arts and in bridging generational gaps, a variety of initiatives have also been taken to meet the needs of other demographic groups. These include:

  • Engaging the well-educated on contemporary issues with a Biblical perspective through the ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity
  • Reaching out to the marginalised such as partnering with Prison Fellowship Singapore in the printing of special Free on the Inside Bibles for prison inmates
  • Serving different ethnic groups such as printing the Peranakan Bible for Peranakans, and sourcing the Indian community through the new Alliance of Indian Ministries

That Some May be Saved

As the apostle Paul sought to “become all things to all people”, he had one clear goal in mind: “that by all means [he] might save some”. As the Bible Society follows in his footsteps, we too pursue the same goal: that people may know God through His life-giving and life-transforming Word. Our outreach efforts and their impact would not have been possible without the help of our supporters and donors.

As we strive to do more this year, we pray that God would be pleased to raise up more labourers, that together we may reach even more people with His Word through various avenues, to the praise and glory of His grace!

[1] According to the ISO 3166 country code list


Giving Thanks for the Life of Billy Graham: ‘A Man after God’s Own Heart’

This article was originally posted by the United Bible Societies.

“The Christian community in Singapore laments the passing of a beloved great servant leader and yet celebrates a spiritual giant who has impacted the world in a spectacular way, honouring God and transforming generations of lives! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Graham family and BGEA."

— Rev. Ezekiel Tan, General Secretary of The Bible Society of Singapore,
in his condolences sent to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Leaders of United Bible Societies have been paying tribute to the late Rev. Billy Graham, who died on February 21, 2018, aged 99.

“Billy Graham was, without a doubt, one of the best-loved and most inspirational Christian leaders of our time,” comments United Bible Societies President Dr. Robert Cunville – a personal friend of Rev. Graham and an Associate Evangelist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in India. “He was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life by living out the Gospel message and helping others to do the same.”

“He had a real passion to see the Bible’s life-changing message shared around the globe – a passion that is shared by Bible Societies around the world. We join the many Christians of the world who are giving thanks for the life and legacy of this remarkable man.”

“Billy Graham was a man after God’s own heart, called to speak into the lives of many millions like the great prophets of the Bible,” adds United Bible Societies Director General Michael Perreau. “He was instrumental in influencing many leaders and has brought many to faith. Each one of us is likely to know someone who has been influenced by Rev. Graham.”

“He was a unique man of God for the 20th and 21st century. Heaven has welcomed one of its most faithful servants, while earth has lost one of its most influential leaders.”

Rev. Graham had close connections with the American Bible Society, which provided Scriptures for the many thousands of people who attended his evangelism crusades. He has been an honorary member since 1965, and has been the recipient of two awards from the organization: The American Bible Society Award in 1995 and the Heroes of the Faith Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In addition, Rev. Graham served as Vice President of United Bible Societies from 1963-1966.

“Rev. Graham was a great source of wisdom and inspiration for developing materials and strategies to increase Bible engagement,” comments Roy Peterson, President and CEO of the American Bible Society. “In the days ahead, we will undoubtedly – and appropriately – hear the words of Matthew 25:21 quoted frequently regarding Mr. Graham’s passing: ‘Well done my good and faithful servant.'”

“Today, I rejoice in the thought that Rev. Graham is hearing those words from the Lord himself.”

At a Crusade in 2002, Rev. Graham shared, “There were a few times when I thought I was dying, and I saw my whole life come before me… I didn’t say to the Lord, ‘I’m a preacher, and I’ve preached to many people.’ I said, ‘Oh Lord, I’m a sinner, and I still need your forgiveness. I still need the cross.’ And I asked the Lord to give me peace in my heart, and He did – a wonderful peace that hasn’t left me.”

United Bible Societies joins the many millions who are mourning the loss of Rev. Graham, and giving thanks for the eternal legacy he leaves behind.


Tasting and Sharing God’s Truth Across the Lands

This article was originally posted in our December 2017 Word@Work.

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”— Psalm 34:8 (ESV) 

Psalm 34:8 is a verse that captures the call of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. However, it also reveals the motivation behind that call—to personally experience the goodness and blessedness of knowing God. This is the motivation and goal that drives churches and Christian organisations in their outreach and discipleship efforts.

To help in these labours, the Bible Society organises overseas tours and mission trips of various kinds. These endeavours serve a twofold purpose: they provide an educational platform for God’s people to grow in their own faith and be better informed about the work He is doing in other countries, and they also provide a missional platform for God’s people to support these works in diverse ways.

Tasting God's Truth

The story of God’s redemption took place in real world history, involving real places, cultures and peoples. A good knowledge of these aspects, enriched by “live” interaction with them, enables Christians to understand and appreciate the Bible’s message and its various parts better.

To help equip believers with such knowledge, the Bible Society organises Bible Land Tours (BLTs) to places like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. Led by experienced Spiritual Directors, you will not only be introduced to places mentioned in the Bible, but also trace the journeys of key Biblical figures such as the Lord Jesus Himself and the apostle Paul. You will experience the Bible come alive in unique ways, which will in turn enhance your learning and teaching of God’s Word.

You will also have opportunities to interact with local people, Christian communities and missionaries, and visit places where Bible Mission projects have taken place. These enable you to have a better understanding of the Gospel needs and works in these lands, and inspire you to join these missionaries and support their labours. In fact, many participants in previous Bible Land Tours have become supporters of Bible Mission works in these countries, contributing to the building of God’s Kingdom beyond their borders, in their own ways.

Sharing God's Truth

The Bible Society also partners with Bible Societies in regions such as Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia, and organises Bible Mission Trips (BMTs) to these areas. As inter-confessional organisations, the Bible Societies are committed to serve Christians of all denominations, along with communities of various ethnicities and demographics in their societies, through consistent outreach initiatives.

BMTs therefore provide you opportunities not only to learn more about the wide-reaching work done in these areas, but also to actively participate in them. Such works include distributing Bibles to people groups who still do not have access to God’s Word, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief works. Joseph Biak, who runs an orphanage in Myanmar, described the joyful response perfectly:

“We have been praying for 25 years for the Holy Bible for all our children. Then God sent us our Bibles! Some of the children accepted the Bible with tears because they are so happy.”

The blessing of taking part in the improvement of others’ material and spiritual well-being, and of witnessing and sharing in their joy, cannot be overstated.

Across the Lands

By God’s blessing through the support of our donors and of our BLT and BMT participants, the Bible Society has been able to continue organising and facilitating such tours and mission trips through the ministry of International Bible Experiences. We are thankful to be able to serve and partner with Christians and churches, helping and equipping them to meaningfully experience the Word of life and share it with others beyond our shores.

We hope to continue these endeavours and open up opportunities to experience and bring God’s Word to even more countries and Bible lands. Come and join us in fulfilling the God-given mandate to sound His good news of salvation across the lands!

"Two villagers accepted Christ during our BMT to Ghyang Sukhatokar in Nepal in 2016. I am greatly moved to learn that there are more than nine villagers who have accepted Christ later on."

— Sharon Chai, a participant of a BMT to Nepal in 2016