FEATURE ARTICLE: TRANSFORMING LIVES IN MISSIONS – CELEBRATING GOD’S WORK IN OUR LOCAL MINISTRY

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” —Isaiah 9:2

As the birth of Christ marked the ultimate new beginning, bringing hope, healing, and transformation, this same spirit inspires the Bible Society’s local missions today.

Over the years, our local Bible Mission has evolved from a focus on Bible engagement to also encompassing holistic outreach among diverse communities in Singapore. Beyond our borders, the Society also supports humanitarian relief, including aid for suffering Israelis and Palestinians through a 2023 fundraising project. Through outreach, partnerships, and discipleship, we strive to meet both spiritual and practical needs, transforming lives for Christ.

As we look back on 2025, key initiatives—the Bible Mission Banquet 2025, the 10th D6 Family Conference, and Colours of the Bible—seek to effect lasting change by first establishing a strong, godly foundation within the home. Partners and participants share how these events have shaped them.

Bible Mission Banquet 2025: Missions Begin at Home

“The Bible Society has shown what it means to be a good neighbour, demonstrating the essence of agape—unconditional love—even in difficult times,” said Guest-of-Honour Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower & Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, at the Bible Mission Banquet held on 4 July 2025.

Marking 202 years of Bible Mission in Singapore and 188 years since official registration, and with the theme Intercultural Missions from One City to All Nations, the Banquet reaffirmed our commitment to Bible engagement and local mission—serving marginalised communities here while extending God’s love abroad.

Rev. Ezekiel Tan, General Secretary of the Bible Society, said: “The Bible Society has remained steadfast in its calling. Today, we partner with over 30 countries, supporting Bible translation, Scripture engagement, and humanitarian work, while continuing to reach Singapore’s diverse languages, age groups, and communities.”

Our local Bible Mission also partners with community ministries to reach specific groups. The late Pastor Sonny of Network of Filipino Churches in Singapore (*NetFIL) shared then, “This partnership has given us an avenue to conduct programmes for the Filipino community.”

Major Kunam, Territorial Coordinator for Tamil Ministries at The Salvation Army Singapore and a key leader of our Alliance of Indian Ministries (*AIM), added, “I still buy Bible study materials in Tamil, Hindi and Punjabi from the Bible House. At AIM, pastors unite to build the Kingdom of God. I pray for a greater revival and harvest!”

The Banquet reminded us that missions begin at home—each act of service and generosity shining the light of Christ into our local communities, echoing the heart of Christmas.

D6 From Singapore to Asia: 10 Years of Generational Discipleship

2025 marked a milestone for the D6 Family Conference, as it celebrated its 10th anniversary in Singapore. What began as a local discipleship initiative has grown into a regional movement, now in partnership with the Asia Evangelical Alliance, inspiring families across Asia to embrace homecentred discipleship. “We believe this broader engagement reflects a shared vision and collective strength in building Christ-centred homes throughout Asia,” said Rev. Ezekiel Tan in his welcome message.

2025's theme, As You Go!, reminded us that discipleship is lifelong—woven into daily routines, conversations, and family relationships. D6 Chinese follows the theme of Foundation of family discipleship, where a Christ-centred family is the cornerstone for rooting faith, passing on spiritual legacy, and fostering a thriving Church.

Long-time participant Eileen from Mount Carmel Bible-Presbyterian Church shared: “The panel discussion was exceptional. I’ve learnt that listening to our children first, instead of rushing to correct them, is crucial in building strong relationships. This is my ninth year attending and I will continue to do so.” D6 continues to equip parents and leaders to build Christcentred homes, transforming lives for generations.

Colours of the Bible: Art that Inspires Mission

Colours of the Bible is an annual art competition, exhibition, and workshop series that invites participants to explore how the Bible and art intertwine.

In 2025, nearly 60 entries were submitted under the theme Generations in the Bible. The exhibition in November showcased the creativity and insights of the participants.

Co-organised by the Bible Society and the Embassy of Israel in Singapore, the initiative highlights how Scripture inspires creativity across cultures and generations. Ashley, a young participant in the March 2025 oil pastel workshop, said: “I can express God’s Word better through art than through words. After completing an artwork, I feel closer to God and happy.” His grandmother, Wee Lee, added: “I was encouraged by the instructor’s sharing of how Christ breaks into darkness. I hope to share about Christ through art during my mission trip.”

Like the star that led the wise men to Jesus, Colours of the Bible shines as a creative light—helping participants reflect on God’s Word and carry it into their communities.

Be the Light of Christ

Through initiatives such as these, the Bible Society continues to bear witness to the hope of Christ. We invite your support of the Bible Society’s local missions to:

• Share God’s Word with the marginalised in Singapore

• Equip churches and families for discipleship

• Provide Bibles and humanitarian aid to communities in need

NetFIL and AIM are ministries affiliated with
The Bible Society of Singapore
*ADEO: Alliance of Domestic Employees Outreac