Stories

‘Love in action’ is about being a friend and reflecting God's heart of compassion. We shared joyful times with Auntie N’s family, such as celebrating the birth of her newborn, having fun together at the Family Carnival, and fulfilling Auntie N’s wishes for a family outing as a Christmas gift. We extended encouragement and practical support when our befriended families were going through a period of profound hardship such as chronic illness, mental health issues, car accident injuries and unemployment, the loss of loved ones. We prayed with and for the families consistently.

I remember rejoicing with Mdm K over her daughter's wedding photos, only to mourn with her months later because her brother took his own life. At the funeral, our team had no “solutions" —only our caring presence. By rejoicing with them in their joys, and being willing to be close to the broken-hearted allows our neighbours to experience the compassionate character of Jesus. These moments of suffering and brokenness also deepened my own longing for our Wonderful Counsellor and the Prince of Peace to one day make all things right. 

Sincere Humble Love

“Love must be sincere… Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position.” (Rom 12:9, 16)



Befriending cannot be transactional. While grocery vouchers might open a door, only sincerity opens a heart. Every visit was an invitation to humbly listen and see others as God sees them—which isn't always easy when the lifestyles and values of these families differ from our own.

For instance, Mdm K* often confided her worries for her brother in drug rehabilitation. Initially, we tried to ‘solve’ her problems and gave a lot of advice. I also felt frustrated about her choices like taking on debt to help her brother even though she was financially unstable. It also baffled me how despite being divorced, she still willingly cared for her ex-husband who had a stroke. My perspective changed when God gently rebuked my judgmental and ‘saviour’ mentality, showing me the admirable kindness and grace in Mdm K’s actions. He used her to point out the “log in my own eye”, teaching me to see them as persons to love, not problems to fix.

Devoted Love and Perseverance

“Be devoted to one another in love…Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” (Rom 12:10- 12:11)



Relationship-building is "soil work"—it requires patience and perseverance. For a year, our visits to Auntie N* were brief and happened at her front gate. As a mother busy with caregiving for her young kids and a devout muslim, she was understandably short on time to chat and wary of Christian volunteers. But, we kept showing up each month and prayed for opportunities to get to know her better. One day, we had an opportunity to accompany her to a Meet-the-People session, leading to over an hour of good conversation below the HDB block.

Over time, I believe Auntie N felt our care for her family as we looked for small ways to be attentive to their needs. For example, we brought fruits like bananas because her kids loved them. I also spent time tutoring her P6 daughter in the prata shop below her block when she needed help with Science homework. Sometimes, we joined the kids at the playground. It took 4-years of “tending the soil” and by the end of our journey together before Auntie N’s family moved out of Ghimmoh estate, we had a joyous farewell meal with her family at a restaurant. 

How can we stay zealous in serving the Lord? Not by our own strength, but through the faithful support of spiritual friends who prayed and served together. Without my team of 4 CareGroup friends, it would be difficult to sustain the 4-year commitment. Thank you, Rebecca, Ziru, Ming Yi and Emma for joining me in caring for the families. The relationships and bonds forged have blessed and energised me. A beautiful friendship takes time to grow, and before that the soil must be tended with faithful devotion. 

Presence in Joy and Sorrows
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Rom 12:15)

‘Love in action’ is about being a friend and reflecting God's heart of compassion. We shared joyful times with Auntie N’s family, such as celebrating the birth of her newborn, having fun together at the Family Carnival, and fulfilling Auntie N’s wishes for a family outing as a Christmas gift. We extended encouragement and practical support when our befriended families were going through a period of profound hardship such as chronic illness, mental health issues, car accident injuries and unemployment, the loss of loved ones. We prayed with and for the families consistently.



I remember rejoicing with Mdm K over her daughter's wedding photos, only to mourn with her months later because her brother took his own life. At the funeral, our team had no “solutions" —only our caring presence. By rejoicing with them in their joys, and being willing to be close to the broken-hearted allows our neighbours to experience the compassionate character of Jesus. These moments of suffering and brokenness also deepened my own longing for our Wonderful Counsellor and the Prince of Peace to one day make all things right. 

Generous Love

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Rom 12:13)



Serving the poor is a sanctifying experience. Firstly, I believe the befriender grows in the spiritual fruit of kindness, becoming more open-hearted to the needs of others instead of acting on human tendencies to harden our heart and turn our eyes away towards our own needs. Secondly, it forces us to confront how “tight-fisted” we can be with our time and resources, and challenges us to let go of certain possessions without a grudging heart. As Deuteronomy 15:10-11 reminds us, “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging…You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.” 

Generosity takes many forms: a meal, a skill, time, knowledge, social connections, a timely gift, and other creative ways. For example, we had volunteers offer their handy skills to fix broken furniture and faulty appliances for needy families. The Community Service team also created opportunities for our congregation to give items in like-new condition and our beneficiaries enjoyed the ‘shopping spree’ at the yearly free-for-all items fair at the Family Carnival. Through our ‘Volunteer Well’ group chat, I saw God’s divine provision in meeting the beneficiaries' needs through volunteers’ timely donations of pre-loved items. For example, a baby stroller for Mdm M* who had a newborn, a fridge for Auntie N when her fridge just broke down, a mobility scooter when Auntie N’s husband suffered leg injuries after a road accident.

Auntie N’s family showed me that blessings are multiplied when we open our hands to the needy. On one Sunday during Ramadan month, I asked Auntie N about her Hari-Raya plans. She was quiet for a moment. Then, she revealed her family could not afford a Hari Raya celebration for years due to financial reasons. A few days later during lunch with colleagues, I brought up my concerns for Auntie N. Afterward, my Christian colleague privately texted me to offer a sponsored Hari Raya meal for the family, explaining she can contribute her lunch money as she is fasting for Lent. Auntie N was filled with thanksgiving on hearing about this arrangement for a special meal delivery. Auntie N even invited her relatives and neighbours to share the Hari Raya feast. This event meant a lot for her. She said it was the first time she could host her relatives and neighbours for a Hari Raya meal. I was moved to see how one act of generosity rippled out, turning a gift into a community-wide praise to God.

May Romans 12:13 be a clear call-to-action for all followers of Christ to practice generosity and hospitality especially to people in need. In doing so, we demonstrate God’s love and wondrous provision. In doing so, we will be blessed.