My dear readers,

1. Visitation Ministry

It is with joy we welcome Elder Tan Nee Keng, to serve together with us in the Visitation Ministry, giving Elder Sim Siang Kok a rest for his heart condition. Elder Sim has served faithfully in this ministry for some six years. Serving together in this ministry are a few "medicos" – Dr Tan Bien Keem and Dr Teo Tiong Kiat, and myself, with the help of a team of caring members – Brothers Ah Sang, William and Patsy Oh, Brother Moh Siew Choy.

What is the nature of the Visitation ministry? The Visitation Ministry essentially is an "arm of the Church," looking after the needs of the congregations (in support of the Pastoral Ministry). Elder Sim has been in charge of this ministry since 2006 (with lapses due to ill health when his duties were covered by Preacher Lek Aik Wee).

Expressed in a nutshell, the Visitation Ministry is to meet the need of members / any member in a "distress situation," whether spiritual or physical, in which the "Church Leadership" is able to meet the member’s need.

In such situations, the Elder-in-charge or similar person / persons visit the "person-in-need" whether at home, in hospital or some other situation, and renders the necessary help (spiritual, social or material). The help rendered will meet the person’s need.

2. How to activate the Visitation Team

Here I quote an example. A member falls ill, perhaps gets admitted to hospital. What does the family do? A decision is made to seek the Visitation Team’s help. A phone call is made to the Church Office, to Miss Jean Lee. The member’s condition and address are given to her. She informs the Visitation Team. A convenient time for visitation is arranged and the Team led by the Elder makes the visit, reads a portion of Scripture and prays for the member. (This is an example of what the Visitation Team does – to reassure and comfort the person with God’s Word. A second visit is made if necessary.)

Our purpose is to offer assurance and comfort in time of need.

3. Testimony by Ivy Tan

"My father is 92 years old. I think he may be the oldest member in church. I would like to pen my grateful thanks to the Golden Years Fellowship and the Visitation Ministry. Both ministries are so dear to us who have aging parents at home. Our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been labouring silently behind the scenes in these ministries should be encouraged and I would like them to know that they have touched and comforted many through these ministries.

The Golden Years Fellowship, under Dr Tow (and help of Preacher Lek Aik Wee in the past, and now Brother Siew Choy), has tirelessly provided the old folks comforting messages and Bible lessons which are relevant for their senior years. My father used to look forward to the monthly outings. I realised that it has not been easy getting the older folks together when they suffer from aches and pains and for some their mobility may be greatly challenged. At each gathering, I thank God for the good number of helpers who have always been very patient and understanding towards the older folks.

When my father could not attend church, I thank God for the regular and numerous home visits organised by the Visitation Ministry. Dr Tow would visit my father and minister the Lord’s Supper at home. I am thankful to all the brothers and sisters in Christ who came to visit my father, to sing hymns (with guitar and ukulele at times), to read Bible verses and to pray with him. My father has received much joy, peace and happiness with each visit. He may not remember the visitors’ names but he cherishes the joy they have given him. (I would like to list all the names here but that would take up too many lines.)

The Visitation Ministry has touched the hearts of my mother and big sister at home. They are still non-believers. My mother even agreed to attend the Mandarin gospel rally in church with me last year. Big sister is now beginning to sing the hymns in "Every Home Sings." Incidentally, the big print Every Home Sings is a treasure for the old folks who need bigger font size. My father has tagged the pages with colour tags, for easy reference. These are his favourite hymns. Now, big sister and my father will sing ‘God will take care of you’ from memory at home. I was moved to tears the first time I heard them singing together.

"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (Ps 90:10).

I fully comprehend the labour and sorrow of an aging parent and the care given by various individuals. Within the labour and sorrow, I have experienced great comfort and joy from the fellowship of very caring and loving pastors, elders, brothers and sisters in Christ."

May God bless all caring folks.

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor