JCC Mobilization Day 2025
Introduction
JCC Mobilization Day 2025 on 27th July was an event dedicated to strengthening our bonds with the surrounding community. It was a day for us to reach out to our neighbours and welcome them to join in the various social and recreational opportunities Jurong Christian Church offers.
My husband, Jia Siang, and I took part in this outreach for the first time. Valerian also joined us, returning after a break of several years. After a meaningful Sunday Koinonia lunch, we formed small groups and headed out from the church to our assigned HDB blocks, just across the street.
Preparation and Teamwork
We were given easy-to-read pamphlets in both Chinese and English that highlighted our community activities. A quick briefing gave us the confidence we needed to properly introduce ourselves and our church to residents.
With our pamphlets and a positive mindset, my group made our way to a nearby block. Having three of us on the team was a great help — we could switch between Chinese and English to make conversations smoother and complement one another’s efforts. We adapted our conversations based on residents’ interests, aiming to connect with them on a personal level.
Challenges Along the Way
The sharing process was quick, as we only had a few floors to cover and not all residents were home. Some didn’t open their doors, while others demurred to our greetings. Still, we weren’t discouraged; we simply focused our efforts on those who were interested. We also used these moments to reflect and improve our communication skills by considering why some residents were less receptive.
For those who weren’t home, we left pamphlets at their doors. With each unsuccessful attempt at a conversation, we learned to communicate more succinctly, getting straight to the point about our church and its activities. When residents were interested, we engaged them by asking about their hobbies and interests. We would ask, for example, “Do you like baking or sports?” We would also highlight popular programs like the Bakers’ Hut baking lessons, badminton sessions and cycling activities.
We also made sure to let them know they were welcome to join our church events regardless of their faith background, and that they could share about the church with friends who might be interested. If they had friends with young children, we highlighted the preschool run by the church.
Meaningful Encounters
One of our most touching encounters was with a senior lady who was delighted to chat with us, especially when she saw our six-month-old baby. We also met an elderly woman with asthma who seemed lonely at home. We spoke with her for a while about her health and the various activities she could join to get out and connect with others. Besides these two, several residents acknowledged that they might consider participating in our activities or visiting JCC.
Reflections and Hopes
Through this mobilization, we learned that going out and reaching people where they are can help them learn more about the church. While we may not know how many will actually visit, we are glad to have shared a bit about our Christian community and hope the information about our inclusive activities will be helpful to them.
Responses