JCC Dialect Ministry Christmas Outreach 7th December 2025

The outreach event achieved a record-breaking turnout, overcoming hurdles like months of planning, minimal song practice, and an eleventh-hour decision on singer attire. The Dialect Service usually draws about 70 people, but this day saw 127 attendees in the Sanctuary. Significantly, about 20 of these guests were non-Christians, who came to hear the sermon and the songs, to fellowship and have a bento meal.

The Dialect Leadership Team (DLT) had felt apprehensive about the turnout despite launching a full promotional effort with posters, flyers, announcements, and a banner on the church’s fence. Early feedback from the members on the responses suggested we would only see about 80 people. Nevertheless, by faith, we ordered 100 bento meals. We challenged ourselves at our DLT quarterly meeting—just one day before the event—to pray for a much greater turnout.

The personal invitations made a significant difference. Fook Loy and Lydia brought several guests, notably his colleague’s wife’s mother, whom they intend to bring to future Dialect Services due to its suitability for her. We also welcomed friends brought by Chinese Section members. Most encouragingly, Joo See’s brother and sister-in-law attended. After declining multiple previous invitations, their attendance this time was the result of Joo See’s dedicated daily prayers.

The overwhelming turnout on the event day was a clear answer to the DLT’s prayers. Given the crowd size, we prioritized visitors when distributing the bento sets. Although 127 attendees were counted, our 100 ordered bento meals proved sufficient to feed all who stayed for the meal, resulting in a few leftovers at the end of the distribution.

The speaker, Patrick Kwek (郭贤华), was an ex-Rediffusion DJ. He powerfully shared his personal testimony and concluded with an altar call. Several hands were raised in response. Regarding those who have not yet committed, we firmly believe in God’s perfect timing for salvation. We are resolved not to give up on continuous outreach, trusting that the seeds of the Gospel will continue to be watered until they see growth.

The DLT is enhancing its spiritual commitment to the Dialect Ministry by establishing a dedicated time for all leaders to meet for prayer before the start of each Dialect service.

Lord Jesus, grant our leaders the courage, peace, and faith needed to serve effectively. We pray that those who wait upon You shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary in the work of the Dialect Ministry.

Martin Cheah