Jurong Christian Church’s 58th Anniversary – Lessons from the Past, Guidance for the Future
On 6th July 2025, Jurong Christian Church (JCC) marked its 58th Anniversary with a combined English and Chinese worship service. The celebration began early, with the worship team, stewards, and performers arriving at 7:45 am to prepare for the 9:00 am service. We opened with hymns “To God Be the Glory” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” led by a united classic English and Chinese worship team, reminding everyone of God’s enduring grace, provision, and faithfulness throughout the years.
The service also featured two songs by the Chinese Choir, a powerful sermon in English and Mandarin by Rev. Terry Kee, a song by the Dialect Ministry, and an energetic dance performance. Rev. Kee’s sermon, titled “Lessons from Past for Future” (前事不忘， 后事之帅), encouraged us to reflect on God’s faithfulness over the past 58 years and to remember our mission and original aspiration.
We looked back with gratitude at God’s gracious work and looked forward with renewed purpose. We were reminded of JCC’s founding aspiration, achieved through God’s blessings: to establish a Lutheran Church in the west, where no church existed, and to grow into a body that serves and blesses the community.
A Dual Purpose: Evangelism and Community Service
In its early days, JCC, then known as “Jurong Christian Church and Civic Centre,” operated as an ecumenical partnership with various other denominations. It served a dual purpose of evangelism and social service, functioning not only as a place of worship but also as a community centre. This allowed JCC to offer both religious and secular activities to bless its neighbours.
Rebuilding and God’s Miracles
Over 40 years later, when the old church building faced structural corrosion, JCC was presented with a choice: costly and impractical pillar strengthening or rebuilding. The decision was made to rebuild, and along the way, God performed numerous miracles:
- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) resolution to rebuild passed with overwhelming unity and support.
- Government approval increased JCC’s Gross Floor Area to a 1.8 plot ratio, exceeding expectations, with additional height granted.
- Despite initial restrictions, temporary relocation to 101 Yuan Ching Secondary was approved, complete with a rental discount and rare permission for worship use.
Furthermore, over $24 million was raised in just two years without the need for loans from banks or other financial institutions. This remarkable feat stands as a clear testament to God’s provision through the generous contributions of church members and well-wishers.
Our Enduring Mission
Celebrating the journey of the church and how God has guided us through milestones and challenges, Rev. Kee served a powerful reminder: we must not forget our initial aspiration or our mission (不忘初心，牢记使命). Our core mission remains the Great Commission—to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them:
- Follow Jesus
- Learn of/from Jesus
- Be like Jesus
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