12 & 13 Jul 2025 (Pastoral Page) I LOVE West Coast

By Ms Yao Jiahui

When you genuinely love someone or something, it goes beyond mere words, right? You naturally prioritise them, invest your time in them. It's not just a declaration; it's a lifestyle.

In 2024, the committee looking at community outreach (comprising members from both Mt Carmel BP Church and The Bible Church) suggested the phrase "I LOVE West Coast." Honestly, my initial reaction wasn't positive. It felt a bit dated, perhaps even a tad superficial if it was only for a one-off event. So I didn't push in favour of r it. Yet, strangely, the phrase lingered in my mind, continually prompting me to reflect. I found myself asking: What exactly do I mean when I say, "I LOVE West Coast"?

Then, Ms Goh Yi Ling's pastoral page on 28/29 December 2024 presented a truly bold and compelling vision:

LOVE WEST COAST – Becoming the Heart of the West Coast Community.

This isn't a short-term initiative; it's a long-term dream – a 5-to-10-year journey to build an intricate ecosystem of touchpoints that will enable us to effectively reach our immediate community for Jesus. It wasn't merely a slogan. It was something deeply laid on our hearts by God.

It's easy for me to fall into the mindset of a "hired hand." After all, I'm the staff overseeing community outreach. Surely, just doing my job well should suffice? Yet, 1 Cor. 13 reminds us that without love, even excellent service is nothing. I can't pinpoint the exact moment, but somewhere along the way, loving West Coast became an intrinsic part of me.

I've come to understand that loving West Coast means deliberately slowing down to truly observe both its inherent beauty and its challenges. It means making an effort to learn names, listen to stories, and allowing those narratives to shape my perspective. It means showing up – not just for a large-scale event, but for quiet, consistent opportunities to simply be present.

It means choosing to belong, not just to impart blessings. It means walking the streets of West Coast not as a transient visitor, but as a genuine neighbour.

One of the two greatest commandments Jesus gave us is this: "Love your neighbour as yourself." So when I say "I Love West Coast," I have learnt to truly mean it from my heart – and I sincerely hope that you will feel the same way too.

West Coast is where our church is established. The Bible Church is not here by mere coincidence. God has strategically placed us here to be His light, His hands, and to extend His hospitality to the lost, the last, and the least amongst us.

As God said to His people in Deuteronomy 1:21:

"See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

This is our moment. This is our location. May we be found faithful in our calling.

If you want a laugh after a long hard day, read the Singaporean version.