19 & 20 Jul 2025 (Pastoral Page) SHINING HIS LIGHT IN WEST COAST: LOCAL OUTREACH MONTH

By Elder Samuel Chan

From 12 July to 2 August, our church will be observing Outreach Month—dedicated to responding to the Lord’s Great Commission through a blend of teaching and action. It’s a season for us to embody discipleship, to let our lives be a living testimony, and to reveal God's goodness through deeds that draw others to glorify our Father in heaven.

Is This Really Evangelism?

It’s easy to think that outreach efforts—like distributing gift packs in the new housing estates, playing Rummikube with the elderly, or making home visits—aren’t “real” evangelism, especially since they’re conducted in partnership with the St. Luke’s Active Ageing Centre and don’t involve direct evangelism. But let me challenge that assumption: can we truly measure the seed of the gospel only by visible proclamation?

Real Stories of Transformation

Take, for instance, the story of a couple from our Chinese congregation who first connected with us through senior activities. After building relationships, they joined an Alpha Course organized by St. Luke’s staff and our church members. Through that journey, they came to faith in Christ and now attend our Chinese Worship service—also bringing friends along with them.

Or consider another sister who moved into a new housing estate last year and received one of our outreach flyers. That small invitation led her not only to worship with us but to bring her neighbour, who also came to faith and was baptized in April 2025.

Reaching the Isolated Elderly

Since June, we have started the monthly outreach initiative to visit elderly individuals living alone. During our first visit, two seniors shared that they were believers who had stopped attending church due to mobility issues. Our simple conversation opened the door for deep spiritual encouragement and reconnection. We pray that ongoing visits will bring them back to regular fellowship and worship with believers.

God Works in His Time

These stories remind us that we may never fully know how, when, or through whom God chooses to work. Whether it takes a moment, a month, or many years—God is faithful. As Galatians 6:9 says:

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

That’s the spirit behind our calling. “Love West Coast” isn’t just a tagline—it’s God’s personal invitation to us. For four decades, our church has stood in this neighbourhood. Yet many still don’t realize that this is a house of worship. Jesus told us:

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16)

So let’s shine! Let us illuminate West Coast with the love and light of Christ. And may this movement not be confined to Outreach Month alone but may we keep the flame burning. Let’s stay informed, pray fervently and participate wholeheartedly.

Outreach is not just the job of a ministry team. It is the mission of every disciple.

Let us be the salt and light in this community. Let us reflect His glory. And let us celebrate, together, the lives He’ll touch and transform—often in ways we least expect.