Christmas Outreach 2024
This past December, we invited the community in the nearby Bidadari estate to a Christmas Brunch held in GBC. We thank God for providing members who volunteered their time and efforts to participate in the block visits to invite the community, as well as to organise the Brunch. Our members Joel Tang — who participated in the block visits — and Lim Han — who participated in the Christmas Brunch — share their experiences with us.
BLOCK VISITATION AT BIDADARI ESTATE
This year, we had the privilege of reaching out to a new HDB estate in Bidadari, away from our usual neighbourhood in MacPherson. We deeply thank God for raising 20 labourers for block visitation and partnership in the Gospel.
Our block visitation occurred over four weekend afternoons in November and December. We visited 12 blocks, covering approximately 987 units at Alkaff Lakeview and Alkaff Oasis. It was encouraging to see that half of our volunteers were young adults and first-timers stepping forward to serve alongside our more experienced members.
Each weekend, the team gathered at a central meeting point for a short briefing followed by prayer before heading out in pairs to knock on doors. We were reminded of Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs to preach the Gospel. Similarly, we went as messengers of God, sharing the joy of Christmas by inviting residents to GBC to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
During one visit, a sister from GBC shared how God used her to minister to a depressed woman, offering her support and even giving her contact details for follow-up. Another resident, unwell, asked for prayer. While we may be facing some discouragements at times, such as unresponsive doors and hostility to our sharing and invitation, it was clear that God was shaping us to be patient and persevering in His service. Ultimately, God is the one who touches hearts, and we are His messengers.
CHRISTMAS BRUNCH AT GBC
On 14 December 2024, GBC hosted the Christmas Brunch for those we had invited through our block visitation and other guests. It was a lovely Saturday morning of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, filled with Christmas carols, gospel sharing, and getting to know our neighbours over brunch.
A total of 31 residents (including children) attended the event, with most coming from MacPherson and Bidadari. We were also joined by about 25 GBC members, who served as befrienders for the event. It was encouraging to see such a diverse group come together to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The event began with a video by The Bible Project, illustrating the birth of Jesus as presented in Luke 1-2. Alvin and Charis then led everyone in singing “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”. These Christmas carols spotlighted the wondrous, hope-giving birth of Jesus into our world. Pastor Oliver then gave a short sharing on the Gospel, using the God-Man-Christ-Response approach. This was followed by a closing song, “Come All You Unfaithful,” which exhorts every sinner to come to Christ as they are and trust in Him alone for righteousness.
After the gospel proclamation, we enjoyed a delightful brunch together. During the meal, I (Lim Han) had the privilege of speaking with an elderly lady who lives near the church. She had attended the event alone, having been invited by Steven Ngiam during his door-to-door visits. She shared that attending such an event would have been unthinkable for her just a few years ago, as she often stayed home for fear of going out. While she had a bright and cheery disposition throughout the meal, she slowly opened up to us about her life — her past, her family, and life struggles. It was both shocking and heartbreaking to hear about her plight.
At the same time, seeing how God was working was encouraging, opening up the way for vulnerable conversations and opportunities to share the Gospel with her. Although she expressed that she did not believe in the Gospel, she was still open to listening, being prayed for and keeping in touch with us. We invited her to the evangelistic Christmas Eve service on 24 Dec and hope to see her there!
We rejoice in the Gospel proclaimed at this event! Join us as we pray for these invitees that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in their hearts to grant them saving faith in Jesus Christ and that deeper relationships will continue to be forged between them and the befrienders.
