Adventist Crossroads
July - December 2002

The President's Report 2002
Danson Ng, Prewsident

This year has been another busy one during which we have gained new grounds as well as working hard to implement the Natural Church Development (NCD) model of church
health and growth. We are happy to see progress and changes.
Change of Leadership and Staff. John Tan left at the end of the 1st quarter to embark on a ministry to serve underachieved youth through the Children At Risk Empowerment Association. At the end of the 2nd quarter, Toh See Wei resigned to go for upgrading. Danson Ng was appointed as the president, and Johnny Kan as the secretary. Besides his secretariat duties, Johnny serves as the pastor for the Jurong English and the Jurong Chinese congregations. John Ho continues as the mission treasurer. We thank God for this new leadership team. Additional administrative help comes from Grace Paulson, Jimmy Chow and Low Lee Ann, our faithful support staff in the Mission office.
Chan Shee Wai has been assigned to plant a church in the northern part of Singapore. The first worship service will take place in January 2003 at No. 6 Ashwood Grove. Gration Perera from the Bangkok International Church, Thailand filled the pastoral leadership vacuum at the Balestier Road Church.
Change and Improvement of Church Facilities. After many years of negotiation with relevant building authorities, the members of the Dunman SDA Church will soon have a new one-storey church building for their worship, fellowship and evangelism. The Jurong Church interior is presently under going extensive renovation. Together with the Seventh-day Adventist Kindergarten they have entirely borne the costs of the renovation. After fifteen years the Mission office is also being renovated for the first time.
Change Through Our Strength. We must ever find new ways to impact God’s work in this city. The Lord has blessed our Church in Singapore with talented, educated, resourceful and committed church members; a strong and reputable kindergarten; the radio ministry through Hope 105.5 FM which generates many interests; well-coordinated and directed departmental ministries; a united and committed leadership and staff at all levels; and focused community service agencies such as the Adventist Better Living Center, the Adventist Rehabilitation Center, and the SAUM Youngberg Wellness Centre.
Change Through Addressing Our Areas of Concern. We need to look seriously into areas of concern in our work such as the schools; the Literature and Publishing Ministry; a concentration of local churches in the southern part of Singapore; a general lack of zeal in evangelistic outreach and less than 50% of active membership returning tithe.
Change Through Adopting New Ways of Advancing God’s Cause. There are constant changes around us—the environment, mentality, culture, etc. Things old and non-effective may have to go if they do not serve the cause any longer. We cannot be sentimental about them. We must be bold to employ new methods and technology where necessary to make a positive impact for the Kingdom of God.
Change Through Recognizing our Threats. Living in a modern and affluent city-state, the church is constantly challenged to live passionate spirituality. We are bombarded daily by materialism, indifference, secularization, lethargy, independent spirit and the like. Only by experiencing spiritual revival and reformation through the transforming and sanctifying power of the gospel of Jesus Christ can we live fully and truly as the light and the salt of the earth.
Meeting The Challenge Of Change. Our confidence is in our Lord Jesus Christ, who has commanded us to go forward and finish His work on earth. We, therefore, cannot be contented with just maintaining the status quo. We need to press forward in faith and in the courage of the Lord to bring greater growth and expansion. May all of us Mission staff, teachers, those in our community service agencies and institutions, lay leaders and members determine to work as a united force compelled by one common vision of sharing the gospel with every man, woman and child in Singapore! We strive to be a “Healthy Church Ready People” for the soon and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!