Nestled in the western part of Singapore, Jurong Church recently marked its 14th Pay It Forward (PIF) Day on 30 July 2023. This annual event is not just a day of service; it manifests the church's deep-seated commitment to fostering community bonds through acts of kindness and support.
A Celebration of Community and Compassion
Initiated in 2009 in the Yuhua Constituency, the PIF Day at Jurong Church has grown into a much-anticipated annual event. It serves as a day where the church welcomes the local community to join in a collective effort of care and support, especially for those in need.
The day was marked by various activities, reflecting the church's desire to reach out and connect with the broader community.
MP Grace Fu graced the event, her speech emphasising the unique nature of such inclusive and unifying events in Singapore. An impromptu musical performance with a PIF recipient further highlighted the event's inclusive spirit.
Children from the Adventist Schoolhouse added a touch of innocence and hope to the event, presenting a special gift to MP Grace Fu. Their participation reflects the church's focus on instilling values of community service and empathy from a young age.
Impact and Outreach
The significance of PIF Day extends far beyond a single event. Over the years, it has become an essential support for more than 300 low-income members of the Yuhua community. Offering meals and free services such as haircuts and massages, the event provides much-needed relief and joy. Additionally, the PIF+ visitations by Jurong Church members to the homes of recipients underscore the church's commitment to understanding and addressing specific community needs.
Living Faith Through Service
Jurong Church's involvement in PIF Day is driven by the belief in the symbiotic relationship between faith and action, as emphasised in James 2:14-17. The event is an opportunity for church members to live out their faith by serving those in need, aligning with the church's mission of demonstrating God's love through practical actions.
Involvement and Improvement
The church encourages broad community participation on PIF Day, offering various volunteer opportunities. This approach not only strengthens community bonds but also aligns with the church's vision of collective efforts in service.
Each year, the event is reviewed and improved upon, focusing on more personalised and effective outreach methods. At this 2023 event, lower-income residents received a $50 NTUC voucher and $30 in cash, reflecting the church's understanding of the immediate needs of the community and its desire to provide tangible assistance.
The PIF Day welcomes participation from church members and the wider community alike. Volunteers contribute in various capacities, including registration, befriending, and ushering, embodying a shared commitment to communal well-being.
Conveying a Message of Community Care
Through PIF Day, Jurong Church aims to mirror Jesus' example of meeting people's needs in tangible ways.
The Pay It Forward Day at Jurong Church is more than an event; it's a reflection of how faith, when coupled with action, can positively influence a community. As Jurong Church continues this annual tradition, it reinforces the importance of community involvement and the transformative power of collective efforts in creating a more caring and supportive society.
by Faith Toh, with additional reporting from Christon Choo.
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