Finding Faith, Friendship, and Belonging in Jurong Adventist Church

In 2023, the Jurong English Seventh-day Adventist Church and Jurong Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church made a bold decision—to integrate into a single unified community known as Jurong Seventh-day Adventist Church, offering services in both English and Chinese. This move was more than administrative; it was a step towards living out their new vision: “Share Jesus, Flourish Together”, focusing on bringing the love of Jesus to the broader Jurong East community. Central to this vision is the concept of discipleship. At its core, discipleship is about intentionally following Jesus Christ's teachings and example. It involves learning about Christ and living out His values in every aspect of our lives. By bringing Jesus into the spaces where we already are, we foster meaningful connections that reflect His love and compassion.

The impact of this unified vision is clear. In 2022, the church’s average attendance was 269, but by 2024, it had grown to 347—a significant 29% increase. This growth is noteworthy considering the broader context of Christianity in Singapore. According to a 2020 Institute of Policy Studies survey, church attendance remains challenging, with many struggling to find a sense of belonging in traditional religious settings. This increase at Jurong Adventist Church reflects a deeper trend: people seek meaningful connections and communities to grow spiritually and relationally.

On 17 August 2024, over a year after the merger, Jurong Adventist Church held its first combined baptism, welcoming 23 new members into the community.

Among them was Kwee Mee, wife of Mr Wong Heng, a retiree who walked into the church two years ago out of curiosity. Despite facing health challenges that kept him away from in-person services, the church’s consistent care—through visits, calls, and texts—created a space of belonging for him and his wife. Their story highlights the importance of daily living out Jesus' teachings, ensuring that 'life meaningfully connects with life’. By bringing Jesus wherever we are—whether through acts of kindness, support in times of need, or simply by being present—the members of Jurong Adventist Church foster deep, purposeful connections that reflect His love and compassion.

Watch Mr Wong’s story here:

Financially, the church has also seen a positive shift. In 2022, Jurong Adventist Church struggled to meet its operational costs. By 2024, offerings had increased by 50%, empowering the church to extend its efforts to serve the immediate HDB blocks surrounding Jurong Adventist Church and expand community-focused initiatives at the Adventist Schoolhouse and Adventist Active Centre at Golden Peony estate. The increased resources have enabled the church to be a more active presence, building meaningful connections in places where people live, work, and interact.

One significant initiative was reaching out to 1,000 homes in the Jurong neighbourhood with a National Day gift and an invitation to the National Day Carnival. This gesture not only celebrated the nation’s day but also extended an open hand to build friendships and foster a sense of belonging within the community. The carnival itself, held on the evening of the combined baptism, welcomed over 100 guests and symbolised more than just a celebration; it expressed the church’s commitment to discipleship. By creating spaces where people can come together, the church is not just inviting people to Jesus but bringing Jesus into the spaces where they already are, fostering meaningful and lasting connections.

In addition to the carnival, the church also organises annual Pay It Forward events, which provide practical support to those in need within the community. Through these initiatives, the church aims to meet immediate needs and cultivate long-lasting, meaningful relationships.

Jurong Adventist Church attributes much of its growth to a deliberate focus on prayer. Drawing inspiration from Acts 2 in the Bible, the church moved beyond abstract discussions of prayer to actively creating spaces for it. Weekly prayer walks, gatherings at local HDB blocks, and dedicated prayer times at the church have become central to members’ spiritual lives.

For Jurong Adventist Church, community service is crucial, but it is their commitment to prayer that brings depth and intentionality to their efforts.

The impact of these prayerful efforts can be seen in the lives of individuals like Shao Qing, a retiree who found friendship through the church’s Teochew-speaking members, and Theresa,a teen who was initially drawn to the church after attending a Christmas event. However, it was through being connected with another like-minded teen that she found her place. The friendship that blossomed from this connection has deeply integrated her into the youth community, highlighting how discipleship involves not just welcoming newcomers but fostering enduring, meaningful relationships.

Then there is Vincent, a parent from the Adventist Schoolhouse, who deepened his faith through Bible study. At the same time, Sui Choo, a resident at Golden Peony, joined the church through a profession of faith after experiencing the members’ care and hospitality.

Joash, a young adult dating a church member, was initially introduced to the church by his girlfriend, Celine, as their relationship became more serious. His connection to the church deepened through his friendships in the care group Celine introduced him to. Their relationship, rooted in a shared faith, is leading Joash toward baptism at the end of 2024.

One particularly moving story is that of Leong Chee, an 86-year-old who was baptised during the combined baptism service. A lifelong smoker, Leong quit cold turkey after nearly 76 years following a heartfelt prayer. His decision to embrace Christianity was inspired by the peace he witnessed during his Christian wife’s funeral. After the English and Chinese churches were integrated, the Chinese-speaking members connected with Leong Chee, who is also the father of an English-speaking church member. His subsequent transformation is a powerful example of how intentional support and meaningful relationships bridge language and cultural gaps to create deep, life-changing bonds grounded in the love of Jesus.

Ivan, another church member, found his way back to faith through a different kind of connection. A former student of Pastor Fam Saw Ching, Ivan was curious about his former teacher’s career change from chemistry to ministry. When Pastor Fam invited him to attend a service, Ivan was welcomed into a community that provided a sense of belonging and offered the opportunity to serve. Now, Ivan is actively involved in the worship music team and the Myanmar fellowship, showing how discipleship can bring people together across generations and backgrounds, connecting life to life in meaningful ways.

For those interested in learning more about the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Singapore, there are many ways to get involved. Whether by signing up for our mailing list or connecting via social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), there are numerous opportunities to experience our churches' warmth and community. We remain focused on bringing Christ’s values wherever we are, fostering deep, meaningful, and life-changing connections.

Written by Faith Toh