Tell us a bit about yourself and a favourite memory from your summer so far:
I love fruits! I frequent cheap markets and get the yummiest tropical treasure to share with everyone. Some favourite memories would definitely be composting around our very own mango and guava trees. I'm sure going to miss this when I am back in Canada (unless the Cantaloupes are going for 2 CAD at NoFrills, watch me bring around my trolley, knife and chopping board).
How has following Jesus impacted your goals and plans this summer?
While I am back in Singapore, I want to spend more time with my extended family, especially granddad. Right before I was about to commence my first year of University, my grandmum passed away, so I see this opportunity to be with granddad as quite precious. We are blessed to have in our employ a Christian caregiver from Myanmar (a refugee migrant worker) to look after granddad, but I would go visit as often as I can. While my granddad may have spent most of his life as a non church-goer, I see how valuable it is to have a caring family that comes together, bringing church to his home, whether singing worship songs or reading the Bible together. My missions focus currently is to see granddad through, however long I can journey with him.
Why is engaging in missions important to you?
Back in the 1950s, my paternal grandmother's parents were called to mission work among the Hakka-speaking Chinese immigrant minority on the island of Mauritius. They lived a life of great self-sacrifice and faithfulness to God's direction for her life, in the face of huge trials (I translated a biography of great-grandma, I would gladly send it to you!)
In recent times, I've had the privilege to go with my family to the South Pacific Islands, participating in ministry among the Chinese churches, and at the U of T, I have been very encouraged to see many friends passionate for mission trips and coming back with a new fire. I find that this year, God is setting before me a vision for the future, one with challenges but lots of rejoicing!
Can you share more about the spiritual climate, outreach strategy or ministry overview during your time participating on your missions trip?
P2C's New Summer Mission Trip to: Nuremberg, Germany: A Mandarin-speaking P2C team of 10 students and 4 staff did a short exploratory 3-week trip in May to see the needs of and reach out to Chinese internationals at a local university. We would visit canteens, school parks and even the Chinese grocer's to find students and invite them to chill events at church, bonding through food, games and music. Having experienced for ourselves the joy of the Gospel message and how refreshing Christian community is, we were glad to see many meaningful connections forged, and Christian students galvanized to work together reaching out to new friends.
2nd Family Trip to Nouméa, New Caledonia: With the 6 siblings back together again, my family (bringing along 2 of my sister's friends from Uni) went on a 3-week trip in June (we were last here in Dec 2024), staying at the Chinese church to organize children's programmes, including a Vacation Bible Camp during the school holidays. Out of the ~12 children we were looking after, we were pleasantly surprised to see 3 young boys respond to God's Word positively, as they mostly came from a family background that is not open to Christianity. We also encouraged the church elders (some faithfully serving for 30+ years) to recommence Sunday School classes, and visit elderly church members.
How would you encourage someone looking to get involved or engaged missionally? Any specific resources, tools, or communities to connect with?
I would highly recommend finding friends around you at school who are serious in evangelism, and setting aside (your very precious) time to pray with these people. For example, get together a group prayer meeting over lunch at your dining hall, or a 9.30pm call bedtime routine.
And of course... I'm enormously excited for Relevant Series 2025 in January!!! Looking forward to joining hands with many Christians at U of T reaping a harvest in our mission field right here on campus.
Missions Hub takes in a cohort of Missions Disciplers every year! I would highly recommend this warm fellowship time, it helped me reflect on the communities and churches I am part of, and their missional outlook.
