Communications

Giving voice to the vision
By Angeline Koh
Communications Director

In the 23 September, 2004 Today newspaper report, “Communicating the SARS crisis - What Singapore did right- and wrong,” WHO’s director-general Dr Lee Jong-wook was quoted, “We have had great success in the last five years in controlling outbreaks, but we have only come to understand that communications is as critical to outbreak control as laboratory analyses or epidemiology… Communications cannot be effective if it is an add-on, after key decisions have been made. It must be part of any outbreak response from the moment that planning begins.”

We are learning also in The Navigators the crucial role that communications plays in a ministry set on advancing the Gospel. Every part of the work involves communications in one form or another - dialoguing with non-believers, discipling young converts, training, and equipping labourers for his Kingdom.

As the Lord leads, and the leadership sets direction, the behind-the-scenes role of communications is integral in keeping the troops informed, rallying them to the vision and encouraging them to press on. The apostle Paul said, “…if the trumpet call is not clear, who will prepare for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8, NEB )

Over the past year, God brought various alumni back to actively join in the advance and also moved his people to give to his work. It is a privilege to play a part in making that happen through the production of our newsletters � The Singapore NavNews and Disciples In Action; the website, and communiqué we produce. Although the communications team is a small one comprising staff writer Aurelia L. Castro and myself, we work very closely with the leadership, administration, field ministries and NavMedia.

Our personal involvement in the ministry helps keep us on our toes and in touch with what God is doing on the ground. Keep a look out - we’ll keep the trumpet sounding and the news coming!