Missions
A new breed of missionaries emerging
By Yap Kim Meng
Missions Director
In Robert Frost’s famous lines, “Two roads diverged into the woods… but I took the road less travelled by.” We are learning to recognise that there are different ways into the mission fields. We had traditional long term missionaries who have built foundations for further ministries in India, Tanzania , Australia (Asian students), Philippines and Thailand. Many have also gone out to East Asia in laymen capacities and have taken on work assignments that have opened doors for them to share their faith.
Interestingly, we are seeing an emerging new breed of missionaries - laymen in their mid-life who are actively making disciples and who have reached early or semi-retirement in their careers. Having picked up their retirement benefits, they are raring to go out and serve the Lord in any capacity, full-time or otherwise.
For a few, full-time is a new option opened to them. They are willing to be supported and use their time to teach English, and serve (without pay or very low pay) in another country in order to reach out and disciple others. Some have grown up children who are now able to fend for themselves, others are now financially independent without commitments that would weigh them down. These are the “new kids on the block.”
We are beginning to respond to the Lord as these dear ones almost dropped into our laps. We see the Lord’s hand of affirmation as they quickly find their own niches of service and legitimacy for a longer term of stay in the country of their choice. Dispatched with support (albeit low needs, without the requirement of CPF or retirement benefits), they are able to network and integrate into existing support structures due to their maturity. We see this wave of interest mushrooming and see that as a wonderful complement to the traditional route of missions.
In 2004, we sent out three such individuals. They are all involved with some kind of ministry in East Asia . There are also various other potentials waiting to go.
On the local front, God continues to open doors to foreign students in our polytechnic and university campuses. Conferences held in Singapore by various Navigators ministries around Asia have given us opportunities to be in partnership and support of God’s work in direct and indirect ways.
Jeremiah was a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). In the midst of his difficult ministry with Judah, he was reminded that he was a prophet to ten other nations. As the Lord continues to bless Singapore , we have seen and continue to believe that He will raise many more labourers for the harvest, whatever kind and form it takes. We desire to raise many more labourers for the harvest, as the Lord enables!