Week 49 and 50 (9 - 22 Dec): Slow and Steady

December is one of our favourite months. The pace of life comes down just enough for our holidays or gatherings, and we get to think about the year with our family and friends. We’re glad that this year, we get to share some of our reflections with you as a family who serves together within Talent Beacon. 

Jenny: This year, God reminded me of the importance of prayer. Sometimes, as leaders, the biggest question we ask ourselves is how to strengthen our community’s relationship with God stronger, or to show clearly His plan for their lives and God-given gifts. The best thing to do then is to pray into each of their lives and then watch God begin to work. I am encouraged by our group's growth this year, especially in our youngest member. This was a year that she boldly stepped out in faith: going for her first mission trip, volunteering to facilitate discussions and even co-wrote reflection for our group. Some also had fantastic milestones in their walks with God — G and S became vessels for His word, delivering their first messages with authority on mission trips out this year. They spoke healing and blessings over so many of His people, and grew in faith in God's goodness. Others stepped up in service, generously stewarding their gifts and resources to bless the whole church and communities even outside Singapore. There is so much I would like to say to highlight how God has moved in their lives, and I am so excited to see how Pastor Angela’s message of “There is More” manifests in their lives. 

This was also a big year for Be A Star! I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since our Christmas party in Bukit Batok. We even have our own fantastic band, TAVA’s Got Talent, made up of students from the AG and TAVA. I was especially wowed by Aunty Umi’s delivery of the song, Perhaps Perhaps, and Mr Tan, Mr Mok and Uncle James’ fiery dance moves. Many years ago, I remember we prayed for God to let us reach more of the residents. He has done that and so much more – he has made them part of our community. 

Zoe: I honestly don’t even know where to begin - God has been incredible this year! Aunty Kwee Shan and I are so proud of our community, whose growth is well characterised by the word “new”. We not only introduced some of TB’s best looking pianists this year for worship, but also challenged ourselves to try new things in service: content creation, sharing God’s word and cleaning. I’ll share a bit more about the cleaning — we started with repainting TAVA in June, and then a home makeover during youth camp in December. When we entered the home for the makeover, there was dust everywhere, broken cables and furniture and bag after bag of belongings. It was a far cry from repainting TAVA, which was definitely cleaner and easier. After cleaning and painting the first coat on the ceiling, the plaster kept cracking. We were worried because it didn’t improve after the repainting, and we were starting to fall behind schedule. I was so encouraged when the older youth said that if we are going to do it, we might as well do it right for Mr V and his wife. Our newest members were also incredible in their initiative and enthusiasm to help in every single aspect. Others were incredibly determined to succeed in building furniture, realigning the screws and doors up till the point we had to leave. They exemplified that service is not simply about the act, but rather the heart behind it.

I will admit that I worry because we will never know if the programmes and activities “work” and strengthen their walks with God. What I have been lovingly reminded of by the Father is that He will meet each of them in their own time, and bring out the best in them that He has already planted. We simply have to be present, and sit in expectation of His goodness. I hope 2025 will be "new" for us as a church too. To close, we'd like to wish you all a "Slow" and Happy Holidays!

Signing off,

Diakonia and Youth