Thousands of China workers ministered by Fairfield MC

Story: Chan Siew Leong   Pictures: Fairfield Methodist Church

SINCE FEBRUARY 2007, Fairfield Methodist Church has operated a ministry to China construction workers as well as those in the food and beverage industry, and students and parents looking after their children (peidu).

So far, about 7,800 have been ministered to, with more than 3,800 having accepted the Lord. Of these, 267 have received baptism. They included the 15 who were baptised just early last month, on Oct 4.

They were required to attend lessons on basic assurances and the meaning of baptism. Baptism is conducted once in two months.

Meeting on Sundays, the programme for the China workers in Singapore attracts an average of more than 580, with about 40 indications to accept Christ. The programme begins with a number of activities, including partaking of a free meal, reading newspapers, watching TV featuring news about China, getting haircuts, and attending basic English and computer classes.

These activities attract many visitors, from 60 to 200, every week, many of whom are touched by the testimonies of their fellow workers and have decided to accept Christ.

After the fellowship is over at about 7.30 pm, a four-part service programme follows. It begins with a worship service, followed by preaching, teaching, sharing and equipping, and ending with an informal period when announcements are made and birthdays celebrated.

The programmes enable Fairfield Methodist Church to sow, reap and disciple these guests and point them to the Lord.

Ten of them have begun to do a correspondence course in theology, while 30 others have helped in the weekly ministries. They represent a growing number who have found the church a community where they can meet fellow countrymen, while some have found meaning in life when they have found Christ and serve the church.

Fairfield Methodist Church workers keep in touch with the China nationals through SMSes and phone calls. The China nationals themselves too update one another on the Sunday programmes and other activities through these means.     

A brother from Hebei province who was baptised in 2007 writes: “When I first arrived, my supervisor often found fault with me and complained about everything I did. Although I did my best, sometimes better than others, he would still find fault. I had less pay although I did the same amount of work.

“I lived in fear every day as I was afraid I had done something wrong. Later, I heard from Christian fellow workers who came from the same hometown that church is like their home, and how going to church every Sunday is like going home as there is joy and peace.

“Indeed, that was what I found too, the love and sincerity, beyond what words can describe. I came to believe in Jesus after hearing the pastor preach the Gospel and experiencing the happy fellowship of brothers and sisters there.”

In Jesus I found my direction in life: Convert from Hunan

A brother from Jiangsu, baptised in 2008, writes: “I used to think that life is a game of deception. Due to poverty I came to Singapore to earn money. I am always in fear that I cannot earn enough to pay back the loan I took to come here and to support my family. Whenever I think about my father and my wife in China, my heart is torn with grief. Days seem like years, full of hardship and misery.

“I came to church and felt the love of Christ. Jesus said, ‘Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.’ This is exactly the peace I need. I decided to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and to receive eternal life.

“At church, I can meet up with my fellow countrymen, and we can worship God and pray together, and have a wonderful time sharing. I feel so much better now.

“I thank God for His grace, and also thank Fairfield Methodist Church, for reaching out to China construction workers with care and support. Our God is truly wonderful; his church is wonderful! It is all because of His grace. Glory to God.”

Another brother from Hunan province, who was baptised this year, adds: “Being deep in loans and lacking direction and hope in life, I went to consult a fortune-teller. He patiently counselled me, and told me that fortune-telling may not change my fortune. He told me that only Jesus can help me. He gave me the direction to go to Fairfield.

“In Jesus I found my direction in life, and I have come to realise His sacrificial love. I want to follow Christ in all my life and will not turn back. With the Lord’s help, I know I can slowly but surely change my life to become meaningful, growing in patience, kindness and peace.”

Chan Siew Leong is a ministry staff at Fairfield Methodist Church.

QUOTE:

30 HELP IN WEEKLY MINISTRIES

Ten of them have begun to do a correspondence course in

theology, while 30 others have helped in the weekly ministries.

They represent a growing number who have found the church

a community where they can meet fellow countrymen, while

some have found meaning in life when they have found Christ

and serve the church.