Second HOPE Fair draws 1,500

By Chris Tay

THE SECOND OF THREE HOPE FAIRS sponsored by Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) was held at Pentecost Methodist Church on Aug 10, 2009. Supported by volunteers from Bedok, Christ, Living Hope and Pentecost Methodist churches, The Methodist Church in Singapore opened its doors to reach out to some 1,500 members and residents of the neighbouring communities in the spirit of Helping Our People (HOPE).

The New Paper proclaimed, “One line of the pledge reads ‘regardless of race, language or religion’. A day after the nation turned 44, a cluster of churches in the east turned that line into action”.

The Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, lauded the event saying, “Religion can sometimes lead to a certain exclusiveness but the approach taken by the church members today … to reach out to the wider community and to extend help to all is a very positive one.”

It was a fair of many firsts. Almost 50 per cent of those who attended were unemployed, aged between 41 and 55, and unchurched. More than 20 per cent were Malays and Indians. With more than 800 jobs on offer, 15 workshops and free legal, money and career coaching clinics throughout the day, there was ample help for visitors to assess new career options and take advantage of training and self-help opportunities.

Workshops on “Money Not Enough”, “Job Hunting Strategies in Tough Times” and “How to start a business with little or no capital” attracted more than 200 participants each. A financial blessing programme launched at the fair benefited 200 families from the Pasir Ris, Tampines and Bedok communities through a one-time love gift.

Finally, a dedicated job portal was launched at HOPE, in conjunction with JobStreet.com, to host job postings from all Methodist agencies and employers who are Methodists. Readers can access the microsite to look for regular job-posting updates at www.jobstreet.com/sg/hope

A Pasir Ris resident, Madam Junaidah Ahmad, who was there to find a job to supplement her family income, summed up the feelings of many who came to seek help: “I’m happy that the church is not only helping its own people but the people staying here.”

Other comments echoed similar sentiments, including “thank you for such a meaningful and hopeful day”. The faces of those who felt they had been helped that day said it all ... that when help is offered sincerely, it is appreciated by everyone, regardless of race or religion. They will not forget what the church has done and the Lord’s name will be glorified.           

              

The HOPE Fair was a testimony of the love of the Methodist Church to help those in need in times of crises, to show that Methodists care for every person, just as Jesus cares. For the partner churches involved, this is another tangible step towards being a redeeming and caring community.    

Chris Tay is the Chairman of HOPE Fair at Pentecost Methodist Church.