MMS appoints key personnel

THE Methodist Missions Society (MMS) has announced the appointments of several senior staff members, the resignations of several personnel and some staff movements.


The Rev Ajit Hazra was appointed Field Director of the MMS from July 1, 2004 by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon upon the unanimous recommendations of the MMS Executive Committee and the Search Committee, and with the concurrence of the Rev Dr Vinson Samuel, President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference.


From Aug 1, the Rev Hazra has also become the Acting Country Coordinator for Cambodia. He will be assisted by Miss Doris Chan and the Rev Philip Lim.


The Rev Hazra graduated with a Master in Christian Studies from Regent College, Vancouver, Canada, in 1986, and later obtained a Master in Theology from New College, University of Edinburgh in 1998. He and his wife, Kim Hong, served in Zambia since 1988 as missionaries sent from Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. After 15 years of mission work, they returned to Singapore early this year.

Bishop Dr Solomon has also appointed Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng as the Home Director-designate from Aug 1, 2004. He will take over from the current Home Director, the Rev Juliette Arulrajah, from Nov 1, 2004.


Col Quek (Ret) served MINDEF/Singapore Armed Forces with distinction for almost 32 years. Among his various appointments, he had served as Division Commander, HQ 6 Division from 1989 to 1992.


Currently the Chairman of the Local Church Executive Committee of Charis Methodist Church, he felt God leading him to serve with a Christian mission.
The MMS has also appointed Mr Kam Leong Heng as its new Church Relations and Communications Executive. He was an architect for seven years before he joined the MMS.


Meanwhile, the MMS announced the resignations of two staff members - Ms Ong Bee Eng, who was the Deputy Field Director, and Ms Jaime Ng, the Church Relations and Communications Executive. It said that both of them had rendered valuable services and made great contributions towards the ministry and mission of the MMS.


The MMS has also announced that the Rev Kevin Lowe, Missionary Pastor to Cambodia, has ceased his service with the organisation upon his new appointment as an Interim Pastor at Trinity Methodist Church.


His wife, Claire, has requested to terminate her service with the MMS upon completing her Home Assignment on July 31, 2004.


The MMS has expressed its appreciation to both of them for their valuable services, pastoral care and leadership in building, discipling and nurturing the Cambodian Christians, Church, School and various ministries since Jan 1, 1998.