Wesley Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC) partners with Jalan Besar Active Ageing Centre (JBAAC) to facilitate grocery shopping excursions for elderly residents to FairPrice at Kallang Wave. On 23 March 2026, volunteers accompanied residents who were less mobile or wheelchair users, marking the second initiative organised under this ongoing collaboration. Serving alongside 10 volunteers from various Small Groups and four COSC staff members, COSC intern Joshua Ng reflects on his experience below.
Being part of Wesley Methodist Church has always been more than just attending a service on Saturdays; it is about being woven into a loving community. It is a testament to the love God has generously poured into our lives. Recently, I had the privilege of seeing that love in action when I joined my colleagues from COSC to accompany elderly residents from JBAAC on a grocery shopping trip to a supermarket at Kallang. For many of these seniors, a simple trip to the supermarket is not just a chore but a logistical challenge that can feel overwhelming.
As we gathered to start the day, I felt nervous. How does a 19-year-old bridge the generational gap with those aged around 70 to 90? Would they find me helpful or merely in the way? Thankfully, the calm assurance of my colleagues quickly put those fears to rest. They showed me through their own steady presence that service is not about grand gestures; it is about being present, patient and sincere.
As we navigated the aisles of the supermarket, I realised that building a connection with the elderly requires a specific kind of honesty. We have to move at their pace, both physically and conversationally. We discussed brands of rice and types of cooking oil, offering a glimpse into their cooking habits and needs. Gradually, the initial barriers melted away, replaced by a sincere and genuine connection. It was in these small moments, whether helping to reach a high shelf or checking a price tag, that I felt the sense of community God was guiding us to build.
“Service is not about grand gestures; it is about being present, patient and sincere.”
This experience nurtured my virtue of patience, which I have come to realise is one of the most essential qualities for anyone showing care and concern. It is a lesson I have been learning throughout my time interning with the Wesley Youth Centre (WYC) as well. While the two groups, vibrant children and seasoned seniors, might seem worlds apart, the heart of the work is remarkably similar. Whether I am mentoring a child on the use of polite language or helping an elderly resident decide which household items are most essential, the core requirement remains the same: one has to listen more than speak.
In both settings, I am reminded of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” This verse has become a personal anchor for me. There are moments when service feels tiring or when you wonder if you are truly making a difference. However, this trip was a testament to the fact that kindness, when practised consistently, enables us to bless others in ways we may not immediately see.
The impact of the day became clear when we reached the checkout counters. Each resident received a $70 supermarket voucher to cover their expenses. Seeing the look of genuine appreciation on their faces as we packed their groceries was incredibly touching. It was not just about the monetary value of the voucher but also the dignity of being able to choose what they needed and the comfort of knowing they were not neglected.
“Kindness, when practised consistently, enables us to bless others in ways we may not immediately see.”
As we made our way back, I reflected on how much I have been blessed. Watching some of the elderly residents struggle with mobility, requiring special assistance or the constant attention of a caregiver, was a stark reminder of the physical blessings I often take for granted. It made me view my own life differently. Realising that I have a loving family, a supportive group of friends and a church community I can rely on speaks volumes about the grace the Lord has shown me over the years.
My time serving the elderly and the Wesley Youth Centre reminded me that we are called to pay forward God’s blessings. By accompanying the elderly to the store, I was not just helping with groceries; I was participating in the cycle of grace.
(Photos courtesy of COSC)
Read also: Enlarge Wesley’s Tent: A Family Carnival for the Jalan Besar Community
