As Wesley Methodist Church (WMC) embarks on its 140th year, embodying our anniversary tagline, “Looking Up, Reaching Out” and focusing on “Intentional Discipleship with a focus on society,” the timing couldn’t be more perfect. On 23 February 2025, Christian Outreach & Social Concerns (COSC) Ministry of the WMC launched the Jalan Besar Project, an outreach initiative designed for the underserved in the Jalan Besar community.
Over the past 20 years, COSC has reached out to isolated, elderly or needy residents from five blocks of flats, including one rental block, in the Jalan Besar neighbourhood which is about 2km from WMC. In 2023, COSC was invited by the community to further engage with the residents of Jalan Besar. This expansion now extends to over 20 blocks of flats and more than 10 blocks of rental units, spanning North Bridge Road, Beach Road, Lavender and King George’s areas, in partnership with WMC’s Active Ageing Centre (AAC) and the Jalan Besar Active Ageing Centre.
To meet the needs of the beneficiaries, COSC mobilised several of its sub-ministries:
Wesley Community Ministry (WCM): WCM aims to express Christ’s love, cultivate relationships and share the faith within the Jalan Besar neighbourhood. They organise one-time events like Christmas@Berseh, Dumpling Festival celebrations and Movie Nights. Since 2022, WCM has also been improving living conditions for rental families through the “ReDesign Project,” in partnership with Kampong Kapor Community. In the same year, the Zhen Xin Hua (ZXH) initiative was launched to offer seniors a platform to discuss life issues while volunteers share Christian faith.
“In 2023, my Small Group ‘Abundant Life’ volunteered with COSC and Kampong Kapor Community Services to improve the living conditions of two families by redesigning their homes. In 2024, 50 of us from SG Zone 1 fostered warm interactions over lunch with more than 180 residents at the Jalan Besar Active Ageing Centre,” revealed Serene Ho.
Wesley Befrienders to Older Persons (WBOP): WBOP extends friendship and support to lonely and underserved elderly individuals, offering them love, hope and a sense of community. Serving in various settings, including one-room flats near Indus Road, nursing homes like Bethany Methodist Nursing Home and drop-in centres such as St Luke’s Eldercare, WBOP engages in home visits, meal deliveries, nursing home visits and virtual sessions.
“I love to sing and dance, and I am happy to share Christ with the elderly through my passions,” shared Constance Lim, a long-time WBOP volunteer. Her fellow volunteer, Kong Yoke Mun, added, “I’ve joined WBOP in 2023. It has been a very good experience. We received on-the-job training and minister in groups with more senior members.”
Wesley Youth Centre (WYC): Since its relocation to Jalan Berseh in 2007, WYC has provided a safe space for over a hundred disadvantaged children and youths in the Jalan Besar neighbourhood. The centre offers various programmes, including after-school “Park and Play” activities, tuition sessions, recreational activities and the OWL Reading Programme, which is a storytelling initiative inculcating values for children aged 5-12.
“I see how our gifts and talents are being transferred and used for His glory in God’s divine seasons,” marvelled WYC Chairperson Doreen Soh, reflecting on her journey with the ministry, “I am excited about the future of WYC.”
Recently, the newly launched The Saturday Club has attracted about seven children and youths. “These children take part in Bible study and worship. It’s a challenge, but we hope they will be ‘strangely warmed’ as they learn about Jesus,” Doreen added.
COSC’s approach focuses on the 3Bs: “Blessing, Belonging and Believing,” where outreach events build intentional relationships, show compassion and open doors for faith conversations. Through acts of kindness, COSC fosters authentic bonds, affirms dignity and creates opportunities for spiritual growth.
In addition to the three core sub-ministries, several other COSC ministries play a role in WMC’s community outreach efforts:
Wesley Deaf Ministry (DeafMin): Reaching out to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, DeafMin fosters connection through activities like Bible studies, fellowship and mission trips.
Wesley Migrant Ministry (WMM): WMM engages with migrant workers through events, outings to venues like The National Gallery and educational programmes, including English and computer classes.
Wesley Prison Ministry (WPM): WPM reaches out to individuals incarcerated in Singapore’s prison system through Bible studies, mentorship and prayer. By sharing God’s word, the ministry hopes to bring hope and transformation to these inmates.
As we celebrate 140 years of God’s faithfulness, we remember that His plan for redemption includes the least, the last and the lost. COSC Director and Pastoral Team member, Loke Ai Mei encouraged the congregation during this COSC weekend, “God does not look for the qualified; he qualifies those who are willing to take the leap of faith, who go out and take His presence to the community.” Through the efforts of COSC and the dedication of Wesleyans, may WMC continue to shine brightly as the light on the hill for God’s glory in the Jalan Besar community.
Photos by CJ Goh, Melvin Quah, Desmond Yiong and Lee Keen Whye
