It took two Easter outreaches for the staff and volunteers at Wesley Youth Centre (WYC) to bravely start The Saturday Club (TSC). We reached out to those who responded and indicated that they wanted to know more about Jesus. Ta-da! The first TSC session started on 6 May 2023.
TSC youths learned about Jesus and questioned His reality. Many questions were asked, and many responses were captured. As volunteers, we introduced what worship is and what learning the Word of God means. For each session, our young people would vote for their favourite food for fellowship afterward.
As a volunteer, my heart is full as we meet each week with these young people. I have been blessed by all the lessons learned with them. In the words of Anqi Gao, one of the youths in TSC, ‘Faith is knowing that Jesus will always be there, no matter where I am.'”
Here is what the volunteers and members of TSC have to say:
Sherlynn Huang, TSC member:
I remember when TSC was first introduced. I was a student volunteer who had returned to help with the OWL Programme. The OWL Programme is for children aged 6 to 12, where stories are told, and values are imparted. I joined the OWL Programme when I was 6 years old. During these sessions, we would learn values like responsibility, care, and empathy, while also honing essential skills like reading and writing. When I first heard of TSC, I had no idea what it was about, but something about it piqued my interest and curiosity, and I soon found myself signing up for it.
During my first visit, I was still trying to guess what the class would be about, perhaps a bonding session? The more I thought about it, the more eager I was to find out. I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension—I could not wait to reach WYC but was also nervous about fitting in. Upon entering, I was greeted by teachers with smiles on their faces, which helped ease the anxiety swirling within me. After everyone arrived, a teacher revealed that we were there to learn more about God and Jesus through reading and studying the Bible together. As she continued sharing, I became more intrigued. We then took turns reading the selected passage, discussing and sharing our thoughts and interpretations, as well as any personal experiences or how we could relate. We engaged in activities like journaling, answering discussion questions, and small group exercises. We ended the session with fellowship over food, which I enjoyed. I really appreciated the time for casual conversation and building relationships.
Over the past year of attending TSC, I have definitely learned more about God and Jesus. I went from not knowing what the Bible was about to understanding its deeper meanings. Through TSC, I’ve learned profound lessons about God’s love, grace and faithfulness. For instance, studying passages about forgiveness helped me understand its importance not only in one’s relationship with God but also in my interactions with others. The sessions have taught me values like patience, humility and responsibility. By reflecting on stories from the Bible, I’ve come to see how these virtues can be applied in my daily life.
The WYC family is very welcoming, whether it’s the volunteers from OWL or TSC. Every week when I return for OWL or TSC sessions, the teachers and volunteers always check in with me, asking how my week has been or how things are going. Their kindness and support always make me feel valued. They are cool and always try to be understanding towards us teenagers. Even though they may not always relate to us, I will be forever grateful to have met and known them.
Quite often, I found myself looking forward to attending the classes to hear more about the Word of God, deepen my understanding of Him, and connect with the teachers and friends I had made there. TSC felt like a safe and welcoming space where we could openly share our questions and uncertainties, working together to seek answers or explore them as a group. The environment encouraged us to grow not just in knowledge but also in faith and connection. At the end of each session, the teachers would leave us with a thought-provoking question to reflect on, keeping the lessons alive in our minds throughout the week and inspiring deeper contemplation. Dedicating my time to something new and impactful sparked a sense of purpose and excitement in me, making each session feel like a meaningful step in my spiritual journey. Looking back at when I decided to join TSC, I realise that decision marked the beginning of an enriching journey that would shape my perspective and deepen my connection with God.
I hope to see the TSC family continue to grow, welcoming more people eager to deepen their understanding of God to join the sessions, learn, support and bond together.
Jane Koh, TSC volunteer for one and a half years:
As a monthly volunteer at WYC’s Saturday Club, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the significance of teaching God’s word to seekers and young believers. I am continually inspired by the strong rapport the staff has built with the community at Jalan Besar. Serving here has never felt like a chore; instead, each session leaves my soul refreshed and my heart replenished. All glory and praise to God!
Photos courtesy of Wesley Youth Centre
Read also: Teaching Children through Parables @ Wesley Youth Centre
