On Saturday, 13 December 2025, some 50 Befriender volunteers gathered at Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Eunos Nursing Home (ENH) to bring the joy of Christmas. Dressed in festive red, they filled the afternoon with joyful music, simple gifts, food and laughter and, above all, a much‑appreciated personal human touch.
Led by Peter Ho, co‑team lead of COSC’s Befrienders Outreach Team at Eunos Nursing Home, the afternoon began with the distribution of soft plush pillows to each resident. The personal handover of these gifts created opportunities to connect, breaking barriers and allowing volunteers to take time to chat with residents who welcomed them warmly.
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Chaplain Pastor Lim Eng Kwang shared a Christmas message titled Where is Home? This is Home (家在那里？家在那里!).
Drawing from the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he spoke of returning home after seasons of wandering. His message, delivered in English, Hokkien and Mandarin, held the attention of all present. Overflowing from the hall, some residents’ family members craned their necks from the doorway to listen.
The familiar parable prompted reflection on the characters of the Father, the Prodigal Son and the Elder Brother, raising questions about grace, belonging and what it truly means to come home. It was a message not only for the residents but also for the staff and volunteers present.
MUSIC PRESENTATION
Residents were wheeled into the Wesley Hall for the Christmas programme, which featured an inter‑generational team from Wesley Methodist Church. The youngest participants, Evangeline Khuan and Zachary Ng, were 13 years old, while the eldest was Uncle Alex Giam, aged 92, from the Harmonica Ensemble.
“We brought together an inter‑generational Wesley team determined to do their best for the residents and staff,” shared Giam Lay Hoon. “We also included special instrumentations to familiar hymns and carols.”
As residents streamed into the hall, the atmosphere was already alive with rhythm — hands clapping, feet tapping — drawn in by the Cool Cats Trio’s jazzy opening number, featuring Catherine Ong on keyboard, Ben Ho on cello and Zachary Ng setting the groove with brushes on drums. The string section, comprising violinists Lin Lim, Toh Lay Tin and Giam Lay Hoon, provided stirring accompaniment.
Reflecting on the experience, Lay Tin shared that although they had only taken 10 violin lessons and never played before, they were determined to offer their best for the residents.
Members of the Vocal Quartet also shared their joy at serving through music. Many residents came dressed in festive colours, with one gentleman donning an iridescent top hat and requesting a front‑row seat. All participated enthusiastically, singing along and waving LED‑lighted clappers.
Due to limited capacity in the hall, befrienders later visited the wards upstairs to distribute bento dinners and spend time interacting with every resident. As volunteers chatted with, held the hands of and fed some residents, many meaningful conversations took place, including opportunities to pray together.
As volunteers chatted with, held the hands of and fed residents, moments of genuine connection emerged, opening the way for meaningful conversations and shared prayers.
Volunteers also took time to appreciate the nursing home staff. “We are glad we made the effort to acknowledge their good work,” shared Daniel Chiang. “We hope our love gifts showed our care and encouragement as we continue to pray for their strength, patience and well‑being.”
A Volunteer’s Reflection
Having volunteered at ENH on the last Sundays of the past three months, this Christmas event felt especially meaningful, with a performance by the Wesley Orchestral Symphony. Though a mini ensemble, it retained its customary grandeur. Residents at the Christmas service sang and clapped along to familiar carols.
I am particularly thankful to the Chaplain of MWS EHS, Pastor Norman Wong, for bringing volunteers to pray and sing Christmas carols with the bed‑bound residents, including my father, who has been non‑verbal and non‑mobile since a major stroke eight years ago. A deep sense of gratitude filled my heart as he listened intently. Bringing Christ to the farthest corners of the nursing home was a beautiful expression of God’s love to those who need it most. Blessed to bring blessings to others. — Irene Chu
(Photos by CJ Goh)
Read also: < Finding Church Among Wheelchairs and Wagging Tails: Wesley’s Volunteers Bring Worship and Joy to Nursing Home Residents >
