A Morning of Preparation and Purpose
It was a busy morning on 28 September 2025 at the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Nursing Home in Eunos. Volunteers from Wesley Methodist Church bustled about, preparing for the third church service held at the home—a heartfelt initiative born from Wesley’s 2025 theme, Discipleship in the Society. What began in July as a simple act of outreach is growing into something deeply personal and profoundly moving.
Meeting Residents Where They Are
The service has evolved to meet the residents where they are. Though originally planned as an English-only gathering, the sermon and corporate prayer are now lovingly translated into Mandarin. This small change speaks volumes about the care and thoughtfulness behind the ministry.
Worship in Community and Compassion
Nineteen residents were wheeled into the hall, each seated beside a volunteer. At the side, four therapy dogs and their carers waited quietly, ready to offer comfort in their own gentle way. The atmosphere was warm, expectant and full of grace.
Songs of Faith and Hope
Samuel Tan, Pastoral Team Member, Family Life Ministry at Wesley, led the worship with sincerity and joy. Hymns such as The Steadfast Love of the Lord, Wild Flowers and I Give You My Heart rang out in both English and Mandarin, voices blending in a chorus of faith and hope.
A Sermon That Speaks to the Heart
Rev Reuben Ng, President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), shared a sermon based on 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “pray without ceasing.” He spoke from the heart, drawing on his own experience as a father. He described the joy of listening to his daughters talk to him, even when tired, and likened it to how God delights in hearing from us. “Our God is never tired and will always hear us,” he reminded everyone. His words touched hearts and stirred quiet reflection.
Peace Shared Through Paws and Presence
Then came the sharing of God’s peace — not just through handshakes, but through wagging tails and gentle paws. The therapy dogs, led by Audrey Ngo and her team, moved among the residents, offering silent companionship and joy. “You wouldn’t know they were present unless you strained to look,” Audrey said, marvelling at their calming presence.
A Moment of Transformation
After the service, the hall buzzed with prayer, laughter and connection. Residents cuddled the dogs, volunteers prayed with them, and one elderly gentleman, moved by the interaction, asked to be prayed for—and accepted Christ. “How awesome is that!” Audrey exclaimed. “We’re so stoked that God’s four-footed creations were part of that salvation journey.”
Serving with Heart and Hope
Jou Wei Ping, who volunteers at Wesley’s Family Life Ministry, lives in the neighbourhood and felt called to serve. “We hope that small gestures like offering a prayer and listening can open hearts to Jesus,” she shared during her second visit.
Beyond the Benediction
Even after the benediction, the spirit of fellowship lingered. Volunteers accompanied residents back to their wards, chatted in the lift lobby and continued to build relationships.
Samuel, who leads the initiative, believes the service should extend beyond the hour of worship. “The service shouldn’t end at the benediction — it should continue in befriending the residents,” he said. As he transitions into retirement, he hopes to offer pastoral care to the caregiving staff as well.
An Invitation to Join the Journey
If you have an hour to spare on the fourth Sunday of the month, consider joining us. The next service takes place on 26 October 2025. Whether you’re bilingual, love to pray, enjoy listening or simply want to experience worship in a new way, come and share God’s heart with the residents.
Let our befriending not be confined to once a month but let it develop into a more frequent and natural act of love. – Samuel Tan
(Photos by Johnny Koh)
