By noon on 6 December 2025, the Plaza Rooftop at Wesley Methodist Church was alive with anticipation. Dining tables were beautifully arranged for a seated reception, setting the stage for a day of warmth and celebration.
Smiling faces of Wesley Prison Ministry (WPM) volunteers and church staff radiated purpose as they worked hand in hand with the catering team, preparing delicious dishes and creating a welcoming space for all.
Though the table settings were simple, the atmosphere was anything but. Joy and excitement filled the air as guests arrived eagerly, exchanging heartfelt greetings and embracing the spirit of Christmas.
WPM partners closely with Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) and halfway houses to share God’s love and transformative power with prisoners, ex-offenders and their families.
This Christmas, WPM, a sub-ministry of Wesley’s Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC), brought together some 75 beneficiaries, their families and WPM volunteers under one roof to celebrate Christ, our greatest Gift.
YEAR-ROUND SUPPORT AND OUTREACH
Throughout the year, Wesley Prison Ministry (WPM) reaches out to released individuals, inmates and their families through various support groups. These include the Men’s Network Fellowship at Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS), the small group at The Helping Hand halfway house, WPM Connect Fellowship and Children’s Care Club at Wesley .
FELLOWSHIP, LAUGHTER AND BONDING
After a hearty lunch, the WPM Christmas Outreach programme at Wesley’s Plaza Hall began with an icebreaker led by volunteer Leroy Tan, instantly energising the room and setting a joyful tone for the afternoon.
Next, Brother Wong Yong Wei and his worship team lifted hearts in praise with uplifting songs, including For Unto Us A Child Is Born, Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord and Because He Lives. The last song reminded us of God’s unwavering control over our future, filling the hall with hope and assurance.
This moment was especially meaningful for many participants, some of whom face societal rejection, employment challenges, family worries and the lingering pain of incarceration – struggles that can often lead to despair.
As voices rose in worship, the atmosphere was charged with emotion.
Participants poured out their hearts in soulful singing, lifting their voices to God in a moving expression of faith and gratitude.
REFLECTION ON WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO US
Volunteer Cheng Soon Keong led a heartfelt devotional session that invited everyone to pause and ponder the true meaning of Christmas.
He reminded us that Christmas is often seen through the lens of festive lights, gifts and celebrations, yet for believers, its significance runs far deeper. Soon Keong encouraged us to look beyond the world’s distractions and embrace the real purpose of Christmas – choosing God’s ways over the ways of the world.
As followers of Christ, we rejoice in the peace that only God can give. Our hearts find rest because He holds our future securely in His hands.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus, who came to us, suffered and died to atone for our sins.
We praise God for His grace and redeeming love, knowing that those who believe in Him will not perish but have eternal life. This is the hope that Christmas brings – a hope that transforms despair into joy and uncertainty into peace.
A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION AND TRIUMPH
Brother Francis How courageously shared his personal story of struggle and redemption – a testimony that touched every heart in the room.
He recounted how his time in prison became a turning point, leading him to discover faith through quiet moments spent reading Our Daily Bread. Francis spoke honestly about the challenges of rebuilding his life after release, including seasons of deep depression that were eased only through his growing relationship with God.
With God’s help, Francis overcame these obstacles. Today, he runs a successful business and cares for his family – a living testament to God’s grace and restoration.
His testimony was a powerful reminder that no matter how broken our past may seem, God walks with us, offering unwavering support and a firm foundation.
Francis was joined by his family at this Christmas celebration, their united presence shining as a beautiful witness to God’s active hand in their journey of renewal.
“Francis’ story shows that with God, we can live victorious lives,” shared WPM volunteer Alex Choe.
“His transformation from incarceration to business owner and prison ministry advocate proves that God’s grace can restore anyone who puts their faith in Him.”
THE MARSHMALLOW CHALLENGE
Volunteer Kenneth Lai kicked off the afternoon with an exhilarating game that had everyone on their feet – the Marshmallow Challenge!
Excitement filled the room as participants leapt up and hurried to their groups, some made up entirely of family members, adding an extra layer of fun and bonding. Each team was armed with an unusual set of tools: sticks of uncooked spaghetti, a marshmallow, masking tape, a metre of string and a pair of scissors – all they needed to build the tallest structure that could hold a marshmallow at the top.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy as teams brainstormed, laughed and raced against time to create the most daring design. There was chatter, teamwork and plenty of determination – everyone wanted to win, but more importantly, everyone was having a blast.
At the end of the challenge, Kenneth reminded everyone that the true goal wasn’t just building towers but building relationships. “Support from family and community makes every challenge more fun and meaningful,” he shared.
“… the true goal wasn’t just building towers but building relationships.”
“I felt privileged to serve at this Christmas Outreach Event. Organising and leading the game was a humbling experience, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute in such a meaningful way,” said Kenneth Lai.
Jessie Phua, another volunteer, added: “A special moment for me was seeing teammates helping each other build the spaghetti structure. Their efforts and joyous smiles truly touched my heart – it made my day.”
SHARING GIFTS, SHARING GOD’S LOVE
As the Christmas Outreach Event drew to a close, participants were invited to bless one another through a meaningful gift exchange. Each person wrote a scripture verse to encourage their recipient, selected a gift from the box prepared by WPM and paired it with a heartfelt note of blessings – a simple yet powerful way to build bonds of love and hope.
“I was responsible for selecting and purchasing gifts for the exchange. It was truly a joy to see everyone sharing their gifts at the Christmas Outreach Event. This activity brought families and friends together in such a joyful way,” said Irene Quah.
TEAMWORK IN ACTION
“With preparations starting a month in advance, every volunteer had a role to play. On 6 December, everyone came together to lead their respective segments. When gaps appeared on-site, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to put up decorations, slice salmon and get everything ready for the welcome,” shared Judy Tan, chairperson of WPM.
“Heartfelt thanksgiving in worship, devotion and testimony of God’s goodness set the tone for an afternoon bursting with joy and fun. Laughter rose above struggles and challenges, breaking down barriers within hearts. Volunteers, beneficiaries and families engaged seamlessly. What a blessing to experience God’s presence and love expressed so beautifully!” Judy added.
SERVING WITH WESLEY PRISON MINISTRY
WPM reaches out to inmates, journeys with released individuals and supports the families and children of the incarcerated.
Would you prayerfully consider joining us in this meaningful work? Read more about WPM and explore opportunities to serve at:
wesleymc.org/ministries/outreach/christian-outreach-social-concerns
Do you feel called to bring hope and restoration to those society often overlooks? If you’re a member of Wesley Methodist Church, we invite you to connect with us at cosc@wesleymc.org.
(Photos by Elaine Tan)
Read also: Walking with the Lost: David Tan’s Journey as a Volunteer with the Wesley Prison Ministry for Over a Decade; Hope Restored: Judy Tan’s Heart for the Incarcerated and Their Families
