The commitment to community outreach by Wesley Methodist Church’s AGAPE Pickleball Ministry was celebrated at the official opening of Dayspring by HCSA (Highpoint Community Services Association) on 9 September 2025. This honour truly belongs to God, who has called the sports ministry to serve in this way.
Dayspring, which began in 2011, is a therapeutic, caring and safe home for young girls who have experienced complex trauma.
The AGAPE Pickleball team from Wesley was honoured to share this special day with former Singapore President Mdm Halimah Yacob, celebrating their shared commitment to community and care.
Partnership for Hope and Healing
More than a dozen regular volunteers from Wesley AGAPE Pickleball, under the sports and wellness ministry by Witness and Evangelism (W&E), have been serving at Dayspring every Saturday since December 2024. Their dedication was officially recognised with an appreciation award, received by Gabrielle Pek on behalf of Wesley Methodist Church, at Dayspring’s new location.
The new facility was officially opened by three guests-of-honour: Mr Eric Chua (Member of Parliament for Queenstown), Mr Alex Yeo (Member of Parliament for Potong Pasir) and former President of Singapore, Mdm Halimah Yacob.
In her speech, Mdm Halimah recounted her previous visits to HCSA homes and thanked the staff, supporters and volunteers for “not just growing a house but a sanctuary that can write stories of resilience and possibility” for the Dayspring residents. She encouraged everyone to “continue nurturing growth and hope together” at Dayspring, affirming that every young woman, regardless of their starting point, can, not just survive, but look forward to the future with confidence.
Mdm Halimah also exhorted the girls:
“Know that you are seen, you are valued, and you are not what has happened to you. You’re what you choose to become, with courage, support and hope guiding you.”
The Power of Testimony and Transformation
Another highlight of the ceremony was the powerful testimony of Natasha, a leader in “Owena”, the alumni group for former residents of Dayspring. The name “Owena” means “young warrior” in Welsh – a fitting description for those who have overcome their struggles.
Natasha’s story of her 18-month journey at Dayspring moved many to tears. She shared: “The staff saw me not as a problem to be fixed, but as a person with deeper wounds to be healed.” She concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the song Hero, as a tribute to the girls, staff and volunteers, receiving a standing ovation.
In a symbolic act of dedication, the guests-of-honour, led by Mr Eric Chua, planted a lemon tree in Dayspring’s therapeutic garden.
Mdm Halimah explained that much like the lemon, “the journey of healing” can be both sweet and sour, “but with care and patience, it can flourish and even provide a zest of refreshment and vitality.”
She added that the tree stands for hope, resilience and transformation, just as the home will provide a haven for the girls to thrive.
The day’s official opening also coincided with a family day, allowing residents to bond with loved ones and share the joy of their new home.
MSF: Pickleball Programme by Wesley at Dayspring is a ‘Shining Example’
Generously sponsored by Arina International Holdings Pte Ltd, Dayspring has two outdoor futsal courts that also serve as pickleball courts, enabling the weekly volunteer activities by the pickleball ministry.
The volunteers from AGAPE Pickleball Ministry have brought a consistent presence and a positive environment to the girls, rain or shine. On rainy days, the group gets creative – painting cracked pickleballs, transforming broken equipment into works of art or playing board games together.
Dominique Choy, President of HCSA Community Services and Chairperson of the Dayspring Management Committee, said they are beyond grateful for the partnership with Wesley Methodist Church: “It is wonderful to see how sports can be a vehicle for connection and positive change.”
“The pickleball programme at Dayspring by Wesley has also been highlighted by Terrence Goh, Senior Director of MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development), as a shining example of how active volunteerism can enhance a charity’s rehabilitation programmes,” Dominique added.
“The commitment by the AGAPE Pickleball Ministry exemplifies how a consistent, caring presence can make a real difference in the lives of these girls. The faithfulness of the Wesley volunteers ensures the residents are getting weekly exercise, which is vital to both the girls’ physical and mental wellness.”
Building Bridges, One Game at a Time
According to Gabrielle Pek, who leads the volunteer efforts at Dayspring, “the goal has always been about more than just playing a game – it’s about building relationships.”
“We want the girls to know that there are people who genuinely, consistently and lovingly care about them,” Gabrielle continued.
“Serving week after week requires a deep commitment. I thank the Lord for enabling the team to share God’s love with the girls at Dayspring.”
To augment the volunteer project, Gabrielle said they have also roped in two volunteers, Loo Ee Lin and Regina Lim, who worship at other churches. Ee Lin shared: “It is a privilege to volunteer with Wesley’s pickleball ministry to reach out to the Dayspring girls in a small way. It shows the impact we can make when we serve as one body in Christ.”
A regular volunteer, Caryn Lim, noted the group’s deep passion for their mission: “The passion of our volunteers is fuelled by a belief that every one of these girls deserves to feel loved and supported. We don’t just show up to play pickleball – we show up to be a consistent source of encouragement in their lives.”
Echoing Caryn, another volunteer, Mandy Phua, added: “The girls at Dayspring have shown me the power of resilience and hope. Each Saturday, I leave feeling deeply encouraged by their strength.”
In a symbolic gesture of long-term commitment, Wesley’s pickleball ministry has also contributed a letter to a time capsule buried at Dayspring, preserving their message of love and encouragement for the future.
Discipleship in Society
The outreach initiative by AGAPE Pickleball is a living example of discipleship in society.
Rev Adrian Ng, who oversees the W&E ministry, shared: “It’s truly a blessing to see our members using their gifts and passions to serve others, and not just use sports for their own enjoyment. Our pickleball ministry is a fantastic example of how sports can be a tool for ministry, building bridges and sharing God’s love in a fun and tangible way.”
Patrick Chua, Pastoral Team Member for W&E, added: “Our volunteers have created a safe space for the girls at Dayspring to feel loved.”
“This award demonstrates our commitment as a ministry to be part of an ongoing mission to share God’s message of hope and love, serve and uplift the community, reflecting the heart of Christ in every act of service,” said Patrick.
(Photos courtesy of Wesley AGAPE Pickleball Ministry and Dayspring)
Read also: AGAPE Pickleball Ministry
For more information on Dayspring under HCSA: HCSA Dayspring – HCSA Community Services
Feel led to join us?
Started in April 2024, the AGAPE Pickleball Ministry has grown into a vibrant intergenerational community who plays every Sunday from 4 to 7 pm at Dover Court International School. The group welcomes players of all backgrounds and abilities, including those who are neurodivergent and hearing impaired. The group also volunteers at Dayspring every Saturday morning to share God’s love, hope, healing and restoration with the residents who have experienced complex trauma.
To find out more about Pickleball Ministry and other sports and wellness activities at Wesley, please email wefriends@wesleymc.org.
Kindly note that all volunteers at Dayspring are required to submit a form to MSF (Ministry of Social and Family Development).
