When we think about missions, we often picture teams travelling overseas to serve. Yet sometimes, God’s faithfulness is seen just as clearly when the mission field comes to us.
In May, Wesley Methodist Church had the privilege of welcoming seven teachers from St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) and one hostel leader from Sundermeier Home in Timor-Leste as part of an educational and cultural exchange programme in Singapore. Their visit reminded us that missions are not only about what we give, but also about the relationships God nurtures and the lessons we learn from one another.
SPMS was established with a vision rooted in Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” Through holistic, English-medium education, the school seeks to build a purpose-driven generation who love God passionately, love people practically and make a difference in Timor-Leste and beyond.
To strengthen the education provided to students, SPMS invests in the development of its teachers. Each year, lead teachers are given opportunities to broaden their perspectives through educational exchanges. This year’s team visited various local schools and educational institutions to observe and learn from different teaching and learning practices. They also visited local attractions such as Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo before continuing on to Ipoh, Malaysia, for a Christian Teachers Conference.
On 27 May, members of Wesley’s Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC) who had travelled to Timor-Leste in September 2025 had a joyful reunion over lunch with the visitors.
One reflection in particular touched our hearts. Felix Santos shared how impressed he was by Singapore’s cleanliness and culture of punctuality. These observations led him to reflect on his own nation and pray for Timor-Leste — that its leaders would steward the country’s abundant resources wisely, create opportunities for young people and continue working towards the nation’s development. His comments reminded us of the importance of praying for those entrusted with leadership, whether in Singapore, Timor-Leste or elsewhere.
The fellowship continued into the evening at Liana Seah’s home, another member of the September 2025 trip. The group gathered around a table filled with local delights — satay, kangkong, chicken curry, fried vermicelli, French beans, nyonya kueh and pisang goreng.
We discovered the Timorese team’s particular fondness for satay and kangkong and learned that while many enjoyed spicy food, they preferred only certain styles of spice and seasoning.
The conversations extended beyond food. We compared how our countries prepare pisang goreng differently and shared what we were grateful for from the week, what inspires us, the challenges we face and perspectives on healthy, Christ-centred relationships in different seasons of life.
There is a quiet power in breaking bread together. God often meets us not only in sanctuaries and missions programmes, but also around dining tables, where stories are shared, trust is built and hearts are opened.
Reflecting on the visit, Daniela Soares shared that the experience brought both practical learning and cultural discovery. She said, “The trip helped me in many ways, such as learning how to use Google Maps and trying different types of food.”
On 30 May, the SPMS team attended The Saturday Service at Wesley. Rev Raymond Fong prayed for the teachers and the ongoing work in Timor-Leste, and the congregation had the opportunity to hear directly from some of the visitors.
For many in the church, this was a meaningful opportunity to connect faces and stories to a ministry they had supported through prayer, giving and missions trips. Timor-Leste was no longer simply a location on a map, but a community of brothers and sisters with whom God had woven Wesley into partnership.
The evening concluded with dinner alongside Youth Ministry Pastoral Team Member (PTM) Song Tao, Missions PTM Rebecca Yong and members of the June Timor-Leste mission team. The visitors shared insights about their schools and communities and offered valuable suggestions for games and activities being prepared for the upcoming trip.
Felix shared, “We were blessed by the time with our Wesley hosts and the opportunity to share with one another. We also learned from the fellowship, games and the Word of God.”
For Jacinto Coel, one of the strongest impressions from the visit was the hospitality he experienced. He said, “I learned kindness and hospitality. The Wesley hosts were very busy serving us food and drinks, but they did it with a happy heart. Their care and service inspired me to help others.”
His reflection captures something important about God’s kingdom. In missions, whether rich or poor, young or old, host or visitor, there is no hierarchy. We all come as learners. We all come as servants. We all come as children of God. As we share our experiences, we discover that God is teaching and encouraging all of us.
Timor-Leste was no longer simply a location on a map, but a community of brothers and sisters with whom God had woven Wesley into partnership.
Perhaps that is one of the clearest signs of God’s faithfulness in this partnership. What began as a vision to provide education in Timor-Leste has grown into a relationship in which people on both sides are learning, serving and growing together in Christ.
As Wesley continues its involvement in Timor-Leste, there are opportunities for everyone to participate. Some may join a future mission trip. Others may host visitors, provide transport, share meals or simply open their homes and lives to those whom God brings their way.
Missions are not reserved for those who travel. Sometimes they begin with an open seat at the table.
(Photos courtesy of Alicia Chan)
Read also: Sowing Seeds of Faith: Missions Trip to the Philippines
