As part of the WFF 39th Anniversary celebrations, TIDINGS spoke to two members of the Wesley Filipino Fellowship (WFF), who shared their stories of their journeys in Singapore and in the WFF.
Here is the first.
An interview with Kathlene Joy Factora.
What was your life like in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, I was in full-time ministry as a deaconess in The United Methodist Church in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. I studied and trained for five years to be a deaconess, working from 2013 to 2019 in a church. I was assigned to four different Methodist churches during that period, Talugtug United Methodist Church being my last appointment.
A deaconess is a partner of the pastor. During the weekdays, we taught young children in the kindergarten (as part of the church’s ministry partnership). In the weekday evenings, we held home services, birthday services and funeral services. During the weekends, we practised singing in the choir, served in praise and worship, did the liturgy, served in the church services, etc
How did you come to be in Singapore and what is life like for you here?
I had friends who were working in Singapore, and I came to Singapore in May 2019. I got a job as a childcare teacher. At first, the work was overwhelming — I was meeting people who were from different cultures and backgrounds, as Singapore is a multicultural society. At first, it was quite difficult but I was able to adapt easily and adjust.
How did you first come to attend Wesley Methodist Church?
Actually, my first priority was to look for a church here, and I was looking for opportunities to serve in Singapore, as I want to share my time and talent. My friend Hazel, who was a co-deaconess and was working here in Singapore, invited me to attend the service at Wesley Methodist Church.
How was it like for you when you first joined the WFF?
Because everyone is a Filipino, they were all very welcoming and I felt like I was home — WFF is like my second home away from home, far away from the Philippines. And the church is where my heart belongs, as I have studied and trained to work in ministry. I was looking for a family of Christians, and I found them in WFF.
What is it like serving in WFF?
I am a volunteer in the WFF Music Ministry, playing the piano and guitar, and also the drums sometimes.
I don’t want to miss any opportunity to serve on Sundays, because my heart is calling me then. I was commissioned to be in full-time ministry, but I moved to Singapore. I enjoy being a volunteer, as I know I can still use my time and talents to serve God.
How was it like for you during the Covid-19 pandemic?
As the Philippines is near to Singapore, I thought I could go back to visit often. But because of the pandemic, I could not go home for a long time, which was a challenge. But praise God, I was able to go back for a one-month holiday in April 2022.
I count myself fortunate, as the organisation I was working in did not make any deductions to my salary, and the work was manageable. Church services moved online, which I attended. I also served in the virtual choir.
What did you think about the 39th WFF Anniversary?
We really did a lot of preparation, as in the music team, there is the choir, the praise and worship team, etc. The attendance for this week is noticeably good.
What are some of your joys of being in WFF?
I feel like this is my second home, my family away from home. I can feel that I belong and I feel that I am appreciated as a volunteer here, that our efforts are appreciated. Sunday is our day off (from work), and instead of resting at home, we choose to serve. The WFF leaders, especially Sister Rosalia, appreciate all the volunteers.
I feel empty if I do not go to church on Sunday. It is my routine, and it is my energy-booster for the next week. I always say that I need to go to church, even though I can stay home and sleep. I feel that I am unwinding in the church after a busy week, and it refreshes me.
What are some challenges?
The schedule can be a challenge, as the service starts at 2 pm. As a volunteer, I have to come early to practise for the service, and stay back after the service to practise for next week. The schedule could end quite late. I practise by myself throughout the week too, but music makes me feel alive.
What suggestions or feedback do you have about how the church can do better?
I think that we are doing okay. There wasn’t a liturgy last time, but now we are more organised and united, and the number of people attending is steady, with new people continuing to return to join the service. We also invite new Filipino friends to join.
Read also: Finding Growth and Community In WFF
