This year, our church theme will focus on Discipleship in Society. Wesley TIDINGS is delighted to introduce “Faith@Community”, a new monthly series for 2025 that explores the concept of “Everyday Christianity”. Everyday Christianity is about recognising that faith is not confined to the walls of our church. It is about living out our Christian values in every aspect of our daily lives – in our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods and communities.
Throughout the year, “Faith@Community” will share the stories of 12 inspiring individuals who are actively living out their faith through compassionate service, advocating for the marginalised and extending a helping hand to those in need. We hope their stories will challenge and inspire us to deepen our own discipleship and find ways to express our faith in practical, everyday actions.
Whether it is through acts of kindness, advocacy for justice or simply shining the light of Christ in your daily interactions, your story matters. Do you know someone quietly making a difference in their community? We want to hear their stories! If you have someone in mind (maybe even yourself!), please encourage them to reach out to us at tidings@wesleymc.org.
Wesley TIDINGS Team
For more information on the church theme this year, please go to:
https://wesleymc.org/dir2025
Meet Jean Ho, our featured member in this edition of Everyday Christianity: Faith@Community. A proud grandmother of a 2½-year-old grandson, a Pilates instructor and an active volunteer in Wesley’s Christian Outreach & Social Concerns (COSC), Discipleship & Nurture (D&N) and Mission ministries, Jean also finds time to serve with YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association). Jean’s story is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of compassion and devotion as she serves with the weaving group under the Empowering Mums programme organised by YWCA. More than just a fellow weaver, Jean is a friend and confidant to the underserved mothers she serves, sharing her faith and life experiences with those in the Weaving Mothers group. Find out how Jean’s personal connection with God empowers her to uplift others and find inspiration in her dedication to living out her faith.
Hi Jean, tell us about your community work. What inspired you to get involved in the YWCA Weaving Programme?
I have always been serving actively in Wesley Methodist Church with several ministries including COSC, D&N and Missions. But all the activities and programmes ceased during Covid. After the pandemic, I discovered weaving through a church friend’s workshop with the YWCA and felt compelled to volunteer immediately. The YWCA Weaving Programme is an extension of their Empowering Mums (EM) project, providing women from marginalised backgrounds with flexible income opportunities. I enjoy weaving on the loom equipment and at the same time talking with the mums who are in the programme. I love creative activities like dancing and arts and crafts, so it is natural I took to weaving very quickly. By weaving, I contribute to creating products that generate income for the programme and support these women. More importantly, over time, the mums in the programme and I have become friends, and we get to know each other better.
How do you generate income for the underserved women?
We make products like book covers, bags and pouches to sell at bazaars, and the sales from these products sold contribute to the salaries paid to the mums. We do not manage to raise profits, as sometimes we only break even. I also help design some of the products we create from scratch. Recently, in March, YWCA partnered with banks and investment companies to sell our products as part of their CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts. All monies received help pay the salaries of the weaving mums.
Can you share a story that highlights the impact of your work?
There are several stories but what I really enjoy most in the weaving sessions are the opportunities I have working alongside mothers with special needs children. One mother, whose son has autism, shared her struggles with me. Having worked in a special needs school before, I have some understanding about children with autism, and I can provide encouragement and practical handles to moms with special needs. It felt like God placed me there to use my experiences to support her.
How much time do you dedicate to volunteering amid your busy schedule, and what do you find most rewarding?
I spend about eight hours a week at the weaving studio between my work as a Pilates instructor. Weaving is therapeutic and I cherish the fellowship with the mothers. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy world. Those are rewards to me.
How does your Christian faith guide your work? Are there specific verses or teachings that inspire you?
I want to serve and use the talents and time God has given me to bless our community. I have been worshipping at Wesley for 20 years and have always served passionately. I am also a Small Group Leader. My guiding verse is based on Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” I strive to love and respect everyone, regardless of their background. The weaving studio has a diverse group of women and I share my faith when appropriate. I believe God has called me to offer comfort, support and a safe space for them to share their stories.
What challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?
I work in the fitness industry, which often focuses on physique and external appearances. I must constantly return to God to nurture my inner self and stay grounded in His Word, avoiding the vanities of the world. As a busy Pilates and dance instructor, I must learn constantly how to manage my time wisely. God wants us to steward the time given to us wisely and to grow and rest in Him. Besides serving, I also grow spiritually by carving out time to take courses. Good time management is important. I am blessed because my husband is fully supportive of the time I spend serving others, often driving me around or helping me carry copious amounts of things for ministry.
What advice would you give to others considering volunteering, especially those who are older?
We are never too old to serve God and our neighbours. Everyone has God-given talents, time and resources to serve, and we should not waste our time or gifts. As older people, we also have valuable life experiences that can guide and uplift younger generations. All that’s needed is a heart to serve, and God will guide us to where we’re needed. Being older but wiser is a great asset in volunteering, as we have so much to contribute. If we have the desire to serve, God will plan for and sustain us.
Photos courtesy of Jean Ho
