Over 800 volunteers serving in more than 1,000 volunteer positions — including team leaders, ushers, props team members, heritage tour guides, origami trainers, urban sketchers, AR photo booth ambassadors, photographers, music performers, medics, photo booth actors, volunteer welfare helpers, AV and security personnel —on eight nights across three weekends at Wesley@NightFest. The event was helmed by Chairperson Goh Cheng Joo, with Co-Chairperson Gaius Ho supporting the leadership.
It was an inspiring sight to see Wesleyans from all worship services come together as the body of Christ, cheerfully serving and sharing His love, truly being the hands and feet of Christ. Wesley TIDINGS caught up with several volunteers and staff to hear about their experiences.
Here’s what they had to say.
Goh Cheng Joo, Chairman (attends 11.30am P&P service):
“God was there all the way! From being behind the camera as a photographer to unexpectedly stepping up as Chairperson of W@NF, it was a big leap after more than 25 years in Wesley. God sent encouragement through our pastors, which gave me the confidence He was already leading the way. Throughout the journey, I saw His hand at work — raising passionate leaders, providing warm-hearted volunteers, blessing us with wonderful performances and guiding our dedicated staff who kept the church safe and ready each night. Now that W@NF is over, I give thanks to God and to every Wesleyan who played a part. May we continue to look up, reach out and SHINE for our Lord Jesus Christ!”
Gaius Ho, Co-Chairman and Manager of Wesley Communications:
“Wesley@NightFest was a beautiful testimony to what God can do through a united and committed community. The tireless efforts and dedication of the core team and leaders shaped each evening with purpose and joy. Our volunteers served with heart — bringing warmth and welcome to every visitor. The performers uplifted hearts with excellence and passion. Behind the scenes, our staff and support teams ensured everything ran smoothly with care and efficiency. Together, we witnessed hearts cheered, lives touched and hope shared — all for the glory of God.”
Justin Koh, Team Leader for security (attends 11.30am P&P service):
“I served on all eight nights and, on some nights, had mixed feelings when I felt tired after a long day at work. But as soon as I arrived at Wesley, I looked forward to the church hosting visitors. It was very heartwarming to see the sanctuary filled daily and both surprising and assuring to see the visitors respond so well to the various booths and activities.
I enjoyed meeting fellow volunteers I had never met before and striking up conversations to get to know them better. Communicating the established protocols to everyone was challenging — there was a lot of information to convey to a fairly large number of team leaders and volunteers. We tried our best to keep it succinct and simple, with me being on the ground nightly to check that things were in order. I tried my very best to serve within my capacity, as resources allowed. An event of such scale, especially one open to the public, naturally comes with anxieties. I placed it in God’s hands through prayer, trusting that He would watch over the church and its members.”
Michael Chiam, Team Leader for heritage tour (attends 11.30am P&P service):
“It was a true joy and privilege to share our Church’s rich heritage with visitors during the Night Festival. More than just recounting our history, it was a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the unwavering faithfulness of God through the generations. As we shared, we also discovered so much — from the treasures in our church archives to the stories and memories shared by one another, including past worshippers who returned to visit. Every conversation added a new layer of meaning and connection. This journey of discovery has only just begun. We look forward to uncovering more about our church’s past, with the hope that it will continue to inspire us — and those around us — with a deeper sense of God’s providence and enduring love.”
Allan Lim, Ukulele Performer from Wesley GYM (attends online service):
“Wesley 140 years heritage coupled with SG60 celebration prompted me to join the ukulele performances. Our team devoted many hours of practice to ensure that we put up an excellent show. It was gratifying to see the audience singing along and tapping their feet to the lively tempo of our music. I am glad to have played my role and will continue to support future church events.”
Rebecca Li, Medic
Serving at NightFest was a meaningful and special experience. Though I spent most of my time quietly in the Welcome Corner, I felt it was important to contribute — even in a small way — as a member of this church. I was glad to support someone in need and truly enjoyed the fellowship with the team. Yes, I’d be happy to serve again!
Teoh Cheng Ping, Photobooth Actor (attends 11.30am traditional service):
“Ushering to me is one of the greatest hallmarks of Christian hospitality – to usher others into the presence of God by being a welcoming presence. I feel a sense of both pride and privilege to be part of this meaningful event representing Wesley Methodist Church, a wonderful opportunity to reflect through our hospitality who the Light of the World is. Having my family as part of my spiritual community is something that is very precious to me and so serving alongside my daughter Natania made the whole experience super special.”
Oh Choo Hong, Usher (attends 9.30 am traditional service):
“I felt a buzz of excitement during the days running up to my participation at the night festival. When the evening finally arrived I was met by a sea of fellow volunteers all full of zeal ready to shine for Jesus. The evening was truly a blessing for me as I mingled and chatted with the guests and volunteers. I thank God for showing me how blessed I am to belong to a community of Christ at a beautiful church on a hill. As we are blessed, may we be a blessing to our community.”
Olivia Koh, Usher (attends Mandarin Service):
“I was truly inspired by our church’s genuine desire to reach out and embrace visitors, and by the beautiful outcome of last year’s event, where more than 20,000 guests experienced the warmth and hospitality of our community. It was a moving reminder of how God can work through simple acts of welcome to touch lives in meaningful ways. It was truly inspiring to witness how God’s love and the Spirit of unity flowed through our acts of service. I could see that the volunteers and W@NF team were serving wholeheartedly, with genuine love and dedication, which was deeply moving. The thoughtful care shown to the volunteers, from providing meals to refreshments during our breaks, was greatly appreciated. This experience has deeply strengthened my sense of fellowship and belonging within the community.”
Jennifer Ho, Usher (attends TSS):
“I was motivated by a desire to serve and be part of something bigger than myself. My Small Group, Jacob’s Well, has decided to serve together on the last Friday at W@NF. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Small Group members to experience hospitality in welcoming visitors and reflect God’s love through simple acts of service. The atmosphere was vibrant and joyful, filled with energy from both church members who were serving and visitors — local and tourists.”
The church was truly alive and buzzing with God’s presence. The most rewarding part was seeing smiles on people’s faces — knowing that even small actions like giving directions, greeting warmly or ensuring smooth movement contributed to a welcoming experience. One particular moment that stood out was when a visitor thanked me for helping them take photos. Though It was a short and simple interaction, I believe that God used these small gestures to create meaningful connections.
A challenge was managing the flow of people on the street and drawing their attention to the activities happening in Wesley during the Singapore Night Festival. I overcame this by staying calm, communicating clearly with visitors about the activities and personally bringing them to the church. I felt proud to represent the church, but more importantly, grateful to be a small part of God’s bigger work through Wesley. I saw God working in the joy and fellowship among members, in the openness of visitors who came and in the way everything came together smoothly despite the scale of the event. W@NF shone a light beyond our church walls, welcoming the community from different walks of life with warmth, joy and God’s love.”
Amanda Chan, Usher at the National Museum, guiding visitors towards Wesley (attends 9.30am traditional service):
“Serving again at W@NF with our Small Group, Parakletos, was joyful and meaningful. As ushers, we welcomed friends, guests, locals and tourists, guiding them towards Wesley. We even got to know our lovely neighbours – the museum security team. It was heartwarming to see fellowship and mission come together as Wesley shone as a ‘light on the hill’”
Joshua Ying, Usher (attends 9.30am P&P service):
“My experience serving W@NF was better than expected! Grateful that God provided a convenient slot for my newly established small group and inspired about half of the members to serve together. We enjoyed ushering the public into our beloved church and getting into spontaneous conversations with some very interesting tourists, as well as fellow Wesleyans serving alongside. I am confident people were touched by the hospitality and warm atmosphere of Wesley – we pray they were impacted in some way through their experience with the body of Christ!”
Gwen Seah, Usher (attends 9.30am P&P service):
“The most rewarding part of my volunteer experience was seeing the smiling faces of visitors who stepped into Wesley for the first time as they enjoyed the performances in the sanctuary and were able to learn more about the church’s history in the heritage tour. Amazing that they were able to discover the light on the hill as part of their trail in the Night Festival!”
Jessie Blakely, Team Leader (attends 9.30am P&P service):
“It was such a joy to serve alongside two dynamic sisters-in-Christ, Cheryl and Kathy, as we led our team of volunteers together. Our leadership styles couldn’t be more different, but God’s presence and love were so evident throughout. One of the things I appreciated most was simply getting to see and connect with some of the volunteers — a beautiful reminder that we are part of a larger church family. I was especially grateful for a good mix of older and younger volunteers, each bringing their own warmth, energy and heart to serve God wholeheartedly.”
Dominic Ong, Team Leader (attends Mandarin service):
“Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity to experience a new dimension of God’s omniscience and omnipotence. I saw firsthand how He moved all of us, (especially the quieter members in the flock!) to boldly but warmly invite strangers to visit Wesley. It was really inspiring to see God at work during the Night Fest! Surely Wesley Methodist Church is in a very privileged, prominent location right in the heart of Singapore. Volunteering at the Night Fest really drove home this point, seeing the numerous passersby who were willing to stop by en route to other attractions. It reminded me that as we think about outreach, there is much we can and must do in the immediate vicinity of our church!”
TY Ho, Photographer (attends 7.30am service):
“Being part of Wesley’s Night Fest effort was a gratifying experience. You get to see many new faces and it was especially nice to see pre-believers coming to visit our church. There were plenty of smiles all round from the visitors and that really affirms our vision to be the ‘light on the hill’.”
Julian Wee, Photographer (attends 5pm service):
“Serving at the night festival was a privilege — more than helping, it was part of God’s plan for Wesley to be the light on the hill. The energy was electric and I wasn’t alone; God raised many others to serve with joy and purpose. Though our roles were small, together we formed one body, united to a greater calling. If you’re considering serving, ask, pray and be open. Let the Spirit lead — you’ll be amazed how God works through willing hearts.”
Rodney Goh, Actor and Choir Performer (attends 5pm service):
“I served all eight nights at W@NF. The smiles and joy W@NF brought to guests and volunteers alike last year encouraged me so much that I immediately signed up to serve on every night this year. Because the Holy Spirit dwells among us, all of us could serve with one purpose — to bring joy to all who came.
I met a couple who came straight from the airport to W@NF with their luggage because they wanted to make it before closing time. Another was a repeat visitor at the photo booth from last year, as she had such a wonderful time at Wesley. The camaraderie among the volunteers was evident, even though we come from different services, exemplifying ‘many gifts, one Spirit’. The challenge for me was time management, but God, in His divine timing, protected my schedule. I was able to attend the training sessions, choir practices and run my business without disruptions. We all did our small parts for the greater good of Wesley — to be His light on the hill for His glory.”
Roger Leong, Urban Sketcher (attends 11.30am P&P service):
“It was a wonderful experience to mingle with the people — young and young-at-heart — who came to our night sketch booth.”
Joyce Ang, Origami Ambassador (attends TSS):
“Serving as an origami and AR ambassador at Wesley@NightFest reminded me to trust God with what little I could offer — and He worked far beyond what I could imagine. The warmth of the community, with fellow Wesleyans encouraging one another, was the greatest blessing — a glimpse of shining as His light on the hill.”
Margaret Zhang, Team Leader for AR photo booth (attends 11.30am P&P service):
“It was awesome seeing faces light up, eyes sparkle with excitement, people laughing with joy. Wesley@NightFest was truly a Light on the Hill, bringing everyone together for a strangely warm experience. Grateful to God for the blessed opportunity to serve with His people, using His gifts to reach out and witness His light SHINE so gloriously!”
Judy Tan, Choir Performer (attends 11.30am traditional service):
“I saw the beauty of how the choir came together as one body, each doing a different part which culminated in our offering to our Lord for what we committed to do. It’s through the process of learning, accepting each other’s views and uniqueness, preparing, practising, serving together and uniting as we move in one direction that grows us and binds us as one in Him.”
Tan Chin Keong, Choir Performer (attends 11.30am traditional service):
“Some of my family and friends were at our choir performance. One of my siblings thanked me for inviting her and said she really enjoyed listening to our songs. Another was a friend who is a member of another church choir, and he commented that our choir sang very well and the choir members seemed to genuinely enjoy being with one other.”
Benedict Hu, 10, accompanying his mother as Usher:
“I started walking from Wesley to the National Museum, inviting people to come join us at the night festival at our church. I spoke to 36 people, and more than 20 came — some were families and others were couples. Volunteering at W@NF gives me strength and courage because God empowers me. I love volunteering because it always brings joy to people’s faces. I think W@NF helps people know more about Wesley’s history and activities, such as origami, and to listen to the children’s choir.
By inviting people to our church, they would know more about God and worship Jesus as our Saviour. Some people may be shy about coming to church and that’s why we ask them to join our activities. It’s when they come to our services, they would know much more about Jesus, our Saviour. I would 1000 percent volunteer again because it was so much fun seeing people smile! I really enjoyed spending my Saturday night at W@NF with my family, having fun and bonding with them.”
Adelynn Hu, 7, Sunbeams Choir:
“Through singing we can tell people about God. I enjoyed performing because I can dress up, wear make up, play with my Sunbeams friends and take pictures with my godma, my families and friends.”
Sakthivel Subbaiah, Staff of the Wesley Methodist Church housekeeping team:
“I have been working in this church for six years. I am impressed by how well-organised W@NF was. I like that the volunteers and coordinators were very kind to the guests, who all seemed to enjoy themselves very much. It is really nice to see so many visitors to Wesley and that they were all having a good time.”
Serene Teo, Programme Coordinator, Worship and Music Ministry:
“Working on NightFest and seeing it come together has been truly rewarding. Over the past few months, coordinating with various groups to ensure a seamless collaboration has kept me busy. So witnessing everyone’s dedication and enthusiasm as it all came together made it all worthwhile. God has really blessed the church, giving us people with servant hearts who want to reach out to others.”
Audrey Koh, Church Staff who served as Usher:
“I am grateful to God for using me as an usher. When visitors or Wesleyans greeted back, exchanged a few words, I prayed they felt our joy to meet them. When they wow-ed at the beauty of our sanctuary, I thank God how that would impact their lives. I was receiving more than I gave.”
Tina Khoo, Church Staff who served as Actor: “I had invited my friends from the Potong Pasir cycling group to Wesley@ NighFest and they really came! Although they could not bring their bicycles into the church due to the crowd, but they really appreciated our volunteers offering to keep a watch on the bicycles they parked outside the church. They had lots of fun taking pictures. They were really touched and impressed by the warm hospitality of our volunteers. “
(Photos courtesy of Wesley@NightFest photographers)
