Social Justice – Kallos

Spotlight: Charmaine Wee – “I Started a Care Portal for the Mentally Ill”

Kallos Team — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:52:00 +0000

How can Christians better support those struggling with their mental health? DOROTHEA WONG speaks with Charmaine Wee, founder of Mental Connect, on her journey of reconciling her mental health and her faith.

In 2012, Charmaine Wee was first diagnosed with psychosis, followed by schizophrenia in 2015 and schizoaffective disorder in 2018. What worsened the situation was the struggle Charmaine had reconciling her mental health challenges and her faith, especially when well-meaning friends in church gave her advice like “You should read the Bible more” or “Maybe you’re not praying enough or in the right way,” causing her to dismiss her genuine mental health conditions as little more than spiritual warfare.

Her journey toward acceptance and recovery has not been linear — it has involved relapses, hallucinations caused by schizophrenia, and side-effects from medication. However, her pain has not been in vain. Her struggle eventually led her to start Mental Connect with her fiancé, Alex. Read on to find out more about her journey and how believers can better support others like her.

How did Mental Connect come about?
On my recovery journey, I was on Google trying to find resources that were available out there to get help. However, I realised that there was no central portal with mental health resources for a person going through a mental health recovery journey, or for caregivers to access. My fiancé, Alex, and I wanted to create a service directory that would bridge a service gap in the mental health community. That was how Mental Connect came about.

What made you first suspect that you might have a mental health disorder?
The journey was not a straightforward one. I wasn’t aware that I had a mental health disorder. Back in 2012, I was hallucinating hard due to psychosis and it was observed by my then-cell group leader. He asked for help from our vicar and they got a general practitioner to review me. He advised them to get me warded in the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

After I got discharged, I started attending a different church, seeking answers for my mental illness. Over the next few years, I was unfortunately told that I wasn’t mentally ill, but just needed deliverance from demonic forces. While this may have been well- intentioned advice, it was not helpful for me because it stopped me from recognising my real mental health condition. I just rejected the whole idea that I was mentally ill. I did not relapse for two years though, and that possibly convinced me and those close to me that I wasn’t really ill.

I REJECTED THE WHOLE IDEA THAT I WAS MENTALLY ILL.

In 2014, I started hallucinating again, and ended up getting warded in IMH for a month. However, I was still convinced that it was just spiritual warfare and was resistant to taking medication as the side-effects were quite severe for me. For the next four years, I would relapse year on year. Yet I would not accept that I was ill and neither did the community around me. The only people around me that were trying to convince me that I had a mental illness were my Christian psychiatrists and therapist.

In 2018, while being warded in IMH because of another relapse, God gave me a vision and revealed to me that I was indeed ill and that I should take my meds. I was defeated but convinced that I should start my medical care plan and came to accept that I was indeed ill. That sparked the start of my recovery journey. That was the last time I was warded, and prayerfully never will be again.

I still struggle with residual symptoms though. I have moments of recurring hallucinations and challenging Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) that can last from a few minutes to a few days. I am believing that God will heal me completely.

How did people around you respond to your condition?
Friends with good intentions have told me, “You need to pray more,” “You need to have more faith,” or “Maybe you have secret sins, that’s why you are sick.” They were talking to me about generational curses, and about being double-minded (about Christ) and more. They didn’t mean harm. They were just offering solutions based on the knowledge they had, but listening to these comments was not healthy for me at all. You don’t go to a cancer patient and say “Oh, too bad, you deserve the cancer because you have secret sins.” If you wouldn’t do that to a cancer patient, you shouldn’t do that to a mental health patient too, right? The brain is also an organ — it can wear and tear, and it can also break down. Mental illness is an illness, and should be treated as such.

MENTAL ILLNESS IS AN ILLNESS, AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.

How has your faith played a part in your mental health journey?
It’s been a source of strength and hope. When I questioned God about why He allowed me to fall sick, I felt Him say that it is a part of Him using me for His purposes.

While I am not saying God caused my mental illness, looking back, had He not led me out into the wilderness, I would not have gotten this close to Him and I would not have walked into all that I am doing now for His glory. I know it is He that sustains me.

Also, I hold closely the teaching that if He called me, He will provide. I’ve seen His hand of provision throughout my holistic recovery as He has brought the right people and resources to help me in my recovery journey. To name a few, getting psycho-educated at the Association for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (APRS) and Caregivers Alliance, getting a job in a private mental health clinic, Promises Healthcare, being part of PSALT Care, a Christian mental health support group, and an accepting, empowering, and loving care group at the church I am currently attending.

He also gave me the grace to be able to comprehend all that I’m learning about mental health tying in with spirituality to walk out my recovery. He truly has been sustaining me with His grace and strength in this suffering.

Why do you think the church has difficulty providing support for those struggling with mental health?
There is probably still a general lack of equipped manpower and resources
on psycho-education (not just in the church). Also, no two persons suffering from mental illness are alike. There are some symptomatic similarities within the same categories but the journeys are different. It takes a lot of effort to journey with a person with love, intentionality, acceptance, and care, and to understand how to be a support for those who are struggling.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) indicates that there are eight dimensions to wellness: social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, and occupational. One needs to know that it takes a different combination of these dimensions for an individual to be healed.

Personally though, I do think the situation is improving in churches, based on the increased conversations, mental health equipping talks and conferences, and growing interest in the last few years.

STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES CAN FEEL LIKE BEING AT THE BOTTOM OF A BLACK HOLE LOOKING UP.

What advice would you give to those whose friends are facing mental health issues?
Sometimes your best present is your presence, love, and acceptance. Struggling with mental health issues can feel like being at the bottom of a black hole looking up. Buying a cup of bubble tea over and just hanging out are simple ways to show us you’re there.

Be open to listen to our thoughts but don’t dismiss them. You don’t have to have experienced mental illness to do that. It also helps if you acknowledge how scary or difficult it can feel. Ask what we’d like you to do to help — we’ll let you know.
Don’t tell us to pray more because the Lord knows we probably pray heaps or can’t even bring ourselves to pray right now because the pain is so overwhelming. Keep us covered in prayer instead. Let us know you’re still praying for us from time to time!

Accept that we may behave differently because of the sickness. Sometimes, it can feel like we are defined by our sickness(es), but remind us that we are more than that and love us anyway.

Recognise that recovery is not linear. It can look like three steps forward and two steps backwards. For some, it can even look like two steps forwards and three steps backwards! Be patient, loving, and encouraging. Do not judge. Keep giving your empathic presence if you can.

Finally, get equipped or psycho-educated. There are some good courses by Caregivers Alliance that you can check out!

10 Books To Inspire You

Hannah Leung — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 01:10:00 +0000

There are some books that give you new insight every time you read it, and here are 10 books that do just that for us! Whether you’re looking for inspiration, life lessons, or a relaxing holiday read, we’ve got you covered!

1. The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
When God thinks of us, He thinks of us with love. When the devil thinks of us, he thinks of… what? Through the imagination of C.S. Lewis, we get a glimpse of how the devil works. Through imagined letters that a senior demon writes to a junior demon on how to corrupt and tempt a man, The Screwtape Letters encourages us to recognise how hard the devil has been working to do what he does best: kill, steal, and destroy.

2. Chasing the Dragon by Andrew Quickie and Jackie Pullinger
In 1966, Jackie Pullinger boarded a boat from England with no money and no plan, but was filled with faith that God would tell her where to get off and start sharing the gospel. This classic about her work in the Kowloon Walled City — a lawless labyrinth of haphazardly built buildings in Hong Kong where crime was rife — is sure to inspire you to take courage in unabashed obedience to Jesus. Fun fact, she still lives and serves in Hong Kong!

3. What Is A Girl Worth? My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics by Rachael Denhollander
Immediately after finishing the book, Kallos writer Hannah dropped a friend a text and said, “I’m shaking.” In spite of her personal trauma and the frustrations of bringing Larry Nassar to justice, Denhollander’s grit and grace is unmistakable. While the fight against injustice is often fueled by bitter revenge, she is motivated by love — for the victims and all the young gymnasts that could suffer in the same way — and this makes her story both refreshing and empowering.

4. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
The most sobering reflections seem to come in the face of the threat of death. When Dr. Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, he began thinking deeply about what a meaningful life looks like. You may not be facing death currently, but in thinking about death, it may inspire you on how to live life to the fullest.

5. The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us In Our Suffering by Vaneetha Rendall Risner
We always hear people talk about overcoming suffering, but very rarely do we hear someone talk about enduring it. Risner’s story is heartbreaking — she contracted polio at a young age, went through multiple miscarriages, lost her infant son, and her first husband left the family. Yet, in the face of great adversity, she learnt an invaluable lesson — how to taste the goodness of God even in suffering. Read her story to find out how her suffering not only boosted her faith in God, but cemented her hope in Him.

6. You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan
One of the best pieces of relationship advice that we can give is this: Don’t wait till you’re attached to figure out what a godly relationship should look like. Dive into Scripture with the Chans and let this book guide and shape your ideas about romance. Be prepared; it is going to look quite different from what we’re used to seeing on the big screen!

7. Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World that Loves To Be Noticed by Sara Hagerty
The title says it all. In a world that loves to be noticed, have we forgotten the preciousness of desiring the praise of God above the praises of man? When the things we do seem unnoticed, are we still willing to do them in service to Jesus? Laugh and learn with Hagerty through her stories of learning to see the beauty of a life hidden in God.

8. Mentoring Paradigms by Edmund Chan
If you’re in a position of leadership, this book is for you! In chapters no longer than four pages, Pastor Edmund Chan provides helpful ways to think about how to mentor, lead, and disciple those under your care. With such short and punchy lessons, no one can say that they are too busy to pick this up!

9. Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
This bestselling series of novellas is Rivers’ way of putting herself in the shoes of the unlikely women in Jesus’ family tree. Immerse yourself in the worlds of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. We assure you that you will see their stories in a light you never have before!

10. Katie Weldon series by Robin Jones Gunn
Gunn’s unique writing style guarantees that even though you will never be able to meet the fictional Katie Weldon, she will feel like a friend you’ve gone through life with. Join Katie as she navigates college life, finds love and loses it, and has an unexpected African adventure… You will laugh at the mishaps she gets into, cry with her in her heartache, and savour the lessons of faith she picks up amidst the challenges of school, friendship, and romance. Available on www.kallos.com.sg!

Take The Backpack Challenge

Kallos Team — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 16:00:00 +0000

CHALLENGE RULES

1. Complete a series of Amazing Race stations that replicate real life situations that refugees encounter

2. Live out of a backpack that only contains bare essentials

3. No eating for 30 hours

Challenger: WEE EN, 18

2 Fun Facts:

1. I have a phobia of butterflies and other flying insects
2. I have super low tolerance for spicy food even though I love tomyam so much!

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I’m quite unsure of what to expect! As someone who’s generally interested about social justice, I really look forward to learning more about what goes on in countries struck with natural disasters, war, and poverty. I’ve recently been in a period of fasting, so I guess going on for 30 hours without food shouldn’t be too bad? It’s kind of scary to be in a camp by myself too (I’m going alone!), but I think I am really excited to go through this new experience.

THE CHALLENGE

Day 1
Today was really physically exhausting! We had an amazing race with station games for the whole day. The games helped us understand what goes on in disaster struck areas. At one of the stations, we were to carry 10 heavy boxes up a watchtower within a tight time limit at Yishun Pond Park. One of us was wrapped in a thick and heavy blanket to represent survivors trapped in debris, leaving only six of us to do the heavy lifting. It was tough, especially with the time limit breathing down our necks and a group mate pinned down under the hot carpet. Bringing the game into context of disaster-stricken areas, we were doing the job of debris workers, removing debris from collapsed buildings to save trapped survivors. The work was backbreaking and stressful, and although it was nowhere near the real thing, the pressure was intense. In the situation of an earthquake casualty, every second is a second closer to being saved, or dying.

At around 1pm, I started to get hungry. With the physical workout and walking from venue to venue, I was wishing for something to fill my stomach. I guess the fact that we were in a “famine” didn’t really sink in for others either! I heard people asking multiple times if there really wasn’t going to be any food provided. After the long day of games and activities, we had a campfire in which Jared Berends (our camp speaker, a humanitarian response worker from World Vision) told us more about these refugees and the reality of their struggle. We were given cards to write to children struggling in Vietnam. That night, we slept on the hard ground, which wasn’t too bad (for me at least, but I can sleep anywhere) except it was cold.

Day 2
We did service work by packing and delivering food to families in need. It was meaningful to meet the people in need and interact with them. The last household was an Indian family consisting of an elderly lady and two children, aged around 6 and 10. The house was really small and scarcely furnished. The lady was quiet and shy, but thanked us for the delivery. It was a short exchange, but very heartening.

We ended camp with a Singapore Book of Records challenge — all campers laid down to form the longest conveyor belt and passed down 23 bags of rice via sit ups, to signify the workers who unload and give out supplies to the refugees. Finally, after 30 hours, we ended the camp with some bread buns (I took an extra)!

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Famine Camp was a really unique experience that opened my eyes to the state of the world and left me with different thoughts. The first is how blessed we are to reside in a country that’s stable, safe, and prosperous. Most of us have never heard the sound of a live bullet, or the tremor of an earthquake. But that’s not the case for millions of people around the world. How often are we thankful for what we have? How can we complain? I think thanksgiving often comes when we decide to stop keeping track of the “bad” things, and start counting our blessings.

Secondly, apart from taking time out to educate ourselves more on their situation, we should also look to the immediate needs of the community around us. Although I did know of and had previously interacted with the poor and needy around me, the encounter with the elderly Indian lady and her grandchildren was a reminder that even with Singapore’s pristine reputation, there are still “hidden” people in need. I believe God blesses us so that we can bless others, especially those in our immediate reach! I hope the Church in Singapore will one day be a reflection of the Acts Church in Acts 4:32-35.

My third thought would be the importance of representing Christ in all this. We might not have the money to support everyone in need, but I believe it could mean more to be there in person to interact and love these people. And if we can’t take time out of our schedules to help in person, then we should pray and contend for them from where we are.

This camp has taught me that God doesn’t just care about me. He cares about my family, my classmates, the people who walk by, and the suffering in the world. And when I stop seeing my relationship with Him as exclusive, but something to be shared, only then will I be able to truly reach out and show His love to others.

Overall, I super recommend the camp!

Spotlight: Mercy Ho – Embracing Streetwalkers

Quek Shiwei — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Mercy is a gentle and soft-spoken person, yet her passion and conviction seem to readily define her. It is no coincidence that her name itself embodies the heart of her ministry! Once a self-proclaimed ‘wild’ youth who indulged in worldly activities, she now serves the downtrodden of society with tenderness and, yes, mercy. Here’s her story.

Hi Mercy! How did you end up working at Tamar Village?

It’s a bit of a long story! Before I became a Christian at 21, I basically lived a life that was very similar to that of the street ladies — I drank a lot, clubbed a lot, smoked a lot, and had a lot of relationships. However, after my encounter with God, I wanted to know Him more. Within three to six months of being a Christian, I began to realise that I had a call to missions. I remember saying, “God, if you’re willing, I would like to work with ladies in prostitution one day.”

Years later, after working for a period of time, I went to a conference where they talked about human trafficking and it gripped my heart. After that, it took a year for me to reach the decision to quit my job and work in ministry full-time. It was at that time that I first heard about Tamar Village. I had not heard of the ministry before, but when I got connected with them, I realised that one of the two founders, Auntie Lois, was a good friend of my mum! Years before, when I met her and Auntie Shu Hui, the other founder of Tamar Village, and told them about my call to missions, Auntie Shu Hui had said, “It’s not time yet.” This time, she looked at me and said, “It’s time.” And the rest is history.

Describe your job in two words.

The first word is unconditional. Because of the work we do, we have to respect the ladies unconditionally. A lot of times we hear their reasons for being driven into prostitution — poverty, forced by their boyfriends or families, lack of education, etc. However, when we bring them into a restoration programme, we face times when they are not willing to change. That’s when we have to be like Christ and show them unconditional respect and love.

The second word is friendship. Jesus was friends with sinners. In my interaction with the ladies, I am challenged many times to be truly genuine as a friend — to truly humble myself and try to understand their point of view when they are struggling with things that will not be resolved easily.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Tamar Village opens from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. We start the day by praying with the ladies previously from the street and giving them time to share their lives. After lunch, I occasionally check in on them to ensure that they are working on their allocated tasks, which is to sew and produce merchandise that will be sold to support our ministry!

For ladies who are Christian, we spend an hour every day going through discipleship material for new and growing Christians. Practical discipleship comes in when I take some of the ladies out with me to run errands during the day. Just the other day, I brought a lady to the MDIS (Management Development Institute of Singapore) campus and told her, “Look at all these courses. You have an ITE (Institute of Technical Education) cert, but you could possibly get a C6 for O-Level English and study something you like.” We try to open their eyes to practical things that can inspire them to dream beyond their circumstances.

I CAN GUARANTEE THAT NOT A SINGLE ONE WOULD SAY, "I WANT TO BE A STREET LADY AND LET MEN TOUCH MY BODY..."

What is one stereotype of streetwalkers that you have found to be untrue?

It would be: “These ladies love their job — they love to sell their bodies.” I challenge you though: take any lady selling her body on the street to a quiet place, get her some food and drinks. After she is relaxed and feeling safe, ask her, “If today you were 7-years-old again, and you are in a family that is stable, with working parents, and an education, what would your dream be?” I can guarantee you that not a single one would say, “I want to be a street lady and let men touch my body every night for money’s sake.” In my conversations with them, I have come to realise that they have dreams too, and their dreams are not low at all!

What are some of the most challenging situations that you have faced?

One time, one of the ladies came to a point of complete rebellion — she threw a tantrum and broke some glass on the floor. I just said, “We still love you.” She walked out. My team and I could only pray. Fifteen minutes later, she came back and apologised. Another time, a lady lost her house, and we had to look for a hotel or a place for her to stay. It was very hard to even find a room for rent because of the stigma against streetwalkers.

What is your heart for Tamar Village?

That one day, we won’t need Tamar Village anymore! I always tell the team that we are not working to expand, but working to close down. It will be a great day when we don’t have any more street ladies in Tamar Village, and with all our resources, we can do something else and help another group of people instead!

What does ‘social justice’ mean for you personally?

Edmund Burke, the British philosopher and politician, once said, “For evil to triumph, all it takes is for a good man to do nothing at all.” To me, you don’t need a ministry to do social justice. If you can find someone who is in need and experiencing some form of injustice (e.g. coming from an abusive home, or someone who has never had education, who is treated unfairly, etc.), you can start with that one life. Also, social justice is merely a tool to show who God is. Ultimately, social justice renders the gospel to be shared.

MY DREAM IS THAT ONE DAY, WE WON'T NEED TAMAR VILLAGE ANYMORE

Any final words?

I urge you to take time to ask God what He wants you to study. Social justice is not limited to full time Christian workers. We need doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, psychologists, and more! Also, God doesn’t need us to do social justice for Him, but He gives us the privilege of partnering with Him so that we can know Him more. Lastly, always remember to build lives, and not projects or ministries. We are not looking at quantity, but quality. Stop for that one person, meet his or her need, and let that experience bring you into a deeper relationship with the Lord — our ultimate goal and treasure.

Become a volunteer!

Tamar Village exists to reach out to ladies previously from the street in Singapore, choosing to walk alongside them as a friend and journeying with them into a new life.

To serve the ladies in a holistic fashion, they work not only with the ladies themselves, but also the ladies’ children and families! In addition, legal, medical, and other services are provided to those who need it.

Want to volunteer with Tamar Village?
Find out more at http://tamarvillage.org/

Why Justice Matters – Giving Voice For The Voiceless

Joanne Ong — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Is your faith a private one? Are you comfortable getting by with your regular quiet times at home, worshipping God in church, and obeying (most of) His commandments?

Do you cringe when you see a photo or an article about injustice in the world, ‘like’ or ‘share’ the post, feel bad for a moment, and then move on without thinking about what you can do about it?

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfortable bubble and allowed yourself to be confronted with the reality of the abused and vulnerable in your society?

If your answers are “Yes,” “Yes,” and “I can’t remember,” then perhaps you have gotten too comfortable within the four walls of church and have forgotten about two of the key things that are close to God’s heart — that there is justice for all, and that His people be a voice for the voiceless.

OUR HEART AND HANDS

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. — Proverbs 31:8

‘Social justice’ has been a buzzword among Christians lately, but what does it really mean? The second half of Micah 6:8 is commonly quoted regarding this issue, and it does give us a blueprint for how we should carry out justice in society. The verse says: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” From the italicised words, we can see that what God demands of us requires both our heart and our actions. The Hebrew word for mercy is hesed, which also means loyalty and kindness. This places an emphasis on right attitude. The Hebrew word for justice is mishpat, which also means fair judgement. This places an emphasis on right action.

Clearly, when we speak of social justice, our heart and our hands are distinct but inseparable parts of carrying out God’s call. As we live out our personal faiths, have we forgotten that the God we serve has always given special importance to social issues?

So why should we care about social justice? Why should we care about those who are weak and vulnerable? There’s just one reason that might seem simplistic, but is the most basic and fundamental reason nonetheless — social justice is in God’s character.

THE HEART OF GOD

Have a look at Psalm 146:7–9:

[The Lord] upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Within this short passage, we can see how God’s heart is for the oppressed, and that His desire is to protect and defend the poor, the hungry, the lowly, the foreigners, the orphans, and the widows.

This aspect of God’s character is consistent throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, this is summarised in Deuteronomy 32:4: “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” In the New Testament, God’s justice is embodied in the life lived out by Jesus, who exemplified His love, compassion, acceptance, and grace towards the poor, the marginalised, and the sinners, even when no one else thought he should (Matt 14:14; Mark 1:40–41, 2:13–17).

Throughout the Bible and all of history, God remains the same. He upholds the cause of the marginalised, and as His followers, we are tasked to do the same (Prov 31:8–9)! Truly, a concern for the poor and an involvement in social justice are fruits of our salvation, while a Christian disinterested in or indifferent to injustice in society shows that his or her heart is not in alignment with the Lord’s. Will we respond to His call to be a voice for the voiceless?

GOD'S HEART IS FOR THE OPPRESSED - HIS DESIRE IS TO PROTECT AND DEFEND THEM

HIS HANDS AND FEET

Saint Teresa of Ávila once said, Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.

As we have received God’s grace and mercy, so should we learn to extend that grace and mercy to others. Take some time to pray about the knowledge you now have about this issue close to God’s heart. May your heart not merely be burdened, but be moved with compassion and compelled to action.

BE A VOICE

Want to be involved in social justice but don’t know where to start? Find out about the voiceless groups in our society that need to be given their voice back. Here are just three groups that you can learn more about.

MULTI-STRESSED FAMILIES
The term ‘multi-stressed families’ covers a wide range of families. They could be struggling with a low-income, an abusive partner, or the stigma of being an unwed single mother, to name a few. Many of them lack access to basic services such as education or even housing. This can be further worsened by the perception that these families deserve what they go through because of the unwise decisions that they have made. However, the saying that “people are born into poverty” is indeed true, and while some have made unwise choices that have led to their current circumstances, a large number are simply stuck in a cycle that is difficult to escape.

MIGRANT LABOURERS
These people face the reality of being caught in a cycle of injustice. Like FDWs, they arrive in Singapore already in debt. They come to Singapore in hopes of building a better life for their families, but many suffer in order to do so. Some are forced to work more than 12 hours daily, some do not receive their wages for months, and others live in dangerous housing conditions. Companies may even work in cahoots with doctors to cheat injured workers in order to avoid incurring more costs. The majority of these workers do not know their rights as migrant labourers, and even if they did, there are loopholes within the Employment Act that employers can exploit. These labourers know they are facing injustice, but there is little they can do with the little power that they have.

FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS
For many FDWs, the injustice they face begins the moment they leave their country to work in ours. Many enter Singapore in debt, as they are forced to pay an agent huge sums in order to secure a job here. We would surely complain if we were forced to work from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, yet many maids do that every day because they have no choice. Many maids also do not get a day off despite it being legislated by the government, nor do they get compensated for working an extra day a week. It’s easy to condemn employers who physically abuse their maids and wind up in the news, but it is the unreported daily ‘abuse’ of maids emotionally, psychologically, and verbally that we need to start talking about.

Living Out Justice And Compassion

Jiamin Choo — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:00:00 +0000

“Erm … hi, do you need help to cross the road?” I asked the uncle wearing sunglasses and holding a cane. He smiled, “Yes, I need to get to the bus stop behind Somerset MRT.” I was going to be late for my dinner appointment, but decided to help him first. I introduced myself, and found out his name was Uncle Kasim.

He held onto my arm as I led him through 313@Somerset and cleared the path to prevent people from bumping into him. When we reached the bus stop, I waited with him until he boarded his bus home.

Even though the encounter with Uncle Kasim was brief, it left a deep impression on me. This seemingly small act of helping him cross the road opened my eyes to the needs of people with disabilities, and to be more intentional about extending justice and compassion to Those who may be forgotten, marginalised, and oppressed in our society. Growing up in Singapore, it’s been a blessing to enjoy the prosperity and peace of our nation.

But in the midst of growing affluence, cries for help remain. I think of the streetwalkers in Geylang who have been tricked or forced into the sex trade, the one-room rental flat dwellers in Toa Payoh who may not have enough to eat three meals a day, the foreign construction workers who labour in the hot sun and are housed in unsafe and overcrowded dormitories, and the domestic helpers who work all week, yet may be denied a weekly day off by abusive employers. I also think of the ex-offenders who cannot find work or a home because of society’s rejection of their past.

As followers of Christ, how should we respond? The book of Amos has a timely message for us — not only will He judge the nations for the things they have done wrong, He will also judge His own people, Israel, for their lack of justice and compassion in the midst of the suffering of others. While God had freed the people of Israel from oppressive slave masters in Egypt and called them to extend justice and compassion to others, the Israelites oppressed the poor, cheated in business transactions, and got rich at the expense of others. On the outside, the people of Israel appeared to love God by giving offerings and worshipping Him with songs, but God was enraged by the true state of their hearts filled with injustice and apathy. This is why God spoke through the prophet Amos to proclaim judgement on Israel, “Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:23–24).

Because justice and compassion are part of God’s character, as His people, we are to reflect these attributes of His nature as a testimony to the watching world. Having received the mercy of God through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we cannot go on living our life of ease, or to turn a deaf ear to the cry of the weak and needy. Having been blessed with plenty in Singapore, may we seek opportunities to extend justice and compassion to those around us. Remember the forgotten. Reach the marginalised. Speak for the voiceless. Release the oppressed.

Yes, this can be uncomfortable, and it can also require us to go the extra mile. But every little bit counts, no matter how insignificant it seems. As we fight for justice and compassion, we contribute to building God’s kingdom here on earth. Lives will be touched, and communities can be transformed. Never underestimate the power of what God can do through you!

REFLECTION TIME
1. Who do you think are the poor, weak and oppressed in Singapore?
2. What are some ways you can extend justice and compassion to them?

DELVE DEEPER
Read and reflect on these passages for more about living out justice and compassion!
o Psalm 146:5–10
o Luke 10:25–37
o Micah 6:1-8

HANDLES
Want to delve deeper into Scripture?

Use SOAP!
Scripture: What passage/verse are you studying today?
Observation: What do you think God is saying to you through this Scripture?
Application: How can this Scripture be applied in your life?
Prayer: Write down a prayer based on the lessons you have learnt!