The Scripture Union offices are located in the central shopping and business hub of one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Singapore is a dynamic city, rich in colour and contrast. A bridge between the east and west for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating south-east Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today.
Background
Scripture Union Singapore celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004 and over the years they have seen how the Lord has used the movement to bless the Christian public in Singapore and beyond in the midst of rapid global changes and uncertainties. As a result of the changing global environment, they have adapted their methods, whether by using the Internet or through the printed page. However the main focus of the movement’s mission remains as relevant as ever – to make God’s good news known to children, young people and families and to encourage people of all ages to meet God daily through the Bible and prayer so that they come to personal faith in the Lord Jesus, grow in Christian maturity and become committed church members and servants of a world in need.
What you could be doing
SU Singapore runs its core ministries and services through a small team of full-time staff assisted by many committed volunteers. As a volunteer you would work alongside this team assisting in the following areas:
Bible Resources Ministry – to open the Bible with people in life-changing ways, which may include:
- conducting Bible reading programmes at the invitation of churches, with the aim of encouraging children, young people and adults to read God’s word daily;
- conducting 'Walk through the Bible’ programmes for children to familiarise them with the major people, places and events in the Bible in chronological order.
Children and Family (Chifam) Ministries – you could be working with:
1. local churches to evangelise and nurture children
- through holiday trek programmes during church camps in June and December
- by providing training seminars and courses for children’s ministry workers, parents and Christian teachers
- by providing resources for evangelism and ministry with children
- by organising regional/ national children’s outreach events such as Psalty concerts, etc.
2. like-minded individuals such as
- Christians and volunteers who are interested in children’s evangelism to help children take the first step to follow Jesus through annual children’s camps in November/ December.
- teachers, parents and children’s ministry workers to help children read the Bible regularly
- chaplains and Christian ministry staff at mission schools to impact young lives with the love of Jesus through creative presentations of the gospel and Bible truths during regular Christian club meetings, chapel services and religious emphasis week programmes.
Youth Ministry – not as extensive as children’s ministry, but similar in its approach. You could be working with:
1. local churches to evangelise and nurture young people
- by providing resources for evangelism and ministry with young people during church camps in June and December
- by providing training seminars and courses for youth ministry workers, parents and Christian teachers
- by organising youth outreach events such as musicals, 'Study Smart’ seminars, etc.
2. like-minded individuals such as
- Christians and volunteers who are interested in youth evangelism through the annual youth camp in December
- teachers, pastors and youth ministry workers to help young people read the Bible regularlychaplains and Christian ministry staff at mission schools to impact young people with the love of Jesus through creative presentations of the gospel and Bible truths during regular Christian club meetings, chapel services and religious emphasis week programmes.
Scripture Union Singapore bears in mind that there are many other well organised and effective organisations that minister to young people. They seek to complement and network with these.
Training Ministry – you could be organising events with:
local churches, regional churches and organisations in partnership, to organise events such as
- equipping workshops for churches who are using Scripture Union resources.
- training seminars and courses for ministry workers, parents and Christian teachers
- equipping or leadership camps to help build a pool of 'enabled' Christians who indirectly become potential volunteers for the work of Scripture Union.
Training is one of the core ministries in Scripture Union Singapore, with seminars ranging from 'Study Smart’ – a course designed to enable students to study more effectively, to 'Arise’ – a course designed to bring families together to praise and worship God through song and dance.
Sentosa Camp Centre
The Scripture Union Camp Centre is a wonderful provision of God through SU supporters and well-wishers for the various ministries of Scripture Union. It is to be used for the glory of God and for the good of children, young people and adults. The Scripture Union camp centre is a spacious two-storey building situated at the top of Larkhill on the beautiful island of Sentosa, south of Singapore, overlooking the swimming lagoon. It has been the venue for many life-changing experiences since 1980. Your involvement here could range from running camps, to repair work, cooking and administration.
Duration and Cost
Scripture Union Singapore is flexible on what time of year it receives volunteers; however, the majority of volunteers go out in the January of each year for a six-month period.
As a volunteer you need to arrange your own support, which includes the cost of air fare, accommodation, food and internal travel.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated with a local Christian family which is known to Scripture Union. While on camp accommodation will be provided on-site.
For more information on becoming a volunteer in Singapore, please give Action Abroad a call on 01908 856193.
Minimum Age: 18
Cost: £3,000 - £3,500
Start Date: Flexible - Usually January
Duration: 6 months