A SHORT HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

Early in 1989, some members from Wesley Methodist Church met regularly for prayer and Bible study in a member's home at Tampines New Town. Tampines was then a new and growing estate. The group had the vision of planting a church in that region of Singapore. Their vision coincided with the vision of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of the Methodist Church in Singapore. Hence in August 1989, a meeting of Methodists living in Tampines was held at the Church of Christ the Redeemer. This led to the formation of Tampines Outreach Project (TOP). Rev Dr George Wan Tian Soo was appointed by TRAC to oversee this pioneer work. About 18 Methodists and their families (plus some people from other denominations) residing in Tampines came together to form the first congregation of TOP. Sunday Services were held at the Salvation Army premises at 5.00pm. Fellowship dinners, small group meetings and synchronized prayers were the mainstay of the outreach project. The Church Family Camp was at Golden Sands Baptist Centre in Port Dickson.

In January 1991, the church moved into St. Georges Chapel. Sunday Service was at 8.15am. On 1st November 1991, TOP became Tampines Methodist Church with 42 adult members. A Family Service Centre in Tampines with the help of Methodist Welfare Services was started.

In 1995, Rev. Michael Wong was appointed as Pastor-in-charge. Evangelistic video shows, outreach programmes and annual church camps were some of the events of the church life. The highlights of the congregational life were the church camps where members became bonded as a family.

In the year 2000, Rev. Dr. Lorna Khoo was appointed as Pastor-in-charge. 59 intercessors from Wesley Methodist Church covenanted themselves to pray for the 54 members of Tampines Methodist Church that year. Some came and helped us during that year and a few joined as members.

We started Year 2000 with the theme, "Jesus is Lord" and we sought to let Him be Lord of our Church in giving us directions regarding what He wants us to be and do as a congregation. We were given Isaiah 54 : " Sing, O barren one who did not bear; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate woman will be more than the children of her that is married, says the Lord... ." It was a verse that gave us hope and a new perspective regarding the future.

During our prayer meetings, we began to hear from the Lord regarding major paradigm shifts:

• Our territorial commitment: Changi, parts of Tampines and parts of Simei. Our Church's role: as a congregation, we are to pastor Changi, parts of Tampines and parts of Simei (not simply exist as a Christian fellowship with the pastor as its chaplain)
• Our calling: to minister to prison releasees and families of prisoners.
• Method of mobilizing our people: by becoming a cell church (not just a church with cells)
• What is vital for the life of the church: Prayer covering of the intercessors who are our 'commandos'. Our first group of key intercessors received intensive training which lasted for 12 sessions.
• In 2000, the churches in Changi (Salvation Army Changi Corps, Changi Baptist Church, Changi Christian Fellowship and us) linked up and formed the Changi Geonetwork. Prayer meeting was held once a month. Joint church camp and projects like LOVECHANGI with bazzaar to raise funds for light-up Changi during the Christmas period to bring more business and blessings to the shopkeepers were organised.
• The LCEC was revamped to include hands-on ministry areas. The Church was in transition. We became a cell church instead of a church with cells.
• The church office was relocated from Tampines to St. Georges Chapel grounds. Huddled in one 20-foot and one 40-foot containers, we set up office and a meeting room for some of our ministries.
• As a result of these paradigm shifts, Tampines Methodist Church was renamed LIVING HOPE METHODIST CHURCH in 2001.
• A second bilingual service – English and Hokkien began at the Changi Chapel, anchored by our Hokkien Cell and our theological student.