On 25 February 2021, our team sent a special Lunar New Year delivery to the Innkeeper’s Project, a programme that temporarily houses homeless individuals in HDB estates, run in partnership with New Hope Community Services and other partnering organisations. Oranges, ang paos and care packs consisting of food items, hand sanitisers and masks were distributed to the 165 residents. HIA and Sowcare have been supporting the Innkeeper’s Project since April 2020, and we look forward to more opportunities to care for our rough sleeper friends in partnership with the good folks at New Hope Community Services.
This series is brought to you by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship of Singapore, in partnership with Care Corner, supported by Evangelical Alliance of Singapore (EAS) and Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA).
Session 1: Anxiety – Understanding anxiety as a normal emotional state and when it becomes a problem
Speakers 🎤 1. Welcome Message – Rev. Ezekiel Tan [General Secretary, Bible Society of Singapore] 2. The Christian and Mental Health – Rev Chua Seng Lee [Deputy Senior Pastor, Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church] 3. Anxiety – Mdm Evonne Wee [Counsellor, Care Corner Counselling Centre] 4. Q&A Facilitator – Mrs Lily Chan [Counsellor, Care Corner Counselling Centre]
This series is brought to you by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship of Singapore, in partnership with Care Corner, supported by Evangelical Alliance of Singapore (EAS) and Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA).
On 27 January 2021, Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA) and the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance—held an Appreciation Event to thank our partners, donors and volunteers. About 50 partners, donors and volunteers attended the event, while many others joined us online via Zoom and Facebook Live.
The appreciation ceremony was organised to express our deep gratitude to HIA’s key partners, donors, and volunteers, who have played a vital role in all of our efforts to provide holistic care for the vulnerable communities, especially the guest workers who have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 situation during the circuit breaker in 2020.
Because of their generous contributions and effort, we were able to distribute a total of 1,027,505 care meals and more than 1.2 million essential items, to more than 21,000 guest workers in about 300 dormitories. We definitely would not have achieved that milestone without their great support.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower, handed out tokens of appreciation consisting of certificates and plaques to our partners, donors and volunteers. In his speech, Mr Mohamad lauded the good work done by HIA and its team of volunteers and partners, and stressed the importance of religious harmony, which HIA actively promotes.
In his thank you speech, President of HIA, Rev Ezekiel Tan said, “On behalf of our tens of thousands of beneficiaries, I would like to convey our most heartfelt thanks to every partner, donor and volunteer present here tonight, as well as those watching online. Thank you for all your giving and sacrifices. We truly value every dollar donated, every minute spent and every ounce of energy devoted to improving the lives of the less fortunate. Without you, HIA would not have been able to accomplish all that we have done in 2020. As the Holy Book says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. I pray you would surely receive greater blessings in the coming years. We look forward to many more opportunities to partner with you as we join hands to uplift the lives of the needy and destitute in the year ahead and many years down the road.” We would like to thank every partner, donor and volunteer who has given so generously of their time, resources and energy; your contributions have been invaluable. If you are looking to donate, partner or volunteer with us, head over to https://www.hia.sg/support-us.
Our 12D9N Holy Land Israel Tour will bring the Bible stories you have always known to life. Explore the ancient sites and the vibrant modern culture of Israel with memorable visits to Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem and more.
You will travel to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and see Church of Nativity and Shepherd’s Field. Explore Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and see Beit She’an National Park, the archaeological site of the ancient Roman city which was one of the Decapolis cities in the early century. Spend quiet moments up at Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the mount and visit Capernaum, being one of the three key cities of Jesus ministry.
Take a boat ride to experience the Sea of Galilee which is the same lake that Jesus walked on. Visit Tel-Meggido, a fortress city mentioned in the Old Testament to see the excavation of the city ruins, and also the ancient port – Caesarea Maritima, which was once an ancient Roman city and port built by King Herod.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the Old City at Mount of Olives, walk along Palm Sunday Path, see the Garden of Gethsemane with the ancient olive trees believed to date back to time of Christ. Visit the Western Wall, one of the holiest place of Judaism and see the Dome of the Rock located on Temple Mount. Walk through Via Dolorosa – the 14 stations and visit the Garden Tomb, where a holy communion service will be conducted by the Spiritual Director.
This Bible Land Tour is a great touring option, including a great number of important sites and Israel experiences. Come join us and experience a spiritual journey of a lifetime!
Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach Celebrates International Migrants’ Day and Christmas with Guest Workers
On 17 December 2020, the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA)—kicked off more than a week of International Migrants Day and Christmas celebrations for about 10,000 guest workers from 75 factory-converted dormitories (FCDs) nationwide. As the year draws to a close, HIA has partnered with the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and other core partners such as JTC Corporation (JTC), Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO), and Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) to bring festive joy to our guest-worker brothers and honour their contributions to society. The celebrations will span about nine days starting from the eve of International Migrants Day, on 17 December 2020, to just after Christmas Day, on 26 December 2020.
To mark the start and end of the celebrations, a special meal will be distributed to selected FCDs on 17 and 26 December. Over 1,000 guest workers will be receiving a hearty meal along with goodie bags on these two days. On 17 December 2020—the eve of International Migrants Day—AGWO launched the nine-day long celebration with an event at one of the FCDs. We distributed meals and goodie bags to over 600 guest workers residing there. Mr Tung Yui Fai, Chief of ACE Group, attended the event representing ACE Group as one of our key partners.
From 17 to 26 December 2020, our volunteers and partners will be distributing festive snacks and gifts, such as cupcakes, fruits, and customised water bottles to 75 FCDs. Small-scale Christmas celebrations will also be held in some of the FCDs and other locations to spread the festive cheer. Volunteers will be decorating 14 FCDs with Christmas ornaments to bring out the joy of Christmas. During the week, our partners will also be bringing some guest workers out to the parks for a meal and some games as part of the celebrations. This falls under the Project Sunshine initiative, which is a series of organised outings in partnership with MOM and NParks, for guest workers to enjoy some leisure time outdoors and improve their mental well-being.
On 19 and 20 December 2020, in celebration of International Migrants Day, AGWO is also working closely with MOM and JTC to set up booths at the Tuas South Recreation Centre for the guest workers when they visit. These booths include one that features a professional photographer who will be taking free profile pictures that guest workers can use for their social media networks, and a thrift stall selling electronics, clothing and footwear at highly discounted rates. There will also be activities such as cricket bowling and carrom competitions.
All guest workers participating in the slate of activities during the nine-day period can enter a nationwide lucky draw, which will feature prizes worth $3,000 in total.
President of HIA, Rev Ezekiel Tan said, “We have planned these events to honour the contributions of our guest workers and bring them some cheer in the midst of a rather gloomy time with the COVID-19 pandemic still looming large. Guest workers have played a key role in building our nation so it is only right that we take the opportunity to celebrate them and all the hard work they have put in every single day.”
We would like to thank our donors, partners and volunteers for giving their time and resources to make these celebrations with the guest workers possible. We wish that our guest workers will have a meaningful time of celebrations, and be able to feel appreciated and welcome in Singapore.
For enquiries, please email info@hia.sg. If you wish to support future projects under AGWO-HIA, kindly contact Mr Aaron Fun at aaron.fun@hia.sg.
Journey with us through the Bible Land. Suitable for first timers, this 12D9N Bible Land Tour will enable you to embark on a spiritual journey with all the highlights of both Israel & Jordan. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus and journey from his birthplace to his crucifixion site of Jerusalem. Visit many historical, cultural and religious sites that brings Biblical stories to life. You will also get to experience the ancient sites of Jordan.
Your visit will begin in Caesarea Maritima to visit the Roman Amphitheater and Crusader Fortress, and also Nazareth in Galilee, to visit the Church of the Annunciation in Jesus hometown. Stop in Cana—site of Jesus’ wedding miracle. Visit the sites of Jesus’ life, including the Mount of Beatitudes and Capernaum. Thereafter, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee as Jesus and the Apostles did.
Explore Qumran and hear the story of the discovery of Dead Sea Scrolls. Enjoy your visit to the Israel Museum which holds the Shrine of the Book, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Visit Jerusalem’s Old City, the Garden Tomb, and the Mount of Olives. See the Garden of Gethsemane, follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at the site of the crucifixion. Visit Temple Mount, one of Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmarks and the Western Wall, one of the holiest place of Judaism today. Take an adventurous walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam where Jesus cured a blind man with a mud mixture. Also visit the Garden Tomb, another site believed to be the burial place of Christ and more.
In Jordan, travel to Madaba with its archaeological treasures and Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land. Visit Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 8 Wonders of the World. See the famous treasury, learn about the Nabateans and explore its many caves and tombs. Enjoy your time in Wadi Rum, the most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes and it was also famous through the movie ‘Lawrence of the Arabia’. Explore the unique rock formations of the desert on a jeep and have an unforgettable stay in the desert where you can gaze at the shimmering stars in the night sky as you enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the Bedouin.
Tour Highlights: Caesarea Maritima*, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, Mount Nebo, Petra*, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea Float, Qumran, Western Wall, City of David (Hezekiah’s Tunnel), Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Temple Mount*, Via Dolorosa*, Garden Tomb
*Indicates that the site has uneven or steep path(s) that may be challenging for elderly and people with walking difficulties. For such participants, you are advised to use a walking stick.
Join us in Israel and Jordan to explore a country that is rich in culture and historic sites. We believe that the visit will help you understand the Scriptures better and have a deeper appreciation of the Bible. You will visit many significant sites such as Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Garden of Gethsemane, Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall and more. You will also visit Bethlehem which will leave you with fantastic memories. In Jordan, you will visit Mount Nebo, Petra and Wadi Rum, the most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes.
Join us in Israel and Jordan to explore a country that is rich in culture and historic sites, taking you on a journey to the Holy Land’s most sacred sites. We believe that the visit will help you understand the Scriptures better and have a deeper appreciation of the Bible.
Suitable for first timers, this Bible Land Tour will bring you to many significant sites such as Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Garden of Gethsemane,Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall and more. You will also visit Bethlehem which will leave you with fantastic memories. In Jordan, you will visit Mount Nebo, Petra which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Wadi Rum, the most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes.
Be prepared for a life changing journey to walk where Jesus walked. Many visitors have returned, transformed with renewed faith in the Lord.
Tour Highlights: Caesarea Maritima*, Nazareth Village, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Mount Nebo, Petra*, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea Float, En Gedi*, Qumran, Bethlehem, Mount Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Temple Mount*, Via DolorosaP, Western Wall, City of David (Hezekiah’s Tunnel), Garden Tomb
*Indicates that the site has uneven or steep path(s) that may be challenging for elderly and people with walking difficulties. For such participants, you are advised to use a walking stick.
Day 1 – Mon, 30 Nov SINGAPORE Assemble at Changi Airport to begin your journey to the Holy Land. Departure Flight: CX716 SIN-HKG 1800-21555 Check-in starts from 3pm (Changi Airport Terminal 4) Meals on board the plane
Day 2 – Tue, 1 Dec TEL AVIV/ NAZARETH Transit in Hong Kong for flight to Tel Aviv Transit Flight: CX675 HKG-TLV 0130-0725 Meals on board the plane
Arrive in Tel Aviv this morning to begin your tour. Visit the ancient port – Caesarea Maritima* which was once an ancient Roman city and port built by King Herod to see the magnificent hippodrome and theatre by the seaside. Check-in to the hotel. (L/D)
Day 3 – Wed, 2 Dec NAZARETH Visit the Arab-Israeli Bible Society (TBC) this morning to learn about their works. Next visit Tel-Meggido*, a fortress city mentioned in the Old Testament to see the excavation of the city ruins, including the water-system and Ahab’s tunnel. After lunch, we visit Nazareth Village* which reconstructs and re-enacts the village life during Jesus time. Visit Church of Annunciation, a church believed to have been built over the place where Angel Gabriel announced the virgin birth to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). (B/L/D)
Day 4 – Thu, 3 Dec TIBERIAS Take a boat ride to experience the Sea of Galilee which is the same lake that Jesus walked on. Visit Capernaum, being one of the three key cities of Jesus ministry. Here, you will see the Synagogue where Jesus taught and the other remains of this town that became his adopted home. Then spend quiet moments up at Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Proceed next to St Peter’s Primacy Church which commemorates the reinstatement of Peter by Jesus and see the beautiful shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. End the day at the Olive Oil Factory to taste and shop for local Israeli products. (B/L/D)
Day 5 – Fri, 4 Dec PETRA (Check-out in the morning) This morning, cross over to Jordan via the Sheikh Hussein Bridge. Visit Madaba and see a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Next, visit Mount Nebo, where you can see the Promised land from the lookout point. Journey on and arrive at Petra in the late evening. Check into the hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6 – Sat, 5 Dec WADI RUM (Check-out in the morning) Explore Petra*, the magnificent rose city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. See the famous treasury building, learn about the Nabateans and explore its many caves and tombs. After lunch, travel to Wadi Rum*, the most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Explore the desert region on a jeep and stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. (B/L/D)
Day 7 – Sun, 6 Dec IN DEAD SEA (Check-out in the morning) This morning, cross the Arava Border to Israel. We stop by Timna National Park where you get to enjoy the beautiful geological landscape and visit a replica of the tabernacle. You will also get to try floating at the Dead Sea (hotel beach). (B/L/D)
Day 8 – Mon, 7 Dec JERUSALEM (Check-out in the morning) Visit En Gedi Nature Reserve* to see the beautiful oasis. . See the Jordan River (Qasr Al Yahud), the traditional baptismal site of Jesus. Next, explore Qumran* where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Travel to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus and hometown of David. Visit the Shepherd’s Field associated with the scene where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds with the news of Jesus’ birth. See Church of Nativity, one of the oldest surviving Christian churches in the world. Check-in to hotel in Bethlehem. (B/L/D)
Day 9 – Tue, 8 Dec JERUSALEM This morning, we will drive up to Mount of Olives to see the panoramic view of the Old City. Walk along Palm Sunday Path* to Dominus Felvit Church – the teardrop church that commemorates the weeping of the Lord when he observed Jerusalem. See the Garden of Gethsemane with the ancient olive trees believed to date back to the time of Christ. Spend some time shopping at the Mahane Yehuda Market where you can purchase souvenirs and fresh produce like nuts and dried fruits. Next, visit the Hebrew Music Museum to understand the culture and worship of the Hebrews. Proceed next to the Jerusalem Model, a miniature model of the Old Jerusalem city and envision how the city was like in the ancient days. Then, visit Shrine of the Book and see the replica of the Dead Sea Scrolls. (B/D) Note: Lunch on your own.
Day 10 – Wed, 9 Dec JERUSALEM See the Dome of the Rock located on Temple Mount, one of Jerusalem’s most recognisable landmarks. Visit the Pool of Bethesda where the healing of the lame man took place (John 5) and visit Church of St Anne which has amazing acoustics as the structure of the church as designed for Gregorian chants. Take a walk to Ecce Homo arch, where Jesus was believed to be trailed by Pontius Pilate. Walk through Via Dolorosa* – the 14 stations and end at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit the Western Wall, one of the holiest place of Judaism today. Explore City of David* and take an adventurous walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel (wet/dry) to the Pool of Siloam where Jesus cured a blind man with a mud mixture. Experience the last supper meal at Yad Hashmona. (B/L/D)
Day 11 – Thu, 10 Dec JERUSALEM This morning, visit St Peter in Gallicantu Church built to commemorate the story of Peter’s denial of Christ. Next, visit the Garden Tomb, another site believed to be the burial site of Christ where the Spiritual Director will lead a holy communion service. Thereafter, depart to Ben Gurion International Airport for your flight home. (B)
Departure Flight: CX676 TLV-HKG 1425-0615 (+1day)
Day 12 – Fri, 11 Dec ON BOARD THE AIRPLANE Transit in Hong Kong Departure Flight: CX691 HKG-SIN 0750-1155
Arrive back in Singapore at 11.55am
Tour Information:
Date: 30 Nov – 11 Dec 2020 Price: ≥25pax: SGD$4,850*, ≥35pax: SGD$4,750*
NO HIDDEN COST Registration closes: 31 Jul 2020
*Terms and Conditions. – Tour cost includes airfare, airport & fuel taxes and land package as in itinerary. – Excludes any increase in taxes.
Note: – The itinerary and flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances. – Hotel confirmations will be given 2 weeks before departure.
Tel: (65) 6304 3762 | Whatsapp: (65) 8424 7072 | Email: info@ibex.sg. Kindly note that Bible Land Tour enquiries and payments can only be attended to and collected @Armenian Office.
Spiritual Director
Dr Calvin Chong
Dr Calvin Chong is Associate Professor in Practical Theology Department at Singapore Bible College. He serves on the leadership team at Covenant Community Methodist Church as Worship and Music chairman and also on the boards of Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore and HealthServe.
On 14 November 2020, the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA)—distributed festive meals to about 8,000 guest workers from more than 70 factory-converted dormitories (FCDs) in celebration of Deepavali.
With Deepavali being a festive occasion celebrated in many South Asian countries, guest workers may experience homesickness being away from their families during such a festive period. This meal distribution exercise thus aims to care for the guest workers in our nation and make them feel like Singapore is their home away from home. This initiative is a continuation of AGWO’s efforts to care for the guest workers after the provision of over one million Care Meals and 1.2 million essential items to more than 21,000 guest workers from 300 dormitories from April to July this year. AGWO also launched Project Sunshine in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, a series of organised outdoor activities to provide guest workers with an avenue for recreation and to improve their mental wellbeing. For all these efforts, HIA won the President’s Volunteerism and Philanthropy Award 2020 in the Organisations of Good category.
AGWO mobilised more than 100 volunteer drivers who helped to deliver the food to the various FCDs across the island. The festive meal comprised chicken biryani, kesari (a type of Indian sweet), muruku, other Indian sweets and drinks. 8,000 laddus, another type of Indian sweet, also accompanied the festive meal.
AGWO was glad to partner the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO), the Hindu Endowments Board, the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCC) from the Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency (GRC), NGO Free Food for All and TSL Group in this initiative.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, also joined the food distribution exercise on 14 November. He helped out at the food collection point and visited one of the FCDs to hand out the festive meals to the guest workers.
Highlighting the importance of partnerships between inter-religious NGOs and the public sector, President of HIA, Rev. Ezekiel Tan, said, “We are glad to bring together NGOs and MOM to celebrate Deepavali with the guest workers. In a multi-racial and multi-religious society like Singapore, it is crucial for NGOs of different faiths to work together to amplify the impact on lives of the beneficiaries, such as our guest worker community. We hope to bring some cheer and semblance of home to our guest worker brothers in these uncertain times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Inter-Religious Organisation President, Mr Tan Thiam Lye, said, “I am heartened by the outpouring of warmth and generous giving that has enabled us to celebrate Deepavali with the guest workers in this way. IRO is pleased to partner HIA in this worthwhile initiative and look forward to more opportunities to work together.”
We would like to thank our donors, partners and volunteers for giving their time and resources to make this Deepavali celebration with the guest workers possible.
For enquiries, please email info@hia.sg. If you wish to support future projects under AGWO-HIA, kindly contact Mr Aaron Fun at aaron.fun@hia.sg.
PARTNERS
Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group of the Ministry of Manpower
Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore
Hindu Endowments Board
Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles from the Nee Soon GRC
