“When a foreigner resides among you in your land do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself…”—Leviticus 19:33-34
The Bible Society aims to reach out and uplift the migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to rise above their struggles and difficulties in life. As Christians, God commands us to welcome, care for and love the foreigners in our midst. The way we treat them speaks volumes about our love for God.
It is with our missional call in mind that SowCare—the community service arm of Bible Society—partners with the Alliance of Domestic Employees Outreach (ADEO), a new initiative of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA) which was launched in December 2021, to serve and assist the MDWs in Singapore. The MDWs have been working tirelessly with added responsibilities in many households ever since the pandemic started and separated from their loved ones in their home countries, which impacts their mental wellness greatly.
To uplift the MDWs and support their well-being, mental wellness trainings have been conducted on a monthly basis. In Life Training, participants are equipped with the basic knowledge of identifying stresses and a structural manner to care for those with suicidal thoughts. Through this programme, MDWs are trained to show care for themselves and their peers who may be struggling at work.
A MDW shared her knowledge and experience she gained upon joining the training, “Mental health needs first aid too, the same as physical illness but cannot be noticed by many. Through simple acts of kindness and a smile to someone who is lonely and distressed, it may help them see the light of beautiful life. I hope more domestic helpers may engage in this workshop to help ourselves, our friends, household and neighbourhood,” she says.
In the beginning of the year 2022, guided tours were especially organised for the migrant domestic workers for three consecutive months using the SingapoRediscovers vouchers that have been donated by the Singaporeans.
This is in line with our Bible Mission to engage the community around us with the Word of God, as how God has commands us to encourage one another and spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Other than that, many of the MDWs also face financial difficulties that cause them to be in debt. As part of our Bible Mission to be a channel of peace and blessing to those in need, a life insurance programme and financial literacy have been established to provide assistance to the MDWs who may be in financial distress.
Together, let us extend the light of God’s Word to uplift the migrant domestic workers in rising above their struggles, and pray that they will be able to encounter the love of Jesus Christ through our action of love.
Visit hia.sg or adeo.sg to find out how you may be a part of our future initiatives to care for the foreign domestic employees today!