Most guest workers have been in Singapore for the past two years, away from their families back home, so they can provide a better future for themselves and their loved ones. The pandemic has exacerbated their feelings of despair, hopelessness and loneliness.
However, we thank God for His love and protection towards the guest workers in our midst, as various initiatives have been conducted by SowCare, the community service arm of the Bible Society, in partnership with the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA)—to bless the guest workers amidst the struggles caused by the pandemic these few years.
As the government has slowly eased the safety measures for the guest workers living in dormitories, it is the Bible Society’s aim to continue empowering the guest workers with God’s Word, to rise above the storms of life together through our outreach efforts, such as the weekly engagement activities and education classes in various Recreation Centres (RCs). In addition, Christian services have also been conducted through partnership with churches. As a result, hundreds of them gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Many of the guest workers also feel blessed and grateful for these initiatives.
“The guest workers are facing tough situations due to COVID-19, hence all the events and activities organised by AGWO really make them happy”, says Mr Siva Kumar, a volunteer of AGWO who used to a guest worker as well.
As the Body of Christ, we ought to minister and testify God’s everlasting love to the most vulnerable around us, especially to the guest workers. A holistic ministry for them has been the main focus of AGWO by partnering with various churches. Through the Adopt-A-Dorm initiative, we engage churches to provide care for the guest workers in dormitories and to connect with them. These initiatives enabled the guest workers to have deeper relationships with the community in Singapore, to make them feel included and cared for.
We also continue to befriend the guest workers who celebrate various festive seasons such as Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa, and Tamil New Year through distribution of cash, meals, care packs, and organising recreational activities for them. When we understand the heart of people, we can then serve them with Christ’s love in relevant ways. These are all a continuation of many other efforts that we have been doing for the guest workers.
What can you do now to help the guest workers overcome their struggles in Singapore? Find out how you can contribute by visiting hia.sg or agwo.sg!