By Rev Dr Forest Koh

How to deal with family baggage? It hurts our relationship.

Before I even begin to speak, I might feel trapped in a cycle of presumption, anticipating each other’s responses. This lack of hope to revive communication leads to many drama scenes in my mind. "She will not like it… she will say it’s a waste… don’t waste… money should not be spent this way… she will start to complain again…" Such thoughts prevent me from having meaningful conversations.

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

As the first light of dawn broke through the quiet park, I embarked on my morning walk, a ritual that offers me solace and a moment to commune with my thoughts. It was during this tranquil journey that I encountered a figure in the distance, a lady whose slow, limping gait drew my attention. As we passed each other, a quick glance revealed her gloomy expression, a visage that bore the marks of life’s trials yet seemed no older than sixty. She carried a bag at her side, and notably, there was no walking stick to aid her. Her limp was a telltale sign of a stroke’s aftermath.

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

In the quiet moments of prayer, I often find myself asking God to raise new leaders within our church - brothers and sisters called not just to leadership roles but to the potential of full-time service as pastors, missionaries, or church staff. We are immensely blessed to have a core of devoted leaders willing to dedicate themselves to God's work. However, a lingering question haunts me: What holds them back from embracing full-time ministry?

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

In life, we are often faced with the challenge of moving forward while grappling with the weight of cherished memories. These memories, though filled with love and joy, can become anchors, holding us back from embracing the present and the future. How do we navigate this delicate balance between honouring the past, living in the present and looking forward to the future?

One of the most profound challenges is learning to let go of the good memories that pull us back. Must we forget these moments of happiness and love? How do we forget the warmth of a partner's embrace, the shared laughter, and dreams? The realization that our loved ones are no longer with us can turn these cherished memories into sources of pain. How do we live well without them by our side? These questions have no easy answers.

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

Have you ever felt awkward when someone says we are one family in Christ? Does it feel like a cliché, something we say but don't really feel or experience? It's easy to rush in and out of church each week, barely interacting with one another, and call that a family. But if we're honest, this "family" can sometimes feel dysfunctional.

So, how do we change this? How do we become a community that truly embodies the love and unity of Christ? Perhaps it starts with something as simple as staying a bit longer after each service. Instead of rushing off, why not stay back for a cup of coffee or at least until the end of the announcements?

By Rev Dr Forest Koh

My dear missional family,

Over the past weeks, I have had the privilege of conducting two funerals for individuals who were not part of our church community and had not been baptized. They were closely connected to our church members. While these moments have allowed us to extend care and support to grieving families, I have been careful not to make promises that are not supported by the teachings of the Bible.