Above all, we give glory and thanks to the Lord God Almighty for Singapore’s journey over the past 60 years. Scripture reminds us, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Every advancement, from stability to prosperity, is ultimately the fruit of God’s gracious providence.
On this momentous occasion of Singapore’s 60th National Day celebration, heartfelt commendation is due to the leaders, citizens, and residents who have laboured tirelessly for the nation’s progress. Visionary leadership has laid the foundation, wise policies have charted the course, and the diligence of countless hands have built the Singapore we know today. From the earliest struggles to today’s global stature, every sacrifice, innovation, and act of service has shaped a city-nation admired worldwide.
Let us remember that it is the LORD our God who has blessed us in all the works of our hands! We acknowledge, as Moses declared, that “the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness… the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7). Through seasons of trial and testing, His gracious hand has sustained the nation.
May Singapore’s leaders, citizens, and residents ever remember: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Let thanksgiving be matched by a humble resolve to walk in justice, mercy, and truth.
As Christian citizens of Singapore, we echo the psalmist: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12). May God continue to grant peace within her borders and prosperity in her gates, for His glory alone.
Over the past six decades, Singapore has been transformed from a vulnerable island nation into a global city admired for its resilience and visionary leadership. Once lacking natural resources, it built prosperity through strategic trade, innovation, and disciplined governance. Its skyline reflects modern ambition, while its multicultural harmony embodies unity in diversity. Education, healthcare, and infrastructure stand among the world’s best.
However, challenges remain, not just in economic shifts, ageing population, and social pressures, but worryingly in the troubling prevalence of youths’ mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Materialistic tendencies of society negatively affect family cohesion. A culture where success is often measured by academic credentials, career advancement and visible wealth, the idol of prosperity subtly redefines the worth and security of human relationships in purely financial terms.
As a church, we acknowledge with deep concern the pervasive moral decline and growing spiritual apathy that characterise much of our society, and which, tragically, have also crept into the life of the church itself. The erosion of biblical convictions, the casual treatment of worship, and the neglect of prayer and God’s Word reveal hearts drifting away from the Lord in the pursuit of earthly goals.
In an age where truth is often compromised and eternal realities are neglected, Scripture exhorts us to “stand fast in the faith”, and “quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are called to proclaim “Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2), living as faithful witnesses in word and deed. With humble repentance and renewed devotion to our Lord, let us “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). May we dedicate ourselves to boldly declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and ordering our lives by the wisdom and truth of His Word (Psalm 119:105). Let us pray earnestly for our church, that we may be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58), and that the light of Christ may shine through us in a darkened world, to the glory of God alone.
We thank God for enabling us to extend help to our brethren affected by the recent typhoon in Pangasinan and La Union. By His grace, we were able to distribute rice and food packs to those who were less affected, while some received monetary assistance to help rebuild their homes, many of which had their roofs blown away by the strong winds. For nearly three weeks, several were also unable to work due to the severe weather. We are grateful for the Charity Fund, which allows us to respond quickly to such needs. With the Session’s approval, we disbursed ₱20,000 to support our brethren during this difficult time.—Pastor Donald dela Cruz