Zoom out.
Imagine yourself being at the National Library Board (NLB), perhaps situated comfortably in the reference library on the 11th floor. Picture the view from this high vantage point, looking down onto the bustling street below, observing the hustle and bustle of everyday life unfolding from a quiet, serene space.
The St Joseph’s church, built in the mid-19th century, is surrounded by modern developments like HDB flats and private condos. Despite its renovation, the church seems small compared to the new buildings.
Our story is linked to the larger history of our migrant ancestors, who arrived on boats and found solace in places of worship, like St. Joseph’s.
My dad, George, told me about my great-grandpa John's time in a Catholic mission on Bencoolen Street, where he grew up listening to organ music.
Now, we're in Geylang, experiencing one of Singapore's biggest social changes since the arrival of the first migrant workers over a century ago.
dump truck outside 173 used to dispose of the entire contents of the former Lion Dance troupe, (circa June 2023)
Since our founding in 2004, we have dedicated ourselves to establishing a strong and influential presence for the gospel in Geylang, one of Singapore's most criminalized and challenging neighborhoods. Our mission has always been clear and unshakeable: to spread the message of faith, hope, and love to every corner of this troubled area.
Over the years, we have invested a significant amount of resources into this mission, both in terms of time and money. To date, we have poured approximately $1,400,000 into our work in Geylang. This substantial investment is not just about the financial figure. It represents our unwavering commitment, dedication, and belief in the power of the gospel to transform lives in even the most difficult circumstances.
This substantial sunk cost of $1.4 million is a testament to our two-decade-long endeavor of evangelism in Geylang, a gazetted red-light district. But it's not just about the money. This financial commitment symbolizes the countless hours our team has spent in service, the unyielding efforts we have made to reach out to those in need, and the unwavering faith we have maintained in our mission. It shows our dedication to bringing light, hope, and transformation to one of the darkest corners of our city.
In terms of space utilisation, we have strategically allocated different spaces for various purposes. Building number 173 is used as a credit union, providing financial services to our local community. The adjacent space, 173a, formerly housed a Lion Dance troupe, while 173b serves as quarters for migrants, providing them with a safe and supportive living environment.
Across the way, building number 175 is occupied by hardware specialists, providing essential services to the area. The spaces of 175a and 175b, which were formerly migrant quarters and a Tibetan monastery respectively, are currently being re-purposed to further serve our mission and community.
I once had a dream about this aspect of "flight school" and training of ministry "pilots". I was in Tower Control and saw many blips on the radar and soon the air space over Geylang was flooded and seemly under "attack". I heard a voice from behind me which told me not to panic and that these were friendly forces that had landed on the strip to help and not harm the church. You can read more about the heritage of the old Kallang Airport here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kallang_Airport
At the heart of our community, we have the "West wing", located at 173a. This establishment will serve as a complementary extension to our already thriving "East wing" at 175b, essentially functioning as its sister unit.
The West wing, although not designed to operate as a traditional library, will provide a home to a substantial collection of literature. With an estimated total of roughly 3,000 volumes, this collection will comprise of various books and journals, offering a wealth of knowledge and insight to those who visit.
Furthermore, the house will serve as a platform for showcasing the talents of our in-house artists. Visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate a variety of artworks displayed throughout the establishment. However, it's important to note that despite the presence of these artworks, the West wing is not a gallery. The primary purpose of featuring these pieces is not to sell them, but to enhance the overall atmosphere of the house, as well as to acknowledge and celebrate the creativity within our community.