While COVID-19 required many changes to our celebratory plans, it did not dampen our spirit to be a blessing.
“Blessed to be a blessing.” These five words sum up what Trinity Christian Centre strongly believes in.
Trinity has been tremendously blessed over the past 50 years. From our humble beginnings as a group of 10 in a Hillcrest Road bungalow, the church has grown into 10,000-member congregation spanning four countries.
Blessed to serve, blessed to give
In every season, Trinity has sought to be a blessing. Committed to serving the underprivileged, the church established Care Community Services Society (CCSS) in 1996. A 2018 and 2020 President’s Challenge recipient, CCSS operates as a registered charity offering programs for children, youth, the elderly, families, and ex-offenders.
During the 2009 financial crisis, Trinity took also bold steps to help the affected, including a donation of $100,000 to assist financially-challenged families and individuals. The church’s youth also demonstrated a heart for the community that year by organizing a charity concert that raised over $222,000 for the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
An extraordinary greeting
As part of our 50th Anniversary Celebrations, a special after-service segment was held on August 29 to honor Trinity’s past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.
Held at Trinity@Paya Lebar, it commenced with a congratulatory video message by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who commended Trinity for our commitment to religious harmony and support for vulnerable members of our community.
Trinitarians and guests watching DPM Heng's address at church
Trinitarians watching DPM Heng's address at home
An extraordinary blessing
After the video, Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo presented $100,000 checks to representatives from five community organizations – Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA), Yayasan Mendaki Education Trust Fund (“Mendaki”), South West Community Development Council (“South West CDC”), and CCSS.
From left: Mr Pok Cheng Chong (CDAC), Mr Anbarasu Rajendran (SINDA), Ms Low Yen Ling (South West CDC), Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo, Ms Zuraidah Abdullah (Mendaki), Mr Dewin Lee (CCSS)
“COVID-19 has created an economic crisis that has impacted people of all strata of society. With these in mind, our leadership deliberated over how we can give a tangible blessing to the community.
We decided on donating to these five organizations because they have been consistently helping those in need and represent different races in Singapore. We trust that what we give today will be a blessing to the five community organizations and their beneficiaries across Singapore.
Regardless of the challenges, the resilience and tenacity we carry today to forge forward will be tomorrow’s testimony of victory, inspiring the generations to come,” shared Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo.
What receiving organizations say
From left: Mr Eugene Cheng (Treasurer, Trinity Christian Centre), Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo, Ms Low Yen Ling (Mayor, South West CDC)
“We are greatly heartened by Trinity Christian Centre’s financial contributions to various members of the community as part of their 50th anniversary. This spirited solidarity and support strengthens our multi-racial harmony and social resilience. The funds for South West CDC will enable us to respond to the needs of the vulnerable and those affected by the crisis. As we fight the pandemic together, we leave no one behind. Together, we can rise above the situation as Team Singapore, to forge a better tomorrow for our community and nation."
Ms Low Yen Ling (Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Mayor of South West District)
From left: Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo, Ms Low Yen Ling, Mr Pok Cheng Chong (Executive Director, CDAC)
“We thank the Trinity Christian Centre for its generous donation. The donation will be of great help to CDAC as we enhance our programs to support more families whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic. The donation from the center further demonstrates our togetherness as a nation to help the less privileged and emerge stronger during this period of uncertainty.”
Mr Pok Cheng Chong (Executive Director, CDAC)
From left: Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo, Ms Low Yen Ling, Mdm Zuraidah Abdullah (Chief Executive Officer, Mendaki)
“In these difficult times, we are truly appreciative of organizations like the Trinity Christian Centre who continue to support social service agencies (SSA) and non-profits when charity giving has been negatively impacted. It is our mission to empower and support our children’s learning needs. Today’s donation will allow us to expand our outreach to more students, supporting them in their education journey despite the current operating landscape.”
Mdm Zuraidah Abdullah (Chief Executive Officer, Mendaki)
From left: Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo, Ms Low Yen Ling , Mr Dewin Lim (Executive Director, CCSS)
“CCSS is extremely grateful to Trinity for their generous donation. Being a non-profit organisation themselves and to extend a helping hand to others during this crisis, it is sacrificial giving at its best. We are overwhelmed by their act of kindness. The donation will enable CCSS to continue providing practical and emotional support to the needy in our community.”
Mr Dewin Lee (Executive Director, CCSS)
Fifty years ago, Trinity was birthed out of a heart for people and a passion to serve the community. Fifty years on, this remains at the center of all we do.
As Trinity embarks into the next 50 years and beyond, let us be a people who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to strengthening social ties and blessing the nations.
MEDIA COVERAGE: Lianhe Zaobao (联合晚报) article
Reflect & Respond
As Trinity celebrates 50 years of God’s faithfulness, take some time to reflect on how the church has been a blessing to you.
In what ways can you be a blessing to you family, your workplace/school, and your community?
As Trinity goes into the next 50 years and beyond, what is your part in bringing our God-given vision to pass?
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