"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that pI have commanded you. And behold, qI am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:16-20)
Who is supposed to carry out the Great Commission? This is not a trick question – many of us Christians would have read in the gospel of Matthew or heard in sermons that all who believe are called to this mission; Jesus was clearly directing His command to believers “to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20) who would far outlive His faithful eleven disciples. One way to live this out, where we are, is to reach out to and pray for the nations who have come to us, here in Singapore. Singaporeans are blessed with economic prosperity and physical safety, both conditions that make Singapore attractive to foreigners, many of whom have not heard the gospel.
As we look to the World Cup as a picture of the nations gathering when Christ comes again (Rev 7:9), let us look inward to see that the nations playing have communities in Singapore. The peaceful, multi-ethnic society we have is also a picture of heaven. The church should reflect our God who rules over the nations (Ps 22:28) in alignment with the salvation Christ brings, meant for all peoples (Luke 2:31).
Pray for Spain
Singapore and Spain have mutually benefitted from years of bilateral trade, with over 200 Spanish companies being hosted here. Singapore is listed as a ‘non-EU priority country’ by the Spanish Secretariat of Trade. Let us pray that Spaniard expatriates, many of whom might have grown up as nominal followers of Christ because of Spain’s secular drive, might hear the gospel in their place of business,
Pray for Russia
In 2018, Russia and Singapore celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and close economic ties. As Russia looks towards working closer with ASEAN nations, Singapore remains a diplomatic mediator. The Russian Orthodox Church is represented here. PM Lee has himself said in 2016 that he looked forward to the day when there was “at least one golden Russian-Orthodox dome on the skyline of Singapore”.
Let us pray that as the Russian community takes root in Singapore, believers who are well-placed to share the gospel with Russian expatriates have the relevant opportunities and the wisdom to do so.
Pray for Croatia
Croatia has been identified as No. 27 on a list of the most Christian nations in the world, with noted instances of Christian teaching allowed in public schools and an overwhelming proportion of believers in the country.
Also, did you know that NUS students in courses such as Political Science are allowed to opt for a semester abroad at the University of Zagreb too? While there isn’t much data available on Croatians in Singapore, let us pray that those expatriates who come here sink deep roots into local churches. Let us also pray that those who don’t come here as Christians may look back at parts of their Croatian culture richly intertwined with the gospel and seek to respond in repentance and faith to Christ. Let's also pray for Singaporeans who choose to visit Croatia on their holidays, that they'll be granted opportunities to make friends with Croatians and also share the gospel!
Pray for Denmark
Singapore and Denmark share rich ties and even share many similarities as small nations seeking to learn from each other’s urban planning and economic policies. NTU and the Smart City World Labs, a Danish consortium are currently working together to explore and develop technologies to improve the liveability and sustainability in cities. With over 350 Danish companies registered in Singapore, there surely are many Danes seeking to do business here. In fact, there are enough Danish Christians represented here to form a Danish Church catered to their needs.
Let us pray for this community of fellow believers here in Singapore. Pray that they will grow deeper in their understanding of Scripture and also their love for God. Pray that through their events and outreach efforts that they will also be able to reach the Danish expatriates who have not heard the gospel.