Sent by Nicholas Yeap • Dec 17, 2023
Once, I was someone who despised the notion of attending Cell Group (CG). I would consistently find ways to evade it, conjuring up various excuses like Boys’ Brigade (BB) commitments and appearing busy. Simply dismissing those in CG as hypocrites who only sought to share the gospel and engage in tedious small talk. I harbored a set of negative thoughts, perpetually feeling isolated in the realm of CG within my previous church.
Enter Phoebe, my wife, hailing from City Harvest in Singapore, where the worship style was markedly different from the traditional hymns of my former church. The discordance prompted us to explore other churches, eventually leading us to Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC). Though my inclination was to steer clear of CG, Phoebe was an advocate for it. I maintained my distance, often holding onto our daughter as a subtle barrier.
Then, I encountered the wife of our CG leader—a transformative meeting that altered my perspective. Unlike my previous experiences, she exuded overflowing love and a spirit of excellence. Her warmth was evident, her cooking was awesome (think char siew and roasted chicken) and I finally decided to open up.
After our CG leader resigned, Phoebe and I stepped up to become Assistant Cell Group Leaders (ACGL), engaging in the trainings and assuming leadership roles.
Now leading a CG, what began as a hesitant desire to join a group transformed into a passion for fostering authentic connections. Encouraged by Pr Kee, we took the bold step of starting our own CG. Through prayer and Phoebe’s agreement, we embarked on this journey. Surprisingly, members joined without any formal advertisement, and even a friend nearby who was a pre-believer decided to participate.
My feelings toward CG underwent a remarkable change. I began to appreciate the intimacy of a small group, relishing in genuine sharing. I discovered a newfound love for CG, consistently running it even when attendance was sparse. There was a memorable instance when, with no one else present, we ministered to our own family, particularly our 9-year-old son. The experience has transformed my perspective, turning a once-dreaded commitment into a cherished community that embodies authenticity and mutual support.