Serving with Love:
BBPC Portering and Flower Delivery Ministries at St Luke’s Hospital
The ministries were launched following an email from the Marketing Manager of St Luke’s Hospital to BBPC, proposing a partnership. Pastor Graham and his team subsequently met with the Chaplain and the marketing team of St Luke’s Hospital to identify potential areas of collaboration before launching the two initiatives.
Ministry leader Ong Pak Shoon, along with a team of 10 volunteers, began providing portering services for patients who are either wheelchair-bound or bedridden at St Luke’s Hospital for Chapel Services on 25th August 2023. The patients are transported between their wards and Level 7, either in their wheelchairs or on their beds, for the weekly Chapel Services, which take place from 12.45 pm to 1.30 pm. These services, held every Friday, begin with group prayer among the Chaplaincy staff and volunteers before the patients are brought up. The service may include singing and worship, and each session concludes with a short devotion, taking into consideration that most patients are not in a condition to sit for extended periods. The service ends with a brief debriefing, discussing key learning points. Patients who are discharged are also referred for follow-up visits to local churches, and some have already joined either the Chinese or English services at BBPC. The Portering Team has since grown to approximately 19 members.
The idea of delivering flower bouquets from BBPC to St Luke’s Hospital was proposed by the BBPC team as a means of reaching out to the patients, aiming to uplift their spirits through the beauty and fragrance of flowers. Every Sunday after the service, volunteers from the flower delivery ministry collect the bouquets from the East Sanctuary of BBPC and deliver them to the security office at St Luke’s Hospital. On Monday morning, hospital staff collect the flowers from security and place them in the activity area for palliative patients.
These ministries represent a heartfelt and practical expression of BBPC’s commitment to serving the patients of St Luke’s Hospital with love and compassion. Through the portering service, volunteers ensure that patients are able to attend Chapel Services, offering them both spiritual nourishment. In addition, the flower delivery ministry brings comfort to those facing difficult times, brightening their days with simple yet meaningful acts of kindness. These initiatives not only strengthen the partnership between BBPC and St Luke’s Hospital but also create an environment where patients experience the care and warmth of the Christian community, helping them feel valued and supported in their journey towards healing.
Reflections of Volunteers
Ong Pak Shoon
The portering service has been a meaningful experience, allowing us to better understand the needs of seniors, many of whom are older than ourselves. There are numerous opportunities to befriend and demonstrate Christian love and kindness to those who are recovering from illness. Often, a simple smile can bring immense joy to them. We are also thankful to see some patients come to know the Lord despite their infirmities. On a personal level, this ministry has helped me to serve as the Lord leads. "To whom much is given, much is also required…" (Luke 12:48). As the Lord has blessed us with good health, time, and financial resources, it is also our responsibility to bless others in this season of our lives. Voluntary service is an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love in action. Please pray with us as we seek to age gracefully and purposefully.
Zheshen
I am reminded of the Biblical story where four people climbed onto a roof, removed the tiles, and lowered a sick man in his bed so that he could receive healing from Jesus. In a similar way, the volunteers in the portering service help to bring people in wheelchairs and those confined to their beds to the chapel via the lift. This is a powerful ministry, particularly in terms of evangelism.
Chaplain Joshua ( St Luke’s Hospital )
Each time Pak Shoon and his team visit St Luke’s Hospital, their commitment to sharing the gospel by transporting patients—whether in wheelchairs or even entire beds—is truly remarkable. It is a rewarding experience when patients come to faith in Christ after attending the Chapel service. Recently, one patient, after being discharged, joined the Chinese service at BBPC. I also appreciate Mathew’s idea of bringing flowers for the patients. The flowers have a soothing effect and serve as a reminder of the verse, "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded (Matthew 10:42)."
Mathew
I supported this initiative because I believe that each of these activities strengthens our relationship with St Luke’s Hospital. Personally, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the beauty of flowers and the effort put into delivering them. Each part we play is part of God's will, with a purpose far beyond our own understanding. Those who are able to serve in one way may not have the opportunity to serve in another, but each contribution strengthens our partnership with St Luke’s and builds up the ministry in different ways. There is no need for comparison as long as we serve the Lord with sincerity and devotion. In evangelism, I aim to reflect His heart to those we encounter, and the act of delivering flowers is one way we can do this. As it is written in Luke 16:10, "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."