By Beatrice Ng, Jesus Club @ Bethesda Church Bukit Arang

Once a month, the volunteers in our small group visit our members’ homes, where we’re always greeted with open arms and delicious meals. These home visits offer a glimpse into the daily lives of our members, where we witness their interactions with family in spaces where they’re most at ease. It’s here, in these private settings, that we hear the raw emotions caregivers often keep hidden.

One mother once quietly reflected, “If my son were normal, he’d be a genius.” Another mother shared the heartbreak of her church and neighbours not showing love to her son. In these moments, our role is simply to listen, and to offer a safe space for them to express their emotions.

One memorable visit was a rainy evening where we shared a steamboat meal with a caregiver who had recently lost her husband. She hadn’t made steamboat since.

A beautiful breakthrough came when this same caregiver, after much encouragement, attended Jesus Club for the first time. My fellow volunteers patiently reminded her of the dates, prayed with her, and even offered transport. Seeing her connect with other caregivers and volunteers brought me immense joy. I pray that she continues to come and find strength and community in God’s Word and in the fellowship shared.

Another special moment was celebrating a member’s birthday with party hats and a photo wall. Laughter and moments of celebration are just as crucial to building someone up as tears and wise counsel—they remind us that life and community are gifts and offer grace to face each new day.

Beyond their caregiving, I’ve also learned about the personal lives of caregivers. One couple, who met on a diving trip, even encouraged me to pursue my own diving certification. I returned to share my underwater adventures with them! It was a wonderful reminder that our connections have grown beyond caregiving, and I see God working through each visit.

Through these visits, I’ve seen the deep love caregivers have for their children. It has given me fresh eyes to appreciate my own parents’ love for me. Often, it’s only by seeing others’ sacrifices that we come to recognise the sacrifices made for us. God continues to work through these relationships, bringing unity between caregivers, volunteers, and families and I am so grateful to have a God like that.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3