Elderly Singapore resident takes to scooters as he leads 2,000 converts to the church as a catechist
In Singapore, a unique academy dedicated to the aging population has been making a significant impact. Led by 88-year-old Andrew Goh, this initiative was initiated and supported by the Singaporean government.
Goh, who is fluent in English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hainanese, and Peranakan, has spent 34 years bringing faith to the elderly and housebound. His academy, which includes hospital visits, home visits, and catechism classes, has helped over 2,000 people enter the church.
Goh's catechism lessons for the elderly focus on the main tenets of the faith, and he uses a unique approach to explain religious concepts. He employs children's books with large, colourful pictures to make the lessons more engaging and easier to understand.
Goh's academy is not without challenges. Help for his academy can be hard to come by, and he has a few assistants helping him with his weekly classes. Despite these obstacles, Goh remains dedicated to his mission. He makes eight house visits weekly to teach the housebound, zipping around Singapore on his trusty scooter.
Goh's academy has not been without turnover. Some people leave after two or three lessons, while others have chosen to join other Christian churches. However, Goh continues to welcome newcomers with open arms, always ready to share his faith and his love for God.
Goh's dedication to his academy is inspired by a deep sense of gratitude. After his baptism in 1991, he felt compelled to 'repay' God's goodness by helping others find their faith. This compulsion has led him to take on a full-time role in his academy, where he teaches catechism weekly at the Church of the Holy Family and the Church of St. Alphonsus, known as the Novena Church.
As the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly approaches on July 27, Goh's academy continues to be a beacon of hope for many in Singapore. His theme for this special day is 'Blessed are those who have not lost hope.' With over 560 godchildren and countless lives touched, Goh's academy is a testament to the power of faith, hope, and dedication.
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