Mint- Touching and Transforming Special Lives

To many, the name Mint may not ring a bell. Well, actually it's the newly rebranded ID ministry which is part of the Special People Ministry (SPM) of FCBC. Mint stands for "Minds in Christ" that serves people with intellectual disabilities and their families and caregivers. It started in May 1994 as a cell comprising of 5 adults with intellectual disabilities. In 1997, SPM started the first church service for this special group of brothers and sisters. It has since grown into a 100-member strong ministry with nine open cells.

Mint is currently recruiting volunteers to join our team in 2011 in roles/areas such as:

• Cell leaders/assistants – Teach and mentor a cell group
• Hospitality – Help to usher Mint members upon arrival from their vans to the place of meeting
• Refreshment – Prepare and serve snacks
• Worship – Worship leaders and musicians
• Handicraft – Plan and prepare handicraft lessons
• Sound – Set up sound equipment for service

Our Mint volunteers have been a tremendous blessing to our special members. In return, they have been blessed in many ways too.

These are what some volunteers and members have to say:

I was prompted by the Lord to serve the poor and needy during the TCS big walk event in the year 2000. God led me to the ID ministry as it was formerly known then, and since then, I have been serving almost every Saturday during Mint service.  I am now a cell leader teaching and mentoring a group of 14 male adults with mild intellectual disabilities. Through my involvement in Mint, I have learnt to be humble. Serving those who are weaker than us requires us to have much compassion as well as grace from our Lord. I would encourage new volunteers to come and join us regardless of their skill levels as I believe God will supply us with the necessary resources to serve the members of Mint.

- Joe Chua, Richard & Jenny Ong Team

Throughout these 1 ½ years that I have served in Mint, I am constantly reminded that all it takes is just a simple heart to love God. Buckets of joy always fill me up at the end of each Mint service. I believe they are bundles of joy sent by God.

- Wendy Goh, YouthNet

I enjoy working with the Mint members.  They are people who are pure at heart and eager to express their true feelings, somewhat like children.  I learn to appreciate things that I have forgotten to be grateful for.

- Teng Hui Yun, Richard & Jenny Ong Team

I chanced on this ministry 3 years ago and decided to give it a try. It has been 3 years since I started and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I believe every small act of love counts and it has been a privilege to be able to serve our special brothers and sisters.

- Lee Hiang Teck, Asher & Wendy Eng Team

The Lord impressed me to serve in the ministry in April 2003 and I've served all these years based on His strength and His great and special love for the Mint members. This ministry has allowed me to see His great power and wonderful miracles, from healing, restoration of relationships and even to withholding the rain during one of our outings to East Coast Park. It's awesome to see His hands at work through the concerted prayers of His people. All Glory to Him!

- Keat Kum, Yong Tai Tong & Yim Fun Team

Volunteering in Mint service has not only made a difference in their lives, it has enriched mine too.

- Diana Chew, Patrick & Hazel Chew Team

I like to come to Mint service. I like to learn God's Word from Ps Patrick Koh and the teachers. 

- Johnson Soh (right), Mint Member