By Evelyn Lim Woodlands Ward
The 172nd Relief Society Birthday Celebration was well attended by 155 sisters across the Singapore Stake. Centering its theme on 'Ordinary Women doing Extraordinary Things', the evening honored the pioneer sisters of Singapore. These amazing sisters were a part of the original members of the church in Singapore who were baptized in the Church's early years of 1968-1969.
Sis Chew Yian gave the opening address, explaining the reason behind the red-and-white theme coupled with purple orchids as its center piece. She spoke about how the number of sisters to be recognized as Singapore pioneers is limitless, for there were many who have contributed much to building the Church here in Singapore during its infancy.
Ten pioneer sisters were honored for their enduring faith throughout the years. They were Connie Woo, Irene Saw, Ruby Goh, Alice Chiu, Emily Tan, Sarojini Chandran, Dora Ho-Ellis, Helen Ho, Queenie Chew and Patricia Ho. Sis Rita Woo, our keynote speaker, spoke on the 3 essentials that can help us stay true and faithful till the end (1) focus on Christ, (2) doing the small things like saying our prayers and daily study of the scriptures and (3) doing service. These essentials when practiced, can give us the tenacity to wade through challenging times. The sisters all enjoyed two musical numbers entitled 'Daughter of a King' and 'An Angel to Watch over Me.'
Bro Lubaton read the closing remarks by President Stephen Lai, who was unable to be with us. In Pres Lai’s message, he encouraged us to be grateful for the examples of our pioneering sisters. These faithful women wouldn’t have imagined the day to be honored and recognized. He reminded us that the ten sisters were not the only ones that we are honoring. He mentioned that each sister is a pioneer with a rich heritage that helms the torch of faith and endurance.
At the close of the activity, the sisters were treated to light refreshments where the sounds of laughter, chatting, mingling, and lots of photo taking lingered on.