A community of different faiths come together to do small things out of love

Ms. Jennifer Yeo was having a conversation with a senior doctor of NUS when this opportunity came to her. Hearing that the senior doctor, representing NUHS for the Multiministeral Taskforce, was in charge of 90,000 migrant workers from various dorms. Ms. Yeo’s heart of compassion wanted to do something for the workers.

Items in the care packs

Migrant workers who were in quarantine, out of quarantine or battling COVID-19 needed items that could keep themselves and their dormitory clean like hand sanitizers, wet wipes and soap. The senior doctor later advised Ms. Yeo to contact NUS Development Office to arrange the logistics and the locations she can send the care packs to.

“It is a need and I just called my friends and we responded,” Ms. Yeo said. Ms. Yeo’s friend, who is a free thinker who has a heart of kindness and wanted to do good for the community acknowledged the needs of these migrants. He sourced for the items needed and placed them into bags and deliver them as care packages to the dormitories. They managed to distribute 1,000 packs there.

1000 care packs delivered to dormitory

Sharing about these care packs with her friends, she inspired her friends and another 2000 care packages were delivered to the migrants. Fueled by her love for God, Ms. Yeo wanted to do more to meet the needs of the migrants and connected with a Catholic Church to grow the outreach. “I thought if we just give them things, then all they receive are things. But if I go to a Church, the Church can provide things you cannot see,” Ms. Yeo said. “Intangible things like befrienders, counselors and spiritual direction.”

Ms. Yeo reached out to ACMI if they could take over the program she started. As her program grew, Ms. Yeo’s non-catholic friends who donated to the care packs requested to put in appreciation letters which they personally wrote into the packs. These letters of encouragement were written to remind the migrants that there is somebody who thought of them and through their words, they hoped to remind these migrants that they are loved.

“Each of us is a thought of God and we are necessary, and we are loved,” Ms. Yeo said. In spite of the differences in faith, we are still called to respond with obedience to God’s call to spread his unconditional love regardless of who we are. The ACMI helpline card was also provided if they need a listening ear during these period to give them hope.

Following the commandments of Jesus to love thy neighbor, these care packs were specially curated as a hand in friendship. “We are not trying to convert anyone, but only to let them know we are all here with them,” Ms. Yeo clarified.

This program is not large but she is reminded of Mother Theresa’s words. “It’s not about doing great things; it’s about doing little things with great love.”

The willing heart to give

This initiative was not about raising money to provide for the 90,000 migrants, but rather it was about God’s hand of provision to watch it grow and flourish. It benefits both sides when the donors are moved by their heart to give, and the migrants are touched by what they receive. “These opportunities come randomly. I start with what I can do myself and leave it to God and God sends people from time to time,” Ms. Yeo shared.