An Unforgettable Journey with God’s People

by Inban Caldwell In Celebration of MPCC’s 50th Anniversary

Inban Caldwell with his wife, Roxanne

In June 1989, I was appointed to oversee Marine Parade Christian Centre (MPCC). Just two months earlier, in April 1989, the pastor of MPCC had left in response to a missionary call to Canada.

Then in May 1989, a group of 147 youths departed. Within four months of my appointment, in October 1989, another 103 members left.

I was later told that these departures were the fulfilment of a prophetic vision given two years earlier — of three arrows branching out from MPCC.

After these two waves of departure, MPCC was left with 153 members. Remarkably, 68% were youths under 20 years old, and over 78% were first-generation Christians.

At that time, MPCC was still an “Extension Centre,” meeting in four different locations:

• 41A Amber Road (weekday meetings)

• The former St. Hilda’s School classroom (Chinese Congregation)

• Marine Parade JTC (office space)

• Republic Theatre (Sunday worship)

Even before that, MPCC had already been a dynamic “nomadic” congregation, moving from place to place — homes, YWCA, Liberty Theatre and others.

After a Leaders’ Retreat in December 1989, we embarked on an amazing journey of faith. The remaining members taught me far more about faithfulness, sacrifice, and worship than I could ever have taught them.

A Journey of Faith and Breakthrough

By 1991, MPCC attained Parish Status. Soon after, we purchased a piece of freehold land and embarked on a building project costing $3.5 million.

This was an extraordinary achievement for a small congregation made up largely of students. It was accomplished through unwavering faith and sacrificial giving.

We thank God especially for:

• Simon Loh, who oversaw location and construction matters

• Audrey Yang, who handled the legal aspects of acquiring the land

• Bishop Moses Tay, who supported and trusted MPCC in fulfilling her calling

A Church Advancing on Her Knees

MPCC was a congregation that advanced the Kingdom of God on her knees and through the study of the Word.

As a result:

• The Chinese Congregation grew under Ps Lau Mee Ping.

• The Filipino Congregation was birthed, spearheaded by the late Ps Precy Vargas.

• A Saturday Service was launched to serve those unable to attend Sundays, including people from Anglican Welfare, Prison Fellowship, and the Entertainment Industry. This was led by Ps Arthur Phua and lay leaders.

• Chapel Ministry Christian Centre (CMCC) was planted by the late Ps Arthur Chew, beginning with two cell groups at St Andrew’s Mission Hospital at Tay Lian Teck Road.

Arthur Phua and Revd Lau Mee Ping

We also reached beyond church walls:

• “Charity Explosion” — a Charity Walk in Sentosa

• “Pretty on the Inside” — a Charity Concert at the World Trade Centre

These initiatives, spearheaded by the late Shirley Havenol and Jane Yeo, supported struggling halfway houses.

Charity Explosion in Sentosa, 1997

Every morning from 6 to 7 a.m., a faithful group gathered for intercessory prayer. We also ran a structured Christian Education programme called “Moulding People in Christ Character” (MPCC), which included Discipleship Leadership Training (DLT), Biblical Studies, Baptism, and Confirmation classes. On Saturdays, “Mighty Kids” nurtured our children.

Together with three neighbouring churches — St Hilda’s Church, FCBC, and Church of Singapore — we conducted monthly prayer walks around the Joo Chiat area. We saw remarkable changes within six months, as many bars, lounges, and house temples closed. We held overnight prayer meetings and interceded for families, the community, and the nation. We experienced many breakthroughs and unprecedented favour from the Lord.

Faithful Leaders and a People’s Movement

During my nine years in MPCC, we were blessed with godly Vicar’s and People’s Wardens:Nelson Yeo, Ang Hui Kheng, Yang Tuck Loong, Tan Gark Teck, and Alan Lee.

MPCC taught me far more than I could ever teach them. I can only describe it as a “People’s Movement” — from the youngest to the oldest. The congregation was passionate in worship, bold in prayer, and faithful in witness.

It was a privilege to pastor this vibrant fellowship.

On 1 June 1998, after nine blessed years, Rozane and I stepped into the mission field with the blessing of the leadership. Have a Fruitful and Blessed 50th Anniversary, MPCC!

With gratitude to God for His faithfulness across five decades.

Inban A. Caldwell 1 March 2026