Farewell to the Tolentinos

For the past ten years or so, we have been richly blessed by Paulo, Hannah, Emmanuel, and Caleb.

From the very beginning, they immersed themselves wholeheartedly in the Filipino ministry. Paulo and Hannah served faithfully in the leadership team, and their musical gifts lifted our worship to new heights—both technically and spiritually.

In time, they also began attending and serving in our English Services. They brought a fresh vibrancy and energy to Zimrah. Hannah stepped into leadership roles with humility, deep spirituality, and genuine pastoral care for the worship team. She was initially nervous about leading Singaporeans, knowing how Filipino sisters are sometimes perceived as a serving or subservient class. Yet, with the grace of the Lord, she embraced her responsibilities with courage and overcame any prejudice—real or imagined—through steadfast commitment and faith.

They served without complaint—indeed, with joy—often in both Services on Sundays. They lived out for us what it means to be fully committed to the Kingdom cause. It is hard to sum up the personal impact they have had on those who worked alongside them.

The Tolentinos also built bridges between our Singaporean and Filipino communities, strengthening friendships and deepening connections. They have been a great support to Pastor Jocelyn, and today we can truly say our Filipino brothers and sisters are better integrated into the wider church family.

It has been said that no single culture can fully reflect Christ. To see more of Him, we must cross cultures—to discover not only more about others, but also more about ourselves and our faith. In Singapore, Christians often belong to the more privileged segment of society. We may have cultural blind spots or values that are less than Christlike, and the only way to unlearn them is through genuine interaction with believers from other cultures.

So, thank you, Paulo and Hannah. The life of the MPCC family has been enriched through your ministry and friendship. Our bond in Christ will remain, and only the Lord knows when and how our paths will cross again.

Paraphrasing St Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3-6,

Tolentinos, we thank our God every time we remember you. In all our prayers for all of you, we always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Amen.

Note: The Tolentinos are returning back to Philippines this week to reside, study and work after spending almost ten years here.