Our Intern Writes #8

What does Lunar New Year mean to you? Is it a symbol of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity? Or perhaps a time for receiving ‘ang baos’, gathering for 团圆饭 (reunion dinner), and indulging in festive treats like pineapple tarts and ‘bak kwa’?

““While many of us gather around reunion tables filled with laughter and warmth, others may be feeling the sting of separation, loneliness or regret. Families impacted by incarceration tend to find it hard to celebrate; their hearts are burdened by what once was or what could have been. “”

For most of us, the Lunar New Year is a season of reunion, new beginnings, and joy; a time when families come together to celebrate, share meals, and exchange blessings. It marks a fresh start, leaving behind the past and stepping into the future with hope.

However, for some, this festive season serves as a painful reminder of what has been lost – broken relationships, missed opportunities, or time that cannot be reclaimed. While many of us gather around reunion tables filled with laughter and warmth, others may be feeling the sting of separation, loneliness or regret. Families impacted by incarceration tend to find it hard to celebrate; their hearts are burdened by what once was or what could have been.

At its core, Lunar New Year is about renewal, and as Christians, we know that true renewal comes from God. Just as families spring clean before the new year to sweep away the old, Christ offers us a far greater renewal, a renewal of the heart. No matter what burdens we carry, no matter mistakes we have made, God’s grace gives us a new beginning.

The PFS staff with the 150 Dodo gift packs all set for distribution.

Once again, through the generosity of Thong Siek Global Pte Ltd who donated 150 festive packs of DoDo Seafood Treats to Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS), we were able to distribute these to our beneficiaries and their families. It was truly a team effort. The entire PFS staff team with some volunteers came together, travelling across Singapore to hand deliver the gift bags. These deliveries were more than just about handing over a festive pack - they were moments of connection, warmth and care.

My delivery team was assigned to visit nine families. As we made our rounds, five families welcomed us into their homes. Among them were families from various ethnicities, each with their own traditions, challenges, and hopes for the new year. Regardless of background, there was a shared longing for a fresh start, a sentiment that resonated deeply with me as I reflected on what Lunar New Year means for Christians.

Packing cars with gift bags to be delivered to homes across Singapore

Though the journey to each home was long and under grey skies, every effort felt insignificant the moment we saw the smiles on the faces of our beneficiaries and their families. Their happiness and gratitude were the greatest rewards, turning exhaustion into fulfilment and transforming a simple act of giving into something far more meaningful. This also lifted our spirits and gave us the motivation to press on, eager to bring the same warmth and encouragement to the next household.

Lunar New Year is also a reminder of the importance of relationships. Many of the families we visited have faced hardships, whether through the impact of incarceration, separation or loss. Yet, just as families gather together, we are reminded that God calls us into relationship with Him and with one another. I was reminded of the verse from Hebrews 10:24-25:

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."

For some families, these gift bags were more than just festive treats; they were tokens of remembrance and expressions of care. They were reminders that they are not forgotten, that there is a community standing with them.

““For some families, these gift bags were more than just festive treats; they were tokens of remembrance and expressions of care. They were reminders that they are not forgotten, that there is a community standing with them. “”

Families receiving the gift bags.

As we made our final delivery, I thought about how small acts of kindness – whether a simple visit, a warm greeting, or a festive gift – can reflect God’s love in powerful ways. Although many of the families we met may not have the privilege of experiencing traditional Lunar New Year reunions, they are never truly alone. Even in separation, there can be reconciliation. And in brokenness, there can be grace.

This Lunar New Year, my prayer is that these festive packs be seen as more than just gifts; that they be symbols of encouragement and hope. May they also be a powerful reminder that no matter our past, a new beginning is always possible in Christ. The lost, the least and the last will never be forgotten.

Blessed Lunar New Year! May this new year be one of renewal, restoration, and God’s abundant grace.