News & Events
News & Events
Pastor Simon
Neo, Executive Director of Breakthrough Missions celebrated his happy 70th birthday
on 8 Nov. In his opening remark he choked with emotion as he said, “There is no
Simon Neo without God!” He went on to say, “This is the first time I have such
a birthday celebration in my 39 years with Breakthrough Missions. I thank my
wife, children, colleagues, all the leaders, brothers and sisters in Christ for
organising this occasion. When my wife and I embarked on this journey of
serving the Lord we knew that it would arduous. The only reason we could
persevere till today is our faith and belief that God would provide all our
needs. He loves ex-addicts like us. He died for us and paid a heavy ransom for
our redemption. Therefore I offer my life to God to be used as His instrument
and follow His self-sacrificing example to accomplish the mission of love that
He has entrusted me. On behalf of my family I’d like to thank you for your
presence. I do not feel lonely on this journey of service for I have your
company and your encouragement. Praise the Lord! All glory and honour to Jesus
Christ.
Several
leaders and brothers of Breakthrough Missions shared their feelings of
gratitude that evening. Some were accepted by Pastor Simon when they had
nowhere to go, and some were raging and wanted to leave Breakthrough when he
counselled them with love and calmed them down. All the leaders, staff and
brothers of Breakthrough presented a trophy to Pastor Simon as a token of their
appreciation.
All the
guests, together with the two advisers of Breakthrough Missions, Retired
Archbishop Rev Dr John Chew and Bishop Emeritus Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung,
offered prayers of blessing for Pastor Simon Neo.
The Yellow
Ribbon Community Arts Festival this year was launched on 4 Nov.
Pastor Simon
Neo, Executive Director of Breakthrough Missions, attended the festival and the
Breakthrough choir also sang on stage to express their wholehearted support for
the Yellow Ribbon Project and its effort in building a caring and inclusive
society.
The main
feature of the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival was the exhibition of
works of art created by inmates and some of the beautiful poems they wrote.
3 brothers from
Breakthrough Koh Thong Guan, Lee Wai Weng
and Sin Peng Chua attended the Yellow Ribbon Awards
2022 held at the Star Performing Arts Centre and received their awards from Mrs Josephine Teo,
Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home
Affairs.
In her speech,
Minister Josephine Teo mentioned that these Overcomers are ex-offenders who
have remained crime-free for at least 3 years, and some, for more than 30
years… “They have found a new meaning to life and a conviction that they too,
can give back to society. They are not only on the receiving end, they have a
second chance, to give as well. Today, these Overcomers are volunteering for
social or environmental causes, paying it forward with their own time and
effort to help others.”
The 3 brothers who
received the Advocate of Second Chances (Overcomer)- Silver awards are touched
by the recognition for their effort to pay it forward to the community.
“I’m grateful for the Yellow Ribbon award,
which encourages me a lot! It is the almighty power of the Lord Jesus and the
disciplined and healthy life training at Breakthrough which transformed me and
helped me to integrate into the society again.” Koh Thong Guan came to Breakthrough
in 2014 and has since successfully kicked his gambling addiction of 40 years.
He is now one of the staff in charge of the landscaping team and is
contributing back to the community.
“It’s my greatest achievement thus far, I
thank the Lord Jesus for transforming me and the staff and leaders of
Breakthrough for journeying with me on this road of recovery.” Lee Wai Weng joined Breakthrough
in 2016 and spent 7 years to overcome his drug addiction, he is now serving in
the Breakthrough Café and is also an active member of the prison ministry.
“This is the first
time in my life to receive this award. As I watched the testimony video clip on
the screen on how we overcame our challenges and forged a new beginning, I was
overwhelmed! I live not just for myself; our families and those whom we love
are just as crucial. So now, I do not only live for myself but also to glorify
God.” Sin Peng Chua arrived at Breakthrough
in 2014, after he successfully kicked his drug addiction he
made up his mind to walk with God, to partner and journey with other Breakthrough
brothers with love and care.