Encouraging Godly Helpers 

CERC’s women’s ministry—known as Women Encouraging Women (WEW)—serves women of all ages and life stages, whether single or married. On a Saturday morning in April, the wives gathered to share life with one another, offer wisdom to those soon to be married, encourage both the growing and the struggling, and sit under the teaching of their pastor – all for the goal of encouraging each other in becoming godly helpers to their husbands. 

As is often the case with women’s events, the morning began with light-hearted conversations as the ladies caught up with one another amidst the busyness of the Good Friday–Resurrection Sunday weekend. Over a simple breakfast accompanied by coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and with a thoughtfully curated book corner featuring reviews by fellow wives, the warm and welcoming atmosphere created the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and reflection. 

During his address, Pastor Robin began by reading Colossians 3:1–11, reminding the women that their primary identity is first and foremost in Christ. He commended some for their perseverance in living out the gospel despite challenging circumstances and urged all present not to give up or settle. With the passage of time, he warned, compromise does not lead to growth in the church. 

Building on this, Pastor Robin laid out a framework for cultivating a godly household. Such a household, he explained, is grounded in the truth of Scripture, together with partnership and service, shaped by an understanding of individuality, and therefore the right expectations in marriage. “The real goal is to be like God—to have His Spirit. He is the one who works with and through our failures,” reminded Pastor Robin. “In the end, marriage is redeemed humanity at work. All of this takes time and effort, but what’s at stake is the whole church.”  

Using this framework, he then took the time to address some of the real struggles the women had shared in a reflection survey that was sent out by the WEW organising team weeks earlier. This survey was meant to identify some of the key challenges that the women faced in their marriages. 

Over lunch, the women spent time reflecting and praying for one another. It was a space for honesty and vulnerability. In small groups, women at different stages of married life encouraged one another in practical ways to grow as godly helpers. 

Hui Yan, a mother of two, shared her reflections after the event: “We often talk about having a Christ-centred marriage, but having a framework to apply to our own contexts is so helpful. The session reminded me that marriage is a lifetime partnership to serve God and His church—not ourselves—with God’s Word as the foundation. It also reminded me that in marriage, we must accept (though not give up on) each other’s individuality. There will be failure in the partnership, and that must be worked through, not avoided. Only then can our expectations of each other be both realistic and aligned.” 

She elaborated further using communication in marriage as an example: “Our communication with each other should be guided by God’s Spirit and oriented towards His purposes, so that we can calibrate our emotions and adjust our expectations accordingly.” 

The event served as a timely reminder that strong, Christ-centred marriages do not happen by chance, but through intentional commitment to God’s Word, His people, and His purposes. Through encouragement, teaching, and shared life, the women of WEW continue to build one another up for the good of their homes—and the wider church. 

This year’s WEW will be held on the 19-20th of June, with the topic “Challenges Women Face”. If you are interested in learning more about WEW, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Joyce Yee (+60 11-2376 2062).