Stories

THE BEAUTY OF SAYING YES Penn Galdo Executive, CHARIS Growing up in a small province in the Philippines, I often wondered why missionaries would visit a quiet place like ours. When they came, their presence alone told me that we mattered. No place was too small, and no person was forgotten in God’s kingdom. They…

WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE Kathleen Leong Intern, CHARIS When Kathleen joined CHARIS as a Marketing Intern, she expected to learn about content creation and communications. Instead, she discovered how her skills could serve a greater purpose. As a cradle Catholic, she once saw CHARIS as simply another Catholic organisation. Over time, she came to understand…

WHEN STRANGERS BECOME FAMILY Marilyn Chua Volunteer, Gebirah Marilyn, a retired infant care worker, never imagined that her post-retirement years would be filled with mission trips, service, and profound spiritual growth. In just one year as a CHARIS volunteer, she has already participated in more than four mission trips, each leaving a lasting impact on…

JUBILEE YEAR: BRINGING HOPE TO THE FORGOTTEN Tony Tan Founder, Gebirah For many, walking through the Holy Doors in Rome during the Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. But for the sick, the poor, and the forgotten, such a journey is impossible—until now. With the permission of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, we brought…

TRUSTING GOD, SERVING TOGETHER From Volunteers CHARIS Volunteering in CHARIS’ Humanitarian Forum and Fair 2025 is a journey of faith and service. Whether planning events, capturing moments, or embracing new responsibilities, each volunteer learns that mission work is about trust, willingness, and an open heart. Wendy, TJ, Agnes, and Elaine show how serving others becomes…

A PAPAL EXPERIENCE OF LOVE, HOPE AND UNITY From Staff and Volunteers CHARIS and Member Organisations The visit of Pope Francis to Singapore was more than a historic event — it was a spiritual encounter that stirred hearts, strengthened faith, and united the Church as one Body of Christ. Staff and volunteers from CHARIS and…

BE A VESSEL OF CHRIST’S LOVE Tony Tan Founder, Gebirah I was grateful to God for His blessings but what can I give Him that He doesn’t already own? In Matthew 25, Christ identified himself with those suffering, saying, “Whatever you did for the least… you did it unto Me.” So, when I serve those…

SEEING CHRIST IN THE MARGINS Nigel Gasper CHARIS Volunteer In July 2024, I joined my first mission trip to Kuala Lumpur with CHARIS, visiting the Zotung Refugee Catholic Learning Centre. Although I have worked in CHARIS for one year, I did not have the chance to go on a mission trip, until this opportunity arose.…