How Ministry to Visually Impaired Started
PLMC has been proclaiming the good news to the visually impaired in our community through a ministry started in 1988 by member Ng Choon Hwee. The ministry was suggested by Rev Dr Kang Ho Soon.

Choon Hwee, who has been attending PLMC since 1973 and himself visually impaired, recalled: “Around 1985, I felt called to go into full-time ministry and went to Singapore Bible College to study for a Diploma in Theology. The number of visually impaired people coming to worship in PLMC was also increasing. Rev Kang felt that there should be someone to look after the needs and interests of the visually impaired. Hence the Ministry to the Visually Impaired was started in 1988 after my graduation."
The Ministry to the Visually Impaired, aims to share the Gospel with those who are not sighted, make available Christian literature and tools to aid them in their spiritual growth and participate in the life of the church, and provide practical help.
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In planning and organising outreach activities for the visually impaired, PLMC works closely with the Gospel Mission To The Blind, an interdenominational organisation. Choon Hwee said: “Each year we reach out to more than 40 visually impaired persons, of which about 15 are members of PLMC.”
The ministry also transcribes Christian books into Braille and circulates them among the members. Members and friends can help transcribe Christian materials, such as Bible study notes, hymns and devotional materials into Braille. The ministry also extends a hand to those who need to use computers for their employment and studies.
Without their sense of sight, the visually impaired do face obstacles in their lives. Choon Hwee shared that in the secular world, the visually impaired are often the last to be employed and the first to be retrenched. "Many employers are still fearful and hesitant to employ the visually impaired. Christians should set the example, give them the chance to prove themselves and help them fulfil their dreams."
Very often too, while the visually impaired do try to be independent, there are times when they need help to get certain things done. Here is where members who are sighted can chip in. “Lend us your eyes! Feel free to come forward and volunteer your services if you see a visually impaired person in need. Most of us appreciate that,” says Choon Hwee.
But don't be surprised or offended if sometimes, your offer for help is rejected. After all, they do try to lead as independent a life as possible. Many of us take our sense of sight for granted, and forget the needs of the visually impaired. Their appeal is to spare them a thought when planning and organising programmes, giving information, and to help ensure that buildings and public places are as accessible as possible and barrier free.
After 11 years in the ministry, Choon Hwee's vision is: “For members to feel comfortable in PLMC and eventually become members of a normal cell group.” We look forward to more sighted members coming to fellowship with us.
Learn from our Lord Jesus who lived, ate, walked and fellowshipped with everyone, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds, and showed what true brotherly love is all about. The invitation from the visually impaired ministry is clear: “Come and be our friends and get to know us. Only then will we know how to minister to one another. We love to fellowship with you but we can't see you and don't know where you are. So make the first move and we will reciprocate,” says Choon Hwee.





