Zion Serangoon Bible Presbyterian Church Offers Free Hot Lunch to Private Hire Drivers During Coronavirus Pandemic

Zion Serangoon Bible Presbyterian Church initiated a community outreach effort by offering free hot lunches to private hire drivers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The church, located at 3 and 5 Tavistock Avenue, organized a drive-through meal distribution on April 4, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this event, 100 hot bento sets were prepared and given out to drivers, with plans to provide 1,000 additional meals if the initial initiative was well-received.

Elder Wendell Chua, who oversaw the initiative, explained that the church chose to focus on private hire drivers because they had been “most adversely affected, financially and emotionally” by the pandemic. The decision came after church members recognized that their own focus had shifted inward, away from the church’s mission of reaching out to others. This realization prompted a renewed commitment to practical love and care for those in need.

Chua emphasized that the church’s action was motivated by Galatians 6:10a, which exhorts believers to do good as they have the opportunity. The initiative reflects a broader effort to align with the church’s mission of sharing the light and blessings of Christ with others, even in challenging times.

To ensure safety and compliance with government guidelines, the church implemented precautionary measures during the drive-through. These included temperature screening, recording of vehicle numbers, and limiting the number of volunteers to eight to nine. All volunteers were required to wear masks and gloves, in line with public health protocols.

The church’s outreach effort highlights a commitment to serving the community, particularly those facing economic hardship due to the pandemic. By providing meals to private hire drivers, the church aimed to offer practical support while reinforcing its spiritual mission of compassion and care.

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