FIT … For Service
You may have noticed some FIT members at the carpark on the way to church! This is a new initiative to help welcome worshippers on Sunday mornings. Khee Peng, one of our members, shares about his experience serving in this way.
Say hi to Khee Peng and other FIT members when you see them!
The First Impression Team (FIT) was introduced in September 2025 by Pastor Jeremy. Our initial purpose was to help worshippers who are new to GBC find the parking areas. Over time, our service has expanded: we serve as road marshals, directing vehicles to reduce traffic jams and prevent backflow onto Mattar Road, and we also welcome members with warm greetings and a smile. We are not taking attendance on those who arrive late; rather, we remain at Level 1 until 9:15am in case newcomers walk in. For your information, carpark lots are not always reserved for a specific group of members — each Sunday morning we receive updates in our FIT chat and we release lots whenever possible.
I joined the team in November 2025. Someone once asked me why I joined, and I jokingly replied, “I used to take care of your children (in Children’s Ministry); now I take care of your car.”
Waking up early has always been part of my lifestyle. I usually leave the car with my family and make my way to GBC by train. I prefer to reach church early to ensure everything is in place before 8:15am.
I enjoy what I do because I get to meet and greet almost every member at GBC. I try to treat others the way I would like to be treated, as Matthew 7:12 says, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Whenever possible, I offer help by guiding older members, or drivers whose cars have fewer parking features, and reassuring them that they have parked safely.
Challenges and encourages
As the only “uncle” in the team, I do face some challenges. Since FIT updates come through our phones, it can be inconvenient for me to refer to them, so I usually prepare a hardcopy printout in a larger font. I am also slower at recognising and remembering vehicle numbers, so my team partner alerts me the moment reserved car numbers enter GBC, giving me time to refer and guide them to their lots.
Weather (whether warm or rainy), high humidity, “blood donations” (to mosquitoes), and unexpected requests are all part and parcel of our weekly experience. After duty, I usually refresh myself before heading to the sanctuary—just in case my “fragrance” affects others.
Smiles are scientifically proven to be contagious, and I am encouraged when a simple smile can lift people’s spirits as they proceed to the sanctuary for service. I’m encouraged by members’ appreciation too.
How can the church participate
As we read in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Doing good does not secure my salvation, nor does it add any credit to it. Rather, Scripture instructs us to do good to one another, and serving is one way of doing good.
This is also mentioned in Titus 3:8, “The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Galatians 6:10 also encourages us all to do good to everyone, “especially to those who are of the household of faith”.
Here are three pointers to consider as we serve:
Serve in ways you enjoy and are comfortable with. You should not feel stressed; explore and discover your strengths.
Don’t over-stretch yourself. Avoid over-committing or becoming drained.
Get support from family and friends. Let them be involved by sharing with them what you’re doing and why it matters.
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If you are interested to find out more, or serve in this way, feel free to speak with Nicholas Chuan (nicholaschuan@gracebaptistchurch.sg).