Picture this. You stand before Zion Full Gospel Church on Hoot Kiam Road. Its art-deco architecture stands out. Rounded walls support a flat roof. Geometric lines and shapes adorn the facade. No classical ornamentation distracts from its clean lines.
This isn’t just any church. Zion Full Gospel Church boasts a unique history. It began in 1949. Two Finnish missionaries Sisters Nilja Nikkanen and Aira Kolkka arrived in Singapore. Leaving behind China they started their ministry. They played guitars and sang Mandarin songs in the streets. Their simple acts attracted many. Soon they held meetings in an attap house then later at Indus Square Alexandra. Passionate community members helped them.
Zion Full Gospel Church became the first of several Singapore churches established by the Finnish mission. In 1965 they acquired a building in Tanglin. They later became the first church in Singapore to hold services in a shopping center. They used two units at Queensway Shopping Centre. Imagine holding services amidst shopping and bustling crowds! A unique approach to spreading their message.
In 1980 the church moved to its current location. Funds from selling the Queensway property helped restore the building. The restoration finished in 1999. The church continued to grow. Reverend Randy Sing became Senior Pastor in 2000. This marked a new era of mission focus. They even established outposts in Bukit Panjang and Kluang Malaysia.
Today Zion Full Gospel Church thrives. It’s part of the Assemblies of God movement. It now holds three weekly services. These services are in English Mandarin and Hokkien. The church continues its outreach. They are involved in street witnessing. They also host memorial services and community carnivals. Its journey from street corners to this striking building showcases faith resilience and a commitment to sharing its message. A testament to the enduring power of faith.