“Family Home Evening for All”

In 1994 Helen and Ah Chuan (AC) Ho’s family home experiences were the topic of an essay AC submitted to a national essay writing competition sponsored by the Singapore government on the topic “What Makes a Strong Family?”

“Lo and behold, we won first prize,” AC exclaimed. They were awarded four tickets to fly to Australia and $2,000 to spend on the trip. Newspaper articles shared experiences the family had with family home evening.

AC and Helen Ho and family

AC and Helen Ho and family, circa 1994.

Subsequently, government representatives called and asked if they would be on a national committee called “Promoting Family Values.” The organization sponsored an annual fair to encourage family stability. For several years, the Hos prepared a booth titled “Helping to Strengthen Your Family.” They showed videos of Family Home Evenings and local members distributed booklets with information on the program translated to the local language. In August 1994, among the visitors to their booth was Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong 吴作栋.

This initial government service led to further opportunities. Helen became involved in community service by serving on the Yuhua Constituency (a local government district). When she explained to the leaders of the committee why she could not attend Sunday meetings, they agreed to change most of their activities to Saturdays and to excuse her from Sunday events when necessary.

Helen and AC served in many callings in the branch, mission district, and Singapore Stake. They are grateful for the opportunities the gospel has given them to serve. The gospel has made “all the difference in the world, from black to white,” Ah Chuan reflected. “It gives you a sense of who you are.”