When enrolment at Bethesda Katong Kindergarten (BKK) dwindled to 200 – a far cry from the high of 500 students it once had at its peak – its principal was understandably troubled. 

At the time, many other church-based kindergartens had been closing one after another, unable to resource the longer childcare hours that modern parents needed. 

Wong Lee Pin knew that it was only a matter of time before BKK suffered the same fate. The school had already been operating at a deficit for several consecutive years. 

“I was deeply concerned that BKK could one day become obsolete and cease operations too,” she shared.  

Her desire was for the school to remain open, so that it could go on meeting the needs of families and sowing seeds of the Gospel in young hearts.  

But how would it continue? 

More than a financial decision

Lee Pin’s burden was shared by her church, Bethesda Frankel Estate Church (BFEC), which oversees the kindergarten. 

Recounting those difficult decision-making moments, Elder Ethan Pang, Chairman of the school’s board, said: “The natural questions for BFEC was whether BKK should continue if it were a loss-making endeavour.” 

If the school could not remain competitive, would it be more prudent for the church, as stewards, to cease its operations and cut its losses? Or should the church see the preschool as a ministry and press on regardless of its profitability? 

After much prayer, discussions and consultations with experts in the field of early childhood education, the church decided in 2022: The school would remain a ministry, not a business endeavour. 

The church believed that the preschool was a ministry that was worth investing in despite its financial challenges, said Elder Ethan of BFEC.

Explaining the decision, Elder Ethan said: “The preschool ministry not only gives us the opportunity to influence and impact the children who come through our doors, it opens doors to their families as well. 

“Of course, we want our children to be happy, to be social, to have good values and character, and to be prepared well for primary school.

“But we all need to deal with the more important questions in life sooner or later and, as Christians, we believe that the best answer can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

A complete overhaul

Once that decision was made, another quickly followed: To better meet parents’ needs, the school had to be converted into a full-day childcare service. 

However, the transition would be no small task.  

Among other changes, it demanded significant funding, a renovation of the facilities, an enhanced curriculum, restructured work schedules, reorganisation of staff compensation and benefits, revised staff training and new branding and marketing strategies.  

“It required a complete overhaul,” said Elder Ethan. 

Half of the staff team at Bethesda Kindercare.

As a standalone kindergarten, the school had no shared services, brand name nor economies of scale to tap on. Furthermore, it lacked expertise in key areas like marketing, human resources (HR), social media and even curriculum. 

“The process was certainly not for the faint-hearted,” admitted Elder Ethan.  

And yet, the immense undertaking was carried through – made possible only by prayer and the collective resolve of a church that believed the preschool’s work mattered in God’s Kingdom. 

God calls His people 

As BFEC and the kindergarten’s board prayed for help in this transition, God moved many church members to step forward and offer their help, expertise and service. 

One member who was familiar with the church’s building plans and had experience in designing childcare spaces put together a project team with expertise in architecture, estate maintenance and finance. 

A team of seasoned branding and marketing veterans helped craft the preschool’s new branding, while another team of professionals reviewed and organised the HR structures and systems, including new salary scales and benefits. 

An experienced HR practitioner stepped up as staff to oversee the hiring and staff processes, while an alumnus of the school – now a parent – took on media responsibilities and helped to manage the Parent Support Group. 

Another veteran educator and former preschool leader also guided Lee Pin through the ECDA licence-change application process, as well as helped to review the school’s revamped curriculum. 

“Almost all of them served pro bono and were willing to be used by God, offering their expertise and experience generously,” said Lee Pin.

Within less than a year, other church members also gave freely towards the funds needed for the transition, while church staff doubled up to support in the preschool’s estate, finance, HR and marketing, seeing it as part of the church’s mission.

Their help did not stop there. 

As the kindergarten worked towards obtaining a childcare licence, certain delays arose that affected subsidies for parents. “It was a season of earnest prayer, even at 3am, as we asked the Lord for His mercy and intervention,” recalled Lee Pin. 

Amid this uncertainty, she saw God’s provision through the church again, which stepped in to offer financial support for the parents while her staff planned and provided an interim programme for children who needed longer hours of care. 

Elder Ethan said: “Indeed, God provided all the resources necessary – courage included – in His good time. He has shown that He is the only One whom we can and must depend on.” 

God’s work, not theirs

In May 2025, BKK – now rebranded as Bethesda Kindercare (BKC) – began its operations as a full-day childcare service for children aged 18 months to six years old.  

The transformation of Bethesda (Katong) Kindergarten (left) to Bethesda Kindercare (right) was no small undertaking.

Through every stage of the difficult transition, Lee Pin saw God’s hand at work. The words of Joshua 1:9 sustained her: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Meanwhile, Elder Ethan clung to Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

He said: “We were reminded again and again throughout our journey that this is God’s work, not ours. Indeed, nothing can avail against the Lord. Our job is to ‘make ready the horse for the day of battle’ and leave the outcome to God’ (Proverbs 21:30-31).” 

A family of five come to Christ 

Despite the challenges that come with running a preschool in today’s competitive landscape, those at BKC press on with the strong conviction that their work matters. 

Lee Pin shared about a child who joined the school in pre-nursery. Through daily exposure to Bible stories, songs and special programmes like Vacation Bible School, he grew increasingly curious about God. 

Children being led in prayer during the daily morning assemblies.

When he was in K2, he told his parents that he wanted to attend Sunday School, because he knew the church had one. As his parents brought him weekly, they found themselves attending the adult service.  

As they listened to God’s Word, their hearts were slowly opened to Christ. Eventually, both parents decided to be baptised. 

“During their baptism, they shared how the preschool had played a role in their family’s faith journey,” said Lee Pin. 

Students participating in the Explorers Programme, a faith-based initiative aimed at character development.

By then, their two older sons, also former students, had already come to faith and were active in the youth service, she added. 

“Praise be to God for allowing us the privilege to partner Him in His work of salvation!” 

Planting seeds in little hearts 

Looking forward, Lee Pin is trusting God to bring along the children that He wants BKC to guide and influence.  

“We wish and pray that every child will grow into a wholesome, winsome, kind and courageous individual, ready to make a positive difference in the world,” she said. 

Lee Pin trusts that as she remains faithful to God’s call in the preschool, God will give growth to every seed she plants.

And as these children flourish under the school’s care and education, she prays that their families will also be touched and inspired by the Gospel.  

“As our school is faithful to shine as a beacon that points to Jesus, we believe God will honour and give growth to every Gospel seed we plant in each little heart.” 

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