Introducing Thomas Handoyo
Thomas Handoyo hails from Indonesia, and is married to Singaporean, Irene Tan, who has worked in the early education industry for more than 15 years. They are blessed with two sons, aged 17 and 10 years old. The elder son, Jordan, is in Temasek Polytechnic, while the younger one, Eden, is in Primary 5.
Thomas completed his first degree in theology in Jakarta, Indonesia, and thereafter left for Singapore to pursue a Master’s degree in Intercultural Education from Bethany School of Missions (currently Bethany International University). This was also where he met his wife, Irene.
From Singapore, he and his wife moved to Batam, where he served at a theological school, before setting up a mission school with a friend. In 2006, they decided to settle down in Singapore. Thomas then attained a Master of Social Science degree (Professional Counselling) from Executive Counselling and Training Academy, while he was attached to All Saints Home Tampines, helping residents with their mental well-being.
Prior to joining HVMC, Thomas was working for Christian Outreach to the Handicapped, a voluntary welfare organization, as Volunteer Management and Pastoral Manager as well as handling Personal Data Protection matters. On weekends, he would serve at the Kingdom Mission Church, a ministry of Church of God of Prophecy.
Thomas joined HVMC on 7 November 2022. In his role as Lay Ministry Staff in the Discipleship and Life Groups Ministry, it is his goal to contribute to the Church’s efforts to grow members in their spiritual journey to maturity, to become disciples of Christ, and to be like Christ. “I hope I can instil this aspiration in every Life Group in HVMC and to change their mindsets - that they are gathering not only to study the Bible, but also to grow and multiply by bringing new souls to the group, and eventually to Christ through the Church,” he says.
As passionate as he is about his faith and his mission in life, Thomas also loves music and plays the guitar: acoustic and bass. He treasures family time amidst his busy work schedule and tries to spend time with them either at the East Coast beach, or watching movies together.
When asked which is his favourite Bible verse, he quotes Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” He shares, “This verse always encourages me to keep going, in the face of difficulty or adversity in my life.”
May Oon
