CITYNEWS speaks to Jeremy Choy, Overall-In-Charge of City Harvest Tic Tac Toe (TTT) Ministry who has an impressive track record in helping couples get together. We find out more about how this ministry helps singles find the right partner!
CITYNEWS: Could you share with us the background of how TTT first started?
The idea to start the Tic Tac Toe (TTT) Ministry was first catalyzed by Tan Ye Peng in 2006. He shared the burden with Jeremy Choy about helping singles to find a life partner. This burden birthed the TTT ministry and the first mass event in April 2006 was a resounding success with a total attendance of 450 singles. Under the leadership of Jeremy and through various TTT events organized, we are seeing at least one couple getting attached each month and at least 6 couples happily married or are getting married next year.
CITYNEWS: Tell us some of the success stories of specific couples who have benefited as a result of TTT?
One of our success stories is the testimony of Yen Chau and Audrey. The couple first met during our inaugural TTT mass event in April 2006, they have recently exchange wedding vows and are now waiting for their new flat in Tampines. Another couple who met one another through TTT developed a close friendship which eventually led to courtship. Wedding bells would be ringing soon for another couple in August 2009 — Luke Chee and Catherine Soon. Like other singles, they proactively participated in many of our TTT events and are now TTT facilitators.
CITYNEWS: What are the specific events organized by TTT?
The events are organized on a monthly basis where singles can come together to have fun in a casual and relaxed setting. Being a social event, the singles can be more freed up to mingle and be less conscious of themselves attending a “match-making” session. The events are opportunities to widen your social circle and meet more like-minded individuals in CHC.
There is one statement we always tell our singles at the event — do not come with the notion that you would marry the first person you meet, rather come with an open heart, make friends and allow the relationship to develop from there.
CITYNEWS: How can we get more singles to overcome this notion and be comfortable to participate in future TTT events?
One of the greatest challenges we face are the stigmas or wrong mindsets of singles. There is sometimes a wrong perception that TTT are for those that need help in getting attached or are less ‘accomplished’ or are of ‘lower quality’. Contrary to this, our events have attracted many very good quality members who came back repeatedly. Their intention was to just enjoy themselves and build greater friendship with other singles in our church.
CITYNEWS: Any personal tips for the numerous singles in CHC?
My advice for singles is to maintain an open heart to make new friends, by dressing well and maintaining personal grooming at its best there can be many doors that can be opened for you. Finding the right partner is not difficult when you are willing to be more sociable and willing to share your life and interests.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone to find the right partner may be daunting at first, but hearing from Jeremy about the impressive track record of TTT ministry, it is well-worth the effort and time to expand one’s social circle amongst the many singles in CHC.
