Bernadette and Matthew Ang are trainee instructors from the Natural Family Planning (NFP) Service.
“We were engaged before we knew about the Catholic faith. During that time, we started searching for methods of contraception. However, the search was unfulfilling as we found most contraceptive methods put the burden on the women and often harms their bodies. Through a friend’s recommendation, we attended the Marriage Preparation Course and got to know more about NFP. We listened with an open mind and did not look back since. NFP started our faith journey and brought us closer to God.”
“We found that God has given us a way to manage fertility together as a couple using NFP. Through the identification of the fertility window at each cycle, God speaks to us and helps us discern when we are ready to expand our family. NFP has also strengthened our faith and improved our communication such that family planning becomes our common goal as a couple. NFP is truly God’s gift to our marriage and family.”
NFP service in Singapore
In the light of the Church teachings by Pope Paul VI in Humanae Vitae (1968), the NFP service in Singapore was established in 1973. There are currently 15 NFP parish centers, managed by a group of 30 trained and dedicated instructors as well as trainees. The service is open to all who are keen to learn the Billings Ovulation Method. Besides guiding couples to achieve and postpone pregnancy naturally, the NFP instructors also welcome their clients to return for refresher course, especially when their fertility cycles change (e.g. during breastfeeding, approaching menopause, on medications).
With goals to increase the awareness and practice of NFP to all Catholics in Singapore, the NFP service needs to expand the current group of instructors and promoters. Other than spreading the pro-life message, many instructors have found it rewarding that NFP has strengthened the marriage and family bond of their clients.
Serving God through teaching NFP
Teresa and Patrick Phua have been NFP instructors for the past 15 years.
“In the first 5 years of teaching NFP, we read and digested all things about NFP and we tried to overcome our shyness in talking about sex and mucus with a smiling face. We attended all meetings and courses diligently because we were interested to devour all things NFP and enhance our teaching skills. We remembered by heart the difficult medical terms of NFP so that we could use them correctly at the right opportunity.”
“In the next 5 years, we were rewarded when our couples returned with babies in their arms and recommended us to their friends and relatives. We got invited to their church weddings, babies’ first month and first year celebrations. We got more recommendations from ‘friends of friends’. Every week, we felt the strong call to go meet my couples to share with them about NFP.
“For the past 5 years, we continue to look forward to NFP teaching days. In teaching NFP, we also look into our own lives and thank God for our own family. Once we are offered to do HIS work, we feel HE will guide us to the right path. Till today, we still attend all trainings to be updated and be relevant to our calling as NFP instructors. We stand by our code of ethics and morality that God is the creator of life and death. After each NFP session, we feel good, thankful and grateful.”
www.familylife.sg
Billings Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning Teacher Training Course
A course for couples and ladies who are passionate about teaching NFP
- upholding the sanctity of life, the sacredness of marriage and dignity of the human body.
Pre-requisites:
• Couples and ladies preferably with some knowledge of NFP.
• Trainees will be attached to a centre before and after training to gain experience.
• Under the guidance of a senior teacher, you will prepare and guide couples in the understanding and use of the method.
Date: Sat 21 Aug, Sun 22 Aug 2010 Time: 2-5 PM (Sat), 10 AM-4 PM (Sun)
Place: CAEC, Highland Road
To enquire or sign up, contact: Sybil 91061990 nfpsin@hotmail.com or use the online form. For more info about Natural Family Planning, visit http://www.catholic.org.sg/nfp
