Why I Joined Befrienders

Last October, I decided to sign up as a volunteer with the Befrienders Penang. As a believer in mental health and a psychology graduate, it is something that I have wanted to do a few years ago. Despite the COVID pandemic, the Befrienders continued running their recruitment drive in order to raise more volunteers. The opportunity arose and I quickly signed up. Most of us are stuck at home anyways and what better way to make good use of time.

Aaron Leong is an active member of GBC who serves in multiple ministries including praise & worship

The Befrienders is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide emotional support via telephone call. They are non-religious, non-judgemental and non-political in nature. Every call is handled with care and strict confidentiality. Callers can remain completely anonymous and need not to use their real names.

During the training phase, recruits were exposed and introduced to various subjects such as self-awareness, empathy, stress management, loneliness, mental illness and telephone skills. It is crucial for the recruit to complete every session in order to become a competent and skilled Befriender as one is dealing with human emotions and psychological well being.
All recruits will be assessed through various role-plays and apply everything that has been taught into action. Successful recruits will then go through a probation period before being confirmed as a Befriender.

‘Why is the world so full of fake and toxic people?’
A caller asked when dialed into the Befrienders suicide prevention hotline

Despite being a new Befriender, I had the opportunity of speaking and listening to the stories of various callers. Oftentimes, all the caller really wants is just someone to talk to and pour their hearts out to another person. While the Befrienders are commonly known as a suicide prevention hotline, many who call in are facing depression, loneliness, stress and anxiety. These struggles hit across all ethnicities and age groups, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens. Issues can range from relationship, work, personal inadequacy and financial issues :

‘Why is the world so full of fake and toxic people?’
’My husband doesn’t love me anymore. I think he wants a divorce. ’
‘I lost my job and I feel so useless. I don’t know what to do anymore.’

Volunteering for the Befrienders is certainly not for the faint-hearted. One has to have a huge amount of patience, empathy, understanding and a generous spirit in listening to the stories of the caller whilst also being mindful of our own emotions and biases. This is especially important when the Befriender is dealing with suicidal calls. The call can quickly become intense and heavy as the caller takes the Befriender on an emotional roller coaster ride. Sometimes, the suicidal caller can hang up halfway through and the Befriender will never know the outcome of the suicide attempt. This itself can be a daunting challenge even for the seasoned Befriender.

While the global pandemic continues to prolong, so are the sufferings and stressors of life for the vast majority of us. For some, death has gotten the upper hand of their life situation. Suicide cases have been on the rise and many are crying out of desperation. As the world is focused on physical health in combating COVID, mental health has also become a very real issue with a rising concern. How then should we respond as believers of Christ?

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13

In tough times like these, may we be reminded to be devoted to one another in love. Call up that estranged friend or family member, lend a listening ear to the downcast, be patient with the weak and show kindness to the poor. We have been blessed to bless others, no matter how big or small it may be. If you are in need of help, seek help! There is no shame in asking for help and assistance especially in your mental wellbeing.

As the saying goes, people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. One may be the most powerful, wealthy and successful individual but if no care has been shown, then nobody really cares about the former. In tough seasons like this, let’s learn to love one another by showing care and concern that is genuine and consistent, not just one or two times. May we love one another, just as Christ has first loved us.

For more information about Befrienders Penang, click here.

Watch Aaron Leong’s message on how to live a Victorious Christian Living.