Rev Dr George Seow has been one of SANA’s most committed and passionate volunteers since December 2005. He actively visits the inmates to provide spiritual support and guidance, along with conducting bible study classes for them. Rev George believes that people deserve second chances in life and together with his group of volunteers, has been working tirelessly to this end.

Since taking on the role of Chairman for the SANA Christian Religious Group of Volunteers (RGV) in 2014, Rev George has been performing his duties with utmost dedication and commitment, and providing leadership and guidance to the RGV – especially for its new volunteers. Rev George is an amiable individual who enjoys good relations with his fellow volunteers and SANA staff, and serves as an exemplary role-model to them.

In 2017, he received the NCADA Merit award for his significant contributions towards the anti-drug cause.

1. What prompted you and kept you inspired to actively contribute to the anti-drug cause?
   

   I was doing my Bachelor of Theology degree at the Singapore Bible College and had to write a research paper. During the late 70s, there was an increasing drug problem in Singapore, so I chose this topic for my research. Little did I know that I would get involved in this type of work. After my graduation, I was involved in the Teen Challenge work in Singapore where I served as a committee member, treasurer and secretary on the Board. I was involved with Christian Counseling Service (CCS) SANA from 2002, and worked with prisoners with drug problems at Selarang Barracks until the independence of CCS. I stayed behind to be with SANA-RGV until now. I became involved with Drug Abuse Prevention Committee under Hj Elendros bin Hj Osman of Tampines West CC. I used to accompany Mr Masagos on his visits to flats, and passed out anti-drug literature. I was involved with in care and after care of the drug abusers. 

2. What has been your greatest satisfaction throughout your years of contribution to the anti-drug cause?
   

   I found satisfaction in helping people to get back on track, where they can be useful members of society. In doing so, the streets of Singapore would be safer for us and our future generations. I was doing my part to have a better Singapore.

3. Any particular story you’d like to share with us?
   

   I had just finished preaching in the housing unit when one of the inmates came to me and said, “Thank you, Pastor.” In all my dealings with prisoners committing various crimes, none of them have come to personally thank me, and neither do I expect it. So I asked him why he thanked me. In my preaching, I told the inmates that sometimes God used hard circumstances to bring us to God. He revealed that it was during the chapel service that he found God and God was real to him. He told me in a few days’ time he would be released and he had no desire to come into prison again. I wished him well.

4. Do you have any advice for individuals who are faced with the temptations of abusing drugs?
   In reflecting why people become addicts, I found out that we all are addicts, one way or another. For instance, we are food addicts, football addicts, fishing addicts, etc. Why do we do it? It gives us pleasure to relax our mind, de-stress our body and diversion from our daily routine. This is a form of escapism from pains of life. Sometimes, the pain is so unbearable, so people take illegal drugs to go high. Boredom also causes people to experiment with new thrills of life. So when faced with temptations to take drugs, try legal alternatives instead. The best way is to go and find someone in need that is greater than yours and try to help that person. It is in helping others you help yourself.
5. Any final comments on the anti-drug cause?
   

   To stay out of trouble, beware who your friends are. Always be in good company. This advice is for parents also so that they can guide their children in the right path.