My folks attended church on Sunday. I know they enjoyed the service thoroughly because I recognise the look of surrender and peace on them. And at the end of service, I gave my dad a big bear hug. It is the first time I have ever hug my dad. I know Jesus live in their hearts now. I am so thankful for that.
On Sunday I caught Toy Story 3. I don’t think an animation film has ever made me cry like that. I was so moved by the loyalty and courage Woody shown towards his friends. When I got home that night, I prayed to God that I want to be like Woody, who is so fearless in standing up for his friends. I bet you are laughing at how silly I am now.
But I have a perfect valid reason to be feeling this way. As you know, I am attending the most famous church in Singapore right now. City Harvest Church has been on the headlines for the past few weeks. It really hurts me to see the leaders whom I most loved and respected to be under the scrutiny of the media war. Let me give you a piece of my thought concerning this.
I am just one of the many (millions perhaps) that has been touched by the love of God and the acceptance of men. CHC is not just a physical church I go to every week to ease my conscience and to socialise; CHC is my pillar, my family and my life. Because of the ministry of Pastor Kong, I was given a second chance in life. I was a nobody, I was fat, I was depressed, and I wanted to die and waste my life away. I did badly for my studies and I indulged myself in unhealthy relationships. To me, there was no purpose and no redemption for my life.
And 10 years down the road, I am a changed woman. I am no longer that depressed girl. Sure I feel fat sometimes, but I am a happy person. I am married to a wonderful man and my parents are reconciled and saved. I enjoy my work and I have many wonderful friends who share the same faith with me. My conviction is, Pastor Kong and Sun has paid the price to give us these. They held onto their conviction and beliefs and build this great wonderful church.
Sure at times people in church still disappoint me, maybe the system ain’t perfect. But then again who and what is perfect on the face of the earth? Your boyfriend? Your dog? Your mobile phone? So the verdict is, none is perfect and we don’t expect anyone to be. We are all works in progress. Even though the church is imperfect, Jesus still loves His bride. This is the beauty of Christianity. We don’t always have to be perfect to love and to fight. We are wounded soldiers.
I have burned the bridges. There is no turning back. No matter what happens, I believe, I love, I trust and I forgive my Pastors. I am proud to be a member of City Harvest Church.
“Dear Lord, make me like Woody. I want to be loyal and courageous. I want to save my friends like how he does. Amen.”
June
No comments:
Post a Comment