Monthly Archive

On Singapore’s National Day, Hope Church held its annual Men’s Conference at SAFRA Yishun Country Club.  With hundreds of brothers registered from the different congregations of the church, the Conference had several teambuilding activities meant to cultivate fellowship among us Christians, young and old alike.  I was fortunate to be placed in a team mostly composed of Singaporeans from the youth and tertiary groups. 

What made the entire experience meaningful for me was not the physically challenging activities such as wallclimbing (though admittedly and without bragging, they were rather easy for me), but the friendly interactions with younger Christians.  I was in particular amazed at Sherwen, a 14 year old boy, whose face radiated hope everytime he proudly spoke of God’s "amazing grace" upon his life.  This became more inspiring when I realized that he was only a year old as a believer and the only one in his entire family.  He recounted how he owed his transformation to a friend, the only one whom he trusted so much, who introduced Christ to him.  In his words, nothing was and is accidental. 

In our brief encounter, he managed to ask innumerable questions from my background as Christian to having romantic relationships.  Each time, I gave what I thought was an insightful answer.  Little did he know that it was I who was learning alot from him. 

His fiery faith reflects the captivated heart that only the innocent at heart can generate.  At the back of my mind during our conversations, I couldn’t help but reassess my current stand as a Christian.  Have I lost such innocence with the struggles of my everyday life?  Such a question came in time with the distractions that somewhat cause my walk with Christ to be a step or two behind.

At the end of the programme, Pastor Jeff led us to pray for one another.  As I prayed for Sherwen, God spoke that indeed, my encouter with this boy was not accidental.  God led him to realize that he was called by his name.  I prayed that he would grow up loving and living for God.  As I was encouraging him in prayer, I too was being uplifted.   

I wish to see my life seeing more men within my reach rising up in faith and love for God - with the innocence of a childlike heart.  I hope to begin with myself.

I was tuned in to internet radio when one of Christian Contemporary group Avalon’s songs played.  Having been captivated by Avalon even before, I searched on Youtube other available songs by the group and chanced upon "You Were There" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF7TDgDfOyA).  The images and the lyrics caused me teary-eyed at the end of the video. 

I wonder how it must have felt
When David stood to face Goliath on a hill
I imagine that he shook with all his might
Until You took his hand, and held on tight

‘Cause You were there, You were there
In the midst of danger’s snare
You were there, You were there always
You were there when the hardest fight
Seemed so out of reach
Oh, You were there, You were always there
You were always there

So there he stood upon that hill
Abraham with knife in hand was poised to kill
But God in all his sovereignty had bigger plans
And just in time, You brought a lamb

‘Cause You were there,
You were there
In the midst of the unclear
You were there, you were there always
You were there when obedience
Seemed to not make sense
You were there, You were always there
You were always there

So haven’t I learned that my ways
Aren’t as high as Yours are
And You alone keep the universe
From crumbling into dust
You are God and though we would
Not have understood You
There You were

Hanging blameless on a cross
You would rather die than leave us in the dark
Every moment, every planned coincidence
Just all makes sense
With Your last breath

You were there, You were there
During history’s darkest hour
You were there, You were there always
You were the Victor and the King
You were the power in David’s swing
You were the calm in Abraham
You are the God who understands
You are the strength when we have none
You are the living, Holy one
You were, You are and You will always be
the Risen Lamb of God

You were, You are and You will always be
The Risen Lamb of God

While I’ve been trying to veer away from the distractions brought about by certain turn of events in my life as Christian leader, I admit that I am still in the valley.  It may not necessarily be obvious to other people because of my outgoing personality, deep inside I am discouraged.  However, it is during these days that God’s overwhelming presence becomes more compelling and trustworthy.  In a private moment with God recently, I felt Him hold my heart in His big yet tender hands.  Indeed, in the days that went by, God held my chin up.  He was never away.  If an uncontainable love brought the creator of this universe to die a tragic death, how can you and I not be so important?  This song fully encapsulates such realization.

Despite my weakness, I desire to serve my God.  But not out of sheer willpower which my own emotionality undeniably fails to sustain.  I long to press on because of His overpowering love that causes me to love people - strangers and otherwise.   That they may know that there is this God who has always been there for them.