Mensconference2 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.