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Transcript
08•2014
沟通讯息 促进了解 分享见证
会 长 的 话
张振忠牧师华人年议会会长
■02邦国兴盛之道
■03接待,门徒的标志
■04非一般物语 云中天
■05喜乐受教 寻找海阔天空的领域
■06曲终幕落往拓新疆界
■07 i世代的英雄联盟
■08塑造、建立、装备
■10原来有这么多美好 的回忆!
■12上帝的信实传与万代
■13从向建国一代致敬 谈向建堂一代致敬
■14专题 打开生命的 另一扇窗口
■16与上帝修和, 与人修睦
■17上帝的椅子
■18年会◆堂会消息
新加坡卫理公会华人年议会Chinese Annual ConferenceThe Methodist Church in Singapore
Arise, O LORD ! (Psalm 9:19) Speaker : Revd. Dr. Wee Boon Hup
Date : Thursday,14 August 2014
Time : 7.45pm
Venue : St. Andrew’s Cathedral Cathedral New Sanctuary 11 St. Andrew’s Road Singapore 178959
Bishop of the Methodist Churchin Singapore
President of the National Councilof Churches of Singapore
Righteousness Exalts a Nation
8月14日 | 星期四
8月12-15日 | 星期二-五Donations of $30 and $50 will entitle you to oneticket while stock last.
8月7日 | 星期四
8月30日 | 星期六
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08/2014 •
Hymns and Songs
Graham Kendrick, a prolific British Christian singer-songwriter and worship leader, has been described
as a “father of modern worship music.” Born on 2 August 1950 at Blisworth, Northamptonshire, Kendrick is the son of a Baptist pastor. He began his songwriting career in the late sixties and is best known for writing the words and music for the songs, “Shine, Jesus, Shine” (1987) and “The Servant King”(1983). In this article, I would like to introduce his lesser known song, “Meekness and Majesty.”
Kendrick’s songs are rich in both poetic devices and doctrinal truth. Throughout the song “Meekness and Majesty,” Kendrick uses the poetic device of paradox to explain the apparent contradictions of Christ’s nature as both meek and majestic, human (“manhood”) and divine (“Deity”). The first stanza describes poignantly how the “Man who is God” and “Lord of eternity” not only humbles Himself to become human, but even to the point of washing our feet!
The incarnation of Christ, where the divine (Son of God) became human, is truly a “mystery” beyond our human understanding and comprehension. The chorus that’s repeated after each stanza ends with a climatic call to bow down and worship our God. Indeed, what response can we mortals have but to respond in awe and bow down to worship such a God!
Meekness & MajestyMary Y. T. Gan
MSM Consultant/Retired Founding Principal
The radiant, perfect, obedient and innocent Son of God suffered and died on the cross in order to give us life. His love was incomprehensible. It was magnified when he prayed “Father forgive” while being crucified on the cross. Oh, what mystery and unfathomable love of God!
The “Lord of infinity”, the” invisible” God whose “wisdom” is “unsearchable” and whose “love indestructible” appears not as a King but as a suffering servant. He stoops so low and “tenderly” in order to lift our humanity to the highest level possible in heaven. “O what a mystery, meekness and majesty! Bow down and worship for this is our God!”
In summary, this song teaches in beautiful poetic form the mystery and wonder of the doctrines of Christology and Incarnation. The rhymes and simple English make the words easily remembered and accessible to both adult and children. The melody is appealing and easy to sing. The children in my children’s choir loved this song. Those not familiar with the tune can access it on the Internet by searching for “Meekness and Majesty” on YouTube.■
Endnotes 1.“About Graham Kendrick: Graham Kendrick Biography,” accessed on May 4, 2014. http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/about/graham-kendrick-biography
2. “Graham Kendrick,” HYMNARY.ORG, accessed on May 4, 2014. http://www.hymnary.org/person/Kendrick_G
Songs Meekness and majesty
Manhood and DeityIn perfect harmony
The Man who is GodLord of eternity
Dwells in humanityKneels in humility
And washes our feet
ChorusO what a mystery
Meekness and majestyBow down and worship
For this is your GodThis is your God
Father's pure radiancePerfect in innocenceYet learns obedienceTo death on a cross
Suffering to give us lifeConquering through sacrifice
And as they crucifyPrays: 'Father forgive.'
Wisdom unsearchableGod the invisible
Love indestructibleIn frailty appearsLord of infinity
Stooping so tenderlyLifts our humanity
To the heights of His throne
by Graham Kendrick (1986)
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The word “mentoring” is not uncommon in our society. One day I saw a promotion banner advertised
by a tuition center about its effective “mentoring” system for students’ character building. Actually what is “mentoring” about? Is it a program or hierarchy purposely designed for young people?
Elijah, a great prophet in the Old testimony was a successful mentor for his successor, Elisha. We don’t know how long they were together. However when Elisha declared to the mentor three times that, “As sure as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you”, we can tell how important this spiritual father was in this young man’s heart.
No doubt, we all want to see our younger generation have a devoted hearts like Elisha. We hope they can follow our steps and pass on the faith. On the other hand, we exclaimed that there is a lack of youth workers or caring mentors for these young people. We find that is hard to communicate with our
What can Ido for you?
Veron Yu Chi YingPaya Lebar CMC
knowledgeable youth. We try to organize more events and disciples classes for them. We hope that they can engage in church activities and say no to secular values and temptations.
The great prophet, Elijah, offered to his mentee a last “service” before he was taken to heaven by the Lord. The mentor did not instruct his student what to do; instead he asked what he, the mentee, could do for him: “Tell me what can I do for you?” (2 Kings 2:9a) Do we really know what our youth want?
You may be surprised that they may just want a hug, a listening ear, or a sentence saying, “I understand”. What a tough life they are facing nowadays with tuition throughout the whole week, CCA training fully occupying school holidays, internships and exchange programmes overseas! Can the church be their home to release their burdens; a place to have spiritual friends and parents to talk with, to pray for them, to cry with them and have fun with them?
Sharing
You may be surprised that they may just want a hug, a listening ear, or a sentence saying, “I understand”
In June, Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Mission organized a three days two nights camp for the young people. The purpose of this camp was not to tell them what they should do or should not do. Rather it was to show them how much their parents, spiritual mentors, bible teachers, church leaders and pastors care about them and treasure them. The invited adults rushed from their work to join the dinner fellowship, worship the Lord and hear the Word together with the young people. We washed feet and received blessings from the prayers of parents, lay leaders and pastors.
What is youth ministry about? It is about the caring of the parents, the blessing of the church leaders, the support of the bible teachers, the humility of the mentors, the prayer of the ministry leaders, and the heart for our Father’s Kingdom!
Shall we move out one step and ask “ what can I do for you? ”■
Feet washing between spiritual father and son. With the blessing from leaders behind.
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08/2014 •
Bernard Chng Chun YongTelok Ayer CMC
Sharing
I was raised in a Christian family and going to church on Sundays was a memorable family affair. As a child,
Christian songs, fun games and the non-threatening Bible lessons were enjoyable to me while the occasional food and celebrations made church-going attractive. Despite all this exposure to church, I only turned to God when I was 15, during a Sunday School camp. God spoke through the camp speaker and I recognized my personal need for Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It dawned on me how sinful I was and how far I had fallen from God’s standard. God impressed on me the truth that regular attendance in church and being born into a Christian family cannot earn my right standing before God. So I confessed my need for Jesus. After that camp, I began to take more interest in Bible study, found Sunday school sing-along sessions worshipful and started participating in MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) programs. In MYF I took small steps to serve God among His people.
Besides church, my family had a significant impact on my growth as a Christian. My mother, being a woman of faith, regularly exhorted me to have faith in God as if it was a given family trait. Speaking in Hokkien “信心”, her words of encouragement rang in my ears especially during trying times. My father also influenced my faith in Jesus. At the start of my career and whenever I was traveling overseas, Pa would assure me that God will take care of me and that he will be praying for me. On one occasion, I came home and saw him on his knees by his bedside praying. This scene moved me to tears. Together with my 3 older sisters who served actively in church, my parents were a blessing in preparing me to respond in faith to His call.
When I was 17 years old, God used a youth camp sermon to prompt my heart to respond to His grace more wholeheartedly. Even though I was still in my first year of junior college, I felt a strong
desire to serve Him in full-time ministry. Initially I was so fired up after that camp that I went to my parents and told them I wanted to serve God. They counselled me to focus on my studies and become a better instrument for God. It felt like a letdown at that time, but on hindsight, I can trace God’s hand at work in my life, keeping me accountable in my response to His gracious call. God honored my desire to honor both Him and my parents with 4 years of university education in Engineering which stretched both my intellect and faith. He then provided my first job in a shipyard which equipped me with organizational and relational skills. My compassion for people grew as I worked with foreign manual workers. In my next job, God gave me opportunities for multi-cultural interactions and taking on heavier responsibilities. In all aspects of my life I can trace God’s guidance and leadership. My wife is the most evident God-sent gift. The timing of our courtship, our like-mindedness and her spiritual growth during her 2 years of
AnsweringGod’s Call
Having tasted how good God is when He calls, I want to journey with Him in the years ahead in full confidence that He will complete the work He has begun in my family and me.
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Sharing
theological education in Singapore Bible College have increased my passion for Jesus.
After 7 years of working, God led me to commit myself further for His cause. During a Youth Revival meeting titled “By Hook or By Crook” organized by my home church Telok Ayer CMC, Bishop Solomon spoke on the topic of God’s call and Christian vocation. Through Jesus’ 3 calls to Simon Peter, I was struck by God’s gracious invitations from part time to full time discipleship and then to full time service. God stirred in my heart the desire to experience greater intimacy with Him and give more of myself for His cause in His church. At the end of the message, I responded to the altar call with my wife.
I went on to discern whether this call is to Christian Education, Missions or Pastoral Ministry while I served in various capacities in my home church. Thanks to opportunities provided by the church leadership, I discovered much fulfilment in preaching as part of the local preacher program and teaching in Church School. Experiencing the power of God’s Word and learning to respond in obedience have resulted in much joy. Furthermore, working with and mentoring youths has been a great privilege, allowing me to see God’s grace and goodness through the lives that He has transformed. By experiencing community and the joys of laboring together with others for God in church, I have grown in my desire to love and build up God’s people.
This year, we decided as a family to respond to God’s call for me by pursuing theological studies to be equipped for full-time ministry. Since then, God has led us to take small steps of faith. From seminary and scholarship applications to my resignation, we have learnt to rely on God more and experienced His timely guidance and provision for our specific needs.
As I prepare for a season of adventure with God, I look forward with joy to being transformed by Him during
my seminary training. God is so gracious to provide my family with dedicated time to study His Word and experience His sanctifying work in our lives. It is a privilege to set aside work for a season to focus on deepening my relationship with God while being equipped for ministry. I hope through this training to gain greater exposure to the broader context of God’s Church and His Kingdom work especially in the area of Family Ministry.
While there is still uncertainty about what the future holds, I am reminded of Abraham’s example when God called him to do His will. Abraham’s immediate and complete response to God’s call was without any record of complaint.
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you…. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set
out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there (Genesis 12:1-5 ).
The Bible goes on to record God’s blessings on Abraham and his family, showing how trustworthy and faithful He is. Having tasted how good God is when He calls, I want to journey with Him in the years ahead in full confidence that He will complete the work He has begun in my family and me. Abraham’s faith in God remains an exemplary encouragement to all Christians today; in the vocation God has called each of us to, be it marketplace career or home ministry or church work, let us respond with obedience and trust because He has brought us into His Kingdom and given us Jesus Christ in whom we have redemption and forgiveness of sins. Amen!■
Family of Bernard Chng
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08/2014 •
Conference Focus
On 28 June, a team of 20 Singaporeans led by Rev Samuel Lee and I left Singapore for
Taiwan to attend the World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches (WFCMC) 7th Young Leaders Conference. This is the second Young Leaders Conference that I have attended. I did go with a little apprehension as my Mandarin is not really good (but improving). The first conference I attended was a total blur for me as I could not understand most of what was going on. In fact, I could not even read the program timetable and required someone to translate it for me!
However, upon reaching Taiwan, I managed to immerse myself totally in a Mandarin-speaking environment. The sermons, praise and worship sessions, devotions and interactions with my group members came alive. Praise God for such a rewarding time and His graciousness towards me.
I was even more thankful to see more than 500 young people come together to study God’s word, fellowship with one another, worship God with a great fervour and minister to one another with His love. Every worship session was led by the young people from different nations and each session was so charged with the presence of God.
The most daunting thing for me is when all the Singaporeans are split into small groups. Since there are more than 20 groups, there is no chance that any Singaporean would be in the same
group. It would mean that I am by myself with a group of fluent Mandarin-speaking young people. But God was
gracious and my group was the only one with 2 Singaporeans in it. Bryan from Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church ended up in the same group as me!
But God was even more gracious than I could imagine. He brought to me a bunch of God-loving, energetic and joyful young people from Hong Kong, West Malaysia, East Malaysia, Taiwan and Myanmar. Though we were strangers coming together, the four days spent with one another forged bonds that are even still on-going till today.
In this group, I discovered the scared quality of friendship. Friendship was no
longer just knowing someone better or the occasional “Hi and bye”. Neither was friendship just an “add friend” or a “like”
button. What has joined us together in a short 4 days was our love for God and a growing love for one another. This was evidenced by the fact that we were willing to wait for one another, to listen to one another, to encourage one another and even at times to admonish one another. The small group time for discussion, prayer and playing games became moments of giving and receiving the love of God into our lives.
One of the experiences that really touched me was when we were sent out into Lao Jie (老街) to share the gospel. We were all given a copy of the Four Spiritual Laws in Traditional Mandarin. I
Different Lands, Same Family
It's small group discussion time!
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Rev Jasper SimDirector, Conference Youth Ministry
Different Lands, Same Family
Conference Focus
could see that not everyone in our group was ready to share. There were some fears but as we progressed on, everyone worked in pairs so that we could all have an opportunity to share with someone. The people in Taiwan are generally more religious tolerant. So most people will stop and listen even if they do not agree with what you say. They are also willing to accept prayers as well. I had the opportunity to share with a young boy and his friend. While he did not pray to receive Christ, I prayed for him and that he might know Jesus one day as his Saviour and Lord.
While we were finishing up our ministry at Lao Jie, one of our group members, May (from West Malaysia) wanted to share with a group of men who were smoking and drinking at one corner.
She grabbed the remaining copies of the Four Spiritual Laws and walked over. All the warning bells went off in my head. I immediately got the group to quickly back her up. But it was unnecessary. Her enthusiasm to share the gospel got these grown man listening intently to her for the next fifteen minutes. I even had the opportunity to pray for them, out in the open street.
On the final night revival session, the young people were challenged with a call towards full-time ministry. I saw many hands go up. I believe that these young people will be the first fruits offered to the glory of God - becoming pastors, ministry staff, and missionaries that impacting the region and the world for Christ. In my small group, we prayed for one another and shared how this
conference had impacted us. One thing was common in our sharing - we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ.
At the closing ceremony, I was tasked by Rev Chong, our President to receive the WFCMC banner. This handover was to signify that the 7th Conference had come to an end and the 8th Conference was to be hosted by us - the Singaporean youths in 2016. As I held up the banner, I felt the weight of the expectations of all the young people, their eagerness to fellowship with one another, to be blessed and be a blessing. It was at that moment God spoke to me - “Go, fear not!” My group members encouraged me and told me how much they looked forward to meeting once again in Singapore. Yes, I look forward to meeting them in Singapore and it is my prayer that God holds us as we hold firm in our faith and trust God for each day.
Fellow brothers and sisters, get ready for 2016 - it will be a year of IMPACT for our young people, not only here in Singapore but in this region.■
Interceding for one another
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08/2014 •
Pastoral Sharing
Rev George Martzen UMC Missionary
Do you think Singapore is a hospitable place? Surely, 15 million tourists can’t be wrong. According
to the Singapore Hotel Association, 15,466,000 international visitors came to Singapore in 2013. Singapore not only attracts tourists, but also business conventioneers and medical tourism to enjoy the local warmth.
But what really is hospitality? Can we simply say that it is the generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests? Rather than being limited to hotels and restaurants, anyone can offer hospitality, depending on how gracious and kind they are. In fact, if these qualities contribute to hospitality, then the nation is improving on the hospitality front. The Singapore Kindness Movement, established a Graciousness Index, and this year Singaporeans rated 55, two points higher than last year.
The Bible has much to say about hospitality. Jesus assumed the hospitality of village householders when he sent the disciples out to minister. “And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart” (Matthew 10:11). Besides offering shelter, Christian hospitality includes fellowship and sharing in the ministry of the guests. Like those disciples, the apostle Paul depended on Christian hospitality as he traveled throughout
the Mediterranean region. His letters showed how he maintained a network with worthy households. He exhorted the Romans to “show hospitality” (Romans 12:13). In Hebrews 13:2 we read that we are “to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2). The Greek term philoxenia literally means, love of strangers. When three strangers visited Abraham and Sarah by the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18), the couple expressed that love of strangers by preparing dinner before they realized that they were entertaining heavenly guests.
But more than just bed and breakfast, hospitality is a quality of Christian faith and practice. Christ, the supreme stranger, comes to us seeking shelter. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20). He is the guest who also becomes the host. When we open the door to Christ, he leads us into the welcoming presence of the Godhead. The same pattern holds for Christian
discipleship. When we encounter those in need, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned, we should welcome them as Christ. “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). It is often true that the one ministering is enriched spiritually just as the needy person receives care.
The early church recognized hospitality as a spiritual disposition or virtue that needs to be nurtured through practice. John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople, preached that if you have a “hospitable disposition” then you have all the wealth of hospitality even if you are poor. But those who have not developed this quality will find the stranger intolerable, no matter how much money they have.
Have we become less tolerant of strangers as we have grown more prosperous? The reformer John Calvin, observing the growing number of inns that provide accommodations for travelers in 16th century Europe, lamented the decline of hospitality among the general populace. Of course, we can’t blame the hospitality industry if we have forgotten how to practice
Practicing Faith in Cultural Context
Hospitality
Real hospitality does not require a lot of money, but rather a heart that is open and obedient to the God who has already welcomed us.
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Pastoral Sharing
Christian virtues. I have been in some worship services where Jesus of Nazareth would have been kicked out for not dressing properly. However, as a missionary, I am also grateful for the many Christian households that continue the practice and ministry of hospitality.
So how can we practice hospitality in Singapore? The problem of time and space comes up immediately. We’re too busy, and our home is too small and crowded to host other people. But before you worry about making room in your house, consider that hospitality is first about making room in your heart. In fact, with a receptive heart, you can make room for others wherever you are. The heart that is open to people must also be open to God.
Meeting God in worship is a foundational for Christian hospitality. Just as Abraham and Sarah began as hosts for the three strangers, they eventually
discovered how the Lord Almighty had become the real host, making promises and granting blessings. In worship we offer hospitality to the divine host who comes to us first as a stranger in the desert. But then the tables are turned and we learn from the hospitality of God. It is Christ who invites all who are weary and heavy laden to come to his table. Then together with other worshippers we begin to practice welcoming one another. “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).
With receptive hearts, there are many opportunities for hospitality. It can begin with those we know. In fact, each stage of our lives offers opportunities for hospitality. Making new friends, starting a new job, getting married, moving into a new home, starting a family, and welcoming grandchildren are natural times to practice a welcoming heart.
We can practice hospitality by sharing stories and table fellowship with friends, family and co-workers. Story-telling used to be a common activity. But are we now more familiar with the stories of TV shows and videos than the stories of our friends and family members? Set aside time without those fictional narratives to welcome each other’s stories. If you work in an office, sharing conversation around meal time is a great way to practice hospitality.
We can also develop hospitable relationships with strangers, with the help of the church and agencies such as the Methodist Welfare Services. Become a befriender at one of the nursing homes or with someone in need and see how much you can be blessed.
Real hospitality does not require a lot of money, but rather a heart that is open and obedient to the God who has already welcomed us.■
SHA UPDATE, Oct – Dec 2013, p17 http://sha.org.sg/userfiles/member/SHA_Update_Oct-Dec_2013.pdf, accessed 7 July 2014. “Graciousness: Improvements seen, but can they be sustained?” Singapore Kindness Movement. http://kindness.sg/blog/2014/07/09/graciousness-improvements-seen-but-can-they-be-sustained/#.U75KxkBadXc, accessed 10 July 2014.
CHANGI METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH ADMIN ASSISTANT
Job Responsibilities:• Provide administrative support to pastors, church leaders and members • Assist with coordination of church events • Prepare worship bulletins and duty rosters • Account for and bank in offering collections • Prepare payment vouchers and cheques • Reimburse petty cash claims • Coordinate meetings • Upkeep accounting entries spreadsheet • Handle incoming and outgoing mails
Pre-requisites :• Able to converse with English and Chinese speaking church members • Proficient in MS Office especially MS Excel • Must be able to work on Sundays If interested, please email resume to: [email protected]
TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH 34 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555940
We invite suitable candidates to join us for the following positions: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (BILINGUAL)
Responsibilities:• Provide administrative support to church ministrie especially the Mandarin Service. • Assist in the co-ordination of the church activities/events • Prepares the weekly & special events bulletins for Mandarin Service • Update & maintain the membership data system for the Mandarin Service • General office duties
Job Requirements:• Bilingual (English & Chinese), both Spoken & Written is a MUST • Ability to do translation work (English & Chinese) is essential • Proficient in MS Office applications (especially MS Publisher) • Good organizational skill and ability to multi-task • Proactive, possesses good interpersonal skills & a motivated team player • MUST be able to work on Saturdays & Sundays Interested applicants please email detailed resume with recent photograph, indicating current & expected salaries to:-
The Administrator: [email protected] (Only shortlisted applicants will be notified)
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08/2014 •
President's Message
Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung08•2014
FamilyA Blessing That Requires Careful Management
The human race, of all God’s works, has the organization of the family most established, which makes human beings differ profoundly from the
rest of creation. Without it one may wonder if mankind would be able to rule the earth and all living things.
God gave man authority over the earth but first the latter would need to be fruitful and increase in number: “a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh.” (Gen 2: 24) With this, God established marriage and the family as well as the code for selection of mate and procreation for mankind. Propagation of the human race and society has since been based on this code, and genetics and pathological studies have shown that homo sapiens’ ways of finding a mate and reproduction differ very much from other animals. It can be said that human civilization and its continued progress is still based on this law given by its Creator God.
In recent weeks our nation’s traditional nuclear family ideal was being challenged when some segments of the public protested against NLB’s decision to dispose of three children’s titles on complaints that these were not “pro-family”. They claimed to be speaking up for freedom and rights of individuals to avail themselves of knowledge, which should have no boundaries. In effect such views undermine the traditional family ideal of our society. As a parent and a citizen of this country, I have reasons for concern.
First, our children are our future. Not only are they to be leaders in our nation’s future growth and development, they are also responsible for safeguarding the established social norms and values that the population generally acknowledge to be sound and resilient. Our children need a responsible social environment that nurtures and supports their different stages of development in appropriate ways, just like what parents do to their offspring. In the early years when their children’s immune system is not mature, and their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual domains are still developing parents will make extra effort in providing age-appropriate care and protection. This is to ensure that the young will not contract serious illnesses and diseases that will impair their future development. Hence the persistent, strident and sometimes rancorous questioning in recent days of the “ideal of heterosexual, monogamous, married couples who have children in a
To Communicate ◆ To Understand ◆ To Witness
nuclear family” gives cause for concern. The emphasis that parents can be of the same sex and there is no need for differentiation in the given biological roles of husband and wife represent contradictory values that can have a negative effect on our young. We, as parents, will need to be vigilant in defending our traditional family values and protecting our children from the insidious influences of those who question these values.
Next, there is a need to strengthen our national social security network. The National Ideology, which the government established in 1988, emphasizes community over self and upholds the family as the basic building block of society, besides other core shared values. It underscores the critical importance of nuclear families as essential components of society. However, in today’s rapidly advancing society some families are finding themselves at risk of being left behind because they are not able to keep pace with the economic and societal changes. Charitable and voluntary organizations have increased the manpower and resources needed to provide social support for these disadvantaged families. It is recognition of the need for our society to have a continued emphasis on the intact nuclear family ideal. Without it, social cohesion will be weakened and social problems will increase, and all this will be further aggravated if parental roles are confused and gender relationships are muddled.
As a pastor I urge the church to re-evaluate the content of our discipleship and nurture teachings. How much emphasis do we accord the believers’ roles as parents in child upbringing? How much importance does the church attach to our children ministry? We have them in church for only several hours a week and if they are totally dependent on the church for discipleship and nurture, and if this is all the time they have for Bible study and learning the truth, it is grossly inadequate. They will not be sufficiently equipped to face the complex social environment in which they spend most of their time. I would like to urge all my fellow pastors, co-workers, and church leaders to be deeply concerned about upholding the traditional values of family and marriage taught in the Bible before it is too late.
In brief, the Bible has given a clear definition of “family”. It comprises the father (male), mother (female), and their children, notwithstanding subsequent developments and changes within the family that may alter this structure.■
新加坡卫理公会华人年议会Chinese Annual ConferenceThe Methodist Church in Singapore
News
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Rev Erick Tan Eng GheeRev Boey Kok YeowRev Chan Kok Chuon