~May Your Light Shine :D~

Monday, October 24, 2005

As I read today's issue of Today, I was greatly heartened to know that City Harvest church has started a school for dropouts to have a second chance.

Now when you read the above sentence, which point catches your attention - City Harvest or a school for dropouts?

I know many have their own view with regards to City Harvest, even I myself do not totally agree with all their practices, however I am very encouraged that they took the step forward to help school dropouts. Many join street corner gangs as they do not get the attention they need at home or at school, due to the increase in number of dual income families. Even though there may be a number who wish to get back to school after a period of rebellion, there used to be no such option for them. Thus with this school, we are not only preventing teenagers from joining gangs, we are also giving these teenagers a chance to break free of the vicious poverty cycle. Majority of the families in the low income bracket are those whose breadwinners have little education. Although one need not obtain a degree to become a successful businessman, an education does go a long way. And let's face it, Singapore is a place where a piece paper weighs a lot.

I am currently attending a conservative church whose preachers sometimes directly or indirectly hit at mega churches such as City Harvest. There are times I feel that it is just sour grapes because their membership is only a fraction of the mega churches and their members seem less fervent. Having been to various churches of different denominations, I have learnt to respect all of them. Actually, all Christians are the same, regardless of whether you are an Anglican, Methodist, Baptist or Lutheran, so long as you have Christ in your heart. There is no one true denomination or a perfect church, although I believe some churches like to believe they are.

It is indeed extremely sad that we have allowed the devil to split us up when we ought to rally together against him. Perhaps it will take a catastrophe to bind all Christians together, like how the earthquake has separated the ground but glued 2 enemies, India and Pakistan together. However, why should we wait for disaster to strike? Why can't we take the steps to break down those man-made theological issues that separate us and be bound by Christ's love through His that was shed for us all?

Lydea blogged at 10:02 PM

May your light shine...
in the darkness...