Thursday, September 13, 2007

Vision of Rev. Kong Hee for CHC

CHC is a result of God's Word to Rev Kong Hee in 1984, "raise up for me a new generation of believers that will take Asia by storm." Since the inception of CHC in 1989, this has been our motivation, to raise up Christians all over Asia that will be totally committed to the cause of Christ, yet living a fulfilling life that the world would envy.

Overall the years serving in CHC, and deepening in my personal walk with God, this vision is burning even stronger in my heart. From a youth to a married man with 3 boys, I'm passionate to see Christians rising up to a new level in life, to be salt and light to the whole world.

I'm provoke when I see Christians living way below the calling of God. I'm grieved when I see believers succumb to the lies of the Devil and lived a half-hearted Christian life. I'm sadden when I see believers merely getting by in life, living within the limitation of the system of this world. I'm tired of a Christianity that only have the form of godliness, but deny the power of Christ in them.

I see a new generation rising, both adults and youths, male and fire. Like Samson's foxes who are set on fire; like David's army that holds their position and keep in ranks; like Joshua's army that break down insurmountable fortress - the Church of Jesus Christ will rise in her full glory of the Lord, piercing every darkness and establishing the will of God.

Watch our devil, watch out world, cos' the Church is rising ....

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

About City Harvest Church (CHC)

City Harvest Church, or commonly known as CHC is an independent, Charismatic church in Singapore. Currently, we have an average attendance of more than 23,000 on a regular service. I must say that there are many positive comments on CHC, but at the same time, we also have a number of critics that are constantly "flaming" the church in one way or another.

There is a chinese saying, "when a tree grows big, it will 'attract' the winds ..." So there are many accusations that CHC is worldly, or preached a diluted Gospel, or we are materialistic ... etc. To be honest, I used to wonder why these critics never see many wonderful things that God is doing through His church by His grace and power. I would think that Singapore has become a better place because of the presence of God's church. [Now I'm hardly bother by the negative comments, cos' I take it as a sign we are still on the right track all these years. Moreover, usually the envious are the ones who complained.]

I always like to remind myself that CHC is a miracle of God. Who would have imagine a group of youths, led by "Bro Kong Hee" 18 years ago, could have cause an impact all throughout Asia today? We started with no money, no influence, no resoures, and not even the skills to run the church. All that we had is a heart that is burning for Jesus, as simple as that! That's why I say it is a miracle!

I like what Paul says in: 1 Cor 1:27-29
"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence."

18 years ago, CHC (or even Rev. Kong Hee) are what we called the "foolish things", the "weak things", the "base things" and "things which are despised." The suitation and many people around did not give even half-a-chance for us to succeed. Many prophesied that we will close shop in 6 months ... etc.

But I like my God, He favors the weak to make them strong, He exalts the humbled to shame the proud, He used the foolish things to confoound the wise, because it is about His GLORY!

All these years in CHC, I can boldly say one fact, we are here, or I am still here, because it is all about JESUS, HIS GLORY and HIS KINGDOM. If CHC will ever be self-exalting, that will be the end, because no flesh can glory in His presence. However, if we grow from strength to strength and glory to glory, then we can conclude that God is still working in us and through us.

Thank God for His Amazing Grace!

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

About Rev. Kong Hee

Most Singaporean would have hear of the name Kong Hee, the senior pastor of City Harvest Church. Sometimes, we hear negative news about him and his name "Kong Hee" is very much discussed in some blogs or forum.

It is quite amusing sometimes for me to read this negative comments on Rev. Kong Hee. Because most of these people who have negative comments are people who have no idea who Kong Hee is, and some even mixed him up with the senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, Rev. Lawrence Khong. It is just like the story of 3 blind men who had never see and an elephant before. When an elephant was brought before them, each of them have an opinion on how the elephant looked like, and each of the blind man are very certain about their judgement.

I cannot say that I know Rev. Kong Hee inside out (only God knows that). However, based on the many years of being a member in CHC and on the number opportunities to interact with him, I would think that I would know him better than the generally public. Some critics would think that CHC members are all brainless or brain-washed by Rev. Kong Hee. This is a hilarious comment as Rev. Kong must be quite a good magician or illustionist to be able to deceive such a large congregation in CHC, not to mention many in CHC are top personnel in their respective fields or vocation.

So I hope this blog can serve as a contact point for anyone with queries about Rev. Kong Hee, so that you can hear from one of his members who has been around for the past many years. I cannot promise I can answer everything, but with a good spirit, I will try to clarify any doubt you may have.

Also in the days ahead, I would post some comments and reflection on what I had learned from this man who had profoundly impacted my life.

So today we begin this journey .... join me!

HARVESTER