The Next Generation

I haven't cried so much in so long.

Like a brother calling out to long lost siblings.

If you're a Christian in Singapore, you'd prob know by now that CHC is embarking on a $310m (yes $310m!) project to build our next facility. A 12,000 seater mini stadium to house our 30,000 growing congregation.

As significant as this may sound, its not the point of this post.

Lask weekend, Pst Kong preached on the risk for a church of losing its first love (God), particularly relevant for a church that seems to be doing all the right things. Now, if you're a charismatic Christian, you'd understand when I say the though the msg was a bit 'standard', the atmosphere was filled with the Holy Spirit. It reached a high (for me anyway) when Pst Kong called for the members who have stayed in this church since before 'Hollywood' days (aka before CHC moved into Hollywood bldg in Katong). It was a heartfelt calling from 'Brother Kong', who wanted to pray with/for the members who started out with him, penniless and directionless but with full of faith.

In that moment, as these members (whom some may not be serving actively)made their way to the front, there was a time stood still kinda moment when I became aware that I'm part of something bigger than myself. Something that has profoundly impacted the lives of so many people in so many ways. CHC, love it or hate it, being a member (or once having been a member) has changed the way you relate to God, your loved ones and to the world in general. Also at that moment, as I looked around to see the teens in the other seats around me, I've realised that I'm now the 'older' generation, no longer an 'infant' in Christ and one who should start to shoulder the guiding of the next generation of Christians, of society.

I've spent just over a decade (well 4 years of that I was in Melbourne) as a member of CHC. Froma wide eye teen to a (still) a wide eye young father, CHC has come to symbolized a bit of a spiritual home. A home that I've lost contact with and a home that I have doubts to fully embrace as I did in the past. Its a weird relationship, one in need of repair (maybe?) but regardless, I will also be a supportor of this great church.