Singaporean Pastor Spoke on City Harvest Church: Do Not Take Advantage and Cast Stones

Jul 08, 2012 04:54 AM EDT

Following the prosecution of the case of lost trust in the Singapore City Harvest Church leaders on June 27, Pastor Kong Hee not only became the focus of recent media broadcasting, but also attracted attention from local as well as international Church goers. The case has been handed over to the court, and is currently being studied. Regarding to this case, Pastor Kwong (leader of the Singapore Faith Community Baptist Church) encouraged the infrastructure of Christ to stand together in love, and to firmly pray for Pastor Kong Hee and the City Harvest Chruch.

Pastor Kwong stated that this was a moment of trial for the infrastructure of Christ, and he issued the following letter of prayer on the official website of the Singapore Faith Community Baptist Church:

"We, with saddened hearts, read the accusations of the City Harvest Church, Pastor Kong Hee, and its four experienced leaders. When the Bureau of Business Affairs began their investigation two years ago, I broadcasted a message to encourage prayers for the City Harvest Church. Today, according to the newest development of this case, I wish to share with you a few things on my mind, and to encourage the members of the Faith Community Baptist Church to have the same faith.

We must become more united in love, and firmly pray for Pastor Kong Hee and the Church. This is a moment of trial for the infrastructure of the Church. We are all facing the test of the forever righteous God, and we have to ask ourselves: do we truly love the skeleton and body of Christ? When the Faith Community Baptist Church entered their 40th day of fasting and prayers, let us think of them in our prayers, spend more time to converse with God, and spend less time talking about this case with each other or, especially, the media.

This case is not against the City Harvest Church specifically. This case is against individuals who have lost trust in the eyes of the law and therefore are prosecuted. Thus, do not judge prematurely or make unsubstantiated speculations. The case has entered court proceedings, and we need to trust God, that his judgment will prevail. Please remain objective, and hand over the case to our almighty God, first and foremost. Most importantly, we must not use this opportunity to cast stones, or be divided by differing opinions such as theological versus servitude philosophy, or charismatic versus non-charismatic church, etc.

Let us continue to say positive words for the City Harvest Church. They have a substantial influence on the Singaporean youth. They perform superb community service, the service branch of which has helped many weaker communities. Let us pray and believe that the City Harvest Church will continue providing positive influence to Christ and our country.

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:11-12)"

-- From Pastor Kwong


[Editor's note: Carol Lee translated the report.]