Preliminary thoughts to Living Waters Methodist Church

One prevalent area that I had the privilege of witnessing is really the poverty, social and economic stratification in India. Likewise, social issues, such as the homeless, ethnic enclaves (maids working in Hong Kong) and refugees are obvious in Hong Kong. Now, the social issues in Singapore are often underplayed in the news... sometimes to avoid racial tension, at other times it is because the Government takes care of it. Afterall, any homeless persons reported in Singapore would be escorted off to a home in no time. How do we, as Christ's body in Singapore, make God's gospel relevant to the society? Do we not go into certain areas because the Government is already taking care of it? Who are the orphans and the widows whom our Lord's heart bleeds for? What is our responsibility as one of the wealthiest nation in the world to the rest of the world? If we're not actively reaching out to people in poorer nations, does that mean that we don't hear the cry of the needy and the Lord will hold us accountable on the day of judgement? In an increasingly connected world, where Singaporeans can afford to fly, it's not enough to say that we have kind of ministered to our local congregation and that the poor in Thailand or India is too far away.

Secondly, being out here away from home makes me more keenly aware that we have only this life. With the grace of God, we will be able to accomplish all that He has set aside for us. BUT, we need that sense of thirst, of active seeking after God. Everyday, we are bombarded by the work, many other things and distractions jostling for our attention. And we suffer from the sometime guilty realisation that we need to spend more time with our loved ones. And then there is ministry and quiet time with God is somehow squeezed in. Without the wisdom of the Lord, it is not possible to live this life to the full. Without seeking first the Lord, who changes and renews our minds and hearts, it is not possible to live that "balanced" life, which is a life marked by an inner peace. We have not prayed enough. We are not desperate enough to hear from God. We do not love Him enough.

If we want to see the Lord move in our church, let's commit to meet together and pray, to seek first our Lord. Be encouraged by the Lord - that is to meet him, have our hearts changed to align with our Lord's will, that we may be en-boldened, en-couraged for the Lord. Can our lukewarm little hamlet change? Sure, we are faithful in service in many matters, but I long to see our church as a church that moves by the power and might of God - the day that our church may be able to reflect more fully the great God we worship...

Anyone from Living Waters feeling the same pls email me.