| Barely less than three weeks ago, the entire City Harvest congregation was basking in the immense success of the Asia Conference 2010. It wasn’t merely a climactic finale to all the hard work and dedication that had been put in by the staff and ministry volunteers of the church; it was a culminating representation of all that the church has achieved in its 20 years of existence through the goodness of God and the sacrifices of its members. In a short span of five days in May, the CHC congregation aptly displayed its unique DNA to the 25,245 delegates coming from 70 countries representing 2,086 churches. |
| What is the City Harvest DNA? In essence, it is the message of the Cross — “loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently” (Matt. 22:37-40) — while simultaneously crossing over and engaging the culture of our societies so that the message can be communicated in a fashion that is both relevant and attractive to the generation of our times (Matt. 5:14-16). Let me take this opportunity to thank both the CHC congregation as well as our visiting friends for making the conference one of the most groundbreaking Christian conferences in recent history. :) |
| But what a difference a day makes … |
| The morning after the Asia Conference concluded, certain members of the church, including myself, were called to assist local authorities in an investigation into the management of church funds. |
| The page had turned. The celebration had abruptly ended. |
| Because we’re in the midst of the investigation, I am unable to provide any details about the progress besides what already has been released by the Singapore Police in their statement to the press. But I would like to assure everyone that I, together with the Management Board of the church, am fully cooperative in providing the necessary information needed for the investigation. |
| On a more personal note, I would also like to assure everyone that my family and I are doing well. I am awed by the concern that so many have shown during this time. I am also deeply grateful for the support and advice that has been so generously given. Thanks to all of your love and support, I’ve realized that this is the most opportune moment in my life to reflect on what matters most to me in my life: Faith, Family and Friends. |
| FAITH. My relationship with God is and always has been at the centre of my life. During times of adversity, I have always taken comfort in one thing that I know to be true: I have honestly served God and shepherded His people to the best of my abilities. It matters most to me that my account to God is absolute and I can say without hesitation that I have done my best to glorify His name and build His church. Loving God is my deepest passion and it is my greatest privilege to serve Him with all I have. |
| FAMILY. Other than my relationship with God, my family represents the portion of my life for which I am most undeserving of and thankful for. If the fruit of my faith is the legacy I leave in this world from my existence, then my family is the legacy that I have gained in return. What a profitable exchange! Without my wife and son, I would be a poor man indeed. |
| FRIENDS. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). How true. In this time of trial, I see who my friends are and appreciate the confidence they have in me. Confidence given not because I’m a “pastor,” but because I have in some way or another proven myself worthy to be called a “friend.” Their kind words and thoughtful insights have kept my spirits up during this time. Trust is such a precious commodity. To my friends both within and out of CHC who have chosen to trust in the intent of my heart, I can only say “Thank You.” |
| It has been a glorious 20 years of church building filled with tears and triumph, brokenness as well as breakthroughs. What can we hope for the years to come? Well, we know from the Holy Bible that God’s thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). I believe that the City Harvest story will continue to unfold. There is not a hint of doubt in my heart that my Lord Jesus Christ is not only the author of our faith, but also its finisher (Heb. 12:2). So it is on that promise we should stand, trusting that His Word is true, His heart is for us, and His love will never fail. |
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Dear Pastor,
My heart is full of gratitude for what God has done in Asia Conference. Indeed what we have witnessed in AC2010 is the wondrous work of God, through a bunch of ordinary people in CHC, whom God has chosen by His divine grace and mercy. What have begun 20 years ago as an insignificant group of young people have become a testimony of the reality and the power of God. As I pondered on it, I am really humbled by the greatness of our God despite of our frail humanity.
The sudden turn of events did stun me for a while, as I’m trying to make sense of what is going on. Did we do anything that is not pleasing in God’s sight? Or did we miss out on something? However, I’m grateful for the word that Ps Phil’s shared, and as well as the encouragement from Dr. Bernard’s video greeting. The more I reflect on the dramatic events for the past 3 weeks, the more I realised God is preparing us for something greater. I do not know how everything will unfold, but I trust that as we stayed obedient to our heavenly vision (Acts 26:19), God will finish the work He begun in CHC. (Phi 1:6)
This is our calling as a church, this is our heavenly mandate and we cannot deny ourselves. That is to love God wholeheartedly, and to love people fervently, while doing our best as salt and light in making our world a better place (cultural mandate). What is more meaningful is really not the mere outward accomplishment, but the purifying of our faith, the family we have grown to treasure, and the great friendship we have forged as a people.
You are the man of God for this house and that is a fact that can never be denied. Thank you for being my shepherd, and I am really proud to have you as my Senior Pastor. Thank you for your years of sacrifice and leadership by example. You have shown us what it meant to take up the Cross and follow Jesus, whether up the mountain or down in the valley.
Forever grateful to God for you,
TKH
Dear Pastor
I’m so glad to hear that you and your family are well.
As your ’spiritual’ family, we want you to know we are upholding you in prayer. We trust that you have always been, are, and will continue to serve the Lord to the best of your abilities till the very end. In my 18 years in CHC, you’ve always been a man of integrity; a man of God that only wants the best for the church and the members. Seeing you live your life for Christ has been a positive impact to me and my family. We are all ‘witnesses’ to all that you have done, all that you have given, all that you have sacrificed, all that you have loved. We just want you to know that we all love you and are standing with you in this difficult period of our church.
On a personal note, I just want to say “Thank You” for your love, your vision, your passion for the kingdom of God.
Thank you Pastor Kong.
Dear Pastor,
So glad to hear from you again. Many of us have been constantly praying for you and your well-being, also for Sun and Dayan. We love you alot…
Thanks for sharing on these 3 most important things in life – Faith, Family and Friends. We’ll bear this in our heart and mind.
Take care, Pastor!
dear pastor, i will stand by you. not blindly, but because you have led yourself by example to many. may God always protect you and your family. thank you for being my pastor! =)
What is City Harvest Church all about?
Who is Pastor Kong Hee to me?
Why do I defend him so vigorously?
Greek Philosopher, Ovid declares “Happy is he who dare courageously defend what he loves”.
I love God, my family and City Harvest Church ( in the right order that Pastor Kong has taught us)
Though there might always be critics and naysayers that will deride and dismiss what City Harvest Church and what you have done, or may even pour scorn and derision at what Sun is doing through the Cultural Mandate, the fact is the sacrifices and price that Sun and you paid for the ministry of City Harvest Church have made a profound difference in my life.
I came to City Harvest Church 12 years ago when I was just a teenager.
Growing up in a very poor single-parent family, the world did not have very high expectations from me; nor I of the world.
But all these changed when I encountered God through your ministry.
Your teachings on dreams and visions, on excellence, on attitude, on the balance between law and grace, on Spiritual disciplines, on the Cultural mandate, on loving God and loving people, on building a church without walls, on having a heart for missions, became, in time, my Spiritual DNA.
In these 12 years of growing up in City Harvest Church, I also had the opportunity to be mentored by great men and women of God, the leaders in the Church, many of them personally mentored by you.
And in City Harvest Church, I learnt commitment, sacrifice and trust in God.
In these 12 years, I probably would have attended more than 750 services, 700 cell group meetings, 450 leaders meetings, countless bible studies, a 6-month long full-time School of Theology, and probably gave tens of thousands to God through tithes, offerings and building funds.
I also served actively in ministry.
A year in the Children’s Church and more than 8 years as a Cell Group Leader.
In the eyes of the world, they may feel that it is silly to invest so much time and money.
But yet City Harvest Church has made the world of a difference in my life.
Here in City Harvest, I found God.
I found meaning, purpose and a sense of destiny.
Here in City Harvest, I found my family.
I found a spiritual family who loves and accepts me.
I found friends who I know I will grow old with.
I found a beautiful girl, and convinced her to marry me 4 years ago.
We have a good-looking boy who just turned 20 months.
Here in City Harvest, I found that your teachings are real.
Real because they work when I apply them.
I gave my first building fund.
And I got a Scholarship to do my Masters.
I sought first the Kingdom of God and all His righteousness.
And I was promoted every single year, since I started work.
I kept serving, kept giving and kept trusting.
And I received a Scholarship to do my PhD.
How did I change
From a person who the future holds no hope
To a person who has hope for the future.
To me is clear.
City Harvest Church
Your ministry
The fruit of your vision, sacrifice and commitment
Changed my life.
But I believe I am not the only one.
Thousands upon thousands of lives in City Harvest Church and in our 46 affiliated
churches have been transformed by your ministry.
So yes, the critics might continue their onslaught
The naysayers could continue their insinuations
Perhaps
It does not matter.
We are not here to impress our critics, but to do what God has called us to do.
Regardless
Despite
To love God wholeheartedly; to love people fervently
For this is what City Harvest Church
Has taught us and shown us.
No matter what the critics say.
No matter what the verdict says.
Thank you Pastor Kong, Sun and Pastor Tan.
If asked if you have made any difference?
If asked if who benefited from your actions?
Please mention me.
You have changed my life.
And my wife, and my son.
Hi Pastor, i am really glad and happy that you are ok. It really moves my heart to see what you have done to the church these 20 years. Without your teaching i won’t be who i am and what i am today. It is you who teaches us how to love people unconditionally. No matter the results i will choose to stand with you. CHC is my Family. No one can take the place CHC stands in my Heart. Pastor we love you and am Praying for you! (:
Dear Pastor,
Thank you for being our shepherd and always persevering in the face of adversities.
Standing with you and your family in prayer :)
Dear Pastor,
It is good to hear from you and to understand what is upon your heart. Truly the Asia Conference was a resounding success and there were many pastors and delegates that were very blessed by what they experienced in City Harvest Church.
Thank you for always inspiring us to do more for God and to show the world what it means to be a salt of the earth and the light of the world. The legacy that you have left is definitely more than Sun and Dayan (although I agree with you that in that alone, it would have been sufficient). Your legacy remains in the countless lives of the people transformed by your ministry, including that of my family, friends and me.
Greatness is seldom without controversy and regardless of what happens, come what may, nothing can obliterate the good you have done in the lives of many. Yes. Ultimately, what counts is faith, family andf friends, but do not forget the seeds that you have sown in lives of almost strangers who became members and supporters of CHC. We love you and give you our support for the simple reason that you have touched our lives in one way or another. We become part of the spiritual family, part of the friends and part of the faith that can be counted on.
Regardless of what happens, we remain living stones in the house of God. We are committed to the vision that you have cast for City Harvest Church and we trust that God will prevail, through it all.
So thank you, Pastor Kong, Sun, and Pastor Tan, for taking the flake for the cause. We know that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to His purposes. And we are confident that we will ride the storm, and emerge stronger, wiser and greater.
For those that are for us is more that those that are against us.
Standing with you,
Victor
Dear Pastor Kong,
I’m very happy to hear from you once again.
To my wife and I, what matters is not the outcome, but that you, Sun and all the others assisting in the investigation are well.
At the end of the day, what matters is that there’s a place to call home and people we call family. The rest are secondary.
Your obedience to God and your dedication and commitment to your calling and ministry has made a deep impact in my life the last 15 years, as well as my entire family. Today they are all saved and together in CHC – all 8 of us.
My entire family is here, together with my extended family – CHC. What else can I ask for?
What matters is the family stays together in spite of it all. No matter what, Jesus is still the head of the household.
Thank you for obeying the call of God in your life, and offering your life to the Kingdom purpose.
Keep walking!
Hi Pastor Kong,
Truely that’s the DNA of our church. It was and it still is the message that touched and impacted my life 10 years ago when I decided to love God wholeheartedly, love people fervently that gave me the opportunity to serve God in CHC.
This was the message that taught me the way to love God and the people around me, gave me the courage to do things beyond myself.
Thanks for your love for God. Because of you, you have shown us how to keep our faith strong at all times.
Thanks for your love for your family. Because of you, You have shown me the way that has made my family a better and happier home.
Thanks for your love for each other. Because of you, I found myself blessed in the midst of all the friendships forged in this big family.
My life is changed because of you! Love you pastor!
Praying and supporting you!
Dear Pastor,
Thank you for being such a great man.
Faith, Family and Friends indeed…
Faith:
Rom 10:17 says “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”.
My faith in God is built up by all the sermons that you laboriously prepared over the years. All that you have taught and preached over the pulpit has helped me to built a strong foundations in God that when the “the rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
I should know…
For I was blind in my right eye yet I saw after a service in CHC in Dec more than a decade ago.
For I was struck with disability after an accident in 2006 and yet came out stronger because of your teachings on how to build our own altar and to keep loving God even if we lose everything.
Family:
I met my wife in CHC, got married in CHC and have 2 boys now attending children’s church in CHC. My boys love God because they saw how we all loved God.
My 6-year-old son just said to us tonight: “I want to go CG tonight because I want to meet God.” How heart-warming!
I may not know a lot of things, but I know I have done right as a father to teach my son in the ways of the Lord.
All because I have the opportunity and the privilege to watch you in action as a husband and a father and learn from you.
In CHC, I have also found a spiritual family. When I met with the accident in 2006, 2 pastors and a senior staff were at the hospital A&E within 30mins. Within the hour, I received a call from you personally, encouraging me and praying for me. This is what family is…
Friends:
Pastor, you say you have proven yourself worthy to be called a “friend”… but all these are because you yourself have shown confidence in us in spite of our shortcomings and because your kind works and thoughtful insights have kept our spirits up during those dark days of our lives.
We are proud to call you “friend”.
Indeed, the CHC story will continue to unfold. God, who is the author of our faith and the reason why we love and serve, will indeed bring CHC to its destiny and purpose.
Thank you pastor, for being on the cutting edge, for sacrificing so much for the kingdom of God and for being such a great example to us on how we should love God wholeheartedly and love people fervently.
Come what may, it changes nothing with me. I will still love God and serve God in this great church.
JS
Hi Pastor,
Thanks for building City Harvest, that my life has been totally changed and transformed :)
Dear Pastor,
It is so good to see you wiritng again on your blog, and knowing all is well with you and Sun and Dayan, amidst this trying times!
I really miss you in church, and have been praying unceassingly for you Pastor and the church. Trusting that God’s hands will guide and see the church thru this difficult period.
Thank you for your love and sacrifices all these years…you have laid down your life for the church and we in CHC – in fact all Christians in Singapore – owe you & Sun a debt of love. You taught us how to love God and love people more! You showed us how to live out the Bible in our everday lives. You showed us how one man/ one woman can make a difference in our generation!
It really does not matter what the outcome of the investigation will be…God is in in control, and God is a good finisher to what He has started 20 years ago. In Him we trust and we shall not be put to shame!
Standing with you in faith!
Hey Pst,
The last we heard from Sun was a month ago on Twitter… I was concerned if she’s fine but I’m glad and relieved to hear that you both are. :)
You’re one of the greatest man I know pst… how a great man like yourself will think of his family as an “undeserving gift” is a mystery to me. Your amazing humility puzzles me (in a good way)! :)
Looking forward to have you back on stage and Sun on hers cos we’re awesome like that and they’re all waiting! ;) ROCK ON! \m/
Lots of love,
Wendy
http://lady-wen.blogspot.com
Dear Pastor,
Im really touched as I read your reflections. Thank you for baring your heart and yes I believe Love never fails.
You have taught me Faith since I entered CHC, my spiritual Family and Friends are right here in CHC.
Without you and Sun’s sacrifices, I will not have all these three today.
Pastor you are really my Spiritual father. I stand by you, your faith, your family and your friends.
Thank you everything.
Much love,
GSY
Dear Pst Kong
I’m really happy to hear that you are doing well. Thanks for sharing your reflections. Asia Conference was really awesome. I’d give it a 5 star & a double thumbs up rating! I believe thousands present at the conference were tremendously blessed. Even up to today, I am still in awe and marvel at the great work that God had begin with group of young people. After 21 years – we are still growing strong. The countless testimonies of lives who had been blessed and transformed through your ministry and CHC can only attest to the REALITY and the POWER of the work of the Holy Spirit. God is real, alive and at work in CHC.
Sometimes I ask myself; is it necessary to go through all this? Why right after such a huge and awesome event? It really felt like a cheap blow below the belt. I was caught up with mixed feelings – upset big time – and was trying to make sense of the situation. Nevertheless, I cannot help but remember prophecy that was spoken the day before. God had a plan for CHC and a GREAT one. I also recalled Rev Bonnke saying “church should be like this!”.
There are many out there who mistaken CHC for being a church that all about flashy lights, huge led screen and fashionistas. What they fail to see is the foundation that is beneath. You’ve always built on strong foundation, upon the cross, upon the Word of God. You taught us to love God whole heartedly; the reason why we as a church are willing to rise early and pray corporately at 6.30 am in the morning day after day for a week and rush afterwards to work/school. The reason why we are willing to sacrifice to give into His House. You taught us how to love people fervently; that’s why many lives are redeemed, marriages, health, finances restored. The reason why we as a church, have become a blessings to many lives, not just locally but also to nations around the world. You’ve always taught us to love people, regardless of race, religion or nationality.
Pst, you and Sun have set an example for us and we cannot thank you enough. You have sacrificed much. Your commitment to God and the ministry impacted me personally. Its always easy to serve when its convenient, but you have shown me how to love, serve and care for others – even when its inconvenient. We just want to thank you and let you know that our we are standing with you, fasting and praying for you, Sun, Dayan and CHC. Simply because CHC is build on Christ our solid rock, I know, for sure that the gates of hell shall not prevail.
Seeing and Believing for EVEN greater things to come with you and Sun.
Much love,
Leo
Dear Pastor,
Without you I would have remained cynical of church leaders and churches. I fully understand why many would be suspicious and cynical regarding how the undeniable hand of God has been upon you & CHC all these years.
Being educated in the West and attending long established churches there, my peers & I were taught to think critically and challenge every belief, especially those of the Charismatic movement due to the Jimmy Bakers stories of that era. Acts 17:11 was our license & war cry, we identified ourselves as “Bereans” and “apologists”, heresy hunters in reality, priding ourselves on being logical “True” skeptics. We could tear apart any sermon and find 1001 things wrong with it. We taught that speaking in tongues had to be accompanied by interpretation or it was false, stood outside stadiums where healing evangelists were having meetings and passed out tracts to those attending specifying why those evangelists were preaching doctrines of demons; attended gay-pride parades & ran in and out of the parade lines avoiding the police passing tracts to the performers hoping to save them from Sodom’s fate etc. However I could not deny that all around me was only dryness, back-biting; no presence, no joy, no life. Nobody was won to Christ, nobody’s life was being changed for the better, it was the same group of people going around in circles scrutinizing ministers & ministries accusing them of only being interested in money and empire-building; recruiting other unhappy believers. I had been serving in church leadership at different levels but was turned off by what I saw as the same old nonsense of politics, power struggles & empty words. I grew disillusioned with organized Christianity, believed that I was” growing further from church but growing nearer to God” and had nothing to look forward to in life except 1 Thess 4:16’s trumpet call where God would destroy the earth and preserve the only the righteous. I wanted to love God but was taught the only way to do that was to uphold the “truth” at all cost.
But the day I walked into CHC after coming back to Asia, I finally found what I had been looking for. God was there! I approached the church service with all my logical mental defenses up “don’t get sucked in by the lights, glitz, emotion or public speaking tricks” BUT I started crying the moment Poh took the mic and didn’t stop crying until after the whole service. I could not deny the presence and power of God. I keep telling myself ” Why are you crying? It’s only the 1st praise song!” Pastor when I heard you preach that day, I heard the voice of my Savior for the 1st time in many years; the voice of love, encouragement, conviction & acceptance… not condemnation! After the service, when i gathered my myself in a dignified manner and started to mingle with the cell-group members of my wife who invited me I realized how real they were. When many of them had just started out in their walk, I was already a seasoned leader BUT I could not deny they had the one thing that marks followers of Jesus and what I had been missing all these years. LOVE. Not miracles or zeal or knowledge or being more righteous than others. It was there unmistakably in every aspect of the church!! For a hardened Christian skeptic like me, God had answered my prayers. I found Him again in CHC! ( or God found me if a Calvinist is reading this)
Pastor it’s been an amazing journey and a privilege to be part of CHC since then. I know this is truly the house of God, it is where His glory dwells. u!
When I hear all the arguments and accusations being tossed around, I remember that was me years ago with my fancy western post-grad education, the exact same reasoning and line of logic with a good measure of Oriental cynicism thrown in (Cannot be so black & white one, must be something wrong somewhere.. why you all so robot just follow..) and I just smile…
As a “True” skeptic, I have only grown in respect for you and the leaders in CHC. Your leadership and guidance has only drawn me & my family closer to God.. for that I am forever grateful. Surely there are many more like me, not just in Singapore but also in Asia. Thank you for all the years or sacrifice that you and Sun have made in building God’s kingdom, I know CHC shall continue to grow and fulfill her purpose in the coming years. Pastor the best is yet to come for you :)
Dear Pastor,
Thank you for being who you are, so true to what you believe in always.
Your life has been the living example of loving God and loving people and we’ve also heard this in the hundreds of sermons preached over the years. And now, in a time when we are holding fast to our core beliefs, it still comes back to Faith, Family and Friends.
Pastor, you won’t believe how much you’ve contributed in these three areas of my life.
Your love for God, passion to serve Him, and your pure tenacity has taught me and strengthened my faith. Your love for God, has inspired me to love Him even more, and you constantly show us what it is to put God first in our lives.
Your love for Sun & Dayan, for your parents and your family has showed me how to love my own. Through it, you have shown how despite our inadequacies, we can become better parents and better children. Thank you for showing us, how to be a bigger blessing to the next generation.
Your love for your mentors, co-workers and friends speaks deeply of your commitment to relationships. You have never been afraid to sacrifice for the church and for each member, and CHC is proud is have you as our Senior Pastor. Through it, I have learnt to honor, to sacrifice and to serve and be a better person.
Pastor, thank you. I am grateful you are my pastor. Through knowing you personally, we can surely say that we understand your heart, and we are standing together with you through this.
We are proud of you and we love you!
Ed & JH
” I am awed by the concern that so many have shown during this time. I am also deeply grateful for the support and advice that has been so generously given. ”
Why of course!
You removed all the opposing comments,
preventing discussion among members,
even disable further commenting.
All you want to see is the good kiss-ass comment.
All you want to hear is the admiration of delusional diehard.
No wonder you can write like that.
When someone rebuke you like Roland Poon did,
the result was that Roland Poon forced to make a public apology via newspaper to you.
Same case with DD and CAD whistle-blower.
Kong Hee and Sun can do no wrong.
An absolute power of the ruler and senior pastor,
The blameless perfect pair of idols and role models of CHC.
But for sane minority members.
you are nothing but an authoritarian leader,
a dictator in disguise.
Yes, Jesus is not only the author and also the finisher,
and now, this is how He ends your tyranny,
by using our Singapore Govt.
To Con Hee,
I think you are a contradiction yourself. If this blog was to remove all negative comments, I would think that I won’t even have a chance to reply you. : )
Anyway, I feel that you have a right to maintain your view as an individual, but at the same time, you can’t deny the positive views that many others had on Ps Kong.
Who is sane or insane, let the comments of many others speak for each individual.
Pray that you will experience the love of God and find peace and joy in your life.
God bless!
TKH
Just to add on, I am really proud to have Ps Kong as my senior pastor, it has been a great privilege serving along side with you …
I am proud of CHC as my spiritual family …
What a great church to be apart of!
Pardon my excitement and love for this House, cos an outsider probably can never comprehend that … : )
God bless all …
TKH
Dear Pst Kong,
Glad to know you and family are well. In good times, you have touched our lives and we have benefitted much from your messages. We are grateful to you for all the personal sacrifices you’ve made so that the church can be fed. In tough times, we stand strong with you. My family and I have decided to be rooted in CHC and we shall remain rooted. When Christ was lifted up on the cross 2000 years ago, all men was drawn to Him. Let CHC be lifted up and draw men and women who need God to Him. Many more lives would be touched and healed. Many more families would be restored. Many children would grow into their destiny. Many businesses would do greater good.
Stay strong, never faltering. Keep on keeping on.
meemee
NDA-???
LICENCE FEE-???
BOND INVESTMENT-???
Dear Pastor,
thank you for sharing your reflections. We miss you and are often eager to hear from you.
We are fervently praying for Sun and you, truly believing that ALL things will work together for good.
Much Love,
Daphne
Dear Pastor,
I just want to say that no matter what happens, I will still stand for the church, I will still be in church. Pastor, thank you for always being a role model to me and it is really what the church has done in my life, that has impacted me.
Nothing can make me give up on God, my church and you, Pastor. Am looking forward to many great years with you and I believe that if we go through it strong, we will reign from this trial.
Nothing can express my love for CHC. Keep on keeping on, Pastor Kong! Let’s go for it together! :)
Hi Pastor,
I’m from SOT and I will stand by you!! Since you are in S’pore, representating my team here, we really want you back in church and preach to us again!! We long to listen to you once again!
Dear Pastor Kong,
I do not doubt your sincerity of doing what you believed in. I would like to point out the behaviour of a few thousands of your members in the following facebook groups:
CHC United in Prayers
We believe City Harvest Church is framed and maligned.
The contents in these groups give the impression that these are cult members preparing for a holy crusade to defend you.
Do you intend to say anything to them or will you encourage such behavior?
Dear Pastor
Jus wanna say ‘thank you’ for all your sacrifices and love towards the church.
10 years ago, when i first step into CHC, my life was never the same again. You taught us how to pursue our dreams, living our lives to the maximum. Teaching us glorifying God in all areas of our life and most important, teaching to love God wholehearted and loving people fervently.
We are proud to call CHC our home, our family. Its where we found true friendships and relationships.
Its a place where we had our lives transformed. Its a place that where we know the Almighty God and show us the way.
Most importantly, We are proud to have you as our Senior Pastor!
Come what may, we are here praying and believing with you and in you.
Thank you Pastor!
Love
dear Pastor,
Happy Father’s Day!
Thanks for being such a wonderful pastor! You have been a great example with the many sacrifices that many will never comprehend or know of.
This is the time to exercise our faith and stand strong and united. Jesus says when our enemies slap us on one cheek, turn the other also. When we do not defend ourselves, God will defend us.
This is the time to stay united as a family. A family that started with 20 members, humble beginnings but with fire and passion for God.
Let us continue to stay focused on what God wants us to do. In nehemiah, whenever the israelites try to do something significant for God, people will criticise, distract and discourage. But one hand on our sword, and another on the work of God, let us stay focused and not be wreary of doing good.
Thank you once again pastor! I will always be behind you!
Dear Pastor
I am glad to know your family and you are fine. I thank God for your faith in God, love for people, your vision & revelation, and your passion to bring City Harvest Church into next level of breakthrough. You have left an imprint in my life for past 17 years in City Harvest Church
As for me and my house, we always bear DNA, serve the vision, share the pride, accept the up and down and give more births to sons and daughter in City Harvest Church.
It does not matter what media or individuals have to say, as my family, we stay loyalty and be committed in this house.
Nothing can separate our love for God, you and City Harvest Church. :)
Dear Pastor Kong
Glad to hear from you once again. Your ministry has transformed my life. And now I am making a difference in others because of you. Will continue to stand with you and praying continuously for you and your family :)
Xinwei
Dear Pastor,
One of the things I admire most about you (and Sun), amongst many others, is the courage you have to fulfill God’s call upon your life. Critics have been a common sight in this ministry and it’s not unusual when it comes to something big that you’re doing. People can say anything they wanna say because it’s always easier to be the one merely saying, and not doing. I admire the courage you have to serve God to the best you know how. I admire the courage you have to love God, your family and friends, in good and bad times. You’re truly a great man.
On a personal note, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you for your shepherding since I was a youth. Now that I am an adult, I look back and realised that the very three things that you’ve said are important to you (faith, family and friends) have also become the very three things that are important to me. Because you’ve always lived what you preached and preached what you lived. I’ve become a better person because I’ve been blessed to be under the spiritual covering of an amazing, Spirit-led pastor like you.
Pastor, may you set your eyes as flint and go ahead as you trust our faithful God. And we will follow with our eyes set as flint, to fulfill the Great Commandment, Great Commission and Cultural Mandate together.
You are my hero! And you are really a national treasure.
Pastor Kong, we love you no matter what happens ^_^ Thank you so much for being our spiritual father =D
Dear Pastor,
Thanks for being so honest with us. :) It’s good to know that you and your family are doing well..
Thank you for your sacrifices and your commitment to God. It was in CHC that I found God and made lasting relationships, and I’m proud to be part of this great family. You’re right—at the end of the day, faith, family and friends matter the most. Your boldness to fulfil the calling of God is truly inspiring. Thank you once again, pastor, for making a difference in my life. Because of your ministry, I am a better person. :)
Whatever the outcome is, I’m standing together with you and your leaders. We really miss you! Take care, and hope to hear from you soon! :)
Dear Pastor, thank you for sharing your heart. The times of adversity are truly not easy to any one who trusts in the Lord. We totally trust in you and we are so proud of you to be our mentor of faith, our friend and our family in Christ. We believe that God’s thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope. We believe that God will exalt his servant and his church for his own glory. Keep on praying for you….
Hi Pastor Kong, we are glad to hear from you again :)
No matter what happens, God is with you & He loves you… Keep walking!
We love you!
Dear Pastor,
So good to hear from you! Please take care, we are keeping you in prayers and standing with you.
You have been a great example to us, as a Pastor, a husband and a friend. Our lives are changed because of you.
I have been in CHC for 16 years and I am grateful for the opportunities and the lessons we have learnt from you. I met my husband in church, we got married and we dedicated our first born, all in CHC. This is the place that we want to see our son grow up and grow old in.
Pastor, you have taught us well and you have transformed our lives with your example. Whatever it is, there is no question about your integrity, your love for us and for God. We believe in you. We will pray for the best outcome.
Love ya heaps!
Pastor Kong,
This is the scariest blog you’ve ever wrote. It would have been better if you didn’t say anything but this latest blog shows you are choosing to be blind and continue to hoodwink your loyal supporters.
Instead of coming out to say, I’m wrong, forgive me. You’ve come out to say that if you’re ever found guilty of any crime under the laws of Singapore, it’s because you, Sun and Yee Peng never thought you were doing any wrong.
It’s looking like the excuse of the cultural mandate which you’ve used to milk millions of dollars for Sun’s extravagance and delusion is going to be your defence.
You did it all in obedience to the cultural mandate and in the pursuit of obeying God, you made a “mistake”.
This, like I said, is the scariest response to come from you. I pity you, Sun and Dayan and every single simple-minded blinded supporters of you as you continue to lie in the face of overwhelming truth.
I’ve given up any hopes of a new beginning for City Harvest Church. Last weekend shall be my last weekend.
Dear John,
It’s a pity you have to go … may the Lord bless you in your future endeavours and lead you to a good church.
God bless.
TKH
Pastor, thanks for all that you’ve done for the church and all you’ve done for my life these many years that I’d been in city harvest. Week after week, year after year, you never failed to challenge me to bring my personal relationships with my family and friends to the next level, to dream and work towards a great future beyond my imagination and most of all, to bring me closer to God than I ever had.
Who else could make Christian living more applicable than you who always preach what you had lived out? Thanks for being awesome!
And to all the detractors who constantly bring up pastor kong’s mistakes, thanks for reminding me that pastor is really an imperfect man! If not he would had been too creepily perfect for the imperfect me to want to follow!
Dear Pastor Kong
Thank you for your reflections. But I, like many others are still waiting for your apology about your “lack of citation” also commonly known as theft. If you want to be a leader, be an example, be a servant.
Yours Truly
You Can Con Me, But You Can’t Con Me.
And uh, Pastor, I think humility as in admitting “I am not impeccable” is better than what a mere reflection can do.
Yours Truly
You Can Con Me, But You Can’t Con Me.
To John,
Come lah. Got nice movie.
No need Con Hee, can watch movie.
Now not only sing Happy Birthday to Jack Neo,
also got advertise Jack Neo movie lah.
Celebrity Mandate and Ed Hardy Theology.
Yours faithfully,
Con Hee has conned me.
Dear all,
Remember the words of our Lord, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone …” John 8:7
I am simply amazed at the people who wants to play the role of God to receive apology … : )
God bless.
TKH
HI, Kong Hee.
I’m not related to CHC, but will be praying for you and your church that the Lord will see you guys through. It’s good to see your posting on your blog again.
Shalom!!!
Dear Pastor,
Love the House of God.
God Bless,
Raymond
http://www.raymondling.me/
Dear Pastor,
What a JOY it is to hear from you again and to know that you and your family are doing good. Thank you for sharing your heart in this difficult time that you are going through. I truly respect and honor you more than ever before, thank you for teaching me everything that i needed to know.
Because of you my faith is stronger, my relationship with God was never the same again, through your life and ministry i came to understand what it mean to love God whole-heartedly.
Because of you i learnt to cherish my family more than ever before, you always inspired us to do more for our families.
Because of you i am a better person, you always modeled to us what i mean to love people fervently and how to relate to others with highest respect.
Thank u for everything!!!
Just want you to know that you will always be my pastor and i will always support you in person and in prayer. We will go through this together as a family.
Garrick
Dear Pastor,
So glad to hear that you and your family are well.
We are all keeping you and your family in our prayers. I’ve been in CHC for 18 years. Through your vision and passion, I’ve made CHC my 2nd home. Everytime I see how you sacrifice your time and love to do God’s work (even at times when you are tired), it will only spur me to do more for the Kingdom of God. Pastor, we believe in you and trust that you will bring us up another level.
Personally, I just want to say “Thank You” for your love and sacrifices for the kingdom of God. WE LOVE U & SUN & DAYAN!!
Thank you Pastor!!
Dear Pastor,
I’m so glad to hear from you again! We really missed you very much! Indeed nothing can stop me from loving City Harvest Church. The place where it changed my life. Thank YOU pastor for all that you’ve done and the sacrifices that you have made. You are a dream pastor anyone can have!
*Thumbs up!*
Hello Pastor:)
I miss you and i can’t wait for you to come back! I
I LOVE YOU! Hahaha
You’re as close to me as a friend more than a pastor!
Who cares what other people say, i believe in what i see!
See you soon:)
Dear cheee
Like what you said, it gives an impression to you that these are cult members.
what were you thinking to let you think this way? =/
Dear Ps. Kong,
It’s so nice to hear from you again. As many would have said to you, we miss you, lots.
Thank you for all the years of teachings. I’m fully aware it is God who transformed me. But without your obedience and sacrifices, there won’t be CHC, a place where I grow strong spiritually. ‘Cos of your great love for people, you open many ministries where I can also fulfill my call and make a difference in others’ lives.
Pst, you have taught us well. Because you taught us to love God above all else, members showed up in church regardless. For me, I’m proud to be a City Harvester and I’m proud to call you my Pastor. It doesn’t matter what happen after, we are braving it through as a family. :)
I’m grateful to you, Pst. A lot of who I am today is because of you and Sun. You both inspire me to keep on loving God and loving people and fulfill the call of God in my life. Keeping you in prayers!
In reply to “Con Me on June 18th, 2010 11:02 am”
Would be good if you have got your facts right before commenting. Pastor Kong has already posted his apology on his devotion page.
To Con Hee
Sorry to say this, but u are really such a pest! Please verfiy facts before u start slamming. What a nuisance u are!
Dear Pastor,
It is so great to hear from you again!
Of all the 3 things to emphasized, City Harvest was the place where I found my Faith, Family & Friends.
Thank you for being brave and courageous through this ordeal.
What the devil meant for evil, God has turned it for good.
Perhaps he meant for it to scatter the church
but the church has never been more united.
I’m heartened to see that many churches unrelated to CHC even held prayer meetings to pray for us. It is great to belong to God’s big family.
I’ve always seen the leadership of this church doing the best to their abilities and I’m proud of all of you. This has been a community of love, justice, righteousness, mercy, grace, kindness and joy to me. And I believe many who have been around in CHC can testify to that. We are not a perfect community because we are all humans, but I have seen and experienced how genuine the love of this leadership and the lengths all of you went through to do things perfectly as humanly possible.
We have been a church without walls and although it has brought forth some flak, it does not matter. Given a second chance, Pastor, we will still be behind you and we’d support it again.
Cultural Mandate was never about achieving fame and success as an end goal.
But it was using fame and success to influence the world to bring about God’s love and restoration.
Because of your boldness in preaching this message, many who would have never heard or accepted the gospel, are being touched.
To that, the body of Christ is encouraged and strengthened by your faith.
Thank you Pastor, we will stand with you!
Truly, you have risen up a generation of youths, and we are taking Asia by STORM. ;)
Dear Pastor Kong,
So great to hear from you again! :)
Others may just see the superficial, but deep down in our hearts, we know all the sacrifices you’ve made in building the church, the love that you’ve poured into our lives.
It doesn’t matter anymore what others say but what God says that matter most! And we trust in God that the truth will soon prevails. Standing with you pastor!
PS.
To all critics, I appreciate your views and it has strengthened the discussions for the need of a more transparent organization and to follow a code of ethics.
Do know that that is also the desire of this church, to be more transparent and to be above and beyond the code of ethics.
Maybe we are all not so different after all :)
At the end of the day, in agreement or disagreement, please know that the followers of Jesus loves you with the love of Christ, and there’s NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!
Hi Pst!
So happy to hear fr u! Thk u for updating us of how u r. Altho I won’t fully understand how tough it is, I knw its not easy for u & family. Tk u Pst for fighting tis & having to go thru it.
I want to say tk u for loving me despite of all I’ve done & who I m. It’s u who gave me chances to serve & be a part of tis great family. Tk u for all u’ve done for me & CHC, we’d not b at whr we r without u. Pst my words of tks & gratitude r endless.
Just wanna say I LOVE U & SUN! Tk u for shepherding me & accepting me. I m believing in u & behind u ALL THE WAY!
Love u much!
Peimin
@Con Hee:
May I comment on your post?
“You removed all the opposing comments,
preventing discussion among members,
even disable further commenting.
All you want to see is the good kiss-ass comment.
All you want to hear is the admiration of delusional diehard.
No wonder you can write like that.”
“Refer to Con Hee’s earlier blog post.
The posts were deleted.
A coward and a tyrant.”
I would like to point out to you that you only got half of the fact correct.
In the earlier blog post “Did Jesus resurrect from the dead?”, there had been both supporting (mine included) and opposing comments with regards to CAD and church leadership.
For some reason (which I do not know), both types of comments were deleted. However, opposing comments about plagiarism are still there (by FallenFromGrace, for example)
So, your statement that Pastor Kong only wants a good-kiss-ass comment is incorrect…
That’s why your comment is not deleted here in this lastest blog post…
“Thank you for your reflections. But I, like many others are still waiting for your apology about your “lack of citation” also commonly known as theft.”
Again, I would like to point out that you did not get the fact correct.
Pastor Kong wrote that apology long ago.
It is under “Devotion” tab.
So, Con Hee…
please check the facts before making a statement…
Thank you so much for your understanding…
Regards,
YF
There’s about 1 criticism out of every 20 comments here.
It seems unlikely that the 19 who expressed their support and thanksgiving are deluded people. Do we have good reasons to?
Therefore, I don’t have enough faith to support the the claims of the detractor.
Dear Pastor Kong,
I believe it is a difficult moment for you, your family, and our church. However, like what Hudson Taylor mentioned, satanic interventions could be observed after all the great and well-known spiritual revivals throughout the History of Christianity. Satan could not withstand any great move of God and would like to destroy it by any means. However like what Pastor Phil said, the Church is so tough that no one stand against it shall prosper, and no demons in hell, no angels in Heaven could stop the move of God. The fact that we face tribulations right after the Asia Conference and Church Growth International 2010 further confirm that what you are doing, and what we are doing, are absolutely correct!
I have studied all news and all blogs from internet, and can guess who are those who complaint our church and also raised unsubstantiated accusation towards you and us. However church, they are not our opponents! The real opponent is the Satan that is behind them, who wish to destroy all of us. It is because it knows that City Harvest Church, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and leadership from Pastor Kong, will shake Asia and the World with the Love of Christ. The Demons afraid! That’s why it attacks us. Satan would not attack any person who poses no threat to it. Church, we can be proud of what is happening to us, for Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5:11-12).
Pastor, as a member of the Church, we want to let you know: WE SUPPORT YOU, WE LOVE YOU, AND WE TRUST YOU. We trust your love of God, we trust your integrity, we trust your vision, and we trust you whatever you do and whenever you go!
Always Love you and Support you and your family,
Yin Hai
Dear Pastor,
Hey Pastor! It was great to know that you and your family are fine and well! I will stand by you and support you all the way till it meets no end. The reason is simply that you, are the one who changed me 5years ago.
I was a rowdy, vulgar and violent person. You have taught well a friend of mine who kept on knocking into my life and bought me to church. I was touched by the presence of God and you taught us how can we be soulwinners ( bring friends to christ ). I felt that if my friend can do it and God is real in his presence, i would want my friends to be able to experience God’s presence!
After that day, I got many opportunity in CHC for example, the 2007 ”Christmas at CHANGS” the drama, and many more. It was you who made believe there was a real God.
In 2008 at the age of 13, I decided to change my viewing point of life. I stopped my using vulgarities and I do not have a bad temper as before. Indeed i have more friends than, and i bought my first friend to church, and she accepted christ and following more friends were saved.
If it wasn’t you Pastor Kong and Sun, my friends and I will not have what we are today!
Pastor Kong and Sun, we just want you to know that we love you and we trust in you!
Forever Love by Kenneth Chuan and friends.
Hi Pastor,
It is great to hear from you and I am so happy to know that you and family are well. :)
Pastor, I have been in CHC for the past 20 years and know that you always ensure that you do your very best to teach us God’s Word, as well as to lead by example, to the best of your ability.
Pastor, thank you… and stay strong and courageous!
We are behind you (and you can see us all), praying and supporting you, the leadership and the Church. And, we know that we are not doing this out of blind faith or “worshiping a man”. We are doing this because this is our family, we are going to go through this together as a family. :)
Dear Pastor,
I am so grateful to God that you are my Senior Pastor and I can serve the Lord in this great church I call home! Thank you for always staying true to your calling in God, laying down your life to shepherd us. Just like how Jesus set an example for the disciples through His way of life, you and Sun had always been the inspiration for us to love God whole-heartedly and love people fervently.
City Harvest Church is the first church I ever visited and I got saved immediately on my very first visit back in Hollywood. My life has been transformed ever since because it is in this great church that God has built through you that I experienced the love of God. This is the place where I am loved by others & learnt to love others.
Because of your immense love for God and His people:
Tens of thousands of members of the public were helped by community & social services supported by CHC on a regular basis.
Hundreds of intellectually disabled, needy elderly, HIV patients, hearing impaired, prison inmates and under privileged were helped weekly.
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Mont Blanc Businesswoman of the Year, SIP-Schwab Social Entrepreneur of the Year, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and many more business leaders were raised.
More than 20,000 were helped & received medical treatment in Banda Aceh tsunami disaster.
Thousands received medical aid, tents, clothing, food, water, electricity after Sichuan earthquake.
Thousands more received medical care, shelter, food, water, electricity after Haiti earthquake.
Not to mention hundreds of thousands that came to Christ from all over the world because of Sun and your ministry.
All these are REAL WORK and not empty talk. I am so proud of all that you and Sun have done for the Kingdom! And there is no other church I rather be than in City Harvest Church!
Of course, we are not perfect, nobody is. But we are FAMILY. We LOVE GOD. We LOVE PPLE. We LOVE OUR PASTORS. We have done so for the past 20 years, we will continue to do so as always! THANK YOU Pastor! We LOVE YOU! :)
Dear Pastor,
Thanks for sharing and updating. My family and I are glad to hear that Sun, Dayan and you are doing well. We are praying for you and believing that all things work together for those who love God.
Whatever the situation, as part of the church, we are one with you. What you, Pastor Tan and other members are going through, the church (that’s us) is going through together with you and your family :)
Hey Pastor, I wish to share some good news with you…
Thanks for encouraging us to give in arise and build. In the last arise and build fund raising for JW building, God told me He will build my house. Shortly after that, Tim and I bought a 2nd hand HDB unit, which unexpectedly went ENblock a few months later. The exercise won us the maximum HDB benefits, as first time HDB owner, living near parents and participating in the ENblock exercise. Estimated benefits amount to about $100,000 or more. Even the HDB officer were amazed at how “Lucky” we were. To make it better, we were number 4 in the queue when choosing our new unit. You won’t believe it… the day we choose our flat, we saw rainbow along the way to HDB Hub. God is so FAITHFUL! We will be shifting in to our new flat this July or August, debt free! Praise God!
Thanks for praying for me (in one of the recent service where you encourage the pioneers to keep our love for God…). I was very pregnant then, when you laid hands to pray for me. This April Owen Wong was smoothly delivered through natural birth weighing 3.43, measuring 51cm :). I’m enjoying my 4 month maternity leave now ;).
Together with you, we are believing God for more history-making moments in CHC as we keep to our vision and calling.
We love You, Sun and Dayan :)
Love,
Huihui & Tim
Since 1993
Dear Pastor,
So glad to hear from you! It must be a very difficult period for you and your family right now. But I want you to know that me and my family are always praying for you.
Thank you for sowing into my life and the many wonderful preachings and inspiration that you have sowed into my life. I will always be praying for you and standing together with you in prayers. My family & I are internally grateful for all that you sowed into our lives in your ministry,
You have always taught us to love God whole heartedly and people fervently.We will continue to do good works and bring in the harvest for Christ.
Take care and we love you.
Love
Wendy
Dear Pastor,
Thank you for all that you have done, for your obedience to the Calling that God has called upon your life. And because of you, thousands upon thousand of lives have been touched and changed by God through your ministry.
Some can call us having blind loyalty…others have named us brain-washed in the past when our church started and other critics will continue to brand us with many other names in the future.
But seriously, does it even matter?
You taught us that our altar are build on God and not on man.
You taught us to be God’s Pleaser and not man’s pleaser.
After all, its not man’s opinion or approval that we are seeking.
There was an old Song that we used to sing for Singapore during my primary school that is quite prophetic for us : )
There was a time when People said that Singapore (or CHC) won’t make it – BUT WE DID.
There was a time when troubles seemed too much
For us to take, BUT WE DID.
Pastor, It is in City Harvest that I found my faith towards God.
Its Here that I found a family ( going to get married in 4 months time) and here that I found friends that are closer than a brother.
Pastor, We LOVE YOU and the Church and we are thankful for all that you have done!
Love,
Kel
Dear Pastor Kong,
It is really so good to hear that you and family are doing well. :)
Thanks for everything that you have done and laid your life for this church, for us.
Greater and glorious days are indeed ahead! Let’s keep on keeping on!
Thank you Pastor!
We love you!
Elaine
CHC is really the expression of your heart’s desires and vision. It is a reflection of the leader and pastor that you are.
There are many outstanding leaders on earth, and you are definitely one of them, and what’s more, you are one who really loves and serves God. I know it’s not easy to be in your shoes. If you wanted glamour and glory, it would have been easier for you to seek it through other ways. I feel sorry for you when people who don’t know your intentions start judging you by what they perceive to be true.
Pastor Kong, you lived all these years before God. And you know that everything that can be shaken will be shaken, so that what remains are things that cannot be shaken.
CHC is the expression of your heart, and I am amazed to see that you have a heart for people from all walks of life: the married, the singles, the business professionals, the children, the intellectually challenged, the elderly, the different dialect groups, the celebrities, the individuals from different parts of this world. Your heart is big!
You have taught us to love GOD and people (Great Commandment), to love the world and reach the world (Great Commission) and to influence the culture of our time (Cultural Mandate). That’s really amazing. You are such a man of boldness and vision.
This world truly needs someone like you. You are an asset, Pastor Kong!
Dear Pastor,
So glad to hear from you! It must be a very difficult period for you and your family right now. But I want you to know that me and my family are always praying for you.
My family & I are internally grateful for all that you sowed into our lives in your ministry,
You have always taught us to love God whole heartedly and people fervently.We will continue to do good works and bring in the harvest for Christ.
Take care and we love you.
Pst, thank you for sharing with us. 6 years in City Harvest, i’ve found my faith, family and friends here in this house. It wouldn’t have been the same if not for your obedience towards God. Here i’m accepted for who i’m, welcomed with open arms, discover my gifts, found my purpose and met friends meant for life. Your boldness and courage to live your life for God inspires me to do so. We’ll continue to love God wholeheartedly and love people fervently! Thank you for shepherding us and i’m very thankful that you’re my pastor!!
Dear Pastor,
Thanks for letting us know how you feel, most importantly assuring us that you and your family is doing well. It’s a true consolation.
Even though the AC celebration seemed to be abruptly ended, all of us who attended (even the delegates) the Conference would have seen how successful and glorious it was. Not forgetting the mighty move of God for all 5 days.
After all these things that take place, I’ve come to realise that it’s no longer what we hear or say anymore, but trusting God that He’ll lead us the right direction.
I admire you for your courage and perseverance in this time of adversity. Indeed all these years, you and Sun has shown yourselves to be the exemplary ones in my life. Each time I face any setback, I’d ask myself “How would Sun/Pastor Kong react in such a situation?” And it is really through your teachings that moulded me to where I am today. Thanks for being that wonderful shepherd over CHC!
Pastor, no matter what happens, know that we’re always standing on your side. I’m sure that everything is in good hands – God’s hands!
Always supporting and praying for you,
BK
Since i touch down in Singapore 6 yrs ago, Our Faith, Family & Friends always support you :-)
Dear Pastor Kong,
Thank you so much for your love and faith in us. Only God knows the sacrifices you have made for the church, and the burdens that you daily carry for His people.
You have taught me the importance of walking in integrity, love and hope. You have demonstrated how one person can indeed make a difference. You have showed me how it is more blessed to give, than to receive and how we are blessed to be a blessing to others.
CHC is where I found my life partner, my true friends and my purpose in God. Today, my parents and younger brother are serving as Cell Grp leaders, my husband as a service IC in Children Church and my youngest brother as a drummer in CHC. My family and I are eternally grateful to you and Sun for all your prayers and love when my family was going through a tough time earlier this year. Despite your busyness, you and Sun never failed to show your concern for us, encouraging us with your daily prayers. CHC is our spiritual family, where we call home. It is where we have lived and will live our lives to the fullest for God.
1 Tim 1:5 “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from sincere faith.”
You have truly exemplified what love from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith is all about.
We love you Pastor Kong and Sun! *Hugs*
Come what may, we are always standing with you. A family ALWAYS stays TOGETHER!
Love,
LYL & Family
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/200questions/article_10.aspx
How Do I Recognize A Cult?
Practically every cult has certain characteristics that can tell the careful observer that something is wrong.
For instance, what does a group think about Jesus? Jesus Christ is God, Lord of all, the only source of salvation. Invariably, a cult will put something else on an equal footing with Christ. Cults teach that salvation comes through Christ, plus their little unique way. The quickest way to recognize a cult is by its treatment of Jesus.
Second, cults frequently attempt to instill fear into their followers. The followers are taught constantly that salvation comes only through the cult. “If you leave us, you will lose your salvation,” they say.
The third area has to do with the exaltation of the leader of the cult. Cults often center around a man or woman who is trying to gain power, money, or influence from manipulating people. A true leader who serves Jesus Christ has one goal, and that is to exalt and manifest Jesus. When someone says he has unique insight into God or is the special one that God has anointed to reach the world, you are dealing with cultic behavior.
A final mark of a cult is the unwillingness of the leaders to let the people grow up. A true shepherd will do everything he can to bring Christian people to maturity as quickly as he can. He will not seek to avoid necessary teaching, nor will he try to keep people from maturity. Many cults perpetuate spiritual dependence so that their followers lose the ability to make independent, rational decisions. Often techniques of brainwashing are used to create robot-like behavior.
Although there are other marks of cultic behavior, these seem to be the ones that stand out.
1. Jesus is not central in CHC, He really hasn’t been for the past few years. Christ is only mentioned when the leadership feels that mentioning Him will gain them something. Is Christ the head of CHC or is He simply another tool they use?
2. Questioning is publicly encouraged, yet when you do actually question the leadership, their belief systems, you’re immediately shot down. It’s like if you don’t believe everything CHC says, you can lose your salvation. Church members also isolate people who think differently from them, it’s either you agree totally with them or you’re banished.
3. Third area, speaks for itself, PK is exactly that. Maybe I once knew him as a humble pastor, now, I don’t know who’s this arrogant, proud man that I see every week for the past year at least.
4. It is obvious that CHC members are not mature. Every message is tailored to garner a certain response and that response is not building mature believers, neither is it encouraging members to think for themselves. For example, during A&B period, giving was emphasized so much that not giving made people feel that either they don’t love God enough or their lack of giving will cause God to love them less. Christ was not mentioned even ONCE during the A&B period. Does the message bring believers closer to Christ or does it serve to build a man-made kingdom?
To all the concerned parents, draw your own conclusions whether CHC is a cult or not, but to me, it’s turning out to be like one because of the way members react, it looks like they’re worshipping PK instead of worshipping Christ.
Dear Pastor Kong,
I would like to thank you for the sacrifices and love you and Sun have shown to the church. I came to CHC in Oct 1998. Ever since then, my life has been transformed. I am no longer the girl will low self-esteem. God through you and Sun has shown me that I’ve great potential and that I should pursue my dreams and desires. Both of you are my inspirations and truly my spiritual parents. I really miss your presence in church. And hope that you can come back to preach in service and teach us in SOT soon. Pastor I love and support you always. And will continue to stand by you. We are forever a family!
Love,
Sandy
Pastor thanks for building this spiritual family and taking so much upon yourself. Thanks for all the sacrifices, it meant so much to me and my family. I looked back at the past 13 years of my life since I came when we’re in hollywood and like many others, found my Faith Family and Friends here. I don’t know what more to say other than thanking you and letting you know that I’m standing with you.
I hope that you’ll have a good rest and we will always be praying for you and Sun.
Love,
Edwin, Meiling, little Donna and baby Toby to come :)
Dear Pastor Kong,
I’m glad that you are as strong as ever, and getting stronger each day.
I was in CHC for 8 years before migrating to Australia. To this day, CHC is my home in Asia and I regard you and Sun as my spiritual parents.
When I first came to CHC, I thought that this church is just another big Charismatic church where after the big celebrations or events have finished, after the light was turned off, everybody just get back doing their own things. But I was wrong, I found that even though CHC is big in size, it was in CHC that I found my spiritual family, where I met people that cried with me in my times of trial, and rejoiced with me at times of good. It was in CHC that I learnt more about God, that He truly loves me, and also on how to stand up like a man.
I also met my wife when she was ministering in CHC, got married, have a wonderful daughter, and my family grew spiritualy in this church.
All of these will not be possible without your leadership. Growing in ministry as well, in CHC, I saw that you are not treating members as numbers, but as your own children, the people that matters most for you.
Pastor, even though my family is not in Singapore anymore, I just want to say that we have full confidence in you and in the church. Regardless of what others said about you, we just want you to know that we believe in you, trust in you, and praying for you and CHC.
I couldn’t wait to see CHC grow even more under your leadership, and shake Asia with greater storm for God.
God bless you,
Andri & family
Dear pertinacious,
You are very very mistaken.
I feel a lot for you because JESUS is the CENTRAL THEME of the CHURCH.
For unless the Lord builds the House, we who labor, labors in Vain.
Our Focus have always been to God.
In Him, we live and move and have our being.
If you will to listen to our newest CD Album Reign, you will realized that we have a song SWEETEST DEVOTION.
Does the song sounds like its being sang to a man or to GOD?
TRUTH is, we love Pastor for all that he has done for the church, much like how a child will love their parents.
But we never have or never will worship Pastor.
In addition, it appears to me that you really don’t know Pastor Kong well. Which explains why you appear to be so judgmental and critical.
People who don’t know much about our MM LEE for example, may say that he is a dictator or something else. ( he have his fair share of critics)
But if one really look and see what he has done,what he has contributed, how he has labor tirelessly for SINGAPORE… and how he brought us from where we have been to where we are now, it is without doubt that he is the man that shaped Singapore.
And in a similar parallel, Pastor Kong have labor tirelessly for the KINGDOM OF GOD.
Just like we don’t worship MM LEE, we don’t worship Pastor Kong as well.
But if you really looked at his fruits, the lives that are changed because of him, one would realized it is without a shadow of doubt that He is a man that has been a BLESSING to the Kingdom of GOD.
To all reader, please draw your own conclusions whether CHC is a cult or not, but to me, it really is a place where dreams are realized, success is celebrated and GOD is GLORIFIED!
Kel
Dear pertinacious,
I beg to differ from your opinions.
1. Jesus has been always the reason for every season. Whatever CHC is doing, Jesus has always been the reason. Pastor Kong has reminded us again and again that we should not be chasing after the blessings, but rather the Blesser. You mentioned, ‘Christ is only mentioned when the leadership feels that mentioning Him will gain them something.’ I felt that this is just a sweeping statement with no grounds to base your opinions on. CHC has always given God all the glory in terms of sharing testimony during the services.
2. I don’ think that not believing in anything that CHC says will cost you your salvation. Again, this is a sweeping statement. Pastor has always preached that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Moreover, if you cannot agree with CHC’s vision and beliefs, then there are always other churches who you can find yourself agreeing with their beliefs and vision. CHC is not hardup for members, rather we are more interested in making disciples of Jesus Christ.
3. Your third statement is again a sweeping statement. Do you know Pastor Kong very well to make this statement? Are you following 24/7 to know what he is doing. Judge not, for you yourself will be judged with the same measurement that you use to judge others.
4. How do you measure maturity? You used Arise and Build as an example. Are you sure Christ is not mentioned? CHC wants to build God a great house and to build the lives of her members. You may feel that ‘during A&B period, giving was emphasized so much that not giving made people feel that either they don’t love God enough or their lack of giving will cause God to love them less.’ This is only your feeling. How do you ascertain that this is the feeling of other members. Pst has never forced us to give. Pst has always mentioned that giving is always voluntary. You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving.
To all concerned parents, how will you want your children to think about love? Do you want them to always expect something in return in a relationship? Or do you want them to see that it is only in giving that love is expressed. On Fathers’ or Mothers’ Day, do you just want them to mention to you that they love you and do nothing else, or give you something , be it costly or not, that represents their love? Wives out there, do you just want your husbands to say they love you, or do you expect them to express their love through giving? For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son. Yes, materials cannot fully represent love, but it does expresses love.
Regards,
Marc
Hi Pertinicious:
Thanks for your points mentioned. It is obvious to me from your points, that CHC is NOT a cult. And for certain, you are not really a CHC member and never would understand the heartbeat of CHC and Pastor Kong.
As a member of CHC since I was a youth, I’ve only found my love for GOD increasing through the years.
As a member of CHC, we have also been taught by Pastor Kong that our priorities are always 1) GOD, 2) FAMILY, 3) MINISTRY. I don’t remember him EVER saying 1) KONG, 2) GOD … you get the drift. It is very scary to me should he even subtly do that. I am not a blind believer.
As a member of CHC, I’ve learned to build my altar on God and not on anyone else, and all these teachings are just a few amongst countless that Pastor Kong has taught us, with regards to putting GOD first. Any member with the right heart would understand the spirit behind Pastor Kong and CHC.
You sound like you do know Pastor Kong personally to determine how he’s like, or to know the intents of his heart. If I were a Bible-believing, God-loving individual, I would choose to fear God enough never to touch God’s anointed by my words.
Anyway, knowing CHC, we love Pastor Kong and the leadership the way we are to honour God’s servants. We are believing for the best outcome. But if not, CHC still goes on because our love and devotion is FIRST toward GOD.
I wish you all the best anyway :)
Dear Pastor Kong,
Though I’ve been in City Harvest for only a few years, your ministry has transformed my life. I have been greatly blessed by all your teachings and all your sacrifices (seen and unseen by others) for the church.
No matter what happens to the investigations, I and many others will still believe in you because we have seen your sacrifices all these years.
For me, I believe this is another test for our church to make us stronger people and you a stronger person. While others may criticize, disagree or slander us, I believe God wants us to continue to stick to our beliefs – love God wholeheartedly, love people fervently. Stay strong and courageous, pastor! We will continue to pray for u and your family.
Hope to see you and hear from you soon =)
Dear Pastor,
It is really awesome to be able to hear from you and it encourages me to see you being so faithful in thanking God for the big and little things in your life. Your “never-say-die” attitude alone is the most encouraging to my life for the past 10 years that I’m a Christian.
When I first came to CHC, the love of God was so evident in the place and in the CG that I was in. I asked my friend who brought me to church, “Are your CG members always so happy?” Over the years, I experienced this joy and love that they have myself. It was through your teachings week after week that I got to know God more. It was also through your sharing and visions that I am a much happier and bold person now.
Pastor, thank you for being the most giving person I ever knew. You always say, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care” and really, my CG and I know how much you care for us and for this church. It humbles us to see you lay your life down for us and we know deep in our hearts that , really, you don’t have to work so hard! Like what Dr. Kim always says, you need to rest! Having said this, Pastor, thank you for being the hero in our lives and sacrificing your rest and comfort. Thank you for being the hero that always plough through the hardest times in the background and never claiming the credit for all that you have done. We are where we are right now because of you.
On behalf of my CG, I want to THANK YOU and let you know that we will always be supporting you. You are our hero and a friend that has earned our utmost respect.
*Loves & Salutes You!*
Love,
RLee
Hi Kong Hee
know that there are friends outside of CHC that are praying for you, family and CHC. Press on my friend. Be of good cheer :) Kim Pong
Say what you will.
KH has always preached that when the offense is public, so must the apology, unfortunately, I don’t see him practicing that. Take the plagiarism issue for example, it’s been flagged up months ago, and all he’s done is apologize on a small corner of his website, and that only when there’s increasing pressure for an action by him. Where was the public apology? Sure, the offense was committed in cyberspace, but the same devotionals were sold in the church bookstore and they were advertised during the announcements. They were also sold in other bookstores outside of church. So shouldn’t the apology not be limited to cyberspace?
Is he the type who would keep quiet about mistakes and only admit them when legal action was threatened? Does he have to preserve such a perfect image so that members will unquestioningly follow him?
Dear Pastor Kong,
This is Miriam from SOT. Do not know whether you remember the couple from Phoenix (USA) who approached you to speak at LA Dream Centre. You spoke to my husband Anthony and thank you for having your PA to follow up with us about the invitation. We are very touched because though this is just a small gesture but it reflects very well on your character and integrity. You are a person who meant what you say, and whatever you promised you will make sure is fulfilled.
On behalf of Pastor Tommy Barnett from Phoenix First, we thank you and looking forward to see you speaking at LA Dream Centre. You are a revolutionary Pastor, encouraging all Christians to live up to God’s destinies in our life, maximize ourselves in this very one life we have on this earth, engaging in culture. Your message to the people at Dream Center will surely bring greater hope and confidence in them who were once terribly lost.
SOT missed you very much; please come back to continue your teaching on Romans ok ? :)
My CG (E383) , husband and myself will always keep you and your family in prayer.
We love you Pastor, and we love the church.
Love,
Miriam
Pertinacious. yawn.
Hi Pastor,
Thanks for showing me 12 years ago what Jesus had done for me on the cross. I was going through depression after a terrible breakup and when I heard the good news that Sun in City Harvest Church, God set me free and I was emotionally healed.
I may not know you personally, however when I saw how God used you, Sun & the leaders in church to reach out to the lost, poor & needy, I am determined & committed to be planted in this house of God.
Will keep on praying for you, Sun & church.
Pastor, happy Father’s day! You are my spiritual father.
Blessings,
Karen Lim
Hi Pastor,
I’m glad to hear that all is well with you. May you continue to stand strong amidst the storms. Whatever the destination, I believe that good will come out of it.
With all my years in church, I am grateful for your teachings, and for your example. Your passion for your flock is just wonderful.
Dear Pastor,
I’m glad to know that you and your family are doing fine.
I can still vividly remember my first posting to you on 30 May because coincidentally it happened to be one day before the CAD raid. I was then trying to seek clarifications on some financial data shown to me by friends concerning the Church and some companies that I was told were closely linked to the Church, such as Xtron, AMAC Capital and City College.
As an accountant, I could sense that there were possible problems. I informed my CGL (who unfortunately could not understand much of the things I was telling her) that I was disappointed by what I’ve seen and analyzed. I then decided to detach myself from the Church as a defence mechanism as I was feeling very hurt especially after news broke out about the raid. I suppose that I’ve made the correct decision given all the people being called up for investigation and from what I’m reading everyday from the media and various public forums.
I was further disappointed when my postings were removed by the blog admin which goes to show that some people in the Church are simply afraid to know and share the truth with others. Hiding the truth and hoping to continue deceiving others has never been God’s way of doing things.
I wish you and your family well and pray that you’ll have the courage to admit your mistakes, seek His forgiveness and repent.
Susan
“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:1-13)
Pastor Kong, we love you. You have made such a difference in our lives. You’ve given us hope, vision, and most importantly love. To the unwise, to the foolish, the ways of the wise are foolish.
For those who know you, who have been touched by you, we know that we know that we know that our lives will never be the same because of what you have done for us: setting an example in spirit and in truth.
Through Jesus Christ, you have truly been such a blessing in so many lives. God is, as you said, the finisher of our faith, and no matter what obstacle you are going through right now, we will be by your side, loving you and people wholeheartedly, and continuing to love God fervently, just as you have taught us to do.
We will be by your side.
A father teaches his children to worship the God of his life and when they do he is so proud of them, in the same way pastor kong you have taught your “children” us at chc to love the God of your life wholeheartedly and you are very proud of us when we do. Some may have difficulties understanding that concept and they think we worship you but they are possibly people with limited vocabulary so it doesnt matter I guess.
We love you not worship you and we always will.
Thank you for being a wonderful, loving spiritual father Pastor Kong.
Happy Father’s Day Dad.
Hi Susan, would you mind contacting me privately about your observations? I’d like to hear an accountant’s point of view regarding the whole situation (I’m not an accountant myself).
Dear pertinacious,
‘Say what you will.’ What a way to reply to all those who reply to you. Then you just put off previous comments and say something new.
What have you got to say about the previous comments?
You have judged someone and made many sweeping statements. Shouldn’t you apologise for making statements that have no grounds?
If you think you have got what it takes to be a leader and apologise online for all the sweeping statements you have made, good. If not, please stop passing anymore judgments.
There is no smoke without fire …. this has been said over and over again.
Jeremiah 14:14-16
14 Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.
15 Therefore, this is what the LORD says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine.
16 And the people they are prophesying to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out on them the calamity they deserve.
Dear Pastor Kong,
It’s really great to hear your reflections. I feel blessed actually. Blessed to have a Pastor like you.
CHC will be by your side, supporting you always, and we WILL continue to support you because if God didn’t use you, i don’t think i would be save. Without you, there is no CHC.
We love you pastor, and will always be praying for you. (:
Dear Pastor Kong,
It is great to hear from you after a period of silence. You are certainly missed by the church. I’ve been missing church in a while, due to my personal commitments. However, after I saw your news, I feel like I have to diligently turn up for church, so that the whole church can join in prayers together.
Indeed, my faith is being doubted by the many people around me. But I chose to smile my way through. It is not an act of avoidance, but we must let our action speaks for itself. We don’t just follow blindly, we’re not the ‘brain-washed’. We’ve been led by you & your group of leaders to follow the words of God. The only way we can show others that God is our way, is to behave maturely & show them that our characters are the traits of God.
We are not saying that members of the church are saints who don’t sin. Whoever does wrong, we pray for their return to God’s way.
There are people awaiting for the fall of us, but we’ve shown them that our services are as packed as ever, and we are only getting stronger, not weaker.
We will come out of it stronger.
Really hope to see you at service soon.
You are always in our prayers.
Esther
Pastor Kong,
Words cannot describe how much you and Sun mean to us. Always loving and praying for you, and I will not cease living the call of Jesus in my life, the call that I would never have heard if not for City Harvest.
Let’s keep going on for Jesus, no matter what.
Love always,
Ruben
My dear Pst Kong.
Want to know why you are in this predicament?
Pride……yes pride and it shows in your above reflection, especially the part where you assumed you will have the support from those “who have chosen to trust in the intent of my heart”.
But is your heart’s intent God’s intent?
Was He the One who told you to build up the largest church in South East Asia? Was He the One who told you to initiate the Cultural Mandate? Did He tell you to move into Suntec? Did he tell you to set up all these various companies that are now the attention of investigation?
Or these are merely your desires derived from an inflated ego that has nothing to do with God’s plans?
Anyone that is drunk with success after success can be easily beguiled into thinking that whatever he plans next will succeed. But God has other intentions.
I once was like you too.
Remember my census which I conducted to find out how many soldiers I had in Israel after my numerous triumphs? I did the census despite objections from my general. I thought, hey what could be wrong? I am the King, the absolute leader, the Son of God! I have been victorious man!
But that census was never God’s intention!
The result: 70,000 lives were innocently destroyed because of my pride. Lucky you have only 30,000+
Remember also what I did to stop the carnage? I repented….Yes I admitted my wrong before God. I repented, paid some dues to that guy that I took his property from to build an altar. I paid back fairly what I took from him.
In short, I admitted my SIN, repented and start anew.
Can you do that?
Dear Pastor,
i am very thankful to God for planting me in City Harvest Church.. this church has not only taught me to love God wholeheartedly, but also to love people fervently. it is in chc that i encountered the genuine love of God that gave me a brand new hope for life in the midst of the constant depression in my teenage years.
Pastor, thank you for your sacrifices for God and the church, for being my role model in dreaming big dreams and visions for the glory of God.. and never losing faith in the face of challenges!
…once again, we love you Pastor Kong!
* kingdavid, thank you for your honesty in sharing about your repentance of the sins in your life. im pretty sure all human beings are somewhat aware that we arent perfect people living in a perfect world. so i’d think we ought to let the role of a judge be taken up by God instead, rather than claiming things by our own one-sided perspectives (:
Hi Pastor!
You are a blessing to us all! You have inspired me with your passion for God, your passion for prayer and your passion for taking the nation by storm.
Your strength and your sacrifice have not gone unnoticed.
People can say what they want, but we know that your ministry is true. We love you Pastor!
Russell B
hi pastor,
thank you for always drawing us back to the Word of God and encouraging us to wait upon Him.
in these times, it is precisely what we will do – to band together as a family to seek Him.
we’ll always be standing with God and with the church :)
Yo Pastor, way to go !! Have this funny feeling that if you are on overseas mission, we don’t miss your voice. But now that you are in Singapore for the past fortnight, we long to hear your voice. Wishing u an advanced Happy Fathers Day & I will always remember your help, because without it, I won’t be celebrating Fathers Day with my family this year.
Hi Pastor,
thank you first of all for being an example in faith, in your walk with God. Then despite all the criticism and slamming, you never fail to stand back up :) Even when it came to the lack of citations. That is a very courageous thing to do, so thank you Pastor Kong. (Still, thank you for sharing those devotions cos I will never read that many Christian books in relation to you)
You help me understand that we are not perfect but as long as we do everything as unto the Lord, things will turn out fine. What matters is that we give our best.
And most importantly, never to judge, because we have all done wrong in our lives. How can we sentence someone base on what little we know? Even if people were to spit on our faces, we tolerate and love. I can never do it but Pastor, you just take everything in stride.
Pastor, I’m praying for you and your family. We are right behind you (turn back and you’ll see us face-to-face, not far away!) and beside
you. I can’t wait to see you in church, preaching!
Cindy Moy
To kingdavid,
Oh definitely, I am sure Pastor Kong Hee has sinned, and he is no better than you and I. And I am sure he can repent and start anew – except that why should he repent to you? Its between him and God. So, please bugger off from your judgemental attitude – you’ll be a happier person if you can stop picking on other’s fault.
Pastor Kong Hee
I am not from your church but I worship the same God as you. I was just going through your previous blog entries and came across this one entitled “when bad things happen to good people”.
http://www.konghee.com/www/2009/11/when-bad-things-happen-to-good-people/
I would like to encourage you back with what your have said before from the Word of God. Our God will restore, our God will vindicate our suffering on this Earth, so hold on fast to Him, He will be your ultimate deliverer!
Take care and will pray for you!
Dear Pastor,
In the word of John Bunyan,
If my life is fruitful, it doesn’t matter who criticise me.
If my life is fruitless, it doesnt matter who praise me.
Your life speaks volume of the work and harvest over the 20 years. We are proud of you, CHC and the leadership. Never a moment of doubt.
Having had the privilege/honor of joining CHC for mission trips in the past to Indonesia/Hong Kong and watching how tirelessly you/Sun and CHC hv worked for the kingdom of God, I can only stand in awe of your passion/love for the Lord and in fulfilling the Great Commission & Great Commandment.
I hv been in CHC closed to 10 years and am proud to be a mbr of this life-changing/impacting church that continuously challenge/motivate us to move on to a higher level of love/faith…I hv learnt much during this period…
When news were splashed over the papers, I was not one bit shaken nor affected by what I read. I hv full confidence/faith in your leadership and those in CHC, regardless of what happened or the outcome of the investigation. Yes, we will come out stronger in the Lord.
Stay strong Pastor and know that there are so many of us who are here with/for you…..
Take Care Pastor
To: glassbox
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something (Plato)
I did not say he has to repent to me. Read properly.
Dear Pastor,
I would like to share some thoughts regarding all these…
I am glad to hear that your family and you are staying strong in these tough times.
As much as the church is concerned, I am sure that most of the members are praying reverently for you.
While it is true that all things work for good for those who love God, I believe many people (inside and outside) the church are looking forward to the resolution of these issues.
The implications of the current investigations are huge. I noticed that Christians from many churches are joining in prayers for our church. It is not just because our church is on “trial” here. Rather, Christianity itself is on the weighting scale.
As the largest church in Singapore, many non-believers and believers look to CHC as a beacon of Christianity. Whatever outcome from this investigation would strongly affect the name of Jesus in our nation.
As of now, the current impact among the members of the public is rather negative. I have friends (as well as my family’s friends) that do not want to come for church services because they view Christians very negatively because of the allegations.
It is my prayer and hope that whatever arises out of this will put the perception of Christianity on the right track.
Secondly, many members of the public view you as a role model for many young people today. In light of the current CAD investigation, the issue of plagiarism would seem to be extremely small. However, public interest on the matter still remains – 1) According to the Straits Times, no permission was obtained from the American authors regarding the use of their works; 2) A letter from a professor from NTU was published in the Straits Times Forum regarding the severity of plagiarism.
Because of your influence on the young people today, it is natural that this area is still under scrutiny by the public.
Thirdly, I am certain that regardless of the outcome of the CAD investigation, many members of the church will continue to stay, because this has been our spiritual family for many years. Most of us grew up in this church – from young secondary school students to adults now.
It is not due to a lack of trust that some members of the church are asking for more information. The amount of money that is being probed and has been made known (by various sources such as financial reports of the last AGM and other related companies) are in the millions of dollars.
Clearly, the monetary amount is huge – and the magnitude so big – that there are some members who are constantly being told to stop attending church by their parents, guardians and loved ones.
If indeed there are faults with any individuals, it is certain that mercy and grace will flow from the members of the church and other Christian brethrens.
However, many people will wait for the announcement of the findings of the CAD – because these issues facing the church are all stemmed from the laws of this nation.
Breaking a law is (of course) fundamentally different from committing a sin. The former is between the individual and the legal standards of this land. The latter is (naturally) between the individual and God.
It is also my sincere hope that the members of CHC get this correct definition. If not, some members of the public will continue to view the members as deluded, and not respecting the governance and the rule of law in Singapore.
On a final note, I wish you and your family well in these difficult times. Again, all things work together for good.
kingdavid
There is this thing called ‘inference’. What were you inferring putting ‘SIN’ in caps and to follow it with a targetted question of “Can you do that?”.
Why are u looking for an answer from Pastor Kong Kee? Maybe you can enlighten me on your object of that question?
Hi Pastor!
Really great to be hearing from you again after a long while~
Can’t wait to have you back at the pulpit sharing your sermon with us!!
Wanna say that I am truly blessed by your ministry ever since I came to church in late 2004. It has been a blessing to me, and it will always be! Also, wanna say that no matter what/how the outcome may be, we’ll still be cheering you on! The SOT congregation has been praying for you for the past 2-3 weeks, and we’ll continue to do so!! As God hasn’t give up, we won’t give up either! Let’s face this together as a church!
To: Glassbox
You infer wrongly. Be like me. I repented to God. He should do likewise to Him if he’s in the wrong.
Why am I looking for an answer? The whole Singapore is looking for the answer which he himself knows : )
Anyway I addressed my comments to him….So bugger off yourself.
To: pertinacious on June 18th, 2010 6:10 pm
Hi pertinacious,
I have no intention in offending you, but just wish to seek your clarifications, as I found some unfounded claims in your comments.
1)
“KH has always preached that when the offense is public, so must the apology, unfortunately, I don’t see him practicing that.”
–> Please quote the source of this.
–> This is a matter between Pastor Kong and those writers, what’s the master with you? Pastor Kong has already clarified it in his devotion section. It is merely an accident. How could you know Pastor Kong has not apologize to those writers??
2)
“Take the plagiarism issue for example, it’s been flagged up months ago, and all he’s done is apologize on a small corner of his website, and that only when there’s increasing pressure for an action by him. Where was the public apology? ”
–> Again, How could you know Pastor Kong has not apologize to those writers??
–> So interesting. How could you know that Pastor Kong apology only because of pressure? I believe you are not God who can read a person’s intentions, right?
3)
“Sure, the offense was committed in cyberspace, but the same devotionals were sold in the church bookstore and they were advertised during the announcements. They were also sold in other bookstores outside of church. So shouldn’t the apology not be limited to cyberspace?”
–> Yes, you are right that Pastor Kong’s book is so famous that many people would buy. However, the wronged parties are still the writers. Who are you to demand apology from Pastor Kong? Are you God? Are you the writers?
4)
“Is he the type who would keep quiet about mistakes and only admit them when legal action was threatened?”
–> This is purely your imagination without any substantiated supporting evidences. You are trying to demean Pastor Kong here. Pastor Kong could reserve legal rights in future civil case against you, though I believe he would not do so for the sake of love of Christ.
5)
“Does he have to preserve such a perfect image so that members will unquestioningly follow him?”
–> Again, your claim is unsubstantiated and it is a potential libel case. Remember Pastor Kong could reserve the rights under civial law against you.
Thanks and with love,
Yin Hai
kingdavid
If you were seriously looking for an answer from him, ask him yourself in private. I’m sure he will attempt to engage you personally and give you an answer. You are not sincere in saying the comments were addressed to him – your comments was addressed to the public.
Its clear your intent was to put him in a bad light – you have obviously made a pre-judgement of the answer you asked and hopes that he will answer in a way that you can ‘corner’ him – that is why I called it a targetted question.
You are also wrong to say that the whole Singapore is looking for an answer – the answer was given long time ago. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God Romans 3:22-25. And if that is the answer you want, its an obvious answer.
BTW, I did not tell you to bugger off – I told you to bugger off your judgemental attitude. So that still stands.
Hi Pastor!
Faith, friends and family – what a great reminder this post is of what is important in life.
Once again Pastor, you have brought to us a word of encouragement.
Thank you Pastor for all you have done over the years for City Harvest. Without you and CHC, I wouldn’t be the kind of person I am today! Thank you :)
Dear Pastor,
SOT 2010 loves you! We missed you! Please come back and impart your knowledge to us. Thank you for being such a great and wonderful pastor!
We will continue to pray for you. We will wait for you in JW, B4 auditorium…..
Have a very wonderful and Happy Father’s Day!
Take care, Pastor. Hope to see you soon.
Hi Son of Wind,
i will answer you before pertinacious shoots you down without mercy.
Did you read the Straits Times last week? It is the article regarding this plagiarism issue (of which Pastor Kong is accused). I still have a printed copy of that page. If need to, i will gladly scan it and email it to you.
The Straits Times contacted the American authors in which Pastor Kong allegedly plagiarized from.
The reply from the american authors was that NO SUCH PERMISSION was ever requested to them and granted to Pastor Kong. And mind you, it not just simply taking their ideas and points, but almost WORD-FOR-WORD copying in sentence and paragraph.
The american authors also warned pastor Kong to stop using their materials. If not, they will contact pastor directly and “expose” him in front of his church for committing such an act.
The issue is not just simply plagiarism, but also on copyright infringement as pastor Kong devotions were published and for sale, and in the devotional books, pastor Kong claimed copyright for the contents.
The american authors HAVE and CAN take legal (and moral) actions against pastor Kong. But they choose not to, because this is happening in the Kingdom of God.
To: kingdavid on June 18th, 2010 9:34 pm
Hi “kingdavid”,
I have no intention in offending you, but just wish to seek your clarifications, as I found some unfounded claims in your comments.
1)
“Want to know why you are in this predicament?”
–> Sad to say, it is so rude to begin your paragrap like this. Could you give a minimum respect to an anointed servant of God?
2)
“Pride……yes pride and it shows in your above reflection, especially the part where you assumed you will have the support from those “who have chosen to trust in the intent of my heart”.”
–> Are you God that can read another person’s heart? How much you know Pastor Kong? How can you know that it is pride that have guided Pastor Kong? You have too much presumptions… I want to ask you with your words, “Why you write this sentence? Pride? Jeolous of CHC and Pastor Kong?” If you are angry with my question, it is exactly what I feel when I read your sentence.
3)
“But is your heart’s intent God’s intent?”
–> I believe, and it is the fact, that Pastor was baptized and filled by the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit dwells in him, and God has imparted His vision inside his heart. Thus, it is absolutely correct for Pastor Kong to be sure that the vision in his heart is God’s vision.
4)
“Was He the One who told you to build up the largest church in South East Asia? Was He the One who told you to initiate the Cultural Mandate? Did He tell you to move into Suntec? Did he tell you to set up all these various companies that are now the attention of investigation?”
–> How can you know that it is the contrary? Again, the presumptions underlying your questions are not fully substantiated. When a person is baptised and filled by the Holy Spirit, he can be sure that whatever he thinks and he does come from the Lord.
5)
“Or these are merely your desires derived from an inflated ego that has nothing to do with God’s plans?”
–> Be careful of your words…. What do you mean by “inflated ego”?? You have such impolite presumptions in your mind, and without substantial supporting evidences. This constitutes a libel accusation.
6)
“Anyone that is drunk with success after success can be easily beguiled into thinking that whatever he plans next will succeed. But God has other intentions.”
–> First sentence: Thanks for your reminder. But I believe this sentence does not apply to Pastor Kong’s current situation
–> Second sentence: It seems that you have pretended that you are God?? Please give respect to God and remember that one of the Ten Commendment is that, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Fear the Lord, my friend!!
7)
“I once was like you too.”
–> Thanks for your sharing. But please don’t presume that Pastor Kong is the same like you…
8)
“Remember my census which I conducted to find out how many soldiers I had in Israel after my numerous triumphs? I did the census despite objections from my general. I thought, hey what could be wrong? I am the King, the absolute leader, the Son of God! I have been victorious man!
But that census was never God’s intention!
The result: 70,000 lives were innocently destroyed because of my pride. Lucky you have only 30,000+
Remember also what I did to stop the carnage? I repented….Yes I admitted my wrong before God. I repented, paid some dues to that guy that I took his property from to build an altar. I paid back fairly what I took from him.
In short, I admitted my SIN, repented and start anew.”
–> How can you pretend that you are the real King David?? Sad to say…. And I don’t intend to offend you… I only found three types of persons to pretend like this before: either in kindergarden, or in drama, or… in mental hospital……..
9)
“Can you do that?”
–> What do you mean?? How can you presume Pastor Kong has sinned like you?? Please don’t raise any presumptions here without any concrete supporting, or else it is a potential libel case.
Thanks and love in Christ,
Yin Hai
Dear Pastor
Thank you for all that you have done, without you and the church I will not be who I am today.
Just want to encourage you to keep on keeping on. We are behind you (very near) all the way. The outcome of the investigation does not matter at all.
Praying for you and your family.
Eric and Dolly
To david_25 on June 19th, 2010 1:02 am
Yes, I read that article, and perhaps long before you read it.
Pastor has already mentioned in his devotion blog that it is mere an accident:
“Dear Friends,
Recently, it was brought to my attention that in certain entries of the Daily Devotion series, my sources were not properly credited.
These devotions were written many years ago as an inspirational aid to encourage CHC members to read through the Bible at least once. They consist of notes that I have recorded through the years detailing reflections from my own spiritual journey, as well as select readings of other Christian authors who inspire me.
This series was originally meant only for internal circulation among the members of my church. As such, there was an oversight in not quoting the sources of some portions that borrow from the writings of other Christian authors. A section of the series was subsequently compiled by a local publisher into two books, Renewing Your Spiritual Life in 90 Days (Vol. 1) and (Vol. 2). I recognize that we could have been more careful to credit any source of inspiration used. Since we were informed about our oversight in March this year, we have been in the process of properly crediting, to the best of our efforts, the original sources of the entries in question on the website edition of Daily Devotion. The hardcopy editions of these publications are now out of print. The Daily Devotion series is only available free-of-charge on my website.
There was never any intention to give readers the impression that the entire contents were written by me. I do apologize for this oversight in the Daily Devotion and Renewing Your Spiritual Life in 90 Days (Vol. 1) and (Vol. 2) publications.
Thanks for your continuing love and support,
Kong
27 May 2010 ” [Kong Hee]
What I mean is that, since Pastor Kong has written those notes many years ago, he may have even forgotten which articles are “selected readings” offered to the Church, not to mention remembering who was the original writers. How can he apologize to them as he forgotten which articles are selected writings and where did he extracted from?
Thus, I believe that only after the media disclosed such fact could Pastor Kong apologize to the writers personally. I believe that Pastor Kong have done it already if he had time. But however unfortunately, he was so busy during the Asia Conference and assisting the COC investigation afterwards, it does not surprise me if he has not yet done so.
Thanks and in Lord,
Yin Hai
Hi Pastor Kong!
I’m not from CHC but I believe in you and am standing on the truth and believing that the promises of God for City Harvest Church will definitely come to past. If not for City Harvest and you, the spiritual atmosphere for christianity in Singapore would not have been so open. Will be keeping you, Sun, Dayan and City Harvest in prayer – unity among the staff, leaders and members, and strength for you and Sun. Thank you Pastor Kong for everything you’ve done.
Hi Pst Kong! (:
I’m from SOT and we definitely missed you!
Hope you can come back soon to teach us Romans (:
Pst Kong, we believe that you are a person of integrity and the motivation of your life is only God and Him alone, we will stand by you!
Thank you for your ministry, teaching us to be disciples of Christ, loving God and loving people.
I am really blessed to be in CHC, this is the place where i found my 2nd home, CHC was like family to me when i was going through tough periods of my life.
It was where I found acceptance, where I found back my self-esteem, where I really experienced God – and my life was never the same again, the reality of God was something I can never deny.
Indeed Faith, Friends and Family speaks of our relationship with God and people, which are as well issues very close to our hearts.
No matter what the outcome will be, no matter what people say, God will still build His house (:
Standing strong together with CHC,
Joanna
To Son of Wind,
this board is not meant to talk about the plagiarism issue. But I would indulge you once more in this post.
I would hope that you stick by your own rules…
If you have no information that pastor Kong had already apologized, please do NOT suggest or state that he has done so.
Moreover, the note posted by pastor Kong was BEFORE the Straits Times published the report. Pastor clearly wanted to convey that it was an oversight. However the Straits Times article put the note in a very bad light, as the authors had NEVER known that Pastor Kong took their writings word-for-word.
And yes, I remember the “ORIGINAL DEVOTIONS” that pastor wrote and gave many years ago. I remember also that he stated those devotionals were “written by Him”, in his time spent with the LORD.
It WAS NEVER stated in the original devotionals that it was “selected readings” offered to the church.
If I take what you say as true, it would be even WORSE for pastor Kong.. Because you are implying that Pastor Kong had in the past, DELIBERATELY took the works of these american authors, and without their permission, published their work “as his (pastor Kong) inspiration from the Holy Spirit”.
While they are “nothing new under the Sun”, it is obvious (especially to University graduates) that copying a work WORD-for-WORD demands some form of recognition and permission from the original authors.
On a final note, i hope you stop “discounting” the seriousness of these issues by playing it all down. Clearly, just a simple acknowledgement would be the best defense for the church. if indeed there is a fault, we can just admit that there is a fault.
Hi Pastor Kong,
no matter what the outcome may be, know that we’ll all be standing together with you.
i’ve been in church for the past 6 years and it’s really something that i definitely wouldn’t regret in my life.
thank you so much pastor kong for your ministry. you wouldn’t know how much it has bless me in my walk with God.
every single week i look forward to your preaching of the word.
i’m in this year’s SOT batch.. and i want you to know that we all really really misses you. we would really love to see you back continuing with us the Roman Road.
we’re praying for you every single day.. and will still continue to keep you and your family in prayers.
stay strong pastor.
i love you alot! thank you for everything! =)
Hi Pastor Kong,
I dont attend your church but i feel the need to tell you the word “rest”.
God just want you to rest in him, let him refresh you spiritually and mentally, just rest in his promises, you just need to take your spiritual rest and let him handle the rest. God will deliver you.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and i will give you rest”
Psalm 50:15 “and call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you will honour me”
Its sad to see some christians criticising mega churches without facts, i fee it because i am attending one too.
That makes me feel the need to pray God’s divine protection on my church and praying for you too.
Correction.. I meant to say, “there are nothing new under the Sun….”
Addition to the last line: Pastor Kong can say it’s an oversight.. and we can give it to him to say what he wants.
But I would say that it is an extremely poor defense (for us to use) to others who are querying about the matter.
It is more prudent to simply state that: “yes, there was a fault and a mistake”.
Dear Pastor and Sun,
Thank you for what you have done in Taiwan and China.. People are so blessed by your sacrifice and Cultural Mandate message!!! We LOVE you,TRUST you and Praying for you!!!
沒有你和Sun的付出,我這個台灣人也不會有今天的機會服事神服事人！
謝謝有你們！
愛真
to : kingdavid
King David (in the bible) died long long time ago…how come he still can blog?? Please don’t use his name and talked like one. By the way, the truth is not out yet, so don’t judge ya.
lennie
To david_25 on June 19th, 2010 12:35 am, ref to your post, that many churches joining in prayer for your church,
Yeah its good to hear that christians praying for one another. I am encourage when one day me and ex colleague were discussing this topic, she feel the same to pray for you all. And the decon of the church i attend, while sharing to members, urge us to keep your church in prayer too.
I mean when i heard those negative comments, I just tell God to protect my church, i just shut myself in the room and started praying that night, its an emotional one, weeping and praying for God’s devine protection on my church, your church and in general all churches in Singapore.
To: Son Of Wind
Either you fart too much, or you have too much wind in your head…; p
Everything to you must be substantiated by evidence LOL. You’re funny.
I really cannot answer your queries as I really do not have substantial evidence.
I lost. Sorry that my writing skills are so poor that you do not understand the allegorical gist of my original post.
To Son Of Wind / Yin Hai
I think many readers would wish to ask – just how old are you?
Hi Pastor :)
Before I came to CHC, I struggled with very low self-esteem and often felt insecure about who I was. I could not believe that there was someone in this world who would love me for who I am and would always be there for me. But my life was transformed after I received Jesus into my heart during one of the CHC weekend services in March 2006. I personally encountered God’s tangible and unlimited love. Through God’s love, I was able to step out of all my past emotional wounds, and I became a happier and emotionally stronger person. Besides finding God in CHC, I have also found a spiritual family. I have found friends in life that celebrated my successes with me, and stood by me during my toughest times. And Pastor, because of your teachings during the weekend services, I have also learnt to live with a purpose greater than myself – to love God and love people fervently. I was so moved by the love of God and the message of the cross, that I found myself being able to share about the love of God with people who have yet to know Christ.
Before I came to CHC, my family was in a dire financial situation. But in CHC, I have learnt to give my best to God. As a result of my giving, God is faithful and began to pour out great financial blessings into my household. The work of God in my family has testified that God is indeed a good God who wants His children to prosper for His glory. My parents, who are non-believers, used to be against my brother and I in attending CHC. But God’s goodness has become so undeniable in my family that today, my parents have become very supportive of my brother and I in attending CHC.
Before I came to CHC, I was doing badly in school, often failing or merely passing all my tests and exams. But in CHC, I have learnt to do my best in everything that I do outside of church. Through your teachings and through Sun’s humanitarian work, I have learnt to shine for God as salt and light in the world and began to work hard in school. You have also taught me that if i seek God’s kingdom first,all things shall be added unto me.” Therefore even as I attended cgms/services regularly and served him actively in church, my grades did not fall but instead improved much. From a mediocre secondary school student, I managed to enter a top 5 JC in 2008 and I am currently preparing to go to NUS in August this year. I believe that this is not resulted by my smartness or capability, but by God’s grace and strength.
I thank and praise God for all that He has done in my life through CHC. Indeed, those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God (Ps 92:13). All glory and honour belongs to the Lord.
But I also thank you, Pastor Kong, because your faith in and love for God and people have impacted me in a tremendous way. Your positive influence in my life is undeniable and irrevocable; it will never be replaced by any negative comments about you and CHC. Nobody is perfect, nor will anyone ever be perfect. But thank you, Pastor, for showing me that God can indeed make use of imperfect people to touch the lives of others.
I am praying for you and Sun. I believe that through this period, CHC will come fourth as a stronger church for God’s glory! I love you and will always be supporting you, Pastor! :)
P.S. Please come back to teach in SOT soon! We miss you very much!
Love,
Elaine
Hi Pastor!
Just wanna say a Big THANK YOU for all that you have been doing for us all this while. Thank You for being my pastor. Sun and you have been a great example for us, living out the Cultural Mandate.
You have been like a spiritual father to us, always there to encourage, inspire, challenge and protect us. And sharing your experiences with us. I am really blessed through your ministry.
All things works together for the good of those who loves Him, so i believe God will brings us through this period. & wanna let you know that i will stand by you!
PASTOR!! 加油!! =D!
Looking forward to you coming back to SOT to teach us! ( and also take photo with us! *super-grins* ) You are much missed in both church and SOT!
love,
Trudy
Hi Pastor,
Much has happened over the few weeks but to me you are forever my leader. Life would not be the same without this church you started. :)
At 19 I dropped out of school. I was in academic limbo – I didn’t know what to do. When I was all ready to give up, my cell group encouraged me and got me back to my feet. The end of that year I completed my A Levels as a private candidate. CHC was where I found support, friends, purpose.
Our church has always had our share of naysayers and critics. I believe this time it is no different. Whatever the outcome, know that you have in me a supporter. God changed my life through this church. This is where I belong and will always be so. I know I am not alone. And you may not have all our physical presence, but I for one will be praying for you!!
PS: Pastor, please do come and do Romans with us at SOT!! Come and be encouraged by us :D
[quote: trudy] PASTOR!! 加油!! =D!
Looking forward to you coming back to SOT to teach us! ( and also take photo with us! *super-grins* ) You are much missed in both church and SOT! [/quote]
Ya Pastor, we didn’t get a chance to take a pic with you the other time. Please come back!!
My Wife and I support you, Sun, the leadership of CHC and we are actually very impressed with the response shown to the media. We are clearly showing God’s Love to the world by our calm response and cooperation with authorities.
Take care Paster!
Hi Pastor!
Its so good to hear from you after 2 weeks. CHC has really brought me out of a dead life into one that is filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Through the tough times we will stand together and keep building this church!
Also, we at SOT really miss you and we want you to come and teach! We desire you to see you back in action preaching like never before challenging us in our walk with God.
Thanks pastor for all that you’ve done, truly this is a race and we all have to keep enduring it. Standing together in faith!
We love you Pastor! Take Care.
love,
Ryan
2.5 months ago, I left the church I was attending for the past 9 years. Though there were many reasons that lead me to leave the church but a couple of them has to do with some decision that our Pastors made.
I still pray for his vision as I firmly believe that it is from God. Whle I disagree with him, that does not mean I have to challenge him.
I left to take a breather and let God minister to me . One day I will be back.
That is how I came to attend CHC and also the opportunity to attend the AFC.
To the many who has written negative remark about Pastor Kong and his Church board council ( sadly some from CHC and the family of God) I have to say.
Its never easy running a church the size of CHC. There are many people invovled. There is a huge room for mistakes.
To susantt, its interesting how you were able to get the account of the chc and the related company to study unless it is through some sources.
The question is – is the mistake intentional. Was there some reason behind what was done.
Susantt was a bit upset when here comment to the forum was removed.
blogger like , kingdavid, conhee, john , pertinacious and Tan solo made some negative comment for CHC issue.
As a member of Christ body, I urge you to reconsider not postings any more negative remark and wait for the authority to present the case.
It is bad enough from people who I believe is working very hard to go through video sermon and at the slightest reason will complain to the authority to make it a big issue . Lighthouse, New Creation, FCBC and now CHC.
As a annoited leader, Pastor Kong will have to answer on judgement days what he has done with the sheep that the Lord gave him.
As a believer, we only answer for our self. As a leader he has give an account for the 33000 sheep the Lord has given him.
So I urge to stay united in the Kindgom of God and let the lucifian spirit divide us.
The truth will unfold, Let not pass judgement forn anyone until the authority make their finding.
Rememeber , by the same measure that you have pass that judgement, the same measure will be will against you.
Let just remove that plank from our eyes before we tell Pastor Kong to remove the speck of timber from his eyes.
Pastor Kong, During the last 2 months, my wife and my son have been bless by what we hear and saw.
We will keep praying for the truth to be reveal and its is really good to hear from you.
God Bless and God’s peace be with you.
Sorry. t should read:
So I urge to stay united in the Kindgom of God and NOT let the lucifian spirit divide us.
Kong is not the church nor is he Jesus or God. CHC will continue to live on, just like NKF and Ren Ci.
The sad thing is that he has grown too big for his shoes and has lost the plot some time ago.
Like I said, there is no smoke without fire and the CAD will not investigate if there was nothing to investigate.
I have seen the financial statements and I have seen some questionable entries.
Defend the cause of Jesus, the church and Christianity by all means, but let’s not make Kong out to be more than he really is … just a MAN …
If he has does wrong, the right thing for him to do is to be a MAN and answer for his mistakes should and when the investigators find any.
As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Dear Pastor,
I want to say a BIG thank to you and Sun. When I was young, I attend to Sun’s concert in Taipei and that was my first time heart about love and Christian. I still impressed when Sun share her testimony on stage, I was touched and cried. God’s love touched me when I didn’t know him.
Now I am a SOT student and have passion for GOD. Sun and you influence and bless my life. I love you and always pray for you.
康牧師和耀珊，
真的非常感謝你們，我生命中的最大的轉變，就是在台大聽到耀珊的演唱會，那是我生命中第一次深深地感受到愛，並且認識到基督徒，雖然是獨自一人在當中，卻是深深地被耀珊的見證所觸動、流淚，彷彿神早已預備要來認識我。至今我已經是一個SOT學生，感謝你們對台灣的愛，以及對我生命的祝福與影響力，你們是我永遠的模範！
Dear Pastor,
Glad to hear everything is well with you and your family. Just wana let you know that I’ll stand by you and I’m really proud to say that you are my awesome Pastor..always. You and your teaching have been my source of encouragement and inspiration through these years.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Pastor for the love, faith and hope that you never failed to share through your shepherding in this great Church.
Hope to see you teach and preach again soon either in SOT class or the church..
Take care Pastor..
Dear Pastor,
As a church member, it is my personal faith journey walk with God after Asia conference. So many news about you and CHC around, but when I pray, God ask me to put trust on him. Today, I am so happy to read your blog and I believe our God is failthful. Surely the truth stands forever. Happy father’s day and God bless you/your family/your friends!
Dear Pastor Kong,
I just wanna thank you for standing so strong in the face of all that is happening. Shouldering on.
My fond memories of you teaching in SOT 2009.
Often, you had just rushed back from an overseas mission and headed straight to JW.
There was even that couple of weeks when you sprained your ankle and had to put on a pair of sneakers so that you could stand for those hours. Just to teach us…
And you still were the first to arrive at 0645 to kick off the week long prayer meeting.
If i hadn’t served in Security, i wouldn’t have had that “up close and personal” opportunity to see the tired side of your physical body.
All in the name of Love, passion, and the purpose of God fueling inside of you. You “lit up” whenever the lift door opens. It’s like an instant surge of energy just came upon you.
Whenever i am overcome by the endeavor of “Chasing my Donkeys”, i will always think of your perseverance and the spirit of excellence.
Thank you pastor, for walking the talk. After walking in to CHC in Oct 2007, and choosing to set base in this wonderful family, i was more stunned than stumbled. I experienced the tangible love of Jesus that never fails.
Many do not understand the non arbitrary Faith and Obedience that you, Sun, and all the pastors and the leadership of CHC have plowed through despite circumstances.
My wife, son and i stand and pray in support of you and your leadership, of Sun’s exemplary obedience to bringing Christ to culture.
We are excited to continue our journey till we come to that intersection for new grounds. I believe CHC is at the brink of an awesome overflow!
Amidst the criticisms from the outside-standers, i believe, as what Dr Bernard has put it so aptly: “…most importantly, for us, we believe that there is a ‘conspiracy’ out there to do us good!”
That heavenly ‘conspiracy’ is found in Rom 8:28.
To me, your ministry is simply Outstanding!
I will carry on the message of Christ that you and pastor Tan have taught.
We love you, Sun and Dayan.
Dear Pst,
Great to hear from you again. 15 years in CHC, you have taught me a lot about Faith, Family & Friends.
In these 15 years, I learned to strengthen my faith in God, love my family and treasure friends. All because of you and Sun. Thank you so much! I’m standing by you and Sun, praying and believing that the end is going to better the beginning.
Take care and God bless…
Edward
Hi Pastor! Just want to say, a family is a family.
I am not that “curious” wrt the updates on the investigation, as compared to hearing from you and how you are doing.
Your well being is definitely more important.
Cheering you on!
Hi Pastor,
I am so excited and happy when I saw your blog this morning, and am glad to know that your whole family is well. We are all keeping you, Sun, Dayan, Pst Tan in our daily prayers. God will be your strength and comfort in this period of challenging times.
Pastor, in my 12 years in CHC, you have always exemplify what you preach and have change my life totally.
• From a person of low self-esteem and had difficulty in expressing my thoughts and always kept things to myself (most of the time angry), now I am confidence, happy and able to counsel and help others.
• From a person who was emotionally shut-down, now I am able to share and impact others.
• From a person who was an academically average student (always struggling), I now excel in life and obtain distinction in my all my graduate and post-grad studies.
• And the list goes on and on…
The countless of things that I have heard from and seen in you have never cease to change my life. Without your obedience to the calling of God to be the shepherd over CHC, I will never be where I am today.
Since day 1 in DC, I have seen thousands of elderly’s life been change. Many of them used to live a life feeling worthless, unloved, meaningless, negative, etc. But, through your ministry, even elderly at their eighties and nineties, had a chance to feel love, have their life change and see the purpose that God had in them.
Pastor, I will always stand by and trust in you no matter what may come. The impact that you have done in my life is irreversible. Just as you have written in your blog “Without my wife and son, I would be a poor man indeed”, to me, “Without Pastor Kong’s teaching (God’s Word) and sacrifice, I would be a poor woman indeed.”
Looking forward to have you back on stage again!
Love you and keeping you in prayers always.
Dear Pastor Kong,
Great to hear that you, Sun and Dayan are good . Most importantly, to hear personally from you . . And updating us again in blog and Twitter.
Pastor, I thank God for you, Sun and the leadership in church. My life was transformed because of your ministry. I found my destiny in CHC. CHC taught me to realize and grow with the great purpose and vision which God has created in me. In CHC, I felt the strong presence of God. The congregation under your leadership reveal to me ” this is the church which I can proudly said that is my spiritual home”.
Pastor, please know that you have indeed make a difference in my life. I love you, Sun and the CHC leaders. Always keeping you in prayers.
Hi Pastor,
So glad to know that you and your family is doing well. Me and my family will continue to pray for you and your family. I thank God always for having a great pastor like you and starting a great church like City Harvest that I can come to know God in a great way.
I came to church during the last year of my university. Being a back slider, I was looking for a church where I could be in. My lifestyle wasn’t totally right. I was partying and smoking and was looking for a church where I could be a “Sunday Christian” and still slip in through the gates of heaven when I die.
But City Harvest Church transform my life.
The presence of God that I felt in City Harvest Church and your teachings about God and His ways constantly challenged me and my thinking. God was prompting in my heart to live my life right before Him. Finally I gave in and submit my life totally to Him. I attend SOT in 2000 and has been attending church with my family since.
It’s so sad to hear of people who do not know our church family commenting about you and City Harvest. But I believe that the truth will prevail and vindication will come. The gates of hell WILL NOT prevail City Harvest.
Lastly, wish you all the best and we will still be continuing praying for you.
Hi Pastor,
Trust is indeed sacred. And it needs to be earned.
You have EARNED my trust and I completely pledge my heart towards City Harvest Church because this is the place my life’s been turned around and you are the very person that have tirelessly sacrificed and sown your life into every one of us through constant preaching of the Word of God and leading by example at all times.
No matter what others may think or feel, we have seen, felt and been touched by what you have done for everyone of us.
We’re praying for you and Sun to get through this tough time and I believe CHC will emerge through gloriously, with the power of God!
Hi all, just some thoughts from me after reading most of the comments. :)
There has been positive and negative comments about this blog.
I thank God for those who have been encouraging towards Pastor Kong.
As for those who gave negative comments, I am sure you have your own thinking about Pst Kong and CHC. At the end, you can give all the negative comments that you want, but what do you gain? Are you trying to show that you are better? I am not sure. It is always easy to point out someone’s mistakes, but one will always be blind towards his own faults.
At the end, Pastor Kong will be accountable to God, not to us. There is no point criticizing or passing all the negative comments or demanding apologies. It doesn’t help this situation a single bit.
In the book of Job, Job’s friends ‘played God’ and gave many ‘reasons’ why Job was in his predicament. But at the end, God told Job’s friends that they have not spoken what is right about God.
To those who are passing negative comments, what if you are wrong? Then you are speaking against God Himself.
All of us have a limited understanding of the whole situation here. Only God has the full picture. Let God be the judge, not us.
When we encourage Pastor Kong, we are not trying to protect him or are we blind to the whole situation. If by writing here we can protect him, then I am sure many members will write in this blog. However, I believe that those who are has encouraged Pastor Kong are here simply just to encourage him.
Let us not be so full of righteousness and so judge others. Rather, blessed are those who have mercy, for they shall obtain mercy.
Pastor, I got saved at one of Sun’s mini concerts in Jurong West. My life has never been the same after that. I just want you to know that whatever the outcome may be, I have no doubt in your character and your handling of church finances.
Because of you and your ministry, I am who I am today. I stand with you. You are loved.
Hi Pastor
happy to hear from you again!!! Thanks for standing strongly for God, for church and all the contributions to the world!!!
No matter what is happening now, I choose to trust in the man of God!! If God is for us, no any one can against us!!!
I believe that the CHC can overcome all the trials!!! Because GOD is on our side!
Hi Pastor Kong
Thanks God for His Power that He displays in you! You are really Strong because of Him. I saw you in today’s service during the Membership Promotions signing their oath. Wow amazingly you are there smiling and Rejoicing!
I always pray that no weapons form against you will prosper in the Name of Jesus and the righteousness through Mercy, The BEATITUDES will grow more and more in your life!
Pastor, during this time to trials and testing of FAITH, we are there to support you!
SOT 2007 Student
Hogankj,
You said, ‘As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.’
May I know how do you perceive your intentions?
Good or otherwise?
My point: We do well to remove the plank in our eyes.
‘kingdavid’
You said, ‘Sorry that my writing skills are so poor that you do not understand the allegorical gist of my original post.’
In that, we agree.
We agree, Let me share the Word… but God said “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you GREAT and MIGHTY THINGS, which you do not KNOW.”
(Jeremiah 33:3)
Call to Him! Ask for WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING!
To: kingdavid on June 19th, 2010 2:04 am
“Everything to you must be substantiated by evidence LOL. You’re funny.”
–> What I mean is that every accusation must be supported by evidences, or else you better not to raise it. Otherwise it is very unfair to the one being accused
–> I give you an example, and please note I don’t mean to offend you. Suppose someone accuse your mother as prostitute without raising any evidence. What would you think? You must be very angry, because the accusation is wrong and that person cannot raise any evidences. That person is doing an unethical thing (satanic work) which is extremely unfair to your mother
–> This is exactly what I feel when I read your post: You accuse our spiritual daddy and our Church, without raising any concrete evidences. Your presumptions behind are not well presented and organized, and you continue to demean our leaders and our church. Sad to say, I can’t see that you are doing all these under the Lordship of the Holy Spirit.
I have read other comments posted by you concerning other accusations against Pastor Kong or CHC. Most of them are not well substantiated with concrete evidences, and I can easily challenge your thoughts.
However on second though, criticizing another person is not the Spiritual DNA of City Harvest Church, though we believe Christ’s righteouness in on our side. I decided to show you mercy, as Pastor Tan taught us today, not to further argue with you. I believe other brothers and sisters of CHC kept slient not because that agree with what you write, but only want to show you mercy only. If you are a Christian, I strongly suggest you to reflect and fast unto the Lord and think twice whether what you are doing is right or wrong.
Thanks and in Christ,
Yin Hai
Dear Pastor kong,
When we look at your life, we know what it means to love God wholeheartedly and to love people fervently.
Because of you ,we have city harvest church.
Because you are such a great example, the leaders in city harvest church are like you. If not for the leaders in CHC who helped us when we first came in 1998,our marriage would have been gone. We will not have 3 beautiful daughters ,serving the Lord and living a purposeful life today.
Now our 15 year old daughter,Vevien and 9 year old daughter,Emiko is serving in the children church’s kids band,drama productions and martin’s parents and sister and brother in law are serving as ushers in church too.
Our family,from 1st to 3rd generations are serving God and living a fruitful life because of you and City harvest church.
You always taught us “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
You are always showing care and concern to people around you. No matter how jet-lag/tired you are, once you reach Singapore and if someone you know is sick or in need for counseling, you will definitely call them,meet them, listen to them, encourage them and pray with them. And even when you are not in Singapore, you will still contact them and show your care and love.
What you preach on the pulpit is exactly how you live your life.
You are the message. Living out Jesus character and love.
Your love for people has motivate us to be like you :)
Thank you and our whole family love you and Sun a lot a lot :)
Happy Father’s Day!!
Love,
Paullyn
Dear Pastor,
It has indeed been 3 weeks, and I still feel that AC was just yesterday! The great sermons, performances and the grand finale are still fresh in my mind. As I recollect, I continue to marvel at the work God has done through CHC. If the 2086 churches would have caught the message of loving God, loving people and engaging culture then what a renewal that would bring in the body of Christ!!
Pst, I want to thank you for your great vision and I feel very proud to be part of the CHC family and vision. I thank God for His grace and just stand in awe of what He has done and what He is going to do in the future, simply above and beyond what we can ever think and imagine!
In spite of what has happened, from the various casual interactions within and without, I know that CHC has helped and touched the lives of countless number of people for GOOD. Mine included. This is a fact!
Pst, thank you for your leadership, sacrifice, faith and passion! Thank you for being an example of loving God and loving his people. Always inspiring me to go on when I am tempted to give up.
FAITH: Yes, I am reminded of my faith that my relationship with God is the greatest gift!
FAMILY: Thank you for being an example to love your family and I want to love mine as your love Sun and Dayan. You will always be our Spiritual Father.
FRIENDS: I have found many true friends in this spiritual family. CHC is my spiritual family and family stick together thru thick and thin.
Leaving you with my favourite verse: All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes (Rom 8:28).
Standing with Sun and you!
Love
JE & AL
Dear Pastor Kong
I’m from SOT and CHC! :) Just want to say thank you for SOT, n’ tt SOT is slowly transforming my life, your team is great! =)
I trust you no matter what happens, because I know God, our Lord Jesus is your heart. Only a man whose heart is for Christ can bring down the Presence and love of God like how you did Pastor Kong on Saturday Asia Conference 2010! So, i know that definitely God is doing a work in your life and bring our Church, the Church you have started with team to greater heights, :)
Thank you Sun too for sharing your personal testimony and God’s love which transformed my life and got me to knowing Jesus. Thank you for the taking the first step of faith to step over and yet do good at the same time, i really am touched deeply by your acts of love and sacrifice!
Thank you Pastor Kong for all the awesome leaders that you have raised up over my life, who have shown unceasing care and love despite their busy schedules and other commitment, always caring the members, their sheep, no matter what happens, always standing by them, thro’ thin and thick.
Yup, indeed like what you mentioned just now in the post, Pastor Kong, this is indeed the best time to renew our faith in God, and go back to our hope and faith, love =) Relationship over Ministry is what i’m learning and still balancing. :)
Love you Pastor Kong, and I trust you 100% :)
Shan
Dear Pastor Kong,
We are glad to hear from you again.
Remember a pastor of another great church has shared this before:
“In worship we bless God, for who He is and for all he has done for us.
Excellent speech elevates a person. The highest employment you can give your mouth is to bless and not curse. The power to bless or curse is within our mouth. The highest blessing we can give is to bless God.
Psalm 103:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
The psalmist goes on, blessing God for six things;
1. forgiveness,
2. healing,
3. deliverance,
4. empowering,
5. provision, and
6. renewal.
The created blessing the Creator! Unbelievable! That we could bless God is almost beyond comprehension. David, the worshipper of all worshippers needed to tell himself to bless
God. We shouldn’t wait for a certain moment or feeling, or event, before we ‘Bless the Lord’. We need to tell ourselves to do this too. Something that isn’t always easily be not done.
To bless God is to defeat complaining.
To give thanks is to cease whining.
To praise is to ennoble our soul and connect us with God.
To worship is to fulfill the highest ache in our spirit.
Worship doesn’t just happen.
We stir worship with our will.
We create a climate of worship within by telling ourselves –‘Bless the Lord’.
Even when we do not want to, this is a great time to bless and not curse.
What delight to Christ when we bless Him, not with empty religious, lip-serving phrases, but with our soul, because we deeply, genuinely are thankful to the Lord for all He has done. David calls on all he is to bless God. His mind to think thoughts of worship, his heart to bless, his emotions to bless, his body to bless, his personality to bless. He determines that all of him will bless the name, the reputation of God.
Psalm 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Not my lips, my mouth, my mind, my emotions, my body, but, my soul. David calls on the deepest area of his life to rise up and bless God.
Remember what God has done. (Not just at Asia Conference but for the past glorious 20 years in growing the church.) Don’t let it slip your mind, because as time passes we can easily forget, grow apathetic, even callous, sometimes even denying the acts of God in our lives. Thus we need to stop, not forget but rather remember al His benefits.
Psalm 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Both forgives and heals are in the present tense. The atmosphere of praise is conducive to forgiveness and healing. We need to remember that we are forgiven. If we have confessed our sins, He has forgiven them.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Isaiah 43:22 “But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob;
And YOU HAVE BEEN WEARY of Me, O Israel.
23You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings,
Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices.
I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings,
Nor wearied you with incense.
24You have bought Me no sweet cane with money,
Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices;
But YOU HAVE BURDENED ME with your sins,
YOU HAVE WEARIED ME with your iniquities.
25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I WILL NOT REMEMBER your sins.
26 Put ME IN REMEMBRANCE;
Let us contend together;
State your case, that you may be acquitted.
Forgiveness and healing travel with each other.
Luke 5:22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?
Luke 5:23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? Luke 5:24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to
the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”
Psalm 103:4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
God can arrange circumstances to turn around.
He empowers every New Testament believer with the same authority He has vested in Jesus. The crown of our life though is loving kindness and tender mercies, not bossy, unreasonable arrogance.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 103:5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The eagle is a symbol used many times in Scripture, in fact, it is mentioned 38 times throughout the Bible. We can learn some important lessons from this majestic creation of God. Eagles have a wing span of 2 meters and are around 90 cm. tall. The eagle mates for life and use the same nest for life. This nest is built in a safe place, often on the ledge of a sharp cliff. It is built to last and the largest nest reported is 9 ½ feet wide and 20 feet deep.
It is said that the eagle sheds his feathers in the beginning of spring, and with fresh plumage assumes the appearance of youth. However, there is more to this than just annual renewal.
When eagles are about 30-40 years old they go through a renewal process. Their claws weaken, their beak becomes so long it almost touches their chest. Their ability to hunt successfully is diminishing. Their wings have grown heavy from thick, long feathers. They find a secret place high in the mountains, build a nest. They smash their beak on a rock until it is virtually destroyed. Then they wait for it to grow again. With their new beak they pull
out the claws. They wait again until their claws have grown and then begin tearing out their feathers. As a result, the eagle bleeds badly. Other eagles come by and bring food and simply fly overhead. She begins to eat again and regain strength. If it did not do this it would not be able to live beyond its normal 40 years of age. They can live up to eighty years.
God will take you through processes that renew you. Some may be painful, but this is the time to bless God and find yourself emerging like an eagle able to soar again.”
“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. The Lord is MERCIFUL and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in MERCY. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His MERCY toward those who fear Him; as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the MERCY of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.”
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
The merciful refers to those who experience God’s mercy and have merciful hearts toward those who have not yet experienced mercy. Mercy is acquired at the cross of Jesus Christ.
Today, I am spending time to comfort the Wee and Chew families and to grief with them for the loss of their five family members at a car accident in Kuantan three days ago. I have encountered fatal car accidents twice before. We have a responsibility to show others the mercy, sympathy and love that we have received from Jesus Christ.
We should be merciful toward those who are still in sin. There should be a merciful heart between husband and wife, parents and children, and neighbors and neighbors. This is the heart of Jesus Christ.
One day the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught in adultery. They dragged her to Jesus in order to have a basis for accusing Him. If they had not met Jesus, they would have stoned her to death in accordance with the Law. Jesus said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).
A merciful heart starts with the attitude of regarding others as oneself. Because Jesus carried our burden, our sin, our pain, our disease and our suffering, we should have mercy for our sick neighbors, our relatives in mishap, our friends in agony, our colleagues in distress and pray for them. Because Jesus forgave our shortcomings and sins, we should have mercy for the shortcomings and sins of our neighbors & fellow citizens and forgave them. People who have such merciful hearts will be shown mercy from God in return.
When we forgive the shortcomings of our neighbors, God will also forgive our shortcomings. This is the blessing that the merciful will receive.
Colossians 3:1-3
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
To focus on the things above, as opposed to focusing on earthly matters, does not mean that we go around longing to come to heaven as soon as possible. It means that our spiritual eyes are opened so that we see what is available to us in heaven today through Christ. We have received the Holy Spirit so He can show us what we have received from God (1 Corinthians 2:12). This means that, when we focus on Jesus, in the Word and in prayer, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to understand what is available to us today in heaven. Heaven is the spiritual dimension. The fourth dimension. It is not merely the place to which we will one day come; it is the storehouse for God’s blessings for us today. If we are unaware that these blessings are available, we will never make a claim for them.
Let the window of heaven be opened to us. Jesus opened heaven so that it would be open over us. We must see that heaven is open. We must have our eyes open and our thoughts focused on what heaven holds for us today. On earth there are shortages; in heaven there is abundance. On earth there is hatred; in heaven there is love. On earth there is opposition; in heaven there is favor. We must fill our thoughts with what is available for us in heaven today. We must open our spiritual eyes to see all that the Lord has prepared for us. This is more real than what we see on earth since reality itself is found in Christ. Not Carnality but Christ our Savior and Lord.
Dear Son Of Wind
I am not the one who is to provide substantial evidence.
You want substantial evidence. Ask Pst Kong.
Ask him whether is there any substance to the allegations brought on against him.
He himself knows. He himself, if he has the balls, to admit whether if he has committed any thing wrong in the eyes of the law of Singapore.
And pleaseeeeeeeee..don’t throw me all the cliches that he is only accountable to God, and not to me.
He bloody well knows he is accountable to all these folks here who have place their trust, life, and resources at his hands for these many years that they have followed him.
Stop the charade and preparation for the big CHC Forgiveness Festival that is bound to come when the news is made known.
Goodbye.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercy never comes to an end.. They are new every morning.. Great is thy faithfulness O Lord… Ps Tan’s message was so impacting.. The more righteous we want to become, the more mercy we should show.. not judgement…
Hi Pastor Kong
It is so good to hear from you again. Though we are from another church, we love you and have been constantly praying for you. We believe that whatever the devil meant it for bad, God turns around for good. Keep pressing on there….. Before you and your church could cross over to the promised land, the devil would come and bring disturbance. We believe that ultimately the Lord’s name would be glorified.
We love you and your family. God bless you, Sun and Dayan.
As a Christian, I always found it very clear that there must be a separation between Church and State.
Similarly, I believe that the Church is meant as a place of worship of the one true God and that leaders of the Church should not engage in profit-seeking business. This is clearly not the case with City Harvest.
As lead pastor, Kong Hee is expected to live his life by example, befitting his position as a role model for Christians inside and outside his church. That includes his family.
It is therefore also shocking to see Kong Hee’s wife engaging in the music industry in the way she does. If she were doing what singers like Amy Grant does, it would not be so bad. But China Wine is a vulgar music video, and I don’t see how anyone can justify that kind of imagery as healthy for their church going kids and teens.
Then comes the funds misuse probe, in which over 20 members of CHC are being requested to “assist” in investigations.
Then comes allegations of plagiarism, for which Kong Hee gives a round-about non-apology which is completely legalistic bum-covering and comes across as insincere. Plagiarism is appalling and is not far from stealing another person’s ideas and pass-off as one’s own. This is intellectual property theft.
One would expect the leading members of the church to uphold morality, ethical behaviour and the law. It is shocking to know that the pastor and the publisher (who appears to attend CHC) KNEW about this fact before it went to print.
Then comes a comment by CHC church member Justina Choon, who appeared to dismiss plagiarism as simply “a matter of citation”. One certainly hope she is not representative of 33,000+ members of CHC.
Then comes news today that Sun Ho lives like a Hollywood celebrity. Check out Straits Times article http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_543110.html
What kind of church is CHC? What kind of values do its leaders espouse, when why does it deviate from their apparent behaviour? What kind of values do the members maintain?
CHC, its leaders, and its members are now quite poor testimonies of Christianity – to Christians and non-Christians alike.
You have become stumbling blocks to others.
20 June 2010
Dear Pastor Kong,
This morning, I read your blog and was glad to know that you and your family are well. Then, I went on to read some of the comments. The following comments caught my attention. Here is an extract of the comments.
————————————–
The comment by Con Hee on June 18th, 2010 8:09 am contained the following paragraphs.
“But for sane minority members, you are nothing but an authoritarian leader, a dictator in disguise.”
“Yes, Jesus is not only the author and also the finisher, and now, this is how He ends your tyranny, by using our Singapore Govt.”
————————————–
These words triggered off several thoughts in my mind on this Fathers’ Day weekend and I want to share some of these thoughts with you. My late father was born before the War and went through it as a young man who organised resistance and fought in the jungles of Johore during those years. He came to Singapore, married, built a business and settled here permanently shortly after the War ended. I was born into that post war generation in the 1950s.
Between father and son, we talked a lot about life, business, government and politics. We saw how our MM Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and his team led the nation through the merger and separation eventually achieving success and prosperity. Time and again, we witnessed attacks on Mr. Lee’s character and integrity by a minority who tried to discredit him through lies and false allegations as he put his hands to build a Singapore for all, regardless of race, language and religion. Interestingly, they also called him a dictator and tyrant and some even leveraged on external powers to try and topple him and undermine his authority to govern.
He is always in the eyes of the public. He made some mistakes along the way and people knew them, for he is candid and honest in talking about them. But the majority, my father and I included, trusted his heart, supported him and celebrated the results and ignored the critics.
On this Fathers’ Day, I think it is good to reaffirm our common belief and honour him as “the father” of our City State.
Dear Pastor, whatever you are going through is not something uncommon to great leaders. Today, I want to affirm that you are a great leader and our spiritual father. The one who really count in the eyes of God and in the eyes of men is he who put his hand to the plough. In today’s world, the critics sit comfortably behind the computer and write blogs and send letters/emails to others, thinking, sincerely perhaps, that they are doing good to society through criticising their leaders.
Over the past few weeks, I have spoken to many of our church members around my age, the fathers and bread winners of families. Here is the unanimous response: You are not perfect but we all trust you, our beloved Pastor, for you are honest and compassionate.
Therefore, we continue to stand with you and your vision for CHC, a church without walls, compassionate and merciful, accepting and inclusive, seeking to benefit the whole society, for the Glory of God.
Happy Fathers’ Day
God bless you and your family
LKH
LKH,
It is such unthinking support that scares people, the sort that says “sure, you are not perfect but who is?” and then proceed to profess unending adoration and everlasting support.
I thought there is ONLY ONE who deserves such unquestioning adulation and adoration? How did an earthly man replace him in CHC?
To: LKH
How can you possibly compare Kong with MM Lee? What an insult to MM Lee.
Yes MM Lee made mistakes and admitted them publicly. And it tells me alot about his credibility, honesty and INTEGRITY. The results of MM Lee’s hard work, dedication and effort is there for ALL to see. And MM Lee is not a Christian.
Do you see Kong doing that thus far, even in the plagiarism case?
On a side note, I believe Mrs Lee would never behave like Mrs Kong, even in this generation.
Mrs Lee exudes class. I can’t say that about Mrs. Kong.
Cheers.
To members of the CHC: WAKE UP!
Stop taking the RED pill and fooling yourselves.
Take the BLUE pill, and open your eyes. The choice is yours.
(Lifted from the movie “The Matrix”)
Even though I’ve detached myself from the Church, my heart is still with the Church because it represents the Body of Christ. My heart was saddened when I read today’s New Paper this morning about the surprisingly lavish lifestyle of Sun and Pastor Kong in LA and I thank our Lord for sheltering me from more pain as I’ve detached myself from being affected and hurt by anything that’s coming out about Pastor Kong and the Church.
I believe there will be more bad news and I pray that my ex fellow members be focussed on God and not on anyone.
Susan
I believe and will continue to believe that you’re a man of integrity! I was with your church for 8 years, and though I am attending another church now, I have been telling my church mates and colleagues whenever they discuss about this issue, that Pastor Kong is a man of integrity!
City Harvest has built a solid foundation for my faith, and I’ll never forget who my alma mater is. Thank you Pst Kong and CHC!
Dear Pastor,
Happy Father’s Day! :)
It is so good to hear from you and to know that you, Sun and Dayan are well.
Wanna let you know it is so wonderful to be part of this family and under your leadership! I have been greatly blessed by all that you have done: transformed by your uplifiting sermons, encouraged through CHC’s ministries, touched by Sun and your love and sacrifices, and inspired by both your exemplary obedience to the call of God in your lives!
Pastor, I am proud and it is my privilege to have you as my spiritual father.
From the bottom of my heart, a big THANK YOU to both you and Sun! :) :) Love you and Sun!!!
Standing with you and Sun,
Lois :)
To Philosopher:
“May I know how do you perceive your intentions? Good or otherwise?” –
Good question. My intentions are to inject some sense of reality into the deluded people who continue to choose to put Kong on a pedestal. Good or bad, I leave it to God to decide, certainly not YOU!
I may not speak for you or any other CHC member who has the ability to discern for themselves if this is what they want to believe in.
Rather, I speak for those many innocent, weak spirited people taken in by your Pastor. They give blindly because they have been brainwashed by the very same person who claims to live by the word of God and asks people to sacrifice till it hurts to build God’s house, even if it means selling their HDB flats and give, while he and his wife lives it up along Hollywood Boulevard at an expense of more than $300,000 a year.
It make me nauseous just thinking about it.
It doesn’t matter what I think at the end of the day. I have faith in Jesus, in God the almighty that he will right a wrong in his good time. I am confident that the truth will unfold and Kong will be exposed for what he truly is.
Remember NKF? False invoice of $20k and Ren Ci? An unauthorised loan of $50k?
We shall wait and see. What is the amount that it’s is going to take to bring the reverend Pastor Kong back to earth.
Denial is not a river in Egypt …. remember that.
God Bless!
Hi, Pastor Kang:
This is a church member from NLC in Taiwan, my name is April,
I really appreicate what you and Sun have done to New Life Church for the past ten years, without your support and inspiration, it will be no NLC today, You and your wife are so good to us! Your kindness and generosity is a big encouragement for us to move forward! I just wanna let you know that you and your family and the entire City Harvest congregation are kept in my prayers. I believe God’s justice and faithfulness will keep you all safe and sound!
God Bless!
毓倩 April Chang in NLC, Taiwan. 新生命小組教會
Dearest Pastor,
I just want to say that to me, you’re the greatest man ever lived in our generation. In my opinion, you’re like David in the bible…a man after God’s own heart and like David, you’ve served and you’re still serving God’s purpose in our generation.
I know we can never understand the sacrifices you’ve made to build this church…through your life and ministry, the love, sacrifice and mercy of God is so evidently seen….
I just wanna say Pastor, that I love you with all my heart…..without you, we would never be where we are today.
“Together, together we stand united..together, together we’re standing strong….”
Pastor, we will be praying for you and standing with you always……
To Con Hee:
I think you have to be seriously under-developed mentally and intellectually to make such brainless comments.
I really feel sorry for you.
To Christian in Singapore:
Perhaps you should be the one taking the “blue pills” and wake up from an overdose of movies?
Dear Pastor Kong,
Thank you for this great church. My wife and I have been in CHC since 2003 and since then we have grown together with the church vision.
We have been blessed by your sermons and our marriage has also been strengthen.
CHC is a great church and is like a big ship that can weathered all kinds of storm. A ship is built to upright itself no matter how big the wave or storm can be. Pastor, we want you to know, we are standing by you and our ship will emerge out strong from this storm.
We love you and God bless you and your family.
Love
Frederick & Kay
To Susan (susanst):
May I ask what’s wrong with a pastor buying nice things for his family from the money that he earned from his own business? From what I understand, Pastor Kong does not receive a salary from church. Is it a crime to spend money that you earn?
Dearest pastor Kong, thank you for letting me live my dreams. Because of you, you’ve made my dreams come true!
http://to.ly/5ack
*maybe that’s why I’ve been dreaming of you too hee..
Thanks for being our spiritual father.
I always feel in life, in doesn’t matter even if the whole world is against us, as long as we live right and our loved ones are by our side :)
Our CHC family will be standing strong by you.. Covering OUR church with prayers.
Love you pastor Kong :-*
“Happy Father’s Day!
Dear pastor,
Happy father’s day!!!
Thank you for all the hard work you put in, in preaching God’s word to us. In preparing your sermon.
City Harvest Church really changed my life. I have found people who accepts me. People who genuinely loves one another.
We are not perfect, but we improve.
I owe you so much, I do not know how to ever thank you for all the great things you did, for the church, for everyone of us.
I want to encourage you to always remain strong, in times of adversities, we all love you pastor Kong.
I do not care what other self-righteous people say about you, about the church, I believe in you, not wimpy cowards who deframe you behind a thin screen.
Once again, thank you pastor Kong!!! We love you!!!
Dearest Ps Kong,
You have been a great spiritual father to me and my sister.
I have been in CHC for the past 10 years.
Your faith and your obedience towards God,
Your testimonies and your good works, they are the best model for me.
Thank you for your sacrifices all these years.
Love you Pastor.
Happy Father’s Day!
Dear康牧師
我是來自台北新生命小組教會的Shanna
聽見你的消息真好!!
看見你的分享，讓我很感動，也不斷的持續為你代禱
你所分享的”文化職任”依舊幫助我在工作上可以追求卓越，
並且在大小事上都保有一個積極的心。
也因為你對神的愛，也鼓勵我在屬靈上的追求與突破。
這次的亞洲特會真的很棒，讓我看見神不斷在世界各地、在亞洲呼召祂的使徒，完成祂的使命，也學習到很多。
祝福你，也希望您能夠快快得再到台灣來。
Best Regards,
Shanna
Dear YJX on June 20th, 2010 9:45 pm,
nothing legally wrong at all for pastor Kong for his wife using church money.
However, one part of the investigation now is whether money FROM the church has gone into businesses (opened by key members and leaders of the church), and whether this money is being used to FUND and ENRICH certain individuals..
Case in point… the amount of money given to Xtron, and in which Xtron is the company managing Sun Ho.
IF the money from the church has been transfered to Xtron, and then to fund Sun Ho career and lifestyle in LA, do you know the LEGAL implication of such an act?
And if the church is paying for the “nanny” and “butler” of Sun Ho in her LA home –> either because these helpers are under the payroll of the church, or through other indirect mean –> do you know the LEGAL implication of such act?
These are serious and legal allegations, which is why the CAD has been called in to investigate. The legal terms are (of course) misuse of church funds, falsification of records, and the two most serious and plausible implications are FRAUD and Money Laundering.
And if pastor Kong and the individuals have not broken any legal laws of this country, then whatever “bloggers” or “pharisees” say will be useless and proven false.
But if indeed the individuals did broke any legal laws, then the governance of the land – appointed by God (as said in the Bible) , will be the one to uphold the justice ( and mercy) that is due to them.
Dear Pastor Kong,
Just to share how I’ve been blessed by CHC and your teachings. I had a CHC friend back then and he left a very favourable impression on me as a very effective Christian with a fervent love for people. Thus, I visited CHC when the Jurong West premise was just established, intrigued by how a local church can actually grow so quickly and do great things for God. This came at a time when I was also feeling spiritually dry, broken, disappointed with myself and resigned as a backslidden Christian.
The strong presence of God was so evident when I set foot in CHC. There was an atmosphere of immense praise, worship and faith in the church. The congregation had so much godly discipline and spiritual thirst for God that really drew down the presence of God. God really touched me and I melted under His presence. I was equally surprised that Christians can be trendy and colorful outwardly, yet on fire for God. The leader behind this great church is none other than my current Senior Pastor Kong Hee.
God really used you and, if I can say, your radical sermons to speak into the inner recesses of my heart and addressed many personal issues. Your walk with God and testimony really inspired me too. I felt challenged and encouraged to better myself but never condemned at my past failures. My faith in God and realization of my position as a child of God was reinstated. From a backslidden Christian, I was brought back to the love of God.
The cultural mandate really impacted me most. From a lazy, underachieving and unmotivated employee, I became a performer and problem solver at work. I started to have visions and goals for my life and God, as opposed to bumming around aimlessly in the past. I’m doing well in my career now and have been blessed financially as a result as well. None of these would have been possible, if not for a change of mindset attributed to the values imparted from your teachings.
Looking back, I realized that I’ve subconsciously become a better and more effective Christian over the years in CHC. Thank you, Pastor Kong for being my leader and building such a great church like CHC. Let’s keep on ‘keeping on’ in during this trial (punchline lifted from your sermon :p) and we’ll walk through this valley together. We’re praying and believing with you as a cell that we’ll fulfill our spiritual calling and vision!
With His love and ours,
Joel Ng
Correction for the first lane…
i meant to say: “Nothing legally wrong if pastor Kong used his own money for his wife”.
Hi pastor, the way you love and help those who need help, the coming generation will learn from it and arise.
Only God knows how much you have sacrifice for us and how you have give your best in loving.
Believing and Praying for you, your family and the church all the way!
Dear Pastor,
Happy Father’s Day!
Our thoughts, love & prayers are with you, Sun & family daily.
No matter what the situation is, you are and will be our beloved Pastor and example. And Sun is and will continue to be our inspiration.
Much love, John & Lynn
Dear Pastor,
Happy Father’s Day!! Thanks for being the BEST pastor, spiritual father & role model to all of us.
Since the day I got saved in CHC, I have never stopped thanking God for placing me in this church & for you, the best leader over our lives. Your love, passion & sacrifices have always touched me so deeply.
The one thing that I will always remember abt you is whenever you preached abt your love to be in God’s presence, while you would sing & play the guitar as you worship God with all your heart. This will always live in my heart and inspire me to continue to thirst & hunger for more of God.
Pastor, you do not know how much impact you have made in my life. I will not be where I am today if not for you & your vision for this church. I came to church broken, but was mended because of God & His Words through your messages. Through you & Sun, I have seen & believed that nothing is impossible with God, that we too, can have dreams bigger than ourselves. Therefore, I am forever grateful to you.
You are making history because of the impact that you’ve made in thousands, or even millions of lives in this generation. So, we are so proud to have you as our pastor. We are all praying for you & Sun, and we are so excited at what God is abt to do through you! Pastor, we LOVE YOU!!! :)
Love Always,
Shushan
Hi Pastor,
Happy Father Day. Truly you are a spiritual father that taught us as a whole church. About FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.
Just as how Jesus will go through the trial, we as his disciple will also experience. Up to this stage there are still others that don’t believe in the existence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ so no matter how hard we try to do to good works n being a blessing to others.
There will be those that will dislike us.
Standing strong together with you Pastor.
Love you always.
我是來自台灣新生命小組教會的黑熊
康牧師我們愛你,我們每一天都為你禱告喔!!
沒有你就沒有現在的我們.所以現在我們全力支持你,牧師加油!!
當年若沒有你的話語,我現在可能還是活在失敗中吧!!
是你的話語改變了我的生命,讓我學會愛神愛人,我這一生都感激不盡!!
Hi Pastor!!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
THANK GOD FOR YOU!
for bringing us in and out of trials,we will definitely pass through this round as well!
the whole church family is supporting you!WE LOVE YOU ALOT!
everything will turn out fine!
we are all praying for you!
what you have done for God,for us,its just amazing!
GO PASTOR GO!GO PASTOR GO!
we are supporting you always!
Dear Pastor,
Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for all your silent sacrifices and love given to CHC! I’m eternally grateful and blessed to have you as my spiritual father, mentor, leader & role model over my life. Without your teachings, I’d not have grown deeper in love with Jesus! Your love for people has also taught me to love others more. The CHC story will continue to unfold because we are standing together with you, believing that God will continue to glorify this ministry you’ve laid your life for! So proud of u, Pastor! Love you and miss you lots! Praying for your breakthrough! :)
康牧師：
我是新生命小組教會的JOHN，
謝謝你不斷的鼓勵我們在信心中突破，
你一直都是我們的朋友，也是最好的榜業！
每一次你來到我們當中，都帶給我們新的啟示，
以及不同凡響的經歷！
我非常羨慕你對神的渴慕及熱情，
許多時候，遇到困難，看到自己的軟弱的景況，
就會讓我想起你對於神的委身，
看見神怎麼樣興起您，
也相信神從以前到現在，從來不會改變！
謝謝你，我們愛你！加油！神與你同在！
Happy Fathers’ Day, Pastor Kong! I’ve been wanting to write a Fathers’ Day poem for you, because you are my spiritual father. So here goes. *:)
A man of God, you truly are
You teach us faith, you set the bar
My spiritual daddy who loves us so
You teach us the Word so we can grow
You are the first person who’s ever told me
That I have in Christ a great destiny
Believing in us, even when we fail
You even bother to reply to our mails (sorry, trying my best to rhyme here, *;) and it’s true *:)
Thank you for showing us how to dream
Your constant encouragement builds our self-esteem
You’re a good spiritual father in so many ways
We love you and appreciate you always!
Thank you, Pastor Kong, for building City Harvest Church. This was where I found Christ, and this was where I found my destiny. Thank you also for starting the School of Theology. I’m attending SOT this year, and even though I’m only in the middle of my course, I’ve already been blessed beyond my imagination. I love you, Pastor. Thank you for being my spiritual father. *HUGS* *:)
Love,
Patricia
P.S.: Please come back to SOT to teach us. We’re all waiting for you to come back to teach us again, on the Roman road and/or other topics. We miss you!
Hi Pst, thank you for being a great spiritual father to all of us. Because of what you and Sun did for the lost, I learnt how to care as well. CHC is my first spiritual home and I tend to make it my own one :) Ironically, I used to dislike and were critical towards the Christians during my Sec school days (didn’t know why also).. I’ll always avoid them…Even though I wasn’t that cool myself! Thought that they were boring and that I’ll never go to church. Not at all. But my life changed when I came to CHC and I gave my life to Jesus. This is the place I found and call my home and to cut the story short (even though it’s already long) through Sun, I got out of my depression and my fear of talking to people. I used to be someone who had stage fright and felt I can’t really speak well. Someone who had low self esteem, someone who think that I can’t speak well and thus cannot make it, but your teachings made me the man I am today. My years of personal breakthroughs in CHC could never have been made possible without your belief in that everyone of us have a potential to achieve great things and there is greatness in us. Thus to me, every opportunity to serve in His house (be it drama, children’s church or backup vocalist) is a miracle to me :) And I’ll never want to take it for granted : Thank you Pst Kong. Just caught Toy Story 3 and through it, I actually learnt something- the toys when they were in trouble like nearing a fire, they held hands together even in the face of danger. Nobody gets left behind :) Family sticks together. Especially when the going gets tough. We’re a family in CHC. Come what may, I’m sticking to you guys. :) Praying for all of you. Really love and appreciate you and Sun alot. Thank you Pst. You changed me into a better and bolder person that I never thought I could be. :) And Happy Father’s Day!
記得我2009年第一 次來到台北新生命小組教會時，正好遇到創意文化節，當時到教會只是因為朋友邀請，覺得這教會很特別很有創意，對於神一蓋不認識！當康牧師來到我們當中，記得那堂聚會我第一次被聖靈充滿而淚流滿面，從來沒有過的感覺，突然我好像感受到耶穌～祂存在我身邊，聽我禱告、聽我說話、聽我敬拜讚美祂，並且應允我的禱告～感謝主！讓我參與了祂的國度～而更感動的是，神揀選了康牧師使用康牧師，這次的亞洲特會~我很感謝CHC，你們好棒好卓越！讓我看到盼望與神同在的美好～感謝康牧師對新生命的一切貢獻～We always pray for u:)
Pastor Kong, love you loads. Really believing with you for greater things in Christ. Happy Fathers’ Day. Thanks for guiding us and loving us even though we are not a perfect church.
City News this week explains at length points which show the imbalances in the writeup by both the Straits Times and certain bloggers about Pastor’s devotionals. Pastor has already issued his statement of apology for his oversight. Perhaps the Straits Times and the bloggers should too as they have made statements that were inaccurate as the publishers had given their permission for the reproduction of the content concerned in the devotionals. So rather than go to the publishers who were the correct people to seek clarifications from, bloggers went straight to the authors (wrong party to look for) and sought their own conclusions from there. Nice one. Shouldn’t the paper and the bloggers therefore apologize as well then, at least for their oversight?
And to a new hope, perhaps you want to clean up your writing? I guess you jazzed up the charges to include money laundering? Do you even know what money laundering entails? If this is your unilateral speculation, do you know the LEGAL implications of not knowing what you are talking about which borders on slander and libel?
I love my church and leaders. I trust them. There’s nothing you can do about it. They are my family.
DEarest Pastor KOng, today is such a special day for you. I want to wish you a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY cause you have been really my spiritual father for the past ten years in CHC my church and the place I found myself and rooted myself in. Because of you and Sun, we have now City Harvest Church where me and my family found refuge in. The countless teachings and sermons that I heard have been the foundation of my life, today I must thank you for builiding my life up and my children’s too. It’s been a tough ride for your family but we (and Children Church) will stand with you and come thick of thin, we will carry the vision of this church and continue to grow and grow and grow. No words can express my gratitude to you for saving my life when all I thought was death and now I am living life to the fullest. As a church, we will stand stronger than ever before and our faith in God becomes strengthened. We will continue to pray and grow the church, the DNA of City Harvest, continue to love God wholeheartedly and love people including your critiques, Singapore the nation fervantly.
Happy Father’s Day!
Love Cecilia
康牧師 我們愛你
求神的同在堅固你的全家和教會
謝謝牧師對我們教會的幫助以及帶來的改變
we all miss u
期待你再一次來到台灣
Newlife Church vera
Dear Pastor Kong,
Just want to tell you: There are still lots of us running hard after the goals and visions of God, and it’s all coming out from your ministry.
We love you and will keep moving on to prove you a fruitful life!
See you soon in Taiwan!
-Wei Hsuan, Anita @ New Life Church
To a new hope:
I understand the legal implications. However the conclusion of the investigation is not out, yet people are slamming Rev Kong as if he is already guilty. All the comments made are on an “if” basis.
Perhaps it’s a little more sensible to withhold such assumptions without any solid facts.
Dear ‘Christian in Singapore’ on June 20th, 2010 1:12 pm,
Do read Matthew 11.
After hearing about Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist sent his disciples to ASK Jesus if He is really the Coming One.
Jesus answered in verse 4, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see. The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear…….’
Remember that John the Baptist had acknowledged Jesus as the Savior before.. but why did he send his disciples to ask Jesus again?
Because Jesus has been reaching out to the unreached.
Eg. tax collector (Matt 9), lepers (Matt 8), etc
SO…….
look at CHC.. they are bearing fruits by reaching out to the needy & the unreached, being a church without walls. I dun think that’s a stumbling block at all.
I can see your concern over the members of CHC. But dun worry, all of us has critical thinking aka COMMON SENSE. Even though some things may sound absurd to you, but trust the God that are in our leaders’ heart.
I hope that you will also trust God who chooses His people.
Smile.
Oh Brother Kong, you’re so sweet. Even as you are going thru prosecutions, you’ve got so much nice things to say to your people. For this, you have forever earned my respect towards you. You are indeed, a true guru.
Your adversaries shall tarry in vain to derail you. For God is with you. I shall continue to pray for your deliverance from the snare of the fowler. Amen.
Hallelujah!
To XH on June 21st, 2010 1:12 am,
the Straits Times and the bloggers were not in any fault and do not need to apologize..
Look at the City News article carefully.
Ask yourself this…
1) When was the month and year that pastor Kong (either himself or through Attributes) asked for permission? Answer.. it was 2010, March…. AFTER the information of pastor’s alleged plagiarism surfaced.
2) When was the footnote that this devotional were “non-commercial” first placed? It was only AFTER the information of pastor’s alleged plagiarism surfaced.
3) Pastor Kong devotionals WERE published in book form and sold for MONEY for a year or two, with the sole COPYRIGHT attributed to him. That by itself is a big mistake.
4) Related to 3, asking permission from the publisher is one thing. The devotionals were ON SALE not just in March 2010, but way earlier. That also means that NO PERMISSION BY THE PUBLISHER WAS GIVEN BEFORE MARCH 2010, and Pastor Kong did plagiarize all the WAY BACK to the devotionals were first printed or sold in Christian Bookstores.
5) The authors are the correct people to ask. There are 2 reasons.
a) The plagiarized portions of Pastor Kong devotionals were an almost word-for-word COPY, an exact carbon copy of sentences of paragraphs.
Even if the publisher gives permission, to “copy-right” a book for sale and used exact same sentences is certainly an infringement of the creativity and work of the original authors.
b) Pastor Kong only ask for the permission in March 2010 to use it as devotionals for NON-COMMERCIAL basis. As such, the publisher agree because of the 10% “allowance”.
Unfortunately, the devotionals were compiled and put for monetary SALE in christian bookstores. To do such an act (i.e. take the works of others) would require the PERMISSION of the authors, and not just the publisher.
And the truth is that, no such PERMISSION was asked PRIOR to March 2010.
Can the people in the church read City News with a little tinge of salt? And also with a little bit of wisdom?
Sometimes it is not that the bloggers or the media want to flame the church members. But the members themselves providing the fire and wood for them to burn.
Nothing wrong with a Christian living a lavish lifestyle as long as the money earned comes from a legitimate and decent source.
As for Sun, she is a celebrity and hence lives like one. What’s the big fat hairy deal?
If I’m a Christian and a celebrity myself, I’ll live like one too.
If you’re a Christian and a celebrity yourself, tell me you’ll live in a 3 room HDB and drive a Cherry QQ?
So she stumbled you with her ChinaWine video? Guess what? It seems like only the religious are stumbled? Did they not rebuke Jesus for not washing his hands before he ate? Jesus was prophesied to be a stumbling block too.
http://www.gpp-5grace.com/1%20Peter/1pet28.htm
Were Abraham and King David not wealthy people?
I don’t understand how we are more comfortable seeing worldly people (playboys, mafias, corporate tycoons) enjoying the best things in life (sports cars, mansions, country clubs) when we are so quick to judge man and women who serve God with their lives. Sure, they might not live up to your expectations as a pastor. But guess what? You’re not perfect yourself.
Pastor Kong is innocent until he is proven guilty. Don’t you know what the word “alleged” means?
And why not? I am only giving my plausible allegations.
If the allegations that the lifestyle of Sun Ho in LA is supported by money generated from Xtron – which by itself may appear legitimate, and that the money loan to Xtron originally comes from “questionable” sources, then it may fit the definition of “concealing the source of illegally gotten money.”
I could be wrong about the money laundering. But like i say, it could be one of the possible implications, regardless of how far it is.
Fine, if you minus that one away, we still have the very plausible allegation of fraud –> as if that by itself is not very serious.
To YJX on June 21st, 2010 1:38 am
Unfortunately, many people outside the church (or maybe inside the church) has seen the financial accounts of the church, Xtron and the other related companies. Those numbers were a little too questionable.
Hi Pastor,
here in CHC, i found the face of God.
here in CHC, i found my dreams aligned.
here in CHC, i found love and acceptance.
here in CHC, i found Jesus.
CHC is not a perfect church. we are all imperfect people.
but I found imperfect people making a difference to other people’s lives.
a loving cgl who serves and ministers to others even when she is hurting.
a student who sits by the bed of ill-stricken patient to bring comfort even when she has university assignments to complete.
students with no money, but with a pair of hands and willing hearts – to step into old people’s homes to clean it up – scrubbing the dirt, removing bed-bugs.
a youth mentor who encourages juvenile delinquents – keeping them out of bad company.
These are the personal stories i know.
Sacrifices big and small – but all for building the lives of others.
These are the people i know – whose own lives are transformed in Christ, through CHC.
and they, went on to impact the lives of others – with the love of God.
Thank you Pastor Kong.
Through your ministry, my life is changed.
Cheers
Esther
(on behalf of my SOT Team 21, we look forward to hearing you in SOT again! )
To a new hope, actually can you point to me where in the official statement by the COC and CAD states any of the charges you are pointing out e.g. fraud? The way you are writing, I think you better refer to no other source than the official source. Care to show?
To a new hope:
May I ask who are the many people outside (or inside) church that you know of? Do you know them? Have you spoken to them?
From my understanding, there are also many people outside church who are very supportive of City Harvest Church.
And talking about the numbers on the financial accounts, do you have any specific items that you are referring to?
We are with you, Pastor Kong!! All the way!!
Dear Pastor,
Just want to say that no matter what happens, I trust the intentions of your heart, and I am standing behind you all the way! Over these past 8 years in church, it is your life and your message that kept me strong in my own faith in God. Without you, I would not have become who I am today. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for leading the way, and for being a fearless servant of God that single-mindedly pursued the dreams & visions that God has placed in you.
Truly, I believe the City Harvest story WILL continue to unfold. In the meantime, I am keeping you and Sun in my prayers. Indeed, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, and I trust that HE alone has the last say in this whole situation.
I love you & Sun very much, please hang in there!!!!
Here is something for all of us to remember from the Word of God – especially to those who claim to champion transparency by judjing and casting aspersions and doubts before a verdict is out. Be warned what the Word of God From Titus 3 says of such behaviour and how we should handle such behaviour.
Titus 3
Doing What is Good
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Dear Pst Kong,
Happy Father’s Day to you! On this special day, even as we celebrate and appreciate our natural fathers, I do not want to forget you- my spiritual father.
Thank you for all the wonderful teachings for the past 9+ years. Through all these teachings, I learnt how to accept people who are so different from me. I learnt how to love people who hurt me. You taught me to look beyond myself, and to focus on the needs of the people around me.
I used to be a person with low self esteem. I was very sensitive, and easily hurt by the words of others. But after attending CHC, I am now able to communicate in big groups with ease. I used to be rebellious and conflicts with parents were common. But now, I love talking to them and spending time with my family. I learnt to appreciate my parents for their love.
As I compare myself to who I was 9 years back, I am proud to say that my life has been totally changed.
Words cannot express the love and gratefulness I have towards you, Sun, and this family. No matter what other people may say, just want you to know, I am committed to this family and to you!
Thank you, Pst!
I love you, and Happy Father’s Day! :)
Love,
Fen
guitarwu,
Thanks for your reply.
Honestly, if you care to read some of the more mindless professions of everlasting support from the supporters here, and if you were to really look at it from a neutral perspective, I think it would be very easy to conclude that there is a personality cult going on, and not one centered on Jesus.
If you were to read comments from people like imkelvin and Justina Choon (dismissing plagiarism as just a lack of citation) and other similar comments, one could come to a conclusion that some CHC members appear to lack a sense of propriety, ethics, morality and responsibility.
And to laud pastor Kong’s “greatness”? “huge sacrifices” (remember the ONE who gave the ultimate sacrifice and honour HIM only)? “We are with you, pastor, all the way” (Shouldn’t we be with Jesus all the way)?
Don’t these professions of everlasting love and support seem embarassing to you? Do they not reek of infatuation and adoration? Is this not placing one man on a pedestal (making him an idol)?
When was Jesus supplanted by one man (and his earthly family)?
These episodes don’t just demonstrate a potential spiritual emptiness in some church leaders in CHC. They also demonstrate a spiritual emptiness in the church members.
Crazed fanatics who will flame my queries in a knee-jerk response: please don’t bother. You will merely strengthen my case and embarrass your church.
看完牧師的分享，真的很感動，牧師真的是在任何事上都學習先感恩的人,也讓我再次調整自己不是只是去抱怨，而是先學習向神感恩，就像3月牧師在新生命小組教會中所分享的，思想會影響我們的行動、感覺及態度，讓我也不斷學習思想改變信心就出來了~~ 謝謝牧師love you&Support you&praying
新生命小組教會 允恩
I have two verses that came to me as I asked for a word to encourage you in this difficult time you face. Although I’ve only be attending CHC for a little over a year, I know that you did what was right for the church and always have it’s best interests at heart. Just know that my wife Miriam and I love you and pray for you to overcome this trial quickly. I believe all things work for our good and we’ll only come out of this stronger. Let not your faith be shaken during this time as we will stand with you. You are not alone in this battle.
Isa 40:29-31 – He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength causing it to multiply and making it to abound…
Even great men of God grow weary at times while fighting the battle. It’s a normal part of being human. Elijah, after his glorious win over the 450 prophets of Baal at Mt Carmel took refuge and rested upon hearing of Jezebel’s threats. God “nursed” back to strength and will do the same for you. Get a good rest and come out even stronger!
1 Tim 6:12 – Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
We have a spiritual battle on our hands with Satan. Being a spiritual leader, Satan has much to gain from trying to demoralize you. As such, we must call on God’s grace to provide the strength needed to overcome any roadblocks and obstacles put in our way. No weapon formed against the will of God can prosper. He gives us the grace we need and won’t put us through a test we cannot pass. Therefore, rejoice in the fact that God has given you this huge test that you may prove yourself worthy of an even bigger responsibility – that of running of church of 100,000 and even 1,000,000 members. A test like this would be tough to pass with any other church, but not CHC. As Jesus said to Peter in Matt 16:18, on this rock I shall build my church. Such a test has only come to serve as a way for God to shake loose all the weak ones and leave behind the strong warriors who will continue in the fight with you. I’m reminded of the story from the movie “300″ where a small elite army of 300 was able to defeat armies that were ten fold greater than itself. When all the dust settles, we’ll be left with the strong in faith who will carry on the good fight with you. With a strong army assembled by God behind you, we will take be the world shakers and history makers God has called CHC to be for the glory of God. Once we clear up everything with the authorities, I truly believe it will signal the next level of growth for the church that Dr Cho prophesied during AC.
Love Anthony and Miriam
Anthony,
So now the detractors of CHC are working for Satan? And you have God on your side, even against other Christians who do not approve of you?
That kind of talk is the sort we hear from jihadists (Shiites against Sunnis, each claiming Allah on their side) and religious extremists. This is the sort of talk that started the Crusades, which was 4 lengthy periods of fanatic nonsense.
I am highly surprised to hear such rhetoric from a CHC member.
It just occurred to ee that the reason we are not seeing well-reasoned arguments in favour of CHC (rather than mindless fanatics), is that the reasonable members of CHC are finding less to defend reasonably.
In such cases, their silence tells a great deal.
The fanatics… Well, they just have to thump something. Anything.
To Christian
Don’t understand what your intention is. This blog belongs to Paster Kong Hee – its his internet real estate. And you walk into his house, spouting unprofitable arguments and trying to stir up negative sentiment by insisting on ‘well reasoned’ arguments.
In case you don’t know, this is not the forum to argue who is right and wrong before we have any information or conclusions from the authorities – its Pastor Kong Hee’s house – so there is no need to put any judgement on anyobe, especially on him and his guests.
Its the kinds like you, who have no basic civil courtesy to respect internet space that spoil alot of blogs. If your kind continues their bad habit, it will only invite ignores at some point. Please have some courtesy when you are in someone else’ property.
Titus 3:9-11
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
glassbox,
This blog is linked directly from the Church website, If this blog is truly meant to be private, why link it directly from the church website? And so your private real estate point is meaningless.
In any case, I have seen what I came to see, and I don’t like what I see.
Perhaps the large majority of reasonable members are silent, and only the vocal minority continue to embarrass. But it is not for me to judge, it is for the members themselves to ask critical questions of themselves and what (or WHO) they believe in.
May the truth prevail, and may your church not lead to more stumbling for Christians and non-Christians alike.
Enough of idols in our life, While it is good to show support or your negative remarks on CHC or pastor Kong, ther eneed to be a time to re focus ourself self.
Ultimately we need to focus on Him alone.
Timonthy Keller’s book counterfeit GOD reminded us that we can easily lose our focus of God and that alone already consitute idoly in our life.
To all believer, post your support,just remain focus on Him.and not let your thought waiver.
To all believer who post negative remark. just remember that Pastor Kong is still human .
But who are we to judge God’s annoited. King David was annoited King but he did not become king immediately.
There was once he can kill King Saul easily, but what did he do? He cut of a piece of Saul’s garment and said. who am I to kill God’s annoited.
So please stay focus on the one God the creator and authoir of our life.
God Bless.
Christian
I did not say that the internet real estate was ‘private’. I said that it belonged to him. Just because it is linked to the church does not necessarily mean it belongs to the church – lots of websites are linked everywhere – does that mean if I find your blog on google – your site belongs to google?
The point is let’s respect the people who put up this site for its purpose. This site is meant to encourage. You have a choice on your opinion but let’s just keep that opinion private if you have nothing to add that will enhance its purpose. If you have an intention to express a opinion that has an objective that is separate from what looks like a blog that is personal, please take it elsewhere.
BTW, I am not from CHC but I come from a church that supports what CHC does in principles. As to stumbling blocks – we become one when we do not put out our truth with humility, grace and love.
Christian in Singapore:
Since you have so much opinions and criticism about CHC, perhaps you might want to let us know how many people you have led to Christ, since from the way you have expressed yourself, you seem to be a 100% unwaivering and whole-hearted follower of the Christian faith?
From your fruits, we can know more about the credibility of your faith than from your nick or comments about others.
Hi Christian,
I hope you are, as your name suggests, a Christian.
If you truly are, you know that God is the ultimate judge. KH is accountable to God and God deals with us in his own style and time.
There is already a ongoing formal investigation, so maybe you shouldn’t be pointing fingers and hurling accusations now. It only reflects on your immaturity. Because I’m wondering what is your agenda here?
To further tarnish the name of KH?
To create more anti-KH sentiments?
To prove that you’re more correct than what the church is doing?
If your agenda is either one of these, you’re probably pretty self-righteous. Please question your own agenda because I really want to know. I hope to be able to respect you as an individual who is sensible and kingdom minded.
For supporters like ourselves, we aren’t supporting KH blindly. All we’re saying is that we should allow the final verdict to be out before pointing fingers. We are doing this simply because KH is our pastor, shepard and we honour his as our mentor, friend and brother of Christ. Have you not studied about the armour-bearer principle?
Having said that, that does not imply that we are condoning his actions should they not found to be right with God. If you sin one day, do you expect your parents to leave you? In the same way, we’re standing together with KH because he is probably a human being no different to you – someone who makes mistakes and stumble from time to time. KH is imperfect. Are you perfect?
At the end of the day, even if CHC is found guilty, what right do we have to be critical? Does not judgement belong to the Lord only?
Please examine your intention and really know if your actions are pleasing to God, regardless of KH, CHC or anyone else here.
Hi FallenFromGrace
“it’s all over for Sun, Kong, and ultimately CHC”
Are you playing God or something? I’m laughing as I read your comment. Only a finite carnal human mind will draw such a conclusion. Please include the God-factor in.
Dear KH and CHC members,
I am a fellow Christian but not from CHC. I read with dismay the posts on other websites and some here about the recent happenings at CHC. What saddens me most is the beatings Christianity has to take for this matter. People seem to mix a man of God with God not realising one is God and the other only human. And to err is human after all.
Not that I am implying you are guilty. Whatever the outcome of the investigations, credit must be given to you for all the people you have brought to God, I salute you and I pray that you and the members of CHC will be ok through this all.
Neither am I saying you are innocent, I am just reserving judgment as I am not God to judge you. The point is I fervently hope you are innocent. I may not approve of you and your wife’s lavishness but that you are answerable only to God. But if you are guilty, I hope they throw the books at you for tarnishing the good name of my Lord Jesus Christ.
親愛的康牧師，我是新生命小組教會的Cindy，看到您依然保持著樂觀的信心，真的很激勵我們!
還記得上次您來到我們教會傳講有關visualization的信息，您分享如何透過visualization和宣告，讓CHC教會從無到有、讓您的氣喘得醫治、甚至生出像康易這樣活潑健康屬靈的小baby! 這對於新生命小組教會真是一大福音!原來靠著神真的凡事都可能~
還有一次您呼召所有教會的夫婦到台前，再次與彼此立約，您教導我們有美滿的婚姻和家庭，才有可能有健康強盛的教會。那時整個會堂都充滿了甜蜜的氣氛，讓我看見康牧師真的是把教會當做是自己的家一樣經營，也因為您如此委身的愛您的會眾和家庭，您身旁總是圍繞著忠心、願意為你捨命的好朋友、好同工。
很期待今年再看到康牧師，再領受您豐富創意的恩膏!
standing by you,
Cindy
Pastor,
Great to see you in Church service on Sat.
Your presence there and then, at least to me, lifts up the entire atmosphere and to see that you are looking jovial and undaunted by what seems to be happening…it really encourages me alot.
We always have been and will be proud to be part of the CHC family…come what may! We are rooted in this house and we will flourish!!
This house is built on Christ alone and we are very sure of the God-given Vision and callings of this church- She will go over and above and we will run with the Vision.
Be blessed!!
Ray.
親愛的康牧師,
六年前我受邀在八月份的一個主日來到新生命小組教會，我從小在教會長大，可是卻遠離神20幾年，那是我第一次回到神的面前，我深受感動。隔年的2月。我遭遇生命中極大的挫折，我第一個反應就是，回到教會！因為這個機會，徹底的翻轉了我的生命，後來我能夠在新生命小組教會聚會、受洗、服事，都要感謝康牧師這幾年幫助我們！
康牧師我們永遠都站在您這邊，支持您，因為我們最需要幫助的時候，您沒有離開我們，如今，我們也會作同樣的選擇！
加油！
新生命小組教會 頌聖
親愛的康牧師,
六年前我受邀在八月份的一個主日來到新生命小組教會，那次正是您到教會講道，我從小在教會長大，可是卻遠離神20幾年，那是我第一次回到神的面前，我深受感動。隔年的2月。我遭遇生命中極大的挫折，我第一個反應就是，回到教會！因為這個機會，徹底的翻轉了我的生命，後來我能夠在新生命小組教會聚會、受洗、服事，都要感謝康牧師這幾年幫助我們！
康牧師我們永遠都站在您這邊，支持您，因為我們最需要幫助的時候，您沒有離開我們，如今，我們也會作同樣的選擇！
加油！
新生命小組教會 頌聖
親愛的康牧師、耀珊、陳牧師:
謝謝你們成為我們最好的朋友、老師和牧者。目前的我有一個將近七個月的寶貝女兒而我的先生目前從事醫療的工作。謝謝你們一直支持新生命小組教會，您無私的愛與豐富的教導使我們受益良多，每一次都能讓我們在危難時再度爬起來，您與耀珊和陳牧師是我們最好的榜樣，若沒有你們就沒有今天的我們，謝謝您們!我們永遠愛您!
台北新生命小組教會 張怡惠
敬愛的康牧師
您好，我是台北新生命的元樸。記得在2002年您就來到臺北幫助教會舉辦Youth Camp，那時我還是個學生，驕傲又自私，不懂得愛教會與愛人。但那次營隊幫助我面對軟弱，學習悔改。
而上個月我才帶著新婚妻子參加了2010的亞洲特會，在您所主講，關於愛勝過一切服事的講道中，神大大的提醒了我，讓我邊流淚邊悔改，轉換我牧養組員的模式。謝謝康牧師，每一次聽您的講道總是大能的改變我的生命，把我帶回神的旨意中！
祝福您一切順利，我相信就像您的文章”When Bad Things Happen To Good People” 所說，您一定會克服並且得到Double Portion! 我和妻子的禱告就是您與CHC全體都能勝過挑戰並且更加突破。
台北新生命 元樸
Hogankj,
You said, ‘Good or bad, I leave it to God to decide, certainly not YOU!’
Indeed.
Good or bad, let’s leave Rev Kong Hee & CHC “to God to decide, certainly not You!”
Or do you practice double standards?
To ‘Christian in Singapore’
You said ‘It just occurred to ee that the reason we are not seeing well-reasoned arguments in favour of CHC (rather than mindless fanatics), is that the reasonable members of CHC are finding less to defend reasonably.’
There is nothing to defend when you have not offered any compelling arguments to make your case in the first place.
A man is killed.
While the fact remains, the act can be classified as murder, manslaughter, and an act of self-defense.
Corresponding consequences are administered according to the classification.
What is the fundamental premise for the differing classification, given that a man is killed in all cases?
The answer is motives.
The key distinction between murder, punishable by death in Singapore, and manslaughter, is motives.
To classify the act as murder, one would have to prove beyond reasonable doubt, the intent of the killer.
The burden of proof lies in the accuser in a justice system founded on the tenet of innocence until proven guilty.
This preamble may cast light on the current controversy surrounding a prominent pastor of a mega-church, accused of plagiarism.
The fact is that there were sections of passages from other sources reproduced on his website and printed publications.
While the fact remains, it can be reasonably construed as a mischievous act of plagiarism or a classic instance of an omission to provide citation.
The motive is the difference.
The plagiarism charge is brought against an individual who intentionally copies works from another author for personal gain, in the form of attaining qualifications (for students), achieving personal recognition or soliciting financial rewards.
Let’s examine the latter 2 motivations, the first being immaterial to this case.
The first charge is to gain glory.
Being a successful senior pastor of a mega-church and one who travels regularly around the world on invitation to minister, it is inconceivable that the pastor would need to seek fame through the publication of a book of devotion materials.
The claim that he is plagiarizing in pursuit of self-glory seems incongruous even to the most conspiracy-theory minded amongst us.
The second charge is to make money.
Given that the devotion materials are freely available to all from his website and were originally printed for issue to members without cost, the profit-motive is conspicuously absent.
While the same content was subsequently compiled and reproduced in a book form by a publisher, the monetary gain from the sales is marginal and seems miniscule to warrant a cause to connive and cheat.
The absence of motives for deliberate plagiarism is telling.
For this specific case, in light of the discussion, it is justifiable to regard the misdemeanor as a lack of formal citation and referencing rather than an insidious intent to plagiarise for self-glorification.
The failure to provide citations and referencing should not be trivalised nonetheless.
And, indeed, it has been taken seriously by all involved.
The pastor promptly issued a note to readers on his website and publicly apologised for this oversight.
The publisher immediately contacted publishers of the source texts where sections had been reproduced to ask for permission. They obtained the permissions at once.
Notwithstanding, the publisher decided to withdraw the printed publications from its bookstore and terminated plans for another print-run of the materials.
The restitution is commensurate to the offence.
Any more would be histrionic.
Case closed.
On another note, it is interesting to read that those that brought the charge in the report have contacted the authors of the source texts, but not the publishers.
It is an established fact that the right to reproduce the work is often vested with the publisher. The author usually transfers them to the publisher in their contract.
Hence, the request of permission for reproduction is regularly made to the publishers and it is not surprising that the authors may not be immediately notified when contacted by the media.
Beside, basic grammar dictates that agency is attributed to the one who ‘accuses’. In this case, the agency lies with the blogger and subsequently the media who contacted the authors. When the authors acknowledge the query, it is patently dishonest to construe the authors as being attributed the agency to ‘accuse’.
At the end of the day, the questionable motivation of the person who brought the charge of plagiarism against a well-known senior pastor of a mega-church is the ultimate question begged.
In refusing to remove his mask to reveal his identity, and opting to cower behind a moniker to cast stones, he fundamentally and fatally discredits himself.
I hope that self-censorship will play out at its best here, because there is a lot at stake. Its funny how the most fervent critics appear to hide behind strange monikers. Fellow CHC members, I implore you to remember Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Hi Pastor! Its so good to hear from you again, thank you for keeping on.. Looking forward to hear you preach in service again! We Love You Pastor! (:
親愛的康牧師,耀珊,
我是新生命小組教會的洪薇,從第一次耀動真愛到emerge到亞洲特會,年復一年,每次看到你們都是依舊全心愛神,熱切愛人,更是加倍愛台灣,那樣真實的心不斷地告訴我,感動我對這個國家的負擔,很感動很honor認識你們,在CHC無論從哪裡來的人,都會深刻感受到這裡有家的感覺,你們不斷表達神的愛能有多深,神的作為能有多廣! 謝謝你很多次的講到激勵我繼續為神前進加油,繼續為神做大夢,完成神要的! 你們實際的行動,更加激勵我在神手裡的每個被造物,能有多麼多麼大能成為美好!
睽別八年,我和全家都真實信主委身教會,如果不是您多次分享神的話,我想這一切都不可能發生的!
即便現在有很多挑戰,但末後的榮耀是大於先前,我相信神是信實是公義,上帝必是你們的安慰力量,我和我全家教會都會不斷為你們禱告,支持你們!!
Imagine you have a father, who puts food on the table for you everyday. Supposed one day he gets into trouble with the law and police, will you desert and criticize him for his mistake or will you continue to love him as a father?
For many of us, Pastor Kong has been a spiritual father who feeds us spiritually week after week. that is why many of us will continue to show support and love for our pastor no matter what happens.
I thank God for all of u who are merciful and slow to judge. All of us are not perfect people, but we jus try to live life the best way we can..
Loyalty is a virtue
A quality of honor
Ability of faithfulness
Hallmark of a servant
Men who brought David water
Who followed him into exile
As Jonathan was to David
As Timothy was to Paul
Those who serve Abraham’s house
Who found Isaac a wife
The Centurion who obeyed Jesus
It was called the greatest faith
So one day to be call good and faithful
And some wonder why
An keep wondering they will
Dear Pastor Kong and your family,
I am Chia-Ching from New Life Church(Taiwan). Just want to say keep the faith, as this is the most important character of being a christian!! You had always be so encourage and supportive to our church every year~ Thank you and God will always bless you and your family…
Keep praying for you and your family!!
Where is the man who fears God?
Not the one who speak carelessly
Tearing at those who serve God
Quick to judge and self righteous
Ready with stones in hand
Who throws sharp barbs
Takes pleasure at pulling down
What a frightening prospect
To be stand before God
Without the blood of Jesus
Without the heart of Jesus
Without love and mercy
ANOTHER allegated plagiarism Commited by KONG HEE!!
Kong Hee was being accused of plagiarism of his own “Culture Mandate” Message!!
Some claimed that most of the concept and theory of the “Culture Mandate” Message was copied from “Seven Mountains” message originally proposed by Dr. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade, and Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With a Mission in 1975. For details please refer to
http://www.reclaim7mountains.com/articles.asp?columnid=4347
Again, Kong Hee has changed the names of “Seven Mountains” into “Seven Pillars”, and copycat the whole concept and claimed to be originated by himself.
Kong Hee, don’t say that Dr. Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham has copied your “Cultural Mandate” concept!! They proposed this “Seven Mountains” message in 1975 whereas you were still in Primary School at that time!!
Plagiarism is very unethical, and you has committed so many times!! How can CHCers trust you more for your integrity???
For those who demand evidences: I still have the tapes, books and the website above to prove it!! Hahaha!!
Love,
A follower of “Cheap Grace Preacher”
I hope CHC members will hear me out with an open heart and conscience. I am also a member n I have seen how Pst Kong has touched so many lives through his ministry through these years. I see the Lord has used him greatly. I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart n I want His Name ALONE to be glorified in CHC. Ps Kong, he is but a vessel of clay serving our King, I am sure he himself would want Jesus glorified, not himself.
Please don’ t elevate Pst Kong to infallible perfection, you insult the Lord when you put a mere man on a pedestal no matter how much you think he has done. This CAD investigation is NOT an attack of the devil. I know God loves CHC more than we love CHC and HE will clean house if need be. I read SO MANY posts abt Pst Kong and Sun’s “sacrifice”. Dear CHC members, it is YOU ALL that have greatly sacrificed for the house of God thru your giving and giving till it hurts. You must know that. IT IS YOU that have sacrificed much.
I urge you not to judge them, for the truth shall come to light and we are not called to judge. But don’t blindly support and see things as they truly are. Information is being revealed to us and some are things that you can’t explain away and justify. Don’t blame the devil. The Bible says persecution comes only FOR THE WORD”S SAKE, this case clearly isn’t. Your conscience will tell you if you are blindly supporting or not.
If the truth is revealed that CHC members’ tithes and offerings are being channelled in various ways through diff companies to fund Sun’s lavish lifestyle and career, is that right? If CHC members are tithing straight to Pst Kong and Sun and not thru the church, is that right? You don’t have to argue, your conscience will tell you. They have replaced the Lord in these ppl’s lives.
Jesus is Lord of CHC, He will clean house if need be. I trust HIm and Him alone
By all means, pray. Pray for truth to be revealed. We must never be afraid of the truth. It sets us free. Just don’t keep deceiving yourselves that the people we want to support are infallible. They are every bit human and in their flesh “dwells no good thing”.
I really don’t want to admit to myself even but painful as it is, I have to. The Cultural Mandate that we have been preached to so much and for so long, it’s a concept to rationalize to CHC members that Sun is doing the right thing by trying to establish her career in the US. I believed in it, gave to it and cheered for it.
But as I search the BIble and pray, my sense of peace goes. I cannot face myself and say this is right. If she is singing as a Christian minister, songs that set ppl free and loosen them from bondages of sin, turning hearts to Christ, I can fully run with that. She is not. She performs at LA clubs with Wyclef Jean, with very sensual dancing and seductive moves. The music videos that we are told is so cool and current, portray her as a vixen, a geisha, using an expletive. How can I face myself and say this is ok?How is all this shining for Christ? I am not a stuffy fuddy duddy, i listen to pop music and am in the know abt it. I am saying that this is not right and we cannot justify it. We are the Church, in the Bible,Daniel was a CAPTIVE, he had NO CHOICE but to be involved in the culture of the place he was in. Yet in some things he never compromised. This is NOT the same.
Dear beloved CHC members, i know we love Sun. But we cannot go all the way and bluff ourselves that this is right. There is nothing glorifying the Lord in this. We can make a difference in so many more ways.
Jesus said in this world offenses will come.We can never please every single one.let us not react to offenses,but focus on Love,Hope,Faith,Mercies.
Keep the encouraging posts coming in.Keep on making a difference in the market place,to do what Pst has share on cultural mandate.& we have to get use to the “noises”.some who made negative comments are not even in the faith & doesn’t seem to believe in religious harmony.so no pt.Let us stop uncessary arguement.
Do you know what did Jesus tell us to do to those adulterer,tax collector,sinners? or what did Jesus do to them? Pst Kong taught me He gave them chances,accepted them,love them,saying words of kindness/love. He didn’t just teach, he is doing it to others too! For those who know Sun, you will agree with me. If Pst have demostrated 100% of that, Sun would have done it 1000%
& becos of that,we are in line with God & with our government effort to promote religious harmony,giving 2nd chances to ppl,showing graciousness/kindness to others.CHC is making a difference! Thank you Pst!
angelcake5,
I am happy for the revelation you are receiving. What you say are exactly the things that make many people, Christian and otherwise, feel uneasy about some aspects of CHC.
Pray that others understand what you say here, and examine themselves and their thinking, and examine the lenses through which they view things. Pray that they will choose to pull the wool from over their own eyes.
We do not wrestle against flesh & blood. Let us not react but let us keep up our effort to encourage, pray & support. Keep the encouraging post coming in.
So happy to hear that other churches,other parts of Body of Christ, are praying for us. It is an exibition of fruit of Holy Spirit-LOVE. Maybe in other words, no LOVE(1Cor13:4-8) no Spirit? Those who are for us are more than those against us.
If those who are against are christians, it will be the Body of Christ hitting against herself(imagine your hand start punching your nose becos hand hate nose,& u can’t control). The One who suffer most will be the Body as a whole & the name of Christ. So we must keep on praying & encourage Pst and CHC.
Maybe some will say all who support are mindless, so let it be.let them think lawyers, government servants, SAF majors/officers,doctors,professional etc are all mindless. It does reflect something about them-the whole world is wrong except them. so we can just ignore them and keep the encouragement coming in.
Whatever the outcome doesn’t matter. Pst taught me that the more important thing in life is not just abt destination, but the journey. It is not abt winning all the time, but about the process. In times like this, the sheep will be separated from the goats. So lets keep the encouragment coming in.
It’s a dangerous thing to sow discord among brethrens, dangerous thing to cast God’s judgement on others when God has not even judged. The law of sowing and reaping will not cease (apply to all who are for us and against us, and not just on finances)
Rom8:28 will happen. Cheers!
Dear 康牧師,
從CHC的同工身上, 看見一個卓越並且敬畏神的領袖帶領出來的強盛DNA~ 從2002一直到現在, 從我還是一個背逆神到現在願意委身在新生命小組教會的同工, 每一次CHC還有你做的示範, 都是我們的模範跟先趨~~ It’s amazing
有一次在台北聖經事奉學院裡, 你直接的門訓讓我印象很深刻~ 「一個人如果不能同時做好很多件事, 那麼就先選擇專心地做好一件事! 」
在與CHC的同工一起服事的過程裡更看見~ 那種對神對人完全的真誠跟火熱~ 並且帶著智慧
因此我也相信, 神會給你、耀珊和陳牧師有智慧, 勝過這一次的挑戰!
因你們都是神忠心的僕人~
我們的神~ 叫萬事互相效力, 叫愛神的人得益處!
而我深深地相信, 你們是很難得….愛神愛人的好領袖!
love & pray for all of u
Athena
I am every bit a sheep of CHC, I am ashamed that we have to harp on having lawyers, govt ppl and professionals in our church to make it sound like we are ok. There are many wise and discerning “non-professionals” too. We love the church too.
In no way am I judging them, please read my posts carefully.
The outcome is EVERYTHING. It will tell me if Pst Kong has been a faithful steward of the Lord’s finances. The Bible says that he who is not faithful in the stewardship of money, how can the Lord entrust him with the true riches (spiritual riches)? I want nothing more than the truth and I know CHC members do too. This doesnt mean I am sowing discord? I love the Body of Christ and this part of the Body that involves Pst Kong and Sun is not in perfect working order. We need the Doctor to remedy it, don’t we? He loves them too. Have you read what the Lord says in His Word about discipline? He chastises whom He loves. What is wrong with saying this? Unless one is blind, in that case you need the divine Doctor to heal you too.
The journey/process is now well on its way and I see the Father’s love for His CHC sheep every step of the way. CHC members, the Lord Jesus must always be no.1. I’m sad becos I don’t see any mention of the Lord or the Father much here or in the church.
angelcake5,
Well articulated.
But you might start seeing persecution from your CHC members who will view your well-reasoned point of view as a threat and as discord-sowing, and will cast your view as the influence of satan.
This is classic sign of cultish behaviour, where all are expected to believe in a certain dogma and any dissent is viewed as threatening. Be strong and seek the truth.
angelcake5, I wrote the postings not because of what you write. In fact, I didn’t see any of your postings before I typed my thoughts.
To all who are for us:
I learnt this from Ps Kong-whatever you focus on will be strengthen.Lets focus on God, Family, Church, Friends. & in times like this, lets focus on hope, faith, mercies and most of all, LOVE(1Cor13:4-8).Lets keep encouraging Pst and CHC leadership.
Everyone will trip and fall some point in life. If you fall, you have the decision to make if you will to pick yourself up again. If you fall, others will make the decision whether to help you pick up again.
I have seen many who will not lift a finger to help,and worse still laugh and rejoice. But I have seen many more who are there to help. Whether who to discipline God’s people is not up to us to decide, and I am sure many of CHC members are not blind and senseless. We know what is going on. But instead of speculate and make assumed conclusion, I have seen many who choose to focus on Loving, giving hope to others and showing mercies. Whatever the outcome can be, God has given Pst and all CHC members a vision, and this vision will not return to him void. We will keep on staying committed to where God has planted us, be dicipled in the Great Commandment, to fullfill the Great Commission/cultural mandate. And I believe Pst and Sun will do the same thing.
Keep the encouragin post coming in. Rom8:28 will happen!
Dear Pastor Kong,
my deepest regret for not being able to help you in anyway that can stop this from getting worst. it hurts my heart to finally realize that i was not together as one with God yet. i felt that i have been living a double life and actually thinking that i can still a Christian. From the last service by Pastor Tan, i finally realize what i fool i was. But Pastor, i do not have much to say that could encourage you like the others, all i can say to you that i Really really love you, i can tell that you are very tired when my cell group leader was telling me on cell meeting on 19 june.
But when i was serving the membership. i came face to face with you! wow, i was in a state of Shock because this is the first time i saw you and you saw me, but then i realized that you are smiling. with all of my heart i feel so glad that you are feeling great, only to realized that you keep smiling to encourage us. I am sure you must be tired from all this, i am sure we all are.
The raining weather will soon be over and the rainbow will once again shine on our beautiful Church with Christ standing with us telling us what a great job we have done. WOW, can you imagine that? i hope this might hopefully make you feel a bit better.HAHA ,
i have only known this Church for about a year and a half but only during last service i felt that i should have done more!
thus i hope that the Whole church will stand together as one heart with one mind with one Goal! TO WIN THE WORLD FOR CHRIST!!!. we love you pastor Kong and please send this regard my regard to you wife and son.
we will be praying for you, until the day when the rain stops and rainbow comes.
Be blessed my pastor, my teacher, my spiritual father,my brother, my friend.
once more, love you Pastor Kong
from yuda.
Dear pastor Kong,
please please do not be affected by the bad mouths of others, you might be put down, but God will rise you up again. be of good cheer, for the spirit of depression and the Holy spirit cannot stay in the body at the same time.act 10:45. keep on keeping on.
Love you Pastor Kong
from yuda
For all my postings, I am mainly making statements and to encourage all who support and to encourage Pst. I am not against anyone, but definitey I am for everyone who believes in Pst Kong and CHC. If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it, no need to be too offensive or defensive.
Great to hear Yuda’s sharing. There are many more out there who have expericenced God in a very real way will share the similar view with Yuda. Do keep the encouraging posts coming in. Rom8:28 will happen!
If our trust is in JESUS, we shall never be put to shame. I believe in the God who is Faithful and Just who loves us and sent His Son as the ultimate expression of that love. Set your eyes on Him, not on any man. It’s no disrespect bcos Pst Kong, being a minister of God, will tell you the same.
Pst Kong has said himself, he thanked those who trust the intent of his heart. I know he believes that whatever he’s been doing was out of good intent. But by the fruits of these intentions, we shall see if they are good fruit. Right now, the fruits are being revealed. We are not to judge but we are to be wise and discerning, able to separate right from wrong, black from white.
“But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
This is God fire not devil-sent fire. May Pst Kong be found as gold tried by fire, not chaff.
hi pst, yr preaching is missed in church n Sot but it is yr presence tt we missed more. come n worship God n pray tgt with us after u have rested!!! :)
To angelcake5, just continue to pray for your church, ask for God’s wisdom upon your leaders to lead the church.
I prayed for my church too.
Dear Pastor,
I really appreciate you & Sun for being who you are called to be. The honesty you’ve preached is what Singapore and Asia needs.
Your deep reverence, respect and love for the house of God have always inspired me since young.
The first encounter I had with CHC was when I was only 10 years old. Back in Hollywood, I saw people queuing up for church at least half an hour before the official starting time. That was something extraordinary. Churches back then are more laid back; strolling in half an hour after service starts was the norm. The love and reverence you have for God’s house could only inspire us to love the house of God more each day.
A friend’s parent once told me this “Pastor Kong has taught my children the word of God like no other pastors I know. Even as a parent myself, I don’t think I can educate my children in such detailed reference with the word of God. But I have full assurance that my children will grow up in the fear of God as long as they attend City Harvest.”
As a Christian since young, I learnt much about the word of God but never knew how to live it out in action. It was only at City Harvest where I learnt how to be more accepting of others.
You’ve taught us to love the sub-cultures when society wants to isolate them.
You’ve taught us to enter the market place, while not losing sight of our morality and Godly values.
You’ve taught us to be open and accepting of people’s amoral choice, while influencing them with Godly moral values with our actions instead of preaching to them.
More importantly, you taught us how to be real; living the will of God was never meant to be easy, but with God& our willingness, we can overcome all difficulties.
Thank you for being who you are called, Pastor.
It has been my greatest honour and pleasure to be part of this house.
And like what you’ve always encouraged- Keep on keeping on!
Regards,
Yolanda
To Philosopher
Talk so much for what. To show off your powderful engoland? To tell people you from a certain profession! Oh pleasssssseeee.
I am not here to spar with you nor show you some of the stupid basic errors in your argument.
Your pastor should know himself whether it was an oversight/mistake, or a deliberate act to conceal the true authorship. He doesn’t need you to defend, rationalize nor speculate as to why the 5 year oversight happened.
If he has said it was an oversight, and others dispute his explanation, it is up to him to make things right and clear his integrity issue, not you muddlehead.
If you are reading this Mr. Kong, have you determined what led you into this predicament yet? Still cannot recognize or refuse to recognize?
Anyway I have some encouragement for you too. All from Proverbs 15.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Pride inevitably causes troubles and brings pains/sufferings not only to oneself but also your close ones.
Your flock awaits the Truth that will set them free.
‘kingdavid’
You said, “Talk so much for what. To show off your powderful engoland?” (sic)
And that is a question I like to ask you too.
You said, “To tell people you from a certain profession! Oh pleasssssseeee.” (sic)
Interesting, what certain profession do you think I am from?
Perhaps you might be wrong, as usual.
You said, “I am not here to spar with you nor show you some of the stupid basic errors in your argument.” (sic)
Neither am I interested in you.
So why are you here?
I’ve been a half-baked christian ever since I’ve known Christ for over 15 yrs back. I’ll like Pastor Kong to know that a half-baked christian like me who is too lazy to even attend church services during christmas day loves and supports him.
I seldom pray, it’s probably a lazy excuse i created for myself on not wanting to change the course of God’s actions. But I’ve started to pray for Pastor Kong, i hope God can give him strength to overcome all this.
Hi Pastor, you are my inspiration and as I’m in CHC the longer, the more I find you an inspiration. I know that no amount of “thank you”s can express the magnitude of gratitude I have towards you.
As I make a new chapter of my life (just started working as a working adult), I will always remember your drive and your passion for success. I now know I’m not working for the sake of keeping a job, but to see it as a place for growth and influence. And I am reminding myself that I got to have the same drive and passion that I’m seeing in you when I’m working. =)
Pastor, always keeping you in prayer. You are sorely missed! =)
denial and delusion persists …
To: Philosopher
~ Good or bad, let’s leave Rev Kong Hee & CHC “to God to decide, certainly not You!” Or do you practice double standards?
No I don’t have double standards. I leave God to judge my moral, spiritual actions on earth just like Kong Hee and his gang …
I’m speaking about Kong Hee’s actions in running the church and if he had indeed committed a legal transgression. If he or any of his cronies misused the funds in anyway, he would have to face the full brunt of the law … unless you are suggesting that he is so divine that he is above the law.
After which, if he did break the law, the world we see him for the fraud that he is. If he really did, all that he did in God’s name will be tainted.
I can only hope that CHC will survive him and his misdeeds. I have faith that it will.
God Bless,
To philosopher
I enjoy your witty comments and replies. Keep it up :)
Church related company financials Xtron
http://zohoviewer.com/docs/pbUcuj
I cannot understand how on earth Xtron earned rental income from audio, lighting and video equipments.
Before the big “hpp ah” i ask the question of how much it would cost CHC to go shift from one hall to another hall. The amount of logistic work is huge.
The amount of man power needed, the setting up of the PA system, the cabling, the lighting, no church can keep a huge staff to do the work.
This means the church needs to hire the whole hall on a weekly basis so that the work for the preparation can be completed for the weekend service.
It would have to be sub work to a professional company.
Though I am not a member of CHC, i can see why the need to find a permanent location like suntec. Imagine the amount of money save each year just on this part of the logistic for the service.
Just to share a some know cost i have encounter as a PA crew.
One wireless mike ( handheld mike and receiver) cost around S$3,500 each.)
One digital mixer is around 120K
One good wire mike is around S$350.00
Speakers and monitor are a killer.
If the church uses Avom for the musician , then the cost is increase.
The amount of camera, lightings, crews doe snot come cheap also.
Dun ever think a church has that much volunteers to so ti each week. It has to be source out.
All this needs money.
I dun want to comment about the cost. but its not cheap.
During a recent play that i do for my ex church. Just the rental of 10 basic wireless mike for a week cost more than 3K.
To Harmony5,
the Suntec location is NOT a permanent solution because of 2 reasons.
1) CHC would have to move OUT of Suntec for at least 4 to 5 times a year because of exhibitions and conventions at Suntec – (actually much more times than at Expo). There will be cost incurred in setting up, dismantling and rental of temporary halls to accommodate the services during those times.
2) The worship premise at Suntec is on a RENTAL LEASE agreement. According to certain sources, the lease may range from 7 to 9 years as of now. What happens after that? Extend the lease? Have another 5-10 years of A&B? Or Suntec convention center decides not to renew? The church (through its SPV) is not a major stake owner of SCC, and thus have no say in its operation and decision-making. This is the risk (be it big or small).
Of course we know that the audio/video equipments and manpower are expensive.
However, the accounts irregularities are there… e.g. Xtron “rental of equipments” when it has NO equipments in its assert list at all…
The point or the issue at hand is not the amount of money needing to run the church and its operations. The real issue is WHERE, WHEN, and HOW the money is being channeled and for what purposes.
The CAD investigation is doing just that. This is a very “legal” issue that is based on the laws (of commercial nature) of this country.
@ david.
I didn’t know that. I thought it is going to be a pernament location.
The othe risseu is tha Xtron need not have the equipment to do rental. There is a chance that they also rent the equipment from some other company.
I do the same with me business also. when I do not enough equipement I actually rent from other to supply as long as there is a small profit.
Then again it open up anther can of worm. why didn’t CHC goes to the sources.
well only time can tell now. I am sure the CAD will do a thorough investigation and the truth will be out.
If the truth is against the church , then please remember
King David who committed murder and adultery is consider a man after God’s heart after he repented but of course he also have to pay a heavy price of losing his son.
Dear Pst. Kong,
We miss you and hope to see you soon in Blble school !!!
To: Harmony5
I not only lost a son. In fact a few more subsequently due to civil strife and jealousies.
Sometimes one’s sins and its consequences not only affect the offender, it also affects those who are close to you.
Why continue hurting the innocent? Why hurt those who are truly seeking God?
Can’t you feel it Mr Kong?
To: Harmony5
King David repented. If Pastor Kong is guilty, he should confess now and repent. By not doing so, I assume that he is innocent. If in the end he is found guilty, then it will be very difficult to forgive since he is being unrepentent.
Dear Pst,
Am glad and relief to hear from you :)
No matter what other people say, no weapon form against the church shall prosper.
Thank you for teaching us how to love those whom we never met.
Thank you for leading by example how to lay hold of God.
Thank you for being inspirations in many of our lives…
I strongly believe in you, Sun and the church, and will stand even stronger in faith in times like this…God n us we formed the MAJORITY!
we missed you! :)
Hi Pastor,
I truly believe what the bible says, that a tree is known by its fruits. Although I am not in your discipleship group, but the leaders you have raised reveal the kind of person you are. And I have the privilege to be led by one owho carries the attributes of patience, generous, kind, merciful…etc. and it isn’t difficult to tell, that’s the result of your influence!
Come what may, standing with you, for you and by you :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXmuq0Ku2xo
Link to this city harvest worship clip, its so anointing. When I watch, it reminds me that when we come before God to worship him, irregardless of our status, whether we are clerk or doctor or business man, we are the same, no one is greater than one another, because the greatest is Jesus, we are perfected thru his saving grace.
Keep praying to God. Everything is going to be ok.
To the small time “kingdavid” wannabe, nutcase. Its one thing to pass judgement and cast stones, before the investigation result is out. Its another to denigrate the pastor and believers of CHC.
I don’t think you are a Christian. If you proclaimed so, I think you are sick. You call us deluded, CHC a cult, and also implying that we are not capable of thinking -now you are getting personal and rubbing me off.
Before I get personal and return your ‘love’ from my ‘flesh’, I think you better apologise to everyone you insulted here, idiot! Lest you want to take it to the gutters and all gloves come off! Don’t tempt me.
To ■hogankj,
Same for you. Even CAD investigators are still going thru the proper procedures and have not released any findings yet.
Who are you to prejudge and slander!? When CAD finds Pastor Kong innocent of wrong doings, are you going to eat your words and apologise? Will you be man enough?
TYPO:
■BayeeSingh on June 24th, 2010 6:05 am
To the small time “kingdavid” wannabe, nutcase. Its one thing to pass judgement and cast stones, before the investigation result is out. Its another to denigrate the pastor and believers of CHC.
——
■BayeeSingh on June 24th, 2010 6:14 am
To ■hogankj,
Even CAD investigators are still going thru the proper procedures and have not released any findings yet. Who are you to prejudge and slander!? When CAD finds Pastor Kong innocent of wrong doings, are you going to eat your words and apologise? Will you be man enough?
I don’t think you are a Christian. If you proclaimed so, I think you are sick. You call us deluded, CHC a cult, and also implying that we are not capable of thinking -now you are getting personal and rubbing me off.
Before I get personal and return your ‘love’ from my ‘flesh’, I think you better apologise to everyone you insulted here, idiot! Lest you want to take it to the gutters and all gloves come off! Don’t tempt me.
Dear Pastor Kong Hee,
Just a few words of reflections for your thoughts:
The scariest thing that can happen to a person is to assume and justify one action or thinking is right when it is wrong.
Why is this so? Just like when a hungry desperate person committed theft to fill his stomach, what is going in his or her mind?
A lost sheep indeed. When caught, some still insist what they did was right, a few will see the light of GOD to repent.
As Pastor, you should know why this is? Do you? If not I would be glad to explained. As you know, the Devil is getting stronger.
The Devil can influence or indirectly make people to believe him via promise of easy wealth, and yet through his devious way,
he can make us “happy” and makes us think that he is the “correct way” to get wealth, although we know it is not. Sadly, many
Are strayed. If we have done something that is even slighlty wrong,
do repent and admit and remember GOD will forgive our souls if we repent. There is Gospel of GOD and Doctrines of Devil, so I think we are
wise enough to do the right thing. It is not shameful to admit one’s wrong If we have placed our trust in GOD. What is wrong
has to be rightfully punished, so please don’t continue be blinded and justifying and defending when in your heart, so may have done
something that GOD does not agree. Sun clearly shows she is somehow diverted from GOD way, and we pray she will truly
repent. So it’s your call, 1) to be continued blinded and misled by one’s desire, justification and assume one is right even though it is wrong,
and risking misleading more people with the wrong non GOD-ly way and continue to accumulate sins or 2) to quickly take 1 step back
and understand what one has done wrong and ask for sincere repentance and see the light of GOD. So in conclusion, decide yourself, and
ask yourself 1) am I walking in the true path of GOD? Or 2) am I deviating from the path of GOD to the Devil path that is so good in camouflaging
himself as “GOD” in our eyes? The answer is simple. Hope this helps. GOD Bless You!
@jem.
The case is under investigation. He is not guilty until he is found guilty.
Some people here has already pass judgement on him. Is this fair? What if there is no case against the Church board. Why point the finger at Kong Hee alone? Why not point it against the church board?
There are still many questions that needed answers. Let the authority do their job. We can take matter further when the results are out..
Whether he repent if he is indeed guilty is between him and God.
Remember those who tithed is out of obediance to God.
If he faulted, he is stealing God’s money. The last things on his mind if the church is found to have mishandled God’s kingdom money is the CAD on their back.
Who can stand the warth of God?
So, there is more spiritual issue to be deal with.
Let God be his judge, we are afterall sinner in our own ways.
God Bless
I am a new member to the site. First thank you for being a blessing! The Asia Conference was amazing! I heard about this, surely God would still remain victorious whatever happens! God Bless Pastor!
To: BayeeSingh
DId I ever say the following quoted by you?
“You call us deluded, CHC a cult, and also implying that we are not capable of thinking -now you are getting personal and rubbing me off.”
Are you the official watchdog here?
Oh Blimey, you have a nasty temper and I do hope you are not from CHC. You know the implications.
Or are you here to impersonate as a member of CHC and give outsiders a negative impression. If that is true, you have done quite a marvelous job too.
However you should improve on your ‘cut n paste’ strategy. Your rebuttal to hogankj looks a like a verbatim of yours to mine.
Cheers and good luck to your watchdog activities.
@Harmony5
I am not judging nor saying he is guilty. I am saying that given the silence from Kong Hee, I really hope he is not guily. And yes, the same applies to the church board and the other members who are involved in the various associated companies, its not him alone but the responsibility lies especially with Kong Hee since he is the leader of the church and the church board.
Its not just between him and God since God has appointed him to lead a congregation of over 30,000 members. By not confessing and repenting (again only if he is guilty) now, he is sinning even more. We let God be the judge but surely it is the responsibility of other members and supporters to advise him? Or are we saying that cos he is the leader, he knows best?
@ jem.
Amen brother.
I do agree that he should say something, but given the circumstance tha tthe whole church board and he is in, it maybe better to keep quiet and let the finding of the CAD speaks for itself.
Hi Jem,
it is not as easy as just “pastor coming forward and making a statement.” First, let me state that repentance is between the person and God… We will never know what transpires in the prayer closet of others, so let’s not judge that.
Rather, let’s look at some possible and “human” reasoning why there is silence.
1) It is a police investigation.. So whatever pastor Kong say or have said at this point would be taken as FOR/AGAINST him.. If indeed, he did something legally wrong, and he asked for forgiveness from the church at this point of time, it would amount to admission of guilt to the CAD.
2) Similar to point 1, IF the CAD concludes the investigation that certain individuals of the church did misuse church funds, the next phrase of action would start. There would be a formal indictment and a (probable) lengthy legal court case. Again, if he admitted wrong-doing and asked for the church’s forgiveness, it would amount to admission of guilt.
The CAD investigation is only the tip of the iceberg – the start of something potentially bigger. IF it goes to court, then it will be the biggest charity/religion scandal and fraud in Singapore – certainly it will grip the attention of Singaporeans all around.
There you have it.. SILENCE is the golden rule when there is a police investigation against the person, and when it could possibly lead to a Court case.
david_25,
You have a point about the value of silence in this on-going case.
However, if one is very sure that no wrong has been committed, I see nothing wrong with proclaiming one’s innocence publicly.
If one is unsure, or if one DID wilfully do something wrong, then it is very important to stay silent in case one spills the beans by mistake, and it can be used against you.
This is one reason why some people have been inferring a sense of guilt from the silence, rightly or wrongly.
In the case of someone whose religiousity is unimportant, like any other criminal, the public may not infer much.
But in the case of a person (or persons) who are leaders of Singapore’s largest Church, handling hundreds of millions of dollars, running a profit-seeking business in retailing consumerist goods with questionable values (heavy-metal influence of the jeans brands), having a spouse apparently living lavishly in Hollywood, having a production company bleeding to the gills for years and apparently still solvent with unexplained cash injection… Staying silent?? Can one blame the public for inferring a sense of guilt?
Maybe CHC members will claim that these people are vultures sensing an impending meal. But there it is…
Deuteronomy 33:29, NIV
Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.
Praise the Lord! Now that we are saved by believing in Jesus, now that we live in the wonderful grace of God, and now that we are blessed in the Lord; we must live for the glory of God, overwhelmed by His grace. We must always ponder about the grace of the Cross and live in accordance with the will of the Lord, making resolutions to give glory to God. I pray that your life will be a life of devotion for the Lord.
What is even more wonderful is that God does not only save us but continues to help us throughout our life.
Deuteronomy 33:29 says: “He is your shield.”
The Word declares that God is our shield, protecting and helping us. A shield protects us from the attack of the enemy. When the enemy tries to defeat us with shooting arrows, slashing spears and swords; a shield protects us. God is our shield. He delivers and protects us from all trouble.
The Israelites had to go through the desert after they were delivered from 430 years of slavery to the Egyptians. It was very hot during the day in the desert but God protected them from the sizzling sun with a pillar of cloud. It was freezing at night in the desert so God protected them from the cold with a pillar of fire. Hallelujah!
God also protected the Israelites from vermin such as scorpions when they went through the desert. He led them to the promised land of Canaan, protected them from the attacks of the Amalekites.
Hallelujah! God keeps us, takes care of us, protects us, and leads us throughout our life. We have nothing to fear since the Lord is our shield. We have nothing to worry about. We need be neither dismayed nor frustrated.
Praise the Lord! “The Lord helps me. The Lord is with me. Therefore, I am happy and blessed.” We must confess that He leads my steps throughout my life. I am changed. I am a new creation. We must always confess our faith in the Lord this way. As we abide in Christ, we will be filled with His grace and joy. We will live as blessed people in the Lord. We will find true happiness, true joy, and true satisfaction only when we abide in Jesus.
We must have a positive self-image. When you look into the mirror in the morning, say: “I will have a happy day in the Lord.” We must rejoice in the Lord and continually give thanks to Him. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
God helps us. He is always with us. He pours His enormous blessings upon us. Problems come to everyone from time to time. We often encounter trouble. The Lord nevertheless helps us. We must open our eyes of faith and lift up our eyes from despair. We must look to the Lord of love, the Lord of grace, and the Lord of blessings.
Psalm 28:7 says: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
Psalm 46:1 says: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
God said that He would be Abraham’s shield when He called him.
Genesis 15:1 says: “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.’ ”
Hallelujah! All God’s bible characters, without exception, were great through the help and guidance of God. We must believe and profess that the Lord is always with us throughout our lives.
God is always with us. He helps us. He delivers us from all places of hopelessness. He pours overflowing joy, hope, and grace upon us.
The God whom we believe and serve is the omnipotent and omniscient God. Nothing is impossible to Him. He will part the Red Sea in front of us when we believe in His omnipotence and omniscience. He will destroy the wall of Jericho; and fill our lives with marvelous miracles and grace.
Trust in God alone when you go through a long tunnel of suffering, or how sad, painful, and agonizing the situation may be. The Lord is with us in the most devastating moment, upholding and leading us through. Praise the Lord!
This is what David confessed in the following psalms:
Psalm 23:4 says: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
“The Lord is with me. You are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 18:1-3 says: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”
Hallelujah! The Lord will deliver you from all despair.
A Roman soldier’s armor made him both terrifying and effective in war. His armor was held in place by a belt, from which hung diverse pieces of equipment. The belt secured his garment of protection and held everything in place. Without the belt nothing stayed in place. Without the belt, it was impossible for the soldier to fight. In other words the belt was essential for his effective functioning. We have received the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14), which we are to secure around us. Since Jesus is the truth, we clothe ourselves with Him.
Pontius Pilate asked, “What is truth?” Many believe there is no truth. They define truth as that which feels right at a given moment, in a particular situation. They accept that what is truth for one may not be truth for another. This results in a conglomeration of different opinions that inevitably leads to chaos. Truth is not merely subjective and relative. There is an objective truth that we all can rest in. Truth is an aspect of the very nature of God. Truth is found in Him and emanates from Him. We can know truth and, thereby, recognize falseness and distinguish between right and wrong.
As we gird ourselves with truth, we should renounce all lies and ask a spirit of revelation to come over us so that we are able to distinguish truth from falseness. Seduction, falseness and heresy are arrows that the enemy fires in his attempt to cause us to lose strength in what God has given us. This is why we need to gird ourselves with truth.
God gives us victory.
Deuteronomy 33:29 says: “He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.”
God is not only our shield but also our glorious sword, destroying all our enemies. God will pour His grace upon us, giving us victories in all the battles we fight. When we are with the Lord we will win 100 times out of 100 battles. We must therefore live for the glory of God, believing and trusting in Him.
The Lord will go ahead of us, destroying all our enemies, and blessing us with His marvelous blessings.
Deuteronomy 31:3-4 says: “The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said. And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land.”
God will go ahead of us and destroy all the enemies before us. God closed the Red Sea after the Israelites crossed on dry land and destroyed the Egyptian army; which was the strongest army of those days. He also destroyed the Amalekites and the seven Canaanite tribes.
We will encounter various enemies in the path. We cannot defeat them with our own power. Our biggest enemy will be hopelessness of our mind. Sometimes people cannot endure when they are overwhelmed with hopelessness and fear. It is during these times that many people make wrong choices.
Never give up no matter how depressing, painful, and sad your situation may be. You can endure and hold on to hope because God the Jehovah Nissi is with you.
Moses gave the Israelites assurance when they stood in front of the Red Sea.
Exodus 14:13-14 says: “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ ”
“Stand firm! God will fight for us.”
We may have problems, sorrow, and difficulties for a while. However in the end victory will be ours if we endure and march forward with faith.
Romans 5:3-4 says: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
God goes ahead of us, destroying our enemies before us. He will help us overcome all our problems. Our enemies who came to attack us will kneel before us and surrender.
We must trust in God alone if we want to gain victory in our warfare. Prayer is the way through which we show that we trust in the Lord. We must pray to God and commit our ways to Him. We must cry out to the Lord in prayer. Prayer is the only way through which weak humankind can approach the Almighty God.
Dr. Roger Barrier in his book Kingdom and the Power mentioned that “A demonic problem is always a prayer project. Prayer is the fundamental tool in overcoming the evil one. Prayer provides prior protection and a place to reaffirm who we are in Christ. Prayer provides offensive weapons to neutralize attacking spiritual forces. Prayer provides healing balm for recovery from inflicted spiritual wounds. No justifiable reason exists for Christians to be afraid of spiritual warfare. God has given us every tool necessary for overcoming the evil one.” Hallelujah!
God will perform miracles when you trust the Word of God and kneel down before the Lord in prayer. God’s helping grace will come upon you. God will stretch His mighty hands and do marvelous things for you.
Praise the Lord! God who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, will also part all devastating Red Seas before us. God who defeated the Amalekites for the Israelites will also defeat all our enemies. God who helped the Israelites cross the Jordan River will also help us cross our Jordan River. God who destroyed the wall of Jericho will also destroy all our problems like walls of Jericho.
Trust in the Word of promise and march forward! Cry out to the Lord in prayer. March forward with faith. Miracles will be yours. God’s blessings will be yours. God’s grace will be yours.
All problems, sorrow, pain, and difficulties are only temporary. They will soon pass. As we endure all our sufferings with endurance and patience and pray and cry out to the Lord; He will break our pride and disobedience, and heal all our mistakes. He will transform us into pure, refined gold so that we can become great tools for the work of God. He will make us into His precious children.
Some people may say, “My suffering is too long for me.” Your blessings and grace will be proportionate to the length of your suffering.
Therefore, endure your trouble and sorrow with faith. You will possess the marvelous blessings and miracles that God has prepared for you wh