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| Flight of stairs that reminded me of how I persevered with the painful wound to reach my goal at Presbyterian house. Indeed, every walk of faith is a step of perseverance, carrying the cross and price to pay, just like Paul did! |
A giant HELLO to everyone out there at STEP 2014! It has been a really wonderful time getting to know everyone slowly! Even before the program officially commenced on 19th May 2014, I was already feeling all excited, especially when the WhatsApp group began to turn alive! – Surely the mark of the XYZ generation.
As I stepped in to my first day at STEP together with the rest of the interns, I was welcomed by the harmonious voices of all the fellow youths/young adults worshipping with the rhythmic strumming of guitar. The music struck me as we sang to the song “Open the eyes of my heart”. Indeed, having been through barely the first half week of the program, I was more than thirsty to know more and more about things that are out of the bible. It is indeed during these times where we get to learn more about the Presbyterian history, things that we can apply into ministry, and knowledge that we can use as great support to what we do and believe in. For the next three weeks, it will be set apart solely for this purpose. So, what exactly have I learnt so far?
From the talk by Pr. Joshua Woo
The distinctives of a Presbyterian denomination involves 1) mission and church planting 2) Literacy and theological education 3) reforming based on scripture. What struck me most as an undergraduate was the portion on how the Presbyterian history contributed to the development of education! Indeed, if we can recall, Andrew Melville – father of Scottish Presbyterianism – is the big name! Having been a leader of the Scottish Presbyterian church from 1574 to 1607, as well as the principle of Glasgow University, Andrew Melville contributed to our syllable system! Besides, the two big Johns (John Knox and John Calvin) were crucial in setting the theological framework of the Presbyterian churches. Following the straightforward and seemingly simple virtues of John Calvin, the word and sacrament were two of the most important features of a church. If it were not for him, we would have to live with Bucer’s additional mark of ‘discipline’ – believing that the church must have perfect Christians – till date. I am pretty sure we would not have met his standard of perfectionism given that we are all sinners, yet saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ!
The distinctives of a Presbyterian denomination involves 1) mission and church planting 2) Literacy and theological education 3) reforming based on scripture. What struck me most as an undergraduate was the portion on how the Presbyterian history contributed to the development of education! Indeed, if we can recall, Andrew Melville – father of Scottish Presbyterianism – is the big name! Having been a leader of the Scottish Presbyterian church from 1574 to 1607, as well as the principle of Glasgow University, Andrew Melville contributed to our syllable system! Besides, the two big Johns (John Knox and John Calvin) were crucial in setting the theological framework of the Presbyterian churches. Following the straightforward and seemingly simple virtues of John Calvin, the word and sacrament were two of the most important features of a church. If it were not for him, we would have to live with Bucer’s additional mark of ‘discipline’ – believing that the church must have perfect Christians – till date. I am pretty sure we would not have met his standard of perfectionism given that we are all sinners, yet saved by the Grace of Jesus Christ!
From the talk by Prof. Lee Soo Ann
Post lunch on Day 2 was a really interesting one. At the first glance of the title from my program timetable, “Introduction to Presbyterian Movement in COLONIAL SINGAPORE” gave me the first raise of the eyebrow. COLONIAL SINGAPORE? Surely I did not expect to come into Synod office to learn about this! Well, guess what? All my wild thoughts were thrown apart as Professor Lee began sharing his deep expertise on the subject matter. Who would have thought about hearing names like William Farquar, Sir Stamford Raffles in relation to the Presbyterian history? Who would have thought about linking what we have learn as little children in history classes to the Presbyterian history? Surely not myself! Taken aback, I began opening up my ears, hearts, eyes and senses to focus on what Professor Lee has got to say. Spices! Did he mention SPICES? Now that was really interesting. The fact that the trading of spices could become a means for the spreading of gospel was really innovative! Just like the old saying to kill two birds with one stone! Here, the western people through it through – that they would sail and earn money by trading, as well as to try convert the people on the ship with the help of a mandatory pastor on each boat. Surely God’s creation was wise, yet their economical methods appear to have not proven well amongst the Asians.
I recall having multiple conversations with elderlies about Christianity. I recall their looks of disgust on their face the moment one mentions about Christ. Slowly, I began to wonder if the acts of the Westerners did impact them so negatively till date. Perhaps it is the intelligent nature of humans, coupled with the lack of tact whenever one wishes to reach their goal that led these enthusiastic Westerners into the trap of un-gentleness. That’s human nature, isn’t it?
I wonder, and I wonder. How many a time do we fall into this trap when we are trying to spread the glorious word to our fellow non-Christian peers? Have we been too rough? Have we been to direct? Have we been focus on the goal that we clean forgotten about the virtues of gentleness and understanding? Perhaps we have had led others to stumble or think twice about the religion because of our actions. Perhaps we have unknowingly said something wrong or hurtful around non-Christians out there. Perhaps…yet we do not know. May God forgive us, and help us in this really tough journey of faith. And as we continue to bring His word everywhere we go, let us be reminded that every word and action counts.
Post lunch on Day 2 was a really interesting one. At the first glance of the title from my program timetable, “Introduction to Presbyterian Movement in COLONIAL SINGAPORE” gave me the first raise of the eyebrow. COLONIAL SINGAPORE? Surely I did not expect to come into Synod office to learn about this! Well, guess what? All my wild thoughts were thrown apart as Professor Lee began sharing his deep expertise on the subject matter. Who would have thought about hearing names like William Farquar, Sir Stamford Raffles in relation to the Presbyterian history? Who would have thought about linking what we have learn as little children in history classes to the Presbyterian history? Surely not myself! Taken aback, I began opening up my ears, hearts, eyes and senses to focus on what Professor Lee has got to say. Spices! Did he mention SPICES? Now that was really interesting. The fact that the trading of spices could become a means for the spreading of gospel was really innovative! Just like the old saying to kill two birds with one stone! Here, the western people through it through – that they would sail and earn money by trading, as well as to try convert the people on the ship with the help of a mandatory pastor on each boat. Surely God’s creation was wise, yet their economical methods appear to have not proven well amongst the Asians.
I recall having multiple conversations with elderlies about Christianity. I recall their looks of disgust on their face the moment one mentions about Christ. Slowly, I began to wonder if the acts of the Westerners did impact them so negatively till date. Perhaps it is the intelligent nature of humans, coupled with the lack of tact whenever one wishes to reach their goal that led these enthusiastic Westerners into the trap of un-gentleness. That’s human nature, isn’t it?
I wonder, and I wonder. How many a time do we fall into this trap when we are trying to spread the glorious word to our fellow non-Christian peers? Have we been too rough? Have we been to direct? Have we been focus on the goal that we clean forgotten about the virtues of gentleness and understanding? Perhaps we have had led others to stumble or think twice about the religion because of our actions. Perhaps we have unknowingly said something wrong or hurtful around non-Christians out there. Perhaps…yet we do not know. May God forgive us, and help us in this really tough journey of faith. And as we continue to bring His word everywhere we go, let us be reminded that every word and action counts.
Crystal Tang
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