Indonesia's Aceh to close churches after pressure from Muslim groups

Authorities in Indonesia's conservative Aceh province said on Sunday several Christian churches would be shut down this week, just days after a mob burned down a church, killing one person and injuring several others.

Tensions have been high among the ethnically and religiously diverse population of Aceh, raising the risk of further religious violence in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim population.

The vast majority of Indonesians practise a moderate form of Islam and Aceh is the only province to adhere to Islamic Sharia law, putting it at odds with the rest of the country.

Aceh was granted special autonomy as part of a 2005 agreement to end decades of separatist violence, which allowed it to implement Sharia law.

Christian groups in Aceh Singkil district, where the churches stand, had been consulted on the matter, authorities said, and members of as many as six churches had agreed to dismantle their houses of worship after admitting they did not have the required building permits.

"All houses of worship, regardless of the religion, need to be in accordance with the laws of Aceh," Bardan Sahidi, a member of the provincial parliament, told Reuters after attending a meeting of political and religious figures, including representatives from the religious affairs ministry in Jakarta.

Local Christian groups were not immediately available for comment.

The move comes after Muslim residents, including members of the hardline group Islamic Defenders Front, demanded that the local government shut down 10 churches, citing a lack of permits.

A mob of hundreds of people burned down a small church in Aceh Singkil district last week, forcing thousands of Christians to flee to neighbouring villages.

One Muslim member of the mob was killed, police said last week, adding that at least 10 people had been detained on suspicion of inciting violence.

The government has since deployed 1,300 police and military personnel to the area, with hundreds more on standby, to patrol the streets and stand guard outside churches that dot the small palm oil plantations in the district.

Christian residents of the run-down village attended a service on Sunday right next to the charred remains of their church, under the guard of about a dozen armed security personnel.

"At the moment, things are calm but we are on standby for any further incidents," said Saladin, spokesman for Aceh police, adding that evacuees had since returned to their homes.

Pope Francis apologises for Vatican 'scandals'

Pope Francis made the apology at his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square, but did not specify which scandals.

He is thought to be referring to a senior Polish priest who was dismissed from his Vatican post after announcing he was in a gay relationship.

The Pope's spokesman said the pontiff had not been referring to the recent resignation of Rome's mayor.

Federico Lombardi admitted to reporters that the Pope's apology had been "broad and generic" but said it did not refer to "political" situations involving Mayor Ignazio Marino, who resigned earlier this week over an expenses scandal.

Father Lombardi said the Pope was referring to scandals in which there is a "responsibility of men of the Church".

To thousands of people who had gathered for his weekly address, Pope Francis said: "Before I begin the Catechism, in the name of the Church, I want to ask you for forgiveness for the scandals that have occurred recently either in Rome or in the Vatican. I ask you for forgiveness."

He also said: "The word of Jesus is strong today, woe to the world because of scandals. Jesus is a realist. He says it is inevitable that there will be scandals. But woe to the man who causes scandals."

His words left Vatican observers scratching their heads in deciding exactly which scandals he meant, the BBC's David Willey reports from Rome.

Rome's mayor has come under criticism recently for the slow start in the city's preparations for the holy year due to begin in the second week of December. Millions of pilgrims are expected to travel to Rome for a series of Church events, and this will require extra policing and provision of accommodation and food and water, our correspondent notes.

But he was most likely referring to the announcement from Monsignor Krzysztof Charamsa - a theologian who had worked in the Vatican's doctrinal office since 2003 - earlier this month that he was a practising homosexual, our correspondent adds.

Msgr Charamsa, 43, said he was in a relationship and was "happy and proud" of his identity, and wanted to challenge the Church's "backwards" attitude to homosexuality.

His revelations came on the eve of a major meeting to define the Catholic Church's teaching on family, which would consider issues of homosexuality and contraception.

The Vatican called his actions "very serious and irresponsible" and stripped him of doctrinal responsibilities.

Rumours, accusations and denials about a so-called Vatican gay lobby circulated during the much-heralded meeting of bishops and cardinals from around the world, our correspondent says.

Psalm 38
A psalm of David. A petition.

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Your arrows have pierced me,
    and your hand has come down on me.
3 Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;
    there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.
4 My guilt has overwhelmed me
    like a burden too heavy to bear.
5 My wounds fester and are loathsome
    because of my sinful folly.
6 I am bowed down and brought very low;
    all day long I go about mourning.
7 My back is filled with searing pain;
    there is no health in my body.
8 I am feeble and utterly crushed;
    I groan in anguish of heart.
9 All my longings lie open before you, Lord;
    my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart pounds, my strength fails me;
    even the light has gone from my eyes.
11 My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
    my neighbors stay far away.
12 Those who want to kill me set their traps,
    those who would harm me talk of my ruin;
    all day long they scheme and lie.
13 I am like the deaf, who cannot hear,
    like the mute, who cannot speak;
14 I have become like one who does not hear,
    whose mouth can offer no reply.
15 Lord, I wait for you;
    you will answer, Lord my God.
16 For I said, “Do not let them gloat
    or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
17 For I am about to fall,
    and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
    I am troubled by my sin.
19 Many have become my enemies without cause[b];
    those who hate me without reason are numerous.
20 Those who repay my good with evil
    lodge accusations against me,
    though I seek only to do what is good.
21 Lord, do not forsake me;
    do not be far from me, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
    my Lord and my Savior.

Sharing love to all

There will now be a residential facility for adults with autism - a first of its kind in Singapore.

The St Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC) has been appointed by the Social and Family Development Ministry (MSF) to co-develop and operate this Adult Disability Home. The announcement was made by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the annual Singapore Anglican Community Services - St Andrew’s Mission Hospital charity dinner on Friday (Oct 2).

He added that this is timely, as a common concern among families of people with autism is the availability of care when the caregivers age.

SAAC and MSF are currently working to design and build the facility that will provide long term residential care for those without alternative options.

"Located at Sengkang, the Adult Disability Home will have the capacity to house 200 residents when it is completed in 2018,” said Dr Tan. “It will also have a co-located Day Activity Centre with a capacity for 50 adult clients."

http://www.samh.org.sg/about-us/news-events/2015/10/05/speech-by-president-tony-tan-keng-yam-at-the-singapore-anglican-community-services---st.-andrew's-mission-hospital-charity-dinner-on-2-october-2015-7.30pm-regent-singapore

Pope Francis's Custom-Made Chairs

Pope Francis is known for his simple, no-frills lifestyle. In fact, when he was elected pope, he decided not to live in the Vatican’s extravagant papal apartments. Instead, he opted for the Casa Santa Marta, a residence for visiting clergy and laypeople that he stayed in during the papal conclave. So when it comes to the pope’s travel, it’s only fitting that the host countries keep celebrations and decor as low-key as the pontiff. Take a look at the chairs specially designed and constructed for Pope Francis’s first visit to the U.S., plus his trips to Sri Lanka and Bosnia-Herzegovina earlier this year.

Chairs worth of the POPE!

Plain simple but with huge amount of effort.

Matthew 23:1-3
"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach."

Closing of CHC case

After more than two-years, the long-running City Harvest trial has finally come to a close. Lawyers on both sides wrapped up their final submissions on Tuesday.

Here's what you need to know about the trial:

The SIX - Kong Hee,  Tan Ye Peng, Serina Wee, John Lam, Chew Eng Han and Sharon Tan.

The SIX are accused of misappropriating $24 million in CHC's building funds through sham bond investments in music production firm Xtron and glass maker Firna. They also allegedly misused a further $26 million to cover up the initial misuse.

The bonds were used to fund a church project called the Crossover.

The SIX face varying counts of criminal breach of trust and falsifying accounts. The first offence is punishable with a life sentence, or up to 20 years in prison and a fine. The second carries a maximum of 10 years in jail, a fine or both.

The Crossover project is the secular music career of Kong's wife, pop singer Ho Yeow Sun. CHC said it wanted to use her music to spread the Gospel.

The bonds started as a means for the church to fund the Crossover discreetly. This was a strategy devised by Kong, Chew has told the Court.

This was a response to concerns about the misuse of church funds raised by former churchgoer Roland Poon in 2003. Mr Poon had accused the church of using members' donations to fund Ms Ho's music career. The first bond subscription agreement was signed in 2007.

The trial has stretched over 140 days - since it started in 2013. It is one of the longest criminal cases in history, beaten only by a drug trafficking case in the 1990s that went on for 168 days.

Court hearings are attended mostly by church members, although interest has waned since the trial started. When it first started, church members would queue up before dawn outside the courthouse to get a seat in the courtroom.

Presiding Judge of the State Courts See Kee Oon will deliver his verdict on Oct 21 - following which either side would be able to appeal.

Do not disturb Johor

"Leave Johor immediately, if you practice hatred and racism, " Sultan Ibrahim.

The "red shirts" rally had its share of critics, including prominent Malays such as the Sultan of Johor, while a group of activists held a peaceful gathering at KLCC Park to remind people of the message of unity on Malaysia Day.

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar warned in a Facebook posting that there was no room for hatred and racism in Johor. "Let me reiterate: There is no place for hatred and racism here in Johor Darul Ta'zim. It was never welcomed, nor will I ever welcome haters and racists here in Johor," he said in a message posted early yesterday morning.

"If anyone wants to practise hatred and racism in Johor Darul Ta'zim, the home of the Malays, Chinese and Indians - Bangsa Johor, please leave Johor immediately. That is an order."

A church build by sinners - Liars, Cheaters, Thieves and Manipulators

Religion is a serious matter, especially when a criminal case (criminal breach of trust) that happened in a Church, under the leadership of God chosen people. ~ After GE2015...

City Harvest Church (CHC) founder Kong Hee and five others are on trial for allegedly misusing S$24 million of church funds to finance the Crossover Project, the church's way of evangelising people through the secular music career of Sun Ho, who is Kong’s wife.

Another S$26.6 million was used to cover up the amount, allegedly through sham bond investments in music production firm Xtron and glass manufacturer Firna, which are owned by CHC supporters.

In court on Monday (Sep 14), Deputy Public Prosecutor Mavis Chionh said that it is a fallacy to feel that a crime committed to further what the perpetrator believes to be a good cause - is not a crime. 

KONG A “WELL-PRACTISED LIAR”

DPP Chionh called Kong a “well-practised liar” and criticised him for not being able to “maintain a consistent position on critical factual issues”. Instead, DPP Chionh said, Kong sought to “portray his leadership role in managing CHC as being hands-off, indirect” and when faced with damning evidence, “insulate(d) himself” by attributing his approval for the sham transactions to information given to him by “professionals”.

This “flies in the face of all the evidence” which shows Kong’s “indisputable role” in the Crossover Project, and his being a “meticulous and details-oriented leader … whose express approval was needed before the bonds could go ahead.”

LAM WAS THE "INSIDE MAN"

Each of the accused had a specific role in the conspiracy, “based on their respective skills, experience and leadership positions in the church and the Crossover Project”, DPP Chionh told the court, adding that John Lam, former CHC board member, had a “special role” that none of his co-accused could have fulfilled. The Prosecution also called Lam the “inside man” in CHC’s governance and oversight bodies, who prevented the sham investment bonds from being found out.

TAN “DEEPLY CYNICAL AND SELF-SERVING”

The prosecution called the defence of the third co-accused, CHC finance manager Sharon Tan, “deeply cynical and self-serving”. Her evidence demonstrates her “full participation” in the “planning, execution and subsequent cover-up” of the conspiracy, said DPP Chionh. But she portrayed herself as “a hard-working but naïve church employee” roped in to help with the sham, “in blissful ignorance of any wrongdoing” that her co-accused might have intended.

The prosecution accused Tan of attempting to minimise her involvement in the offences, citing her statement blaming co-accused Chew Eng Han, auditors, lawyers and the church board for her actions.

Tan had previously admitted to falsifying the church board’s minutes of meeting “to create the appearance that the (sham transactions) had been approved" by the board. Tan’s lawyer, Paul Seah, had put this down to “a mere failure of corporate governance” and the inexperience of Tan and the church’s management.

DPP Chionh responded by telling the court that it is “utterly absurd”, considering the sophistication and scale of the church’s operations, including “multi-million dollar financial transactions that (Tan) and her co-accused were involved in.”

“CHC was not some struggling new voluntary outfit run by bumbling amateurs with no experience of the financial world”, DPP Chionh said.

CHEW "INCOHERENT AND LACKS CREDIBILITY"

Chew Eng Han, a former CHC fund manager, argued that the sham investments into Xtron and Firna were actually investments into Ms Ho’s music career, ironically exposing that the bonds were not investments at all. However, he went on to take “multiple positions that are irreconcilable”, saying that the bonds were indeed genuine investments in Xtron and Firna.

DPP Chionh told the court that this shows the “incoherence and the lack of credibility” of Chew’s defence.

TAN’S ROLE IN SHAM INVESTMENT “INDISPENSABLE”

The prosector then went on to criticise Tan Ye Peng’s defence, calling it an attempt to “cast responsibility for any and all” incriminating acts on co-accused Kong and Chew. However, throughout the course of the lengthy trial, the prosecution said that “the evidence … is that (Tan) played an indispensable … role in relation to the sham investment” and noted that Tan’s authority was second only to Kong’s in the management of the Crossover Project.

WEE "THE MOST INEXTRICABLY INVOLVED”

Serina Wee, who DPP Chionh called “the most inextricably involved” in the conspiracy because of her role as the Crossover administrator, had to keep track of the accounts and budgeting for Ms Ho’s music career, which included “monitoring the movement … and planning and monitoring the progress” of the sham transactions.

In closing, DPP Chionh also examined the possible motives of the six accused, and told the court that it is a fallacy to believe that a crime committed to further what the perpetrator considers to be a good cause is not a crime.

“It is completely irrelevant that they did this with the motive of advancing CHC’s interests”, she said.

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12)

GE2015 PAP Wins!

PAP wins in a landslide with 69.86% of votes

The ruling party takes 83 seats and recaptures Punggol East SMC while the Workers’ Party retains Aljunied GRC and Hougang SMC with reduced margins.

The PAP is with you, for you, and for Singapore.

Why can't we pray for a strong government?

A reponse to pray for a strong government

http://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2015/09/a-reponse-to-pray-for-a-strong-government/

Senior Pastor Lawrence Khong of FCBC has urged his fellow church members to pray for those in governmental authority as the Bible commands 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV). As a fellow Christian myself, I can’t agree more to the word and guidance of the Bible.

In his note he mentioned “There is no need to use your vote to play ‘checks and balances’ as this is not how we shop. You don’t use a portion of your hard-earned income to pay for something that keeps ‘in check’ what you really want, do you?”

It is puzzling as of why did Pastor Khong choose to use the word “play”, isn’t external ‘checks and balances’ a must in every organisation? Had we not witnessed how accounting problems surfaced from Governments to religious to charitable organisations due to lack of rigorous external checks and balances?

“You don’t use a portion of your hard-earned income”, opposition MPs get the same pay are ruling party MP, how does it cost taxpayers more money for checks and balances?

If the ruling party did not lose Aljunied GRC in the last election, would we have gotten to know that million dollar town council software was sold to a $2 company owned by the People’s Action Party (PAP) with the agreement signed under terms that will compromise the interests of the public? Will the housing minister admit that the housing prices are too high after a great loss of his the vote share despite claiming that they are affordable before the last election?

“It is one thing to have candidates in political parties holding fringe views on morality. It is another when a party inscribes in its manifesto, moral values that are detrimental to the social health of the nation and contrary to God’s moral standard.” writes Lawrence Khong

While it is perfectly fine for a religious leader to champion, without imposing, for the rights and the standpoint of the segment of society that he represents. Just like a Hindu leader will champion for the rights to play religious music in Thaipusam. But if Pastor Khong have read through all the manifestos of each party he will have known that none of the party has any fringe views on morality inscribed in their manifestos.

As the saying goes “action speaks louder than words”, the only way for the electorate to access the morals standing of the party is to review what had the leaders of the parties had done while they are in office. For those who were never elected, there are practically no way to judge on what they had done in office.

Since abortion and adultery are currently legal, I will like ask Pastor Khong on his opinion of the ruling party’s moral standpoint on areas like abortion, adultery, prostitution and gambling, are they considered moral or immoral?

Believe in the power of Prayer

Remember that stubborn widow-a character Jesus used to illustrate our stubborn devotion and trust to God. A dogged determination to appeal to our Father will be rewarded. Jesus knows us better than anyone, and His prescription is more prayer. Don't lose heart! Don't quit praying! 

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. "There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.'"For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-9) 

Pray for a Strong Government

Let us all pray for a strong government, elect a leader who has the wisdom to create policies that honor our Lord!

https://m.facebook.com/lawrence.khong.fcbc/posts/993885623988885

Future of Singapore after Sep 11 2015

Singapore's Future...

“I am wondering about predestination. Are some people predestined to be saved and the rest predestined not to be saved?”

Predestination is sometimes referred to as “election,” in the sense that God chooses people for his own purposes. For example, Abraham was chosen, or elected, by God, as were his son and grandson, Isaac and Jacob. Other chosen ones included Moses, Joshua, David, the prophets, and of course, the Israelites were the “chosen people.”

The apostle Paul wrote about predestination, or election, in several passages. In Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 1:3-6, he emphasized that election is “in Christ,” and that it is a matter of God’s own choice for God’s own purposes.

What does our future holds? In this GE50, I see lots of political parties emphasizing the importance of "What is next", future. However, I am very sure of my future, my faith, in trusting God, meeting God in Heaven through Christ one day.

http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/election-about-singapores-future-and-delivering-on-plans-pm
"The General Election is about Singapore's future, choosing the Government and setting the direction for the country" Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.

There is no guaranty in man, as even the most faithful man - sin.

Ephesians 1:4-12 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen,having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 

Predestined, hand pick by God to lead this Nation. So Who, What party should I support?

Calling this "a landmark election" Mr Low told the crowd they can collectively decide on the future direction of Singapore.

All good things is from the Lord.

Homosexuality , Politics and Government

In Politics, fighting for equality has let to voter taking sides. In Justice and Equality such words we read out during our National pledge. The government (PAP) insist that repeal of Section 377A is a NOT now decision, may in the future. SDP's Paul Tambyah said 377A should be repealed.

https://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2015/09/04/the-choice-between-wear-white-and-those-dressed-in-white/

The choice is clear, for LGBTs and for me.

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/confounding-pink-dot-allowed-promote-their-agenda-lawrence-khong

Mr Khong said: “This is no good for Singapore. Why then is our Government giving Pink Dot public space to push its agenda and grow its movement?”

"Government leaders, need to draw a clear line on where they now stand with regard to this moral issue.”

Happy Teachers' Day

To all teachers, we wish you a very happy Teachers' Day.
We love and appreciate you and would just like to say: Thank you!

Preparing for General Election 2015

Archbishop William Goh reaching out to Catholic voters to vote wisely for leaders that will take them into the next lap.

http://www.catholic.org.sg/pastoral-letters/preparing-for-general-election-2015/

“The just ordering of society or the state is not the central responsibility of the Church.  Yet, as citizens of the state, we are called to participate in public life in a personal capacity.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The date of the General Election has been announced. Singaporeans will go to the polls on 11 September, 2015.  Some of you have asked the Church for guidance as we ponder on how to exercise our vote as responsible citizens and Catholics. It behooves us to be aware of the Church’s stand on religion and politics.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in its Doctrinal Note regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life states that the primary function of the Church is to instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, particularly those involved in political life, so that their actions may always serve the integral promotion of the human person and the common good. 

The just ordering of society or the state is not the central responsibility of the Church. Yet, as citizens of the state, we are called to participate in public life in a personal capacity. These two spheres, religion and politics, though distinct, are interrelated. A good Catholic should also be a good citizen on earth and in heaven.

Secondly, we have a moral obligation to exercise our vote responsibly.  This means conscientiously assessing for ourselves, each candidate or party in the light of the following considerations, alongside their electoral promises, when deciding who to elect to government:

• Is the candidate/party one of good moral standing, in particular with regard to the values of honesty and integrity?
• Does the candidate/party uphold the principles that are enshrined in the Singapore Pledge, namely, justice, equality, progress, peace and harmony?
• Does the candidate/party promote a culture of life and dignity of the human person?
• Does the candidate/party work to preserve and promote moral values?
• Does the candidate/party protect and care for the weak, elderly, under-privileged, and those with special needs?
• Does the candidate/party protect and support marriages and family life?
• Does the candidate/party build an inclusive society, free from oppression and discrimination?
• Is the candidate/party in touch with the needs of the people and demonstrate selfless service, putting the nation before self?

Finally, I invite all of you to pray, fast or offer up some sacrifices for our country’s future. Mass should be celebrated and offered with this intention too.

We thank the Lord for the past fifty years.  Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to vote wisely for leaders that will take us into the next lap.

Yours in Christ,

Archbishop William Goh

World Heritage site

Singapore celebrates our Botanic Garden being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are places far more historical being destroyed as we speak.

Islamic State militants have destroyed Baalshamin Temple at Palmyra World Heritage site in Syria.

Ancient city of Palmyra

• Unesco World Heritage Site, known as Pearl of the Desert
• Site contains monumental ruins of great city, once one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world from the 1st and 2nd Centuries
• Its art and architecture combines Greco-Roman techniques with local traditions and Persian influences
• More than 150,000 tourists visited Palmyra every year before Syrian conflict
• Site boasts a number of monumental projects, over 1,000 columns, and a formidable necropolis of over 500 tombs

SG 50 Jubilee

This little red dot is our HOME, and it's worth fighting for so let's dedicate ourselves to be a Jesus-Disciple, a Kingdom-Seeker, a

Nation-Builder, and a World Changer.

"Our part is to keep believing, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Our simple duty is to faithfully gather many more believers and

congregations to stand watch together with the Lord."

Happy National Day, Everyone!

I have heard the proclamation speech by Mr. LKY twice today and that warm fuzzy feeling within the patriotic me just rises twice as much.

5.25pm: Watching the NDP at home though I very much would wanna be at the parade watching it live.

The cost of liability

$50,000- Call it entry fees or liability bonds...

Mothership.sg, The Middle Ground to comply with MDA's licensing requirement

These websites will have to pay $50,000 bond to MDA and be subject to 24-hour takedown notice to continue their business.

Two sociopolitical sites, earlier notified by the the Media Development Authority (MDA) that they are required to be specifically licensed under the Broadcasting Act, will comply.

On The Middle Ground, which has been asked to register under the Class License in Section 9, a spokesperson for MDA reportedly said, "As part of the registration, MDA requires that TMG Pte Ltd undertake not to receive foreign funding for the provision, management and/or operation of the TMG website.

"This ensures that foreign entities do not engage in Singapore’s domestic politics, or control or manipulate our local media platforms."

Henson, in a Facebook posting, said TMG will comply. "And here we go again... I have to register The Middle Ground, says MDA. Only one month in operation and got 'invitation' already... 2 week deadline. And yes, we'll register," she said.

Previously, she had shut Breakfast Network (BN) when its parent company was asked, in December 2013, to register under the Class Licence scheme.

INDIVIDUAL LICENSING

Mothership.sg, in a statement on Thursday afternoon, said it will comply with MDA's requirement that its licensing be moved under Section 8 of the Broadcasting Act. Mothership.sg is already registered under Section 9.

Managing Editor Martino Tan said, "Part of the licensing requirement is the posting of a $50,000 performance bond. One of the considerations we had as we were mulling over the decision if we should comply was that $50,000 is a big sum of money for a small team like ours.

"But if $50,000, like an election deposit, is the price to pay for us to continue to serve our community, we shall accede to MDA’s request to register under Section 8 of the Broadcasting Act."

Earlier, Mothership.sg had revealed, in another statement, that MDA had "called for a meeting with two representatives from Mothership.sg on 16 July 2015".

"At this meeting, MDA informed that Mothership.sg has met its threshold that requires a website to be licensed under Section 8 of the Broadcasting Act," it said.

Sites that report an average of at least one article per week on Singapore’s news and current affairs over a period of two months, and are visited by at least 50,000 unique IP addresses from Singapore each month over a period of two months may be notified by the MDA that they require an individual licence (Section 8).

Currently, 10 sites belonging to Singapore Press Holdings, MediaCorp and Yahoo are individually licensed.

Why would anyone who had found freedom in Christ want to turn back to the law? Why would anyone let themselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery?  Why would anyone want to be under the law?

Relationships of law have clearly defined limits. That’s why we have contracts—to limit our liability. Relationships of love have no limits—“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Love can cost you your life, liabilities... just cost money!

Galatians 4:21 "Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says?"

Who am I to JUDGE!

The Pope Francis Statement That Changed the Church on LGBT Issues

Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

Over the last two years, the Catholic Church has become more open to welcoming the LGBT community

“If someone is gay and searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Two years ago Tuesday, Pope Francis uttered these words, sending shockwaves throughout the Catholic Church and the world. His position stood in contrast to that of his predecessors: Months earlier, Pope Benedict XVI suggested that gay marriage was a threat to global peace.

Under the leadership of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church is evolving on LGBT issues. As theologian David Cloutier has noted, the process isn’t political—it’s spiritual. The church is beginning to discern more deeply the full measure of God’s presence in LGBT individuals and, yes, couples, too. There have been five notable moments in this evolution.

1. Pope Francis said that God doesn’t condemn LGBT individuals — Sept. 30, 2013

In an interview with America Magazine, Pope Francis revealed his pastoral approach toward the LGBT community:

A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being.

2. Pope Francis suggested the church could be open to civil unions — March 5, 2014

Francis said in an interview that the church could be open to same-sex civil unions, a view he had first voiced as archbishop of Buenos Aires. The pope reiterated the church’s teaching that a “marriage is between a man and a woman” but argued that on civil unions, “we have to look at different cases and evaluate them in their variety.”

3. The Francis effect goes global — Summer of 2014

The summer of 2014 was a remarkable period during which a number of high-ranking Catholic prelates signaled that Pope Francis’s more open posture had permeated throughout the Catholic world. In May, a top-ranking Italian bishop said that the church should listen to same-sex marriage arguments. A few weeks later, Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes, said he “didn’t know” whether Jesus would oppose gay marriage. In early September, New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan approved the St. Patrick Day Parade Committee’s decision to allow a gay group to march in the 2015 parade under their own banner. (Twenty-one years earlier, one of Dolan’s predecessors, Cardinal John O’Connor, said that to allow a gay group to march would be a slander to the Apostles’ Creed.)

4. The Synod on the Family’s interim report affirmed the “gifts and qualities” of LGBT individuals — October 2014

The bishops gathered for Pope Francis’s Synod on the Family in October 2014 issued a report suggesting that the church should create a more inclusive space for LGBT Catholics. In the document, they said that the LGBT community has “gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community,” and they asked, “Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?” Though this language was rejected in the final draft, it sparked a conversation that the church could formally change its stance toward the LGBT community when the bishops meet again this October.

5. The pope began a series of meetings and dialogues with LGBT individuals and activists — 2015

Throughout the first months of 2015, Pope Francis had several encounters with LGBT individuals and groups, including a transgender man from Spain who was excluded from his parish community, and gay and transgender prisoners in Naples. The Vatican also gave the VIP treatment to a pro-LGBT American Catholic group visiting Rome and the pope met with a gay Paraguayan activist during his recent trip to South America.

Collectively these events signal a church that is more open to welcoming the LGBT community and the diverse realities of the modern family than it was two years ago. After the Supreme Court’s ruling in support of same-sex marriage last month, Blase Cupich, Pope Francis’s handpicked archbishop of Chicago, said the church’s respect for LGBT individuals “must be real, not rhetorical, and ever reflective of the Church’s commitment to accompanying all people.” Such language would have been rare two years ago. Today it’s expected. Thank God.

Focus on Single Parents?

A family structure consist of Mother, Father and Child. Singapore's stand- Family forms the building block of the Nation, everything starts from Family/Home.

There has been much talk about the birth rate, baby bonus and maternity leave. But single unwed mums don't get the same perks as married, divorced or widowed mums.

Prominent sociologist Chua Beng Huat made the argument that if more mothers were encouraged to keep their babies, Singapore would have added to its population.

He argued that Singapore has about 12,000 abortions a year, due in part to single mothers fearing the social stigma that comes with raising a child in such circumstances.

Elaborating on his views, he tells the media that Singapore should follow the example of France and some Scandinavian countries, where single mothers get more acceptance.

In those countries, a permissiveness in family structures has sustained high birth rates - at times higher among unmarried couples than married ones, he says.

"Giving benefits to single parents is not the same as encouraging single motherhood," he says. If a single unwed mother works, she is entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave and two days of childcare leave a year until the child turns seven.

But unlike married, divorced or widowed mothers, these mothers do not get the Baby Bonus cash gift or Marriage and Parenthood tax benefits.

Aware has also consistently petitioned the Government to help single mothers as one way to boost the birth rate.

In a press release, it said that the continued denial of maternity and parenting benefits for the families of unwed mothers was a "disappointing omission" from the Government's most recent enhancement of the Marriage and Parenthood package.

It felt that the policy to deny benefits to unwed mothers also contradicts the Government's direction to give every child an equal start in life.

Assistant Professor Teo You Yenn, an Aware board member and a sociology lecturer at the Nanyang Technological University, adds: "We would further add that discrimination is detrimental to building an inclusive society and a sense of community, where people feel a sense of mutual responsibility towards each others' well-being."

Most of 4,646 people surveyed: No

WHO: 80 per cent of single respondents and 85 per cent of married respondents in a survey contacted by the National Population And Talent Division - part of the Prime Minister's Office

WHAT: The majority of the 4,646 respondents felt that only legally married couples should have children

While Singaporeans are generally sympathetic to the plight of single mothers, most still feel that children should only be for those who are married.

Mr Lim Soon Hock, chairman of the National Family Council points to the survey and says: "This reflects that our society is not quite ready to accept children born outside wedlock.

"Although we want more babies to add to our population, the issue is whether, as a society, we want to encourage children born out of wedlock."

Housewife Susan Koh, 50, married with one daughter, 18, and son, 14, agrees.

"There are a lot of single unwed mothers nowadays, but it still doesn't mean that premarital sex is right.

"We should get married first before having children. I mean, we can't possibly be encouraging women to become single mothers, right?"

Dr Ho Kong Weng, assistant professor in the Division of Economics, Nanyang Technological University, said in an article he contributed to the Business Times in 2010: "The single parent, usually the mother, has to struggle between household production and her career outside her home, facing more tension in work-life balance, and her child could likely face emotional tension as well without complete care from both parents, financially and otherwise.

"Consequently, the children from disrupted families may not perform academically as well as those from intact families. In adulthood, these children are more likely to fall behind in terms of economic status, meaning diminished upward mobility."

Mr Lim also rubbishes claims that policies unfriendly to single unwed mums encourage women to have abortions.

Abortion rates and a society's acceptance of births outside of wedlock may only have a tenuous link, he says.

"Societies with high acceptance of single parents do not necessarily have significantly lower abortion rates.

"The decision to abort a pregnancy or otherwise is a very personal one, affected by many factors."

The Ministry of Social and Family Development also feels that the decision to abort a baby is deeply personal.

All single parents have access to social assistance, says its spokesman.

"If they face financial difficulties or require social assistance, they can approach any of the Community Development Councils or Family Service Centres for assistance."

Help Family Service Centre, for example, provides counselling and casework services for single parents and their children.


Should single mums get the same perks?

Single mums: Yes

She was delighted with her pregnancy in 2009.

She was 35 then. Her biological clock was ticking, and she wanted to settle down with her then-boyfriend, a foreigner.

But four months into her pregnancy, Ms Elvi Yuliani, 39, realised that the relationship was not working out.

Her boyfriend had come to Singapore in the hope of setting up his own business. But there were problems with his employment pass application, and he had to go back home.

"I didn't want to be pregnant in a foreign country," says Ms Elvi, who works in the IT department in a multinational company.

Abortion was a choice, but she knew she would regret it for the rest of her life.

"I knew that if I kept the baby, I may have to use up all my savings. And I was fine with that. It's my own daughter we are talking about," she says.

But Ms Elvi considers herself lucky as a single mother. She did not face discrimination when she went for a job interview at her current workplace.

"I know that many single parents really struggle... I'm happy things worked out and I have a job," she says.

Despite holding a stable job, this single parent struggles with her finances. She draws a salary of about $4,000 monthly, just enough to feed her mother, daughter Emily and herself.

Childcare centres and maids are "luxuries" that Ms Elvi cannot afford.

"We don't get the Baby Bonus because we are not legally married. But we need the money more. How do we put our children in childcare if we only have enough to get by?" she laments.

Ms Felicia Tay, 48, has never regretted having two children out of wedlock, with two different men. The pet groomer says: "They are my pride and joy."

She was previously married, and divorced, in her early 20s.

She was 27 when she had her first son, Julian, in 1992, before the Marriage and Parenthood Package was introduced in 2001.

She had gone out with Julian's father - an interior designer - for a year when she discovered she was pregnant.

She says: "Julian's father asked me to get an abortion. He told me straight in the face that he wasn't ready to be a father."

So Ms Tay proceeded with the pregnancy alone.

Facing relatives and friends was a major hurdle for her.

She also felt that her colleagues were making fun of her behind her back. But it was not only social pressure that she had to deal with.

After the boy was born, she lived in her sister's four-room flat in Hougang. She could not buy an HDB flat as she was not married and was under the age of 35. When she went to work, her mother would look after the boy.

When Ms Tay had a second child out of wedlock - this time with a foreigner - things got even harder. Her mother was not free to to take care of her newborn daughter Victoria. So for two years, Ms Tay took the baby to work.

When her children were older, she sent them to nurseries and childcare centres. Julian is now 21, Victoria, nine, and they live in a four-room flat in Tampines.

Although Ms Tay is no longer shy about being a single mother, she hopes to warn others of the challenges of being one.

"It will be a long hard road ahead.

"You will have to be financially stable if you want to go all the way with your kids."


What married parents and unwed mums get

Married parents of Singaporean children generally get:

- Baby Bonus: $6,000 cash each for first and second child, and $8,000 each for third and fourth child.

- Parenthood Tax Rebate of $5,000 for their first child, $10,000 for the second child, and $20,000 for the third and each subsequent child.

- 16 weeks of paid maternity leave

- 1 week of paid paternity leave

- Six days of paid childcare leave a year if the child is below seven years old, or two days if the child is aged seven to 12.

- Subsidies for infant care and childcare

- Levy concession for foreign domestic worker

- Medisave grant for newborns

- MediShield coverage for congenital and neonatal conditions


Unwed mums of Singaporean babies generally get:

- No Baby Bonus

- No Parenthood Tax Rebate

- 12 weeks of maternity leave, of which eight weeks are paid

- Two days of paid childcare leave if the child is below seven years old

- Subsidies for infant care and childcare - Levy concession for foreign domestic worker

- Medisave grant for newborns

- MediShield coverage for congenital and neonatal conditions


Let us all put our heads, hearts and hands together and help to make Singapore a truly inclusive place to live in. 

Singapore facing more attempting suicide

More people were arrested for attempting suicide last year, according to latest police figures as of June 8. Last year, 901 people were arrested for trying to kill themselves, compared with 862 in 2013.

The 4.5 per cent increase in arrests, however, may not necessarily be a cause for alarm. Experts said the rise could be due to better intervention by third parties, such as family, friends and the police.

Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, those who attempt suicide can be punished with jail for up to a year, or with a fine, or both.

People's attitude towards suicide has changed, said Dr Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist in private practice. "Now they are more willing to look for help or approach the police to intervene, or (take) suicidal people to the hospital where, sometimes, police reports are lodged."

Dr Lim added that while suicide might be more taboo in the past and usually hushed up, increased awareness of intervention methods available may have helped to nudge the shift in attitudes.

Women, in general, have twice the attempted suicide rate as men, said Dr Adrian Wang, a psychiatrist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, citing global studies. Experts said no similar study for Singapore has been done. Those who attempt suicide are also more likely to be younger women, while cases that result in definite death tend to involve older men, according to Dr Chia Boon Hock, a psychiatrist who specialises in suicide.

The number of suicide deaths in 2013 was 422, down from 467 the year before. Statistics for last year have yet to be released. While some attempt suicide on impulse, the state of a person's mental health is a major factor. Aggravating factors include substance abuse or excessive alcohol consumption.

Said Dr Wang: "People who attempt suicide normally have psychiatric issues, the most common of which would be depression." Citing a 2011 study by the Institute of Mental Health, Ms Jolene Tan, senior manager for programmes and communications at the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware), said: "Women in Singapore are almost twice as likely to have major depressive disorder as men."

There is, however, a silver lining: People are increasingly aware of when and where to seek help.

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) reported a 260 per cent rise in the number of people who have sought emotional support via e-mail from 2009 to last year.

SOS executive director Christine Wong said that while some who approach the non-profit group are on the verge of taking their life, the majority seek emotional support at "earlier stages of their crisis".

While suicide is illegal, those arrested are often referred to professionals. Some are let off with a stern warning, said experts.

Statistics from the State Courts show only five cases filed, with at least one charge under Section 309 of the Penal Code, last year. This figure is also the lowest in a steady decline from 16 such cases in 2010.

Lawyer Peter Ong of Templars Law believes the suicide law should be abolished as it does not serve as a deterrent.

"Knowing they may be arrested if their attempt fails may push them to complete it," said Mr Ong.

Others, such as consultant psychiatrist Joshua Kua from Raffles Medical Group, pointed out that most developed countries have decriminalised suicide.

"The resources used towards its criminalisation can be better used towards its prevention," he added.

Aware's Ms Tan said those who are vulnerable need support instead of the threat of arrest and criminal proceedings, which may further traumatise them.

Still, some believe the law helps to deter suicide. Said Dr Lim: "Singaporeans are mostly law-abiding people, and some may be less likely to attempt suicide if it is illegal."

What to look out for

Family and friends play an important role in saving their loved ones from suicidal thoughts or actions.

Here are tips on what they should look out for and how they can help.

TELL TALE SIGNS

• Sudden change in behaviour, dramatic shifts in mood, deep anxiety and agitation, abusive consumption of drugs and alcohol.

• Repeated mentions of ending one's life, or expressions such as "Life is too painful for me".

• Behaviour that suggests preparation for suicide, such as writing suicide notes or tidying up affairs.

• Self-harm (Call the police immediately).

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Be a friend; find out what is on their mind.

• Listen with sympathy, reassure them that they are not alone.

• Remind the person that his life is important to you.

• Help him to focus his thoughts on positive aspects of his life.

• Advise the person to seek help, such as calling helplines or seeing a doctor, and assist him in doing so.

• Keep in touch with the person.

IF SOMEONE IS ABOUT TO ATTEMPT SUICIDE...

• If the person phones you, remain on the line for as long as possible. Find out where he is and try to call an ambulance from another phone. Check if there is anyone near the person who can help.

• If the person has not harmed himself yet, ensure that he has no access to suicide methods by locking the windows and putting away sharp objects, among other things.

• Do not put yourself at risk, such as wrestling for a potential suicide weapon.

• Encourage the person to speak to a counsellor, accompany him to the hospital, or call an ambulance.

SOURCES: INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH, SAMARITANS OF SINGAPORE

HELPLINES

SOS: 1800-221-4444 (24-hour)

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24-hour)

Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

Aware: 1800-774-5935

Minister Tan says he is trying OK!

Students' research on cardboard collectors draws flak

They embarked on a six-month project to try to understand the needs of old folk who collect cardboard for a living, in an attempt to help them. Instead, the group of students faced a torrent of criticisms online as if they had "committed atrocities and transgressions of the worst nature", said team leader Koh Cheng Jun yesterday.

The attacks started after Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin posted on Facebook on Saturday that he had visited cardboard collectors in Jalan Besar with some of the team members.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.944031585639617.1073741971.182928775083239&type=3

In his post, Mr Tan said that the findings of the project showed that not all elderly folk do it for a living.

"Some prefer to earn extra monies, treat it as a form of exercise and activity rather than being cooped up at home," he said.

For his comments, Mr Tan was soon criticised by people telling him to get out of his "ivory tower" and to talk to the old folk on the ground. Mr Tan said it was "not unexpected" that the post drummed up so much discussion and noted there were some thoughtful comments as well.

"The main message that I wanted to convey is that we should not generalise the things that we see, and we should always speak to the people involved," he said.

The online criticism was also targeted at Mr Koh, 21, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate, and his team from the Youth Corps Singapore. But Mr Koh said the project was done with good intentions. "We are not political pawns that can be manipulated for reasons other than the genuine desire to serve the community," he said on Facebook.

The group spoke to close to 45 people over two months, and conducted in-depth interviews with 13 of them. Mr Koh noted that while there were extreme cases, such as one cardboard collector who lives in landed property and others who are in need of help, most are "somewhere in the middle".

Workers' Party member Daniel Goh, a sociologist at the National University of Singapore, said on Facebook that he did not think the the minister and the Youth Corps volunteers are trying to "whitewash the poverty issue".

"They committed the basic error sociologists would warn our students against in social research: accepting what people say in surveys or interviews as representing the truth without contextual and deeper interpretation," he wrote.

Hate Crimes; Dylann Roof will stand trial for Charleston church shooting

The man accused of killing nine people attending a Bible study class in a historic black church in Charleston last month will stand trial next July, a judge declared on Thursday.

In his second court appearance since his arrest nearly one month ago, Dylann Roof, 21, was clad in a gray-striped prison jumpsuit and remained largely still while shackled next to his public defender during the 30-minute hearing.

The court heard arguments on Thursday about whether a gag order and a ban on the release of documents related to his case should be lifted.

The South Carolina Press Association has challenged a decision by Judge JC Nicholson last week to issue a gag order on potential trial participants, and to seal information, including 911 calls, coroner’s reports and witness statements, from public view.

Nicholson stated in an order last week that Roof’s right to a fair trial could be at stake, but the press association has argued that there is substantial public interest in the case, and the judge’s order is too broad.

The judge on Thursday extended the gag order in Roof’s case until next Wednesday, giving the victims’ families time to ask for a further extension. Nicholson cited concern about “any graphic pictures of the victims dead on the floor of the church or 911 calls that might have recorded the sounds of victims”. If no motions are filed by Wednesday, the gag order will expire at 5pm, according to a Charleston Post & Courier reporter.

Roof was arrested one day after the shootings at the Emanuel AME church in Charleston on 17 June. Authorities have described the killings as racially motivated, and have said Roof was intent on starting a “race war”. Roof has been indicted on nine murder counts, three attempted murder charges and for the use of a firearm during a violent crime in the shooting.

A grand jury had previously indicted Roof on the nine murder charges, including the killing of the state senator Rev Clementa Pinckney. The indictments were presented to the defense on Thursday.

Last week, it emerged that a clerical error made by a jail clerk when entering information about Roof’s drug arrest facilitated Roof’s purchase of a gun. He should not have been able to purchase the gun. FBI director James Comey has promised a review into the system failure which allowed Roof to buy the gun he allegedly used to kill the nine people.

The suspect’s last appearance in court was at his bond hearing on 19 June. Roof appeared via videolink from the Charleston detention center where he was being held in isolation, as the families of the nine victims stood up one by one in the courtroom, offering their forgiveness. Roof said few words, and stood still and expressed no emotion during the hearing.

Roof was linked to a manifesto several days after the massacre, which was filled with racist diatribe about black, Hispanic and Jewish people. The manifestoalluded to the 17 June massacre. Roof was also pictured with the Confederate flag in several photos found on the same website as the manifesto.

In the wake of the shooting, South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and civil rights and political leaders across the country called for the flag to be taken down from the state capitol grounds in Columbia. After a vote last week, the flag was taken down after flying for 50 years and placed in a museum.

The Emanuel AME Church

Oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in US south
Referred to as "Mother Emanuel"
Roots stem from group of free blacks and slaves in 1791
Denmark Vesey - one of the founders - was a leader of a failed slave revolt in 1822
Rebuilt in 1891, replacing church damaged by 1886 earthquake
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King gave a speech at the church in April 1962

Count your blessings and be grateful

May this inspires you!

Photo of boy studying by shop light wins hearts
Facebook post of Filipino, 9, leads to huge donations to help him fulfill dream of finishing school.

A homeless Filipino boy has been overwhelmed with aid after a heart-wrenching photo of him studying on the pavement and using faint light from a McDonald's outlet went viral on the Internet.

https://www.facebook.com/joyce.torrefranca/posts/1010235928995791

Singapore Botanic Gardens named UNESCO World Heritage Site

Singapore now has a UNESCO World Heritage Site to call its own.

The 156-year-old Botanic Gardens received a resounding "yes" from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee yesterday at its annual meeting, held in Bonn, Germany, this year.

Members of Singapore's delegation, including Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong, received handshakes and hugs from the committee's 21 state members, in what was described as a rare outpouring of support.

Mr Wong called it an amazing moment. When the idea to nominate the Gardens was floated five years ago, sceptics wondered if the site was worthy of the accolade.

"We have seen the overwhelming support of international experts... It means we do have something of exceptional value in Singapore. I think it gives us a tremendous sense of pride that we have a site worthy of being a World Heritage Site."

Back home, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a Facebook post that the accolade is "a great Jubilee year gift to Singaporeans", highlighting the Gardens' key role in making the country a Garden City.

The Gardens joins the likes of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Cambodia's Angkor with its magnificent temples and China's Great Wall on the world heritage list.

There are over 1,000 sites on the list, but the Gardens is its first botanic gardens in Asia and only the third in the world, besides the Orto botanico di Padova in Italy and England's Royal Botanic Gardens.

After UNESCO's experts presented their evaluation of the Gardens' bid, the floor was open and all 21 members, including Japan, Turkey and Germany, announced their support. They lauded the Gardens' "vast botanical values" and "excellent landscape design".

Philippine ambassador and UNESCO delegate Maria Theresa P. Lazaro praised not only the Gardens' plant collection, but also its approach to conservation, such as its digital inventories for both living and archival plants.

"This inspiring site reminds us that research is the ground of innovation, the past is the foundation of the future, and memories are the soil of imagination," she said.

At least 11 other sites made the prestigious list over the past two days, including Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains, China's Tusi sites and the Cultural Landscape of Maymand in Iran.

Jamaican delegate Vilma Kathleen McNish said she was delighted by the success of Singapore's bid, announced by the session's chair, Ms Ruchira Kamboj of India, in front of an audience at Bonn's International Conference Centre.

Ms McNish described the Gardens as an "oasis" in the heart of the city. "Like Jamaica, Singapore is inscribing its first site...

It speaks well of the future of this list that (sites from) two small states are being inscribed at the same session of the committee."

In total, 36 sites were nominated this year.

Dr Kevin Tan, president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites Singapore, said the Gardens' listing will not only make the world aware of the country's historical treasures, but also help open the eyes of Singaporeans.

"For those who think we compare poorly with Europe, or China or even our neighbours like Malaysia, I think they will start looking at Singapore's heritage with fresh eyes."

The Jubilee Day of Prayer; PM Lee thanks community for helping build S'pore

A record 51,000 Christians from churches across Singapore gathered to mark SG50 and pray for the country at the Singapore Sports Hub on Sunday.

The Jubilee Day of Prayer event is the largest multi-denominational Christian event in Singapore's history, and is part of a series of events to mark its 50th year of independence.

Joining them as guest-of-honour was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who got a warm welcome from those present as they waved national flags and cheered his arrival.

In a short speech, Mr Lee acknowledged that a jubilee year is a significant one of great celebration for Christians. He added that in the Old Testament in the Bible, a jubilee year is the 50th year at the end of seven sabbatical cycles.

"This is the spirit of the jubilee: togetherness, thankfulness and generosity that we must nurture and that will see us into the future. A future in which all our communities, including our Protestant community, will have full roles to play," said PM Lee.

He paid tribute to the Protestant community's contributions to nation building, particularly in education, where schools started by missionaries moulded young men and women of character, and in the social services, where the less privileged are served.

PM Lee also thanked the community for understanding Singapore's multi-racial and multi-religious context.

"I thank you for building trust and mutual confidence with other religious groups, between the groups as well as between the leaders, so that we can live harmoniously together and solve problems amicably and cooperatively together," he said.

"For this 50th jubilee year, let us make Singapore an enduring home, an endearing home, a home for all regardless of race, of language, of religion," he added.

The event was co-organised by the National Council of Churches in Singapore and the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore. It was supported by the Singapore Baptist Convention, the Indian Christian Network, the Festival of Praise Fellowship, the LoveSingapore church network and the National Prayer Alliance.

https://www.facebook.com/TanChuanJin1/videos/940665302642912

A prayer, and song, for our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

May the Lord may the Lord bless and keep You
May His grace and His face shine upon You
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon You
And give you peace and give you peace

This is the way You shall be bless
From day to day He'll be your rest

Amen!

#JDOP2015

We spent time praying for PM Lee and he seems very happy!

JubiLee Day Of Prayer

As we gather; May Your glory fall in this place
May it go forth from here to all Nations
May Your fragrance rest in this place
Many will seek and know You...

I heard VVIP, PM Lee Hsien Loong will be attending this event.

You will need a ticket to enter the stadium. http://www.jdop.sg/

US Supreme court declares same-sex marriage legal in All States

Freedom to Love!

The US Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution guarantees a nationwide rights to same-sex marriage.

This is a long sought victory for gay rights activists, sad end to traditional family values.

President Obama: "This ruling will strengthen all our communities"

The verses are Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. First, Thou shalt not lie with a man, as with a woman: it is abomination. Second,  If a man lie with a man, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

"For whoever keeps the whole Law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." James 2:10

CrossOver Project

The greatest impact resulted from the CrossOver Project is not Jay Chou, but a man named Terry Hung.

http://www.citynews.sg/2012/08/teddy-hung-crossing-from-darkness-into-light/

Teddy Hung: Crossing From Darkness Into Light

Former triad leader of the notorious 14K in Hong Kong, Teddy Hung shares his story of love, chastening and redemption.

His is a story of God’s love and redemption. It tells us that time is never an issue for God when He disciples someone; and it is never too late for anyone to come back to Him.

At the age of 15, Teddy Hung joined a triad. During the 1970s and through the ’80s, he became the most feared triad leader in Hong Kong with businesses that involved drug-dealing, gambling dens and discos. He had four wives and a host of girlfriends, each one a top model or actress in Hong Kong.

As he grew older, he began to see how his gambling dens were causing families to break up and his drug businesses had forced youngsters to start stealing and engaging in other illegal businesses. He started to despise himself and soon slipped into depression. His nights were restless and he started having suicidal thoughts.

“It was very strange that I would have suicidal thoughts because I’ve always hated people who kill themselves. I felt that they were wimps,” said Hung, in one video testimony.

Doctors could not cure his depression or insomnia and he was perpetually in a bad mood. A group of pastors tried to reach out to him but he rejected their invitation outright, declaring that he “hated people who talk about Jesus.” He would curse and swear at others who tried to preach the Gospel to him, boasting that “I am prepared to go to hell.”

Knowing that he would not attend a church service, those same pastors invited him to a Crossover concert by Sun Ho, which was held in Hong Kong in 2002. This was one in a series of concerts throughout Asia by Sun in which she performed pop songs from her hit albums; she would then share her testimony in the middle of the concert, and at the end of the show, her husband, Kong Hee, the senior pastor of City Harvest Church in Singapore, would give an altar call. This simple routine saw tens of thousands receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

At the end of the Hong Kong show, Hung found himself at the front of the stage, saying the sinner’s prayer led by Kong.

That very night, Hung said a prayer to God saying “If You are real, heal me of my insomnia and I’ll believe in You.” That was the first night in many that he had a full night’s sleep. That experience taught him that God was indeed real.

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out
the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Matthew 13:3-9