Tuesday, September 29, 2015

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."

Friday, September 18, 2015

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.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

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."

Monday, September 14, 2015

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)

Saturday, September 12, 2015

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.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

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) 

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

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

Sunday, September 6, 2015

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.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

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.”

Thursday, September 3, 2015

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!























Wednesday, September 2, 2015

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

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

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