The Holy Spirit came that the Church may go
“Go into all the world…” Matt 28:19
Today is Pentecost Sunday. The lectionary reading of the ‘Great Commission’ passage from Matt 28 reminds us that Pentecost is not just about the Holy Spirit coming, but the Church going. The Holy Spirit came that the church may go. And since He did two thousand years ago, the Church has been going ever since. The impact of the church going to Singapore, though often unstated, is significant for our nation’s foundation and what she has become today.
It is saying the obvious that the Church here today needs to go. Ranging from short-term trips (JYMers to Cambodia), ongoing trips to bolster a work (Banchang) or supporting a church plant and long-term missionaries (Bangkok), SJC is going.
While some of us parents will be naturally anxious (and praying!) for our children going to Cambodia, we must not forget that others have taken even greater risks. Of course, the Yaps have concerned parents as they continue to adapt to the Thai way of life. I was also talking with Jackie Chung last Sunday and was reminded of Faith and her courage in serving for 6 months in Haiti. Recently, she had to travel and sleep on top of a bus! She needs our prayers and care as well.
We are all aware of the changing guard as the new Cabinet line-up is announced. It is a line-up that is preparing for the challenges of the future. The same needs to be done for the Body of Christ. We need to do our part to prepare a new generation of believers who are robust and ‘global’ in their faith, one which is not stuck and confined in the ‘First World’ world.
In fact, it is this vision (and our past involvement in Bam, Iran, comes to mind) which also gave birth to the ‘new” SJC. We are replanting a church in Leedon. Perhaps SJC, especially when we are more settled in the new season, can play a role in helping other Anglican parishes to grow. And definitely, plant new churches in other nations such as the one in Bangkok.
The design of our new building speaks volumes. It is not just a refuge for worshippers, but a training community to reach and serve others. The Plaza and Sky Terrace areas remind us that we are meant to be a “Church without walls”, a cliché from the 80’s but still relevant today. And we do want the new generation of leaders to catch the heartbeat of Christ for a broken world.
Do pray for all the teams that are going out this month and may the Holy Spirit be with them in a special way. (Photo- Children in Phnom Penh by Colin Kam)