2010年6月23日 星期三

康希牧師的反思

Pst Kong

幾乎是三個星期前,城市豐收所有的會眾都沉浸在2010亞洲特會的盛大成功中,那不僅展現了教會同工和志工們辛勤工作的成果和委身,更是顯明這二十年來,是因上帝的美善與會友的犧牲,才讓教會有今天的成就。五月底的短短五天之內,城市豐收的會眾們適切地展現出其獨特的DNA,讓來自70個國家、2,086間教會的25,245名與會代表親眼見證。
城市豐收的DNA是什麼?究其本質,就是十字架的信息:「全心愛神、熱切愛人」(太22:37-40);同時能跨越、進入社會文化當中,讓此信息能以貼近社會、吸引人群的方式,向我們這個世代傳遞(太5:14-16)。讓我藉此機會感謝CHC的會眾及所有來訪的貴賓們,因為你們的參與,才能成就近期教會歷史上最轟動、成功的基督教特會。:)
僅僅一天,情勢驟變...
就在亞洲特會結束後的第二天早上,教會某些會友(包含我本人在內),被政府當局找去,協助調查我們教會資金的管理情況。
風雲變色,之前的歡慶剎然而止。
由於事件還在調查當中,除了新加坡警方已經向媒體表達的內容之外,我無法跟大家說其他任何詳情。但在此能跟大家保證,我跟教會的長執委員,在調查中會完全配合,並詳盡提供所需的一切資料。
至於個人方面,要跟大家表示,我和我的家人都很好。在這段期間,好多人來表達關切,讓我深為感動。也有許多人給我們真誠慷慨的支持和建議,真的非常感謝。謝謝你們的愛與支持,讓我了解到這是我人生中最好的反思時機,思想我生命中最重要的事:信仰、家庭和友誼。
信仰。我跟上帝的關係一直是、也永遠是我生命的中心。在艱難的時候,這個真確不移的認知總能安慰我的心:我一直誠實地服事上帝、盡我所能地牧養祂的百姓。對我來說,最重要的是我對上帝堅決不移的心,我也能毫不猶豫地說:我真的盡力去榮耀祂的名、建立祂的教會。愛神,是我最深的熱忱;能獻上一切服事祂,是我最大的榮幸。
家庭。除了我跟上帝的關係之外,我的家庭代表了我生命中最珍貴、最值得感恩的部分。若是我信心的果子,是我能留給這個世界的產業;那家庭就是神回報我的產業。這該算最划得來的交換!若沒有我的妻子跟兒子,我將是最貧困悲慘的人了。
友誼。「朋友乃時常親愛,弟兄為患難而生。」(箴17:17)再真實不過了。在這樣煎熬的時刻,我看見誰是我真正的朋友,更感激他們對我的肯定。他們之所以肯定,不是因為我是個「牧師」,而因為我曾向他們證明自己是個值得被算為「朋友」的人。在這段時間,他們關心的言語和懇切的勸告,幫助我不致灰心喪志。信任是非常珍貴的,對那些教會內和教會外的朋友們,你們肯信任我,讓我只能由衷地說聲「謝謝你」。
建立教會這榮耀的二十年,其間既有淚水也有得勝,有破碎也有突破。對於未來的道路,我們有什麼期盼?嗯,從聖經中我們知道:神對我們所懷的意念,是賜平安而非降災禍的意念,叫我們末後有指望(耶29:11)。我相信城市豐收的故事要繼續展開,我的心中完全堅信,我主耶穌基督對我們的信心,不僅創始也能成終(來12:2)。我們應當站立在這樣的應許上,信靠祂話語的真實,相信祂對我們的心意,還有祂對我們永不止息的愛。


Barely less than three weeks ago, the entire City Harvest congregation was basking in the immense success of the Asia Conference 2010. It wasn’t merely a climactic finale to all the hard work and dedication that had been put in by the staff and ministry volunteers of the church; it was a culminating representation of all that the church has achieved in its 20 years of existence through the goodness of God and the sacrifices of its members. In a short span of five days in May, the CHC congregation aptly displayed its unique DNA to the 25,245 delegates coming from 70 countries representing 2,086 churches.

What is the City Harvest DNA? In essence, it is the message of the Cross — “loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently” (Matt. 22:37-40) — while simultaneously crossing over and engaging the culture of our societies so that the message can be communicated in a fashion that is both relevant and attractive to the generation of our times (Matt. 5:14-16). Let me take this opportunity to thank both the CHC congregation as well as our visiting friends for making the conference one of the most groundbreaking Christian conferences in recent history. :)

But what a difference a day makes ...

The morning after the Asia Conference concluded, certain members of the church, including myself, were called to assist local authorities in an investigation into the management of church funds.

The page had turned. The celebration had abruptly ended.

Because we’re in the midst of the investigation, I am unable to provide any details about the progress besides what already has been released by the Singapore Police in their statement to the press. But I would like to assure everyone that I, together with the Management Board of the church, am fully cooperative in providing the necessary information needed for the investigation.

On a more personal note, I would also like to assure everyone that my family and I are doing well. I am awed by the concern that so many have shown during this time. I am also deeply grateful for the support and advice that has been so generously given. Thanks to all of your love and support, I’ve realized that this is the most opportune moment in my life to reflect on what matters most to me in my life: Faith, Family and Friends.

FAITH. My relationship with God is and always has been at the centre of my life. During times of adversity, I have always taken comfort in one thing that I know to be true: I have honestly served God and shepherded His people to the best of my abilities. It matters most to me that my account to God is absolute and I can say without hesitation that I have done my best to glorify His name and build His church. Loving God is my deepest passion and it is my greatest privilege to serve Him with all I have.

FAMILY. Other than my relationship with God, my family represents the portion of my life for which I am most undeserving of and thankful for. If the fruit of my faith is the legacy I leave in this world from my existence, then my family is the legacy that I have gained in return. What a profitable exchange! Without my wife and son, I would be a poor man indeed.

FRIENDS. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17). How true. In this time of trial, I see who my friends are and appreciate the confidence they have in me. Confidence given not because I’m a “pastor,” but because I have in some way or another proven myself worthy to be called a “friend.” Their kind words and thoughtful insights have kept my spirits up during this time. Trust is such a precious commodity. To my friends both within and out of CHC who have chosen to trust in the intent of my heart, I can only say “Thank You.”

It has been a glorious 20 years of church building filled with tears and triumph, brokenness as well as breakthroughs. What can we hope for the years to come? Well, we know from the Holy Bible that God’s thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). I believe that the City Harvest story will continue to unfold. There is not a hint of doubt in my heart that my Lord Jesus Christ is not only the author of our faith, but also its finisher (Heb. 12:2). So it is on that promise we should stand, trusting that His Word is true, His heart is for us, and His love will never fail.



轉載自http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/konghee?v=wall