Da Vinci Code - A challenge to Christian Faith

It's Easter Sunday today.

I noted a very significant departure in the way the pastor delivered his sermon this morning. He put great emphasis on the need for attendees to bring along their own Bibles for the worship service. The pastor has decided that from now on, any Bible verse quoted would not be posted on the overhead screen. Everyone must turn to the Bible in his/her hands and pinpoint the correct texts being referred to. Anyone found not bringing a Bible with him when he comes to the church would be given a copy of the church Bible for personal reference throughout the service.

I guess the sudden emphasis in the Bible has to do with the Da Vinci Code and other "new gospels" now surfacing like the Gospel of Judas. The impression is that for a long time, the church has not put enough emphasis on the grounding and understanding of the Words of God. Now that Da Vinci Code is due to be shown in the cinema next month and it can be worrying to think of its impact on Christians.

The pastor did make reference to Da Vinci Code in his sermon and stressed the importance for believers to be able to defend their faith by correctly knowing the content of the Bible.

He did admit he has not read the book Da Vinco Code personally. I think it would have been better if he has read it first before shooting arrows at the book. Not that I am defending that book, I think one needs to really understand the content so as to be able to nail it and correct the misconception created by that book.

KK - A Well-Planned City?

 

 

The other day, I was surprised to read a letter to the Editor in the Stars from a reader praising the KK City. He was particularly impressed by the way KK has been planned and developed.

Personally, I do not quite agree with that assertion. This is probably because I have seen nicer city than KK. I wonder whether he has seen hawkers carrying out business on the walkways and illegal kids begging to wash cars!

The other worrying thing is safety in KK. Let just hope nothing untoward incident that he may encounter would change his perception of KK.

KK folks, make sure you always put on your lovely smiles.

Growing Up Pain

This morning, the Bible lesson in the Praise Kids Church was about the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. When I met up with my Primary 6 kids in the separate classes. I was truly shocked to discover certain phenomenon among these kids of which I was quite unprepared for.

On the subject of death, one shared his experience in his attempt to commit suicide. On why he tried to kill himself, he said it was because of family problem. He told us he actually tried to hang himself from the door closer. But he freed himself when the choking became unbearable. He also said once he put his head into a pale of water and tried to drown himself. The choking forced him to pull his head up.

Another told the class he actually ran away from home and spent two hours in a KFC before deciding to go home. This arose because of what he considered very severe punishment meted out by the father.

Another girl from a manifestly model home told of her desire to run away from home due to study stress and expectation.

They told me that none of the family members knew about these. All these happened in the afternoon when the parents were away working. We all promised that we would keep this as a secret within the 4 walls among ourselves.

At the end of the sharing, I could feel wetness in my eyes. At such a young and tender age, they have already considered such an option.

I assured them that no matter what happen, their parents' love for them is 100%. They disagreed. One said that he is only being loved 99% but the other kids in his family 100%. Another said the parents love the younger one more than her.

Although I knew that this kind of feeling did cross every kid's mind one time or another. But, if this is not handled properly, it does have a bearing on his/her self-esteem and the perception of his/her standing in the family.

At the end of the session, I prayed for them and hugged some of them. Deep down, I hoped this session has been of help to them and I knew there is still a long way to go in life. I prayed that God would be merciful to all these kids who are just trying to grow up.

Another Dream Becoming a Reality at STS

Last night, we attended a launching dinner for the proposed new Multi-Purpose Education Centre for STS. This is another massive project costing RM10m-RM12m to build. A new auditorium will be part of this building that can accommodate 800 people.

On design, this building will be a challenge to us as structural engineers. Column-free upper floor and sloping seating platform spanning 26.5m.

The programme for the dinner was rather interesting. We had the Basel Church Tenom Children Choir (The Malaysian version of the Vienna Boys Choir); Solo Guitarist performance, Violin-Piano combined performance as well as the Tshung Tshin Chinese Orchestra.

I was talking to my wife about the chances of Paul and Sam performing in the Chinese Orchestra. We guess their reply: " No way, hean tor oh!"

Bomb Hoax at Basel Church, Likas

We first heard of this on Friday night in the Cell meeting. We thought it was an April Fool joke. The next day, it came out as news in the local papers.