a rift

Again I fall, my eyes, then my flesh.

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. - Psalms 69:5


Yesterday was a filled day. I failed my NAPFA again due to STB, and then played badminton until my shirt was unuusally wet. Later in the afternoon, my team lost the interhouse debate by a narrow margin. I'd put it on a lack of time for preparation. The next time we will debate is on Monday, where we oppose that 'men are now the weak sex'. Afterwards, I helped out at a concert flower sale by HortiCulture Society. We didn't buy enough flowers to resell.


So that was the news on my life. Now let's consider something I have noticed. According to the schedules, the KS' Mini-Retreat will overlap the CERC Church Camp, while the CK Retreat will overlap the FERC Church Camp. This effectively prevents many teenagers from attending the youths' camp of the other church (although there weren't formal invites, but that's not the issue). I had hoped co-operation would lead to discussions before plans were cemented. Still, I doubt that there were divisive motives behind this, but mere co-incidence.

However, I question, does it reflect the wishes of some leaders and parents? That the youth of both churches might be discouraged from mixing? Or perhaps, this lack of interest for promoting bonding is an unconcious act of negligence? That may stem from a distaste for the memories of the conflicts in the past. Either way, the effect pronouced on the youth is not good. Christian communities around the world have been oft regarded as narrow-minded and inclusive (not only to non-christians, but also toward other denominations). Here, both churches may be unknowingly taking steps for the youth to see each other as such. No, that is not necessary; this is merely hiding your lamp under a bush for fear the wind would blow it out (or in our case, that your light might be 'contaminated' by another - a silly excuse).

Guilt would be found on both sides, but I'd rather not discuss fault. Instead, as the situation ought to be rectified, I shall try to consider basic measures we must take to achieve strong ties even in the future. Above all, is charity. Christian charity cannot be reserved only for those amongst your congregation. With that in mind, I would that people start to reach out. While that may occur in kind, prayer one for another should also be desired. We trust that we do pray to the same one God, therefore it is unto much good that we entrust each other unto the Lord. All this applies especially to the mature among the congregations, for it is they that show an example for the young.

I may seem to type of forgetting doctrinal differences, but no, it is Christian unity which I propose. Such has been greatly underrated due to excessive ecumenical movements, but we must not forget each other. Again, I note there would be a resistance, but curse politics: we must seek to do good unto them who are of the household of faith.