St James' Church

The visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury from 11-13 May was brief but very eventful. Some of you found the time to attend the public lecture at the Cathedral and found it helpful, especially the Q & A time. You can click the links for a transcript of the talk, “Public Religion and the Common good” and the Q&A.  A special interview was also conducted.

I also had a privilege to accompany him and our own Archbishop for a private visit to PM’s office at the Istana (see photo). Perhaps this photo (flanked by the two archbishops) can be a reminder to us on how we need to continually pray for PM as he leads this country and the kind of support needed by Christian leaders to help build a cohesive, mature and strong society.

The Alpha Course which ended last week went very well. The guests’ attendance was very consistent and most have drawn closer to the Lord, with some making a decision to be a Christian. It was an enriching time for all who were involved.

The fund-raising for the building is coming along well. The faith and enthusiasm shown by some is inspiring.  I notice that a few who were uncertain about the project initially has also come behind it fully after the official vote was cast. That I think is a sign of maturity and how much one loves the church. Whatever we do, we want to do it together - for one another, for the Lord and His church.

I sometimes pause to look around at our kids and young people. One day, they will be leading this church. It reminds me that this church is not about me, but them. It is in our human nature to think of our needs and progress in life. But it is when we think of others and future generations, that we will live in a way which will leave behind a legacy. And such a life will be steeped in purpose and joy. It will be a life worth living. As the song goes:

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift though all we’ve left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful