FES National Conference 2010

From the 23rd to the 25th of September, I went for an FES National Conference 2010. It was indeed a really enriching time as I learnt about many issues regarding being a Christian and how some of us over time have embraced certain myths on certain doctrinal and ecclesiasical issues. Below is what i copied and paste from the VCF website about the myths which were to be debunked by certain renowned speakers.

Theme Talk (40’)

1. Debunking Myth #1: “We don’t even have time for evangelism. Social action has to wait.”

Speaker: Dr Paul Woods (Department Coordinator for Inter Cultural Studies, Singapore Bible College)

The urgency of sharing the gospel with our campus and world is undeniable. But what is “sharing the gospel”? Herein lays the tension between Evangelism and Social action. Some say social action is taking the slope down into liberalism. What is the point of doing good works, if we do not tell people what we believe? Then again, what is our words worth if our lives do not show forth God’s justice and mercy? Which one comes first? The age old debate between evangelism and social action continues. And you are invited.

2. Debunking Myth #2: “There is no need to transform the world. God will make everything new anyway.”

Speaker: Dr Paul Woods (Department Coordinator for Inter Cultural Studies, Singapore Bible College)

The poor will always be poor, dishonest systems are unlikely to change; those in power will go on abusing their position and hurting those who have no voice. Man-made systems are inherently flawed anyway. The environment is getting from bad to worse. There is nothing we can do, other than to pray for Christ to come again. Does this sound familiar? Then, in what way do we relate to God’s world as God’s people?

3. Debunking Myth #3: “Being involved in missions is either to go overseas or to support missionaries”

Speaker: Dr Tan Lai Yong (Lecturer, a medical college in the Mekong region)

What would come in your mind when the word ‘missions’ or ‘cross-cultural ministry’ is mentioned? One would probably associate the word with ministry overseas? As a multi-cultural society, does Singapore provide opportunities for cross-cultural ministry? As mission-minded Christians, are we too fixed on going out instead of staying put? Where does mission begin? You are invited to explore the frontiers right where you are. What can we do as Christian students in our campuses?

4. Impacting The World, Wherever We Are

Speaker: Dr Tan Lai Yong (Lecturer, a medical college in the Mekong region)

Our world is changing, and as Christians we need to understand our times, and be the channel through which God can speak to the world- in word and action. So how do we truly make an impact in God’s world with God’s living word? In this concluding session, be challenged to make a difference where you are.

Other than the theme talks, we also had bonding sessions where we took on a role to play either a person high up in the social status or for my case, a despised sex slave. I was to playa role of a sri lankan mother who sold by her parents as a prostitute and in Singapore I was made to service man from all walks of lives. Eventually I contracted AIDS and even though I have paid off my debts, I need to continue doing odd jobs so that I could have money for medical treatment and to fly back to meet my parents before I die. However at the end of the game I was so close to being able to fufill what I want. But during the game, I faced discrimination and prejudice and pity and how I had to resort to cheating and being cheated to fight my way thorough. This left me thinking, if there were no God, then who could settle this injustice and oppression. Even if an atheist would try to do his best to fight because he has a conscience for them, can the injustice faced by these marginalised people be fully redressed? How much can a person or a government do to make this world a better place? That much but can the world return to a perfect world. Nope I don't think so..

Nonetheless, the Chruch was called by the Lord Jesus Christ to be salt and light of the world. It is essential to share the gospel but it is also essential to act upon the consequences of sin on this earth. We are called into different roles by God. So those gifted in teaching educate the children about the poverty and injustice of the world and that they would step up to be salt and light when they grow older. May the LORD God raised more prophets like Joel and preached against Injustice and poverty and urged the Church to be reminded of her primary role at this age and not sit back and do nothing when sin is still rampant in certain parts of the world. Let there be missionaries to go forth into the world evangelising that Jesus Christ had defeated Satan, the source of evil and that those who heard the good news will rejoice, turn away from their sinful nature and be salt and light. Let the prostitute who hears the gospel turn way from her sexual life and speak up against the people who forced her into it. May the pimps renounce from being involved in destroying the lives of the sex slaves. May the gangsters turn away from the need to engage in fights and bloodshed but to be peaceful people. Let the humantarian organisation go forth and feed the hungry and clothed the naked. Let the lawyers that God raised speak up against the people who go against the law and manipulate it to oppress the oppressed for self benefits. May the LORD raised scientists, ecologists and environmentalist to place great emphasis in caring for the animals and the environment and fight against the people who ill treat the livestocks or even abuse animals in sadistic manner for their own personal gains.

To the Christians who profess but did not possess the faith, Jesus had said, "Why do you call me Lord Lord and not do what I say? For Not everyone who says to me, "Lord Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

But to those who had did what Jesus commanded in accordance to the Father's will, he will say, " Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant. :)))