HONG KONG COUNTINGI have about a month to go as pastor of Community Church and the imminent closure of my work as a pastor focuses my mind on the sort of "last will and testimony" kind of reflection. So here are some personal thoughts I'm happy to share with our web readers:
…Don't fear your faith. The Christian faith welcomes intellectual challenge and debate. I am so proud that the welcoming spirit of our church has promoted some of the liveliest discussions about faith available in Hong Kong. Community Church Hong Kong is very special when it invites a rabbi to preach; when we have lively Sunday AM discussions about our faith and Buddhism and all sorts of other spiritual issues in David Elliott's marvellous Executive Club seminar; where Protestant confirmands visit a Roman Catholic and Orthodox worship services; and where the congregation brings an inquiring mind and spirit to our teaching on Sundays.
…But challenge your doubts also. We are surrounded with scepticism toward everything in modern life including our faith. We need to be mentally alert to identify baseless doubt and silly scepticism and challenge it.
…Simplify your life. Eliminate whatever distracts you from God. In Hong Kong that means, at the least, junking the junk mail, the catalogues, the solicitations to complete more applications. It means spending less time worrying about investments. And it means keeping Sunday for ourselves and for God.
…Do not attempt the journey alone. Find companions, and hopefully among other believers, who see themselves as you may see yourself: a sojourner, a seeker, a pilgrim. We Protestants readily assume the stance of one individual alone with God. But we should not be alone. The Bible is primarily written for the group, not for individuals, because God wants to reach us through community. Venture into a small group.
….Always incline toward freedom, mercy and compassion after the example of God and our Lord. What a wonderful God who chose to exercise his kingship by coming to live among us and leave his Spirit with us. "Quench not the Spirit," Paul says and also "grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." Show the same humble, non-coercive attitude toward others, especially those who are offending to us, as God shows to us.
…Don't be ashamed of the Gospel. In Romans, Paul states "I am not ashamed of the gospel." Our good manners and social restraint incline us to speak, if we speak at all, of matters of faith in generalities lest we appear aggressive. When the invitation is given, as often during the millions of air miles our congregation travels each year, to explain ourselves to the strangers next to us, why not start with our faith, our church, our Christian friends.
…Find pleasure in your faith and worship. I have enjoyed every Sunday spent with Community Church. Our worship brings joy to my heart and I believe gives pleasure to God. As we please God we shall experience wondrous pleasure in our lives. Faith and religion can be thrilling.
In his Peace,
Pastor Gene Preston
The Rev. Gene R.Preston
14th Floor, Blk 36, Lower Baguio Villa Tel : 25516161 Fax: 25512114E-mail : gpreston@netvigator.com
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