FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART

It has been two weeks since the tragic incident that took place in one of our local schools and our hearts are still heavy. Please continue to pray for those still hurting from it, especially the affected families, students and community.

I am sure words cannot describe the intense pain they felt during this time. Pray for God’s peace and comfort to be upon them, as Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… let not your heart be troubled nor be afraid.” (John 14:27)

One of our pastors observed that this incident had somewhat impacted the whole nation. Indeed, the innocence of these teens have been ripped from them. Hence, we must pray for God’s grace and healing upon the whole nation, especially as we near National Day.

But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruits.
(Jeremiah 17: 7-8)

I learned that Ps Simon spent Tuesday, the day after the incident, which was also a public holiday, providing pastoral care to our youth who is a student at River Valley High School. When something like this occurs, we would have many questions: If God is loving why did He allow this to happen? Why didn’t He intervene? What is death, and what does the Bible say about it? As parents, we can help our
children and youth process these questions.

Hence, while we pray, we must also take this opportunity to be God’s instrument of restoration and healing. I am sure that inside all of us, we have a God-given desire to alleviate as much pain as possible with the tools and opportunities that God places at our disposal. So, I urge you to do something to heal this broken world. You can do that by showing and sharing the love of Jesus to our young people, and others around us.

The hurting world needs God’s people living as those who care, because we do care. We cannot fix every problem, but we can each do something. If you see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get on its feet. (Deuteronomy 22: 4)

Rev Philip Lim