Nurturing The Next

Children at Malbork Castle Poland

'What we have heard and known, 

what our fathers have told us,

we will not hide from our children; 

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, 

his power and the wonders he has done.' Psalms 78:3-4

Who will tell the next generation? This was the theme of the sermon preached by Mrs Percy Loh on the 12 Sep 2010 (Ref 1). She reminded our congregation of parental and community duty that the children receive Christian values through our examples, testimonies and teachings.

Every community feels a responsibility to impart the legacy, stories and teachings to its younger generation. I saw a group of Polish children visiting the Malbork Castle in Poland led by teachers and parents. During the excursion, these children hear the stories of medieval Polish knights; their deeds of chivalry and honour. These are the treasured lessons of past generations; the inheritance of these young children.

Despite our short history, Singapore is no exception. When Singapore staged the very first Youth Olympics. Our Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Teo Chee Hean said, “Through YOG, we hope to change the way in which we engage and view the youths. Instead of telling young people what they can or cannot do, we hope to create an environment where they receive support and are nurtured to realize their potential.”

What about the small Christian community at Charis Methodist Church? Percy reminded the church of our responsibility. She shared a video entitled “You are losing us…” 

At the National Day Thanksgiving Service, Bishop Dr Robert Solomon said, “There is a fear that we are losing our young – to values and lifestyles foreign to us. They live in a new world, both exciting and dangerous. Our young Singaporeans need guidance and we must pass on our faith to the next generation.”

It is a sobering reminder of our responsibilities as adult members of the church community to win the hearts of our children and youths. Percy shared from Psalm 78, that God had commanded us to teach the next generation,

'He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them - even the children who are yet unborn - and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands.' Psalm 78:5-7

Can we make a difference? The Methodist Church in Singapore believes we can. To date the MCS has 11 Methodist Schools in Singapore with over 21,000 pupils enrolled in our schools. The mission statement of the Educational Council of the Singapore Methodist Church reads:

We are called to nurture each generation of students, raising them to be men and women of godly character and integrity, equipped to make a responsible contribution to society

And the Methodist Missions Society is hoping to duplicate the education mission to young children in all our mission fields. This week, I chaired the Board Of Management of the Vineyard Methodist School in Chiangmai and the Little Candles Methodist School in Phrau in Northern Thailand. We are also building a primary school in Phrau. It is a privilege to be involved in children education and to watch the little children grow to take their places in society, some becoming Christians. 

Vineyard Methodist School, Chiangmai, Graduation

Little Candle School, Phrau - Children welcome visitors

So many children pass through our hands in Sunday Schools and in our mission schools. Sad to say, not many receive the salvation although they probably have heard the Gospel countless times. The lure of a hedonistic and materialistic society beckons. Nevertheless this will be our continuing mission, to reach out to the children, give them a good education, put in them social responsibility and pray that they will find the love for God. I got the Joy down in my Heart! Sing it along with the children!

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart

I've got the peace that passes understanding

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart (where?)

Down in my heart to stay

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer

Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer

Way down in the depths of my heart (where?)

Down in the depths of my heart to stay

Lionel

Updated article, 1st published 12 Sep 2010

Acknowledgement to Mrs Percy Loh for use her sermon “Who will tell the next generation?”