Upon This Rock....

The Garbage City of Cairo

On the 29 Nov 2010, our tourist bus meandered slowly through narrow streets lined by three-storey shop houses. This is Manshiyat Nasir or 'Garbage City', where several thousands of Egyptian Christian families, the Zabaleens, eked out a living by collecting and recycling the refuse of metropolitan Cairo. We could see children playing and families living out their lives amidst garbage piled ceiling high in their homes, spilling out into the streets. We were thankful that the bus windows were all up. Otherwise, none of us could possibly bear with the smell and stench of these streets.

At the turn of the 19th Century, there was an influx of very poor Christians from Upper Egypt to Cairo. They made a living out of collecting and recycling garbage, a common occupation for many a refugee family in many cities in the world. In 1969, the Egyptian government moved the rubbish collectors to this district under the Mugattam Mountain.

The Egyptian official who made the decision to relocate the poor Christians of Cairo here must have a wry sense of humour. Mugattam Mountain was the site of one of the most celebrated miracle in the history of the Egyptian Coptic Church, known as ‘The Moving of the Mountain’.

According to Coptic traditions, during the reign of the first Fatimid Caliph in the 11th Century a challenge was thrown to the Coptic Church. During a debate between the Islamic, Jewish and Christian religious leaders of the day, the Jews invoked the verse 

“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to the mountain move from here to there, and it will move” Mark 11:23

They demanded the Coptic Patriarch, Abraam to demonstrate this. Al-Muizz, the Muslim Caliph then threatened to persecute the Copts if the church failed in this test.

In a dream, Patriarch Abraam was guided by the Virgin Mary, to seek out a holy man, Simon the shoemaker, who would have the required faith to move this mountain. Recruiting Simon, the Christian congregation and Pope marched to Mugattam Mountain along with the religious leaders of the day. As the congregation prayed, the mountain shook violently as if a strong earthquake had hit the city. Each time the congregation rose from prayer, the mountain was lifted upwards. When they knelt down, the mountain came down with a deafening roar. This happened three times and with each time the rays of sunlight from the other side of the mountain could clearly be seen through the gap.

Then, Caliph Al Muizz proclaimed, “God is Great!” and turning to Abraam he said, “This is enough to prove your faith is true”. From then on, he allowed the Christians freedom to practice their faith in Egypt. The Coptic Church survived one of the severest persecution periods in their history.

Relocating the Zabaleen Christians to live out a miserable existence in a stench-hole at the holy site of the Coptic Church, is an affront and insult to Christianity. However, our Lord Jesus would see otherwise. 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Matt 5:3 

For the poor and destitutes on Mugattam Mountain, a modern day miracle started from 1974.

After 3 miles through garbage lined alleys, none of the Singaporean tourists were ready for the sight as our bus turned the last corner. Before us, stood a large monastery, churches, hospital and social community complex which these garbage collectors had hewn out of the barren rock. On the rock faces on the mountain sides, they had sculptured various illustrative episodes described in the Bible.

To understand the miracle that has taken place at this site and the many everyday miracle testimonies in the lives of these simple Christian folks, please view a two part commentary on Youtube, ‘Fr. Samaan and Garbage City (Zabaleen)’. 

A chance meeting of a Christian brother, Farahat (later Father Samaan) and a garbage collector, Edis Agib in 1974 led to the transformation and miracle. Edis had approached Farahat to teach him to become a Christian. This led Farahat to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the Zabaleen.


Worshipping at St Sammaan Church



One day whilst standing at the barren summit and staring down at the squatters below, Farahat was overwhelmed by a sense of lost and grief at the impossible situation of the people living on the slopes. As he cried out to God for direction, there was a strong gush of wind and pieces of paper were blown upwards from the garbage below. One of these papers that flew towards him was a tattered page from the Bible 

‘One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:9,10

Farahat persevered and many of the garbage collectors turned to Jesus. A transformation and miracle occurred with God using the hands and labours of these destitute and poor people. The Lord saved them out of most pitiful conditions and allowed them to manifest their faith in a most inspiring and uplifting manner

It is a story of the indomitable faith of one man and the garbage collectors. It reminds me of the faith statement by St Peter, to which Jesus responded, 

“Upon this rock, I'll build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it”.

What did Christ meant when He uttered these words? Christ was not referring to solid rock formations but the unshakeable faith and confession of many Christians throughout history when they proclaimed Him as Lord and Savour just as Peter did. 

I stood there at the mountain top, after visiting two of seven rock churches, staring at the sculptures on hill side and the garbage city below. I realised that the prophecy of Jesus on the establishment and success of His church was and is being fulfilled by the poor labourers on Mugattam mountain in Cairo, “Upon this rock, I’ll build my church”.

When others see with earthly eyes

Just what they want to see

You will see the things that never die

You will know and recognize

By simple child-like faith

The priceless truth that

Others will deny.

When others say I'm just a man

Who likes to dream His dreams

When others call a miracle a myth

You'll listen for eternity

In moments as they pass

And see with spirit eyes

What others miss.

Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom

And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand

And all the powers of Hell itself

Shall never more prevail against it

For Satan's thrones are built on sinking sand

Upon this rock I'll build My kingdom

And on this rock forever and ever it shall stand

Upon this rock of revelation

I'll build a strong and mighty nation

And it shall stand the storms of time

Upon this rock.

If in a simple carpenter

You see the Son of God

If you would chose to lose

When you could win

If you would give your life away

For nothing in return

Then you are where

My kingdom will begin.

Lionel

Updated 1st Published 19 Dec 2010

In November 2010, Bishop Robert Solomon led a group of Christians to tour Egypt and the Sinai visiting historic churches and the desert monasteries 

All Loves Excelling

'And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death not life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

"Love divine is exemplified in our Saviour: His diligence in doing God's will and His patience in bearing it." Henry Scougal (Ref 1). Christ's ministry on earth manifested this love by His,

• Willingness to do God's will
• Bearing the consequences of obeying God's will
• Charity and love to all men

The measure of this love is shown by paying the ultimate penalty for our sins, saving us from eternal death, sacrificing His own life, dying on the cross.

'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16

'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend.' John 15:13

'But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we are still sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5:8

St Paul prayed that we will

'Know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God.' Ephesians 3:19

Imagine having the fullness of God? What does this mean? The fullness of God is seen in us by we showing love for all our friends and neighbours. It is a command of Jesus Christ.

'A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you that you are my disciples if you love one another.' John 13:34-35

And the measure of this love includes the willingness like Jesus to pay the ultimate sacrifice, as did the many Christian martyrs through the ages.

'My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.' John 15:12-14

It is this love that sustained many Christians who faced hardships, deprivations and persecutions from the beginning of the Church to the present times.

'Love never fails' 1 Corinthians 13:8a

• Love is an inward drive. Henry Scougal, "The love that someone bears toward God and toward goodness comes not so much by virtue of a command to which they are responsive but rather by a new nature instructing them and prompting them in that direction." 

• Love is natural even impulsive. Henry Scougal "His love makes him willing to give - and even if there were an outward obligation to act in such a way, his heart would devise liberal things.

• Love is compelling. Henry Scougal, "Love is the powerful and prevailing passion by which all of a person's inclinations should be determined and on which perfection and happiness depend. The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." 

In 1747 Charles Wesley composed the song 'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling' celebrating this love of and love from God in the lives of Christians. This hymn tells us how this love from God will influence the life of Christians ever changing us from glory to glory until we enter eternity, taking our place in heaven.

Love divine, all loves excelling

Joy of heaven, to earth come down.

 Fix in us Thy humble dwelling

All Thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

pure unbounded love Thou art.

Visit us with Thy salvation;

Enter every trembling heart

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit

Into every troubled breast.

Let us all in Thee inherit

Let us find Thy perfect rest.

Take away our bent to sinning;

Alpha and Omega be.

End of faith, as its beginning

set our hearts at liberty

Come, Almighty, to deliver

Let us all Thy life receive.

Suddenly return and never,

Nevermore Thy temples leave

Thee we would be always blessing

Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,

Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,

Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation

True and spotless let us be.

Let us see Thy great salvation

Perfectly restored in Thee.

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in heaven we take our place

Till we cast our crowns before Thee

Lost in wonder, love and praise.

Lionel

Ref 1: Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man. Crossway Short Classics, Crossway 2022

“I am going to your house for tea” – A Moment Of Importance.

'He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; (miry clay in KJV) He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.' Psalms 40:2

On 23 Dec 2010, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, and  Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hian, visited my father in hospital.

My Father and My Grandson

My father, then 84 years old, had been lying in a single room isolation ward for 10 days prior, suffering from a multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. Dad had been wheelchair-bound due to osteoarthritis in both knees making it too painful for him to walk. He also had early senile dementia, along with diabetes, heart disease, bad lungs, thyroid problems and colonic cancer in remission. 

The VIPs were on a fact-finding visit to the newly-opened Khoo Teck Puat hospital and upon hearing that Dad was in the ward, took a detour to visit with him.

Imagine an old man, trapped in bed with an intravenous line inserted into his arm, feeling depressed and very confused when who should walk into his room but the most important person in the country. That very kind gesture made my father's day.

The next day, he was perky and bright, talking about the visit to anyone who would care to hear. My family really appreciated what the PM did - he engaged in small talk with my father despite knowing that he was entering an infection-control isolation ward.

When someone grows old, not only does he suffer physical weaknesses and disabilities but more insiduously he finds that he loses his psycho-social skills. Gradually, he will lose his social status and becomes isolated and shut out from friends and family. This erosion of the sense of well-being is the most disconcerting change that I had observed in Dad in the last few years of his life. It affected both his pride and self-esteem. The rest of the world had moved on and left him behind.

During the days of the making of Singapore, Dad was a political and trade union activist. In 1954 he was the PAP convenor when the People's Action Party was founded. He was often not at home when I was growing up because he was preoccupied campaigning for workers’ rights and working with the leaders in fighting for the independence of Singapore.

In his latter years, he had been largely forgotten and alone, confined to a wheelchair and beholden to two maids who looked after his daily needs. It is sad to see how time and age can strip down a proud man and make him so vulnerable. 

Ecclesiastes 2:11 notes this great loss in despairing tones, 

'Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.'

The VIP visit was brief. PM asked about his condition and they chatted briefly about old days of the political party.  Then PM left.  But this short encounter did wonders for my father. The PM’s visit left Dad feeling important and happy.

This reminds me of another brief encounter recorded in Luke 19:1-8.  Zacchaeus, the tax collector, was a short person.  He climbed up a sycamore tree so as to have a glimpse of Jesus as he was passing by.

Here was another man, an insignificant, non-descript entity amongst the crowd. His short stature made him unnoticeable. His was a tax-collector and was despised.  All he wanted was to see above the crowd and watch the proceedings. However, that day was meant to be different for Zacchaeus. On reaching the tree where Zacchaeus was sitting, Jesus noticed him and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house to spend time with him.  This non-descript person suddenly became important. 

Sometimes, a brief and everyday gesture of recognition can mean much to a person who is feeling unrecognised, insignificant and sorry for himself.  One moment in time can become truly inspirational - a great blessing. 

But that encounter more than 2000 years ago was different from any human discourse. It was a visit from God in Jesus Christ, the divine meeting the human. And the humanity in Zacchaeus recognised this. It was more than just a moment of importance for the short man who climbed up a tree for a better view, it was a life-changing experience. 

We all have a chance at this wonderful moment when the love of God reaches down to us, a love that lifts us up (Love Lifted Me!)

I was sinking deep in sin

Far from the peaceful shore

Very deeply stained within

Sinking to rise no more

But the master of the sea

Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me

Now safe am I

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Souls in danger look above

Jesus completely saves

He will lift you by his love

Out of the angry waves

But the master of the sea

Billows His will obey

He your savior wants to be

Be saved today

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help

Love lifted me

Lionel

Updated 1st Published on 12 Dec 2010

In God’s Power The Weak Become Strong

My Late Father at Toa Payoh Methodist Church

'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.' 2 Cor 12:9 and 10, 

In successful societies like Singapore, it is fairly easy for us to praise and look up to successful and strong men. This can lead us to assess the extent of the grace and blessing we receive from God not in terms of virtue, character and spiritual worth but in terms of wealth, good jobs and high positions in society. After all success and prosperity are very visible rewards that we can achieve by working hard in a meritocratic society. So, we can easily mistake these to be the same rewards we could expect from God in answer to our prayers.

Like Singapore, first Century Corinth was a busy metropolis capitalizing on economic opportunities that the extended peace of the Roman empire brought to the region. Like Singaporean Christians, the Corinthians easily succumbed to the persuasive teachings of false teachers who equated the very tangible evidence of success and power in society to the rewards, blessings and grace God would bestow upon faithful Christians.

J I Packer wrote this in his book, Rediscovering Holiness (ref 1), “What do we Christians mainly preach and teach these days? The answer seems to be not holiness but success and positive feelings – getting health, wealth, freedom from care, good sex and happy families. What do we Christians chiefly value in our leaders – our preachers, teachers, pastors, writers, tele-evangelists, top people in parachurch ministries, money-men who bankroll churches and other Christian enterprises and other folk with key roles in our setup? The answer seems not their holiness but their gifts and skills and their resources."

In the extreme cases, we could even succumb to the belief that we should pray hard for material success and wealth for that is a Christian heritage which God has ordained for us. Then, if we do not receive these blessings from God, our faith must be weak or that God may not be happy with us.

In 1 Cor 12:9-10, Paul said No, the way to God’s favour is not by the route of power and success but  sometimes, by the route of weakness and suffering. The second pathway will more likely strengthen our character and resolve. 'My grace is sufficient for you and my power is make perfect in weakness.' This is a Christian paradox, when we are weak we will go out of ourselves to Jesus and receive from Him an abundant supply of divine strength and grace that will enable us to overcome these weaknesses. Paul was able to boast about his weakness because he has come to understand that Jesus is ready to draw near to him and to help him.

Most Christians learned this lesson when facing a crisis or suffering an illness. 

Nelson Mandela whilst imprisoned on Robben Island wrote, in a letter to Winnie Mandela dated Feb 1975, (ref 2) “Incidentally you may find that the cell is an ideal place to learn to know yourself, to search realistically and regularly the process of your own mind and feelings.

In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one’s social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education. These are, of course, important in measuring one’s success in material matters and it is perfectly understandable if many people exert themselves mainly to achieve all these. But internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one’s development as a human being. Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others – qualities that are within easy reach of every soul – are the foundation of one’s spiritual life.

Development in matters of this nature is inconceivable without serious introspection, without knowing yourself, your weaknesses and mistakes. At least, if for nothing else, the cell gives you the opportunity to look daily into your entire conduct, to overcome the bad and develop whatever is good in you.”

When we face hardship, deprivation and weakness, we find God. Let us be thankful with what God has graced us. Sing 'Give Thanks.'

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us"

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Lionel

Ref 1 JI Packer in 'Rediscovering Holiness.' Regal 2009 pp 31
Ref 2 In 'Nelson Mandela – Conversations with Myself.' MacMillan 2010, pp 211, 212

Updated 1st Published 16 Mar 2011

True Religion

'With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' Micah 6:6-8 

What is true Religion?

I have been a Christian for more than 55 years and I consider myself a religious person. But how do I define my Christianity? For the most part, my Christianity has been defined by the things I do, a litany of practices that pronounce my faith:

• Attending church
• Reading the Bible 
• Praying
• Fellowshipping with Christian brothers and sisters
• Leadership in church and other Christian organisations 
• Attending sermons, speeches and seminars
• Evangelism and Crusades
• Reading Christian books
• Serving God in social concerns
• Supporting missions
• Supporting Christian schools
• Giving generously

My Christianity is a series of outward behaviours, as offerings to God. Henry Scougal, a Scottish minister and theologian (1650-1678) in his article entitled, 'The Life of God in the Soul of Man' (Ref 1) wrote of Christians like me, "They are found caught up in a constant round of duties and observances. If they live peacefully with their neighbours, are temperate in their habits, are regularly at worship - both publicly and in their own homes - and sometimes extend themselves to giving to those in need, then they think they have performed sufficiently."

I also define my Christianity by applying my mind to understanding God through the discipline of Bible Study and reading books of the life and writings by the heroes of the faith. I try to understand and defend church doctrines and theology. Henry Scougal's opinion of such Christians practising their faith as "A matter of intellect and understanding and orthodox opinions. The only account they can give of their religion is that they are of this or that theological persuasion or that they have joined one of the many groups (denominations) or sects into which Christiandom is so unhappily divided.

Many friends I know are emotionally devoted and attached to the practice of their prayer, praise and worship. Henry Scougal wrote of them, "Still others are focus on their emotions. They concentrate on spiritual ecstasy in their devotions. All they aim for is to pray with passion, to think of heaven with pleasure, and to be so overwhelmed with a sense of loving God." 

These may be expressions of our religiosity but they are but external expressions; what is needed is an inner transformation. Henry Scougal wrote, "Those things that have any resemblance to true holiness - or are at best the ways in which holiness may be pursued - are frequently mistaken for the real thing." 

What then is true religion? The word 'religion' come from the Latin word 'religare' with 'ligare' deriving the English word ligature. Like ligature this word, 'ligare' means 'to tie fast.' Thus true religion is to join or link God with us. Scougal emphasised this re-tie, "True religion is a union of the soul with God. It is a participation in the divine nature. It is the very image of God drawn upon the soul. In the apostle's words, it is Christ formed in us."

In Micah 6:6-7 two rhetorical questions were asked; the answers to these questions were negative. Displays of religiosity, sacrifices and worship in themselves will not honour God. Micah's great question in verse 8, then is What does God require of us? How can we please God? The answer to that question is to have a relationship with God (to walk humbly with God) and from that relationship to do good by our neighbours (to act justly and love mercy). 

Henry Scougal wrote "The life and power of true religion are better expressed in actions than in words because actions are more lively and better represent the inward principle from which they proceed." It boils down to this; that true religion is to follow the commandment that Jesus later reiterated to the religious leaders and experts of religion of His days 

'Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength' The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these.' Mark 12:30-31

 

With what shall I come before the Lord,

And bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,

Shall I come before Him with yearling calves?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

With ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I give my first-born for my transgressions,

The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has shown you, O man,

He has shown you what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you

But to do justice and to love kindness,

And to walk humbly with your God?

So in the twilight years of life, as we face eternity, we learn to experience God, know Him. We should stop trying to demonstrate the activity of our faith as much as to try to have a inner transformation of Christ in us. Let us offer to God a relationship with him and others as the expression of our true religion.

Lionel 

Ref: Henry Scougal, The Life of God in the Soul of Man. Crossway Short Classics, Crossway 2022