SP’S ELABORATION OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
The previous Sunday at DH, Senior Pastor attempted to elaborate on the forthcoming 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner at Sunway Lagoon hotel. He started by poking fun at the AG Singapore for celebrating their 80th anniversary this year when they have been in existence for less than 80 years. He explained that when AG was first established in Malaya, Singapore was then part of Malaya. Singapore then separated from the Federation of Malaya and formed their own AG. Therefore if AG Malaysia is 74 years old, then AG Singapore cannot be 80 years old. Yet they chose to "add a few years" and celebrate the 80th anniversary.
SP certainly made a boo-boo with this anecdote because it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. As you all know, he has mandated that our church celebrate the 40th anniversary instead of our actual 47th anniversary if we compute from the year Calvary Church was “born” which was in 1961.
He encourage the congregation to join the dinner to show gratitude and appreciation for God’s faithfulness to our church for the last 40 years. He is either implying that God had not been faithful in our first 7 years of history or he is saying that God doesn’t deserve any gratitude or appreciation from us for the first 7 years. If you had read Hong Meng’s article in this blog on the history of our church or spoke to the pioneer members like Robert Ng, Jenny Low or Tony Lee, you will know that the early years of our existence were not easy days. The church faced much persecution and hardship but during those 7 years of struggles, our founding fathers led by Dr Guynes and his team witnessed the deliverance, miracles and faithfulness of God.
Therefore, by celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Calvary Church, are we then not ROBBING God of 7 years of His glory? Please consider this before any of you happily join the celebrations. Give God His due Glory and declare to the world that He has been faithful for 47 years!
DECEIT AND HALF-TRUTHS
Deceit #1 – Thanksgiving or Fund-raising Dinner?
SP and his pastors have been promoting the above dinner as a celebration of our 40th Anniversary. If you study the dinner registration form carefully, you will note that all cheque payments for the RM85 per head dinner are to be made payable to the CCC.
The question that comes to mind is – Is this a celebration dinner of the church or a fund-raising dinner for CCC? There is no compelling reason why payments for the dinner should be made out to the CCC unless it is actually a fund-raising dinner for the CCC.
We heard through the grapevine that due to the poor response, our pastors and church staff have been desperately calling all leaders, ex-staff and our outreach churches (including those which are now independent) to join the dinner. One such church told one of our pastors that they don’t feel right joining our anniversary celebration and that church’s pastor was promptly told by our said pastor that it is actually a fund-raising dinner for our CCC!
Some of you may also recall that sometime last year, the CCC fund-raising committee had made mention of this forthcoming dinners on 22nd and 25th as part of their fund-raising program.
What we cannot fathom is why our pastors, deacons and SP have to resort to such deceit?
Or have they come to a point that telling half-truths, lies or being deceitful has become a part of them that they no longer have the conscience or discernment to differentiate right from wrong? Where is their honesty and integrity?
Deceit #2 – Congregation of 3,000 or 10,200?
This is extracted from Calvary Church’s website:-
CALVARY CHURCH was dedicated to the glory of God on 11 February 1968 through the efforts of dedicated missionaries. Rev. Tan Sri (Dr) Prince and Puan Sri (Dr) Petrina Guneratnam was the first Malaysian couple to pastor the Church. From a congregation of about 120 in 1968, the Church has grown, pioneered and established 32 daughter churches. Today, Calvary Church and her outreaches minister to more than 10,200 people.
Note that our church now purports to minister to 10,200 people. There were some debates in our blog on how SP can tell the world that we have 8,000 worshippers. None of our blog mathematicians could arrive at such a number. Now this declaration to the world takes the cake. All of you know that including all our supported outreaches and satellites, at most, we have a regular crowd of 2,500 to 3,000 people only, and the number is rapidly dropping.
At our last AGM, SP tried to explain that it is matter of perception. He argued that the then quoted number of 8,400 people included members of our outreaches which have since become independent. It is an illogical argument, to say the least. When an outreach has become independent and is no longer part of us, we cannot include their numbers to our own. If that ridiculous argument is accepted, then the First Assembly of God church in Jalan Sayur being our mother church will be the largest congregation in Malaysia. Calvary may not even come close to being in the 2nd spot since a few others have overtaken us.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
We know this is on the minds of all of you who are deeply concerned with the current crisis in our church. When we started this blog, we had hoped that in our dissemination of information to you, all of you will respond with your views, comments and suggestions on the various issues raised and how to move forward. This, we must salute you, because you have done well. Of course, in any debate, there is bound to be some strong differing views and comments. Some comments by some of you may appear to be ”malicious” and “personal” but this is arguable. Using the words of our pastors, it’s a matter of perception. However, we believe that some of the indeed malicious comments are, although unproven, the work of certain church staff, deacons or pastors using pseudo names. Their intention is purely to discredit the integrity of the TT supporters. But we are not worried. We believe that all our fellow Calvarites are mature Christians who are spirit-filled and have the discernment to make the right judgment.
Coming to the action plans, the following are what we, either collectively, individually or as a small group, have done or considered doing or proposed to do:-
1. Stop Giving. Right after the EGM, we received many SMSes, emails and verbal comments from members that they will stop giving offerings, tithes, faith promises and CCC pledges. It is said that when church members are unhappy, they vote with their feet (go to another church) or vote with their wallets (stop giving). To this, we say, please don’t leave the church but you may stop giving, if you wish. But as to whether you should stop giving offerings or tithes or CCC pledges, we leave it to you and your conviction. Seek God for wisdom. We know of a number of members who have made themselves ‘Missions directors’ and they are using their funds well and personally touching lives. Of course, if God asks you to continue giving to Calvary, please do so.
2. Report to the Police. Several of us have met and spoken to the police. We have found out the reporting procedures, the investigation and prosecution process. We have been informed that we do have a case to take up but we have not put in a formal complaint. We feel this is an option of last resort and all of us are praying and seeking God for direction.
3. Report to the IRD. Similar to item 2, we have gotten the procedures and are now awaiting for one final piece of puzzle before we act.
4. Report to AG Council, NECF and WAGRA. We have been in touch with these bodies and are now awaiting their responses and debating on our next move.
5. Legal action. We have consulted lawyers on the various options available to us and will take the appropriate action in due course.
6. Publicize our cause. This is akin to “washing dirty linen in public” . There are 2 proposals namely holding a press conference or organizing a placard demo at the dinner venues in Sunway and Prince Hotel during the dinner times on 22nd and 25th October. These are not the most ideal options but may be worth considering. Bear in mind that it was the “washing dirty linen in public” which brought down great but fallen men of God like Jimmy Swaggart , Jim Bakker and many others. God needs to cleanse His church before revival can come .
7. Petition. This involves the gathering of signatures of voting members to requisite an EGM to remove SP and or the deacons. This could possibly be the most “cleanest” and least damaging option available to us. We plan to put this into action next month.
Some of you have expressed concern that the above actions may cause a split in our church. We wish to say that our church is already split and many have already left for another church. But God is the great Restorer, He will not fail us. Anyhow, we need to find a quick solution to the problem and therefore, we urge you to pray along with us and for God’s wisdom and direction so that we will make the right decision and bring an end to this saga.
God Bless.
Showing posts with label Church Conflict. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church Conflict. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Questions to Truth Seekers
Obvious said :
Dear Truth seekers
I have a few queries/comments to ask/make : -
1. What is the next move that we need to take to stop this abuse of power once and for all, ie.
2. CCC - With the current economy situation and the liquidity tightening plus increase in raw mat prices,
Dear Truth seekers
I have a few queries/comments to ask/make : -
1. What is the next move that we need to take to stop this abuse of power once and for all, ie.
- will SP resign?
- will we get a Truth Commission like we so asked for?
2. CCC - With the current economy situation and the liquidity tightening plus increase in raw mat prices,
- how much do you think CCC's cost will shoot up to?
- Can CC even get anymore donations and financing to fund the completion of this building?
- If not, what will happen to CCC? seized by Alliance Bank?
- I think that those of us who do not agree with what SP is doing etc. should rightfully not go to this dinner.
- I don't understand how SP and the BOD can still go on celebrating when all is not well with the church.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Honestly Speaking by LL
26 Sept 08,
Dear Administrator,
I have read the articles & Comments posted over the last week, and wish to respond as follows :
KUDOS to DKAY (2sen worth of Opinion posted 16 Sept 08)
Kay, I wish more will ask the questions you did (a-f). All that you said
and asked made so much sense—it showed clear understanding of the
real issues we are confronting and what indeed is at stake:
“displaying high integrity in attitude, behavior and actions is the one expression that shows everyone - we belong to Christ.”
I commend your direct to the point questions & comments. Sorry, if I had been one of those who “were not direct enough ” ( at EGM) in posing our concerns & questions. Nevertheless, I did write a 14 Pg ‘Unanswered Questions at EGM’ posted in the Blog, which I believed I have asked very direct questions and given frank views.
)Unfortunately neither the BOD nor Sr.Pastor-CEO would give any answer, not even to a single question! (But non-reply it seems is a policy, it was the same for all previous Letters I have written in which no answer to any question was ever given)
Your so called ‘2sen worth’ -- on the contrary is a gem of a contribution. In fact I hope what you shared would be able to open the eyes of those who are still not able to grasp the actual issues, to see clearly what concerned Calvarites are pursuing.
By the way, I would strongly urge you to send it as is to the BOD & SR. Pastor-CEO & all pastors directly via email or by post. ( Because, they are likely to miss reading it here)
I would like to highlight the few thoughts you shared, which in every sense & intent are exactly the views I & those sincerely who are pressing on for this cause, have about them. Quote:
“d) CIM - I find the matter of the "seed fund" a very strange matter. Personally, Sr Ps and Ps Peter have told BCM students year in and year out that we are called by God and that we live by faith. That when we are called to do what we destined to do, we depend on God and HE will provide for us. We have been told that we are not to look to the church and depend on it to support us. The money that is given from faith promise to support us is minimal so that we might learn to live by faith.”
“Honestly, I struggled with great mental "dissonance" when I heard Sr Ps's reply because what he has said to BCM students and what he is doing for CIM is entirely different.”
“The money was given away in "secrecy" simply because of the failure of the BOD to check with the members if the members were ok with gift. So, in principle - it is a tainted gift - faulty in the name of integrity. The monies should all be returned to the Church accounts.”
“For me, right now, my pastor has a "money" issue. I am really sorry but I can't help but see him as clinging on to a gift, one that are not supported by members. Even if there just be 800 or 2000 voices against this gift - is that not already the shrieking siren of bells for a servant of God that all is not right?”
( It appears more than money issue to me, it’s covetousness: the latest Calvary News 3-pg advertisement says a lot.)
“If Sr Ps believes that GOD will supply all his needs and walks the talk, then I hope that Sr Ps will let this money go.”
“And since Ps Wirachai Kowae's name was mentioned at the EGM, let me say that his ministry - Compassion of Christ - is so different from what our BOD have done for CIM. Compassion of Christ survives on its own.”
(I’m so glad you bought up this fact. I feel indignant how BOD could bring themselves to compare white with black. I do not wish to *elaborate here, but enough is said how church funds have been used to make the latter look good.)
SETTING UP OF A TRUTH COMMISSION
(An extract from Unanswered Questions)
The questions raised herein merely touches the surface of the serious issues the church faces, and are by no means exhaustive. There is just too much to ask since the issues go way back in years. And whatever has been discovered to date is just the tip of the iceberg. Besides CIM, other major issues surrounding CCC and Calvary Land, such as their financial and ownership status among others, need thorough investigation too.
What has been covered under the scope of Mr. KK Wong and the forensic accountants was limited in scope, and the former was not investigative in nature. *There are many people within and without who possess material information and firsthand knowledge, and can be asked to testify and reveal facts on the various issues.
Hence, the proposed setting–up of a TRUTH COMMISSION is essential. Until the church comes clean with the truth and not sweep matters under the carpet or simply whitewash them, Calvary Church cannot claim nor can expect to be a good testimony to the community.
It is simply untenable for the church to remain in its present state.
WHAT DO WE DO WANT FROM ALL CONCERNED MEMBERS?
1.Would you sign-up for the call to set up the TRUTH COMMISSION ?
2. Would you sign-up for the REVIEW of CHURCH CONSTITUTION?
3. Would you Sign-up for the *Stipends and Benefits of the Pastorial Board
to be made known?
* the Stipends/EPF /Socso as stated in 2007 Report stands at RM 2,870,602
(and this excludes the EXTENDED MINISTRIES’ i.e. the Head of Department
& their staff account for another approx RM500,000.
The total would be over RM3.3 MILLION.
Liza Low
Dear Administrator,
I have read the articles & Comments posted over the last week, and wish to respond as follows :
KUDOS to DKAY (2sen worth of Opinion posted 16 Sept 08)
Kay, I wish more will ask the questions you did (a-f). All that you said
and asked made so much sense—it showed clear understanding of the
real issues we are confronting and what indeed is at stake:
“displaying high integrity in attitude, behavior and actions is the one expression that shows everyone - we belong to Christ.”
I commend your direct to the point questions & comments. Sorry, if I had been one of those who “were not direct enough ” ( at EGM) in posing our concerns & questions. Nevertheless, I did write a 14 Pg ‘Unanswered Questions at EGM’ posted in the Blog, which I believed I have asked very direct questions and given frank views.
)Unfortunately neither the BOD nor Sr.Pastor-CEO would give any answer, not even to a single question! (But non-reply it seems is a policy, it was the same for all previous Letters I have written in which no answer to any question was ever given)
Your so called ‘2sen worth’ -- on the contrary is a gem of a contribution. In fact I hope what you shared would be able to open the eyes of those who are still not able to grasp the actual issues, to see clearly what concerned Calvarites are pursuing.
By the way, I would strongly urge you to send it as is to the BOD & SR. Pastor-CEO & all pastors directly via email or by post. ( Because, they are likely to miss reading it here)
I would like to highlight the few thoughts you shared, which in every sense & intent are exactly the views I & those sincerely who are pressing on for this cause, have about them. Quote:
“d) CIM - I find the matter of the "seed fund" a very strange matter. Personally, Sr Ps and Ps Peter have told BCM students year in and year out that we are called by God and that we live by faith. That when we are called to do what we destined to do, we depend on God and HE will provide for us. We have been told that we are not to look to the church and depend on it to support us. The money that is given from faith promise to support us is minimal so that we might learn to live by faith.”
“Honestly, I struggled with great mental "dissonance" when I heard Sr Ps's reply because what he has said to BCM students and what he is doing for CIM is entirely different.”
“The money was given away in "secrecy" simply because of the failure of the BOD to check with the members if the members were ok with gift. So, in principle - it is a tainted gift - faulty in the name of integrity. The monies should all be returned to the Church accounts.”
“For me, right now, my pastor has a "money" issue. I am really sorry but I can't help but see him as clinging on to a gift, one that are not supported by members. Even if there just be 800 or 2000 voices against this gift - is that not already the shrieking siren of bells for a servant of God that all is not right?”
( It appears more than money issue to me, it’s covetousness: the latest Calvary News 3-pg advertisement says a lot.)
“If Sr Ps believes that GOD will supply all his needs and walks the talk, then I hope that Sr Ps will let this money go.”
“And since Ps Wirachai Kowae's name was mentioned at the EGM, let me say that his ministry - Compassion of Christ - is so different from what our BOD have done for CIM. Compassion of Christ survives on its own.”
(I’m so glad you bought up this fact. I feel indignant how BOD could bring themselves to compare white with black. I do not wish to *elaborate here, but enough is said how church funds have been used to make the latter look good.)
SETTING UP OF A TRUTH COMMISSION
(An extract from Unanswered Questions)
The questions raised herein merely touches the surface of the serious issues the church faces, and are by no means exhaustive. There is just too much to ask since the issues go way back in years. And whatever has been discovered to date is just the tip of the iceberg. Besides CIM, other major issues surrounding CCC and Calvary Land, such as their financial and ownership status among others, need thorough investigation too.
What has been covered under the scope of Mr. KK Wong and the forensic accountants was limited in scope, and the former was not investigative in nature. *There are many people within and without who possess material information and firsthand knowledge, and can be asked to testify and reveal facts on the various issues.
Hence, the proposed setting–up of a TRUTH COMMISSION is essential. Until the church comes clean with the truth and not sweep matters under the carpet or simply whitewash them, Calvary Church cannot claim nor can expect to be a good testimony to the community.
It is simply untenable for the church to remain in its present state.
WHAT DO WE DO WANT FROM ALL CONCERNED MEMBERS?
1.Would you sign-up for the call to set up the TRUTH COMMISSION ?
2. Would you sign-up for the REVIEW of CHURCH CONSTITUTION?
3. Would you Sign-up for the *Stipends and Benefits of the Pastorial Board
to be made known?
* the Stipends/EPF /Socso as stated in 2007 Report stands at RM 2,870,602
(and this excludes the EXTENDED MINISTRIES’ i.e. the Head of Department
& their staff account for another approx RM500,000.
The total would be over RM3.3 MILLION.
Liza Low
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
All These Mud-Slinging
Things are really getting heated up here. We would like to remind all Concerned Members, to be careful of what we say in our Comments. Please do not mention anything that is personal with regards to people who are not involved in this whole Saga. We have intentionally deleted a Comment from this blog which we felt was attacking persons who are really not a part of and should not be dragged into this whole discussion.
Let us all stay focused on the IMPORTANT ISSUES HERE. This comment sums up our thoughts quite simply. Thanks Chic Kee
Chic Kee said...
I am glad SS brought out something I always wanted to say:
“Yes, it is sad that all these mud-slinging by SP supporters, TT supporters and self proclaimed neutral parties are being seen by the whole world. The amazing thing is that when I check around, I found out that neither SP or any pastor or any deacon has approached the TT group to try to stop all this blogging and find an amicable solution to resolve the conflict. They don't seem to care at what's happening. so the mud-slinging goes on....”
Has anyone seeing and replying to this blog ever thought of this:
1) SP being in the centre of the controversy, our shepherd, who has a higher calling and knows he should lead us – HAS NOT COME OUT AND NIP THE TROUBLE IN THE BUD AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING.
2) Right at the start when SP sensed something was wrong, should he not being our spiritual leader meet the “truth seeking” group and his Deacons and sort things out. If what SP perceived is not wrong, should he not for the sake of peace and for Christian love, do something about it?
3) The so called “illegal” meetings outside the church, this blog and all the slander being posted would and should not have happened at all.
4) All those who posted their remarks on the blog should show love for each other – pro or against SP.
5) The person who advocates people to go to another church (naming some) because they could not be spiritually fed in Calvary should not have suggested that. Fancy driving sheep out of the fold. Instead of checking and putting things right – why were they not fed spiritually but rather an easy way is chosen – GET OUT!
This would never be our Good Shephard’s way as He left the 99 to seek the one that is lost. Imagine a child in a family who rebelled against the father as she is not happy with what the father is doing with certain things. Would the father not talk to his daughter first and if everything fails, would he the father ask his daughter to get out of the home??
SO WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO PERSUADE OUR PASTOR TO START COMING OUT OF HIS SHELL AND DO HEALING, FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION AND SAVE OUR CHURCH???
If changes need to be made – make them!! Let us not wait until God comes down in judgment as He is the one that can see the motives of every heart.
If the administrator wishes to put this as a main item instead of a comment, please feel free to do so.
I pray that God will help everyone to think right and resolve things SOON!
September 22, 2008 8:40 PM
Let us all stay focused on the IMPORTANT ISSUES HERE. This comment sums up our thoughts quite simply. Thanks Chic Kee
Chic Kee said...
I am glad SS brought out something I always wanted to say:
“Yes, it is sad that all these mud-slinging by SP supporters, TT supporters and self proclaimed neutral parties are being seen by the whole world. The amazing thing is that when I check around, I found out that neither SP or any pastor or any deacon has approached the TT group to try to stop all this blogging and find an amicable solution to resolve the conflict. They don't seem to care at what's happening. so the mud-slinging goes on....”
Has anyone seeing and replying to this blog ever thought of this:
1) SP being in the centre of the controversy, our shepherd, who has a higher calling and knows he should lead us – HAS NOT COME OUT AND NIP THE TROUBLE IN THE BUD AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING.
2) Right at the start when SP sensed something was wrong, should he not being our spiritual leader meet the “truth seeking” group and his Deacons and sort things out. If what SP perceived is not wrong, should he not for the sake of peace and for Christian love, do something about it?
3) The so called “illegal” meetings outside the church, this blog and all the slander being posted would and should not have happened at all.
4) All those who posted their remarks on the blog should show love for each other – pro or against SP.
5) The person who advocates people to go to another church (naming some) because they could not be spiritually fed in Calvary should not have suggested that. Fancy driving sheep out of the fold. Instead of checking and putting things right – why were they not fed spiritually but rather an easy way is chosen – GET OUT!
This would never be our Good Shephard’s way as He left the 99 to seek the one that is lost. Imagine a child in a family who rebelled against the father as she is not happy with what the father is doing with certain things. Would the father not talk to his daughter first and if everything fails, would he the father ask his daughter to get out of the home??
SO WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO PERSUADE OUR PASTOR TO START COMING OUT OF HIS SHELL AND DO HEALING, FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION AND SAVE OUR CHURCH???
If changes need to be made – make them!! Let us not wait until God comes down in judgment as He is the one that can see the motives of every heart.
If the administrator wishes to put this as a main item instead of a comment, please feel free to do so.
I pray that God will help everyone to think right and resolve things SOON!
September 22, 2008 8:40 PM
Friday, September 5, 2008
7th Update to CC Members - Warning letters from a lawyer
Dear Calvarites,
This is indeed a sad moment in the history of Calvary Church. Just when we have successfully convinced all our teh tarik members to withold all action until the forthcoming EGM on 15th August, where we hope our concerns will be addressed and discussed, we have our church pastoral team and staff shooting out two warning letters written by a lawyer, to life group leaders and members.
Since the warning letters were distributed by the church pastor/s and staff, many members are convinced that the lawyer was engaged by Senior Pastor to frighten the members from speaking out. The advisory from one of the pastors quotes "This may help some of whom you are guiding and helping" while the advisory from the lawyer quotes " Please spend some time reading.......it is very important that you are aware of what I have written for your own sakes and that of the church" and "I would be much obliged if you can forward these to as many members as possible to warn them too."
The first warning letter which is addressed to the Board of Deacons contains a veiled threat to members of possible legal suit by SP for defamation. We wonder how such a threat like this can be of help to the members. It is obviously intended to frighten the members who have spoken out and who are demanding transparency and accountability from our SP, pastors and deacons. It is also obviously an attempt to silence the members who were planning to speak out at the coming EGM. This act of the pastor/s and the lawyer will cause a bigger split in our beloved church. Some members are so infuriated by this latest 'act of terror' that they are checking whether this lawyer and/or SP can be sued or at the very least, get the lawyer dis-barred.
The entire warning letter is written based on the presumption that some members have or will put forth a motion to remove Pastor Guneratnam as the SP of the church. As at today, NO member of our group has put in such a motion. Since the window period to put in a motion for the forthcoming EGM has lapsed, no such motion to remove SP can be submitted for this coming EGM. The lawyer's letter is therefore, pre-mature, mischievous, calculated to instill fear, vexatious, a breach of the principles of natural justice and may be ultra vires.
The second warning letter which the church distributed and which the lawyer herself requested to be distributed to "as many members as possible to warn them too" (her own words) is, in fact, a personal letter from the lawyer to Bro Siew Chyuan. Therein, she accused Bro Siew Chyuan and his group (meaning our teh tarik group) of being "the judge, jury and hangman" and of "prima facie wrongdoing".
It is obvious that her letter is intended to cast doubts and fear in the minds of those who signed in support of the petition for SP to retire. It is definitely slanderous and intended to tarnish the good name, integrity, reputation and standing of our group members which consists of lawyers, accountants, engineers, CEOs, Christian leaders and SCG teachers, former CID officers, director/s of large PLCs and even a "Datuk". Our group is now debating whether to file a massive defamation suit against the said lawyer.
For the comfort of those who signed the said petition, we wish to assure you that legal advice was sought and the petition was vetted by two lawyers before it was put out for signatures. We hope that all the members will not be frightened by this shameful and cowardly act of the pastor/s and this lawyer. Let us constantly remind ourselves that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against the strongholds and principalities that have taken a hold on our beloved church and leaders.
On a more encouraging note, we were certainly delighted with your support and the good turnout at the lastest meeting at KBU. The many personal testimonies and sharing from the heart during the meeting touched many and only convinces us that truly, our God's hand is indeed upon us as we persevere to bring about a change in our church. One lady shared how she had, some years ago, made a provision in her will to leave part of her estate to Calvaryland upon her death but somehow, God opened her eyes to what was happening and after failing to get satisfactory answers from the Church, she promptly changed her will. Another lady shared later that she has never felt such a release in her spirit as she did during our worship that Saturday.
Someone commented recently that our church deacons and pastors are taking our group's activities very lightly because they believe that we are just a small group of, at most, 300 people. To this, our response is that, throughout history, God has never used a large army to win His battles. Instead, He always uses the smallest of armies and the weakest of the lot to win the greatest of battles. The cleansing and revival of our church is not our job, it is His job. We are just called to be His vessels and do as He directs and leads.
Please continue to pray for our church and for our deacons to stand up and do what is right as we move forward into the final chapters of this long-drawn saga.
God Bless,
KC & some Teh Tarik members
This is indeed a sad moment in the history of Calvary Church. Just when we have successfully convinced all our teh tarik members to withold all action until the forthcoming EGM on 15th August, where we hope our concerns will be addressed and discussed, we have our church pastoral team and staff shooting out two warning letters written by a lawyer, to life group leaders and members.
Since the warning letters were distributed by the church pastor/s and staff, many members are convinced that the lawyer was engaged by Senior Pastor to frighten the members from speaking out. The advisory from one of the pastors quotes "This may help some of whom you are guiding and helping" while the advisory from the lawyer quotes " Please spend some time reading.......it is very important that you are aware of what I have written for your own sakes and that of the church" and "I would be much obliged if you can forward these to as many members as possible to warn them too."
The first warning letter which is addressed to the Board of Deacons contains a veiled threat to members of possible legal suit by SP for defamation. We wonder how such a threat like this can be of help to the members. It is obviously intended to frighten the members who have spoken out and who are demanding transparency and accountability from our SP, pastors and deacons. It is also obviously an attempt to silence the members who were planning to speak out at the coming EGM. This act of the pastor/s and the lawyer will cause a bigger split in our beloved church. Some members are so infuriated by this latest 'act of terror' that they are checking whether this lawyer and/or SP can be sued or at the very least, get the lawyer dis-barred.
The entire warning letter is written based on the presumption that some members have or will put forth a motion to remove Pastor Guneratnam as the SP of the church. As at today, NO member of our group has put in such a motion. Since the window period to put in a motion for the forthcoming EGM has lapsed, no such motion to remove SP can be submitted for this coming EGM. The lawyer's letter is therefore, pre-mature, mischievous, calculated to instill fear, vexatious, a breach of the principles of natural justice and may be ultra vires.
The second warning letter which the church distributed and which the lawyer herself requested to be distributed to "as many members as possible to warn them too" (her own words) is, in fact, a personal letter from the lawyer to Bro Siew Chyuan. Therein, she accused Bro Siew Chyuan and his group (meaning our teh tarik group) of being "the judge, jury and hangman" and of "prima facie wrongdoing".
It is obvious that her letter is intended to cast doubts and fear in the minds of those who signed in support of the petition for SP to retire. It is definitely slanderous and intended to tarnish the good name, integrity, reputation and standing of our group members which consists of lawyers, accountants, engineers, CEOs, Christian leaders and SCG teachers, former CID officers, director/s of large PLCs and even a "Datuk". Our group is now debating whether to file a massive defamation suit against the said lawyer.
For the comfort of those who signed the said petition, we wish to assure you that legal advice was sought and the petition was vetted by two lawyers before it was put out for signatures. We hope that all the members will not be frightened by this shameful and cowardly act of the pastor/s and this lawyer. Let us constantly remind ourselves that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against the strongholds and principalities that have taken a hold on our beloved church and leaders.
On a more encouraging note, we were certainly delighted with your support and the good turnout at the lastest meeting at KBU. The many personal testimonies and sharing from the heart during the meeting touched many and only convinces us that truly, our God's hand is indeed upon us as we persevere to bring about a change in our church. One lady shared how she had, some years ago, made a provision in her will to leave part of her estate to Calvaryland upon her death but somehow, God opened her eyes to what was happening and after failing to get satisfactory answers from the Church, she promptly changed her will. Another lady shared later that she has never felt such a release in her spirit as she did during our worship that Saturday.
Someone commented recently that our church deacons and pastors are taking our group's activities very lightly because they believe that we are just a small group of, at most, 300 people. To this, our response is that, throughout history, God has never used a large army to win His battles. Instead, He always uses the smallest of armies and the weakest of the lot to win the greatest of battles. The cleansing and revival of our church is not our job, it is His job. We are just called to be His vessels and do as He directs and leads.
Please continue to pray for our church and for our deacons to stand up and do what is right as we move forward into the final chapters of this long-drawn saga.
God Bless,
KC & some Teh Tarik members
