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Monday, June 22, 2009 @ 11:38 AM
Ministry of Health long anticipated that there would inevitably be sustained community spread of H1N1 virus. I for one was fully convinced by it, looking at how it has spread in different parts of the world.

The part I couldn't really understand was, out of a population of 4.6 million people in Singapore, why did it start with Riverlife? Narrow it down. Why Central 2?


In AD 166, one of Rome's cities was affected by a plague (smallpox). It was common practice for families, friends and neighbours to kick those suspected to have smallpox out of the house. It was infectious and contagious, and nobody would want to have any such persons in their proximity.

Two Christians at that time, would go around the streets looking for these sick, loading them onto carts, and bring them to a place where they can be cared for by the larger Christian community. If any were found dead on the street, they would bury them. There was no cure for the infectious disease, and there was really little that Christians then could do but to offer encouragement, care and prayer, on top of keeping them as clean as possible.

These Christians knew full well that their care for the sick would probably end their own life. Each time they looked into the pocked face of a victim, they were looking into the face of death. And indeed, many caring Christians did succumb to the plague themselves. Ironically, that did not diminish the number of Christians around, but quite the contrary. The care that Christians showed increased the disease survivability by as much as two-thirds, and this witness attracted many new converts.

By acting on the teachings of Christ, without regard to their own welfare, these Christians, against all expectations, progressed from being a small sect to the dominant cultural group.

- taken from The Faith by Charles Colson.


I know we do not live in such extreme times. But each time there is a revival, it seems to be preceded by a crisis. It was also mentioned that before a revival comes, there will be a shaking in the body of Christ. Is this it? I do not know.

Here's an old saying from a source I can't remember.
Each time a non-believer is afflicted with sickness, a Christian is also afflicted with the same sickness, so that the world can see the difference between the two.

Right now in Singapore, we have 4 clusters of local infection. Butter Factory, NUS, Riverlife Church and Fishermen of Christ Church. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Here's what I'm driving at.

There has been much talk about a revival, a 2nd wave of the Holy Spirit. But before that happens, there must be fervent prayer. This episode has brought the church, the cell into much prayer. In some ways, I do thank God for this crisis, because I know there is a bigger plan, and this is just preparing us to pray for what is ahead.

I like what Joan said about everything being for His glory. After all, it is the most resounding theme in the bible, things happening for His glory.

Could it be that the Church has been chosen to be at the forefront of a nation's revival? Out of 4.6 million, why us?

I have no answer, but let's continue praying, because if you have indeed been chosen, then you better have been readying yourself and the cell/church with lots of prayer.

On a separate note, I like what this crisis has brought out. This is what cell is supposed to be. It is unfortunate that a crisis had to happen for this to come out, but I'm glad that your have it in your to care and love and pray for one another.

And if anybody asks me if Central 2 are true disciples of Christ, I will tell them John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that you (C2) are His disciples, if you have love for one another"

- Ahbiao