"... you guys are at a crossroad..."

...thus said Pastor Philip James, dear old friend of Genesis CG. Pr. Philip James is no stranger to us - and most of us have known him as far back as 2002.

In my 7 years as a Christian, I have not seen many pastors and preachers who could live up to the father figure expectation - especially true of those who are visiting from afar. Whenever I think of Pr Philip and what he has been doing throughout his life, the truth written by Paul concerning teachers and fathers just overwhelms me:

1 Corinthians 4:15
"After all, though you should have ten thousand teachers (guides to direct you) in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel)."

It overwhelms me because I have seen just how far a church can go with merely teaching and preaching of God's word. The absence of a father's heart in a church is like the absence of "godly" love. The role of fathers to the fatherless in the church cannot be undermined, and cannot be replaced by mere programs and exciting activities.

Come to think of it, Pr Philip is like good ol' apostle Paul - one who faithfully visits and cares for the well-being of the churches that God has called him to. Pr. Philip has journey across many oceans to many countries in South East Asia, and had committed his life to developing a lasting relationships with the churches he has been too. And fortunately for him, there has been no shipwrecks recorded in his journey.

Pr Philip has not just a shepherd's heart but also a father's heart. He is a man on the move. A man who is all about the Father's business.

When Pr Philip was called to share about Christian Compassion and Care (Lesson #5 in our LENT program), he had no need for teaching materials and "gimmick" Powerpoint slides to catch our attention. He spoke of the topic as an experienced mountaineer would speak about mountain climbing. Beyond his experience, I believe, what stands out more is the divine intervention of God in every victory and defeat he has lived through - where he shared with humility and love.

I just pray that God will rise up more men to be fathers. Truly, truly, Pr Philip is a thoroughbred!