He’s free.
City Harvest Church’s founding pastor Kong Hee was released this morning after being in jail for 2 years and 4 months. He turns 55 tomorrow.
As quickly as the media mob that descended upon him moments after he stepped out of Changi Prison, comments from all corners have also flooded in.
Wah, so fast released ah?
Look at that smile.
Now he can go and enjoy life with his millions of dollars.
I understand why some would feel that way, but I actually felt a tinge of sadness when I watched the video.
Looking visibly thinner than before, he emerged in a white tee with a black cap over his closely cropped white hair, with a plastic bag – presumably containing his personal belongings – in hand.
Inmates can be released on remission after serving two-thirds of their sentences.
In April 2017, Pastor Kong was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail, the longest term meted out among the six City Harvest leaders who were convicted for criminal breach of trust.
Ruling that the church’s building fund had been misused, the court had originally given Pastor Kong an eight-year jail term in 2015, but this was shortened upon appeal.
All six leaders have also been barred from holding management positions in City Harvest or any other charity.
I’m not going to make light of what he did. Our actions have consequences, and we must be ready to be accountable for them.
But judgment has been passed and Pastor Kong has served his jail term – let’s not punish him with a second sentence and assume that we know his intentions.
There’s nothing smart about posting a snarky remark about a fellow brother who has accepted responsibility for his wrongs and asked for forgiveness.
I don’t know him, but his conviction was painful to read about. This news didn’t just hurt one church – the wider Church took a hit as well, as Pastor Kong himself pointed out in his apology.
“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
With the whole trial lasting more than seven years prior to the verdict, I can’t imagine how this must have affected Pastor Kong and his family, especially his young son.
Announcing Pastor Kong’s release today, the board and senior management of City Harvest said on the church’s website:
“It is with humble gratitude to our Lord that we announce Pastor Kong’s release from prison today.
While serving time, he spent most of his time seeking and studying the things of God.
Pastor thanks you all for your unceasing prayers these last few years, for him and for his family. Your letters brought him comfort and joy.
Pastor will be taking a period to spend time with his family, especially his elderly parents. Please do continue to keep him, Sun, Dayan and his parents in prayer.”
I’m glad that Pastor Kong has been given a second chance. Our leaders are not infallible, so let’s remember to keep them in prayer.
Pray that as they seek the wisdom of God, they may make decisions in a manner that’s beyond reproach. And finally, let’s not make it difficult for them to be restored.
Just as we’ve been shown grace, let’s show grace.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
- What are your takeaways from the City Harvest trial and verdict?
- How can you lead a blameless life?
- Can you extend compassion and grace to someone today?
