Kong Hee Returns to Church After Being Convicted for Misappropriation of Church Funds
Last Sunday was the first Sunday Kong Hee, the senior pastor of Singapore's megachurch Christian Harvest Church, returned to church for the first time after being convicted of misappropriating church funds. Kong Hee faced a packed auditorium at Suntec convention centre, took a deep bow, and said: "Pastor is sorry."
Pastor Kong Hee, who founded the City Harvest Church, was convicted this week of lavishing millions of dollars in church funds to boost the career of wife Ho Yeow Sun. Five other church leaders were also found guilty in the case that has shocked the country. Ho, a co-founder of the church who also performed under the stage name of 'Geisha', was not criminally charged in the case.
The service began at the sixth level of the convention centre with songs of worship. About 40 minutes later, Kong took the stage. The others involved in the case - other than former CHC investment manager Chew Eng Han - were sitting in the front rows. Kong assured that the church's future was secure, "because of you and the new leadership that has been put in place". He added: "Out of the ashes, we will rise."
He apologised for the "pain and turmoil" members of his church had to endure over the past few years, and bowed three more times in different directions as the congregation stood up and applauded for a good length of time.
Kong did not preach, rather American pastor A.R. Bernard gave a sermon on keeping trust in spite of tribulations. Kong and his wife Ho Yeow Sun closed the service with a song. Ms Ho, the church's executive director, said: "Thank you for being here, for being courageous and supportive. Thank you for your love. It has made a difference for all of us and our family members. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Tags : kong hee kong hee convicted kong hee news city harvest church
Hot Trends
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Hillsong Church and Brian Houston Respond After Being Accused of Money Laundering and Fraud
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
Bethel Music's Kalley Heiligenthal Reflects on Her First Valentine's After the Death of Her Daughter Olive
-
Faith-Based Thriller, "NEFARIOUS," Receives Rave Reviews & Endorsements
-
Jaquita Lindsey Leaves Southern Gospel Trio 11th Hour
-
Luke Wareham On His New EP, Writing Congregational Songs, and Singing the Bible
-
NF is a Christian But Don't Call Him a Christian Rapper
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates As She Takes Her Final Post-Cancer Pill
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Join Lauren Daigle's Choir as She Performs at the Carnegie Hall
-
Brandon Lake Releases His Latest Single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah"
Most Popular
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Hillsong Church and Brian Houston Respond After Being Accused of Money Laundering and Fraud
-
Hinson Family’s Jordy Is Engaged To Logan Smith
-
Bethel Music's Kalley Heiligenthal Reflects on Her First Valentine's After the Death of Her Daughter Olive
-
Faith-Based Thriller, "NEFARIOUS," Receives Rave Reviews & Endorsements
-
Jaquita Lindsey Leaves Southern Gospel Trio 11th Hour
-
Luke Wareham On His New EP, Writing Congregational Songs, and Singing the Bible
-
NF is a Christian But Don't Call Him a Christian Rapper
-
Darlene Zschech Celebrates As She Takes Her Final Post-Cancer Pill
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Join Lauren Daigle's Choir as She Performs at the Carnegie Hall
-
Brandon Lake Releases His Latest Single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah"