From time to time, I ponder upon the case when Rev. Tong took Michael from NYC to be trained near him in Indonesia. This also brought to mind the "unannounced" testimonial/sermon Rev. Tong had Michael give while others are expecting sermons from only Dr. Tong.
So there are two things to consider. For which I have yet to have clear answers. However, I have recurring response to each case.
1. It is the incompetence of NYC pastors (Mainly Chinese), particularly one that Dr. Tong had originally trusted Michael to. On top of incompetence, the pastor and elder felt that their pride was hurt and to the contrary, claimed that they have too many people serving and that they do not think Michael was serious enough to serve in their church.
Michael focuses on preaching the Gospel and that is what I take from him. Unfortunately, many of the Chinese immigrant seniors love to act the role of mentor/builder/founder on a ministry but never to be judged by others. I would not be surprise if they consider Alex, who's had numerous academic achievement, as the prodigy of their fruit. Simply because they've given support to him. However, they realized that they couldn't do that to Michael, the credit wouldn't be theirs but Dr. Tong and others'. I don't care about their politic. But they have reasons to make me skeptical about their attitude towards the Gospel. Judging from who they ask to teach the children and who they ban, I have concluded a serious doctrinal error they have made. They praise men more than God. I cannot be a part of it, even though Rev. Lin and perhaps others, had planned for me to be the church's next pastor, what a joke. I had better get out while I could. Like escaping hell's fire.
They couldn't deal with Michael, James (another kid that's like the "old" Michael, curious in theology but has character problem). They wish them out of the church, I'd say.
I admire Dr. Tong's sense of responsibility to this extend. I am not sure if it is a task that would overwhelm him, in other words, not a problem he should take. This, I can only pray.
2. This is a more troubling one. My answer have been that even if Michael was to speak in between (or in place of?) Dr. Tong's sermon, if it is going to be long enough, Dr. Tong should have made it known to the host prior to the event, because everyone thought it was just one sermon from Dr. Tong. Some may feel that they have been cheated out of their precious time to be forced to listen to someone they did not expect.
Of course, I have to consider the nature of a rally, the communications between Dr. Tong and the organizers, etc. Nothing but prayer I have.
From my own judgment, Michael will have enemies that he himself is not aware of and take as friends. I shall pray to God for this concern.
