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c3, c3 church, CHC, city harvest, City Harvest Church, con job, Kong Hee, kong job, Phil Pringle, Presence 2014, Presence Conference, Presence Conference 2014, sedition, sham, Singapore, singapore government
Phil Pringle’s act of sedition against the Singaporean Government
When people gave us their Presence Conference resources from previous years, we discovered that C3 only allowed the buyers to listen to the sessions of the conference. They cut out significant segments in between. These segments often included their deplorable and unbiblical offering messages and other dirty jobs. This is why we have started recording their live stream feed on their Presence Conference website. These events are highly orchestrated to con people of their hard-earned cash to suit the lifestyles of C3 and travelling ministers.
This year we have once again caught Phil Pringle acting deliberately deceitful at this year’s Presence Conference. To some, this comment may seem harsh. However, Kong Hee and Phil Pringle must have known the true nature of the evidence that was to go before the judge for assessment. This was the judge’s response.
We fail to see how Phil Pringle, Kong Hee and his lawyers could not more accurately anticipate the outcome, especially considering Pringle stated that his lawyers, “have to always consider the hypothetical negative and defend against that”. And why did he say this? So he can perpetuate the myth to his audiences that Kong Hee is an innocent victim being persecuted falsely by the Singaporean government.
This is why Pringle claims “these lawyers are feeling so somewhat positive that they have submitted a thing that says, let’s drop all the charges Judge, there’s no case against these people even though it’s been going on for three and a half years.
Furthermore, in the below video you will see Phil Pringle:
1. Encouraging conference members to “fill this auditorium with believers who are supporting” Kong Hee “in a really powerful way” in the next evening’s session. By “supporting”, Pringle means through financial support. Essentially this particular stunt was a plug to get more people to get more Christians from other churches so Phil Pringle could lie about Kong Hee’s circumstances and con them to give money for Kong Hee’s case.
2. Deliberately lied about the state of affairs in Singapore by suppressing the truth of the events. In the below audio Pringle accidentally blunders the facts about CHC in how, “Many, many people have le-uh-have-” …left the church? This means he has lied on his websites, advertising and in previous conferences over the sad state of affairs in CHC to bolster Kong Hee’s credibility as a successful and influential pastor.
Kong Hee & Phil Pringle: It Is Not About The Numbers… Right?
3. Pringle intentionally malign the Singaporean government saying, “They’re trying to, trying to bring this brother to you know an end and um- bring this church to an end but it’s not working”. This is not true at all. This is sedition. This is a baseless accusation.
The Singaporean Government officially stated,
“[…] that the charges filed by CAD are against 5 individuals from the City Harvest Church (CHC) regarding the use of Church funds. They are not filed against CHC itself. The CHC is free to continue its church services and activities.
[…] As the matter is now before the courts, we should let the law take its course and avoid speculation or making pre-judgements that may unnecessarily stir up emotions.” [Source]
The Singaporean government could not be more clear. However, Phil Pringle is disregarding and disrespecting the Singaporean authorities and their judicial processes by definitely stirring “up emotions” and maligning the government. As a “pastor” and according to his own constitution, Phil Pringle should refrain from distorting the facts of Kong Hee’s case to Christians everywhere and should not give Kong Hee the platform to do likewise.
4. Disgracefully and deliberately exploit people watching online and attending his conference in his final prayer prior to the next speaker. In this prayer he redefines what a Christian is by saying, “we want to be the real kind of Christians who don’t judge but who stand up showing grace, mercy and strength to those in need“. This statement, intended to guilt people into giving, is also another subtle attack on the body of Christ who are called to discern, judge and remove the immoral or wicked member from among them IF they are unrepentant. (Jude, 1 Corinthians 5). Let’s be clear that “in need” means “support” for Kong Hee’s financial need.
Furthermore in his prayer, Phil Pringle says, “we pray for the power of God to fill them and we pray that Lord we would not shirk away from standing with those who are in trouble, who are struggling”. In other words, don’t shirk away from your duty to bring people tomorrow night to support Kong Hee and make sure you give generously to financially support his lawyers. So essentially this prayer has told people that they cannot judge, they must attend Kong’s session tomorrow night, not question Pringle and Kong’s motives and to give whatever they can to financially support Kong Hee’s defense.
It is clear that Kong Hee and Phil Pringle have not been telling the truth to their audiences at Presence Conference.
VIDEO
Here is the video:
TRANSCRIPT
Here is the transcript:
In a short while we’re about to hear from our guest speaker tonight. And- but before we do that I’m just going to just ask our speaker for tomorrow night to come up here and uh- I want to- uh- introduce you to him. You may not have met him before. His name is Pastor Kong Hee from Singapore. [Crowds applause as Kong Hee walks on to stage, smiling and waving.]
Amen!
Pastor Kong and I are friends and we go back a long way and uh- he has recently in the last three and a half years faced one of the most serious- uh- trials and tribulations that I’ve known of any minister to travel through and I know he’ll be referring to that somewhat tomorrow night. But I wanted us to pray for him tonight. I want to give him as much time as possible tomorrow evening. He flies back to Singapore on Friday. He has a service on Friday night, but-uh-just to let you know that even though this trial has been going on for [. . .] three and a half years [Kong: Four years]. Four years now. A VERY long trial. And-uh-it’s an amazing thing the church is still firing!
Many, many people have le-uh-have-
YEAH! I mean it’s firing. Thousands and thousands of people. And uh-persecution-uh-and-and-uh-attack-and opposition and difficulties and trials don’t destroy the church ‘cause the church is made of tougher stuff than the Devil understands. It’s made of the Life of Jesus- and this last easter 3000 people came to Christ in their services [Crowds applause].
Right now the- recently the- maybe you could explain what’s happened with the trial.
Kong Hee: Um- about two weeks ago our lawyers have-uh-applied with the courts for a dismissal of the charges. So it’s what is called a “submit a no case to answer-um-application”. So we will find out in two weeks if the court, the judge will decide to continue with the case to call the defense to take the stand or to just end it here. And so it’s been going for a long time and we just pray that it will end as soon as possible. We want to get back our lives. [Applause’
Amen?
Pastor, I just got to say-um- you know when you go through something like this you become very open. Your heart become very open. I just want to thank you for Presence, for going out on a limp inviting me for the past few years. Ever since the case started, you never shirk away from our friendship. You know I have been here today.
It’s my second night of the conference but frankly every session I just wept before the Lord. You know I um- I was so touched by Pastor Chris, and um “the winter is over” and springtime is gonna come. Um, touched by the praise and worship.
Even tonight when Jurgen talk about God- I just got touched and just wanted to thank you so much for your friendship. Thank you for Presence. Thank you for all that you are doing for City Harvest Church and [turns to audience] thank you for your prayers and all your support the last four years. It’s been tough but together we’re gonna make it.
Phil Pringle: Amen.
You have to- you have to understand that lawyers are not known to be positive people. God bless all the lawyers here but they have to always consider the hypothetical negative and defend against that and these lawyers are feeling so somewhat positive that they have submitted a thing that says, let’s drop all the charges judge, there’s no case against these people even though it’s been going on for three and a half years. They’re trying to, trying to bring this brother to you know an end and um- bring this church to an end but it’s not working.
And I want us to believe God and tomorrow night when he’s sharing I would love to think that we fill this auditorium with believers who are supporting one of the great churches of this century that is reaching out all over the world and making a difference and we’re standing with him in a really powerful way.
Can you all stand? And we’re gonna pray tonight for Pastor Kong Hee and his wife Sun in the name of Jesus.
Heavenly Father let the blessing and the power of the Holy Spirit fall upon Pastor Kong Hee, his wife Sun, his son, their family, their team and that entire church, we pray for the power of God to fill them and we pray that Lord we would not shirk away from standing with those who are in trouble, who are struggling.
Dear Lord today we want to be the real kind of Christians who don’t judge but who stand up showing grace, mercy and strength to those in need,
In Jesus name, bless the mighty CHC church and all their people and all their churches around the world. Put your mantle on this man and bring deliverance in Jesus’ name. By the power of God we pray for the judge, we pray for the courts, that Lord you’d speak into their hearts and guide their feet ah- right, their decision, for complete deliverance in Jesus’ mighty name and everybody said – amen! God bless you.
There will be a mighty, mighty meeting tomorrow night, amen.
Souce: Phil Pringle and Kong Hee, Presence Conference 2014, Day 1.
C3 Church Watch 
So Steve. Since Pringle has endorsed you as a legitimate voice against us, what are your thoughts on the Kong Hee case? Do you like how Phil Pringle has behaved?
Go ahead, pray and get more people, indeed the whole world, to pray for Kong Hee. Yes, insinuate more and more that the Singapore Government is unjustly persecuting him and intends on ‘ending’ CHC. Oh please, be like Elijah, call on the name of God to send fire from heaven to set him free. But you know what – the Singapore Government is listening to all your rhetoric that you are so clearly directing to the ears of the CHC congregation, and will even work harder to convict him. And you know what’s more – God Himself will harden the resolve of the Judge to convict him. Why? Because Kong Hee is a ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing devouring the blood (hard earned money) of his flock. Then shame befalls him, and also on you Pringle. Stop playing with God’s Name! Where can you hide from the wrath of God?
“Oh please, be like Elijah, call on the name of God to send fire from heaven to set him free.”
Funny you say that Jacob. Pringle probably tried to send fire from heaven to set Kong free.
https://c3churchwatch.com/2011/11/10/is-phil-pringle-your-elijah-3/
Christians puzzle me … So Kong Hee has been accused – not yet found guilty, most likely already feeling as bad as any person can feel – and your okay to bang on relentlessly about the whole ordeal? Seriously dude! You would do well to do a stock take on your own soul!
Hi Kylie!!
We know you’re from C3CW Watch. However you are welcome to debate here.
I notice the usual tactic the Phil/Kong supporters do is to turn the argument back on us reporting facts. Kind of what certain politicians do – deny, turn the conversation around, and attack those questioning them.
Yes, Kong is accused. He is not guilty until he is found guilty. Did you read what the judge now has to say? He has a case to answer. No, at Presence they didn’t know the outcome. Yet the problem we have is that Phil keeps spinning the same old story, as reported – that Kong is persecuted; that they are trying to close his church; that they need money.
Now – if people want to give to Kong by being hoodwinked, by not knowing or searching out the facts for themselves, good on them. BUT – if Phil is getting up there, feeding half truths and making out “poor old Kong” blah blah, he’s being misleading and I’d say deceitful in his conduct to the church.
Now, food for thought – I know for a 100% fact that when love offerings are taken up at certain c3’s, a part of the offering gets held back for the church. So, maybe Phil will take his 10% cut off Kong’s “donations”.
Maybe some of those close to the c3OF inner sanctum can give us a Phil update, if he’s still not sleeping well. Which is a shame he’s not doing well; it’s not good that Kong’s son could potentially lose his father for several years. But even if they get acquitted, they haven’t exactly not put themselves in the situations…
And one more thing – I often wonder the reactions of the supporters of boths camps given the outcomes – to be fair.
If he’s acquitted: the supporters will be in jubilation, claiming miraculous deliverance from God, saying Phil’s prophecies were right. The “critics” will be shocked, maybe have egg on face, need to backdown, back peddle probably try and be critical of outcomes.
If he’s convicted: the supporters will believe it’s an act of evil, that he’s being persecuted, there will be much wailing, the church may fold, or at least suffer greatly. And of course, the critics will go to town: that he’s guilty, Phil’s guilty by association, that Phil gives false prophesies, that they fleeced the flock for money, etc.
And it may be a kong time until we know.
Hi Squidaloopa – (that’s quite an alias)!
No, I’m not affiliated with C3watch watch(?). So sorry to disappoint. I am also up to date with current news articles regarding Kong & Co’s case, & am neither for, nor against any particular religious organization or group.
What – ever position people take on this ordeal, there are no winners!
“And of course, the critics will go to town: that he’s guilty, Phil’s guilty by association, that Phil gives false prophesies, that they fleeced the flock for money, etc.”
The critics have already “gone to town” on everything in your last sentence anyway, whether Kong Hee is found guilty or not, Squidaloopa…
Hi Kylie!
Ah yes please accept my apologies then. There’s often a thin line between heated debate and what may be called stone casting (on both sides), hence the incorrect Kylie reference.
“What-ever position people take on this ordeal, there are no winners!”
I was thinking that this morning and you’d be quite right there. As Austin said, the critics have and will go to town if Kong is convicted; they’ll call for Phil’s resignation, blah blah, and it will reinforce the public view of Christianity as one of being money hungry. I don’t think there will be much dancing in the street.
Btw as for the pseudonyms, there is much to say why we don’t use our real names…ever wondered why they pixelate and vocally distort informers or ex-members on the news, for fear of retribution??
Kyle
Of course the case is still on and very soon we will know the judgement. Like you , Christians still puzzle me and in this case how could they still accept the leadership of an unrepentant pastor who still insist that China wine is a legitimate method of evangelism.You don’t need to wait for the outcome of the trial to know that it is wrong and that he should humbly confess and repent of his error. Until then criticism to expose and tell the truth is fair,at least for the sake of the less informed brethen.
I just think that there’s one thing that does bare highlighting in all of this commentary, and that is the question that most needs to be answered.
What was the doctrine and practice that was taught by PP, and accepted by KH, that got CHC into this mess in the first place.? Without being “legal” and simply looking at the logic behind ’cause and effect’, I’m just asking, without condemnation, ‘how did this happen’?
How did the City Harvest Church start up perhaps many years ago (not sure of the history,) and then begin to build its numbers and financial base, and then one day, Kong Hee gets out of bed and it all ends up in a court room? Such a progression of events does not happen overnight.
Perhaps it was the doctrine on ‘tithing’ or special “love offerings” for the leadership etcetera, that precipitated such a disaster, and it just got to the point where ‘politics and money’ took over, and caution was thrown to the wind?
Somebody should have been asking ‘awkward’ questions a long time ago (like “where’s all the money gone?”) before it got to this. And obviously somebody did, but unfortunately it was too late.
I make no judgement on the sheep who may have been sorely misled in all of these goings on, but people in leadership should have made Kong Hee and his inner circle accountable for every last penny of church funds, to ensure that there could be no come back on CHC at large. But $20 million+ dollars went missing and ‘no one’ knew where it went???
Regardless of whether guilt or innocence is established during any subsequent hearings, the mere fact that it ended up in court in the first place, has brought the Christian Church in general (not just CHC) into disrepute. There must be much confusion amongst the congregation, and there will probably be a lot of hurting sheep due to any fallout over this for a long time to come, regardless of the outcome
“Pringle intentionally malign the Singaporean government saying, “They’re trying to, trying to bring this brother to you know an end and um- bring this church to an end but it’s not working”. This is not true at all. This is sedition. This is a baseless accusation.”
That’s very troubling to read that Phil Pringle can make that claim with any integrity
I have seen many articles from Singapore, and read many comments from current CHC attendees who acknowledge that the government isn’t attacking their church. If that’s the case, why is it still operating (though with a much-decreased congregation – 30,000 down to 10000)?
“The Singaporean Government officially stated,
“[…] that the charges filed by CAD are against 5 individuals from the City Harvest Church (CHC) regarding the use of Church funds. They are not filed against CHC itself. The CHC is free to continue its church services and activities.
[…] As the matter is now before the courts, we should let the law take its course and avoid speculation or making pre-judgements that may unnecessarily stir up emotions.” [Source]”
Does Phil Pringle keep up with government policy in Singapore or does he limit his research to City harvest Church’s own “City News”?
“Pringle intentionally malign the Singaporean government saying “They’re trying to, trying to bring this brother to you know an end and um – bring this church to an end but it’s not working”. And they call Pringle a prophet?
You obviously don’t understand the painstaking and patient approach adopted by the Singapore Courts. Singapore has always been ultra sensitive about keeping religious harmony, and took an extraordinary time to ‘process’ this case to temper down emotions of CHC members and evangelical Christians. Two government bodies – the Commissioner Of Charity and Criminal Affairs Department – conducted separate investigations and, after over a year, came to a joint conclusion that there were evidence of criminal offences. And here, Pringle in the safety of being outside Singapore say all these seditious things to the CHC members – things that counter the efforts of the Singapore Government. If he had said these things in Singapore, he could very well be arrested and charged for interfering with legal processes.
What’s Kong Hee’s offence? He and his church preached strongly on tithing, including other givings to God. There were complaints that church members were asked to show their payslips to prove that there had not under-paid their tithes. And, the church talked of great sacrifices made by certain members who sold their homes just to give to God. From once a 30,000 strong members church, there will statistically be cases when tithing members did well financially – these were then used by the church to ‘prove’ that tithing is biblical. Now the money given to God should belong to God. But what did Kong Kee do with it? Spent them on his wife’s music TVs on ‘China Wine’, ‘Kill Bill’, etc; where Sun Ho dressed in ungodly garbs, prancing around like demon processed. Sun Ho lived in S$28,000 per month mansion in LA while they bought a S$9.7 million home in Sentosa Cove in Singapore. Now, any one who belongs to God will be enraged by the unrighteousness of Kong Kee who continually preach as if God were on his side. For those who are not Christians, won’t they be put off by this kind of gospel, and by this kind of God? Now, what do we think God feels about all these? Jesus came to give us understanding of a righteous God, but Kong Hee changed it all. So, beware the wrath of God is coming on those who abused His name for their selfish gains.
What’s Pringle’s offence? He declared Kong Hee innocent, and hides facts and truth from his own congregation. Ask – isn’t he an ungodly man who preaches about God. And ask – what’s God’s opinion about his behaviour?
Totally agree with all you said, Jacob.
That is a very serious allegation against the Singapore government. If an official report is made, he will be in big trouble with the law. Please don’t play play’. Best and fair for him to retract statement.
It’s either a brave or a foolish irresponsible accusation. For his sake, I hope he did not utter that, esp not from a pastor.
I find the use of background music fascinating. Notice how i) it’s hypnotically repetitive, and ii) mimics the energy the pastor is trying to project. For example have a listen form around 5:50 how it builds. Highly manipulative stuff.
Nice picture too. Is that a radio?
Annette – that’s an old 1930’s “Cathedral Set” – it was called that because the shape of the speaker grill and wooden casing was similar to the arched and pointed windows in old cathedral style buildings. Radio and electronics were my trade, in a past life, and are still my hobby today.
Steve? Where are you Steve?
Can you reply to our above questions?
Seriously Churchwatcher – do you really want to go three rounds in the ring again with that man?
I must admit that it would be nice to get some straight answers from him for a change…
Still, with winter coming on, he might just be busy trying on some different sized sheep skins…
He won’t answer the question because it’s pretty simple and straight forward. That means it’s too hard to “twist”.
if he does show up he’ll probably just rant about something unrelated without answering the question!
I was advised in an email from Steve this morning that C3 Church Watch Watch is being “decommissioned”.
….wonder if the order came from Phil himself?
“We cannot elevate love while downplaying truth. We cannot promote unity by repressing sound doctrine.”
– this could be in direct response to Furtick’s “Haters”. He talks about love love love but downplays what’s going on in his church. On closer inspection it sounds like SF is directing his angst toward Rosenborough.
And now on topic – without breaching copyright, please refer Michael W. Smith’s classic song “How Long Will Be Too Long”. Very timely to what’s happening about now.
Folks – i’ve just been to the Chookwatch blogsite – and it is no more…
http://c3churchwatchwatch.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/chookwatch-twins-hammer-out-irony/comment-page-1/#comment-338
“When people gave us their Presence Conference resources from previous years, we discovered that C3 only allowed the buyers to listen to the sessions of the conference. They purposefully cut out segments in between.”
My God, you’re right! How dare they cut out the non-message portions of the sessions on something they advertise as “the conference messages”! Evil, manipulative behaviour…
Well, thanks for that Berean – barely enough time to grab the popcorn and a glass of coke though…
I’m sure that Steve’s read the book, but I wonder if he’s seen the movie yet???
Austin ,
Popcorn? Potato chips you mean? Singaporeans love them.
I do agree with your comments entirely.
The bottom line is if we don’t have WISDOM, we can still ask GOD for it, it is our own responsibility. At the end we ourselves are the ones who determine our final destination, but also we are going to be held accountable for the final destination of the souls who have been, or are being misled.
Only believing and obedience to the absolute truth, JESUS the word incarnated, guarantees our eternity with HIM. Amen.
I wonder whether those wolves dressed in sheepskin have got any conscience left of what they are doing to those souls.