Dear JLPF Partners,
What an incredible contrast I experienced during January! Right after the New Year, I flew to Haiti around the second anniversary of the killer earthquake. Shortly after that trip, I flew to the other side of the globe to minister in Singapore. On every level, the contrasts could not have been more graphic. Let me share a few of those stark comparisons...
In traveling from Haiti to Singapore, I went from the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere to one of the most prosperous countries in Asia. Singapore is now one of the top financial centers in the world -- known as one of the "Four Asian Tigers," along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. The World Bank calls Singapore one of the best and easiest places in the world to do business.
By contrast, when it comes to business and foreign investment, Haiti is a nightmare of corruption, bureaucracy, ineptness and incompetence! While she is readily accessible geographically with a willing and able work force, the lack of honest and competent political and business leaders makes Haiti one of the least stable and least desirable places to invest and do business. As a result, unemployment continues in the 80% range with a poverty level unparalleled in the Western World.
In the 1950s and 60s, Singapore was considered a "Developing Country.'" Having been founded as the "East India Company" by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1891, Singapore was a part of the British Empire until her independence in 1959. For many decades, Singapore was a part of her larger neighbor to the north, Malaysia. But Singapore became independent from Malaysia in 1965. Because of its small size, Singapore is known as a City-State with a relatively small population of 5 million people -- a little less than Haiti's population. Today, in spite of her small land mass and small population, the Republic of Singapore ranks among the most highly Developed Countries of the world -- reputedly with more millionaires per capita than any other country.
However, with much more land mass and population, Haiti continues to be listed at the opposite end of the global socio-economic scale as an "Underdeveloped Country" -- the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Many say that Haiti is moving downward from "Third World" to a "Fourth World" category with irreversible educational, economic and ecological losses, while there is virtually no unemployment or poverty in Singapore. Both are rampant in Haiti. And the killer earthquake on January 10, 2010, only worsened an already bleak national forecast.
Because of limited land and natural resources, Singapore has stressed educational excellence and a strong work ethic. About the same time that Singapore was under British control in the 1800s, Haiti gained her independence from France in 1804. In the subsequent years Haiti became known as the "Pearl of the Antilles" and "Paris of the New World". She was the favored travel destination of the intelligentsia, artists, poets and other people of class, culture and distinction.
Historians tell us that Haiti was once one of the greenest and and most beautiful tropical islands in the Caribbean -- covered with lush forests of mahogany, tropical trees of every description and fruit trees everywhere. At that time, Haiti had some of the richest and most fertile top soil in the world where anything and everything would grow in abundance. But as a result of endless decades of deforestation, less than 3% of the trees remain throughout the country today. The mountains are now treeless, barren, brown and lifeless. And the lush top soil was long ago washed into the surrounding sea where it killed much of the beautiful coral reefs and fish life. Ecologically, Haiti is a "dead island" surrounded by 'dead waters.'
By contrast, when you land in Singapore, you feel you have landed in the Garden of Eden! Everything is lush and green with flowers and trees of every variety growing everywhere. And the streets and sidewalks are so clean you could eat off them -- because stiff fines are levied for any littering! One of the most popular T-shirts for tourist advertises: "Singapore is a Fine City!" Then there is a long list of everything you will be fined for, from littering…to spitting…to jaywalking…to not flushing a public toilet...to drinking & driving…to using a cell phone while at the wheel. And you can't even buy chewing gum in Singapore -- which keeps people from littering with the wrapper or old gum on sidewalks!
Sadly, as you drive the broken, pot-hole filled 'streets' of Port-au-Prince, huge piles of rotting garbage pungently greet you at every turn in the road -- often being foraged by roaming goats or rooting pigs And every river, stream or storm gutter is glutted with sewage and garbage of every foul description and stench!
Like Singapore, Haiti has some of the best ports in the world for ships and cruise liners. However, few vessels ever sail to Haiti today because of poor facilities, filthy polluted waters and the perpetual stench of sewage and garbage glutting the dilapidated harbors. This is compounded by the senseless "red tape," graft and greed of the officials and endless delays that cost incalculable loss of time, money and resources. By contrast, sailors complain that things are so organized, computerized and mechanized in Singapore, that they do not have any "shore leave" due to the fast turn-around in the harbors! No wonder Singapore is ranked among the 5 busiest ports in the world.
Singapore was once a noted place for crime, opium trade, prostitution, poverty and intrigue of the lowest order; today it is one of the safest cities in the world. Crime is virtually non-existent because of a firm and fair rule of law. Things like corruption, bribery and pay-offs are not tolerated on any level -- especially among political leaders and law enforcement people. Murder and drug trafficking are capital offenses leading swiftly to the death penalty.
Sadly, in Haiti institutional graft and corruption are the norm -- and have been for generations. It is just what presidents, parliamentarians and politicians do! So lawlessness is increasingly a way of life in Haiti today. However, when I first started going there in the 1960s and 70s, robbery and murder were unheard of! That's because the Haitians are just not a violent, hostile people. But in recent years, armed robbery, kidnapping and violence have become the norm -- especially in Port-au-Prince. In places like Cite Soleil -- the largest slum in Port-au-Prince, armed gangs and thugs rule the roost and terrorize with almost complete impunity.
What makes the difference between these two similar countries? While not wanting to be simplistic or reductionistic, I would say one word: leadership. In conferences and seminars I often teach this simple principle: "Every problem is a leadership problem." In one sense, there are no "abstract problems." There are only leadership problems. Every problem has a person's name and face connected to it! So the world languishes today under the predominance of poor leaders…passive leaders…perverted leaders…pompous leaders -- when they need prophetic leaders! It matters not whether they are Christian or secular leaders, an authentic prophetic leader correctly analyzes the problem and then boldly leads with the necessary political, judicial, economic, educational and cultural paradigms to bring about lasting systemic change and new national trajectory!
That kind of visionary, bold, prophetic leadership came to Singapore in the person of Lee Kuan Yew. He became Prime Minister of Singapore after the transition from British rule. He led his "People's Action Party" (PAP) through 8 political victories from 1959 - 1990. And as the PAP name indicates, Lee Kuan Yew was a man of action! Until his retirement, he was the world's longest serving Prime Minister with 50 years of bold leadership. He led Singapore from being a small, struggling, undeveloped colonial outpost of the British Empire to one of the world's most peaceful and prosperous countries.
When Lee took over Singapore, it was a diverse country and culture with many convolutions and conflicts. He stressed racial harmony and religious tolerance. He made four languages equal: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil, spoken by the population. In addition, the four major religions were given full equality of expression: Buddhism (33%), Christianity (20%), Islam (15%), Hinduism (5%). There is zero tolerance for any form of religious hostility or aggression between the major faiths. To date, they live side-by-side in harmony.
In contrast, Haiti was basically founded upon voodoo -- which was imported there by the African slaves. While Catholicism became the official religion under the French, the evangelical Protestant church has become the predominant spiritual force in the country today. It is the one major "success story" of Haiti that is largely untold and unknown to the outside world. And it is the story that I love to tell and emphasize!
While Lee Kuan Yew's firm authoritarian leadership generally won him the respect and following of his people -- and most of the rest of the world, it also won him some critics, detractors and enemies. Not everyone wants his level of aggressive authoritarian leadership. But Singapore demonstrates that everyone has to give up some personal freedoms in order to gain larger collective liberties. For most Singaporean citizens, the collective peace and prosperity is well worth the loss of some of their smaller "individual rights."'
So for me, much of our world today -- including America, could benefit by Lee Kuan Yew's style of bold authoritarian leadership -- without solidifying into unchecked authoritarianism that so often results in "Dictatorships for life."
I have often said that the most perfect form of human government is a "Benevolent Dictatorship" -- which is exactly what the Kingdom of God will be! The Bible says that when Jesus returns a second time, He will "…rule with an iron scepter" (Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15). The first time He came as the sacrificial Lamb. The next time He will come as the "Lion of the Tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5). That clearly means that Jesus will establish a theocracy and not a democracy. There will be no elections or voting when it comes to His universal Kingship. It will not be a "majority rule" -- but a "rule by One!" He will be history's only perfect "Benevolent Dictator." As such, His rule will be a perfect balance of love and "justice for all."
While human history has had a few experiments of "benevolent dictatorships," they do not last long. That's because the leader's benevolence is soon over-powered by his dictatorial spirit -- all of which he justifies to maintain his decreasing "benevolent authority." Soon thereafter, we see the truth of the maxim: "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely!" But to date, Singapore and the authoritarian rule of Lee Kuan Yew comes about as close as we have seen in history of a benevolent dictatorial rule that benefits the many more than the individual -- especially the political leaders.
Sadly, the 200 plus years of history in Haiti have been the polar political opposite of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew's leadership. As the world's oldest Black Republic, Haiti has known little more than the corrupt, incompetent, self-serving leadership of dictator after dictator -- that continues to this very day.
One final quick contrast -- which may sound like a commercial for Singapore Airlines (SQ). I share it because it is such a great illustration of the point of this article. I flew from NY to Singapore this time by SQ, their National Airline. For a number of years now, SQ has won the title of the "World's Best Airline" (By contrast "Haiti Airlines" ceased to function and fly years ago!). Over and over again, SQ has received the coveted "5 Star" rating in all areas of competition. As they advertise: "With Singapore Airlines, service is key. And its all in the details." And do they ever strive to live up to that business motto! While virtually all other airlines are cutting services at every level, SQ is only increasing and intensifying theirs. Their airplanes are the newest and finest in the skies. They are squeaky clean down to every small detail. The food is excellent and service is unparalleled from the moment you step up to their counters until you step off the plane at your destination. Their Tourist Class (which I always fly) is better than most other First Class or Business Class. And their prices are competitive with any other airline. You have never seen airline attendants knock themselves out to serve you like the SQ staff does! They make you ashamed of other airlines -- including all American based ones -- which is very sad. And the church of Jesus Christ could learn from the SQ model of sensitivity and service when it comes to people -- which is what both business and the church is all about! It is another example of the words of Jesus when He said: "The people of the world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light" (Lk. 16:8). So much for my commercial for SQ! But if you fly them, you will understand my enthusiasm over their striving for excellence in a time of airline mediocrity! When other airlines hardly offer peanuts, SQ still serves up a choice of the best meals in the sky!
In conclusions, let me say that God is mightily working in both Haiti and Singapore! While the political, economic, educational and ecological contrasts are polar opposites, God has never been limited by man's sin, rebellion, greed, corruption or incompetence! Nor is He limited by political corruption and ineptness. He is still sovereign over all the affairs of man -- including government. But He does work differently in different spiritual and political situations. When He and His laws are acknowledged and adhered to, there is generally peace and prosperity for the majority of people. It has always been true that: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Prov. 14:34). Ancient Israel proves that…America proves that…Haiti proves that…Singapore proves that! That's why Haiti is still an undeveloped country that is almost totally dependent upon the support of the outside world. Singapore, on the other hand, is a highly developed "Donor Nation" that not only cares for the needs of her own people, but reaches out to others. And when it comes to the Body of Christ, the church in Singapore is now a sending and supporting church when it comes to the Great Commission! My time with Pastor Joseph Jabemany and the Yishun Evangelical Church freshly demonstrated that giving, sending and supporting spirit.
So thanks for supporting me spiritually and financially on my recent trip to Singapore. Please take a few moments now to look at my "slide show" as well as the brief video clip from my last message around the Chinese New Year that took place while I was there. I think you will be blessed and encouraged…
In His Faithful Love,
JL
PS: It was a special joy to reconnect in Singapore with ND Alumni Dr. Louis & Susan Scott Sutton. They are the International Directors for WEC (Worldwide Evangelization for Christ, founded by C.T. Studd; 1860-1931). Louis and Susan are special friends, partners and great servant leaders for the Lord Jesus! I visited them when they lived and worked in Chad in 2001. Now it was a joy to visit them in Singapore -- another polar opposite of Chad in almost every way!
