Among the Bible stories recounted by Ma’am Elda Ombi-on, our Sunday School teacher over six decades ago, three stood out to have captured my young mind.
These were Daniel in the Lions’ Den, David and Goliath and Noah’s Ark. So high is the appeal of these narratives, especially among young minds, because of their conflict value that video entertainment developers have created games appealing even to today’s generation.
But one narrative stands out, especially today. Recent environmental concerns have brought back to mind the story of Noah and the ark he painstakingly constructed to save his family and animals from the 40 days and 40 nights of rain and the eventually flood that lasted for more than a year.
The story as I remembered from our Sunday School teacher, showcased lessons on faith and obedience and trust in God’s promises and judgment.
Apparently, they have remained the same lessons that the recent rains and inundation must have offered, especially from the point of view of the spiritually-discerning, beyond the realities of climate change, disaster management and resiliency.
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My childhood imagination of Noah’s Ark was given some dose of reality when I had the opportunity some years back to explore a theme park in Hong Kong.
Instead of going to Disneyland and Ocean Park, the post popular entertainment complexes in Hong Kong, we headed to Noah’s Ark, a Christian theme park, and is committed to the promotion of faith, nature, education, art and love. The park is located on Ma Wan Island.
Built in 2009, right after the end of British rule that returned power to mainland China, the park offers a multi-media experience focused on Biblical history with the hope of disseminating the message of the Bible in the mainland.
As the park name’s suggests, the centerpiece attraction is a full-scale replica of the ark based on measurements mentioned in the Bible.
The multi-storey building also serves as a hostel on its top floor.
The ark is 450 feet (137 meters), long, 45 feet (almost 14 meters) high and 73 feet (about 23 meters) wide.
Beside the ark are sculptures of 67 life-size pairs of animals, birds and other creatures, a reminder of living things Noah saved from high waters by accommodating them in the ark.
The park also features a massive garden, amusement and recreational facilities for children and facilities for physical activities.
Inside the ark, the main attraction is the multimedia experience that recalls world history as recorded in the Bible, along with a series of theaters and galleries that display items reminding visitors of the challenges humanity is facing today – leading to the realization that the acceptance of Biblical teachings and God are the solution to present-day problems,
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Residents of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and the Philippines are not alone in bearing the burden brought about by recent typhoons.
Our ASEAN neighbors had their share of the brunt of the vagaries of nature. A recent check of the front pages of international news websites showed images of devastation in key centers of the region.
Beyond adaptability and resilience, the environmental state of things require immediate action on the part of our leaders as well as everyone to address these concerns.
And yes, we must remember, too, the lessons – that have crossed generational borders – the story of Noah’s Ark offered.
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When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2) | NWI
