 |
|||
Volume. XIX, No. 23 From the Pastors Heart: A bit of everythingFrom Adelaide to Melbourne, Sydney, and finally Los Angeles, it took us about 22 hours both in the air and in the airport. It was a very long and tedious trip. However, we thank the Lord for His goodness toward us. There were a few bumpy moments in the air, and I saw a few people grabbing their hands tight as if they wanted to assure each other that it would be okay. In times like this, knowing God and trusting is so good. There was no fear but only assurance that the Lord knew all things and we were in His gracious hands. Honestly speaking, I briefly prayed to the Lord, not because of turbulence in the air but because of the peace I had in my heart. I whispered to the Lord that it was okay if He wanted to take us to our eternal home. Sure the Lord is our comfort in every situation, and His peace is different from peace that this world can give to us. Thank you for your prayers, lots of love and love gifts. Some of you came and visited us the night before we left. Thank you for your concern for us. Only two days have passed since we left Adelaide and Myung told me that she is homesick. She has been with her family and beloved ones, but still is homesick! I praise the Lord for our annual Christmas concert and all of you, not simply because of your beautiful songs and music, wonderful gathering, good food, or good facilities we used, but because of everybody’s participation for the occasion. I saw that everyone of you worked together. I have seen so many divisions and internal fighting in Christian churches all over the world. It was so refreshing to my soul that all of the Hopefuls had worked together in one mind and one heart as they prepared for the concert. Many thanks to the musicians who sang and played music. I am grateful to those who made plans, prepared materials, organized the programs, made stages, cleaned up the place, and of course for those who made the many good dishes we shared afterwards. Togetherness and oneness amongst believers is a special blessing from the Lord. Isn’t it true that a psalmist said in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Let us continue to strive for our togetherness and oneness in mind. Paul advises us in Ephesians 4:3, ‘Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The Great Commission has been in the heart of the ministry at Hope Church. As you know, the Hopefuls have contributed to educate Esther Koo in a better place for the last three years. Yes, it has been already three years since we began to support her. We have made a five year pledge to help her get better education. Next January, we will begin our fourth year of support. Many of you have made monthly contributions. May I appeal to you once again to make a new pledge for another year of support? It does not matter how much you can give. Some offer five dollars per month, and some give 100 dollars. Every dollar is precious for her education. We are making a difference in this young lady’s life. It is my prayer that all donors will do the same thing as they have given to the cause so far. If you have not done it yet, would you join us and become new donors next year? Especially, I praise and thank the Lord for the 2005 Cambodia mission team. This time, four out of six Session members are going, which is a remarkable record in our mission trips so far. Many will join them from both Hope Church and other BP Churches in Australia and other countries. I thank and praise the Lord for His goodness toward us. He has given us this privilege to get involved in missions. This is the Christmas season. After all, Christmas is an occasion to remember the coming of Jesus Christ to this world. He was sent by the Father. Likewise, He sent His disciples to the world. Now, it is our turn to be sent to Cambodia. The Lord’s ministry has continued and is continuing even through us. I hope and pray that the ones behind us will do the same thing for His glory. Medical work will be done this time, and many people will get involved in teaching and preaching. Please pray for their effective work and safety. Let them be good testimonies for the Lord. There are many things that stir us up to think this time of the year. First, there are a few people who are leaving us both for good and some for a limited time. I thank the Lord for all of them. Thank the Lord for His people in Hope Church. Some people have been with us a few years or not too long. However, we are grateful for their being with us. It is my prayer that the Lord will keep and protect then. I trust that the Lord will bless them wherever they will go. Around this time of the year, I do remember those who are not with us in body but with us in spirit. Many former students from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and other countries. I thank the Lord for all of them. There are also people who are away from us due to studies or building up their careers, or other reasons. I thank the Lord for Selvanayagams (Winston, Christabelle, Joseph, Chrisanthi, William). I thank the Lord for Gabriel and Grace Lee, Lincoln Law, Wendy Gong, and many others. I wish them a merry Christmas. There are also some students who were away from home but came home for holidays. I thank the Lord for them too. Especially, there are some people whose names cannot be named. They were with us once, but now are not with us at the moment. They had their reasons for not being with us. However, they are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish them a merry Christmas as well. There are some people who have been afflicted with painful experiences or illnesses. May the Lord preserve them in His grace! Many of the Hopefuls are away from their home countries and beloved ones. I pray that the Lord will comfort them with His peace. Lovingly, Your Pastor |
|