Dear Hope Church Family and Friends,

In Mark’s gospel, Jesus says to his disciples, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a  while.” (Mark 6:31) Jesus said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to rest and eat—they were getting 'burn-out'. So they left…for a quiet place, where they could be alone (Mark 6:31-32). And I think there is a sense in which we all need to go to a quiet place for a break to rejuvenate ourselves, especially for those who are in the ministry.

So, during one of the Session meetings last year, I asked the Session of our church to consider granting me permission to go for further study to do my PhD at Bob Jones University, which I originally thought would be a break for me and my family. After much prayer and deliberation, the Session decided to grant my request. Having gone through a lengthy application process, the doctoral committee of BJU has given me the approval for me to commence my doctoral studies in the fall of 2014. However, many things have happened since I was accepted by the University. First, my wife's health condition became quite critical before and after our third child arrived in December 2013. Second, my father in Taiwan also has had a series of medical problems and went through an operation toward the end of last year. Third, none of my family members seems to be ready to relocate and spend at least 4 years in a far away land. In view of these circumstances, I debated within myself, “If my going to the States is to be a break or rest, it wouldn't be much of a break with what is happening in the family.” I see these circumstances as God telling me to reconsider my plan. So I prayed to God humbly to seek His direction and guidance. And after much prayer before the Lord, we have decided to take a sabbatical break instead of a study break, and we are at peace when we made the chance of plan. I know you probably have questions like, “What is a sabbatical and what will it accomplish?” Those are both great questions. So, I shall endeavor to answer them from what I understand based on the Bible.

The biblical basis for a sabbatical is, of course, Genesis 2:2-3 where God literally “ceased” His work of creating all that is. Additional scriptures such as Leviticus 25 teach about a “Sabbath year” where every seventh year, not only were God’s people commanded to rest, but also the work animals and even the land were given a rest. Scriptures like these and the example of Jesus getting away even during the busyness of ministry to be alone with His Father are the biblical foundations for taking sabbaticals. In recent times, a sabbatical has come to mean an extended time away, usually two months to a year, from the career of an individual [especially a teacher, professor or pastor or preacher] in order to achieve something, like book writing or research or just resting for more in life. As a Chinese proverb says, “To rest is to go further on the road.”

My family and I started serving at Hope Church since 2008. This October, I will be on my 7^th year of ministry at Hope Church. And because I want to continue serving the Lord wherever He calls me even more effectively, it is certainly time for this sabbatical break. So, from the first of May this year onwards, my family and I are planning to be away for a while to take a break from the ministry for at least 3 months though there is no specific time frame set. My family and I will continue in the ministry wherever the Lord has placed my family and I (Joshua 24:15). And I believe the Lord wants us to stay put in Adelaide and that is all I know at the moment. By God's providence, I thank God that our Pastor (Rev.) Okman Ki and his wife have returned from London to be with us again to shepherd the flock and minister God's Word to us. I am sure Hope Church is much encouraged and assured with their presence. In addition to our Pastor, we are also privileged to have a few God-fearing ministers in our midst to supplement our pulpit and teaching need, including our founding Pastor (Rev.) Edward Paauwe.      

So, with all of the above in mind, I am asking for your prayers. I am asking you to pray and remember my family while we take a break from the ministry; I am asking you to step up with the Session and stand behind their leadership decisions; I’m asking you to uphold Pastor Ki and his leadership; I am also asking you to take up the challenge and answer the Lord's call for the advancement of His Kingdom. I believe Hope Church will enter into a new chapter with deeper faith in God and greater fervency for the cause of Christ & His gospel.

In Christ,

Preacher David Weng

More Lively Hope

© Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
14 Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia 5041