To the average Christian, it is not always feasible to rejoice in all things. Indeed, things could be very disappointing and even frustrating. How can we rejoice in all things as Paul has taught us (Philippians 4:4)? Indeed, Paul further opines in I Thessalonians 5:16-18 that we should rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. Those who have followed Paul's advice would find that rejoicing is a great weapon for us to fight our way through obstacles and mishaps. Proverb 17:22 resonates that a cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
I know some of our enthusiastic brothers and sisters might be disappointed at the outcome of our effort to win lost souls to Christ through various kinds of evangelism. Nevertheless, it is definitely not the end of the road to fulfill our Christian destiny. We should rather learn from our experience to foster a keener sense of the purpose and destiny of our lives, to promote discipleship through Biblical education, to ensure mutual understanding and solidarity among us through honest dialogue in the face of conflict in a healthy manner—not just how to "smile and get along" but how to disagree with grace.
If we can stick ourselves to the principle of rejoicing, determination and perseverance in our pursuit, and encourage one another with the promises of our Lord, I am sure God will open another door for our pursuit when the time is ripe. In between, it is a preparation for our future destiny with a joyful heart, a ceaseless hope and a constant prayer seeking God's guidance and blessings. May God the Father and the Lord Jesus help us! Amen.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
My Goodbye Message to T.P.I.B.C.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of TPIBC,
I wish to thank all of you in the Tai Po International Baptist Church for your understanding and support during my tenure as the voluntary part-time minister in your church. I must thank also the volunteers, e.g. those who are involved with the children's ministry as most of them were overstretched both in terms of their involvement and tenures.
While some of our beloved members were leaving us, the Lord brought to us new families from abroad and local members like Emily, Dinnie and Alice. Indeed, God even called back Nilda to help us out! To me, they are the signs of our Lord's care and concern towards the church rather than coincidences. What's more, light is shed recently on our awaited and needed fulltime pastor–2 candidates have come forward with promising signs.
After my personal review, it is time for me to leave your church as an interim minister. Hopefully, I could dedicate myself to my endeavor to build up a local men's support ministry. Also, my leave should contribute to a larger space and freedom for the CMC and the congregation together to gauge and consolidate the imminent and specific needs in the church's pastoral ministries. Let me borrow the Apostle Paul's words (II Thess. 2:16–17) as my goodbye blessing to you:“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” Amen.
Howard (31/1/2007)
I wish to thank all of you in the Tai Po International Baptist Church for your understanding and support during my tenure as the voluntary part-time minister in your church. I must thank also the volunteers, e.g. those who are involved with the children's ministry as most of them were overstretched both in terms of their involvement and tenures.
While some of our beloved members were leaving us, the Lord brought to us new families from abroad and local members like Emily, Dinnie and Alice. Indeed, God even called back Nilda to help us out! To me, they are the signs of our Lord's care and concern towards the church rather than coincidences. What's more, light is shed recently on our awaited and needed fulltime pastor–2 candidates have come forward with promising signs.
After my personal review, it is time for me to leave your church as an interim minister. Hopefully, I could dedicate myself to my endeavor to build up a local men's support ministry. Also, my leave should contribute to a larger space and freedom for the CMC and the congregation together to gauge and consolidate the imminent and specific needs in the church's pastoral ministries. Let me borrow the Apostle Paul's words (II Thess. 2:16–17) as my goodbye blessing to you:“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” Amen.
Howard (31/1/2007)
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