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)