In Obedience to Christ’s Great Commission

Before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He said to His disciples, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:18-10)

Some refer to this as Christ’s last words to those who followed Him; yet, these were words which gave much meaning to them and enabled them to change the world. These words were Christ’s way to assure His followers that He would be with them wherever they went in obedience to the call to spread the Good News of Christ to everyone on earth. These very words empowered the apostles of Christ and thus they were not afraid wherever God called them to share the gospel. Thus, the Acts of the Apostles records how the early Christians, despite the persecution they faced because of their faith in Christ, went all over to spread the salvation of Jesus Christ.

The Great Commission of our Lord Jesus to His Church must be carried out with love for Him and all people. Doing His work in missions is not an option; it is not a matter of whether we like it or not, or have the ability to do it. It is our love for Him, our duty to share the Good News, to equip the saints, and to establish the Church both locally and abroad. This is what Herald is all about; the very name which God gave to our church when He established it when a group of Christians met for prayer in December 2003. Thus, as a church, we are involved in the gospel work in Singapore and in other countries. God has also set in our hearts a concern for our loved ones, friends, colleagues, neighbours and acquaintances. The sharing of the gospel is not only carried out by the pastor or church worker, but everyone who knows Christ as his/her personal Saviour. Everyone is encouraged to know the gospel and how to share it with others. Many are encouraged to attend Evangelism Equipping workshops to be more effective in our sharing of the gospel. Many are also involved in the Evangelical Night, Gospel Sundays, and mission trips.

Mission Team to Chiangmai

In July, Dn Steven Neam, Dnesses Patricia Lee and Chew Hoon, and John Lim, made a trip to Chiangmai with much prayer and preparation. Their plan was to visit a school principal, a village and to speak to church pastors so as to arrange for the North Thailand mission trip in December. We thank God that a programme has been drawn up for our members and friends to be involved in. What is significant is that this is a follow up of an earlier work of sharing the gospel among primary school students, and making contacts with the principal and his teaching staff. This trip also affirmed the visit to an Akher village where a converted priest’s son has returned to his village to start a Christian witness, and God-willing, to establish a church. The team was given time to share the gospel with a group of enthusiastic children. We need to pray for God’s guidance and protection as the team goes to N Thailand again in December.

I will be going to teach the Lahu pastors; something which I have been doing since 2007. Rev Nirand (Eternal Life BP Church) invited Herald to conduct a teaching seminar for a group of 5 Lahu pastors of the churches situated in the mountains near Bongmai. These churches need to know the true doctrines of our faith in Christ. Hence, every year a course from Systematic Theology is conducted for these pastors and church leaders. Dn Steven Yeo and brother Matthew Tang have joined me to deliver doctrinal lectures to them. Thank God for the involvement of Herald’s leaders in this mission outreach in N Thailand.

More of our members and friends can participate in service to the Lord in foreign missions. I pray that more young adults and youths will take time off to be involved in the mission trip in December. We may be called to help out in the evenings at the Rawang Christian Church in Chiangmai (led by Rev Nirand’s brother).

Mission trip to NE China

This is my 7th year of ministry in this north-eastern part of China where church evangelists and leaders come for training in the Bible. I was brought to an educational building. Rev & Mrs Dong are called to serve among university students. There are 3 universities situated close to each other. In their 10 years of ministry, more than 200 students have come to know Christ. This has caught the attention of the authorities. The couple was called up for questioning, and students who attended the weekly Bible Study classes and Sunday services were threatened with expulsion from their universities. They were told to disperse and vacate from the rented university hall. With God’s guidance and provision, they have moved elsewhere- a child education centre to conduct primary school education as well as gospel outreach.

I thank God for the 40 teachers, students and church members who attended the 3 days of training, each day with 7 to 10 hours of lectures on Christology. Most of them felt the importance of learning who Christ is, His person and work, in the midst of prevalent false teachings, false prophets and false Christs. After the lectures, I was called upon to provide counselling to the participants.

Trip to Beijing

My last teaching trip in China this year will be in Beijing in November. I look forward to meeting with Rev Du Peng and his family, as well as with believers of the Agape Beijing Church (ABC). Some of them joined us at our Family Camp in Johor Baru two years ago. This church has also gone through much surveillance too. The believers also struggle with heavy demands at work and other commitments. Yet, they desire to grow closer to our Lord Jesus. Many come from other provinces to work in Beijing. They face many temptations in a city that is developing so fast. Because of high costs of living and demanding work schedules, spouses have little time for each other, and parents have little time with their children. Despite all these, thank God for the believers’ desire to grow in Christ. Do pray for Rev Du as he takes care of his church. Pray that he will persevere in the ministry as his family also has to cope with high expenses and expectations of church members. Herald’s support provides some encouragement to him and his family.

Support of the gospel work

Beloved, I thank God that Herald has a part in the support of the gospel work in China. Thank God for giving us this privilege to provide financial support for those who serve God there. Thank God for using me to teach and train, and share with God’s servants so that they can be better equipped in teaching the Bible, and help their church members not to be led astray by false teachers. Thank God for those who have given so that Herald can encourage others who serve the Lord in difficult conditions. May God continue to enable us as a church, not only to pray for and give towards the gospel work, but also to go, teach and make disciples for our Lord Jesus.

Beloved, let us continue to be faithful in what God has called Herald to do. Let us continue to share the gospel with loved ones and others around us. Let us persevere even when we ourselves face difficulties in the family, school or work. Let us ask God to strengthen us so that we can strengthen others.

The Apostle Paul says: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Pastor Bob Phee