Celebration Of Herald’s 15th Anniversary

Countdown to another 12 days – and we will see more than 200 members and friends including pastors, evangelists and missionaries, both local and abroad, rejoice together in the celebration of Christ’s work in our Herald.

How do you respond to this 15th Anniversary? Is it going to be another ordinary gathering of a non-significant nature, or another mandatory church activity to attend? Definitely not!

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has been the One whom we trust to lead, to bless and help us bear fruits in all these past 14 years. God, who enabled me and the Session, cannot let this 15th year go pass like some other years because He has done wonderful and mighty works in our midst. The cause for celebration must be more than just a gathering for a time of feasting and reminiscing the good old times. Yes, we celebrate because our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ has kept us true to the doctrine of His word and preaching of the gospel of Jesus’ death for man’s sins, and His resurrection for the promise of eternal life and salvation. This thought is reflected in the words of Jesus when He said, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Lk 15:7)

We must remember that “Herald” means bringing the good news of salvation to people; people who are willing to come and hear the gospel. Hence, this is the purpose of our existence as a church for the glory of the Lord.

Herald began in a condominium, with 12 persons who did not realize that they would be instrumental in planting a new church. The need to hold a worship service for a few followers of Christ continued till God led us to a unit on the second floor of Guilin Building. We rented this unit for one and a half years so that we could have Sunday School classes, and a Youth Fellowship and Prayer Meeting on the weekdays. There was no budget for the monthly rental, or financial means to purchase chairs, hymnals and Holy Communion utensils, or an important item like the piano. But the Lord in his goodness moved some follow pastors and caring individuals to contribute them for our use. It was, as someone observed, a plan was already in the drawing board earlier – God’s plans. We must confess that it was not our idea or plan at all. The Lord led us here to the Guilin Building. It had been almost impossible to find a hall or venue that would have the authorization for religious use. But, lo and behold, with a flip of the page in the Chinese newspapers, a sister read an advertisement about the 2nd floor unit in Guilin Building being put up for rental. Four of us came, saw, and agreed to the rental of $2,500/- monthly. Herald launched its first bilingual worship service on the first Sunday of Feb 2004.

The premises was previously a religious shrine used by another religious religion. God enabled us to transform its use for the worship of the living and true God. Praise the Lord!

What should our church logo be as we commence the first fellowship service in a Christmas month? A brother ploughed through some digital sources, and found a golden trumpet for Herald. It has been used since, and we have moved on to see how God led each individual, couple and family into the church to worship and serve Him. As our existence depended on the Lord, He moved worshippers to serve full-time and part-time, to take care of the administrative and spiritual ministries joyfully with His blessings. There were times of conflict, but God preserved the church, reminding us that we are members of one Body, worshipping and serving one true God. He united us in our faith in Christ, and kept us focused on Him, not on ourselves.

After more than a decade, God has granted peace to Herald, and now He promises us growth. We are now into the phase of growth and the Biblical challenge of expansion for local and foreign missions.

We thank God that over the years He has challenged our small church to obey His Great Commission; and that is to “Go and preach the gospel.” With the support of the Session and congregation, the pastor, individuals and families are challenged to be involved in mission work. We are glad that in the coming Anniversary celebrations, we will have with us the missionaries from the gospel stations that Herald has been supporting. Praise the Lord for many who have given so that we can pay for the air tickets and accommodation for our missionaries. I pray that many of you will join us for the Mission Conference on Saturday, 23 Feb, to listen to our missionaries share their work and concerns with us.

May God continue to grant us strength to grow in Christ, in Spirit and Word. May God give us the courage to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our loved ones, friends and colleagues, even with those whom we see around us every day.

May there be a time of great rejoicing when we see others come to the Lord Jesus. May this year be a time of growth in our walk with God, and growth in Herald.

Pastor Bob Phee