Looking Back with Gratitude
Today, as we celebrate Herald’s 22nd Anniversary, we thank God for His unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision. Over the years, He has met every need of our church and the gospel work both here in Singapore and in the mission fields overseas. We rejoice in the blessing of a permanent place of worship – our sanctuaries, fully paid for – freeing us from the uncertainty of moving around and allowing us to focus on serving God’s purpose.
We are grateful for every member and friend who has been faithfully worshipping with us. We are thankful for those have served faithfully in various ministries. Some may have moved on or chosen to worship elsewhere because of personal needs, but we should not be discouraged. Pray for them – that they may continue to be faithful where they have chosen to worship and continue to serve God actively. Some may find our sanctuaries too small for their growing needs. But God continues to bring others into our midst. Through His grace, we can reach out to those seeking the Lord Jesus, minister to them, and witness their lives being transformed by Christ. God touches individual lives and brings them and their families to Himself. God’s provision extends beyond our walls, He has enabled us to support the gospel work in North Thailand, Indonesia, China, Kenya and perhaps in more places where people need the Lord Jesus.
Looking Up to God for Strength
As we reflect, we also look up to God for strength to persevere on. We pray for endurance to keep running the race, for wisdom to address challenges, and for love to unite us despite differences. May God help us to continue loving Him, our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit – our Teacher, Comforter and Guide. May He continue to help us love everyone in Herald – the young and old, the strong and weak, the poor or rich. We may be small, but our hearts are big. God has moved many to give generously to support mission stations and those preparing for full-time service to God. Let us remain faithful in love towards God and fellow believers in Christ, trusting God to sustain all who serve Him.
We may be few, but God works in the faithful few who do not give up. We should not give up because of some small talk, or because others have failed or disappointed us. We look up to God, not to men. God remains faithful even when men fail us. We must persevere and not choose the easy way out – to quit and do nothing. We should not be among those who murmur and complain. Our lives are short and we should give our time to love one another and to serve our God.
Looking Forward with Hope
With hope, we look forward to many more years ahead. We pray that our faith and love will continue to grow, and that we will serve God faithfully and consistently in the task that He has given us to do. Let us ask God to provide for the leadership needs of our church. Pray that God will send us a new pastor who will love and serve God and His church. Even when we feel tired or discouraged, may we press on, reaching out to our loved ones, friends, colleagues, neighbours or even the strangers we meet every day. We believe God will enable Herald to grow stronger in faith, love, service and in number.
God’s Word encourages us to “run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1). “Let us draw near [to Him] with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” (Hebrews 10:22-25).
A Specific Call to Action: Carrying God’s Work Forward
As we celebrate this new milestone today, we recognise that the work of God in Herald must continue even as some among us grow older or colder. The mission of the gospel does not pause – God calls each of us to play a part.
We need more hands and hearts to serve. If you have not yet found a place to serve, or if you feel prompted to step forward, now is the time. Consider availing yourself to join a ministry team, whether in worship, teaching, hospitality, missions, outreach, visitation or support roles. Speak to any Session member, ministry leader or me this week about how you can help fill the gaps left by those who have retired or stepped aside. If you feel left out, join a Herald Care Group (HCG). Many have been encouraged in the small fellowship groups. The YF and HYAM continue to function with the aim of growing in number. God will help these groups to grow again. Only never give up.
Let us not be discouraged by challenges or setbacks. We do not give up when the going gets tough at our workplace. We carry on because the perks may be too good to give up. In God’s service, we may not be paid or be acknowledged. Some serve quietly without being noticed. But when the microphone doesn’t work well or there is an awkward noise from the loudspeakers, we suddenly realise there are important people working behind the scenes. Children need to be taught in God’s Word in Junior Worship and Junior Sunday School. When your children have graduated from these departments, consider being the teacher for the next generation.
Consider volunteering for a ministry role that matches your God-given gifts and availability. Reach out to those who may be struggling or considering stepping back. Offer them some encouragement or better still, pray for them. Commit to regular participation at church instead of being a part-time visitor or friend. Join the Thursday night prayer meeting and pray together for God’s strength, wisdom and unity as we serve together. Invite others – family, friends, colleagues – to join us in worship and service.
Let us press on, united in faith and love, so that Herald remains a vibrant, faithful community, carrying out God’s work for generations to come.
May God help us to glorify Him in Herald and in our personal lives,
Blessed 22nd Anniversary to all at Herald.
Pastor Bob Phee