We have been here for 3 months! Thank God, we are now accustomed to the weather, especially after experiencing the nation’s coldest winter. Although we were down with flu and cough for 2 weeks, we experienced the peace and healing of the great Physician – our Lord Jesus Christ. Because we trust in His power, we did not opt for the prescribed medication – antibiotics administered intravenously, which interestingly is the norm here for treating all kinds of minor illnesses!
Survey
During this time, we visited 3 churches and connected with a few pastors and leaders. Although they are warm and friendly toward us, we sense we need to invest more time in getting to know them further and in building relationships of mutual trust so that we can explore avenues in planting churches in this country. Moreover, religious laws and governance are still vague and so we are praying and exercising caution in what we do and say. We need God’s wisdom to carry out His work, and His guidance to meet the right co-workers and partners.
We are grateful that we are able to worship freely in a church on Sundays just like in Singapore. This congregation has an average attendance of 70-80, but almost 70% of them are newcomers each week. Because many people come and go, many do not feel a sense of belonging to this fellowship. As this is a “Migrant City,” it is easy to evangelize but hard to nurture. Many are keen to believe but few are committed to grow. Many have thus succumbed to false teaching. Hence, the vital task of the church is discipleship and our immediate burden is to serve the community in this area.
A PASSING FACE IN THE CROWD
Many people in this city are young migrant workers who do not feel a sense of belonging or the need to be rooted.
Observation
Most Christians we come across have adequate Bible knowledge, but are weak in applying biblical truths in their everyday lives.
Strategy
We have started to conduct Bible lessons as well as an in-house discipleship training for believers who are keen to grow. We are praying and seeking for more committed candidates willing to be discipled and trained to plant churches in their fields of influence.
Process
We can only house 1-2 trainees due to space constraints. Currently, we have 1 trainee with us. Although she has yet to receive God’s calling to plant and pioneer a church, she has expressed an interest in learning more and growing in the Word. We have begun to design a course that is specially catered to her and in the process, build a prototype for our future discipleship training school.
Thanksgiving
Last Christmas eve, we reaped our first fruit for the Lord. She is a bright and adorable 17 year-old girl. Because she works long hours, we are only able to meet her once a week for bible study. In order to encourage her to read the bible, we asked her to prepare 10 questions regarding the bible each week. Pray that God will continue to guide her so that she will grow in the favour of God and man.
Prayer Items
- Ask God to send committed believers to us for discipleship training.
- Pray that Christians in this Migrant City will have the vision and mission to be equipped, to evangelize and to plant churches back in their hometowns.
- The government encourages her citizens to “be open minded” and “be creative.” Pray that Christians here will do the same in their service to God.
