Everything under heaven is planned and timed according to God who created everything and Ps Navin’s (CNL-S’pore) recent visit is no exception. Truly, it is not by chance but one that is based on God’s perfect time and plan. Ps Navin came to share with the leaders on the topic of evangelism. Actually, we already had an evangelism seminar last year and I was thinking to myself that it would be the same thing. But it was totally opposite to what I had expected. Ps Navin taught us the very practical ways on how to do evangelism – which is to touch the hearts of the people and to bring impact into their lives. He shared that we are not Christian by words alone but also in action. Our tendency is to share the words about Jesus but not enough works is being done to demonstrate the reality of Christ. This is a paradigm shift for many of us.
Immediately, we conducted a survey in one of the villages where some of our church members lived to see who really needed help – not in terms of money but in terms of community service. We then drew up a simple cleaning service schedule. The overall aim is to demonstrate the love and unity we have for each other and to let people experience the love of Christ for them through this community service program.
The next afternoon, after Sunday church service, we went to the village to implement our work schedule and applied all that we learnt from Ps Navin’s teaching. There were 20 of us doing all sorts of chores – sweeping the house, cleaning toilets, washing clothes, fetching water for our needy members. We even served the village communal hall and cleaned the basketball court. For some, this was their first time in volunteering help in this way and everyone felt recharged and happy. We will continue to evangelize in words and action and to serve our community every Sunday afternoon. There is a special joy in serving people for God and I am convinced it will bring deep change to everyone.
I also thank God for what He is doing in Tanauan Church. Ps Ricardo shares,
“I see God working in the hearts of our members. They are testifying of the goodness and faithfulness of God upon their lives even in times of difficulties and persecutions. They continue to stand in their faith because they believe that all things work together for good and that they are maturing spiritually as a result of it. Despite social pressures, 4 members were baptized on 13 October. We have also started a new ministry for young teens. They will be our future leaders and training and equipping them with God’s word now will make a significant impact in and around them in the coming years.”
Tanauan church building is finally completed! Thank God and His generous people for building this house of worship. Ps Ricardo is going to dedicate it this month and everyone is looking forward to it.
Thank you for partnering and praying with us. God bless you all.
