In the life of the church, every gathering around the Word of God is a means of grace. While the Lord’s Day morning service remains central, the Sunday Evening Teaching Service offers a unique and vital opportunity for deeper spiritual growth.
In a time when many are content with minimal spiritual intake, the call of Scripture is clear that we should grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The evening service provides a setting for this growth. It is a time to return, not out of a sense of duty alone, but out of a desire to hear more of God’s Word, to strengthen our faith, and to encourage one another.
Let us also remember that gathering together is not merely for personal benefit. Our presence strengthens the body. When we assemble, we testify that God’s Word is our delight and priority. We encourage fellow believers simply by being there.
During Sunday Evening Service, as parents sit under the teaching of God’s Word, our children, too, are being shaped and grounded in the faith in the special classes conducted for them by Pr Cornelius Koshy. In this way, there is yet another opportunity for the whole family to grow together, learning, worshipping, and being strengthened in the Lord.
We are beginning a new teaching series next Lord’s Day (April 19th) from the Book of Daniel during our Sunday Evening Teaching Service. The Book of Daniel speaks powerfully to believers living in challenging times. It presents the account of God’s people called to remain faithful in a culture that does not honour God while in exile. Through Daniel’s life and visions, we will learn about steadfast faith and courage under pressure. These truths are deeply relevant for us today as we seek to live faithfully in a world that often opposes God’s ways.
The prophetic passages in the Book of Daniel form one of the most remarkable sections of Scripture, unveiling God’s sovereign plan over the rise and fall of kingdoms. Through visions and dreams, Daniel is given insight into future empires, the coming of God’s everlasting kingdom, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. These prophecies remind us that history is not random but directed by the hand of God. Even in times of uncertainty and turmoil, the Lord reigns, and His purposes cannot fail.
We warmly invite all members to come, to learn, and to grow together. Let us gather with expectation, ready to hear what the Lord will teach us through His Word. Invite your friends too!
Reggor Galarpe, Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, the Philippines
Dear Pastor, the Board of Elders, Deacons and our Beloved Brethren at Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore,
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
It is with much joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that I greet all of you on behalf of the church here in Cebu City, the Philippines, a “Blessed 38th Anniversary!”
Like the apostle Paul’s threefold commendation to the Thessalonians, we rejoice in the Lord as we remember the areas that you are thriving in:
Work of Faith—By the grace of God, I have been with the church since the year 2000 and have witnessed how the church, under the leadership of Pastor Koshy and the Board of Elders, has exercised faith every step of the way. I remember those times when the church would take on challenges one after another, for instance, the transfer of the place of worship from YMCA in Geylang to SingPost Centre; the publication of the Bible Witness Magazine and thereafter the media ministry comprising the web radio and then the web TV; the acquisition of church office previously at Sunflower and then later at the present GMC; the purchase of another church van; the active pursuit of missions and the establishment of mission churches. These were all great burdens back then, but it pleased the Lord to bless the church as it continues to walk by faith.
Labour of Love—This is one quality that is evident among those who are serving, not that “they need to” or “they have to”, but because “they love to” serve! Service that is motivated by love for God is best expressed in your labours in the ministry, if not support and prayers for the Lord’s work. And it has long been translated into your practical love for the brethren, not only at the home front but also in the mission field! Yes, please know that your thoughts about us have been a great encouragement, especially in times of affliction and great distress.
Patience of Hope—Faced with many challenges, the church has, by the grace of God, endured and persevered. Even as we think of the personal and individual struggles, take comfort that they are nothing “compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
No doubt, you have been a testimony and witness for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise and glory be to God for all that He has done and is doing among you and through you, such that we are bound to give thanks unto Him.
Again, “Blessed 38th Anniversary!”
Ephrem Chiracho, Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Alem Gena, Ethiopia
Our heartiest Easter greetings in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour!
Praise the LORD for granting Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, 38 fruitful and blessed years of Gospel ministry. May God bless the Pastor, the Elders, the Deacons, the Preachers, the full-time staff and all the members that you may abound in His work till Christ comes back.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all... it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:3-6, 10).
May our Saviour fill our hearts with the joy of His redemptive death and triumphant resurrection as we worship and serve Jesus Christ, our soon-coming King!
Blessed 38th Anniversary on behalf of Gethsemane BPC and GBI, Ethiopia.
Hien Nguyen, Pastor of Brisbane BPC, Australia
Dear Rev Koshy and Sis Carolyn,
We remember you in our prayers and thank God for granting you a blessed Bible Witness Retreat, and for mercies on your journey back home.
May the Lord strengthen and richly bless you and the Gethsemane BPC’s 38th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.
Donald dela Cruz, Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Pangasinan, the Philippines
Dear Pastor Koshy,
Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan, gives thanks to God for your 38th Anniversary. Praise the Lord for sustaining the church and giving you grace to support many mission stations. May the Lord continue to uphold the church and strengthen you in the face of any struggle.
