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Why do we ask the question, “What time is it?” The most common reasons are (i) to help us manage our responsibilities duly, and (ii) to avoid being bad stewards of time by missing opportunities and schedules. We, as Christians, need to ask this question so that we may be good stewards of our time and opportunities in a very distracting and perilous world.

As we observe the world around us, it becomes increasingly evident that the times we live in are characterised by escalating moral defilement, spiritual decay, and a pervasive disregard for truth. In every era, believers are tasked with distinguishing between good and evil, but in times of heightened moral decay, this responsibility becomes even more pressing. The Bible cautions us about such times, urging believers to be spiritually vigilant and discerning. How can we, as followers of Christ, identify the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of evil in our world, and stand resolute in faith? In this article, we will delve into biblical wisdom on how to respond to the current times of moral and spiritual decadence, while underlining the urgency of the situation.

Evil Days! Redeem the Time!

Scripture says in Ephesians 5:16, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Here, with great earnestness and urgency, the apostle Paul succinctly expresses the urgency and intentionality required of Christians to live faithfully in a world marked by evil. This directive is a timeless call to recognise the fleeting nature of time and to use it wisely, especially in a world where moral decay and spiritual dangers abound.

Two terms that the apostle Paul uses here denote the concept of time: “time” and “days”. The first word—“time”—is the translation of the Greek word (kairos), which indicates a fixed or allocated period or season. Here, it refers to a person’s life and the opportunities that God has allotted to him. The second word—“days”—refers to the daily experience of earthly life.

Time is a unique resource because it is both unchanging and irreversible. Unlike money or other possessions, time cannot be saved for future use or replenished once spent. This makes Paul’s call to redeem time even more urgent. The phrase, “redeeming the time”, conveys the importance of seizing every opportunity and making the most of it. The Greek word for “redeem” (ἐξαγοράζω, exagorazō) implies “to buy up” or “to reclaim something valuable”. In this context, it implies that time, once lost, is gone forever; therefore, it must be managed wisely and devoted to godly purposes. Paul’s message isn’t just about being busy or productive; it’s about aligning our time with God’s will, ensuring that each moment serves His glory and contributes to our spiritual growth.

By saying that “the days are evil”, the apostle warns us of the temptations and trials that this corrupt and immoral world throws at us daily. The Christians living in the apostle’s time were surrounded by paganism and infiltrated by heresy. In Ephesians 4:14, he wrote, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”. Greediness, dishonesty and immorality were a way of life in Ephesus, which most of the believers had once been involved in, and to which they were tempted to revert (cf. Ephesians 4:19-32; 5:3-8, 15).

Though some are given opportunities far into old age, others would only have a short life, ending in their childhood or young adult life. But none of us knows how long or short his allotted time is. Moreover, we have little time to waste. Because the days are evil, our opportunities for freely doing God’s will are often limited. So, the advice to redeem the time means buying up the time or making the most of the time. When we have the opportunity to do something for His name’s sake and for His glory, we should do so with all the strength that we have. So, let none of us waste our time and opportunity, but use them entirely for Christ!

High Time to Wake Up to Righteousness

Scripture exhorts us in Romans 13:11-13 – “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”

Paul urges the believers in Rome to arise from their spiritual state of slumber by casting off the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Instead, they should focus on spiritual matters, knowing the imminence of Christ’s return. In Romans 13:13, Paul delves deeper, outlining specific behaviours that Christians should avoid. He emphasises the significance of understanding Scripture’s admonition against engaging in works of darkness.
One key takeaway is the importance of rejecting “works of darkness”. This doesn’t solely refer to physical brawls, but rather a rejection of excessive indulgence and sinful revelry. In today’s world, particularly in affluent societies, Christians can easily get caught up in materialism and career ambitions. This pursuit of worldly success can distract us from serving God and contributing to His mission. We become trapped in a cycle of wanting more, leading to dissatisfaction and hindering our ability to support the church and its work.

Paul further warns against drunkenness, lewdness, and a generally disorderly lifestyle. These behaviours are incompatible with God’s righteous ways. As Christians, we are called to be holy, just and righteous, reflecting the character of our God. We must shed these “works of darkness”, and embrace a life of decency and order.

The word Paul uses for “honestly” in verse 13 goes beyond mere truthfulness. It encompasses living a decent and moral life, one that exemplifies righteousness. Unfortunately, some Christians prioritise worldly concerns and societal expectations over living a life truly aligned with God’s truth.

Turning away from sin and embracing godly virtues has immense power. We can walk according to God’s will by yielding to the Holy Spirit. As Ephesians 4:24 reminds us, we are called to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

The time for complacency is over. We cannot afford to remain asleep in the darkness of sin. Eternity approaches, and we must be prepared. Let us rise and shine as the light of God’s righteousness, and live with honesty and decency, genuinely reflecting our identity as children of God.

Sermon Text: Psalm 88
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 8th September 2024

I would like to share with you two short articles that I wrote to counsel believers to be always watchful against their tendency to drift away from the communion and service of the Lord. May the Lord help us to pay heed to the counsel of His Word.

The Pitfalls of Backsliding

Proverbs 14:14 vividly depicts the stark contrast between the “backslider in heart” and the “good man”, underscoring the profound impact of their chosen paths. Prov 14:14 - “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.” This verse implies that those who veer from the righteous path, even if only in their hearts, will ultimately be engulfed by the repercussions of their decisions.

The term “backslider” comes from the Hebrew word “sûg”, which implies a hostile turning away. In Psalm 53:3, this word describes an unrepentant person who actively rejects God. He turns away from God because his heart is “filled with his own ways”. A backslider is self-conceited and considers his fleshly desires above God’s will. He is resentful when the ways of God are shown to him. He wants to pursue his personal ambitions rather than God’s commandments. 

This rejection stands in stark contrast to the “good man”, who finds contentment. Instead of finding satisfaction, the backslider becomes consumed by the foolishness of his sinful choices. Let us note that sin is ultimately the source of human despair.

The prophet Jeremiah reinforces this idea in Jeremiah 2:19: “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.” Here, Jeremiah delivers a powerful message: our own wrongdoings will ultimately lead to our downfall. Turning away from God brings bitterness and hardship.

This proverb resonates deeply as it unveils a universal truth: our choices bear consequences. When we opt to deviate from the righteous path, we sow seeds of trouble that will inevitably sprout. The backslider, ensnared by his own folly, becomes entangled in a cycle of discontent.

Yet, this need not be the end of the narrative. The proverb also holds out a beacon of hope. The “good man”, the one who remains steadfast to his principles, discovers a profound sense of inner peace and contentment. This contentment doesn’t stem from external factors, but from leading a life in harmony with his God-honouring values.

The message is clear: true happiness comes from living a life of integrity. When we stray from the right path, we risk harming others and inviting dissatisfaction into our own lives. By choosing to live righteously before God, we inherit assurance and inner peace, and thus avoid the pitfalls of backsliding.

God’s Proving and Our Right Response

Exodus 20 recounts God verbally delivering the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Moses was summoned to the mountain, and God spoke the commandments aloud to Him, which were later inscribed on stone tablets by God Himself (cf. Exodus 31:18; 32:15). The Israelites, witnessing thunder, lightning, and smoke, were terrified and stood afar off, preferring Moses as a mediator. They feared direct communication with God. We read of this episode in Exodus 20:18-20, “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.”

Moses reassured them that God’s presence and commandments were meant to test their faith and obedience, not to instil fear but to prevent sin. Moses said to them, “Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.”

This encounter underscores the clarity of God’s Word, which can be overwhelming, especially when confronting our sins and imperfections. The Israelites’ fear highlights the “perspicuity” of Scripture—the clarity and authority of God’s Word. It’s not that God’s Word lacks clarity, but our sin clouds our perception and acceptance of it.

Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts the Israelites’ fear at Mount Sinai with how believers under the New Covenant should approach God. The Israelites were so fearful of God’s voice that they asked not to hear it anymore, unable to endure the commands (Hebrews 12:19-20). In contrast, New Covenant believers are called to come to “mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22). Believers should approach God through Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant, whose sacrifice has made a new way to God (Hebrews 12:24).

God’s proving of believers is continual, intending to convict, challenge, and transform them, drawing them closer to Him. When preached clearly, God’s Word should not cause retreat or fear, but inspire repentance and a desire to yield to God’s will. God’s Word insists on how to live and come together, emphasising holiness, obedience, and strength. Obedient and righteous people will be strong, pure, beautiful, and resistant to backslide.

In essence, God’s proving is not about destruction, but about refining believers into obedient, faithful servants equipped for a closer walk with Him and for greater work.

Sermon Text: Psalm 87
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 1st September 2024

Sermon Text: Psalm 86
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 25th August 2024

From Rwanda:

I am in Rwanda! We’ve experienced the hardest of times as thousands of churches were shut down. Our campus church was also closed down. Please pray for us.

Rev. Kim

From Ethiopia:

Dear Rev. Koshy,

Greetings in our Lord’s blessed name! How are you doing in God’s work with your entire beloved family? Praise the LORD that all the brethren are kept safe as we serve God. We hope that God’s good hand will preserve your dad and mum. We are praying for them.

God willing, we are going to have our Mission Church’s 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving and GBI 8th Graduation Service on 1st September 2024. Pray for God’s blessing and provision. Please convey my regards to your family and the church.

Rev. Ephrem

Our reply:

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in abundance!

With heartfelt gratitude, I reflect upon the Lord’s immeasurable blessings bestowed upon Gethsemane BPC, Ethiopia, for the past eighteen years. His steadfast protection and guidance have been our constant companions. We also praise the LORD for eight years of GBI ministry. May the Lord’s work spread across Ethiopia and even to other nations of Africa, through faithful men trained in GBI.

As you eagerly await the Thanksgiving Service on September 1st, we will join you in spirit to recall and rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness. Our fervent prayer is for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s power to revitalise all our ministers of the Word and the members.

Please convey our heartiest greetings to all the brethren who gather for the Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.

Heartily in His service,
Prabhudas Koshy
For Gethsemane BPC, Singapore

Rev. Ephrem’s Reply:

Many thanks, Rev. Koshy. Praise the LORD for the uncountable blessings we have received through your ministries. I will convey your greetings and wishes to the congregation. Remain blessed in Christ!

From Pangasinan (the Philippines):

Dear Pastor Koshy,

The construction of the worship hall is almost done. The plastering of the walls and rooms is done. The workers are currently framing the windows and the doors, and God willing, they will be installed in the middle of the week. After this, they will work on paving the way from the street to the worship hall. The excavator will be available next week to dig the ground for the toilet’s septic tank. The excavator will also flatten the kitchen area.

Thank God for the support and love gifts from Gethsemane, Singapore, so that we can complete the building. We will move our household things from the Mission Station soon after the rainy season to the house we’ve built near the church because the Mission Station (the rented house) is scheduled to be demolished in January to give way for highway construction. I praise the Lord also for the unity of our Session to support our poor and needy brethren. We’ve prayed and desire to make our help to the needy long-lasting and tangible. Praise God for the wisdom to develop the project to aid some of our college-age teenagers. We’ve noticed in our midst promising and talented students, but their parents or guardians cannot financially support them to study in college. We even have some orphans who are left in the care of their relatives, who are unable to support their further studies. The Session is currently finalising the criteria for choosing the eligible students.

Another ongoing plan is to hold an evening service every Sunday in San Fernando, La Union. I talked to the family of Bro. Eddie and Sis. Luz regarding the matter. They are attending a Baptist church, though not regularly. They willingly offer their place to start the work. After the construction of the worship hall, we will visit them and find a suitable place there for a long-term ministry. God willing, we will start the work in October. We are earnestly praying that the Lord will send a man of His choosing to take care of this flock. While waiting, we can care for them under Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan.   

Donald dela Cruz

From Vizag (India):

Dear Pastor,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Last week, we held the second Pastors’ Meeting in Araku Hills, a tribal area around 100 km from Vizag City. Thirty-five pastors serving in various churches joined this meeting. As the place is near the border of Odisha, some pastors from Odisha also joined the meeting. Some travelled around 80 km to join the meeting.

We only planned for a one-day meeting as it was difficult to arrange accommodation for all pastors attending this meeting. In the meeting we conducted in May, we offered sessions on “Justification” and “Sanctification”. In this latest event (Friday, August 16), the topics taught were “Total Depravity” and “Perseverance of the Saints”. These topics were taught by Bro Seraph McGregor (the morning session) and me (the afternoon session). Pr Bujji Babu and Bro Bhagavath helped translate the messages into Telugu. We also visited a church in the evening and conducted a prayer meeting. All the residential students from GBI, Kotapadu, also joined this meeting. We managed to arrange a hall and some rooms for our stay in a hotel in Araku. Thank God for providing a good place for our stay during the night.

The following day, we visited a Christian mission hospital in Odisha, Asha Kiran Hospital (which is 60km from the meeting venue), to see the land we have purchased with the help of Malayalam Fellowship in 2018. As the roads are in good condition, we could reach the hospital within one and a half hours. We had the opportunity to spend time with Dr Mathew, the director of Asha Kiran Hospital. He is currently doing four online subjects in the FEBC distance-learning programme. He also shared with us how he came to faith, and even to embrace the Reformed convictions. He is very grateful for the opportunity to study theology through online courses. He also shared the testimony of other missionary doctors who came to serve in tribal areas and to start the hospital. In earlier days, there were no churches in the whole area. But now, there are churches in many villages around the mission hospital. He shared with us the great need for training rural pastors, as many of them are men with little training in theology. After lunch, we visited the land we purchased here, and realised villagers regularly cross it to get to their homes as it has no proper fence or compound wall. We need to construct a fencing or compound wall around the land.

Though our return journey to Vizag was long (7 hours) due to heavy traffic, it was safe and uneventful. We are deeply grateful for the journey mercies we received, and for your continued support. The travel through Ghat roads (through the mountains) can be quite dangerous, and we are thankful the Lord has kept us safe.

Many pastors who joined the meeting asked us to conduct such theological training sessions at least once a month. For now, we are planning to conduct such sessions once every three months. If they come faithfully, we hope to increase the frequency of these meetings. God willing, we are planning to conduct the next training in November. If you could also come to preach in the next meeting, it will be a great encouragement for these pastors.

In Christ,
Sujith Samuel

Romans 12:1 exhorts, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

The opening chapters of Romans (1-11) unveil a breathtaking panorama of God’s gracious redemptive plan. The magnificent display of divine benevolence that gives us His great salvation compels a response. Gratitude alone is insufficient. The apostle Paul insists that consecration, the total surrender of our lives to God, is the only fitting response.

Paul’s directive in Romans 12:1 is clear: we are to “present” our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God”. He also says it is our “reasonable service”, or proper spiritual worship. The Greek word for “present”, which is “paristemi”, conveys ideas such as “stand by”, “offer yourself”, “yield something”, or “place something at one’s disposal”. To “present your bodies” means to make yourself available and ready for God’s use.

There is a misconception among some that salvation solely concerns the soul, leaving the body free for worldly pursuits. This is a dangerous oversimplification. Our physical existence is an integral part of our being, and as such, it must also be dedicated to God. A life divided between spiritual devotion and worldly indulgence is contradictory. True consecration demands the surrender of our entire being, both body and soul.

This sacred offering includes every part of our bodies —eyes, ears, hands, feet, etc. Are our eyes focused on what honours God, or are they consumed by worldly distractions? Do our eyes see things that are not godly in the mobile phone you hold in your hands? Do our ears listen to music and conversations that uplift the soul, or are they polluted by harmful influences? Are our bodies adorned in a manner that reflects our identity as God’s children, or are they clothed in immodest apparel? And where do our steps lead us — towards a life of holiness or a path of compromise and sin?

Paul urges us to “present your bodies a living sacrifice”. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices involved slaughtering the animal and placing its lifeless body on the altar. Today, we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices on the altar of God’s service. Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross grants us salvation and renewed life in Him to serve God. Our lives are redeemed to live as an offering to God’s glory.

Have you dedicated your body solely to God? You should desire that your body be used exclusively for the Lord’s glory and His divine will. We should not lift a finger unless it is for the Lord’s glory. Whenever you allow your body to be used outside of God’s will, you are effectively yielding it to an ungodly thought or person, or the world, or the devil. So, let our mouths offer praises and thanksgiving, our hands generously support God’s work, our legs follow where He leads, our eyes study the Scriptures and delve into His Word, and our ears listen to His teachings and godly music. By doing such things, we present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and surrendered to God.

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From Despair to Devotion

A Testimony by Tan Yeh Wen

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

A few weeks have passed since the end of the Missionary Conference, but it has allowed me time to reflect on the events that took place. It would be inappropriate of me to withhold mentioning the incredible testimony from the Lord that no human could orchestrate.

When Pr Cornelius first proposed the idea of having a Cantata for the Missionary Conference, I was thrilled. I knew there would be challenges, but given how God had sustained my family through previous experiences, I was thrilled at the opportunity to serve Him!

Once the plan was confirmed, all involved put in much effort, but the process wasn’t without its challenges. Yocheved and Hua See fell ill at different times, leading to Hua See missing some of the practice sessions.

Furthermore, our initial plan to provide the combined choir with a new set of scores was unexpectedly thwarted. To make matters worse, Yocheved developed Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) the week before church camp. The situation mirrored the challenges we faced in December 2023, when COVID affected my family while we were involved in the Youth Choir’s Christmas Carols presentation in the Philippines. Fear began to creep into my heart. Nevertheless, with the support and prayers of our fellow brethren, though after much internal struggle, I decided to attend the Missionary Conference with my family, taking all necessary precautions to avoid contact with others. I am grateful to everyone who helped make arrangements so that we could be there and listen to the messages.

While there, I had hoped that Yocheved’s illness would resolve quickly, so our whole family could share the Lord’s goodness with the brethren. However, on Tuesday evening, I was also diagnosed with HFMD. To ensure everyone’s safety, I chose not to attend the Missionary Conference meetings, and isolated myself completely from all other participants.

How disheartening it was to be plunged into despair after being so hopeful! Were all my efforts in vain? The situation felt overwhelming and distressing, and I struggled against murmurs of complaint taking hold of me. Thankfully, God helped me resist those feelings. How could I question God’s providential plan? Here is an excerpt from a message I sent to my fellow conductors: “As I worked leading up to this missionary conference, I had to arrange the piece ‘God Moves in a Mysterious Way.’ Truly, God’s ways are mysterious, and this time of ‘dark’ providence is no exception…”

The following day, Rev. Donald dela Cruz’s message deeply resonated with me, providing much-needed clarity on the situation. Here is a summary of a message I shared with the choir: “…John 3:30 – ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ Like Paul, my heart prayed for God to remove my afflictions from me if He be pleased. Like Paul, God has answered me, not as I intended, but in His way… Let God take all glory in my sufferings (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).”

Through his message, I was led to understand three key points: 1) God might be using me as an example to those who would face similar challenges as mine; 2) to glory in God alone and not seek personal exaltation; 3) the ultimate reward is that God is magnified, above all else. I found peace when I finally grasped what God intended to accomplish through me! In the light of this, my absence from performing and the anticipated joy of presenting music seemed insignificant, compared to the glory God has revealed. Indeed, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me” (Psalm 103:1)!

I eagerly watched the choir’s webcast, filled with peace from the hotel room. Their performance was admirable. Indeed, the hymns, “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and “Hymn of Dedication and Service”, resonated deeply with me – causing me to question if I’d truly served for God’s glory or personal acclaim. As a full-time worker, should I seek comfort or relentless service? I pray for a heart of joyful surrender, always remembering His glory. Whenever I am tempted to murmur or complain about my service to Him, may I be reminded that I should joyfully surrender to His gracious and wonderful will!

Sermon Text: Psalm 85
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th August 2024

Today, I would like to publish the gist of the sermon I preached last Tuesday, during the 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving of TGCM and prayer meeting, to benefit all the worshippers in our church. In Matthew 5:14-16, as Jesus addressed “his disciples (who) came unto him” (cf. Matt. 5:1), He declared–“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

This was Christ’s declaration concerning His dedicated followers that they are “the light of the world” (v. 14a). His point was that as He came to the world as the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5), His genuine followers will also act as His light in this world of darkness. Jesus came to give His light to those who “sat in darkness” and the “shadow of death” (cf. Matt 4:16; Luke 1:79). As the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:6–“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 

Christ, the eternal Light, illuminates us so that we may be His radiant “moons” in this dark world. Through those who have received His light, Christ desires to shine His Gospel light upon many more in this dark world. The apostle Paul echoes Christ’s will concerning all believers in Philippians 2:15-16a, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life …”. Christians are not meant to be quiet, reserved and secluded. Rather, they must actively demonstrate their belief and dedication to Christ. 

Christians are to be like a city that is set on a hill and cannot be hidden. Just as a city on a hill cannot be concealed from people’s view, no Christian can hope to live unnoticed. In encouraging believers to be beacons of God’s glorious light in a world shrouded by sin, Jesus is also cautioning them against isolation that hinders God’s glory. Jesus further emphasises this truth by noting that no one lights a candle, only to hide it under a bushel. A lit candle serves no purpose if kept out of sight; it should be placed on a candlestick to illuminate and benefit everyone. It is senseless to hide away a lit candle. A hidden candle benefits no one. 

Every follower of Jesus must conduct himself in a manner observable to others, so that others may see it and praise God for it. Every life illuminated by Christ will inevitably bear the fruit of good works. The light of Christ shining through Christians will manifest as visible acts of kindness and compassion, honesty and righteousness, fairness and goodness.

Brethren, let the radiance of your Christian benevolence draw the world to God’s splendour. Our good works are not to win praise for ourselves, but to turn people’s hearts to our great God, who has made us His children so that we may be beacons of His salvation, goodness, grace, and glory.

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Report from Pangasinan

Report by Rev. Donald dela Cruz

We are currently continuing the construction of the worship hall. We are nearing completion of the walls, which will then fully close up the worship hall. God’s provision is just on time, so we will not get wet as we worship during the coming rainy season. Praise the Lord for the love gifts we received from the Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, and the brethren during the Missionary Conference 2024. The sum we received is enough to construct the wall. After the walls are finished, we do not need to transfer our things, as the workers are all from the company of Dn Kyt. May the Lord help the workers as they diligently build the hall. As the Lord provides, our next target will be the toilet facility, and the way side pavement (which will be useful during the rainy season when the surrounding area becomes muddy).

 The Church Session has appointed Dn Jumar as the Clerk and Dn Kyt as the Treasurer. Dn Jumar will also be in charge of the Youth Ministry, while Dn Kyt will lead the Children’s Ministry. Both ministries will be under my direct supervision. Thank God for their willingness to serve in these ministries.

The school year has opened yesterday. The group we are affiliated with for the School Missions went yesterday to meet with the principal of Mangaldan National High School, in order to confirm the schedule for teaching God’s Word on their campus. The school is the biggest secondary school in the town, with more than 8,000 students on its enrolment. 

 The Lord has helped us through amidst the recent two typhoons. Though there was persistent rain for 8 days, the Lord has preserved the brethren, and there was no flooding in our area. Providentially, the Lord also stopped the rain (temporarily) last Sunday so that the brethren could come for worship. All praise be unto the Lord!

Sermon Text: Psalm 84
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 11th August 2024