Christian life and ministry is a call to sacrificial service to God. Our pattern is the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ! “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2).
During His public ministry, Jesus specifically pointed out to His disciples “how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day” (Matt 16:21). Jesus willingly endured His afflictions and death for our salvation, in accordance with His Father’s will. So, shouldn’t we, His followers, be ready for suffering and even death in service to God? Paul, the prisoner for the Gospel, urged Timothy, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8). Are you willing and ready to endure afflictions for Christ? We only achieve great things for Christ’s kingdom if we serve Him by willingly enduring afflictions, and even death!
During World War II, eleven missionaries were martyred on the Island of Panay in the Philippines. One of these was Dr. Francis Rose – who had penned the following poem that is commonly called “The Martyr’s Hymn”:
All human progress up to God
Has stained the stairs of time with blood;
For every gain for Christendom
Is bought by someone’s martyrdom.
For us he poured the crimson cup,
And bade us take and drink it up.
Himself he poured to set us free.
Help us, O Christ, to drink with thee.
Ten thousand saints come thronging home,
From lion’s den and catacomb.
The fire and sword and beasts defied;
For Christ, their King, they gladly died.
With eye of faith we see today
That cross-led column wind its way
Up life’s repeated Calvary.
We rise, O Christ, to follow Thee!
Dear Pastor Koshy,
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord for His goodness upon the churches here in Bogo and San Antonio. The Lord has been gracious and merciful to keep and preserve the two churches. The Lord be praised for the loving support of Gethsemane BPC, Singapore to the missionary-in-charge.
We recently had our 1st Annual Congregational Meeting on 17 September 2023. We thank God for all that the Lord has done in and through the church, looking forward to God’s blessings upon the plans of the two churches. Praise the Lord for His gracious provision through the loving support of the church in Singapore and the faithful giving of the brethren. Through these, our two churches’ expenses for the past fiscal year have been met and sustained. All glory be to God!
Praise the Lord for opening doors of opportunity for us to teach the senior high school students in Binabag National High School. Initially, we were given a one-hour slot (8.00am–9.00am) every Friday to teach the Word of God to the students. After the teaching session last Friday, we were asked if we could teach other students at another time slot (10.00am–11.00am). The Lord has graciously granted us opportunities to teach the Word of God and preach the Gospel. God willing, we will be teaching in two separate time slots this coming Friday (6 October). For the first time slot (8.00am–9.00am), the number of students is 32, and we expect the same number for the 2nd time slot (10.00am–11.00am). Praise the Lord for such a blessed opportunity!
By the grace of God, the brethren in Bogo and San Antonio are doing well. Though some are sick and have not been attending church, some newcomers have come and worshipped with us. Thank God for the planned Christmas meeting in Bogo on 20 December 2023. We look forward to attending such meetings and fellowshipping with the brethren.
Once again, thank you very much, Pastor Koshy and the Board of Elders, for your loving support to us. Praise the Lord for His goodness.
Sincerely in Christ,
Elder Eliezer
