Today, we feel sadness and happiness in our hearts – sadness, because of the death of the remarkable first prime minister and builder of modern Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew; happiness, because of the 27th Anniversary of our beloved church, Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore.
Like all grateful citizens and residents of Singapore, we too mourn the death of Singapore’s much respected leader (on Monday, Mar 23, at 3.18am), who was aptly credited with the title “father of modern Singapore” by local and international dignitaries. Mr Lee was an unusually talented politician and, more importantly, a statesman who was deeply dedicated to securing the nation’s peaceful existence and economic growth. We too salute this great national leader who had steered Singapore into a success story over the past 50 years.
However, we know that without God’s gracious providence, no human leader can perfectly assure our success. “Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1b). Hence, let us be thankful to the All- Sovereign God, who has ordained good governance in Singapore and sustained it till this day. “For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God . . . For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:1, 4). His gracious providence has given us all a peaceful country to live in and practise our Christian faith. Let us pray that in Singapore, we will continue to have the freedom to worship and extend the Gospel work. May God’s goodness grant us also the opportunity and resources to continue to send the Gospel light to all corners of the world.
Today, as we give thanks to God for 27 years of abundant blessings which we have enjoyed as a church, let us also dedicate ourselves to live wholeheartedly for His glory, for the edification of fellow believers far and near, and for the salvation of sinners through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we serve the LORD with faithfulness and zeal, we will certainly be a blessing in this nation and beyond
Let me end with the promise of God in Psalm 115:11-18, “Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.”
Dear Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy, Session & congregation,
Greetings in the blessed Name of our Risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
All glory, praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God for His blessed preservation of and provision for Gethsemane BPC, as well as the many faithful ministries of the church throughout the past 27 years.
We rejoice with you as you continue to faithfully serve in the sharing of the Gospel of salvation and the building up of the saints by upholding the inerrant, infallible Word of God in the preserved King James Bible.
As we see the Lord’s return drawing ever closer, we must be encouraged to stand fast in the Truth of God’s Word and be thankful for His goodness, mercy and grace always (1 Thess. 5:18).
May your Anniversary Thanksgiving service be a blessed time of rejoicing and fellowship. May indeed His kingdom be extended as His Word is proclaimed. The Lord be with you in all your endeavours (2 Cor. 13:14).
In His Service,
Pastor Errol, Session & congregation of
Faith Presbyterian Church-Perth
PS A love gift of A$1,200.00 will follow ($1,000.00 for the Church Building Fund and $200.00 for the church).
Dear Pastor, the Church Session and Fellow Gethsemaneans,
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:11-13).
On this happy occasion of your 27th Anniversary Thanksgiving, we join you in remembering the Lord’s goodness and rejoicing in His praises for yet another year of fruitful service to His Name.
We give all glory and honour to the LORD for His greatness and faithfulness in supplying, sustaining and prospering all your endeavours. For truly, the Lord has done great and mighty things in you and through you!
Beloved brethren, please know that all the works of your hands have been a great blessing and encouragement to us and to many others! Most of all, they are as “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18b).
Blessed Anniversary to you All!
Yours in Christ,
Reggor B. Galarpe
Gethsemane B-P Church (Cebu)
Cebu City, The Philippines