When I heard that, many people whom I would like to thank the Lord for, came to mind. Must say, this is not the first time I thank the Lord for them. Here goes the list :
1) First and foremost, I thank GOD for His great love to send Jesus to redeem us from our sins. Without this, there would not be a Body of Christ, we would not have brothers and sisters in the Lord, etc.
2) Thank GOD for the church leaders from the Senior Pastor, the elders, pastors to the care group leaders who have served and set examples for the flock to follow.
3) Thank GOD for the administrative staff and people who worked in the background week after week.
4) Thank GOD for brothers and sisters in the Body, whom the Lord has used in one way or another have brought a smile to our faces.
Now for the more specific people. Thank GOD for :
1) Pastor Kenny, Pastor Ivan, Ghim Har and She Kheng who have played a significant part in Renfred's journey as he prepares himself to be equipped for full time service as a soldier for the King of kings and Lord of lords. We are thankful for GOD's calling in Renfred's life and for His provision.
2) Pastor Keng Mun and Rebecca who have faithfully and quietly journeyed with us through our ups and downs and remained our friends even though they are now serving in another church. They counsel us when we run to them, they are not judgmental, do not avoid us and we truly thank GOD for them from the bottom of our hearts. It was Rebecca who first introduced me to serve in the Saturday tea break and that was where I started to get "empowered" by her to bake and serve. It's amazing, how she has played that initial yet crucial part in my baking and food ministry. Loving them in the Lord.
3) Pastor Twee Kim and Mrs Lee who are serving quietly amongst the flock. Had a chat with Mrs Lee at this October JPM and learnt that even though she may not be attending the worship service at WEFC, as she felt ministered by the worship in the other church she is currently attending, her service is to WEFC missionaries and praying for WEFC. Am touched by her love and care for the Body of Christ here. She has her own special ways of blessing and touching lives and she is one of those who is faithfully praying for Eliza. When we first attended WEFC, more than 11 years back, Pastor Lee was the Senior Pastor and Pete has since got to know him better and they are able to speak truthfully in love to one another.
4) Pastor Shern, who is now in Durham, working diligently to be a better workman for the Lord. We are looking forward to learn from him when he comes home in two years' time. He has been a very encouraging pastor during our stay in WEFC and even up till now, we still keep in touch as he faithfully prays for Eliza who is also studying overseas like himself but in a different field. The Lord has blessed him with a special touch to be able to empathize and encourage others with His Word. "And God will generously provide all his need. Then he will always have everything he needs and plenty left over to share with others." II Cor 9:8
5) Annabel and Pastor Edward. Their exemplary faithful and cheerful service to the Lord is something anyone would like to learn from. Annabel has been an encouraging sister in the Lord for many years. She is the one who taught me how to make bread and knead by hand some more :) And recently she shared her ice cream recipe and I shared my experiences and how I tweaked the recipe, etc. Must say there are ups and downs in this journey but nobody is perfect, we are all sinners saved by GOD's grace. So we accept each other and continue to love one another in Him :)
6) Pastor Alfred. We got to know him better only in the past 1-2 years when working through some church issues and he is my Worship Pastor too. He and his wife, Yee Pin, are also praying faithfully for Eliza. We got to understand and appreciate one another better through the "fights and arguments" hahaha just figuratively speaking. He is very pastoral, generous and he cares. May the Lord bless him and Yee Pin with joy, patience, grace and strength as they bring up their four "bundles of joy" :)
7) There are so, so many like Louis and Chris, Eld Matt and Dolly, Lai Fun, Eugene and SuLin, Mimi and Yau Oon, Ser Khiam, Usha, Pastor Kee Oon, Pastor Ho, Timothy Pang and Yewya, Say Juan, Suzanne and David, Irene and Joshua, Seok Fun and Marc, Hern Tzun, Lye Kit, Lily Chau, Joseph and Jill and the list goes on. I am sure I have missed out many more but GOD knows who they are. And we pray that the Lord will bless you all according to His immeasurable riches.
Last but not least, I am thankful for my husband, Peter, and our young adults; Renfred and Eliza. GOD has blessed Peter with many spiritual blessings and insights - may he use them in humility and love to build up and be an encouragement in His Body and continue to be the role model for me and our young adults to follow in our service for the Lord. GOD has blessed Renfred with the desire for His spiritual things and there is no better boss than GOD Himself. May he be molded, filled and be used mightily for His Kingdom's purposes. GOD has blessed Eliza with the talent to appreciate colours and in the areas of art. He has opened the way for her to further her education overseas. May she be used also greatly for the Lord in time to come.
Hebrews 6:10
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
I Cor 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
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