Dear COA Family,
Last Sunday, we had the joy of witnessing ten of our brothers and sisters being baptised. Each of them shared a unique testimony of their journey of faith, bearing witness to God’s gracious work in their lives. Often, this work takes place quietly and unseen, yet God is faithfully at work, drawing people to Himself in His perfect timing.
One of those baptised was Mr Koh Beng Geok. I first came to know him when he was Chief Drill Instructor at the Police Academy and I was a young cadet. Even then, he carried a commanding presence, and many in the Police Force deeply respected his dedication and professionalism.
Although Mr Koh had long been exposed to the gospel—his sisters and children are Christians, and he attended a Christian school in his younger days—he did not commit himself to Christ for many years. He even attended church regularly with his granddaughter but had not yet taken the step of entrusting his life to the Lord. Yet throughout those years, God was quietly at work in his heart.
Then, in June this year, at the age of 85, he made the decision to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He not only prayed to receive Christ but also demonstrated a genuine transformation in his life. He committed himself to baptism and confirmation, and now attends our worship services faithfully. Today, he speaks with a renewed awareness of God’s presence and reality in his life.
Together with him, two infants were also baptised. Their parents brought them before the Lord in faith, trusting that God would graciously work in their lives from their earliest days. Infant baptism is not about parents imposing their beliefs upon their children. Rather, it is a declaration of faith that God is the heavenly Father who loves their children, watches over them, and desires a covenant relationship with them.
Parents, in turn, commit themselves to raising their children in the Christian faith, praying that in due time they will come to know and trust the Lord personally for themselves.
Baptism is also a time of great rejoicing for the wider family of God.
I was deeply encouraged to see so many family members and friends present at the service. Their presence was a meaningful expression of love and support for those being baptised. Many were also touched and encouraged as they witnessed God’s work in the lives of their loved ones. The family celebrations that followed were a wonderful reminder that God’s blessings often extend beyond individuals to their households and families. Every testimony shared and every baptism celebrated is a seed of faith sown in the hope and expectation of God’s continuing redeeming work.
Church, let us continue to sow faithfully through acts of love, witness, prayer, and obedience in the lives of our family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. As James reminds us, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
As we walk in heavenly wisdom and persevere in faith, we can look forward to the harvest that God will bring in His time.
God bless,
Revd Ian