Dear COA Family,
I am so thankful to God for a wonderful family holiday over the past two weeks. We rejoiced in the opportunity to spend time together as a family and to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Thank you also for your prayers for our safety and well-being during this time.
Yet what is even more wonderful is hearing how God has been at work in saving lives while we were away.
On 21 June, at Ren Ci Community Hospital, an elderly resident from SANH (Aljunied) was baptised by Revd Huang. She had originally been scheduled for baptism in May but was hospitalised before it could take place. Her condition deteriorated in the hospital, and she was diagnosed as being critically ill. When Ps Jocelyn visited her and asked whether she still wished to be baptised, she responded clearly that she did. Before the baptism, Revd Huang shared the gospel with her once again and she responded affirmatively. We thank God for His mercy and grace upon her life.
On that same Sunday, Revd Huang also baptised another elderly gentleman, Mr Wong, who had previously served as a cleaner in our church. We praise God for His mercy and faithfulness in drawing him to Himself.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells a story that is popularly known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In it, a son who had left his father and squandered everything eventually returned home. Rather than rejecting him, the father rejoiced and welcomed him back with open arms.
In fact, Jesus was making the same point through a series of three parables in Luke 15 — the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. His message is clear: there is great rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. This truth is repeated in verses 7, 10, and 32 for emphasis.
Church, what are we rejoicing over today? We may rightly give thanks for holidays, promotions at school or work, good health and God’s provision in our daily lives. All these are blessings from Him and reasons for gratitude.
Yet let us also learn to rejoice in what brings joy to the heart of God — the salvation of souls. We can share in this joy by being His instruments in reaching out to those around us with the love and gospel of Christ. This is the one reward whose significance will continue throughout eternity.
In this season, I believe that the Lord is preparing and opening many hearts to Him in a powerful way. They may even be in ways beyond our expectations and imagination. Let us all step forth in faith to be His light to the world!
God bless,
Revd Ian
