Dear beloved family in Christ

It has been four weeks since the official announcement of the clergy postings by diocesan bishop Titus, under the divine guidance of the Lord. My heart is filled with gratitude for your encouraging words, kind understanding and fervent prayers for me and my family and also for St John’s Chapel community.

As I was thinking and praying about how to edify and encourage God’s people during this period of pastoral transition for both the English and Mandarin/dialect congregations, I came across a short article entitled “6 Truths to Encourage You During Pastoral Transition” by pastor Ben Simpson (Eastwood Baptist Church, Kentucky, USA).

(weblink:  https://www.9marks.org/article/6-truths-to-encourage-you-during-pastoral-transition/  )

Pastor Simpson shared briefly on six truths to encourage God’s people during pastoral transitions:

1. God will be with this church at all times.
2. God is in control.
3. God plans good out of this transition.
4. It’s okay to weep.
5. Ministry must go on.
6. The church must not scatter. 

As you reflect on these essential points, may your heart and mind be strengthened by the Spirit of God and by the Word of God. Let us keep our eyes on our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ, following Jesus closely and press on in serving His will and purposes in the work of His eternal kingdom.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

Maranatha
Pastor John