Pastoral Letters

Thanksgiving for the Gospel Rally

September 9, 2018 Author:Elder Liu Kerh Li
“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zech 4:6). We thank the Lord for leading the gospel rally that was held on 31 Aug and 1 Sep so that all went smoothly! From the preparatory work to the two days of the gospel rally, we could testify to the moving of the Lord’s Spirit. In planning for the gospel rally we considered if we should hold only one night of gospel rally. In the end, however, we adopted last year’s arrangement and held two nights of gospel rally. Such an arrangement was an exercise of faith where we believed that the Lord would prepare for us new friends to attend the meetings and also move us to work hard to invite people to attend the gospel rallies. The Lord truly was gracious to us. In these two nights of meeting about 40 new friends came. These new friends comprised adults and children: colleagues, classmates, family members, and relatives. Some came for the first time while some had been here several times. At any rate, inviting people to attend gospel rallies and preaching the gospel are definitely not easy tasks. We face frequent rejections. Sometimes, regardless of how complete an arrangement, if those invited did not come, they would not come. This happens despite the appeals we make. Thank the Lord for moving these more than 40 new friends to come for the rallies. Above all, we plead with the Lord to continue to work in their hearts that they might receive the gospel and their souls might be saved!

Besides these more that 40 new friends, we believe that the number of friends invited is not just this number. Several weeks before the gospel rally, the church would pray for the friends whom brothers and sisters intend to invite. The name list total not less than 120 persons! Honestly speaking, this is something for which I am thankful to God. This shows that the brothers and sisters in church regard as important the salvation of relatives and friends and are concerned about where these souls are heading. Perhaps you sent out not a few invitations and positive responses are few or even none. Please do not be discouraged because you have taken the first step for the gospel cause. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:57-58). Please continue to pray for them. You could put up their names for prayer during prayer meeting and continue to care for them and testify to them God’s grace. When an opportunity arises, invite them again to church.

Also, we also thank God for those who served faithfully during the two nights of gospel rally, for pastor’s gospel message, for the choir presentations, sharing of testimony, and the children program. These items require sacrificial efforts which were offered up to the Lord. May the Lord multiply for His rewards. The gospel seed has been sown through your message, testimony, and singing voices. We pray that these seeds would sprout and bear fruit. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them” (Psa 126:5-6).

This year’s gospel rally has ended. But we should not just relax. As we thank God, we pray that the Lord would grant us love and strength to care for these unbelieving relatives and friends. For those who came, we believe that they would now know several brothers and sister in church and are no longer strangers to the church. Hence, we can consider inviting them to attend church meetings. It could be Sunday Worship services or cell group meetings. These could help them experience the Christian love and life. If church visitations are needed, you could let the church know. We definitely could make appropriate arrangements. You could also think about how the brothers and sisters in church could help you to share the gospel with relatives and friends. Your relative could have the same interest as some brothers and sisters which could include drawing, exercising, cooking or food tasting. For that we could arrange some relaxing moments for interaction. If you know that they are facing difficulties in life, let them know that the church would be willing to help them. By our life testimony we hope to help the relatives and friends around us to believe in Jesus, and to experience an abundant life, just as you and we have.