“Blessings upon Blessings!

How Blessed are the Children of God!”

Spring is upon us soon with its first day falling on the second Sunday (14th) of February. This day marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and Sunday is also the first day of the week. According to the church calendar this was also the day of transfiguration of Christ on the mount, or “the day of revelation of Christ’s divine glory” (Luke 9:28-36). What is most moving about this passage is God’s voice from the cloud proclaiming, “This is My Son whom I have chosen!” Let us once again reaffirm and renew our love for the Lord at the start of the New Year, and live to please Him.

You may recall the themes of CAC for this year: that we shall strive to “show mercy, and act justly”. I mentioned in last month’s edition of CAC News that the Methodist Church in Singapore will launch a year-long celebration of the 125th year of its founding on 28th Feb (the 15th day of the first Lunar month). Bishop Solomon is going to mobilise the almost 40,000 Methodists in Singapore to raise $1.25m. This sum will be used to provide a monthly subsidy of $125 for each of the 883 families of “chronic poor” for 12 months. The project will help raise the awareness among Methodists of the need to show concern for the poor and destitute. Individually or as a group, you can pledge your love gift of $125 for one to twelve months towards the fund. It is hoped that through this act we are encouraged to extend practical and effective aid to the poor.
Lunar New Year is fast approaching, but many of our brethren, relatives, friends and neighbours may be worried that the festive season will mean more hardship for them. So as you are busy shopping for goodies and new clothes to celebrate the festival, share your blessings with the less fortunate. I believe they will be encouraged by your loving gesture and feel the warmth despite their circumstances.

It is also my hope that you have put into effect your plan for Bible study. This can be in the form of your personal quiet time, or participation in cell or disciple-making group Bible study. Let us resolve to make a serious effort in studying the Lord’s word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalms 119:105) I deeply believe this to be true because I, as well as those close to me, have experienced the endless blessings which this promise brings.

As part of the Lunar New Year celebrations a series of three gospel concerts featuring popular Christian artistes will be held at the Indoor Stadium of 27th and 28th Feb (last two days of the Lunar New Year festive season). The speaker is Rev Kou Shao-An from Taiwan. Together with the artistes he will bring the Lord’s blessings especially to all the non-Christian relatives and friends whom we will be inviting to the concerts. Let’s purchase the tickets and gather in the Indoor Stadium to enjoy a blessed Yuan Xiao weekend!

May you have a Blessed Lunar New Year!
May the Lord’s grace be upon you each and every year!