Dear friends,
Last week, I was on a ministry trip in East Asia and I wanted to share how God moves in ways that often exceeds our expectations or imaginations! Due to tensions in that region, we had to change our program plans very last minute. It was stressful for me because I couldn’t use my prepared content, and had to go with the flow of one-on-one/group conversations in a language that I am not very competent in. But I had a feeling this was something the Spirit of God was engineering for the benefit of the participants who needed healing and reconciliation. Although this format is more stressful for me, I know presence is the most important thing, and God would help me fill in the gaps as always.
The first moment I stepped into the conference room after I arrived, one of the participants gave me hug and started crying. This is the first time I’m seeing many of them again after five years due to the pandemic, but it felt like no time had passed. I stood there and held her for a long time as she cried. And I did the same for another participant later than afternoon. I just held them and told them they are not alone. We had one-on-one sessions that brought healing and reconciliation between people and ministries. I also had two leaders share with me how they sensed God calling them to ministry and seminary, and my heart rejoiced. I didn’t think I would cry so much over a period of a few days. But I could really feel that God is moving and doing something new in a place that faces growing restrictions.
I wanted to share this with you because I want you to know how God is working through us as a church, not only here in Singapore but in the wider region. Our learnings and experiences as a faith community is helping us help others as they nurture their communities. So thank you for being a part of this faith community, and for making a difference whether you realise it or not.
This Sunday, David will be sharing with us how giving is worship. His clarity and insights might surprise you, so please come join us as we worship together as one body.
See you on Sunday!
Shalom
Pauline