Today’s celebration testifies to victory for the Russian Gospel Temple; a victory that reminds us of our humble beginning. Fifty years ago the work was started from a simple act of faith and complete trust to God’s precious promises. Indeed, God proved Himself and honored our faith by sustaining us with His grace and supplying our daily needs from start up to the present. I Thessalonians 5:24 says, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it”.
Our victory in the past and victory today is no guarantee of victory tomorrow. We cannot afford to lower our guard against the enemy and be complacent for what we are now. I know the enemy is not happy to see souls getting saved and believers growing in their faith. We should therefore be fervent in our prayers, circumspect in our walk and faithful in our service.
My gratitude goes to all of you who serve the Lord – men and women, youth and elders. The church needs you in all positions and I encourage you to have an open mind how we can serve God better in our time.
In holding this jubilee we must recognize the significant role of youth as future pastors and leaders. They are the ecumenical movement of tomorrow, but they are also the church of today. The youth leaders have a special responsibility to give youth empowerment and inspiration.
It is wonderful to see and hear how faith in Christ embraces different cultures and traditions within one Body, and that makes our church even stronger. We are called to be one in Christ. To be one in solidarity with the suffering world. To be one in Christ’s identification with victims of sin. To be one in faith that there is possibility for change, forgiveness when there is an open heart capable of remorse and repentance. To be one in sharing the good news with the world of how Christ opens the doors to new future.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish”. (Prov.29:18) I firmly believe God has a wonderful plan for the Russian Gospel Temple. We need to be determined, devoted and disciplined in order to reach this goal (Philippians 3:14). Someone has well said, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God”. In other words, dream big, step big and do big things for God (Mark 9:23). There is a great challenge ahead of us. Let us therefore continue to grow deeper, aim higher and serve better until we become the church God intends us to be.
To God be the glory!