Great is Thy Faithfulness! -- Rev. Joseph H. Lao

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.”  (Psalm 111:2)
    
At the beginning of this year, we started to reflect upon 3 decades of our awesome God’s presence at FECC and the rich history of His extravagant grace. We remember and celebrate with a spirit of joy and thanksgiving God’s faithfulness, goodness, and His favor upon us for 30 years. 

From the very beginning in 1988, we have experienced the demonstration of God’s amazing favor in our church. We thank God for the privilege to pray, rejoice, cry, and journey through life with many that God has brought our way. The account of God’s faithful provisions, both in manpower and financial resources, never ceases to amaze me. We recognize that nothing is due to our own doing and therefore, have nothing to boast about. God first called us to this place; and it is solely by His grace that has sustained us through the years.

As we do on every anniversary in the past, along with our thankful hearts to the Lord, we also re-commit to continue to enthrone Jesus so that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess His Lordship. That was and continues to be our church’s mission - to share the good news of God’s love and the message of salvation and repentance through the blood of Christ, to our families and to a broken world who do not know of His love and forgiveness. 

We must strive to be to our community and the world more than a church of biblical doctrines. We must demonstrate that we care about a broken world in need of the transformation that can only come from the redemptive work of Christ. We must be people of the Word and of faith in God. We must not be afraid to think big and have lofty ideas and bold plans to attempt great things for God, trusting fully that by so doing, we can also expect great things from God!

As we celebrate another year of God’s faithfulness in our church’s life, we acknowledge that we are truly blessed beyond measure, both individually and corporately. Our church continues to grow in ministries, programs, and even edifices. All these are vital and important; yet without evangelism, they are all done in vain. So, may I challenge you to continue “to be faithful to Him who appointed us.” Let us endeavor to pursue higher grounds in the years ahead and beyond, until He comes again. May the calling of God for our church help us stay on course with determination and fervor.

We thank God for providing us with three outstanding speakers and faithful servants of our Lord Jesus Christ to bless us this weekend: D. Daisy Tsai (Mandarin), Rev. Mark Hong (English), and Rev. John Hsu (Cantonese). As we acknowledge His love, His power, and His peace, may we always be mindful of God’s faithfulness in each of our lives! 

“All we have needed, Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto us!”