​Running the Race Through Prayer - Pastor David Tsai

Dear Church Family and Friends,
Grace and peace to you in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!!
As we celebrate our 38th Church Anniversary, our hearts overflow with gratitude and praise to God. For almost four decades, God has been faithful. He has guided our steps, provided for our needs, and used this body of believers to share His great love in our community and beyond. It is amazing to think about, but it was 38 years ago that a small group of people gathered together with the dream of planting a church to impact their community.
I am sure they did not know what would take place, but I am sure they had dreams and hopes for this church plant. We may never fully know the labor and struggles it took to get this fledgling work off the ground, but do know this: it DID indeed get off the ground and today continues to have an impact on our community and beyond.
This year, I invite you to reflect on our history through the powerful lens of our annual theme: Prayer. In our history, every milestone reached, every life transformed, and every obstacle overcome has been birthed in prayer. When we look back at our legacy and look forward to our future, we see how prayer connects perfectly to the words of Hebrews 12:1-2:
 
“1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
As we remember our past, we honor our founders and faithful members, the cloud of witnesses, who paved our way. They did not just build walls; they built a house of prayer. Their faithful labor, sacrificial giving, and tears built the very foundation we stand on and enjoy today. Every year of our 38-year history stands as a tangible monument to God's faithfulness in answering the cries of His people.
 
It is now our turn, sisters and brothers. Even as we give thanks for our past, we must continue to run the race marked out for us. We must let go of fear, doubt, and anything else, so that we may run unencumbered to accomplish the work of God. Through prayer, we confess, surrender, and lay down the weights and sins that slow us down spiritually. We cannot run this race with human strength. Consistent prayer is the daily fuel that grants us the endurance to keep moving forward.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus by maintaining an unceasing conversation with Him. He not only listens, but He also answers our prayers. In fact, He is the answer: The Author and Finisher of our faith.
Our 38th Anniversary is not just a look to our past; it is also the starting line for the future. There is more work to do and more lives to reach with the Gospel. As we step into our 39th year, let us commit to being a people of deeper prayer, trusting Him to direct our path and move mightily in our community. Let us run this next leg of the race together with joy, patience, and unwavering trust in our Lord.  
 
Thank you for your love, service, generosity, and dedication to our church family. Happy 38th Anniversary, FECC!
 
For His glory and His service,
David Tsai