Epistle to Bethany PC

Mark Lim, follower of Jesus Christ the Son of God who richly meets our needs according to His glory and praise to His name.

To all the faithful saints of Bethany PC and those who serve as leaders and teachers because of their commitment to their calling.

Grace and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

I thank my God every time I pray for all of you, how you volunteer yourself as worship leaders and serving as BSG leaders in spite of the lack of zeal the church display. Always rejoicing that your perseverance is being tried and yet standing firm as you labour for Him. This is my prayer, that in whatever you do, that your love for God and His people be seen by all, setting an example for others to follow, to the glory of God.

I want to remind you, brothers and sisters-in-Christ that no one should be put in leadership or as teachers until he has been found to be faithful in the studying of God’s Word, spiritual mature in bearing the fruit of the Spirit, regular in worship services and being found worthy to serve by the members of the church. Those who lead and teach has a great responsibility and accountability and so should set an example to the flock. Do not be hasty in appointing leaders even though there is a great shortage of able people. The pastor, elder and deacons have the responsibility of raising up leaders just as our Lord Jesus Christ who though ministered to the people by healing the sick, raising the dead, teaching the crowd and feeding those who are hungry yet took considerable effort to nurture and train 12 disciples who would later be the pillar of the church. The pastor must likewise, follows the footstep of our Lord Jesus Christ and concentrate on mentoring a few disciples in addition to delivery of his weekly sermons. If he do this, in 3 and half years, the church would have produce many more able “Peter, James and John” just like our Lord Jesus Christ did. Of course, there would be some “Judas Iscariot” along the mentoring process but if we don’t sow, we would not reap. He who does not sow bountifully to produce worship leaders, youth leaders, BSG leaders and teachers so shall not reap bountifully.

Leaders must understand that church growth does not depend on making 3 years or 5 years plan. Neither does it depend on how big nor many facilities the church has. You plant, I water, but actually it is God who gives the growth and increase the number and faith of His people. Like the apostles during the time of the early church who concentrate on prayer and teaching, do not neglect the coming together regularly to pray and seek the Holy Spirit, who is the giver of all spiritual gifts and power for the growth of the church to the glory of God the Father through the blessed name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen. We have only one head who is Christ, the head of the church. Pastors, elders, deacons and ministry leaders are but servants who must tend the flocks that are in their charge, not by constraint, but willing, not as domineering but being example to the flock in love, in faith, in purity and in unity. In your zeal and pursuit of spiritual and charismatic gifts, do not neglect the teaching of the giver, the Holy Spirit and over emphasize the gifts. In any dispute among leaders, be tender, kind-hearted and forbearing one another in love.

I commend to you our brother Peter Soh, who for the love of the Lord, give all his time and energy, making many sacrifices to the service of the Sarah Active Centre. Honor such people and learn from their example. Greet Judy and Janice who in their quiet way serve the elderly. The Lord knows your deeds. Greet those who also volunteer occasionally and work very hard at the centre also. The Lord knows where your hearts are. Greet all the saints in the production team for the evangelistic film – Ransom. May all your labour bear forth fruits that will last for eternity in God’s own timing. Greet the church visitation team who always refresh others with their presence. Our brother, Isaac will be going to Yunnan soon. May what he has planned to do encourage others to follow in his footsteps.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.