June 25, 2023, marks a significant milestone in our journey as pastors. Reflecting on my upbringing as a pastor’s child, I never thought of walking this path myself. However, as the Scriptures remind us, God’s ways are higher than ours, and His thoughts surpass our understanding. It was during a season of immense loss, the passing of my father, that God revealed His purpose to me. In the midst of darkness and pain, the Lord tenderly transformed my perspective, using that trying time to align my heart with His divine calling.

Our transition from the UK to Singapore in August 2021 was filled with uncertainties. Yet, just as Abraham heeded God’s call in Genesis 12 to leave his country and family for a new land, we trusted that God’s best awaited us. Like Abraham, we stepped out in faith, relinquishing our possessions and embracing the unknown. And through our obedience, we witnessed the fulfilment of God’s promises, being led to a place of abundant blessings in Singapore, where He unexpectedly called us into pastoral ministry.

This past year has been a remarkable journey of growth, both in learning and unlearning, as we navigate the highs and lows of shepherding God’s flock. By God’s grace alone, we have managed to balance work, home-schooling, family, and ministry while drawing nearer to Him. Our schedules may be demanding, but the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father has sustained us throughout this year. Indeed, the opportunities from God are precious gifts, often wrapped in uncertainty.

The night we prepared for our ordination, Joel and I hardly slept, for we pondered the weight of the “yes” we were about to utter. We diligently counted the cost, aware that following Christ can be both challenging and rewarding. Yet, it was God who opened doors and ignited a passion within us. Though stepping into the unknown can be daunting, God has continually proven Himself more than sufficient. The words of 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 in The Message translation resonate with our journey: “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the “yes” of Jesus. In Him, this is what we preach and pray, the great amen, God’s yes and our yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing, and Christ puts His yes within us by His Spirit. He has stamped us with His eternal pledge, assuring the beginning of what He is destined to complete.”

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the “yes” of Jesus. In Him, this is what we preach and pray, the great amen, God’s yes and our yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing, and Christ puts His yes within us by His Spirit. He has stamped us with His eternal pledge, assuring the beginning of what He is destined to complete.

In this moment, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Yang, Pastor Daphne, and all those who have deemed us worthy to serve God alongside them. We extend our appreciation to our friends, family, congregation, and fellow pastors and leaders for being a continual source of blessing and encouragement. Truly, everyone who has journeyed with us in response to God’s call has witnessed His faithfulness in our lives.

As we reflect upon the refining process we have undergone, the words of Isaiah 48:10 come to mind: “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver (literally, not like silver): I have chosen thee (notice) in the furnace of affliction.” Through the fires of affliction, God has refined us, shaping us according to His divine purpose. Just as silver is purified through intense heat, so are we molded through the trials we encounter. This analogy reminds us that God’s refining process equips us for the sacred task of shepherding His people.

May our journey inspire others to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when the path seems uncertain. Let us remember that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and provide strength in times of affliction. As we continue this journey as pastors, we remain committed to preaching His Word, praying the great amen, and proclaiming His “yes”

Consider this:   This week, let us ‘count our blessings’ and ‘name them one by one’. Sometimes we take things for granted refusing to see that it was God’s intervention that pumped in the blessings. So, let us be: 1. Grateful for God’s Provision: The Lord has faithfully provided for our every need, both physically and spiritually. Just as the Psalmist declares in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In times of uncertainty, He has proven Himself as our ultimate Provider, meeting us exactly where we are and showering us with His blessings.    2. Grateful for God’s Guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Throughout this past year, God has led us with His unwavering wisdom and guidance. Even in moments of uncertainty and decision-making, He has faithfully directed our steps and illuminated the path before us. It is through His guidance that we have found assurance and peace, knowing that we are walking in His perfect will.   3. Grateful for God’s Faithfulness: Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Throughout this journey, we have experienced the unchanging faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. In moments of doubt or difficulty, He has remained steadfast, never abandoning us. His mercies are new each day, and His faithfulness sustains us through every trial and triumph.