We thank and praise God that today, we can amend the last sentence to “On 24thJune 2012 we move into our present place of worship at Bukit Batok Crescent.” God has been kind and merciful to use us in small ways to reach out and bring some of our loved ones into His kingdom. Several people remarked that just when the seats at West Coast Recreation Centre were almost filled, God provides for us a new place of worship that can seat more people. In fact, when we decided to buy this place several months ago, our previous place of worship at West Coast Recreation Centre could still comfortably seat more new friends. But by the time we made the last payment about more than a month ago, we felt acutely the need for a bigger place. During the church camp, we received good news that the government now allows churches to use light industry properties for worship. It is just wonderful that this news came just when we were about (a week from moving) to move into our light industry unit at Bukit Batok Crescent. We testify to God’s providence: God is always in time and He controls all things. Isaiah exhorts us: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). Perhaps you are waiting for an answer to a prayer. Wait patiently for God’s provision. He is never late.
When we first put across to the church that we hoped to buy a property which cost about $700,000, many of us wondered where the money was going to come from as we are a small group. We also need money for renovation which works out to be about $90,000. Today, we have bought over the property through love gifts and interest free loans, a large part of which come from members and friends worshipping in this church. There is still an outstanding amount of about $40,000 but we know that the Lord will provide. This reminds me (at a much smaller scale) of the miracle of the crossing of the river Jordan where the priests had to by faith step into the water to cross the River Jordan. At that time, the river was at flood stage (Joshua 3:15). God did not first stop the water flow and then ask the priests to step into the water. He commanded them to take the step of faith and first step into the flowing water and then He stopped the water flow.
Tree of Life Christian Church did the same. You obeyed the Lord’s will and started the process of buying this new place by faith even though you did not have most of the money yet. The Lord has honoured your faith and given you this new place of worship because you first took the step of faith. In the same way, do not ask God to first solve your problems before you obey Him. Instead, learn to first obey God and God will work things out for you. May the Lord be merciful to us and continue to use you to bring lost souls into His glorious kingdom. All praise be to the Lord.