The apostle Paul wrote to the church of Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:3-6).

I can say the same about the Christians in Tree of Life Christian Church. You are not a rich church but you are certainly rich towards God. Many things demonstrate this. Most recently, you gave generously to the church building funds. We have raised the amount of about $760,000 in loans and gift needed to pay for the church property. A large part of this money was raised in a week. It shows your eagerness to please your Lord.

This is possible not because you are rich and have extra cash but you chose to give sacrificially. You did so because you love your Lord and Saviour. Indeed, if we love the Lord, we must give to the Lord’s work. You are blessed because “God loves a cheerful giver” (1 Cor 9:7).

We all have different gifts. Some serve in the limelight whereas others serve God in very quiet ways but in ways no less important to the growth of the church. You are blessed because “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt 6:18). Thus, if what you do is done truly for your Father who is in heaven, whether others notice, remember or appreciate what you do, you will be rewarded by the Almighty God. People have been edified because of your service.

As we serve together and fellowship with one another, it is quite obvious that each of us has different weaknesses and shortfalls. We may have at one point or another said or done something that hurt somebody or that is not good. But many of you have chosen to be kind and gracious. Instead of being critical and judgmental, you have chosen to accept and love him or her for who he or she is. You are blessed because “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt 5:7). It is because you are gracious and kind that people who come into this church have found a place where their wounds and hurts can be nursed. You are the light and salt of the earth.

Out of the average weekly attendance of slightly more than 31, the average Adult Sunday School attendance is about 25. That works out to be about 80% attendance. You are blessed because “Blessed are the poor in spirit because theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3).

More than half of the congregation are new believers. You have all worked hard at bringing lost souls to salvation by inviting new friends, praying for them and helping them feel at home in this church. You are blessed because “the one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor” (1Cor 3:8).

The church has grown because of your faithfulness. But all glory goes to God because “neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Cor 3:7). Hence, as we celebrate our third anniversary, let us thank and praise God for being so merciful as to use us for His glory. Let us at the same time resolve also to serve Him faithfully because “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them” (Heb 6:10).