Second, we could celebrate our sixth anniversary because you did not despise this church that started as mustard seed, “the smallest of all seeds” (Matt 13:32). Instead, you faithfully laboured for the Lord whom you love. You did not flee and forsake this church, rather, your Saviour’s church, when there were difficulties. Faithfully, you attend the Sunday Worship Service, follow and serve the Lord, and testify to God’s goodness. Thus, I say as Paul also says, “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).
Third, you have worked hard in reaching out to the lost souls. You preached the gospel. You invited them to the Basic Bible Class, gospel rallies, cell group and fellowship meetings, church outings, church camps. You visited the sick and needy. You helped people in practical ways, by giving, by caring for their family, by helping students in their studies, etc. You prayed for them regularly both during your private prayers and the church prayer meetings.
There are many other things that you have done that I fear that I have left out. But the Lord knows and your reward is in heaven. In your own ways, perhaps unnoticed by people, you have worked hard to bring the gospel to the lost. For that, the Lord promises that He “will be with you always, to the very end of age” (Matt 28:20).
Fourth, I thank God for the leaders in the church committee. On top of your busy work and family commitments, you have made many sacrifices, in leading, caring for and teaching the Christians in this church. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1Pe 5:4).
Fifth, I thank God for enabling many of you who faithfully serve the Lord in your area of responsibility and ministry. For some of you, your faithfulness has gone unnoticed by people. But you can be sure that the Lord, who searches and knows all hearts, knows. On the day that He comes to reward His servants, the good works that you have done, that little act of love you show to the most unworthy person, will be rewarded by your Lord and Saviour. On that day, He will say to you, “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Mat 25:21).
For now until the day when your Lord and Saviour returns to earth, let’s labour on for the Lord. Don’t love praises that come from human beings. Don’t love the world and its earthly pleasures. Forsake the pleasures offered by sin. They last but only for a little while. Then, they will disappear forever. They have no real or everlasting value. Your labour and love for the Lord, however, will result in eternal rewards: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day– and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (2Tim 4:8).