Please come for three important reasons.  First, the Bible promises blessings: “How good and how pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).  Our God is very wise.  He takes care of His people by dividing the entire worldwide church which comprises every Christian on earth into local churches.  Each church is a complete independent unit that is equipped with all necessary accessories to survive.  But every Christian must do his or her part by serving in and not just coming to church.  True service is filled with passion and love for the local church.  You need to understand the blue print of extending God’s kingdom: it comes by making the local church spiritually vibrant.  And one thing that you can and must do is by being an encouragement to people in your local church.  May your kindness and wisdom be life giving.  For this reason, I urge you to come for this Family Day.  Your presence, participation, and helping to make this day work will be a great encouragement to the church.  Open your hearts to others.  Share your life by listening and sharing.  Do not regard yourself as a guest but as a family member who extends warmth and love to all who come into this church.

Second, we meet also to pray.  As I often say, Christians must be praying people.  This means that you must be someone who is convinced that you can do nothing apart from God and that you need God every moment of your life.  Such an understanding will then drive you to pray for divine help.  Do you pray often?  Do you pray for needy people in church?  For that matter, do you know who are in need?  Do you pray for the church leaders and spiritual activities?  But do you do know the needs of the church?  How can you pray if you do not know who needs prayer and what needs prayer?  Are you disciplined in praying for these matters which you as a Christian have a duty to do so?  Come for the church prayer meeting every Tuesday or at least once a month.  Then you will know what to pray for and be disciplined in praying.  On this Family Day, we shall do just that: praying.  And God will hear the prayers of His people: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my Name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24).  Your joy is determined by God answering your prayers.  Hence, Christians must spend much time praying. 

Third, we also hope to instil in all of us a habit of  exercising physically.  We can serve and live for God regardless of our physical environment.  It does, however, help us to do spiritual things better by having healthy physical bodies.  This Family Day jump starts monthly series of physical exercises.  “How good and how pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).  May we build strong bonds of Christian fellowship so that we can better run life’s heavenly race.