From the 25th to the 30th anniversary—from a family of four to a family of five, we thank God for His guidance and protection all along the way.
Five years ago, my wife Jessie wrote “In the Light of Your Love” for the church’s 25th anniversary publication. At that time, our eldest daughter was only four, our second daughter had just been born, and our third child had not yet arrived. Today, as we take another family portrait, our three children are nine, five, and two. Looking at the two photos side by side records how the children have grown and also reminds me that, whatever we have gone through, God’s grace and protection have never left us.
In 2015, Jessie and I joined a short-term mission trip to Taiwan. That experience helped me understand that following the Lord is not only about the days spent on mission, but also about every day after returning home. Later, we raised our children together and also walked through the grief of losing a child. I experienced setbacks at work and a car accident that, by God’s mercy, did not result in serious harm. We are not stronger than others; many times we have been tired, anxious, and unable to understand. Yet whenever we reached a low point, God supported us through His Word, prayer, and brothers and sisters in the church.
In the past, whenever difficulties came, I wanted God to solve them quickly. Over time, I began to understand that sometimes God did not immediately remove the problem. Instead, He first showed me my impatience, pride, and desire to control everything. Ministry is not something we use to exchange for family peace or success at work, nor is it a way to prove our ability. It is in one small matter after another that we learn to entrust ourselves to God, to be humble, and to serve in unity with others.
Over these years, I have mainly served in sound and worship support, while also helping in fellowship and administrative ministries. Through these areas of service, I have gradually learned to be faithful in details and to appreciate the importance of serving together. Being able to participate is an opportunity God has given me, and it has always depended on many co-workers serving together.
As EFCCA reaches its 30th anniversary, what fills my heart most is gratitude. God has faithfully led the church, and through the mutual support of many brothers and sisters, our family has been cared for, reminded, and taught to give. Accompanying our three children as they grow repeatedly shows me my own limitations and reminds me to learn trust, surrender, and love in everyday life. I hope they will see through the way we live that faith is not merely a slogan, but a willingness to follow the Lord in every part of daily life.
On this 30th anniversary, may God continue to lead EFCCA faithfully along the path of “Planting Churches, Uniting Generations.” As Scripture says, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” May all glory be to God.
