2023.08.05/06
From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Raphael Chow
Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,
Today is a tragic era. While it may not be easy to see in countries in North America, it is evident everywhere in Asia, war-torn nations, or third-world countries: there are abandoned babies, both disabled and healthy, left by their parents; young children losing their parents due to wars; children abandoned because their sister remarried; young people living aimless lives, struggling day by day just to survive; and parents grieving the loss of their children, enduring each day in sorrow.
Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) This statement is very true. Through the power of the gospel, abandoned infants are adopted by Christians and grow up to become productive individuals; those who lost parents in wars or were abandoned find a home through the care of Christians; those with directionless lives find new and abundant life in Christ; parents grieving each day find not only comfort in Christ but also become a source of comfort for others. This is the power of the gospel, manifesting God’s love, ability, and glory in the lives of the weak, helpless, and hopeless.
These awe-inspiring events do not happen by chance. Behind these stories are a group of unknown Christians moved by God, responding to the call of their Heavenly Father. They come from near and far to these places in need, silently offering their lives just to satisfy the needs of others. If I remembered correctly, a Christian couple who went to Myanmar and served abandoned or orphaned children year after year. These children grew up not only in a healthy environment but also excelled academically, loving God, loving others, serving society and churches. Some were inspired to follow the couple’s footsteps and hope to adopt orphans themselves, giving hope to the hopeless.
God does not call every believer to be a missionary overseas, but Jesus commands all His followers to make disciples of all nations. On one hand, believers should be more aware and understand the situations of various mission fields, striving to participate, including constant prayers for missionaries and mission fields, something both you and I can do. Encouraging and maintaining contact with missionaries or joining short-term mission teams are even better. On the other hand, cross-cultural missions today do not necessarily require going overseas. There are already many ethnic groups in our local areas who have not yet received the message of salvation. They are waiting for believers to go among them and introduce the salvation of Christ. Perhaps what you and I can do is not much, but we can always start with fervent prayer.
” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Do you love what the Lord loves?
His Servant
Pastor Raphael Chow