Changes and uncertainty calls for faith to step out and step into the new. What started as a mission trip to Kobe to impart the vision for starting Small Groups, snowballed to Lawrence being back in NLRC PJ fully.
In December 2016, we shared with Kobe Bible Fellowship (KBF) leaders the vision for Small Groups. After much deliberation, they started a trial run in January 2017. Amazingly, the believers who are generally quiet and reflective opened up and shared with joy and tears in Small Groups. We were delighted to return for further leaders’ training.
Upon hearing about these KBF happenings, PJ leaders wanted to rekindle this excitement in PJ, too. The subsequent events took me (Lip Yee) completely by surprise. They not only affected Lawrence but our whole family. It was our turn to be challenged and to change. Is this what God wants for us and our family? More importantly, what God wants for his people in NLRC PJ? NLRC group of churches?
We sought the Lord, prayed earnestly and desperately. The Lord graciously sent prophetic ministries to encourage and affirm. Bishop Alexey prophesized, “New season…, bringing in resources … The Lord will take care of your family”. While we were visiting our daughter in Auckland, the prophetic (Len Buttner) affirmed the continuity in missions work; “… picking champions to lead groups; (Rachel McQueen)…to bring back those who are left behind…”
We are greatly encouraged by those who have written to me (Lawrence) on “My Calling”. You have shared what God has placed in your hearts — your victories and challenges — and willing to lay it before the Lord for Him to mould and multiply. Thank you for connecting and renewing fellowship with us. Thank you for embracing the new changes in Worship Teams, changing from Cell Groups to Life Groups and stepping up to serve.
(Eph 4:16) “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”.
Let’s enter 2018 to accomplish God’s calling on us, living in the Kingdom Family!
Happy New Year,
Rev Lawrence Chen & Lip Yee
Senior Pastor
