Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings in the Lord! 

The February cold weather is over. Beginning in March, the trees burst out green sprouts.  All kinds of flowers wear their beautiful clothes to tell the wonder and greatness of God.  In April, all the churches joyfully celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Our hearts are full of praises. Jesus has overcome death and leads us out of the darkness into His marvelous light so that we can proclaim the excellencies of Him everywhere.  

Resurrection and Eternity 

The resurrection of Jesus not only revealed His victory, glory, might, and His being lifted up to the highest place. Everything in heaven and on earth are under His power, it also allows us to call Him Lord. The resurrection of Jesus brings hope of resurrection to the believers. After resurrection, believers will be raptured to heaven. Through the judgment seat of Christ and the wedding feast of the Lamb, the victorious believers will descend with the Lord to the earth to build the millennial kingdom. After that there will be the new heaven and new earth. All the kingdoms on earth shall be passed away. Every material thing in the world will be burned up and dissolved (2 Peter 3:10). 

The new heaven and new earth are eternal. How shall we live?  The Bible (Revelation 21) does not talk about the details of this new heaven and new earth.  Does it have beautiful scenery? Does it have trees? But it keeps talking about New Jerusalem. What is New Jerusalem like? In the vision, the apostle John saw the angels telling him, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” I can imagine that John must be very excited. The angels brought him up to a high mountain. John might be thinking the bride of the Lamb must be a very beautiful young lady. Surprisingly while John was waiting, he saw New Jerusalem come down from heaven. What is New Jerusalem? Many people explained it as a square, high, and big holy city, kind of like a city nowadays. But this passage should not be explained literally. Because literal interpretation can contain some allegorical interpretation such as Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep.” We cannot refer to Jesus as a wooden door but understand the metaphor. In the same way, this passage tells us that the New Jerusalem here specifically refers to the bride of the Lamb. It is to explain what the bride of the Lamb is like. As a result, this vision cannot be interpreted literally, but with allegorical interpretation. 

The New Jerusalem is made up of precious stones, especially the twelve gates with twelve angels, and the twelve tribes’ names engraved on the gates. Verse 14 talks about twelve foundations and on them were twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  The number twelve in the Bible is that of God’s chosen people. It tells us that this city—the bride of the Lamb—was the Old Testament twelve tribes (representing the Old Testament saints) and the New Testament saints (the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb being on the twelve foundations). All of this is telling us that New Jerusalem is the sum of Old and New Testament saints. They are all in Christ. They believed in Jesus, died in Christ, resurrected together, and now are the bride of the Lamb. Revelations 21:16 says that the city is laid out as a square, and its length and width are both four kilometers. Actually, it does not say that in the new heaven and new earth there is a city as high as four kilometers. But it mainly refers to a large crowd of God’s people within the city. We also see that the city walls’ foundations are made with twelve precious stones. These twelve precious stones are like the twelve different colored gems on the breastplate of the high priest. The breast plate representing Israel’s twelve tribes was always on the chest of the high priest. This lets us see that the bride of the Lamb is composed of many saints who are precious in Jesus’ eyes and always in His heart. The Lord loves His saints. They are the children of God and are also His bride. Therefore, the bride of the Lamb is God’s precious people, the children He loves, composed of the Old and New Testament saints whom Christ gave up his life for. This is what Revelation 21:10-20 tells us. 

What do we do in eternity? John entered New Jerusalem in his vision. He was hoping to see the earthly Temple at his time, but he did not find it, instead discovering Jesus Christ was the Temple of God. Maybe many brothers and sisters who enter New Jerusalem expect to see the rooms that God will prepare for them. After searching for a while, they will find out that God’s tabernacle is among man and God shall dwell among them. New Jerusalem does not have physical houses because Jesus Christ is the house. He is God’s tabernacle. We will dwell with Jesus in this tabernacle and live in Jesus Christ. What is God’s tabernacle? It is God’s Temple, pointing to Jesus Christ. So, in the new heaven and new earth, we are living in Christ’s Temple. What do we do in the Temple? As David and other psalmists say, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord to behold the beauty of the Lord.” In New Jerusalem, we mainly dwell in the Lord’s Temple and behold the Lord’s beauty and glory in Christ. When we discover Christ’s beauty and glory, we will praise God there and give glory to Christ our God. Some may say:  Is it boring beholding the beauty of Christ in New Jerusalem? Will it be boring singing praises nonstop? It is because they do not understand what Colossians talks about, that God likes to put all the fullness in Christ, “for in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). Every good thing can be found in Christ. Christ is the infinite Lord, so He has infinite precious glory and beauty. In Heaven we can use infinite time to behold Christ’s beauty, to discover the infinite fullness of Christ. We will be attracted by Christ’s glory and beauty as we keep discovering Christ’s goodness. Our spirit will be lifted up as well. Singing praises is not singing the songs in a hymnal one after another, but every time when we discover Christ’s beauty, a new song will be sprung up from our hearts to praise God. When everyone beholds Christ’s beauty together, everyone sings the new song from his heart together. What a glorious and marvelous picture it will be! When numerous saints sing new songs to praise God together, our spirits will be continually built up and thrive. In Heaven, the bride of the Lamb enjoys a honeymoon with Christ continuously and sees Christ’s glory and beauty more and more. They are attracted by Christ even more. Their hearts are more prosperous, their spirits will be renewed continuously and their love toward Christ will be revived. They will not become old couples but remain Christ’s new bride. It is because of the ever-renewing love within us. The Lamb and His wife—Christ’s new bride—stay in the honeymoon stage in eternity. Christ and all the saints’ love continue to grow, and God will continue to receive glory in Heaven. 

Then the angel showed John: there is a street in the city and the river of the water of life. This city is also referred to as the bride of the Lamb. Often, we only notice the river of life and the tree of life, but ignore there is a street—God’s way, whoever walks on it is walking according to the Truth. It reminds us that Jesus Christ is the Way, Truth, and Life. This is the way on earth and will be the same in Heaven. The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life is on either side of the river, with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The tree of life and water of life both represent the bride of the Lamb as in Psalm 1, saying, “His delight is in the law of the LORD, and in his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Similar to the description in the Psalms, this heavenly picture depicts God’s children not only being provided with the water of life from the throne of the Lamb, but also walking in God’s way. They continue to grow and bear fruit, and their leaves do not wither. The leaves can also heal the nations. It does not mean we will be ill in heaven but means when we are praising God without ceasing in Heaven, our spirit will be lifted up and be more prosperous. We will have a continuous supply of Christ’s living water and walk with God. We not only bear fruit in its season, but our leaves will also keep growing, and our lives will be more and more abundant and better. According to the season bearing twelve fruit, it is not for us to eat, but to please God in Heaven. God sees the tree of life having more abundant life and nice fruit. He will forget our past sins and illnesses.  This is what the leaves healing the nations means. 

In Heaven not only is there no darkness or night, but also no lamps or sunlight because the Lord God illuminates us. We will become kings forever and ever. It does not mean that we will rule over others in Heaven, but God’s glory shines on us and we will walk with the Lord. God’s glory and beauty are upon us and we all have the honor and glory of a king throughout eternity. We have the identity of kings, praising God and the Lamb. So, God’s name will receive more glory. After resurrection, we will be in eternity. Not a boring life, but God’s glory and light shines in our lives so that we get to know God more deeply. In eternity, our love toward Christ keeps increasing to bring God glory. God’s heart is pleased. We live in Christ’s love, glory, and beauty. Our position in front of God is more and more precious. When we think of the future eternal life, it reminds us: when we are now living on earth that we need to know the Lord deeper. Everything on earth will have passed away. Only Christ is eternal. Only He can satisfy us. When we are still living on earth, we should pursue the glorious Christ. Let Him be our satisfaction. We can then witness more people displaying Christ’s glory and beauty. 

 

(Below ministry report was written by Sister Cindy Chiang)

March Gospel Camp 

Two weeks before the camp, we found out the universities scheduled to have spring breaks on that week cancelled it due to the fear of the pandemic. They would rather compensate one day off each month to the students in this semester. As a result, most of the attendees only can come on the weekend. Even so, God’s grace is sufficient so that He led close to 70 adults and 18 children to attend. God used Rev. Zhijun Wang and Rev. Puong Ong Lau to share the Gospel and revival messages. We thank God for the two among the eight non-believers who decided to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Please continue to pray for the believers’ growth in the Lord and the new believers’ growth. 

May Disciple and Coworker Training Camp (May 23-28)

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 May camp was held virtually. But after last year’s August and December in person disciple training camps, and August and January in person Bible Camps, we still plan to hold them in person camp. Please reserve time to come. This camp’s speakers are Rev. Edwin Su, Rev. David Wu and CWC coworkers. Please do not miss this opportunity for in person gathering and prepare yourselves and encourage other brothers and sisters to attend. Please also pray for the camp and the speakers. The registration form has been posted online. Please click here. 

Memorial Day Weekend Lay-Minister Disciple Training Camp (May 28-31)

The Midwest is short of full-time ministers and student numbers fluctuate greatly. Those who reside locally to work or teach become a stable force in Midwest campus fellowships and churches. They are more mature and have certain life experiences. If they can be well-equipped not only in biblical knowledge, but in character, life witness, and walking in the Words of the Lord, they can be good examples for the younger students. This camp is especially for the believers who are working full time. It is short, only taking up an extended weekend. Even so, participants still need to attend full time with diligence. We suggest brothers and sisters consider taking Friday afternoon off so that you can arrive at the camp by 5:30 pm for the meetings.  This camp is only held once a year. Please grab this opportunity to attend. If you work and want to attend Bible Camp (requiring attendance of disciple training camp within the past two years), this is a great opportunity for working people. Full Time students (TA, RA or PhD students are not counted as working full time) must first attend May Disciple Training Camp (May 23-28), then can have the bonus to stay over to attend this camp. Our speakers are Rev. Edwin Su, Rev. David Wu and CWC coworkers. The registration form has been posted online. Please do not miss this opportunity and prepare yourselves and encourage other brothers and sisters to attend. Please also pray for the lay-minister disciple training camp. 

June Youth Camp (June 6-12) 

Last year’s camp was cancelled due to the pandemic (Because Youth Camp has many activities such as evangelizing in the local community, canoe trip, bonfire, etc., it could not be held virtually). Over the past year, many youths and their parents frequently asked if we would have Youth Camp this year. Yes, we will have in person camp. This is a great opportunity for the youth to come out of the long quarantine. They long for not only being equipped but are also hoping for meeting their friends again. (Last year’s winter conference was held virtually so they could not meet. There was no youth section either.) We are in the planning stages. Please pray for our speakers Pastor Janas Caruncho, Pastor Steve Tan and Berry Edwards. Also invite the youths from your church to participate. Details will be posted online soon. 

August Bible Camp (August 1-7)

This time we will study the Major Prophets. These books are challenging to most believers, even ministers. But there are precious truths and teaching that we need to learn for our whole lives.  The Major Prophet books include eras from the divided kingdom, exile and return from exile. As a result, when we read these books, we also need to know the historical background. More than fifty brothers and sisters have turned in their application forms.  If you desire to study, we have posted the syllabus, registration form, and study guide on the CWC webpage, please download on your own. Our speakers are Rev. Samuel Ho (who is teaching for the first time in our camp) and CWC coworkers. Rev. Ho has four doctoral degrees and is an Old Testament scholar. He is the vice dean and chair in SAGOS Institute of Preaching and Bible Exposition at San Jose, CA. The camp will be held in person. The strict deadline for registration is June 15. Please do not miss out. Click here to register and for details. 

Pastor Ko’s update and Online Sunday Bible study and Prayer Meeting

Thanks to God’s grace and thanks for all the churches and individual brothers and sisters praying for Pastor Ko unceasingly before the throne of God. His condition has been making stable progress. He has moved back to Columbia to his house and returns to St Louis to see the doctor only when needed. His appearance and energy have improved greatly. But the road to recovery is still very long. Please continue to pray for Pastor Ko and remember his family: Mrs. Ko, Pastor Ko’s sister, and daughter Sarah who is sometimes allowed by her company to work from home, who are taking care of him long-term. He will update his situation frequently on the CWC’s web page. If you want to see him, you are welcome to join our online prayer meeting and Bible study every Sunday at 6:30pm (Central Time). The Zoom meeting ID is 8110999917. The passcode is 737903. Please join us. 

Prayer Requests

1. For camps:
   • May Disciple Training Camp: May the Lord prepare more people to be edified to be the Lord’s disciples. 
   • May Lay-Minister Disciple Training Camp: May the Lord prepare more working brothers and sisters’ hearts to be equipped and be the Lord’s disciples.  
   • Youth Disciple Training Camp: May the Lord prepare the youths’ hearts to be equipped in this generation, not walking the path of the world, but renew their mind, preparing themselves to follow the Lord all their lives and live for the Lord.
   • August Bible Camp: Pray for those who have already applied for the Bible camp to get well prepare. And pray for those who want to root themselves in the Word of God but haven’t registered yet, that they will register soon and start preparing homework early. Also pray for CWC coworkers preparing for the messages, writing the guidelines for the report topics and advisory brothers and sisters to write their reports. 
2. For CWC Coworkers
   • Pastor Ko and Mrs. Ko: Pastor Ko’s recovery and Mrs. Ko’s hyper-thyroid condition making her tired very easily. Pray for Sister Mei Fung Ko and their daughter Sarah who are taking care of Pastor Ko long-term. May the Lord give them sufficient strength. 
   • Sister Cindy Chiang: Pray for her administrative work, planning various camps during the weekdays in the CWC, serving in various churches and fellowship on weekends. May the Lord not only give her Words from above, but also keep her safe on the road. May the Lord give her wisdom and be a good steward of time. 
   • Brother Qing-Long Liang: For his ministry in Columbia, MO and Kirksville. May the Lord use him to preach the Truth faithfully and lead others to be the Lord’s disciples. God will use his family to be good witnesses for the Lord. 
   • Rev. Charles Huang: Pray for his ministry and collaboration with local Chinese churches around Champaign, IL. His whole family moved to Champaign, IL in March. May the Lord watch over his family as they start a new ministry field, adjusting to a new environment and the three children adjust well in new schools.
   • American Coworker Scott Jerome: Pray for the maintenance coworker and his family. May the Lord bless the work of his hands.  
3. For the expansion project: 
   • Pray for the construction of the children’s activity center. May the Lord watch over Pastor Harold Shull’s safety during building and progress of the project. He has heart problems. Pray for the expanse of the building project. Now we need to install sheetrock and need more hands to help.  Pray for the Lord to provide us with faithful and right workers. 
4. For financial need: 
   •  Pray for the monthly need of CWC. May the Lord show His rich provision and let more people experience the blessing of giving. 
5. For CWC: 
   • May the Lord touch and lead more new coworkers to join CWC ministry so the various Midwest ministries will thrive. 
6. For the pandemic:
   •  May the Lord let His children not be afraid of the entanglement of the pandemic and faithfully and bravely witness for the Lord and serve the Lord in their churches diligently! May the Lord use the vaccines to control the pandemic. May the Lord heal the believers who are infected, that God will not only heal their bodies, but relieve their depressed hearts. Relying on the Name of Jesus, let us boast victory over Satan. Immanuel! 

 

In the Lord,

Pastor Billy Ko