Dear brothers and sisters, peace to you in the Lord!

Every day we need to give thanks to God!  As we enter this Thanksgiving season of November, we are especially reminded to “give thanks in everything.”  November is also when our coworkers begin to prepare for the three winter meetings. Please not only remember  each one of our coworkers and speakers in prayer, but also plan to attend at least one of our in-person meetings in the winter.  And through this to  offer our  greatest thanksgiving  and commitment to God at the end of the year. 

The Victorious Soldier (2)
Continued from last month

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-22

Fourth, Lack of a good plan and support.  

Because of lacking a well-planned strategy and backup support, the Taliban had the opportunity to take advantage of the situation which caused the withdrawal of U.S. troops to be a failure.  We, as the army of the Lord, need to have a good battle plan with backup support in the spiritual warfare against Satan.  Paul reminds us not just to plan on our own, but to always come to God in prayers for His guidance. When we pray in the Holy Spirit that He corrects our plans, with His presence we have the power to win the battle. These battles against our enemies are not by our own power and might, but by the Word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, so that Satan will surely flee from us. In the meantime, we need to have the support from fellow believers. Not only do we pray for ourselves, but also for the saints. When we fight in the battle, we need to support brothers and sisters who are also in battles by remembering them in prayers, asking the Lord to help them stand firm faithfully in the Lord that we may win victoriously for the Lord.  Paul said, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. ” May God help us to pray more fervently that we overcome all the wicked schemes of the devil and proclaim victories in the spiritual war against Satan. The enemies are many, we must play a greater role with greater scope in prayers that the Kingdom of God may thrive and be expanded and flourish.

Fifth, Think too High of Themselves. 

The U.S. military has chased Taliban and Islamist terrorists to the mountains and caves in the past years, and has not stopped pursuing them, even as they have to run to neighboring countries such as Pakistan for shelter. It looks as if the U.S. military had the ability to stop all its enemies, including the most powerful Islamic State (ISIS), and thought they could wipe them out completely. But out of surprise, not only did the enemies regroup in strength, but went to Afghanistan to fight and bombed the airport which killed U.S. soldiers as well as many civilians during the withdrawal. These are because they underestimated the power of their enemies.  

Paul was different, although he was greatly used by God, established many churches, and saved many people. But he did not think of himself high above others, for he knew that he was also a weak man, and that “our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). So, Paul sincerely wrote to the brothers and sisters of Ephesus saying: When you pray, “pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Paul truly had a humble heart. He did not preach the gospel in his own might, nor try to change people his own way. But with prayer, he acted by the power of the Holy Spirit. The more Paul had been used by God, the humbler he was, because he understood that a man who was more used by God was more vulnerable to Satan’s attack. This is a good example for us: we must be watchful knowing that Satan will attack us at any time.  Do not think we can stand firm on our own lest we may become arrogant and fall, but to be a man who watches and prays always.

Sixth, No Proper Teamwork with Allies. 

The U.S. military being attacked by Islamist terrorists may have been caused by not working closely with their allies so that the enemies found opportunities to attack and killed American troops and civilians near the airport during the withdrawal. This also reminds us that we cannot expect spiritual victory on our own, but to co-labor with our spiritual allies. 

Paul gave us a good example: he asked the Church of Ephesus, his spiritual ally, to pray for him. But this church was in Asia, and Paul was far away in Rome, Italy. How and what could they pray for him? So Paul went on, ” But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.  I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts” (Ephesians 6:21-22).  Paul valued the support and prayers of his brothers and sisters for him and would like for them to pray for him—not in a general way, but specific and thorough so that they may be more in tune with him in the spiritual battles.  By sending Tychicus to tell them everything about him, and to comfort and encourage them while he was in prison, a tight spiritual relationship was built up. And with their precise prayers for Paul, the productive results came about by which Paul could be protected and blessed by God in all aspects. He even spoke boldly before the Roman emperor. As a result, the gospel had been widely spread, and Paul was released. 

Not only to the church in Ephesus, Paul also cared for churches in Philippi and in Colosse to whom he wrote letters in the hope of building them up in faith so that they could become close spiritual allies to Paul in spiritual warfare. It was Paul’s desire that not only could he be an overcomer, but with his comforting and encouraging messages that all saints would also become overcomers and great spiritual soldiers for the Lord to make known the riches of God’s glorious victories in spiritual battles.

Thanks to the Lord, I, too, have truly experienced the powerful results of prayers by the brothers and sisters of many churches praying for my healing. Some churches pray for me in their weekly prayer meetings; some families remember me in their family prayers every night; and some brothers and sisters told me they pray for me every day. Thank the Lord, when we come together in one Spirit before His throne, we witnessed that He has answered our prayers and truly has done great things upon me.  Although I have not yet fully recovered, I believe that God who can accomplish all things will continue to build me up through the prayers of brothers and sisters. 

During the pandemic, we have been all sheltered in our house. Although the house can separate us from the virus, doing that cannot separate us from the enemy’s attacks. We are still facing spiritual battles every day. Satan deceives us through Internet or TV shows, or seducing us in our thoughts and mind to think of things that should not be thought of, and do things that the Lord admonishes not to.  Staying at home, we still gossip, criticize our fellow believers, and attack the church.  May the Lord help us understand that if we are not on alert, Satan can easily attack us, for “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  May the Lord help us watch and pray, meditate on His Word so that the living word of God removes the evil thoughts from within.

Many churches have reopened, but far fewer people attend in-person gatherings each week. More than half of the congregation still chooses to have online services which is also a spiritual battle we are facing. Except for the sick or elderly, most of us should be able to come to church in-person. Let us not give in to the “laziness” the enemy has put in our heart, and ask the Lord to help us come to the Church every week to worship Him. We need to be reminded that if we only want to meet via Zoom and not going to church in person, we have been subject again to a yoke of slavery from Satan. For it is his evil plot to keep us from receiving joy and blessings from above with the congregation during in-person worship service in church.  It is pleasing to God when brothers and sisters worship together in one heart and mind.  Let us stand firm as the soldiers of God, overcome the fear of the virus, come to the house of the Lord together to worship Him, and glorify Him. In the meantime, encourage and support each other to live a victorious life for the Lord.

Pastor Ko’s update (written by Pastor Ko) and
on-line Sunday Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 

It has not been easy in the past two months getting treatment in the hospital.  As mentioned in the last sharing, sometimes the situation was quite intense. Even my wife is worried that I may not be able to get out of the hospital alive. Cancer cells seem like men throwing their angry flares against me, sweeping streams of roaring water over my soul, and trying to swallow me alive. But thanks be to the Lord for His mercy and His power, I, who would have faced death, were healed again, not only to stand up, but to walk out of the hospital alive. Psalm 124:1 “Had it not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the waters would have engulfed us, The stream would have swept over our soul; Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.” Coming out of such difficulties, verse 8 tells me, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Thank the Lord, during this time, not only do I keep praying in my heart for the healing power of the Lord be upon me, but many churches, brothers and sisters have been praying for me. Some churches pray for  me in their weekly prayer meetings, and some families remember me in their family prayers every night. Thank the Lord, when we came together in the Name of the Lord, we witnessed that He truly had done great things upon me.

Thanks to the Lord, after four rounds of chemotherapy, my body has slowly regained strength. The oncologist was to schedule more chemo sessions every two weeks depending on my physical condition and my heart was a little uneasy at first, but thanks to the Lord, a few days ago a CT Scan results showed that the cancer cells have shrunk since last chemo which means the drug has a positive effect.  and the doctor is quite pleased with the report and since I am now in better condition, he decided to continue chemotherapy with additional immunotherapy. Cancer immunotherapy is a new treatment and is very effective but expensive.  Thanks to the Lord, the insurance company has approved the doctor’s request for my treatment.  The doctor would like to gradually reduce the treatment from every other week to once in three or four weeks, and this has given me great comfort believing that the Lord has done wonderful work again. Please pray for me that the Lord continue His healing on me, so that we know when we turn our eyes upon Him, we know that our help comes from the Name of the Lord who created heaven and earth.

Thanks to the Lord, I have now been discharged from the hospital, and have moved to a brother’s house near St. Louis, hoping to return to my Columbia home after the completion of treatment. Thank you for continuing praying for me.

Everyday we will update Pastor Ko’s  most up-to-date situation. Please go to https://rb.gy/2m3v1a,  this link to check. We also welcome you to join this 24 hours unceasingly prayer chain. 

Come join our online Bible study and prayer meeting every Sunday at 6:30 pm on Zoom.  The Zoom ID is 8110999917 and the passcode is 737903.  Let us read the Bible and pray together.

(The ministry report below was written by Sister Cindy Chiang)

Upcoming Meetings

• Winter Conference (December 22 evening to the noontime of Dec. 26)

Since the outbreak of the Delta variant in the summer, we have been thinking about whether to have in person meetings or online meetings this year? Until the beginning of October, the CWC coworkers  and the Winter Conference coworkers concluded that we will hold the meeting in-person. There are many reasons for this decision.  First, the pandemic  has eased and we should not stay behind the doors anymore.  Second, after a preliminary survey among the brothers and sisters in the Midwest , all  prefer in-person meetings. Third, Sheraton Hotel confirms that according to the regulations of Kansas City and Sheraton Hotel, the facial masks and social distancing are no longer required in December.  Thank the Lord, when we told  all the speakers, they all are willing to come in-person.  Certainly, we understand the concerns of the many Chinese people. Therefore, besides praying to God for His protection in the meetings, we decided that we will take all the necessary pandemic  prevention measures to reassure everyone’s safety.  We ask all the brothers and sisters to comply with us.

This Conference will be held at Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center from December 22nd to December 26th, 2021.  The Chinese speakers are Rev. Caleb Huang, Rev. Tsu-Kung Chuang, Rev. Peter Chin, Mrs. Alice Chin, Elder Eric Wu, Rev.Wei Feng, and Rev. George Hsu, etc. And the English speakers are Rev. Albert Yip and Rev. Steve Tan etc.  There is also a Children program.   Information can be found on the Center’s website in early November. The online  registration  will start from after  Nov. 15.  Please reserve  the time and prepare yourself to attend.

• December Disciple and Coworker Training Camp (December 26 evening to the noontime of Jan. 1, 2022) 

This camp will be held in person at  CWC campground. The speakers will be Rev. Larry Wong, Mrs. Alice Chin and the CWC coworkers.  We know Rev. Larry Wong from the  website of  SAGOS.  Pastor Wong received his PhD in Particle Physics from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.  After working as an electronic engineer for a while, he answered God’s calling and went on to Dallas Theological Seminary. Even his mother tongue is Chinese, but  he was elected  as one of the four best preaching graduates among all the graduates of the Master of Theology (ThM) in the same year!  This time he will teach according to his special burden God has placed on him: How to interpret the Word of Truth accurately? How to effectively teach the Word of God? How to equip yourself in the Word of God?   In the evening  revival messages,  he will use the book of Judges and Genesis to share  about: What role do you play in this crooked age? Do you have an idol in your heart? Whom does God choose to work for Him?  Brothers and sisters who are willing to take root in God’s Word and want to lead Bible studies in Sunday school, fellowships, or preach, don’t miss this opportunity to learn. The other speaker is Mrs. Alice Chin.  Mrs. Chin graduated from China Evangelical Seminary in Taiwan and teaches the Inductive Bible Study method. This time she will use this method to teach everyone to study the Gospel of Mark (the gospel preached by Jesus), a life of worship according to God’s will (the first four commandments of the Ten Commandments), preparation for ministries, etc. The application form has been posted on the CWC website (Please click here). The due date is Dec. 17 or our space is full.  Please set aside the time and prepare yourself to attend. 

• January Bible Camp (Jan. 2 evening to the noontime of Jan. 8)

The Bible camp will be held in-person at the CWC Campground also.  We will study the Books of the Minor Prophets.  The “Minor Prophet” is called “minor” not because it is not important, but because the length of the twelve books of prophets is shorter than the books of “Major Prophets”. Yet their contents span throughout different eras of Israel’s history.  They are short but powerful.  So far, 60 brothers and sisters have applied  and started to prepare. From November 1st, they will start to  write the assigned reports.  The speakers are: Pastor Daniel Shen and coworkers of the CWC.  The strict deadline for registration is November 15, please do not miss it.  Application  form is available on the Center’s website (Please click here).  Please set aside the time and prepare yourself to attend. 

•  Holy Land Study Trip – Theme: Exodus of Egypt to Canaan, The Footprint of Jesus (6/20 – 6/29/2022)

For many years, brothers and sisters love to attend the Bible Camp to study the Word of God.  If we can actually visit the bible places, we would have more profound impressions.  For this reason, the center holds the “The Holy Land Study Tour” every 3 years.  Since we will study the Pentateuch in the next August Bible Camp, therefore, this holy land trip in June will be very meaningful.  Let’s make an advance notice now and get ready to join us.  We will take the route of the Israelites out of Egypt, enter into the Kingdom of Jordan, cross the Jordan River into Jerusalem, travel the desert of Judia, then Samaria (very few tour groups will arrange this route), enter Galilee and fly back to the United States from Joppa (now Tel Aviv). 

Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests

(1) Thanksgiving for  RVICS (Roving Volunteers in Christ’s  Service):

• For 3 weeks from Oct. 4 to Oct. 26 in the center,  they worked 4 days a week finishing many tasks for the children’s activity center.  Despite their ages, they serve the Lord with joyful hearts.  Their spirits like Caleb set a good example for us. 

(2) For CWC Coworkers:

• Paster Ko and Mrs. Ko: Pastor Ko has to undergo chemotherapy once every two weeks. This high-dose medicine is quite harmful to the body. The doctor is considering immunotherapy. Please continue to pray for Pastor Ko’s health and ask God for powerful healing.  For the convenience of treatment, Pastor Ko and Mrs. Ko  are still in St. Louis. Please pray earnestly for him.  Also pray for Mrs. Ko, who is caring for him even herself has  thyroid problems.  They need all your prayers.  Continue to pray  for Pastor Ko’s eldest sister in Hongkong that she will experience God’s peace and healing thru chemotherapy for her lung cancer.
• Sister Cindy Chiang: In addition to her weekend ministry, she is concentrating on organizing the three winter meetings.  Please pray that the Lord will give her wisdom to be a good steward in the house of God.
• Brother Qing-Long Liang: Pray that he can balance his life among family, churches, and the CWC campus ministry.  Pray his wife has wisdom to care for 3 children and the children develop obedient hearts for the Lord.  Pray for his ministry in Columbia, MO, Kirksville, MO, and Fayetteville, AR.  May the Lord use him to preach the truth faithfully and lead people to follow God’s Words.  Pray that he would have more opportunities to do disciple training and grab every chance he gets to share gospel.
• Rev. Charles Huang: Pray that his whole family can have good coworking with Champaign Chinese Christian Church on evangelistic ministry.  Pray for the sisters’ prayer meetings led by his wife in the church.  At the pandemic period, Pastor Huag plans to have steady in person meetings on campus.  Pray that God helps his children with their English learning and adaptation to the US culture and the schools in this new environment.
• American coworkers Scott Jerome: Pray for the maintenance coworker and his family.  May God bless Scott’s maintenance work and his two daughters in college.

(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 at work,  the progress of the project, and pray for all the financial needs.   At the end of  September, he  had a heart attack and suffered a leg contusion in October. Pray the Lord to heal and protect him.

(4) For financial need:

• Pray for the monthly financial need for CWC. May the Lord show His abundant 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’s ministry so that various ministries in the Midwest may thrive.

(7) For churches in the Midwest during the pandemic

• We see more and more churches have opened the doors for in-person meetings. May the Lord strengthen His flocks during the pandemic.  Pray God give brothers and sisters brave hearts to serve Him diligently in church, resume the evangelical fellowship, and share the Gospel with non-believers. May the Lord use the vaccines to effectively control the pandemic around the world.  As the epidemic slows down, ask the Lord to give the church co-workers wisdom to know God’s will and lead the churches in this time.   May the Lord heal those who are infected, not only physically, but also set free their heavy hearts. By the name of Jesus, let us walk the path of victory.

 

Emmanuel!

In Him,
Billy Ko (Director)