Dear Brothers and Sisters, Peace to you in our Lord!
January and February were quite busy, in addition to dealing with end-of-year tax matters, my work has also been delayed due to serious allergy on my face that’s why I did not get to write a prayer letter for January and February as in previous years and share now in the March prayer letter! As in the past, let us first read a message from Pastor Moses Yu.
Revelation, Inspiration, Instruction
By the Word of God were the heavens and earth made. When the Father said, “Let there be light”, and there was light. according to john’ gospel, that light is the true light, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Word. When God the Father created all things in the universe, the Lord Jesus Christ was there to create together, “all things were created through Him, and nothing that is created is not created through Him” (John 1:3), so our Lord is the revelation. We must not say, “I have another revelation, today, because God’s revelation has been fully revealed through Jesus Christ, and we have received it.” The book of Revelation also tells us that the final revelation is complete. Today we are simply preaching this revelation, which is to spread out His Word, which God has given us.
The Bible is all God-breathed. When we read God’s Word, we breathe in God’s Word, breathe life in. For the word “spirit” רוּחַ (ruach) Originally meant to mean a breath, a breath, representing life. Without breathing there is no life. We draw life from God, we breathe it out, and what we receive becomes strength in us, our basis, and our provision for life. When we go out, we breathe out this life. So each of us participates in God’s revelation.
God is constantly leading and guiding us in all things. When the Lord Jesus Christ was transfigured on the mountain, Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is so good that we are here! If you wish, I will build here three tents, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” It means “let them have a place to live, and we will enjoy it here”, but this is not God’s meaning, because “suddenly a cloud of light covered them”, Moses left, Elijah left, and a voice in heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am pleased with him, and you will listen to Him!” At that time, the three disciples did not see a single one, only that Jesus was there.
Like Peter, we often attend meetings at the Christ Workers’ Center, and we enjoy a great deal of spiritual enjoyment, and wish we could “build three shacks here” as Peter said—we have meetings every day, and there are speakers preaching for us, and someone leads the singing, and plays the piano, and we are so happy; There is no need to worry about how to cook at home, what dishes to fry, what soup to cook, and come here to eat. Oh, thank you Lord, for such a good preparation for all of us to enjoy together! But that’s not What God meant. We always have to go out, we have to leave that glorious state and enter the state of “not seeing a single person, but seeing Jesus.” “Jesus alone, Jesus forever, I praise and preach with my heart. Save me and heal me, sanctify me, Lord of Glory, King of the Second Coming.” When we go out, we have only Jesus.
The path we take is by “faith” because our Lord is “Jesus who began and ended for our faith.” Hebrews chapter 12 verse 2 makes it clear that we need to look to the Lord who has made the end of our faith. Our faith begins with Him, and we continue to gain power from Him, with messages, with His guidance, step by step. Our Lord is the beginning of our faith, and He can help us to the end.
Paul wrote to the Church in Rome, saying, “Therefore I am willing to do my best to preach the gospel to all of you in Rome. I am not ashamed of the gospel; This gospel was the power of God to save all who believed, first the Jews, and then the Hillinis. For god’s righteousness is being revealed in this gospel; This righteousness is based on faith, and it is believed. As the Scriptures say, “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:15-17) “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” may we go out without being ashamed of Jesus Christ, and be brave enough to tell others that when we have the opportunity, we will always preach the gospel to others. Because man has benefits, he must be a good man, and the greatest good deed is to give the Lord Jesus Christ as the greatest gift to others, so that others can enjoy it, so that others can get it, and we ourselves have to be satisfied. Paul says, “For the righteousness of God is being revealed in this gospel; This righteousness is based on faith, and it is believed. “Beginning with faith and continuing into the future, we believe, and the path of our life is a path of faith.
God is the God who guides people, and you are to follow Him by faith, according to what He has commanded and said, for He is the Lord Jesus Christ whose faith has begun and ended. Just believe. When you are in trouble, when you feel that the road is not possible, come quickly to Jesus and bow your head to Him, and entrust your affairs to Him, “When you entrust your things to Him and trust in Him” (Psalm 37:5), God will lead the way ahead. God is not partial to others, and God can be gracious to me and to you in the same way. We are all His children in Christ, can He not care about us, can He not take care of our needs?
Abraham’s life was a path of faith, from faith to faith, and at one point became the father of faith, a role model. You and I are also the descendants of Abraham today because of our faith (Galatians 2:7)! Thank the Lord that God brought out His grace and blessings through a man of faith, for God’s righteousness was already manifested in the gospel. The “righteousness” of “God” refers to what God likes. What is Most Pleasing to God? It is through the death of Jesus Christ that man is forgiven of his sins, and after believing he receives his life and is reconciled to God. “The righteous are born by faith” means that a person is justified by faith, that is, a person leaves sin and returns to God, and God has treated you with grace, which is god’s greatest pleasure. The prodigal son felt that he was outside, and he could not eat the food for the pigs. He said, “There are many servants in my father’s house, so why don’t I go back?” “He went back, and his father waited for him to come, and when he saw it, he ran up, hugged the lost and gained child, kissed him one after another, and then gave him the best food and put on good clothes for him, and his father liked it, which was called “justification.” The prodigal son came back without a little gift, but with a dirty dress, a stinking smell, and said, ‘Father! I have sinned against heaven, and I have sinned against you; From now on, I don’t deserve to be called your son.” But the father commanded the servant, saying, ‘Take out the good robe and put it on him; Put the ring on his finger; Put the shoes on his feet; Bring the fat calf and slaughter it, and we can drink pleasure; For this son of Mine is dead and resurrected, lost and gained.” (Lu 15:21-24).
After “justification,” “righteousness.” Romans 12:1 says, “Offering the body as a living sacrifice is holy and pleasing to God; You take it for granted that you are in this ministry.” Righteousness is giving: I am a man who has completely surrendered to God; The way of my life is entirely for Him to live and use for Him; There is no choice of one’s own, only a life that belongs entirely to Him. Show God’s joy in your heart, apostille it, let others see God’s joy in your heart, and let others see that God is not only pleasing to you, but also pleasing you in the path of your life. This is righteousness: “I have received righteousness, I have manifested itself, and from righteousness to righteousness.”
May God help us, whether we are doctors, professors, engineers in the workplace, or undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral students who are preparing to complete their studies at university, have this ambition to come to God and make this decision: “I have received His grace, I have all that He has, and I am willing to dedicate myself, go out and preach the gospel, tell others the truth of the gospel, and become the most useful person in my life.”
Let me first share with you about the Holy Land Study Group.
Holy Land Study Group (6/19-6/30):
Finally, the CWC’s Holy Land Study Tour will take place in June this year.
In the past, the CWC Holy Land Study Tour was held every three years, so it was supposed to be held in 2022. Unfortunately we had to cancelled it due to the strict border restrictions of many countries during the pandemic; on top of that with the fact that Pastor Ko’s ailment and later went to be with the Lord, we were in great grieve and not able to organize a study. Now that countries have relaxed restrictions and many brother and sisters in January’s Bible Camp have asked if there will be a Holy Land Study Tour this year? After the Bible Camp, I contacted the travel agency in Jerusalem and was told that there is no restrictions in the three countries, so the June Holy Land Study Group could finally take place this year!
Although there are Holy Land Tour organized by other institutions, I would like to share some of the reasons why you should consider joining CWC group this year (see attachment). Over the years, brothers and sisters have always enjoyed attending the Bible Camp studying God’s Word, but it would make our study of the Word realize before our eyes and imprint in our heart by walking on it! This time’s theme is: From Exodus into Canaan, and Jesus’ Footprints. Thank the Lord, since we started preparations at the end of January, 42 people have already signed up (this has never happened that so many people have signed up in March) indicating the earnest anticipation of brothers and sisters for this Holy Land study tour. if you wish to participate, please download the registration form online as soon as possible. We will start from Egypt and follow the route of the Israelites out of Egypt, into Jodan, then across the Jordan River into Jerusalem, the wilderness of Judah, then through Samaria (which few tours arrange) into Galilee, and finally from Jopa (present-day Tel Aviv) back to the United States (or where you live). Please click here for registration form. We will not hold the same route Study Tour until after 6 years. So, please do not miss this good opportunity to learn.
Remembering Pastor Ko:
(1) Pastor Ko’s Memorial Book
At the “Celebration of Pastor Ko’s Life” meeting during last year’s Winter Conference, we had several copies of Pastor Ko’s memorial book on display for brothers and sisters browsing through. The remaining books have arrived at the end of February. We will be sending them out free of charge in the following order: (1) Pastor Ko’s family, (2) Brothers and sisters in Taiwan who donated for the publishing of the book, (3) 47 article contributors of the book , (4) Churches and Bible Study groups in the Midwest, (5) Churches on East and West coast who have long supported CWC’s ministry, (6) Brothers and sisters who have supported CWC’s ministry for a long time, etc. We believe that every brother and sister will be able read this book through different channels. We also hope that our brothers and sisters and the church who have received the memorial book will cherish it not only in remembrance of Pastor Ko, but also commemorate and learn from Pastor Ko’s example of faithfulness to the Lord. It is hoped that after sorting and packaging, brothers and sisters and churches will receive this book by the end of April.
Total expense for printing and shipping for 400 copies of this memorial book was USD5,267, and a total of USD 5,508 was received from those alumni in Taiwan who studied in Kirksville and Columbia (Missouri) and were grateful to Pastor Ko and for the training they had received at the Christian Witness Center in the past voluntarily initiate a fundraising for the printing cos, leaving a balance of USD241. God’s grace is always more than sufficient! We also witnessed that Pastor Ko’s life of serving by faith in the Midwest was not in vain, We give praise and thanks to the Lord!
(2) Progress of Pastor Ko’s “Ministry Memorial Garden”
Four days before Thanksgiving, three large stone tablets for Pastor Ko’s Ministry Memorial Garden arrived at CWC camp, beautifully carved in China and India, and were laid in place before the Winter Conference. Landscape will continue with flowers and plants together with benches and a gazebo when the weather turns worm. When it is all completed, brothers and sisters can not only have personal quiet time there while look at the beautiful lake and mountains, but also commemorate Pastor Ko. We have seen many brothers and sisters visited the garden and remembered Pastor Ko during the Discipleship Training in December, the Bible Camp in January, and the Gospel Camp in March. If you have a burden on this project and are willing to be a part in this ministry, your offering can be designated as “For Memorial Garden”
Past Meetings:
(1) Gospel Camp (3/10 evening-3/13 noon)
Thank the Lord! 123 adults (24 of whom are gospel friends) and 31 of their children participated this year’s Gospel Camp. Thank the Lord, through the gospel messages from Pastor Phillilp Voon and Pastor George Hsu, 3 accepted Christ as their personal Savior and 3 were baptized into the Lord’s name. We give praise and thanksgiving to the Lord!
(2) January Bible Camp (1/1-1/7)
This time we studied “the History Book I: Exodus and Entering Canaan – The Establishment of the Kingdom of Priesthood”. The books are: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11, 1 Chronicles 1-9. Pastor Daniel Shen was the speaker. Praise the Lord nearly 70 brothers and sisters along with their 14 children attended the camp. Everyone studied God’s Word with great interest and enthusiasm. At the end of the meeting, they all promised each other, after going back, to form a Bible reading group to study the “Kings and Prophets” in preparing for August Bible Camp, and at the same time turned in the preregister form
(3) December Discipleship Training (12/26-12/31)
Thank the Lord! Nearly 100 brothers and sisters, with 25 of their children, came to participate the Discipleship Traing Camp. Through his faithful servants, Pastor Luke Zhang and Pastor Ekron Chen, God taught topics about: “Know the church and how to serve?”, “Understanding salvation”, “Christians and Society”, and “How to Walk on the Path of Sanctification Steadily?”,“Walk on the Footsteps of the Apostles”, “Look into My Heart with Psalmists”, etc. The meeting was filled with God’s grace and presence, and brothers and sisters were all spiritually equipped before the beginning of new semester.
(4) December Winter Conference (12/22-26)
During last year’s Winter Conference, Midwest had record-breaking extreme cold weather with temperature dropped to tens of degrees below zero. According to the weather forecast, December 22 was not only extremely cold, but also heavy snow, but many brothers and sisters (nearly 100) did not back out, but chose to arrive Sheraton Hotel one day earlier at their own expense, which was the first in the Winter Conference, indicating that brothers and sisters were determined to participate the meeting. God also greatly blessed us with nearly 1,000 adults and children came (including 88 gospel friends), and 21 accepted Christ as their personal Savior. The “Celebration of Life” for Pastor Ko was held in the afternoon of December 24th. Thank the Lord! Throughout the meeting, whether hymns, or the sharing from brothers and sisters and speakers, it had borne witness to the beautiful example of God’s servant serving the Lord faithfully throughout his life, and it is a powerful reminder to us.
Future Meetings:
(1) May Discipleship Training (5/21-5/26)
The speakers are: Elder Daniel Luan, Pastor King Tai Tie and coworkers of the center. Elder Luan is pastoring at Rutgers Community Chinese Church in New Jersey, and Pastor Chi is the pastor of Dallas Chinese Fellowship Church. Please do not miss this rare opportunity to be equipped, and start preparing yourself and encouraging brothers and sisters to participate. Please also pray for the meeting, speakers, coworkers, etc., registration deadline is May 19, the registration form has been posted online, please click here.
(2) Memorial Weekend Lay-Minister Training (5/26-5/29)
There are few preachers with high student turn-over in the Midwest, the career group or faculties in universities who settle here have become the strength of the campus ministry and local churches. Since they are more mature in age, and have more life experience, they can become a role model for young students if they are well equipped in the Bible, and live a life of character according to God’s Word. Memorial Day weekend Lay-minister Training is set up for this purpose. This is a long weekend meeting, though short, the attendees are required to participate full-time. It is suggested that brothers and sisters take a half-day off on Friday, so that they can come to the meeting at 5:30 pm on time. Please take the opportunity to attend this once-a-year training. For working people who would like to attend the Bible Camp, this will be the camp to fulfill the requirement (must have attended at least one discipleship training in two years). For full-time students (including TA, RA, or PHD students), you have to attend the May Discipleship Training (5/21-26) before continuing this camp. The speakers are: Elder Daniel Luan, Pastor King Tai Tie, Elder Kaleung Lee, and CWC co-workers. Elder Jialiang Lee works full-time in Austin, TX. Besides his job, Elder Lee has been faithfully serving the Lord at his church, and by obeying the Great Commission to preach the gospel, he has participated in the September Short-term Mission for the past five or six years. The Austin Chinese Church has ordained him as an elder of the church three years ago, indicating that the church also confirms that he meets the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Paul’s teaching for overseer/elder. We believe that it will be beneficial to have Elder Lee share his life testimony for all lay-ministers. Registration form has been posted online, please do not miss this rare opportunity, and start preparing yourself early and encouraging other brothers and sisters to attend. Please also pray for the meeting.
(3) June Youth Camp (6/4-6/10)
Youth camp is the most anticipated camp for teenagers, and this year we have a number of speakers: Brother Edwin Lin and his wife Elanor Lin from California, Pastor Steve Tan and Berry Edwards, and please pray for the speakers and organize early young people in your church to attend. Details will be posted online as soon as possible.
(4) August Bible Camp (7/30-8/5)
This time we are going to study the history book “Kings and Prophets”, which includes: 1 Kings 11-22, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 10-36. So far, more than 50 brothers and sisters have signed up. If you are interested in participating the camp, study schedule and registration form have already been posted on the website, please download. The speaker will be Pastor James Ip. Pastor Yip is an Old Testament professor at Christian Witness Theological Seminary in California. Strict registration deadline is June 15, please click here for details and registration form.
Sunday Online Bible Reading & Prayer Meeting
During the pandemic, many churches went online, and Pastor Ko started this Sunday evening Bible study and prayer meeting to lead brothers and sisters continue to have a life of Bible reading, prayer, and spiritual sharing. Though in sickness, Pastor Ko still had come and led the meeting, and brothers and sisters at the same time had interceded for Pastor Ko’s health before the Lord. Although Pastor Ko has gone to be with the Lord now, we will keep this prayer meeting going to unite brothers and sisters spiritually. We are studying the scriptures in accordance with the progress of Bible Camp to help brothers and sisters prepare in advance. Currently we are in the books of History. We encourage those brothers and sisters who plan to attend August Bible Camp to join this meeting every week. The online Bible reading and prayer meeting every Sunday at 6:30pm (Central Time) via Zoom, the account number is: 8110999917, password: 737903.
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests
1.Give thanks to the Lord for the past meetings: Praying for the spiritual growth of new believers.
2.Please pray for the preparation work of June Youth Camp, June Holy Land Study Tour, August Bible Camp .
3.For Coworkers:
- Sylvia Ko: Besides taking care of grandson at her daughter’s house, Mrs. Ko comes to help when there are meetings at the center. Please pray for the healthy growth of her grandson and by the grace of God Mrs. Ko can have good health and rejoice always, pray unceasingly, and give thanks in every circumstance.
- Sister Cindy Chiang:In January and February, I was deeply troubled by skin allergy. Thank the Lord, with your prayers I am better now and the office work (tax and meeting preparations) has been carried out and completed step by step. Now that daily schedule has back to normal (weekday’s administrative work, and weekend ministering in churches), please pray that God gives me heavenly wisdom and clear mind to make good use of time dealing with various tasks, and ask the Lord to especially protect me physically, mentally and spiritually.
- Brother Qinglong Liang: Pray that Brother Liang have an obedient heart serving at home and in church according to God’s will; wisdom and strength for his wife teaching their children God’s way. Thank the Lord! R-1 visa was granted in early January.
- Pastor Charles Huang: Pray that the Lord bless the church at Champagne for their regular campus outreach ministry beginning this year, and for preparing dinner before each Fiday night’s meeting with a Gospel group. Pray that the Lord bless Pastor & Mrs. Huang’s ministry with the Champagne’s co-workers as they serve together. May the Lord bless and protect Mrs. Huang as she takes care of their three children.
- American coworker Scott Jerome: Pray that the Lord watch over his daily maintenance work at the center. Scott will be focusing on the completion of Pastor Ko’s Memorial Garden. Also pray that the Lord watches over his family when his wife home schools the children, and their serving at the church.
4.Remembering other bodies:
(a) Pastor Harold Shull: Now retired and his wife has cancer, pray that the Lord heal her.
(b) Pastor Tzu-Kung Chuang: Pray for full recovery after surgery.
(c) Sister Grace Lee: Pray for full recovery from the recent back surgery.
5.Please Pray for the CWC monthly financial need (general fund, building fund, training fund, etc.) asking the Lord to manifest His abundant provision and allow more brothers and sisters to experience the blessings of offering.
6.For CWC: Pray that the Lord will bring more co-workers to the CWC ministry for the furtherance of the gospel ministry in the Midwest.
** Thank you brothers and sisters for your financial support in the past year. 2022 offering receipts have been postal mailed out. If you have not received them, it may have been returned to the Center due to an incorrect address, please contact the us.
Emmanuel
In the Lord,
Sister Cindy Chiang