Dear Brothers and Sisters, Peace to you in our Lord!
It seems that that this winter had been longer. But no matter what, winter has eventually passed, and spring is approaching. As I am writing this issue of newsletter, I have already seen green shoots popping out of the trees here in the Center, I know, maybe in overnight, the whole tree will turn green. It was as if I heard the call of the Song of Solomon 2:10-13 ,“My beloved responded and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along. For behold, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The fig tree has ripened its figs, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along!”. Hopefully, our response would be, ” Draw me away! We will run after you.” (1:4 NKJ)!
There are many meetings in May and June at CWC. There will be at least one meeting that fits your need! “May Discipleship Training” is for Christians who want to be spiritually equipped, whether you are a student, housewife, career people, here visiting relatives, young, elderly, new believer, or has been a believer for a while, this Training is for you! If you are working full time, and really have few holidays, we also have a special weekend-long “Lay-minister Discipleship Training” for you. For those who have children 7th grade and above, we have the Youth Camp – a discipleship training of their own; and if you would want to go deeper in the Bible and step your foot on the places in the Bible, you can join the Holy Land Study Tour (once every three years)! “Constantly equipping oneself” should be the goal of a Christian’s life so that the spiritual foundation can be firmly rooted. Winter has passed, and when the earth is already thriving, how can our spiritual lives not moving forward and stand still?
It is undeniable that since 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has caused an upheaval of the century to the whole world. It certainly has had a great impact on churches, especially the Chinese churches! This year I would like to invite CWC coworkers and Board members to share a series of views on “Church Regrouping after the Pandemic” in our monthly prayer letter. And here we begin with Pastor Dannis Wong, our board member, who is pastoring the Chinese Church at Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Let us Not Give up in-Person Meeting Together
(by Pastor Dennis Wong)
Three years have passed since the outbreak of the pandemic, and many Christians have still not returned to in-person gatherings. Some people think that returning to physical gathering is a priority, while others think that online fellowship/worship is more efficient. How should we think about these two arguments?
Recently, I heard from our church’s college group that there will not be many students stay on campus this summer. Because of the pandemic, many students have not been able to go home for several years and are homesick. Now that the country has relaxed the boarder restrictions they are planning to go back home right after the semester is over. The advanced technology may have allowed people to talk, to hear each other’s voices, and even see each other at any time via internet while apart from each other, yet deep down in our hearts, we have to admit that no matter how advanced the technologies is, they cannot replace the face-to-face time with family members.
True relationships require effort and cost, and it is this effort that makes us more complete people. On the internet, relationships are fragile, and we can easily end a conversation with a single click. In addition, Stanford University published a research paper two years ago (2/23/2021) on the phenomenon of “Zoom Fatigue”. The authors found the following: [1] Online interaction tends to make people absent-minded; [2] In online communication, although our eyes are looking at the screen, it is difficult to have the necessary eye contact; [3] Online communication is difficult because we lack the non-verbal parts of communication, such as body language.
That said, online gatherings still have their appeal. Its alluring side is precisely because its benefits seem so numerous that many believers believe it can be used as a substitute for physical gatherings. Oswald Chambers had famously said: “The good is always the enemy of the best”. We tend to give up physical gatherings because of the “good” of online gatherings, but clearly know in our hearts that it is far better than zoom or facetime if family can physically reunite and if the children can go home for dinner. In the same way, if church fellowship is truly a spiritual home, the hearts of all should yearn for the “best”— the real face-to-face, shoulder-to-shoulder gatherings.
We also see the need for in-person meetings in the Epistles of the Apostles. The face-to-face gathering of believers can bring us satisfying joy, comfort, and refreshment. Apostle John said in 2 John 12 “Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.” When Paul was facing troubles on the outside and fearful on the inside, he was comforted by the coming of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6). And later in his life, Paul’s heart was refreshed by the company of Onesiphorus when he was in chains (2 Tim. 1:16). Paul also expressed in his numerous letters his longing to come to the disciples (Romans 15:23; 1 Corinthians 16:7; 2 Corinthians 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Titus 3:12; Gates 22).
Some may ask, what about those who are on trips, who are sick, and who are old? It is undeniable that there are special circumstances when online gatherings are necessary. But even in these cases, we still have to carefully consider: can’t those who are away from home meet with fellow believers in a local church? Who can say that it is not God’s “by accident” arrangement in such a brief meeting? Are all who are ill can not attend in-person worship service? Can some of them be encouraged to come and worship in person? Does not the Lord please those who put effort to come and worship Him by His power? Doesn’t the elderly need the same challenge? Yes, there are risks for people who attend in-person meetings, but these risks have existed even before the pandemic. On the contrary, won’t believers who only meet online be at risk? Just as a vitamin insufficient person, though it seems nothing is wrong in a short while, dangerous symptoms will be emerged over times.
Finally, to answer the arguments posed at the beginning, the resumption of in-person gatherings is a priority! As the author of Hebrews exhorts all believers in 10:24-25, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ” The assembly mentioned here cannot be replaced by an online meeting, because the early church meetings consisted of believers’ “continually devoting themselves to fellowship, and in the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42, 46). In the in-person meetings, believers could encourage each other with handshakes, hugs, patting shoulders, and eye-to-eye contact with a smile are indispensable. Only in this way is the gathering of all people in spirit would be satisfying, comforting, and joyful.
May all disciples resume your weekly worship, Sunday school, fellowship or small group and prayer meetings in your local church. Let us pray in one heart, encourage one another, and not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some.
Future Meetings:
(1) May Discipleship Training (5/21-5/26)
The speakers of this Training are: Elder Daniel Luan, Pastor King Tai Tie and CWC coworkers. Elder Luan came to the States after graduating from National Taiwan University majored in Electrical Engineering and Graduate school of the Institute of Management Science of National Chiao Tung University. After receiving his Ph.D. from Yale University, he worked in the AT&T Communication Network Laboratory. He has always actively participated in the campus student fellowship and various ministries of the church since he had believed in Christ as a teenager and dedicated his life to the Lord. He was ordained an elder by the church in 1991, and was appointed the fourth senior pastor of Rutgers Community Christian Church in 2019. Elder Luan’s experience of growing up and his dedication of serving the Lord would be a perfect example for us to pursue the Lord and aspire to live for the Lord all our lives. Pastor Tie studied at the Seminary at Texas in the 80s while also pastored the Chinese Church in Denton (TX). Denton is where Universtiy of North Texas located. Pastor Tie took discipleship training very seriously. In the past. He often led a group of students driving from North Texas to participating CWC’s discipleship trainings. After graduating from the seminary, with clear calling from the Lord, he returned to his hometown in Malaysia and faithfully served the Lord for decades. He returned to the United States three years ago and is the senior pastor at Dallas Chinese Fellowship Church in Dallas. His vision on discipleship training will definitely provide a profound reminders to us. Please do not miss this meeting. They will cover topics such as” The Root of the Evangelicals and Legacy of Faith”, “Walking in the Light” (Book of 1 John study), “Book of Malachi study”, the “Seven Steps of Prayer”. and the evening revival messages will be “Walking to Higher Ground”, “The Inner Life”. The registration form has been sent to the churches and posted online Please Click Here. The registration deadline is May 19. Please start preparing yourself, encouraging brothers and sisters to come together, and pray for the meeting, speakers, and coworkers.
(2) Memorial Weekend Lay-Minister Training (5/26-5/29)
Pastor Ko always noted that in the Midwest, since the full-time ministers are few, and the students’ turnover rate is high, so for those who reside locally to work or teach become a stable force in 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 young 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 on time by 5:30 pm for the meetings. This camp is only held once a year. Please grab this opportunity to attend. If you are working people but like to attend the Bible Camp (requiring attendance of Disciple Training Camp within the past two years), this is a great opportunity for you. Full-time students (TA, RA or PhD students are not counted as full time working people) must first attend May Disciple Training Camp (May 21-26) before eligible to attend this camp. Besides Elder Daniel Luan, Pastor King Tai Tie and CWC coworkers, we also have Elder Ka Leung Lee who works full-time in Austin, a city known as the Silicon Valley of the Midwest, to share in the meeting. In addition to focusing on his career, Elder Lee also has a wonderful ministry in the church. In the past six or seven years, almost every year he has taken ten days off to lead a team for the September short-term mission in obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission for fervently sharing the gospel. The topics to be shared by the three speakers will help the lay-ministers to deepen their spiritual lives and equip them with ministry skills, such as: “True Godliness”,” Book of Haggai study”, “Knowing and Experiencing the Holy Spirit”, “How to Lead a Bible Study Group”, “Team Ministry”, “Being a Good Steward of Time”; and evening revival messages will be: “Pursuit of the Excellence” . The registration form has been posted online. Please Click Here. Please do not miss this opportunity and start preparing yourself early, and encouraging other brothers and sisters to participate in this meeting. Please also pray for the meeting. The application deadline is: May 19.
(3) June Youth Camp (6/4-6/10)
The youth camp is the most anticipated camp for the youths. This year we have a number of speakers: Brother Edwin Lin and his wife Elanor Lin from California, Pastor Steve Tan and Pastor Berry Edwards. Pastor Tan is the senior pastor of Emmanuel Chinese Baptist Church at Kansas City. Pastor Berry Edwards is a former math teacher at Warsaw High School. In the past he often took students to math competitions, and was impressed by the excellent math performance of Chinese high school students. Now he is the senior pastor of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, the largest church in Warsaw. Edwin Lin was one of the English speakers at the Winter Conference many years ago. This time he will be here with his wife Elanor. Edwin was born in Singapore but grew up in San Jose, California. He became a Christian in high school and pursued his faith in college at Campus Crusade. He currently teaches in the Sociology Department at UC Berkeley, as well as Debate at The King’s Academy. He’s also a graduate of Western Seminary. He is passionate about discipleship and Bible teaching. Elanor grew up Cupertino, California in a Christian family and was inspired to follow God for herself during a Mexico missions trip. After high school she spent a year at Ravencrest Chalet Bible School in Colorado, where she discovered a lifelong passion for learning and teaching the Bible. Now she serves as the Youth Minister at Chinese Church in Christ, Cupertino.
I believe that young people who attend this year’s Youth Camp will not only be well equipped in the Bible, but also has the mission trip opportunity one afternoon which was hindered by the pandemic in the past two years. Aso this year we will do the T-Shirt again! For more information, you may Click Here and download it. Parents, please encourage your youths to sign up as early as possible. And the deadline for registration is: May 30.
(4) Holy Land Study Tour (6/19-6/30)
Since the Holy Land Study Tour was announced in the last newsletter, many people have signed up. In the past we have never limited the number of participants. But the travel agent reminds me that there is a seat limitation on the charter buses. Some countries, for example, Jodan and Israel, regulate each bus must also have a tour guide. I often think that if Pastor Ko were still here, he would not like us to limit numbers of people! After discussing with some co-workers, we made a difficult decision on March 28 to make 59 our maximum limit. The more bus expenses is not the factor we consider, but the quality of the study maybe affected if there were too many people. We finally decided to take the capacity of Israeli buses: 59 people (Egyptian buses seats are 45, while Joran is 50, so two buses are needed in these two countries). Please check our website for the seat vacancy. You may need to wait for another three years for Paul’s Missionary Journey if you miss this time. More information about this trip, please click here.
(5) 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.
Remembering Pastor (Pastor Ko’s Ministry Memorial Garden)
Over the past one year, we have been looking for a reasonable price gazebo. Last March we did place an order with a large building materials company. But at the end, they would rather refund the money because they can not make it. I wonder the increasing building material cost may be one of the reasons. We also checked online. But for a bigger gazebo, it needs more than $10,000 dollars. For the smaller ones, they do not look pretty. Yet we have not given up. In recent years, some Amish have moved to Warsaw area near the Center. They are self-sufficient people, and are good in carpentry. We found a finished gazabo, all handmade by the Amish, with seating for14 people. Including the shipping fee, it costs $4715. The gazebo was shipped to the Center on April 6 and was set up (please see website for the pictures). From the gazebo, you can see Lake of the Ozark in the distance. Since the gazebo is fixed, now we can start to lay down some walking stones on the observation deck, put turf, and plant more flowers and plants next to the tomb. This is our plan for the first half of the year. I hope that the next time you come to the Center, you can enjoy the quiet time with the Lord there. 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”
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
- For future meetings: May Discipleship Training, Lay-ministers Discipleship Training, June Youth Camp, June Holy Land Study Tour, preparation of August Bible Camp, and preparation of hearts of Brothers and Sisters who will attend these events.
- 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. May the Lord bless her daughter, son-in-law and grandson through her. Pray also for Mrs. Ko that in all respects she may prosper and be in good health, just as her soul prospers.
- Sister Cindy Chiang:It seems that she has endless work to be done every day: many meetings need to be planned and prepared, plus preparing for the weekend message. Sister Chiang thanks the Lord for granting her good health serving Him. Please pray the Lord to give her wisdom from above everyday, be obedient to God’s will, and makes good use of time, and is healthy before the Lord physically, mentally and spiritually.
- Brother Qinglong Liang: Pray that the Lord will give him obedient heart to serve at the church according to God’s will. Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to his wife and the ability to raise children according to God’s will. May the Lord use him as a channel of blessings in May and June meetings.
- 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 Champaign’s co-workers as they serve together. May the Lord bless and protect Mrs. Huang as she takes care of their three children. May the Lord use him as a channel of blessings in May and June meetings.
- 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.
- 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, Sister Grace Lee: Thank you for your prayers, and praise the Lord that both Pastor Chuang and Sister Lee have returned to serving after a smooth recovery from surgery.
(c) Pastor Danny Li (Pastor Ko’s nephew): Pray for her Mom who has cancer to be healed, pray for the family. Pray that the doctor for wisdom of treatment.
- 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.
- 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.
Emmanuel
In the Lord,
Sister Cindy Chiang