| Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.’” (1 Samuel 7:12) “The LORD has done great things for us; We are glad.” (Psalm 126:3) By the time you receive this letter, our Holy Land Study Tour will be walking among the Seven Churches of Revelation. While we physically visit these churches, it is truly our Lord who walks among the seven lampstands (Revelation 2:1). To each church, He offers different words of praise and, at times, rebuke. Yet there is one phrase He repeats to every church: “I know…” Whether it is our deeds, labor, perseverance, suffering, love, or even poverty, the Lord sees it all. He watches over us and examines us. This brings us comfort, but it also reminds us to be diligent and careful in our conduct and service. In last month’s prayer letter, I mentioned that the past two months felt like cooking on a stove with five burners all going (when a typical household stove only has four!) From now until nearly the end of September, the Center has many meetings and activities scheduled: 1. May Discipleship Training (Evening of May 17 – Noon of May 22) 2. May Lay-Minister Training (Evening of May 22 – Noon of May 25) 3. June Youth Camp (Evening of May 31 – Noon of June 6) 4. Paul’s Missionary Journey Holy Land Study Tour (June 15 – 27) 5. August Bible Camp (Evening of July 26 – Noon of August 1) 6. August Discipleship Training (Evening of August 2 – Noon of August 8) 7. August Short-term Missions (August 21 – 30) 8. September Short-term Missions (September 11 – 20) The first three “dishes” have now been completed, and each was filled with God’s grace and blessing. We have experienced firsthand that “thus far the Lord has helped us.” We are now working on the fourth event and preparing for the fifth and seventh. Please continue to remember and uphold us in your prayers. The theme of our prayer letter this year is ‘Rooted and Built Up, Attaining to Maturity’ (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 4:13). In this issue, Board Member Brother Robert Kao shares a reflection connected to our June Youth Camp entitled, |
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The Descendants of Godly Parents (by Brother Robert Kao) |
| I. Introduction:
Children are a gift bestowed by God, and descendants are an integral part of God’s plan as revealed in the Book of Genesis. “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17). God promised Abram: “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted too” (Genesis 13:16). Furthermore, Romans 4:17–18 records: “I have made you a father of many nations,” and “so also will be your offspring.” II. Rooting and Fruiting: As parents, in the process of raising our children, we must undergo the spiritual disciplines of “rooting,” “building,” and “fruiting,” just as the Apostle Paul emphasized in Colossians Chapter 2. 1. Receiving and Living in Christ: In Colossians 2:6, the Apostle Paul reminds us that, having received the Lord Christ Jesus, we ought to live our lives in Him. Steadfast faith is precisely the root from which a grateful heart grows. All spiritual attainments of the believer stem from God’s grace; therefore, to achieve spiritual growth, we must first receive Christ as our Savior and live in Him daily. Only in this way can we pass this faith on to the next generation. 2. Rooting and Building Up in Christ: When parents are filled with faith in and love for Jesus Christ, their children can genuinely sense this and often follow their example. “Living in Christ” means regarding Him as the only source and supreme Lord of all things. This will have a profound impact on future generations. Children witness their parents’ faith during trials, their readiness to admit mistakes, and their willingness to obey the Holy Spirit. Through this, children are developed in godly qualities such as kindness, patience, honesty, and self-control. Children learn from their parents, receive their instruction, and benefit from their careful nurturing. In this way, their own faith is strengthened. 3. Connecting and Abiding in Christ: The relationship between parents and children mirrors that of a vine and its branches (John 15:5). When parents are rooted in Christ, they model spiritual growth and Christian character. This living example guides children to emulate Christ’s character—a natural result of a close, authentic relationship with Him. As with a vine and its branches, such a connection inevitably produces spiritual fruit. III. Transmittance of Parents’ Faith and Legacy: Only when parents maintain a proper relationship with Christ and simultaneously cultivate a healthy bond with their children. They will tend to notice what parents practice when we inevitably encounter trials, suffering, failure, illness, persecution, and similar circumstances. Parents’ faith must be rooted in Christ and continually grow in the knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, their children, too, will continue to grow in their faith when God’s word becomes spontaneous, as parents apply biblical values. They will be able to speak the truth in love, making steady progress in every respect, and remaining firmly connected to Christ, the Head (Ephesians 4:13). No longer will they be tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of false doctrine. This also places upon parents a responsibility: to dedicate themselves to the completion of their children’s salvation and spiritual growth. Franklin Graham, the son of the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, serves as a prime example. Growing up, he was deeply burdened by the immense pressure of having a famous evangelist as a father; this led to a rebellious adolescence during which he smoked, drank heavily, engaged in fights, and generally ran wild—actively rebelling against his father’s faith. After years of wandering, partying, and living on the edge, he felt a profound inner emptiness. In 1974, at the age of 22, while staying in a hotel room in Jerusalem, he experienced a spiritual turning point: he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Subsequently, he took over the leadership of Samaritan’s Purse and, carrying forward his father’s legacy, continued to spread the Gospel. When parents’ faith is firmly rooted in Christ, it can transform their children’s understanding of God, enabling them to grow continuously and bear abundant fruit. IV. Conclusion: In summary, if both parents and children maintain a proper relationship with Christ, they will likewise be able to establish a proper relationship with one another. All Bible reading, prayer, service, giving, and so forth, will become more fruitful and live out God-pleasing testimonies. This mirrors the way the Apostle Paul related to Timothy: he addressed Timothy as his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), exhorted him to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 1:18), and admonished him to be an example to the believers (1 Timothy 4:6–16). Timothy would thus be able to guard the trust committed to him (1 Timothy 6:20) and serve as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:1–4). This stands as an excellent exemplar set by the children of godly parents. |
Future Meetings |
| 1. June Paul’s Missionary Journey Holy Land Study Tour (June 15 – 27) |
| Praise the Lord! We already have 37 participants registered for the trip as we prepare to depart next week. We will travel to Turkey and Greece. In Turkey, we will visit all seven churches mentioned in Revelation, as well as the Island of Patmos—a unique addition not typically included in Holy Land tours. We will then cross from Troas (where Paul received the Macedonian vision) into Greece and follow Paul’s second missionary journey and portions of his third journey. Please pray for travel safety and for each participant to experience deep spiritual learning before the Lord, as this is not merely a sightseeing trip. If you missed this opportunity, our next Holy Land Study Tour is planned for June 2029 and will focus on the Exodus, the Conquest of Canaan, and the Life of Jesus. Please begin setting aside time to join us. |
| 2. August Bible Camp (July 26–August 1) |
| This time we will study the “Poetry and Wisdom Books”. More than 70 brothers and sisters have already registered and are currently completing their final research assignments. If you desire to pursuit deeper learning in God’s Word, the Bible Camp schedule and registration forms are available on the Center’s website. Speaker will be Pastor Chih-Hao Shen. The strict deadline is June 15. Please register and begin preparing your assignments. Detailed information is available on the website. (Click Here) |
| 3. August Discipleship Training (August 2–8) |
| Our speakers will be Brother David Lee and Pastor Tsu-Kung Chuang. Many of you are familiar with Pastor Chuang from our annual Winter Conference, but this time he has chosen to teach at our August Discipleship Training. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. During the early years when CWC just moved to Warsaw, Brother David Lee taught discipleship training here. Since then, he has been busy with studies at Moody Bible Institute, pastoring at the Bergen Christian Testimony Church in New Jersey, and speaking at the New York Summer Retreat. Recently, he has been teaching on “How Jesus Trained His Disciples in the First Century,” incorporating extensive Holy Land visuals and teachings. Pastor Ko often reminded us, “Discipleship Training is not only for students or new believers.” I wholeheartedly agree. Otherwise, those who think they are “first” may actually become “last.” More information will be provided in next month’s prayer letter. Registration forms are already available on our website. Registration deadline is July 29. (click here). |
August and September Short-Term Mission Trips |
| Praise the Lord! Five churches from California, New Jersey, and Washington State (including one participant traveling from Taiwan) have confirmed participation in the August mission trips. Another five churches from California, Texas, and Washington State will join in September.
These churches are actively preparing and training their teams. We are currently arranging their ministry itineraries throughout the Midwest. August teams will generally serve in nearby states such as Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, and Mississippi. September teams will travel farther to Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Alabama, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas. We ask churches and Bible study groups throughout the Midwest to prepare to partner with these teams who are willingly sacrificing their time, effort, and resources to proclaim the Gospel. We are especially thankful that five teams will participate in August, exceeding previous years’ numbers. Please continue praying for Gospel ministry throughout the Midwest. |
Thanksgiving and Ministry Reports |
| 1. May Discipleship Training (May 17–22) |
| We thank the Lord for blessing our May Discipleship Training. Speakers Pastor Allen Chi and Pastor Xiao Yuan faithfully shared from their walk with God and taught with great dedication. Forty brothers and sisters attended along with their children, and were richly blessed. |
| 2. May Lay-Minister Training (May 22 – 25) |
| Praise the Lord that more than 70 working believers with their 27 children attended the May Lay-Minister Training. Including coworkers and speakers, over 100 people participated. The Center was filled with God’s abundant provision (spiritually and physically). The Lord especially used Pastor David Hsu, Pastor Xiao Yuan, and Elder Aron Fu. Through Bible study, a Christ-centered family, small group workshops, and evening revival sessions, participants received both biblical instruction and practical application. I personally sat in the classes and was deeply moved and encouraged. I can only say that those who missed this edifying gathering truly missed a blessing. Our next discipleship training will be in August—please do not miss it. |
| 3. June Youth Camp (May 31–June 6) |
| Praise the Lord! Forty youths attended from across the Midwest as well as from Texas, Colorado, and California. The Lord used Pastor Steve Tan, Pastor Berry Edwards, and Pastor Jason McCray to teach the students. In addition to discipleship instruction, they challenged the youth to be salt and light in a world with distorted values. On Wednesday afternoon, the youth were divided into three teams and sent to minister in three nursing homes. Many of the elderly residents had rarely seen Chinese children before and were delighted to meet them. They joyfully joined in singing hymns together. On Thursday, we also took the youths on a rafting excursion. We pray that the Lord will capture their hearts while they are young so that what they have learned will remain with them through college and throughout their lives. |
Sunday Online Bible Study & Prayer Meeting |
| Every month we post the prayer requests on our website. You can remember us in your personal prayers, or pray for us at your church’s prayer meetings. However, a great opportunity to pray together with the center’s coworkers is during the Bible reading and prayer meeting led by the coworkers every Sunday night at 7 PM. This prayer meeting also has the purpose of helping everyone to start preparing for the Bible Camp in advance, so that when the time comes, you won’t be caught unprepared and think about giving up. Of course, if you are not attending the Bible Camp, you can still systematically study the Bible with us. This semester, we will be studying the ‘Poetry and Wisdom Books’. In the first 30 minutes, the coworkers will lead everyone in studying the Poetry and Wisdom Books chapter by chapter plus guidance on how to study, write outlines, and topical reports. In the second 30 minutes, we will pray in one accord for CWC ministry and coworkers according to the monthly prayer calendar. So if you are willing to pray for us, you can join our Bible reading and prayer meeting. In order not to affect the brothers and sisters’ work and school the next day, we have shortened it to one hour (7:00-8:00 PM Central Time). We will use Zoom, with the ID: 85888709271, and the password: 567482. We invite everyone to come and study the Bible together and pray for the center. |
Thanksgiving and Prayer Requests |
| 1. Praise God for His blessings upon the May Discipleship Training, May Lay-Minister Training, June Youth Camp, Holy Land Study Tour, and August Bible Camp registrations. Please pray that the Lord will bring more to the upcoming August Discipleship Training and Bible Camp and use each event to strengthen and encourage His people.
2. For Coworkers: · Mrs. Sylvia Ko: Thank the Lord for granting strength to serve in three ministry events from mid-May through early June. Also thank Him for enabling a solo drive to Texas to attend my eldest granddaughter’s high school graduation. I plan to spend the summer in Las Vegas helping care for my daughter’s family. · Sister Cindy Chiang: Pray for the June Holy Land Study Tour, for safety, spiritual growth, and a deeper love for the Lord among all participants. Pray for wisdom and spiritual insight as I read Bible Camp students’ reports. Pray for strength, wisdom, and discernment as I coordinate the August and September mission teams. · Pastor Qinglong Liang: Pray for a deeper walk and meditation on the Lord Jesus. Pray for faithful service at the Christian Witness Center, in Columbia, and throughout the Midwest. Pray for wisdom in leading my wife and three children according to God’s will. Pray for fruitful ministry during my June 12–15 visit to churches on the West Coast. Pray that I would shepherd others with the heart of Christ and make disciples of Jesus. · Pastor Charles Huang: Pray for pastoral and evangelistic ministries at the Champaign church. Pray for wisdom, strength, and God’s Word in ministry. Pray for outreach opportunities and new students and coworkers in the coming semester. Pray for cooperation between the August mission teams and Midwest churches. Pray that my parents, who recently came to faith, will develop a consistent church life. Pray that my brother’s family, who recently moved to the U.S., would have humble hearts and come to know Christ. · Scott Jerome: Pray for Scott’s dad’s health. He has started radiation and chemo. Pray for the Lord’s will with our 3 foster boys and for their parents. Pray for the summer youth camps. I will be traveling with our youth to Texas and serving at another camp closer to home. 3. For Financial Needs: Please pray for the Center’s monthly financial needs, including general operations, building expenses, and training ministries. May the Lord demonstrate His abundant provision and allow more people to experience the blessing of giving. 4. For more Coworkers: Pray that the Lord will raise up and lead more coworkers to join the ministry so that the work throughout the Midwest may continue to flourish and expand. |
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