By Rev John Chew
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22-23)
This is my last pastoral message before I officially retire. I praise and thank God for guiding me through 34 years of full-time service to Him. Glory be unto His name! Time indeed passes speedily. Over the years, I have experienced His great love and faithfulness continuously. He never let me down. He is my constant companion, my enabler, my provider and my teacher. I can’t imagine a life without the Lord.
In particular, I am thankful to the Lord for sending me to ORPC. I recall being hesitant and unwilling at first at the thought of serving in ORPC. I admit that it is God’s will, not mine. Perhaps ORPC gives an impression of being a classy brand name church with classy worshippers and leaders with tall orders. I am just a simple pastor and a common heartlander; would I be able to serve and minister to the people here? Gradually, God opened a way to change my mind and by a step of faith, I moved forward, and was accepted into the pastoral ministry.
It turned out to be a blessing to serve in ORPC. I am filled with gratitude to the leadership and the church members for welcoming my family and me warmly. In spite of my weak articulation, you listened to my sermons and shared willingly and gave me much encouraging feedback. God gave me many opportunities to share the gospel, to minister with His word during visitations and to get to know our members and leaders who treated me and Evelyn as friends. Your friendliness and assurances spurred me to serve God faithfully as well as to remain as an ORPC member after my retirement. I am very encouraged that ORPC is filled with many faithful members and worshippers who are actively serving God and caring for one another.
In these four years with ORPC, I have learnt the importance of depending on God in everything we do. I also realized the impact of godly teamwork, mutual encouragement of each other’s gifts and humility in enhancing the joy of participating in His Kingdom Work.
I will trust in God in serving ORPC in ad hoc ministries as well as other plans He may put into my retirement days. I would like to remind you and myself that God is not done with you and me in our spiritual walk with Him. He will enable and encourage us to continue to serve Him, just as Paul said in Phil. 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”