October is the month of NPAC’s 73^rd anniversary. Thank God for His abundant grace, the Lord Jesus has continually led and blessed the NPAC family so that we may keep striving to be a community that proclaims the gospel and lives out Christ’s great love.

       During the anniversary month, the Elderly Ministry held a Holy Communion worship service for seniors on a public holiday. A group of adult fellowship members warmly welcomed a number of seniors who were accompanied by their families and who had difficulty walking. They prepared refreshments for them and even arranged for them to take photos with the pastor as a souvenir. Both the elderly and their families experienced the warmth of love in the Lord.

      God also moved brothers and sisters to invite their friends and families to the anniversary evangelistic meeting. By the work of the Holy Spirit, some committed their lives to Christ and others expressed a desire to know more about the gospel. For this we give thanks! The next day, I joined many fellowship members in attending the funeral service of a sister’s father. The sister deeply cherished the companionship of fellow believers: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).

      Thanks be to God our Father, during the anniversary Sunday worship service, we welcomed 41 brothers and sisters who were baptized or who had transferred their membership to become part of the NPAC family. They worship God with us and build up the body of Christ together. At noon, nearly 20 intercessors joined the Cancer Care Prayer Meeting. Both patients and caregivers found comfort, support, and encouragement from God’s word, worship songs, and mutual sharing. Together they were strengthened to trust the Lord and continue their journey ahead.

       I also attended the 20^th anniversary celebration of an adult fellowship, the 10^th anniversary celebrations of a women’s fellowship and a small group, and witnessed nearly 200 brothers and sisters who, through the guidance of family and friends, came to believe in the Lord and were baptized in the NPAC family. Their lives have been renewed, enriched, and given a sense of mission. Among them are former drug addicts and gamblers who have broken free from their old habits.

       God has also stirred our church family to engage in mission work. Not only do they give financially, but they also faithfully intercede for missionaries and pastors in prayer meetings and fellowships or support mission by participating in short-term trips. Some brothers and sisters take part in street evangelism locally and care for grassroots neighbors. Others reach out in the workplace, show concern for colleagues and their families, and organize gospel gatherings. Fellowship groups also form small teams to visit families who are not yet saved and pray that they might hear the gospel and soon put their faith in the Lord.

       At the beginning of October, I joined some fellowship members in visiting the 94-year-old mother of one of our members in a care home. We were grateful to see that she was still full of energy and recognized those who had visited her before. She listened attentively to the gospel of the Lord’s salvation, clearly confessed her sins, and accepted the Lord as her Savior and the Lord of her life. Together, we sowed seeds and witnessed God’s harvest. We could not help but lift our voices in praise to God, along with this elderly mother and her daughter!

       Brothers and sisters, in this 73^rd anniversary month, what have you offered to God who loves you deeply and has blessed you with countless gifts of grace? May God be pleased with our daily offerings of love, as we build a deep relationship with Him, follow His good will, and heed the leading of the Holy Spirit. In this age filled with sin, restlessness and alienated relationships, may we as one family in Christ live out holiness, love God and others, proclaim the gospel, and bear witness to the greatness of God’s love and power!