When we travel abroad, we often take the opportunity to learn about the local history, traditions and cultural heritage. As we explore the traditional perspectives and angles of different places, we should go beyond merely observing past customs and systems of operation. Rather, we should also consider their continuing contribution and significance through the generations, as well as the influence they may yet exert in the future.

        NPAC has a history of over seventy-three years since its founding. There are many spiritual legacies that have fostered the growth of Christians in their faith and that deserve our close observation and attention. As Rev. Gordon Siu, NPAC’s Honorary Advisor, wrote in “The Spiritual Legacy of North Point Alliance Church”: “In the process of the church’s development, God has, through various pastors, believers, or certain favorable and adverse circumstances, given particular messages and visions to encourage His people in NPAC to earnestly pursue and practice certain spiritual virtues and directions. These have become the ‘spiritual legacies’ of NPAC.” These spiritual legacies include: God gives grace to the humble; work together in harmony, respecting each other; it is more blessed to give than to receive; God is the centre of everything; teaching the truth is our basis; offering by faith; and love our church.

        As the new deacon election approaches, the October issue of the NPAC Newsletter features testimonies from the newly nominated deacon candidates under the theme of “spiritual legacies.” I eagerly read them, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of these candidates and to pray for them. Thanks be to God. What we see in these testimonies are the beautiful works of God along the church’s spiritual legacies. Some have entered into fellowship life grounded in truth-based teaching, shaping their spiritual lives and responding to the call to serve. Others have learned to love the church, willing to serve with harmony and unity, listening to and respecting one another, and working together with one heart and mind. Many also testify that when we humbly serve with God at the center, He manifests His marvelous works when we never expect, allowing us to glimpse the beauty of His Eternal Kingdom and to experience the reality of an abundant life.

       Dear brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and brought every one of God’s people who turn to Him into Christ’s Kingdom, to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness all our days (Luke 1:74-75; Colossians 1:13-14). When deacons of NPAC are called by God with His divine power, glory, and goodness, they willingly take on the mind of Christ to be servants of the Lord, shouldering the responsibilities of the church (2 Peter 1:2-5; Philippians 2:5; Mark 10:44). For this reason, we too should, following the church’s spiritual legacies, allow our faith and life to be shaped through “sharing testimonies and passing on the legacies,” so that we may walk the path of God’s grace and blessing (Joshua 4:19-24). As I write these words, I wish to encourage everyone to nurture a richer faith life with NPAC’s spiritual legacies, and in the atmosphere and environment of these legacies, to follow the example of the deacons – cherishing the holy work and taking part in serving in response to the grace of Christ Jesus who gave His life for our redemption.