As we approach another year filled with challenges and triumphs, I share with you a heart overflowing with gratitude for the remarkable journey we have shared together in 2023. God's unwavering guidance, His providences, and the collective commitment of our church members in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) have all been significant factors in this journey.
Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
Looking back over the past twelve months, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His constant presence in every aspect of our mission. Through His guidance, we have navigated uncertainties, overcome obstacles, and celebrated numerous victories. We are filled with gratitude for His providential care, which has allowed us to minister to others with joy, compassion, and a united spirit.
Isaiah 41:10 provides a powerful assurance: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." True to His unwavering promise, God's faithfulness has proven sufficient throughout the uncertainties of the past year. His steadfast presence has been our anchor, strengthening us in moments of doubt and overcoming challenges on our behalf. As we reflect on His enduring commitment, we find solace in the certainty that His righteous right hand upholds us, making His promises both trustworthy and true.
A Year of Joyful Ministry
The joy that comes from ministering to others is a direct result of God's grace working through each one of you. Your commitment, passion, and love for spreading the gospel have been a source of inspiration and encouragement. Together, we have touched lives, shared hope, and extended healing to those in need. As we reflect on the joy experienced in our ministry, let us recognize it as a testament to the transformative power of God's love working through His people.
Anticipating 2024 with Faith
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, uncertainties may loom on the horizon. However, our faith remains steadfast. We enter 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, guided by God's command to "I Will Go." The challenges ahead serve as opportunities for us to lean on God's strength, trusting that His plans for us are filled with hope and purpose. “. . . I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12-14).
Striving to Follow God's Mandate
In the face of uncertainties, let us anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's Word. The mandate to "go" echoes in our hearts as a call to action, a call to share the love of Christ with a world in need. As a church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region, we are committed to striving, persevering, and following God's mandate with unwavering dedication. Together, we will press forward, overcoming challenges and embracing the opportunities that God places before us.
Expressing Gratitude
Before we step into the new year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each member of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. Your faithfulness, resilience, and commitment to the mission of the Adventist Church have made a profound impact. Together, we have witnessed lives transformed, and we have been instruments of God's grace.
Looking Forward with Hope
As we look forward to 2024, let us do so with hope and anticipation. Our journey as a church family continues, and I am confident that, with God's guidance, we will navigate the path ahead with courage and conviction. May the love of Christ be our guiding light, and may His Spirit empower us to be instruments of His peace and grace in the world.
In unity and purpose, let us enter the new year with hearts full of gratitude and a commitment to follow God's mandate of "I Will Go." Join me as we close 2023 with a word of prayer.
Happy New Year, and may God continue to bless all of you.