Austin Woo is Ordained
By Howard Chan November 16, 2013
The early morning clouds and rain had dispersed. The sun radiated brightly in a clear blue sky. The resplendent day befitted the special service that would soon take place at the Oversea Chinese Mission Main Church (OCMMC). Located in lower Manhattan, OCMMC is part of the Oversea Chinese Mission Association (OCMA).
The OCMA formed in 2001 and consists of nine churches in the New York/New Jersey region and around the world. The current members of the association include Boon Church, Community Church of Great Neck, Grace Church, Jireh Church, Oversea Chinese Mission, Vision Church, Canaan Church, Taipei Gospel Church and Brazil Igreja Evangelica De.
Today, the OCMA would confer upon Minister Austin Woo, the title of Reverend with its concomitant authority and privileges. Five ministers representing the OCMA, Rev. Isaiah Tingson: OCM Main Church, Rev. Stephen Kong: Boon Church, Rev. Jerry Moy: Jireh Church, Rev. Richard Carey: OCM Main Church, and Rev. Joseph Tsang: Vision Church formed the Ordination Council that authorized Austin’s ordination.
Austin attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) from 2003 to 2006. While there, he pursued a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Christian Education. He completed his class work in December 2006 and received his degree in May, 2007. Upon completing of his classwork at GCTS, Austin began serving at OCMMC in January, 2007. His responsibilities at OCMMC included: serving as the Advisor/Counsellor to Zion Fellowship (college fellowship), pastoral liaison with the local evangelism committee, Head of the Christian Education Department, teaching adult Christian Education classes and preaching in the English Service 6-8 times a year. With his new title and authority, Austin will now include among his responsibilities serving communion, performing baptisms, officiating weddings, conducting funerals and giving the benediction at the end of a worship service.
Austin does not know where God will lead him in the future. What is clear to him now is that God has called to serve him at OCMMC until called to serve elsewhere.
PHOTOS BY HOWARD CHAN
The early morning clouds and rain had dispersed. The sun radiated brightly in a clear blue sky. The resplendent day befitted the special service that would soon take place at the Oversea Chinese Mission Main Church (OCMMC). Located in lower Manhattan, OCMMC is part of the Oversea Chinese Mission Association (OCMA).
The OCMA formed in 2001 and consists of nine churches in the New York/New Jersey region and around the world. The current members of the association include Boon Church, Community Church of Great Neck, Grace Church, Jireh Church, Oversea Chinese Mission, Vision Church, Canaan Church, Taipei Gospel Church and Brazil Igreja Evangelica De.
Today, the OCMA would confer upon Minister Austin Woo, the title of Reverend with its concomitant authority and privileges. Five ministers representing the OCMA, Rev. Isaiah Tingson: OCM Main Church, Rev. Stephen Kong: Boon Church, Rev. Jerry Moy: Jireh Church, Rev. Richard Carey: OCM Main Church, and Rev. Joseph Tsang: Vision Church formed the Ordination Council that authorized Austin’s ordination.
Austin attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (GCTS) from 2003 to 2006. While there, he pursued a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Christian Education. He completed his class work in December 2006 and received his degree in May, 2007. Upon completing of his classwork at GCTS, Austin began serving at OCMMC in January, 2007. His responsibilities at OCMMC included: serving as the Advisor/Counsellor to Zion Fellowship (college fellowship), pastoral liaison with the local evangelism committee, Head of the Christian Education Department, teaching adult Christian Education classes and preaching in the English Service 6-8 times a year. With his new title and authority, Austin will now include among his responsibilities serving communion, performing baptisms, officiating weddings, conducting funerals and giving the benediction at the end of a worship service.
Austin does not know where God will lead him in the future. What is clear to him now is that God has called to serve him at OCMMC until called to serve elsewhere.
PHOTOS BY HOWARD CHAN
Lessons Taken to Heart
Jake Bates with his wife Jennifer and two children Annaliese (3) and Calla (6)
by Howard Chan October 3, 2013
In 2010 Manny Low, formerly of Chinese Christian Church, New Jersey, (see “Going in Obedience”), informed Jake Bates of a pastoral opening at Living Stone Chinese Church (LSCC). Jake first met Manny at Moody Bible Institute where the two had become such good friends that they continued to keep in touch, even after they both graduated and went their separate ways. It was because of this friendship that Manny told Jake about the LSCC position which led to his installation as LSCC’s new English Pastor on January 7, 2011.
After moving into the region, Manny invited Jake to join PaLM’s monthly New Jersey Co-Worker’s Fellowship meetings. There, he enjoyed the support and fellowship of fellow pastors serving the Asian American community and became a regular attendee. Then, on September 22, 2013 Jake preached his last sermon at LSCC and shortly thereafter, left the region. What happened?
Jake learned many things while serving at LSCC. One thing he learned involved Chinese culture. He noticed how caring and compassion the families in the church showed their elderly parents in contrast to what he usually observed in Western Culture. It appeared to him that every elderly parent in the church resided in the homes of their children instead of being shuffled off to a nursing home. The many acts of caring, compassion, and love he witnessed changed him. Today Jake has a deeper appreciation of his parents and makes a greater effort to watch over and care for their needs. Another thing he learned from his time at LCC is that the Asian American community is not his “sweet-spot” for ministry. While he loves Asian Americans, LSCC, and the Chinese people in general, what inflames his heart stems from his Mid-West roots. It was a revelation he could not ignore, dismiss or cover over; it needed to be resolved. To that end, he and his wife, Jennifer prayed and asked God what they should do. In time, God told them; go home. In obedience, Jake joined the Vineyard denomination to plant a church in Iowa.
We enjoyed Jake while he served among us. We hate to see him go, but we understand why he needed to go. God wired each of us differently, to do different work, to serve different people, to work in different places. Jake is simply going to a place and work that suits the way God built him.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAKE BATES
In 2010 Manny Low, formerly of Chinese Christian Church, New Jersey, (see “Going in Obedience”), informed Jake Bates of a pastoral opening at Living Stone Chinese Church (LSCC). Jake first met Manny at Moody Bible Institute where the two had become such good friends that they continued to keep in touch, even after they both graduated and went their separate ways. It was because of this friendship that Manny told Jake about the LSCC position which led to his installation as LSCC’s new English Pastor on January 7, 2011.
After moving into the region, Manny invited Jake to join PaLM’s monthly New Jersey Co-Worker’s Fellowship meetings. There, he enjoyed the support and fellowship of fellow pastors serving the Asian American community and became a regular attendee. Then, on September 22, 2013 Jake preached his last sermon at LSCC and shortly thereafter, left the region. What happened?
Jake learned many things while serving at LSCC. One thing he learned involved Chinese culture. He noticed how caring and compassion the families in the church showed their elderly parents in contrast to what he usually observed in Western Culture. It appeared to him that every elderly parent in the church resided in the homes of their children instead of being shuffled off to a nursing home. The many acts of caring, compassion, and love he witnessed changed him. Today Jake has a deeper appreciation of his parents and makes a greater effort to watch over and care for their needs. Another thing he learned from his time at LCC is that the Asian American community is not his “sweet-spot” for ministry. While he loves Asian Americans, LSCC, and the Chinese people in general, what inflames his heart stems from his Mid-West roots. It was a revelation he could not ignore, dismiss or cover over; it needed to be resolved. To that end, he and his wife, Jennifer prayed and asked God what they should do. In time, God told them; go home. In obedience, Jake joined the Vineyard denomination to plant a church in Iowa.
We enjoyed Jake while he served among us. We hate to see him go, but we understand why he needed to go. God wired each of us differently, to do different work, to serve different people, to work in different places. Jake is simply going to a place and work that suits the way God built him.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAKE BATES
Eric Wu is Ordained
by Howard Chan September 21, 2013
On Saturday, September 21, 2013, the Christian and Missionary Alliance ordained Eric Wu in an afternoon service held at Queens Herald Church (QHC) in Flushing, New York. Family members, friends, pastors, and church members filled the sanctuary to participate in today’s worship service. Highlights of the service included a special musical offering from the New Taiwanese American Christian Church and two exhortations given by the Rev. Ben Kong, Pastor of the English Congregation at QHC and the Rev. Abraham Poon, Senior Pastor of the San Jose Christian Alliance Church and President of the Chinese Churches Association of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The Rev. Yeathus Johnson, a member of the Metropolitan District Office, conferred upon Eric his credentials recognizing him as a Reverend and licensed pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Eric graduated from the Alliance Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in December, 2010. He joined the staff of QHC as an extern in September 2011 to gain pastoral experience, have the opportunity to explore his spiritual gifts and learn more about ministry in general. His work in QHC affirmed his gifting and calling resulting in today’s service. Now that Eric is an ordained minister, QHC changed his title to Associate Pastor.
Eric’s short-term ministry plans at QHC include a deeper exploration of the following areas: high school, career cell groups, discipleship, prayer and missions. His short-term personal plans include marrying his fiancé in 2014 and starting a family one day.
Eric’s long-term plans include being open to pastoring a church/congregation in New York City or serving overseas as a missionary; he is open to whatever God asks him to do and wherever God seeks to send him.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LESTER NG
On Saturday, September 21, 2013, the Christian and Missionary Alliance ordained Eric Wu in an afternoon service held at Queens Herald Church (QHC) in Flushing, New York. Family members, friends, pastors, and church members filled the sanctuary to participate in today’s worship service. Highlights of the service included a special musical offering from the New Taiwanese American Christian Church and two exhortations given by the Rev. Ben Kong, Pastor of the English Congregation at QHC and the Rev. Abraham Poon, Senior Pastor of the San Jose Christian Alliance Church and President of the Chinese Churches Association of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The Rev. Yeathus Johnson, a member of the Metropolitan District Office, conferred upon Eric his credentials recognizing him as a Reverend and licensed pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Eric graduated from the Alliance Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in December, 2010. He joined the staff of QHC as an extern in September 2011 to gain pastoral experience, have the opportunity to explore his spiritual gifts and learn more about ministry in general. His work in QHC affirmed his gifting and calling resulting in today’s service. Now that Eric is an ordained minister, QHC changed his title to Associate Pastor.
Eric’s short-term ministry plans at QHC include a deeper exploration of the following areas: high school, career cell groups, discipleship, prayer and missions. His short-term personal plans include marrying his fiancé in 2014 and starting a family one day.
Eric’s long-term plans include being open to pastoring a church/congregation in New York City or serving overseas as a missionary; he is open to whatever God asks him to do and wherever God seeks to send him.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LESTER NG
Going in Obedience
Julie and Manny with Noah (6), Charisa (4) and Michaela (20 months)
by Howard Chan April 17, 2013
On Jun 16, Emmanuel (aka Manny) Low will leave the United States for Thailand where he will serve as a missionary at a school in Bangkok. The story of how that happened follows.
Manny was born and raised in Parsippany, New Jersey where his dad served as the Senior Pastor of the Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey (CCCNJ). It was at CCCNJ where Manny fell in love with God and a passion for missions germinated. Upon graduating college, he received a degree teaching. He then returned home to teach in a local elementary school while serving as a youth sponsor at his church. It was during this time that God called him into full-time ministry.
In preparation for his future endeavor, he applied for and was accepted into Moody Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity. It was during this time that he met the woman he was to marry. The irony of their relationship is that he was good friends with his future father-in-law before he even knew Julie existed. It appears that God’s providence was at work when the two ended up in some classes together. It wasn’t until he was invited to his future father-in-law’s home for dinner that he and Julie met for the first time. As a father of three girls myself, one has to wonder what Manny’s father-in-law was thinking at the time he invited Manny over. But, that’s another story.
They eventually began dating, and their relationship blossomed. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the Low’s are parents to three adorable children with a fourth on the way! A fourth is on the way? Wait, didn’t you say the Lows are moving to Thailand in June?
Yes, I did. In fact, that is exactly why they are leaving June 12. If they left any later, Julie’s pregnancy would be too far along and the airlines would not permit her to fly! Then, why don’t they wait until after their fourth child is born? Well, the fact of the matter is, there are many good reasons why staying longer may be preferable.
Here are a few. (1) Manny feels his work at CCCNJ is not done. He has laid the groundwork for a fruitful harvest, but much work is yet to be done. (2) Ministry at CCCNJ is a blessing. (3) The co-workers at CCCNJ are great to work with. (4) Julie is pregnant. (5) Moving to a foreign country, especially with a young family is no small task. (6) Transitioning into a different culture with a young family is challenging at best.
But, there was one issue the Lows couldn’t ignore, their conviction that God had called them to go! When God calls there is really only one option, obey. And that is what they are doing, obeying.
The timing of the move may be inconvenient. The sacrifices asked of them, great. The place they are sent to serve, distant. But, this is what servants of God do, obey.
Manny will be serving as the Student Ministry Coordinator for the Middle School at International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand. His responsibilities include leading Friday night fellowship meetings, holding lock-ins, planning retreats, leading short-term mission trips and teaching a Values Class.
We praise God for the Low’s willingness to obey and commend them for their boldness. We look forward to seeing and hearing of how our Lord will use the Lows in the days ahead.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MANNY LOW
On Jun 16, Emmanuel (aka Manny) Low will leave the United States for Thailand where he will serve as a missionary at a school in Bangkok. The story of how that happened follows.
Manny was born and raised in Parsippany, New Jersey where his dad served as the Senior Pastor of the Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey (CCCNJ). It was at CCCNJ where Manny fell in love with God and a passion for missions germinated. Upon graduating college, he received a degree teaching. He then returned home to teach in a local elementary school while serving as a youth sponsor at his church. It was during this time that God called him into full-time ministry.
In preparation for his future endeavor, he applied for and was accepted into Moody Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity. It was during this time that he met the woman he was to marry. The irony of their relationship is that he was good friends with his future father-in-law before he even knew Julie existed. It appears that God’s providence was at work when the two ended up in some classes together. It wasn’t until he was invited to his future father-in-law’s home for dinner that he and Julie met for the first time. As a father of three girls myself, one has to wonder what Manny’s father-in-law was thinking at the time he invited Manny over. But, that’s another story.
They eventually began dating, and their relationship blossomed. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, the Low’s are parents to three adorable children with a fourth on the way! A fourth is on the way? Wait, didn’t you say the Lows are moving to Thailand in June?
Yes, I did. In fact, that is exactly why they are leaving June 12. If they left any later, Julie’s pregnancy would be too far along and the airlines would not permit her to fly! Then, why don’t they wait until after their fourth child is born? Well, the fact of the matter is, there are many good reasons why staying longer may be preferable.
Here are a few. (1) Manny feels his work at CCCNJ is not done. He has laid the groundwork for a fruitful harvest, but much work is yet to be done. (2) Ministry at CCCNJ is a blessing. (3) The co-workers at CCCNJ are great to work with. (4) Julie is pregnant. (5) Moving to a foreign country, especially with a young family is no small task. (6) Transitioning into a different culture with a young family is challenging at best.
But, there was one issue the Lows couldn’t ignore, their conviction that God had called them to go! When God calls there is really only one option, obey. And that is what they are doing, obeying.
The timing of the move may be inconvenient. The sacrifices asked of them, great. The place they are sent to serve, distant. But, this is what servants of God do, obey.
Manny will be serving as the Student Ministry Coordinator for the Middle School at International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand. His responsibilities include leading Friday night fellowship meetings, holding lock-ins, planning retreats, leading short-term mission trips and teaching a Values Class.
We praise God for the Low’s willingness to obey and commend them for their boldness. We look forward to seeing and hearing of how our Lord will use the Lows in the days ahead.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MANNY LOW
New York Chinese Baptist Church Celebrates A Thirtieth Anniversary
by Howard Chan March 20, 2013
The New York Chinese Baptist Church (NYCBC) English Ministry (EM) celebrated its 30th Anniversary on February 24, 2013. The celebration that afternoon started on time and included lots of treats, enjoyable fellowship and the sharing of fond memories.
In the early days, the EM did not have a pastor. However, what they did have by the grace of God, were good people and dedicated families, who helped the congregation to, not only survive, but grow. What began as a “young-people’s” EM with no shepherd, is today a congregation of families, adults and kids of all ages led by the Rev. Ben Ing who has served as their pastor since Jul, 2003.
In those early days, a number of people played a key role in sustaining NYCBC’s EM. Among them were:
After Pastor Milton had shared, Garry Seid presented a pictorial history of NYCBC’s EM. Thanks to Gary’s skill and work everyone enjoyed a virtual tour of the many people, families and individuals who have been a part of NYCBC over the past 30 years.
The celebration continued with the prepared sharing of Alice Ling, Richard Choy and Jackson Wong. Afterwards, the floor opened to anyone who wanted to share. In response Linda Chao and Leslie Wong shared their fond memories.
Pastor Ben Ing was the last to share. Then Pastor Milton Eng ended the celebration in closing prayer.
PHOTOS BY HOWARD CHAN
The New York Chinese Baptist Church (NYCBC) English Ministry (EM) celebrated its 30th Anniversary on February 24, 2013. The celebration that afternoon started on time and included lots of treats, enjoyable fellowship and the sharing of fond memories.
In the early days, the EM did not have a pastor. However, what they did have by the grace of God, were good people and dedicated families, who helped the congregation to, not only survive, but grow. What began as a “young-people’s” EM with no shepherd, is today a congregation of families, adults and kids of all ages led by the Rev. Ben Ing who has served as their pastor since Jul, 2003.
In those early days, a number of people played a key role in sustaining NYCBC’s EM. Among them were:
- The Rev. Johnny Chan, who currently serves the Grace Chinese Alliance Church in Brooklyn. In 1983, the Rev. Chan was serving as an assistant to the pastor of the Chinese congregation. While the EM was never under his direct responsibility, he nevertheless assisted with the EM services and fellowship meetings.
- Various families, or more specifically, the Changs, Chens, Choys, Lees and Lings who were all members of the Chinese Baptist Mission as the church was known in those days. Thanks to their dedication, work and continual support, which for some continues to this day, the EM was birthed and sustained.
- Doris Lee and Colin Tam, two dear members of the Chinese congregation. Both Doris and Colin served as advisors to the EM. The two fulfilled their responsibilities by inviting the EM to their gatherings and holiday get-togethers (e.g. Christmas caroling). Thanks to their loving care over the years many in the EM today have a warm place in their hearts for the two.
- The Rev. Milton Eng was the first EM pastor of NYCBC. The church invited him as a special guest of the celebration and was the first to share his memories of those early days.
After Pastor Milton had shared, Garry Seid presented a pictorial history of NYCBC’s EM. Thanks to Gary’s skill and work everyone enjoyed a virtual tour of the many people, families and individuals who have been a part of NYCBC over the past 30 years.
The celebration continued with the prepared sharing of Alice Ling, Richard Choy and Jackson Wong. Afterwards, the floor opened to anyone who wanted to share. In response Linda Chao and Leslie Wong shared their fond memories.
Pastor Ben Ing was the last to share. Then Pastor Milton Eng ended the celebration in closing prayer.
PHOTOS BY HOWARD CHAN
The Installation of Joshua Ong
by Howard Chan March 3, 2013
Today Trust in God Baptist (TIG), a Southern Baptist Church located in the heart of New York City Chinatown, installed Joshua Ong as their new English Ministry (EM) pastor. The church had been waiting patiently some 15 years to celebrate this special day after Paul Poe, the last EM pastor, departed in 1999. Joshua will work along side of the Rev. Howard Li, Senior Pastor of TIG.
The day of celebration began with the 10:00 am Sunday morning worship service. The speaker was the Rev. Peter Leong, Church Liaison for the Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the U.S. and Canada. He spoke on “The Church and Her Ministers” from 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
Rev. Leong, who was also Rev. Li’s mentor, played a key role in bringing Joshua to TIG. It was he who recommended Joshua to the church. During his introduction of Rev. Leong, Rev. Li remarked that the relationship between a servant of God and his church is similar to that of a man and woman in marriage. He then proceeded to thank Rev. Leong for being the “match maker” that brought Joshua to TIG.
The installation service began promptly at 2:30 pm and the speaker was, once again, the Rev. Peter Leong. According to the program Rev. Leong was to speak from Philippians 2:19-30. However, Rev. Leong claimed that this was not the passage he had chosen for the service. Despite that apparent program snafu, he went on to preach from the erroneously listed passage as if he had intended to do so from the start.
After the message, a short installation ceremony took place. First, the congregation re-affirmed Joshua’s call to TIG. Upon his affirmation Deacon Paul Mok commissioned and awarded Joshua his ministry credentials. Joshua was then given an opportunity to speak and respond to his appointment. He took advantage of the opportunity to throw in some humor and elicit some chuckles from the congregation, thanking everyone for the reminders “to brush his teeth” (a reference to an “inside joke” apparently) and suggesting that his effusive “thank yous” sounded more like a retirement speech than words of appreciation for the opportunity to serve. The service ended with words of congratulations from representatives from two Baptist Associations, the Rev. Steve Sallis, Associate of the Baptist Convention of New York and the Rev. John Ramirez, Partnership Director of the Metropolitan NY Baptist Association.
Following the Installation Service which was attended by both the English and Chinese congregations, everyone walked down the street to Sunshine Restaurant to part-take of the feast that would end this day of revelry and celebration. The restaurant was packed with almost every seat of the 15 reserved tables filled.
Before the dinner began, two congregants shared. Deacon David Chei compared what life was like for both the EM congregation and Joshua over the last 15 years. He was followed by Director Larry Mok who shared 7 words (Training, Timing, Trials, Team, Track, Trust, Tomorrow) that reflected how TIG survived their 15 years in the wilderness. The two talks were uplifting and encouraging as each reflected God’s faithfulness and goodness throughout the years. Rev. Li then offered up a prayer of appreciation and thanksgiving for God’s many blessings and the food we were all about to enjoy. The evening ended after the last dish was served at 5:45 pm.
PHOTOS BY HOWARD CHAN
Today Trust in God Baptist (TIG), a Southern Baptist Church located in the heart of New York City Chinatown, installed Joshua Ong as their new English Ministry (EM) pastor. The church had been waiting patiently some 15 years to celebrate this special day after Paul Poe, the last EM pastor, departed in 1999. Joshua will work along side of the Rev. Howard Li, Senior Pastor of TIG.
The day of celebration began with the 10:00 am Sunday morning worship service. The speaker was the Rev. Peter Leong, Church Liaison for the Chinese Baptist Fellowship of the U.S. and Canada. He spoke on “The Church and Her Ministers” from 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
Rev. Leong, who was also Rev. Li’s mentor, played a key role in bringing Joshua to TIG. It was he who recommended Joshua to the church. During his introduction of Rev. Leong, Rev. Li remarked that the relationship between a servant of God and his church is similar to that of a man and woman in marriage. He then proceeded to thank Rev. Leong for being the “match maker” that brought Joshua to TIG.
The installation service began promptly at 2:30 pm and the speaker was, once again, the Rev. Peter Leong. According to the program Rev. Leong was to speak from Philippians 2:19-30. However, Rev. Leong claimed that this was not the passage he had chosen for the service. Despite that apparent program snafu, he went on to preach from the erroneously listed passage as if he had intended to do so from the start.
After the message, a short installation ceremony took place. First, the congregation re-affirmed Joshua’s call to TIG. Upon his affirmation Deacon Paul Mok commissioned and awarded Joshua his ministry credentials. Joshua was then given an opportunity to speak and respond to his appointment. He took advantage of the opportunity to throw in some humor and elicit some chuckles from the congregation, thanking everyone for the reminders “to brush his teeth” (a reference to an “inside joke” apparently) and suggesting that his effusive “thank yous” sounded more like a retirement speech than words of appreciation for the opportunity to serve. The service ended with words of congratulations from representatives from two Baptist Associations, the Rev. Steve Sallis, Associate of the Baptist Convention of New York and the Rev. John Ramirez, Partnership Director of the Metropolitan NY Baptist Association.
Following the Installation Service which was attended by both the English and Chinese congregations, everyone walked down the street to Sunshine Restaurant to part-take of the feast that would end this day of revelry and celebration. The restaurant was packed with almost every seat of the 15 reserved tables filled.
Before the dinner began, two congregants shared. Deacon David Chei compared what life was like for both the EM congregation and Joshua over the last 15 years. He was followed by Director Larry Mok who shared 7 words (Training, Timing, Trials, Team, Track, Trust, Tomorrow) that reflected how TIG survived their 15 years in the wilderness. The two talks were uplifting and encouraging as each reflected God’s faithfulness and goodness throughout the years. Rev. Li then offered up a prayer of appreciation and thanksgiving for God’s many blessings and the food we were all about to enjoy. The evening ended after the last dish was served at 5:45 pm.
PHOTOS BY HOWARD CHAN
Fare Well Pastor Ian Ma!
by Jeff Whisman February 4, 2013
The Chinese Christian Church in Somerset (CCCS) held a time of appreciation for their Youth Pastor Ian Ma and his wife, Wai on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Ian resigned as of December 31, 2012 after having served here for 17 years and four months.
The appreciation time began at 4pm modeled after the youth ministry's yearly senior send off event. Those attending were tested as to how well they knew Ian. Some questions were so difficult that even Ian wasn't sure of the answer. Then everyone was taken through the timeline of Ian's service at the church beginning in 1994 to the present. People shared their memories of Ian's influence over the years. The night ended with a video of what it might be like after Ian is gone.
The night was full of humor and stories of the tremendous influence Ian's leadership has had in CCCS. Ian and Wai were commissioned with all three congregations present the next day as missionaries to the United Kingdom (UK) with the organization Chinese Overseas Christian Mission (COCM). CCCS now looks forward to partnering with Ian and Wai Ma by sending short-term mission teams and individuals to aide in the ongoing work of the kingdom in the UK.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFF WHISMAN
The Chinese Christian Church in Somerset (CCCS) held a time of appreciation for their Youth Pastor Ian Ma and his wife, Wai on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Ian resigned as of December 31, 2012 after having served here for 17 years and four months.
The appreciation time began at 4pm modeled after the youth ministry's yearly senior send off event. Those attending were tested as to how well they knew Ian. Some questions were so difficult that even Ian wasn't sure of the answer. Then everyone was taken through the timeline of Ian's service at the church beginning in 1994 to the present. People shared their memories of Ian's influence over the years. The night ended with a video of what it might be like after Ian is gone.
The night was full of humor and stories of the tremendous influence Ian's leadership has had in CCCS. Ian and Wai were commissioned with all three congregations present the next day as missionaries to the United Kingdom (UK) with the organization Chinese Overseas Christian Mission (COCM). CCCS now looks forward to partnering with Ian and Wai Ma by sending short-term mission teams and individuals to aide in the ongoing work of the kingdom in the UK.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFF WHISMAN
In 2012 God "Blessed Our Sox Off!"
by Howard Chan January 1, 2013
God richly blessed our region in 2012. As I reported to our Pastors at our annual Christmas Appreciation lunch, "God blessed the sox off our feet" in 2012. How so? Well you can see the report for yourself in the 2012 Regional Report, let me summarize it here for you. In 2012, there was only one resignation that I was aware of. Last year, for comparison purposes, there were eleven resignations! Last year, only four people moved into a new ministry position. In 2012, twenty...twenty people moved into a new position, with almost half (eight) being new people who moved into our region or are new to ministry. You'll get a chance to meet many of those who moved into our region and/or who are new to ministry in the upcoming year via our "Newbies" column. Our region was also blessed with two new church plants in 2012, Connection Alliance Church and King's Cross Church...Neighborhood Church NYC is also a new church plant in 2012 but it is a re-launch of a 2011 church plant. Read about Neighborhood Church NYC in our "First Impressions" column.
"4 - 2 - 1 plus 1" And what is that all about?
In 2012 FOUR men were ordained by their churches (Ron Chen by Queens Herald Church, Samson Tso by Homecrest Presbyterian Church, Aaron Chan by New York Chinese Alliance Church and Manny Low by Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey) while TWO churches dedicated a new building and celebrated a 20 year anniversary all ON THE SAME DAY! What are the odds of that happening?
And as if all of this wasn't enough, ONE pastor celebrated TWENTY-FIVE years of service in the same church in 2012! That pastor is Wendell Wyatt who ministers at Christian Testimony Church in Elmhurst, Queens. Amazing! He knows a secret all us pastors must learn. And some of us will. Our pastors will have a chance to meet and talk with Wendell early in 2013 as PaLM has arranged for him to be a featured speaker at both our New York and New Jersey Co-Worker's meetings.
And lest I forget, the plus ONE...one church in Queens dedicated a new building for ministry. It sounds a little anticlimactic after all that we just learned! But, the truth is, anytime something new is built for God, it can only be exciting and good.
God truly has blessed our region richly in 2012. I wait with eager anticipation and great expectation to see what God will do, and how God will bless, our New York/New Jersey region in 2013.
God richly blessed our region in 2012. As I reported to our Pastors at our annual Christmas Appreciation lunch, "God blessed the sox off our feet" in 2012. How so? Well you can see the report for yourself in the 2012 Regional Report, let me summarize it here for you. In 2012, there was only one resignation that I was aware of. Last year, for comparison purposes, there were eleven resignations! Last year, only four people moved into a new ministry position. In 2012, twenty...twenty people moved into a new position, with almost half (eight) being new people who moved into our region or are new to ministry. You'll get a chance to meet many of those who moved into our region and/or who are new to ministry in the upcoming year via our "Newbies" column. Our region was also blessed with two new church plants in 2012, Connection Alliance Church and King's Cross Church...Neighborhood Church NYC is also a new church plant in 2012 but it is a re-launch of a 2011 church plant. Read about Neighborhood Church NYC in our "First Impressions" column.
"4 - 2 - 1 plus 1" And what is that all about?
In 2012 FOUR men were ordained by their churches (Ron Chen by Queens Herald Church, Samson Tso by Homecrest Presbyterian Church, Aaron Chan by New York Chinese Alliance Church and Manny Low by Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey) while TWO churches dedicated a new building and celebrated a 20 year anniversary all ON THE SAME DAY! What are the odds of that happening?
And as if all of this wasn't enough, ONE pastor celebrated TWENTY-FIVE years of service in the same church in 2012! That pastor is Wendell Wyatt who ministers at Christian Testimony Church in Elmhurst, Queens. Amazing! He knows a secret all us pastors must learn. And some of us will. Our pastors will have a chance to meet and talk with Wendell early in 2013 as PaLM has arranged for him to be a featured speaker at both our New York and New Jersey Co-Worker's meetings.
And lest I forget, the plus ONE...one church in Queens dedicated a new building for ministry. It sounds a little anticlimactic after all that we just learned! But, the truth is, anytime something new is built for God, it can only be exciting and good.
God truly has blessed our region richly in 2012. I wait with eager anticipation and great expectation to see what God will do, and how God will bless, our New York/New Jersey region in 2013.