1 Peter 2:9-10<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifty years ago, you were college students in a new country seeking for a new beginning that hopefully would be better than the world you left behind. You probably didn\u2019t know each other until you came seeking for the love of God in Jesus Christ at FCBC. United in Christ and embraced by the loving care of your advisor and direction from your spiritual mentor, Astrid Peterson, you who were far from God became \u201ca holy nation, God\u2019s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light\u201d (1 Peter 2:9) known as the Emmanuel Family Group. As we all know, the name, \u201cEmmanuel\u201d means \u201cGod with us.\u201d Today, you are proclaiming that the good Lord has been with you for 50 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s been said that God blesses us when we are faithful with many descendants. There will be many generations \u201cas innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore\u201d (Hebrews 11:12). We don\u2019t need to look too far to witness the Young Doers, the countless Hill Tribe children whom you kept warm when you donated sweaters to Northern Thailand, the many ways you have given and continue to give to the life-changing programs at FCBC. These are all the countless descendants that you have and that you have given to the world because you have been faithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes we think that after a long time like 50 years, it\u2019s time to slow down, kick back, and watch the grass grow. If you look at David Wong still teaching a class, God is not finish with him yet. If you look at Dick and Anna Wong, they are still getting you to come to the Senior Center. If you look at Bill Leong and Bill Chin, they are still changing light bulbs and unclogging toilets at church. If you look at Joel Jang, he is still getting you to play golf to support our summer ministries. If you look at those who put together our church picnic, the Thanksgiving luncheon or even the reception we had today, it\u2019s mostly you who have received hospitality that you want to give hospitality back to everyone today. If you look at the CBC Choir, many of you are still singing your heart out for the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this is indeed an evening of celebration and remembrance of 50 years of God being with you, God isn\u2019t finish with you yet. As James Wong so masterfully directs us, \u201cThe more we get together, the happier we are,\u201d God is telling you that you are still his people, a holy nation, God\u2019s people known as the Emmanuel Family Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us pray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
O God of the ages, we are blessed by how you have consistently watched over us across these many productive and happy years. Truly, we are grateful for the countless blessings that we have received as well as the many opportunities to serve you faithfully. Grant us strong health and the abiding sense that you are with us, Emmanuel, as the Emmanuel Family Group. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
1 Peter 2:9-10 Fifty years ago, you were college students in a new country seeking for a new beginning that hopefully would be better than the world you left behind.