Last week, when I saw the announcement in the Sunday bulletin that the proposal to purchase a third church building had been approved at the church’s special congregational meeting, I was deeply moved. On the one hand, I saw God’s abundant provision and guidance, and on the other hand, I saw the lack of human faith. At the briefing session, I asked whether a vast majority was needed to pass the resolution. The answer was no. As a result, God taught me a lesson in faith. The Lord declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways; as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Looking back now on God’s words, I can truly see His abundant blessings. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

I have shared with brothers and sisters that many people now attend church based on the following factors: (1) a beautiful sanctuary, (2) rich programming, (3) abundant talents, (4) ample resources, and (5) charismatic speakers. However, if we blindly pursue these goals, we will inevitably face disappointment. History reminds us that even large churches can close their doors. Regardless of how impressive the programs are, eventually they become tiresome. Talent will diminish, and resources will run out. We have also heard of some famous speakers facing moral issues.

A truly blessed church must have Christ as its Lord, where the Holy Spirit fills each brother and sister, enabling them to use the spiritual gifts God has given them to serve one another in the church. Although we have three gospel points, we are unified in the Lord. Just as the Apostle Paul said, we have many members but belong to one body. We hope that God will use the third church building to provide us with more opportunities to preach the gospel to more Chinese people in the northern region. With our own space, we can utilize the mornings for worship and maximize the venue for evangelism and discipleship training, so that all the brothers and sisters in our church can become a blessing to many people.