– our LPD Church of the Week
– thanks to Anna Crumback (Ben) of Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week.
In 2002, our Lower Pacific District ministered in four languages – English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese. I was just beginning my ministry as superintendent, and was approached by Allan Kotanen, then chair of Fort Langley EFC, regarding a Korean ministry beginning at their church.
A Korean family had begun attending the church, and they brought other Korean families with them. The husband in this family, Namgyu Lee, was studying, and pursuing a PhD. in New Testament studies. At the generous encouragement of the church, the Korean families began Korean services, and this led to a church plant. This became known as, “The Church of the Sent for Life Proclamation.”
This church plant grew, and became the first Korean-Canadian church in our district and the EFCC! We are so thankful for Namgyu and Heejoung Lee, and for their faithful ministry as church planters and pastoring the church over the years. They now meet on Sundays at Willoughby Elementary School in Langley.
As I travel to Christ Community Church in Ucluelet this weekend, I am thankful for the ministry of Namgyu, Heejoung and their church, as they travel there each year to minister to Christ Community Church – and teach ukulele to the people of the Ucluelet First Nation at Hitacu.
P.S. Namgyu also completed his PhD from The University of Manchester in 2013. Congratulations Dr. Namgyu!
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Good News, Good Works and Good Churches
This week, as I have been studying 1 Timothy in my personal study, I have been struck by the term, “good deeds,” (NIV) or “good works.” (ESV). The Greek word “ergon” can be translated either way.
While we, as evangelicals are quick to acknowledge that we are not saved by works, but through faith alone (Eph. 2:8,9), “good works” are powerful evidence and testimony of a life of faith in Christ.
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul writes of the powerful witness of a godly life. He begins the chapter with,
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1,2).
In a day when Trudeau and Trump provide fare for much idle conversation, we are urged to pray for our leaders – to our Lord who, “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
We are also urged to live, “…peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Prayer for others, and the quiet testimony of godly and holy lives pleases God.
As I ponder this, I wonder if this is true of us today – as Christians – in the EFCC – in the LPD – in your church – in your life and mine? What are we known for? What is our “testimony?”
Christian claims and protest are something of an annoyance without the testimony of a quiet, godly and holy life.
As Paul continues in chapter 2 of 1 Timothy, he addresses the subject of women’s attire and women in service and leadership. While, the issue of women in leaderships is, as they say, “beyond the scope of this paper,” I note the contrast Paul draws between a woman seeking to draw the attention of others by fashion and jewelry vs. “good deeds.”
While one can get bogged down in debating “modesty,” the point Paul makes is that our good deeds should be what defines us, not one’s appearance.
What “defines” us in our neighbourhoods? What “defines” our churches? What are we known for?
Paul writes in Phil. 2:14-16, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”
Last Sunday, January 12, would have been my father’s 102nd birthday. As I have reminisced with my siblings, we noted that he and my mother devoted themselves to family, and to living godly, generous and quiet lives. We, and may others have been bless through their lives.
Dad and mom now share a headstone, and on it is written the words of Matthew 5:16, which reads, ” … let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
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The term, “good deeds” in Matthew 5:16 is the same as that in 1 Timothy 2:10.
In an age where the church often appears to struggle to find relevance through creative programs and style, “good deeds ” are always relevant – and provide opportunity to share the hope that we have in Christ. Without the testimony of “good deeds,” and godly, holy lives, program and style mean very little.
I believe that far more people leave church due to a lack of testimony of deeds, and godly, holy lives than lack of programs or the style offered. Fair or unfair, it is true.
My prayer for me personally, and for the people and churches we serve, is that we might known for the lives we live (by God’s grace) and the “good deeds” we do in the Name of Christ than for what we stand against and the programs we offer. I invite you to join me to pray for our leaders and for one another, and live to this end.
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Please pray for:
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Upcoming Events:
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Missions Fest
Jan 31- Feb 1
at Canada Place.
This year, LPD Missionaries, Jorge Lin and Steve Sharpe will be presenting workshops on:
Discipleship that Transforms
Saturday Feb 1st at 11:00 am
Jesus has called us to live out the Great Commission, which has created a global disciple-making movement. However, obstacles get in the way of today`s Christians to become a great commission disciple-maker. Come and discover the journey towards transformation and discipleship.
Accountability to Grace
Saturday Feb 1st at 3:30 pm
Accountability to Grace ensures intentions are clearly set and met, with authenticity and transparency; without shame or blame. Accountability to Law ensures that we find faults; then count and cleanse. God’s grace is dispensed through his people for life-giving transformation, healing and wholeness.
Please plan to join us for these workshops, and the entire Missions Fest!
Info about workshops: missionsfestvancouver.ca/seminars
Missions Fest magazine: Missions-Fest-Magazine-FINAL.pdf
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LPD Conference
at
Grace Hanin Community Church
March 6,7
with Dr. Randy Wollf of ACTS Seminaries.
“The Heart of Discipleship”
As we meet for LPD Conference this year, will explore the “heart” of discipleship, by focusing on the themes of, prayerfulness, hearing and responding to God’s voice, a love for people and a heart bent on mission.
Discipleship has been the focus of much discussion among Christian leaders in recent years. While we have many “methods” of discipleship and “pathways” toward discipleship, we are humbled to recognize that the church has not done well to produce obedient disciples of Christ. Might we have missed the “heart” of discipleship, where we invite God to do what we cannot?
We are so glad to welcome our presenter, Dr. Randy Wollf, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies; Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary at ACTS. Randy (Lore) Wollf became our first LPD Missionaries in 2005, as they planted “The Journey.” Randy is a practitioner when it comes to church, and believes that there are several practical essentials for effective discipleship in our local churches that transcends our methods and effort.
Please plan to join us for this important time of sharing together, learning together and providing direction to the ministry of our Lower Pacific District. All are welcome to join us for the workshop with Randy on Friday, to the informal dinners with ministry colleagues on Friday evening, and the Saturday morning time for teaching, ministry reporting and decisions. We will end off with lunch together, including an informal fellowship lunch and prayer time for ladies in ministry and ministry wives with Karen Stewart. Also, we anticipate one or more churches joining our LPD Family at conference.
We hope to see you there!
Register online at: https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/event/lpd-annual-conference-2020/
Here is a conference poster and info. on the luncheon for pastor’s wives and women in ministry:
