VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
Logos from 15 to 20
Author: Rev. Owen Leung
During the youthful stage between ages 15 to 20 our life is full of youthful vitality and exuberant physical strength, which is also the time when we start exploring and pursuing dreams. These are the colorful days of life! Logos has now reached the end of her 15th year. At this moment when we are entering our 16th year, from a developmental perspective, Logos is at a verily youthful stage—on the one hand, she is no longer a baby church, but on the other hand, she is not yet an old historical establishment. It is at this stage, Logos must explore ways to face the road ahead. In this article, I am willing to share with you briefly my views on Logos’ future development. Hopefully, by doing this I can stimulate brothers and sisters to a unified vision which will keep us in steps and in one direction.
Establishing a development program for a church of Jesus Christ is no easy task because each local church possesses a different set of characteristic and internal culture. We cannot generalize it. The Bible, therefore, becomes our best source of reference in which we can find useful biblical concepts or framework that can help us in achieving the task. The household of Abraham in Genesis in the Old Testament happens to be a good one. Abraham being the father of faith, whose household of which he is the head is very helpful to be used for this purpose. The church is also a God-centered spiritual
household. Therefore, I will use Abraham’s household as a blueprint for my intended purposes of setting a church development plan. Let me start with the number 318.
The number 318 is the number of Abraham’s domestic servants led by him for the rescuing of Lot, his nephew and his family from the enemies (Genesis 14:14-16). These servants of Abraham were not only faithful and brave; they obviously had good military trainings that enabled them to fight victoriously in battles. The church likewise needs a group of faithful and brave servants who are trained to be God’s effective fishers of lost souls. Let me employ this number to formulate a development plan for Logos.
3 Core Values:
- Revere: The fear of God is what sustains a church; the lack of it turns other values unobtainable (1 Peter 2:17).
- Respect: Respect for among Christ’s disciples is indispensable because it is a moral character derived from love. It is a concrete manifestation of love. We must respect one another: Believer or seeker; male or female; old folks or young lads; Chinese or non-Chinese; people who share the same views or having different thoughts, we must learn to respect each other. By practicing it, we are practically demonstrating the truth of Christ’s love (1 Peter 2:17).
- Reach: The Great Commission says we are commanded to bring the gospel to all nations. The Bible clearly shows God desires men to be saved by obtaining knowledge of the truth of God (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:4).
1 Mission:
- Logos will continuously evangelize the Chinese community in Vancouver west side (Joshua 14:12).
8 Church Characteristics (Taken from the Natural Church Development):
- Empowering Leadership
- Gift-oriented Ministry
- Passionate Spirituality
- Functional Structure
- Inspiring Worship Service
- Holistic Small Groups
- Need-oriented Evangelism
- Loving Relationships
In addition to the above concepts and framework of development, Logos, regardless of the building situation, must continue to grow in all aspects:
- In the next 3 years, we seek to complete the construction work of the church on Granville Street.
- In the next 5 years, we aim at increasing our congregation from about 100 people at the present to at least 300-318 people (around 25% annual growth).
- In the next 5 years, the number of full-time workers will increase to at least 4:
- Senior Pastor (responsible for the overall pastoral needs and administrative work)
- A full-time Assistant Pastor (to assist the senior pastor for shepherding the English congregation and its development)
- A full-time Assistant Pastor (dedicated to shepherding and the development of children’s ministry)
- A full-time Administrative Secretary (to assist the senior pastor to handle administrative work of the Church)
- In the next 5 years, the total attendance of all of our prayer meeting participants will increase to at least 50% of our congregation.
- In the next 5 years, regular givers with offering number will reach at least 80% ofour congregation to support the church in her ministries and the paying down of the mortgage.
- In the next 5 years, the number of people participating in the church fellowships or groups increased to more than 60% of the total population of the church.
Brothers and sisters of Logos, as your pastor, I deeply understand that Christ is the Head of the church whose guidance we all must follow. Lord willing, we will be able to do these things. Let us be united and keeping in steps with the Lord in the next 5 years in order to witness his wonderful work in our midst. In closing, I surrender this plan under the Lordship of Jesus Christ who can and will enable us to achieve these goals.
Our History:
🚧Under Construction🚧
3 Core Values:
- Revere: The fear of God is what sustains a church; the lack of it turns other values unobtainable (1 Peter 2:17).
- Respect: Respect for among Christ’s disciples is indispensable because it is a moral character derived from love. It is a concrete manifestation of love. We must respect one another: Believer or seeker; male or female; old folks or young lads; Chinese or non-Chinese; people who share the same views or having different thoughts, we must learn to respect each other. By practicing it, we are practically demonstrating the truth of Christ’s love (1 Peter 2:17).
- Reach: The Great Commission says we are commanded to bring the gospel to all nations. The Bible clearly shows God desires men to be saved by obtaining knowledge of the truth of God (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:4).
8 Church Characteristics (Taken from the Natural Church Development):
- Empowering Leadership
- Gift-oriented Ministry
- Passionate Spirituality
- Functional Structure
- Inspiring Worship Service
- Holistic Small Groups
- Need-oriented Evangelism
- Loving Relationships
VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
Chinese Ministry
Cantonese Service
Every Sunday 2:00 PM
Contact: Rev. Owen Leung
Adult Sunday School
Every Sunday 3:45-5:00 PM
Contact: Pastor Stella Li
English Ministry
English Service
Every Sunday 2:00 PM
Contact: Cynthia To
English Sunday School
Every Sunday 4:00 PM
Contact: Rev. Owen Leung
Children Ministry
Nursery & Children Sunday
Every Sunday 2:00-3:30 PM
Contact: Wendy Wong
Awana
Every Sunday 3:30-5:00 PM
Contact: Pastor Wilson Leung
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
真道十五、二十時
作者：梁國雄牧師
少年十五、二十時，正是青春氣息充沛，身體力量旺盛的人生階段。在這個時候充滿著的是許多對生命的探索，夢想的追求，這個正是一個人生中充滿了色彩的日子。真道堂現正走完了她的第15年，在這進入第16年之際，在教會成長的階段來看，也算是她的年青期，她既不是一所剛開始的教會，又不是一所已有悠久歷史的教會。在這樣的一個階段中，真道堂應如何地去面對前面的路呢？我願意在這裏與您們稍稍分享我的看法，但願能引發眾弟兄姊妹的思想，以致能達到同一的看見，好叫我們在教會前面發展的道路上，能有同一的步伐，同一的方向。
為教會定立發展方案絶對不是易事，因為每一所基督的教會都有不同的特徵與內部文化，不能一概而論。因此，最好的途徑都是回到聖經裏尋找出教會能用的發展概念。在創世記裏正好有一個可用的概念－亞伯拉罕的家。首先，亞伯拉罕是信心之父，以他為首的一個家庭，也自然稱得上一個信心的家庭。同樣地，教會也是以篤信上帝為本的一個屬靈群體，以亞伯拉罕之家為教會建立之藍本，是極為合宜。以下我就以318這個數字說起。
318是當年亞伯拉罕帶出去營救姪兒羅得的家僕的數目（創世記14:14-16）。亞伯拉罕帥領著這群忠勇的僕人，把羅得一家從敵人的手裏救出來，可見他們不但只是忠勇之師，他們更是受過良好的裝備，能征善戰。同樣地，教會也需要如此的一群上帝忠心勇敢的僕人，為上帝得人如得魚一樣，拯救失喪靈魂。就讓我在此以318這數字，為真道堂定下發展的策略。
3項核心價值：
- 敬畏上帝：敬畏上帝乃立身之基，缺之其他價值只是空談而已（彼得前書2:17）。
- 彼此尊重：尊重是基督門徒必須要具備的品德，因為這品德是源於愛，也是愛的具體表現。無論對方是信與不信；是男性還是女性；是年長或是年青；是華人或是非華人；是與你持同一見解或取不同的看法，在基督愛的榜樣下，我們要學習尊重對方，從而表現出基督愛的真理（彼得前書2:17）。
- 向外伸展：大使命說我們要去，使萬民作主耶穌的門徒。而且聖經清楚地說明上帝是願意萬人得救，明白真道的上帝（馬太福音28:19-20； 提摩太前書2:4）。
1個使命：
- 溫哥華西區華人持續地福音化（約書亞記14:12）
8個教會特徵（採用教會自然發展方案）：
- 不斷授權的領導
- 以恩賜為導向的事奉
- 具熱忱的屬靈追求
- 有效能的教會結構
- 鼓舞人心的崇拜
- 整全小組聚會
- 以需要為導向的福音工作
- 本於愛的關係
除了上述之發展概念外，真道堂無論堂址建成與否，必要在各方面持續地增長：
- 在未來3年內完成座落於Granville街的建址之興建工作。
- 在未來5年內，由現時約100人增長至最少300至318人（每年約百份之25）。
- 在未來5年，同工人數將由現時一個全時間同工增加至最少4位：
- 主任牧師（負責教會整體靈命牧養和行政工作）
- 全職助理傳道或牧師（協助主任牧師牧養英語會眾及發展事工）
- 全職助理傳道或牧師（專責牧養及發展兒童事工）
- 全職行政秘書（協助主任牧師處理教會行政工作）
- 在未來5年，每週參加祈禱會總人次增加至全會眾人數之百份之50或以上。
- 在未來5年，全教會持徴信號碼，恆常為教會所需而奉獻的人數增至最少百份之80，支持教會各項事工及繼續建堂後之還款工作。
- 在未來5年，參加教會團契或小組的人數增要超過教會人數的百份之60。
親愛的真道堂眾肢體，作為本堂的主任牧師，我深深地明白到基督是教會的頭，因此， 一切都必須聽從主耶穌的引導，他若許我們，我們就能作這事和作那事。讓我們同心合意地跟主腳步走，在未來5年裏，見證他在我們當中的奇妙工作。最後，我把這個建立真道堂的概念和這些目標，都一一交給主，他若許我們，我們必能成就這些事。
我們的歷史
🚧正在施工🚧
真道堂特色
- 注重傳講聖經真道，透過不同的查經小組，栽培建立信徒的靈命。
- 看重傳福音事工，鼓勵弟兄姊妹多參與個人佈道。
- 強調靈裡釋放的敬拜，由敬拜小組，以活潑的詩歌帶領會眾進入自由的敬拜中，講壇信息則以生活實用性與解經為原則。
- 事事以民生為重，關懷社區各階層的需要，舉辦的事工，包括有：社區成長講座、內在醫治福音主日學、逐家派發福音報紙、AWANA CLUB 等等，務求將福音透過生活接觸帶入華人家庭中。
- 318是當年亞伯拉罕帶出去營救姪兒羅得的家僕的數目（創世記14:14-16）。亞伯拉罕帥領著這群忠勇的僕人，把羅得一家從敵人的手裏救出來，可見他們不但只是忠勇之師，他們更是受過良好的裝備，能征善戰。同樣地，教會也需要如此的一群上帝忠心勇敢的僕人，為上帝得人如得魚一樣，拯救失喪靈魂。就讓我在此以318這數字，為真道堂定下發展的策略。
3項核心價值：
- 敬畏上帝：敬畏上帝乃立身之基，缺之其他價值只是空談而已（彼得前書2:17）。
- 彼此尊重：尊重是基督門徒必須要具備的品德，因為這品德是源於愛，也是愛的具體表現。無論對方是信與不信；是男性還是女性；是年長或是年青；是華人或是非華人；是與你持同一見解或取不同的看法，在基督愛的榜樣下，我們要學習尊重對方，從而表現出基督愛的真理（彼得前書2:17）。
- 向外伸展：大使命說我們要去，使萬民作主耶穌的門徒。而且聖經清楚地說明上帝是願意萬人得救，明白真道的上帝（馬太福音28:19-20； 提摩太前書2:4）。
8個教會特徵（採用教會自然發展方案）：
- 不斷授權的領導
- 以恩賜為導向的事奉
- 具熱忱的屬靈追求
- 有效能的教會結構
- 鼓舞人心的崇拜
- 整全小組聚會
- 以需要為導向的福音工作
- 本於愛的關係
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
中文部主日事工
粵語崇拜
逢主日下午2:00
聯絡人: 梁國雄牧師
成人主日學
逢主日下午3:45-5:00
聯絡人: 李笑歡傳道
英文部主日事工
英語崇拜
逢主日下午2:00
聯絡人: 陶琬琪姊妹
英語主日學
逢主日下午4:00
聯絡人: 梁國雄牧師
兒童部主日事工
幼兒/兒童主日學
逢主日下午2:00-3:30
聯絡人: 王鄺婉瑩執事
Awana
逢主日下午3:30-5:00
聯絡人: 梁偉剛傳道
中文部主日事工
粵語崇拜
逢主日下午2:00
聯絡人: 梁國雄牧師
成人主日學
逢主日下午3:45-5:00
聯絡人: 李笑歡傳道
英文部主日事工
英語崇拜
逢主日下午2:00
聯絡人: 陶琬琪姊妹
英語主日學
逢主日下午4:00
聯絡人: 梁國雄牧師
兒童部主日事工
幼兒/兒童主日學
逢主日下午2:00-3:30
聯絡人: 王鄺婉瑩執事
Awana
逢主日下午3:30-5:00
聯絡人: 梁偉剛傳道
Chinese Ministry
Cantonese Service
Every Sunday 2:00 PM
Contact: Rev. Owen Leung
Adult Sunday School
Every Sunday 3:45-5:00 PM
Contact: Pastor Stella Li
English Ministry
English Service
Every Sunday 2:00 PM
Contact: Cynthia To
English Sunday School
Every Sunday 4:00 PM
Contact: Rev. Owen Leung
Children Ministry
Nursery & Children Sunday
Every Sunday 2:00-3:30 PM
Contact: Wendy Wong
Awana
Every Sunday 3:30-5:00 PM
Contact: Pastor Wilson Leung
VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
Amazing Grace
Looking back to the year 1999, when I was attending an English congregation in another church, I first came to VCLC at the Dunbar church as part of my Mother-In-Law’s choir. My Chinese Bible knowledge was non-existence as I have not listened to Chinese sermons. I was a working mom with a very busy life, so I was very
much a “Sunday Christian”, enjoying the fruitful work of others. God seems like a distance relative, just like my grandparents in heaven. I know He is a living God and a very loving God, perhaps because of my Chinese name (恩照) which was taken from the hymn Amazing Grace, I always felt God’s grace is always shinning upon me and God will always love me just the way I am.
As a new comer to VCLC back then, I was warmly welcomed and that year because of late planning of their Summer Conference, they needed more people to attend in order to meet Cedar Spring’s quota, so I decided to go explore the Summer Conference as Rev. John Kwok was the speaker and the topic seemed interestingly enough. But unbeknownst to me, this turned out to be a pivotal point in my serving life. I am usually very cool headed and have never responded to altar calls, but to my own big surprise, when Pastor John called for commitment to serve VCLC, I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to stand up without any kind of hesitation! But yet I don’t even belong to VCLC! From then on, I learned to serve God and others in His church. God wants us to serve rather than be served; we should serve wherever there are opportunities and needs; although sometimes it may mean getting out of our comfort zone.
I remember I started with photocopying and folding the weekly bulletin and then working with mostly the different youth groups which seemed more play than work! We began the English ministry about 10 years ago. Mrs. Lillian Kwok lead us on a mission trip to Panama in 2005, then in 2007, along with Pastor Sam and a
few other leaders, I was confident enough to lead a group of about 20 young people to serve in an orphanage in China in over 100o heat in mid-July in a rural setting! The memories we have will stay with us forever. It was humbling to see the young children without parents, yet living happily with gratitude for simple food and
shelter and opportunities to learn. For many of the children, their whole possession fit into one suite case. We played Awana games with them, and we brought recorders there to teach the children to play hymns. I am sure it was beautiful music in God’s ears. It was funny when Wilson learned to tune the piano on-line with
a pitch fork! The highlight of that trip was having the whole school of about 200 children and staff singing a praise song with all the actions to (讚美之泉) with us in the school yard for the Government educational dignitaries. It was a little risky as public evangelism is not allowed in China, but we truly felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit flowing in our hearts. I am also certain that the children will remember the groups of Christians that came every summer to care about them and to tell how God, our heavenly Father, is our greatest love of all.
Another memorable moment at VCLC was our previous building project at Hudson Street, we fought a wonderful battle at City Hall equipped with our own full scale presentation with diagrams seeking for a change to church use in an industrial building that did not have enough required parking stalls. By Amazing Grace, we received the change of use approval that afternoon with great proudness, but because of our lack of an unified heart, we lost our offer in one week’s time to another business offer as we hesitated in our own ways. This humbling experience is a great lesson that we need to learn to walk in God’s will.
There are many joyous time and sad time that we experienced together over the past 15 years, yet we must learn that God only want us to obey His will, just like in the article of P.U.S.H., we are here to strengthen our mind and soul to Pray Until Something Happens, when we look back each day, we would have strengthen more. Although we have experienced changes with our pastoral leaders in past years, but there was not even ONE day VCLC suffered from having no pastor. Furthermore, each year our donation offering is always sufficient for us.
Now under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Owen Leung, we also experienced the Amazing Grace of the final approval of the development permit at our Granville Street church site, it is very amazing for the city to approve this new church zoning with so many new housing developments in Vancouver. With such a high Asian population in the South Granville area and with its proximity to Richmond; I trust with the Lord’s willing, this is our new mission field. We shall put our faith in God and P.U.S.H. forward for the next 15 years, may we experience more abundance of our God’s Amazing Grace in our own new church.
This is a quotation from the article of P.U.S.H. It is a great reminder for myself to look up to the cross always…
“At Times, when we hear from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants. What GOD ACTUALLY wants is just simple OBEDIENCE and FAITH IN HIM. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but KNOW that it’s still God who moves the mountains.”
Cathy O’Young
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
Amazing Grace
Looking back to the year 1999, when I was attending an English congregation in another church, I first came to VCLC at the Dunbar church as part of my Mother-In-Law’s choir. My Chinese Bible knowledge was non-existence as I have not listened to Chinese sermons. I was a working mom with a very busy life, so I was very
much a “Sunday Christian”, enjoying the fruitful work of others. God seems like a distance relative, just like my grandparents in heaven. I know He is a living God and a very loving God, perhaps because of my Chinese name (恩照) which was taken from the hymn Amazing Grace, I always felt God’s grace is always shinning upon me and God will always love me just the way I am.
As a new comer to VCLC back then, I was warmly welcomed and that year because of late planning of their Summer Conference, they needed more people to attend in order to meet Cedar Spring’s quota, so I decided to go explore the Summer Conference as Rev. John Kwok was the speaker and the topic seemed interestingly enough. But unbeknownst to me, this turned out to be a pivotal point in my serving life. I am usually very cool headed and have never responded to altar calls, but to my own big surprise, when Pastor John called for commitment to serve VCLC, I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to stand up without any kind of hesitation! But yet I don’t even belong to VCLC! From then on, I learned to serve God and others in His church. God wants us to serve rather than be served; we should serve wherever there are opportunities and needs; although sometimes it may mean getting out of our comfort zone.
I remember I started with photocopying and folding the weekly bulletin and then working with mostly the different youth groups which seemed more play than work! We began the English ministry about 10 years ago. Mrs. Lillian Kwok lead us on a mission trip to Panama in 2005, then in 2007, along with Pastor Sam and a
few other leaders, I was confident enough to lead a group of about 20 young people to serve in an orphanage in China in over 100o heat in mid-July in a rural setting! The memories we have will stay with us forever. It was humbling to see the young children without parents, yet living happily with gratitude for simple food and
shelter and opportunities to learn. For many of the children, their whole possession fit into one suite case. We played Awana games with them, and we brought recorders there to teach the children to play hymns. I am sure it was beautiful music in God’s ears. It was funny when Wilson learned to tune the piano on-line with
a pitch fork! The highlight of that trip was having the whole school of about 200 children and staff singing a praise song with all the actions to (讚美之泉) with us in the school yard for the Government educational dignitaries. It was a little risky as public evangelism is not allowed in China, but we truly felt the warmth of the Holy Spirit flowing in our hearts. I am also certain that the children will remember the groups of Christians that came every summer to care about them and to tell how God, our heavenly Father, is our greatest love of all.
Another memorable moment at VCLC was our previous building project at Hudson Street, we fought a wonderful battle at City Hall equipped with our own full scale presentation with diagrams seeking for a change to church use in an industrial building that did not have enough required parking stalls. By Amazing Grace, we received the change of use approval that afternoon with great proudness, but because of our lack of an unified heart, we lost our offer in one week’s time to another business offer as we hesitated in our own ways. This humbling experience is a great lesson that we need to learn to walk in God’s will.
There are many joyous time and sad time that we experienced together over the past 15 years, yet we must learn that God only want us to obey His will, just like in the article of P.U.S.H., we are here to strengthen our mind and soul to Pray Until Something Happens, when we look back each day, we would have strengthen more. Although we have experienced changes with our pastoral leaders in past years, but there was not even ONE day VCLC suffered from having no pastor. Furthermore, each year our donation offering is always sufficient for us.
Now under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Owen Leung, we also experienced the Amazing Grace of the final approval of the development permit at our Granville Street church site, it is very amazing for the city to approve this new church zoning with so many new housing developments in Vancouver. With such a high Asian population in the South Granville area and with its proximity to Richmond; I trust with the Lord’s willing, this is our new mission field. We shall put our faith in God and P.U.S.H. forward for the next 15 years, may we experience more abundance of our God’s Amazing Grace in our own new church.
This is a quotation from the article of P.U.S.H. It is a great reminder for myself to look up to the cross always…
“At Times, when we hear from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants. What GOD ACTUALLY wants is just simple OBEDIENCE and FAITH IN HIM. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but KNOW that it’s still God who moves the mountains.”
Cathy O’Young
VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
To Build or Not to Build?
Let start with some of the reasons for not building our own church,
- We do not have the money. i.e. we cannot afford this;
- We are not in unity yet;
- We do not have enough members;
- We are not ready for this;
- We can continue to rent.
I am sure some of us have one or more of the above in mind when we broach about this topic. These are not just good questions but fair ones to ask!
Where does that leave us? Are we ever ready to build then?
One of my greatest moments with God after I joined the Logos Church was when I saw how God turned the impossible into possible. I have been a member of the building committee for a number of years. We have inspected quite a few potential properties for building our own church thru the years. We were excited and then disappointed for one reason or other until we come across this property at Granville and 52. We never knew that it was possible to turn an existing residential house into a church. Being at the prime location and fit the vision that we had all along.
We have heard the saying that timing is everything. Indeed, the state of our church was in a mess as far as unity is concerned. We have members but we were divided. There were no sign that we can buy this property.
What do we do? We kneel down before the Lord and pray. The result was obvious with hindsight. What could not have happened became a reality?
I have nothing to say but a challenge to everyone. In face of uncertainty and what appears to be impossibilities, tell me, what did you do and what have you done?
Come and let us join in prayer on Wednesday night. Let us bring all our questions to the Lord together. Let us once again experience the blessings from God in a fashion that is overwhelming.
Despite the difficult state our church was in, one thing that Pastor Kwok had done right was to lead us all in prayer. I remembered those early Sunday morning prayer meetings devoted just for the building of our church. God does not count the number of people at a prayer meeting, He does what He thinks is right. He is once again waiting for us to respond humbly in prayer.
What is more gracious than to let us be part of this project when God alone can turn ‘ have not’ to ‘ have’?
Now that our church is under the leadership of Pastor Owen Leung and as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, let us not just ask questions but dedicate 5 minutes a day in prayer just on this building project. I am certain that we will all witness how bountiful and faithful our God is!
Chris Ho
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
To Build or Not to Build?
Let start with some of the reasons for not building our own church,
- We do not have the money. i.e. we cannot afford this;
- We are not in unity yet;
- We do not have enough members;
- We are not ready for this;
- We can continue to rent.
I am sure some of us have one or more of the above in mind when we broach about this topic. These are not just good questions but fair ones to ask!
Where does that leave us? Are we ever ready to build then?
One of my greatest moments with God after I joined the Logos Church was when I saw how God turned the impossible into possible. I have been a member of the building committee for a number of years. We have inspected quite a few potential properties for building our own church thru the years. We were excited and then disappointed for one reason or other until we come across this property at Granville and 52. We never knew that it was possible to turn an existing residential house into a church. Being at the prime location and fit the vision that we had all along.
We have heard the saying that timing is everything. Indeed, the state of our church was in a mess as far as unity is concerned. We have members but we were divided. There were no sign that we can buy this property.
What do we do? We kneel down before the Lord and pray. The result was obvious with hindsight. What could not have happened became a reality?
I have nothing to say but a challenge to everyone. In face of uncertainty and what appears to be impossibilities, tell me, what did you do and what have you done?
Come and let us join in prayer on Wednesday night. Let us bring all our questions to the Lord together. Let us once again experience the blessings from God in a fashion that is overwhelming.
Despite the difficult state our church was in, one thing that Pastor Kwok had done right was to lead us all in prayer. I remembered those early Sunday morning prayer meetings devoted just for the building of our church. God does not count the number of people at a prayer meeting, He does what He thinks is right. He is once again waiting for us to respond humbly in prayer.
What is more gracious than to let us be part of this project when God alone can turn ‘ have not’ to ‘ have’?
Now that our church is under the leadership of Pastor Owen Leung and as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, let us not just ask questions but dedicate 5 minutes a day in prayer just on this building project. I am certain that we will all witness how bountiful and faithful our God is!
Chris Ho
VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
English Ministry (EM) and I
It has taken me nearly 15 years to appreciate the value and importance of the English Ministry (EM) in Vancouver Christian Logos Church (VCLC). EM is essentially about drawing youth and children to Christ at an early age. The revelation that it is key to the sustainable growth of the church came to me about two years ago when young people who had grown up and matured in this ministry, including my own child, left Vancouver Christian Logos Church (VCLC) for various reasons. The VCLC family was losing a generation of young people and children who are the future of the church and through whom God will sustain and expand His Kingdom, as Jesus said, in Mathew 18:5, “Whoever welcomes a little child…welcomes me.”
When Pastor John Kwok first established the EM in VCLC about ten years ago, I was one of those who did not believe that we were ready for such a ministry. I argued that with limited resources, the EM would drain the Chinese congregation which was picking up momentum. Now as I look back, I ask myself how on earth, as a mom of a teenage boy then, could I not see the need and importance of an EM?
Praise the Lord that His work was not stalled because of my lack of faith. The EM took off through the grace of God, moving many brothers and sisters to pour their love, time, and energy to nurture young people in His ways and teachings.
For years I remained focused in the Chinese ministry participating in worships, choir practices, Sunday School classes, fellowship activities, and summer retreats. However, the Lord’s calling for a shift in my service came in January 2011 when Pastor John asked Carol Chow and me to assist Pastor Anthony with the EM. My first assignment was to co-lead the study of the book “Purpose Driven Life” with the youth fellowship group.
I remember vividly the night when I first joined the English youth fellowship. We had a pot-luck dinner at Pastor Anthony’s house followed by a kick off to reading “Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. I was both excited and apprehensive not knowing what to expect. Would young people resist having me, someone older than their moms? I walked into a house full of young faces and lovely kids. The first challenge I encountered was to learn the names of my new friends and remember who was who. However, I was amazed at how easily it was to blend in with the group. Everyone was sincere and friendly. After eating, we separated into two smaller groups. I along with Pastor Elizabeth (Pastor Anthony’s wife) sat with all the girls to start thinking and talking about the purpose of life. We each drew our life goals on a big piece of paper followed by a show-and-tell of our stories.
I was bad at drawing so I simply sketched a heart and a clock to share a line in Rick Warren’s book that was etched in my mind. Rick says, “The greatest purpose in life is to LOVE, the best expression of love is TIME and the best time to love is NOW.”
A couple of the girls mentioned that they wanted to glorify God through their studies and their jobs. What they said warmed my heart and that evening marked the beginning of my involvement with the EM.
Presently, serving with Pastor Owen Leung, Deaconess Cathy O’Young and others in the EM, I have experienced great joy and revival. These young people have renewed my hope in God’s ministry and service. I see in our little brothers and sisters their gifts in leading worships, planning and organising activities, and reaching out to their friends and neighbours for the gospel. We need more adult members willing to be their counsellors, acting as their guides on the side, and caring and praying for them as they journey through faith and life with us.
As we take stock of God’s blessings for VCLC over the past 15 years, I feel that in the midst of all the changes and struggles that come with building the church community, God has kept watch over us by preparing people and providing resources at those most critical moments of our needs. I would like to adapt the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9) for the EM: “Oh God that you would bless VCLC EM and enlarge our border! Let your hand be with us, and keep us from harm so that it might not hurt us!” The bible says that God granted Jabez his request and may we experience His everlasting promise in the same way.
Angela Kwan
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
English Ministry (EM) and I
It has taken me nearly 15 years to appreciate the value and importance of the English Ministry (EM) in Vancouver Christian Logos Church (VCLC). EM is essentially about drawing youth and children to Christ at an early age. The revelation that it is key to the sustainable growth of the church came to me about two years ago when young people who had grown up and matured in this ministry, including my own child, left Vancouver Christian Logos Church (VCLC) for various reasons. The VCLC family was losing a generation of young people and children who are the future of the church and through whom God will sustain and expand His Kingdom, as Jesus said, in Mathew 18:5, “Whoever welcomes a little child…welcomes me.”
When Pastor John Kwok first established the EM in VCLC about ten years ago, I was one of those who did not believe that we were ready for such a ministry. I argued that with limited resources, the EM would drain the Chinese congregation which was picking up momentum. Now as I look back, I ask myself how on earth, as a mom of a teenage boy then, could I not see the need and importance of an EM?
Praise the Lord that His work was not stalled because of my lack of faith. The EM took off through the grace of God, moving many brothers and sisters to pour their love, time, and energy to nurture young people in His ways and teachings.
For years I remained focused in the Chinese ministry participating in worships, choir practices, Sunday School classes, fellowship activities, and summer retreats. However, the Lord’s calling for a shift in my service came in January 2011 when Pastor John asked Carol Chow and me to assist Pastor Anthony with the EM. My first assignment was to co-lead the study of the book “Purpose Driven Life” with the youth fellowship group.
I remember vividly the night when I first joined the English youth fellowship. We had a pot-luck dinner at Pastor Anthony’s house followed by a kick off to reading “Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. I was both excited and apprehensive not knowing what to expect. Would young people resist having me, someone older than their moms? I walked into a house full of young faces and lovely kids. The first challenge I encountered was to learn the names of my new friends and remember who was who. However, I was amazed at how easily it was to blend in with the group. Everyone was sincere and friendly. After eating, we separated into two smaller groups. I along with Pastor Elizabeth (Pastor Anthony’s wife) sat with all the girls to start thinking and talking about the purpose of life. We each drew our life goals on a big piece of paper followed by a show-and-tell of our stories.
I was bad at drawing so I simply sketched a heart and a clock to share a line in Rick Warren’s book that was etched in my mind. Rick says, “The greatest purpose in life is to LOVE, the best expression of love is TIME and the best time to love is NOW.”
A couple of the girls mentioned that they wanted to glorify God through their studies and their jobs. What they said warmed my heart and that evening marked the beginning of my involvement with the EM.
Presently, serving with Pastor Owen Leung, Deaconess Cathy O’Young and others in the EM, I have experienced great joy and revival. These young people have renewed my hope in God’s ministry and service. I see in our little brothers and sisters their gifts in leading worships, planning and organising activities, and reaching out to their friends and neighbours for the gospel. We need more adult members willing to be their counsellors, acting as their guides on the side, and caring and praying for them as they journey through faith and life with us.
As we take stock of God’s blessings for VCLC over the past 15 years, I feel that in the midst of all the changes and struggles that come with building the church community, God has kept watch over us by preparing people and providing resources at those most critical moments of our needs. I would like to adapt the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9) for the EM: “Oh God that you would bless VCLC EM and enlarge our border! Let your hand be with us, and keep us from harm so that it might not hurt us!” The bible says that God granted Jabez his request and may we experience His everlasting promise in the same way.
Angela Kwan
VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
Approved Workmen in Action
It seems like yesterday when I sat with this kindergarten girl in Sparks at Marpole Community Centre – that’s our rental location when VCLC Awana first started in 2002. It was her first visit to Awana and I was teaching her how to sing O Canada and the Sparks Theme Song word by word, as well as leading her to memorize John 3:16 and many other verses. Today, she’s a teenage girl. It touched my heart to see her getting baptized and sharing her testimony earlier this year. I praise God for what He has done.
It seems like yesterday when we went camping at Manning Park with this grade-one girl, disciplined and cheerful, helping in whatever capacity she could at the camp. She always arrives at Awana every week with a bright smile and a thankful heart. Also testifying God’s work in her life through baptism earlier this year, she’s now attending Sunday worship and youth fellowship regularly. Today, she faithfully serves at children Sunday school to help younger children to focus on the lesson with discipline. I praise God for what He has done.
It seems like yesterday when this outgoing T&T boy joined our Awana Camp at Stillwood. While he grew up in Awana since Cubbies (the pre-school age group), over the years he has built a solid Biblical foundation by taking God’s Word to heart, and he also took pride in representing our church at regional events like Awana Games, Bible Quiz, and Scholarship Camp. Today, he can recite scriptures better than I do. Energetic and passionate, he would take the bus by himself from Burnaby to Vancouver every week and serve with us as Awana leader. I praise God for what He has done.
It’s all worth it. More than anything, our children and youth need Jesus today!
I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to serve at VCLC Awana since 2003. My passion for reaching out to children continues to grow as I realize the importance to treasure the golden hour to evangelize to children. There’s no time to lose. Every time I share Christ with adults with a hardened heart, I’m once again reminded that we’ve missed the opportunity to plant seeds of the gospel in their lives during childhood, when the soil was most receptive and fruitful. Moreover, it broke my heart to hear that at least 1 out of every 2 teenagers today would leave church and abandon their faith once they enter college. I’m committed to the calling to rise up a new generation of children who would take God’s Word to heart and walk in the truth as they grow into their teenage years.
Looking back over the years, I thank God for His amazing work in leading our Awana ministry. It was through our weaknesses that we experienced His faithfulness and abundance. I recalled many times when we’re hesitant to step forward because we don’t have a confirmed location, because we don’t have enough leaders to serve, or because we don’t have enough children to register. God provides. He always prepares the best for us. I trust that God has been teaching us to embark on a faith journey to rely on Him and fix our eyes on what’s most important – children and youth desperately need to hear the gospel today! With this in mind, we shall answer His call to serve Him faithfully despite circumstances. Every child matters to God.
In children ministry, often we don’t see the immediate results week after week, but we shall reap in joy together one day when the seeds of the gospel we’ve planted are finally blossoming in the lives of children and youth! To God be all the glory!
Awana stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is our prayer to partner with parents to lead children and youth worldwide to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. Are you ready to join us and fight this battle?
Wilson Leung
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
Approved Workmen in Action
It seems like yesterday when I sat with this kindergarten girl in Sparks at Marpole Community Centre – that’s our rental location when VCLC Awana first started in 2002. It was her first visit to Awana and I was teaching her how to sing O Canada and the Sparks Theme Song word by word, as well as leading her to memorize John 3:16 and many other verses. Today, she’s a teenage girl. It touched my heart to see her getting baptized and sharing her testimony earlier this year. I praise God for what He has done.
It seems like yesterday when we went camping at Manning Park with this grade-one girl, disciplined and cheerful, helping in whatever capacity she could at the camp. She always arrives at Awana every week with a bright smile and a thankful heart. Also testifying God’s work in her life through baptism earlier this year, she’s now attending Sunday worship and youth fellowship regularly. Today, she faithfully serves at children Sunday school to help younger children to focus on the lesson with discipline. I praise God for what He has done.
It seems like yesterday when this outgoing T&T boy joined our Awana Camp at Stillwood. While he grew up in Awana since Cubbies (the pre-school age group), over the years he has built a solid Biblical foundation by taking God’s Word to heart, and he also took pride in representing our church at regional events like Awana Games, Bible Quiz, and Scholarship Camp. Today, he can recite scriptures better than I do. Energetic and passionate, he would take the bus by himself from Burnaby to Vancouver every week and serve with us as Awana leader. I praise God for what He has done.
It’s all worth it. More than anything, our children and youth need Jesus today!
I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to serve at VCLC Awana since 2003. My passion for reaching out to children continues to grow as I realize the importance to treasure the golden hour to evangelize to children. There’s no time to lose. Every time I share Christ with adults with a hardened heart, I’m once again reminded that we’ve missed the opportunity to plant seeds of the gospel in their lives during childhood, when the soil was most receptive and fruitful. Moreover, it broke my heart to hear that at least 1 out of every 2 teenagers today would leave church and abandon their faith once they enter college. I’m committed to the calling to rise up a new generation of children who would take God’s Word to heart and walk in the truth as they grow into their teenage years.
Looking back over the years, I thank God for His amazing work in leading our Awana ministry. It was through our weaknesses that we experienced His faithfulness and abundance. I recalled many times when we’re hesitant to step forward because we don’t have a confirmed location, because we don’t have enough leaders to serve, or because we don’t have enough children to register. God provides. He always prepares the best for us. I trust that God has been teaching us to embark on a faith journey to rely on Him and fix our eyes on what’s most important – children and youth desperately need to hear the gospel today! With this in mind, we shall answer His call to serve Him faithfully despite circumstances. Every child matters to God.
In children ministry, often we don’t see the immediate results week after week, but we shall reap in joy together one day when the seeds of the gospel we’ve planted are finally blossoming in the lives of children and youth! To God be all the glory!
Awana stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15) It is our prayer to partner with parents to lead children and youth worldwide to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. Are you ready to join us and fight this battle?
Wilson Leung
VCLC 15th Anniversary Sharing
獻初熟的土產
真道堂十五週年了，拿什麼到耶和華的殿中，獻與愛我們的神呢？初熟的土產－建堂，應該是神所喜悅的獻物吧。
神吩咐將首生的牲畜或初熟的土產獻與神，是遵行神的命令，也是將神放在首位的行為。神愛教會，希望每一位基督徒都有自己的家，一間自己喜愛及可供他們成長的教會。因此，神喜悅建立教會，更悅納弟兄姊妹建立屬神及屬自己的教會。
栽種土產而有收獲，是農夫辛勤努力的結果，建堂的過程充滿了弟兄姊妹的努力，神不是單單看結果，而是更看重弟兄姊妹如何作神所喜悅，良善忠心的僕人。
基督徒的屬靈生命，在於流露信主後的聖靈果子。建堂的過程，正是給予弟兄姊妹顯示生命的內涵。多少的溫柔、良善、盼望、節制及信心，才栽種這初熟的土產。神是多麼喜悅弟兄姊妹以屬靈的生命見證這新堂的成立。
栽種是農夫的努力，但成長與否，卻是神的權能。沙漠出江河，曠野開道路，更彰顯神的大能和榮耀。真道堂是溫哥華市政府十年內批出的第二間教會興建。從人的角度看，真道堂缺乏建堂的條件。因這些擺在眼前的限制及困難，更叫我們不能自誇，更叫我們看見神的恩典及榮耀。神給予我們的不單是一幢建築物，而是給予我們經歷祂是神，祂是耶和華。在人看來是不能，但於神而言，神豈有難成之事？滿山的牛羊不都是神的嗎？神若願意，豈不可以召來萬國的財富呢？
土產的種子，神已為我們預備，如何下土栽種，神亦開了道路。這土產已交付了我們，等待的是我們的努力，願意栽種的決心，及相信神是創始成終的信心。到那日，新堂如初熟土產般奉獻與神，我們看見的是神的榮耀大能、弟兄姊妹的信心、及因經歷神之後的喜樂與信靠。無人可奪取神的榮耀，卻也是無人可褫奪神給予我們良善忠心僕人的稱號。
蘇悲鴻
真道堂十五週年堂慶分享
獻初熟的土產
真道堂十五週年了，拿什麼到耶和華的殿中，獻與愛我們的神呢？初熟的土產－建堂，應該是神所喜悅的獻物吧。
神吩咐將首生的牲畜或初熟的土產獻與神，是遵行神的命令，也是將神放在首位的行為。神愛教會，希望每一位基督徒都有自己的家，一間自己喜愛及可供他們成長的教會。因此，神喜悅建立教會，更悅納弟兄姊妹建立屬神及屬自己的教會。
栽種土產而有收獲，是農夫辛勤努力的結果，建堂的過程充滿了弟兄姊妹的努力，神不是單單看結果，而是更看重弟兄姊妹如何作神所喜悅，良善忠心的僕人。
基督徒的屬靈生命，在於流露信主後的聖靈果子。建堂的過程，正是給予弟兄姊妹顯示生命的內涵。多少的溫柔、良善、盼望、節制及信心，才栽種這初熟的土產。神是多麼喜悅弟兄姊妹以屬靈的生命見證這新堂的成立。
栽種是農夫的努力，但成長與否，卻是神的權能。沙漠出江河，曠野開道路，更彰顯神的大能和榮耀。真道堂是溫哥華市政府十年內批出的第二間教會興建。從人的角度看，真道堂缺乏建堂的條件。因這些擺在眼前的限制及困難，更叫我們不能自誇，更叫我們看見神的恩典及榮耀。神給予我們的不單是一幢建築物，而是給予我們經歷祂是神，祂是耶和華。在人看來是不能，但於神而言，神豈有難成之事？滿山的牛羊不都是神的嗎？神若願意，豈不可以召來萬國的財富呢？
土產的種子，神已為我們預備，如何下土栽種，神亦開了道路。這土產已交付了我們，等待的是我們的努力，願意栽種的決心，及相信神是創始成終的信心。到那日，新堂如初熟土產般奉獻與神，我們看見的是神的榮耀大能、弟兄姊妹的信心、及因經歷神之後的喜樂與信靠。無人可奪取神的榮耀，卻也是無人可褫奪神給予我們良善忠心僕人的稱號。
蘇悲鴻