Celebrating God’s Faithfulness, Fulfilling His purpose

I can still remember the mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety as we learned that we will be assigned to the church here in Toronto. We were excited because we know that God will be the one to sustain us and also eager to see what He will be doing. We were anxious because we were stepping out in faith and don’t really know what awaits me and my family. Looking back since that time we arrived we have been witnesses to the faithfulness of God to us and to the church. Through the years, amidst the difficulties and the triumphs, the hardships and hallelujahs, we have learned to be a family, growing closer and facing life together. We have seen our church family grow each and every week as new families were added. We have seen our faith grow as we started believing that God can do something great through us and through our church.

As we celebrate our ten years, I once again have that mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety. Excited simply because we are entering a new phase of adventure with God. Indeed, I believe with all my heart that God has great things in store for us. Anxious because greater accomplishments mean greater responsibilities and greater responsibilities mean greater sacrifices and commitment. I survey our ministry and this anxiety is quickly replaced with confidence. Each and every week I see the sacrifice of our leaders and workers as they fulfill their ministry. I am witness to the great lengths our members will go for the cause of the Gospel. I am so blessed to be the pastor of such gifted and committed members. But ultimately God will accomplish His purpose for us because this is His church! It stands upon a foundation that cannot be shaken or moved.

I pray that this day will be a day of celebrating of God’s faithfulness and believing together that God will fulfill His purpose for us.

From our family to the WIN Ontario Family, Happy Anniversary!

Pastor Jong, Sister Nikki, Miguel and Gabby

Save 100%…Because Someone paid the full price

In our world beset by economic recession and financial upheavals, everyone appreciates a good bargain. We all want to pay less than the goods or service we are getting. What many of us fail to realize is that the best deal available today will not be found in a grocery store or in a car dealership, it can be found in the Bible. The offer is abundant and eternal life and we can have it for free! Too good to be true? Almost. It is free simply because Someone paid the full price in our behalf. Cheap? Far from it! In fact the opposite is true. The very life of Jesus, Son of God, was given for this offer to be available. Yes the life that God gives is free but it is not cheap! It is simply because of God’s love and Jesus sacrifice that this special offer can be made. It is our prayer that through our concert today, you may begin to understand what Jesus did for you and that you may not miss out on the best deal ever…

DESTINED FOR VICTORY

Crisis, Challenges, Difficulties, Trials, – words we hear everyday that describe the times that we live in. As Christians we are neither exempt nor immune to these everyday realities. What keeps us secure and should keep us at peace is the realization that we have more than the economy or the government to help us during difficult times. We have God on our side!

VICTORY! It is a declaration of God’s promise that nothing can separate us from His love and we can have overwhelming victory over our present challenges and difficulties. We experience victory as we commit ourselves once again to the Lordship of God in our lives and bring this commitment to our everyday life situations.

OUR DESTINY. It is a call to action. The waves of economic, political, moral  and financial crises have left the foundation of many individuals, families and even societies failing and crumbling. We, as the church, have the opportunity once again to bring people back to the only foundation that is secure. We, as the lighthouse, can do our best work in the midst of this storm.

As a church entering our tenth year of ministry, we are more committed to being the champions God has called us to be – winners in the areas that matter most. We invite others to join us in our journey so that together we can lay hold of our common destiny.

More Than Words

Has your speech ever gotten you in trouble? Perhaps you have said something that you wish you had not. Or maybe you have been on the receiving end of a biting comment or a thoughtless criticism. If so, you probably can appreciate the great damage that can come from harsh words.

The Bible recognizes the power of our words:

The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 NLT

Life and death? How powerful our words are! A few kind words can help a friend get through a difficult situation. A thoughtful “thank you” from a child can erase a parent’s weariness after a hard day’s work. A father’s loving encouragement has the capacity to shape a son’s future. On the other hand, words used falsely, harshly or negatively have the power of death. Are you familiar with the expression, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”? I completely disagree! The hurt words can inflict are deep and lingering. If you have ever been a victim of gossip, or slander you know very well that this is true.

Maybe we should take a moment today to think about how we’ve been using our words. A lot of the people around us could sure use some life-giving encouragement. In doing so, don’t be surprised if you get encouraged as well. That’s how it usually works.

(Aside form being the Pastor of WIN Ontario, Pastor Jong is also the Regional Director of Word International Ministries, Canada. He has a Certificate in Divinity Studies from Asian Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. He and his wife Nicole have a passion for serving the Lord that goes back to their days in the youth ministry.)