UK Holy Work Update 2023
“Build the highway, lift up the banner and work the works of Him while it is day!”
“Go through, Go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples!” (Isa 62:10)
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (Jn 9:4)
“Building the highway, lifting up the banner and taking advantage of the day to do more work for the Lord” is the goal of pastoral work and evangelism of the True Jesus Church in the UK from 2023 to 2025. With the COVID pandemic receding, countries and regions around the world have slowly opened up. Brothers and sisters must strengthen their spiritual cultivation and prayers after experiencing the pandemic. We need to understand that just reading the Scriptures, praying, and attending church services is not enough; we must have true spiritual cultivation. If we neglect to do so, it would be counterproductive.
The pandemic has pointed us to our spiritual shortcomings. We must recognize the commission entrusted by our Lord Jesus Christ to build the highway and to lift up the banner. We must work the works of Him whilst it is day.
The UK churches held the Africa Ministry Training Course (AMTC) at the beginning of this year in-person, which was not possible for the last three years due to COVID. Thank God, a total of about 25 youths from the United Kingdom, the United States and Continental Europe participated. Many spiritual convocations, adult theological classes, national and regional teachers’ trainings, and youth fellowships were conducted in various churches.
A rare event this year was London Church’s 40th Anniversary Commemoration & Thanksgiving Spiritual Convocation. Over 230 brothers and sisters from churches from all over the world traveled from places such as France and as far as Singapore to participate in this special thanksgiving service.
London Church’s first dedication was held in 1983 at 194 Pitfield Street, London N1. Forty years on, the church prospers under the watchful eye of our Lord Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The church in her early stages had around 50 members. After 40 years it is now situated in a five-storey building at 57-63 East Road. During this period, in 2012, the second church in London, was established in South London at Forest Hill, now with more than 70 believers. In April 2016, a third gathering place was set up in Essex. The number of believers here has now exceeded 42. The brothers and sisters are also very active in looking for a suitable church building, continuing to pray for God’s help and guidance. On the second day of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration & Thanksgiving convocation, the General Assembly of the True Jesus Church (UK) also held an ordination ceremony. Three brothers were ordained as deacons, namely, Deacon Siak Fah Chong (London); Deacon Michael Parrett (Forest Hill) and Deacon Benjamin Choo (Essex).
May God continue to lead the holy workers of the UKGA and all the churches, that all the brethren can work together to “build the highway, lift up the banner and work the works of Him while it is day”. May all be glory to our Lord God. Amen!