Young Adults' Group

Celebrating Bethany’s 40+1 Anniversary

by Pastor Mark
September 26, 2014

Another significant year

When we celebrate our anniversary each year, we always celebrate with much significance. Last year, we celebrated our 40^th anniversary, which was truly awesome and memorable. It was indeed a significant time.

As for this year’s anniversary, I am truly amazed at how Pastor Charlie, through the Lord’s guidance, has derived another great focus. We see this 41^st year of ministry as the first of the next 40 years. This wonderful perspective makes this year’s anniversary another significant one. It is a year in which we want to focus on the next generation and how they should look forward to continuing the Lord’s work for the next forty years.

Looking at the next generation

There is a need for continuity in the work of God. In the history of Israel, we learned how the work of God can be greatly disrupted if people were not faithful to the Lord and His work. There should be continuity in doing the work of God. When Moses passed on, Joshua and the next generation were called to rise up. God spoke to Joshua, “Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan.” (Joshua 1:2) It was time for the next generation of Israel to rise up to complete the work that Moses had established for Israel. They must now enter into the Promised Land no matter what the challenges may be. God told Joshua to be strong and of good courage. The Lord was indeed with them and He led them into the land of Canaan and prospered them. The next generation did continue doing the work of the Lord.

Thank God for our next generation

Over the years, we have seen a whole new generation arising in Bethany. They have been trained and guided all these years by Pastor Charlie. We have seen them grow in faith and service both as individuals and as a group such as the Pine Trees (boys and girls). Many of them have become an integral part of Bethany’s ministry, serving as camp officers and as Sunday School teachers. This augurs well for the future of Bethany as they seek to continue the Lord’s ministry. While there is still much for them to develop in terms of faith and ministry, we thank God for this next generation in our midst.

Looking forward to a great time of worship

My heart is truly grateful as I look forward to this Sunday’s Anniversary celebration. We must give thanks to God for raising another generation in Bethany. We thank God for the incredible support that the rest of Bethany has given to the next generation. Let’s look forward to giving much praise and worship to our great God for what He is doing in Bethany.

Praying for the next generation

At the same time, we want to specially pray for the next generation. We pray that they will continue to be faithful servants who will love the Lord and His church. We pray that the Lord will raise from among them servants who will give their lives to serve the Lord in the full time ministry. Let us pray that the Lord’s work here in Bethany will continue for the next 40 years and beyond.

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