Dear Our Partners, (*I changed
to “Our” because you’re indeed partnering not only with me, but also with
Gord0n-Conwell and our triune God for the building of His kingdom. What a
partnership we have in Christ!)
Thanksgivings: Thanks God, I am back to
school for the second half of my degree program after the short-term mission
and JUC. Now Hebrew seems to make more sense to me, Medieval Spirituality leads
me to reflect deeply about a high point of our Christian history, and
Interpreting the Old Testament equips me more theologically and biblically for
instructing God’s whole counsel. I praise God for those holy men and women as
my teachers.
News: I have surprise news to tell
you… I decided to wear braces to correct my teeth for better smile and life
long ministry reward! In fact, God provided me a very good deal because my
sister-in-law is also wearing braces; the doctor knows that I am a seminarian
and gave me a cheerful discount. Moreover, this month I witnessed four of my
Sunday school brothers and sisters being baptized, and started a new couple to
couple discipleship group. I also began to read the Pastoral Epistles with my
mentor, Jinyi, in becoming “Timothy”.
Prayers Request: 1) I have been following updates
and praying for GCAC’s needs, especially for the pastoral team, governing
board, pastoral searching committee, and different fellowships. Lest us not
forget.
2) Please
pray for strength and discipline for us to finish this semester strong while Eva
will be looking for counseling practicum and I will translate a sermon in May
and prepare my first sermon in June.
Words
from Philippians as To My Partners: “The important thing is… Christ is
preached”
Phil. 1:15 It is true that some
preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The former
preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can
stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. The latter do so out of love,
knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. But what does it
matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or
true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Can
you rejoice with Paul because Christ is preached? The centrality of the Gospel
is Christ: it supersedes any motives, ways and personalities that we carry into
ministry. The Good news is Christ “himself is our peace, who has made the two
groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” Eph.
2:14.
As
always I am thankful for your partnership with me, and with Gordon-Conwell
Theological Seminary to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a great multitude
of needy people throughout the earth.
With Gratitude in Christ,
Tom Chow
p.s. Please
kindly reply, I hope to hear any news and prayer request from you!
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