Nineteenth Partnership Newsletter- November 2014

Happy Thanksgiving Our Partners, 

Thanksgiving is a season to say thanks to God and people. This year, I want to practice “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Th 5:18) in my study, ministry, and family. Sometimes seminarians joke about being “tortured” by the workload, but truly we are thankful for all the professors and staff’s dedication to GCTS. I am thankful for the local church here, my mentor, my small group, the leadership, the Cantonese and Children congregations, and the families who welcome us for dinner and stay. Lastly, I am truly thankful to have Eva, my family, and your support to the call of my life. I thank God to put me in different circumstances and relationships so that I can have countless encounters to be thankful for. 

Words from Philippians as To My Partners: “I wish to celebrate Thanksgiving with you.”

“So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We’ll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.” (Phil. 1:25-26 Message)

Paul often expressed his wish to visit the churches he planted shows how much he cared and loved them. He hoped to witness their growth and rejoiced with them. When we gather with family and brothers and sisters, let us praise God’s works in our life and treasure each other. I wish I could celebrate Thanksgiving with you!

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!

Eighteenth Partnership Newsletter- September and October 2014

Dear Our Partners, 

Thanksgiving:

1. After "long-summer", a 30 pages Hebrew Exegesis paper is done!

2. A sermon on Isa.61:1-3 is preached!

3. Participated the TM evaluator context and was the runner-up after Eva (Yes, my wife won)!

Excerpt of my paper:

On applying Isa.61:1-3

It is a powerful testimony of how Missionary Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol followed the steps of Jesus with the mission organization SIM to serve the Ebola patients in West Africa. Although they both contracted the disease while working there their recovery is a sign of victory and hope for the world. A lot of similar mission work is going on around the world, and this is the best illustration of how the passage can apply. The local church should support the global mission by partnering and sharing their resources with mission organizations for crisis relief, praying and helping for people of poverty, hunger, and those being prosecuted in the Islamic countries.

Started this semester, I had the honor to preach the word of God in GCAC English congregation and CBCGL Cantonese congregation and Children congregation. Preaching is a honorable ministry, requiring the preacher to hear well from God and delivering carefully to God's people.

Here is my sermon big idea:

"Matt. 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matt. 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

EXEGETICAL IDEA- Jesus invites the heavy burdened to receive rest by coming and learning from him.

HOMILETICAL IDEA- Receive rest and be gentle

PURPOSE- As a result of hearing this sermon, I want my listeners to receive Jesus’ invitation to rest, and to spend a quiet time with him everyday, so that our life will be transformed in his likeness and bring glory to God.

Please pray that I will listen and obey God and be able to make disciples and teach all that Jesus has commanded us. Thank you.

With Gratitude in Christ,

Tom Chow               

p.s. Please kindly reply, I hope to hear any news and prayer request from you!