Dear Loved ones in Christ,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, God willing, Harvest Festival 2013 will be held on 25th October at the International British School (former Canadian School), Fahaheel from 8.00 a.m onwards. All members are requested to participate earnestly. Please bring your family and friends on this occasion and make it a grand success! We expect to receive a substantial amount this year by way of increased contribution and also more participation by members in the auctions and sale to be conducted. As we know very well Harvest Festival is the only occasion we are told to render ours and ourselves through kind or money.
The Almighty father has blessed all of us in this world. We should praise the Lord for His abundant blessings towards us. Jacob solemnly promised God, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear, so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God……, and of all that you give me I will give you tenth” (Gen.28:20-22). When the people of God came out of slavery they came forward to praise and thank God with the first fruits of the Promised Land. The Children of Israel brought a free will offering to the Lord (Exod.35:29). King Solomon exhorted that we should honour the Lord with our possessions and with the first fruits of our increase (Prov.3.9). The Psalmist wonders what he shall render to the Lord for all His benefits towards Him?(Ps. 116:12). “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people” (Ps. 116:13,14). “And when you begin harvesting each of your crops, the very first things you pick must be put in a basket. Take them to the place where the Lord you God chooses to be worshipped. You must pray, now Lord bring to you the best of crops that you have given me. After you say these things, places the basket in front of the Lords alter and bow down to worship Him”. Then you and your family must celebrate by eating a meal at the place of worship to thank the Lord your God for giving you such a good harvest” (Deut.26:2-11). Since our ‘crops’ is mainly the salary and other income from business etc,, while we place our ‘crops’ in the basket we shall be able to pray, “Now Lord I bring to you the best of crops you have given me”. We are receiving countless blessings in our daily life. Praise and worship is therefore expected of everyone. As Christian we should render our time, talent and wealth for His glory. Giving is one of the primary duties of Christian life. Almighty God expects all to have long life, happy family, heavenly peace and sufficient resources and this is possible only if humanity learnt to give.
When we place the offerings, kindly ensure that it shall not be less than a day’s earnings. Similarly all the members of the women fellowship may also kindly bring some homemade food stuff or any other article as offering for going with and watching our family and giving us food and clothes and also guarding us from all dangers while we prepared meals for our beloved family members. Giving is one of the primary duties of Christian life. Almighty God expects all to have long life, happy family, heavenly peace and sufficient resources and this is possible only if humanity learnt to give. God may bless us.
God willing, we observe October 4th Friday as Choir day and our Choir members will lead the service on this day. Let us up hold each us in prayer, so the Lord will look in to our lives and bless everyone with His grace that is sufficient. May God shower abundance of blessing upon you.
Lovingly yours
Johnyachen
