By Ps Wilson Lim
Hi HIM Family. We are coming to Christmas again! So let us remember what the significance of this whole season is about. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 9:6, it says, “For unto us a child is born. His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
So let us remember why Jesus came to us. He came to set the people free, from bondage to sin and death. So let’s really celebrate in joy and with good cheer. And at the same time as we remember the significance, let us continue to uphold the intent of Christmas, which is really about helping people encounter the Saviour, to truly find true, deep freedom in Christ. Wherever we are, let us be reminded once again that we are all about Transforming Lives Everywhere in this decade.
So, can I remind us and encourage us, let’s pray for the lost. Pray for our family and friends, our colleagues, our neighbors and even beyond. Let’s pray for our churches, that they will continue to impact the community. Let’s pray for our church planters, our missionaries who are continuing to reach out into new groups of people. So, let’s really take this opportunity that’s been created by this festive season to really bring about and share the true purpose of Christmas to those around us. Why don’t we invite our friends and colleagues and family to church, to our small groups, to our life groups? Let’s bring them closer to discovering the Good News of this wonderful period. So let’s pray for an impacting Christmas season.
And also, as we are concluding the year 2022, let’s remember again the message that we have been bringing forth, and that is the power of mentoring. That we can truly impact lives one-to-one. You can make a difference by being a mentor to others, sharing your faith and your journey with God with them. Let’s also thank every mentor, let’s pray for them, that God can continue to use them even as they have been investing their lives into making a difference in other people’s lives.
So let’s look forward also to a new year, the year 2023. Can we believe God, that we will then begin to build upon our small groups, because that will be our focus in 2023. We’re going to talk about the importance, the impact and its role in building the church of Jesus Christ. So your part is to invest of yourself to contribute to the life and the health of the small groups. So, we’re going to talk about that more in the coming Global Sermon.
Let me just outline very quickly, we have some exciting events for 2023. Firstly, in January, we’re going to have our Global Family Week from 9-15 January. So put that week aside. Also, we will continue to have our HIM House of Prayer, every last Wednesday of every month. Check it out, join us, pray together with our friends across the many nations of the world. We are continuing to also run our Leadership Development Programme (LDP). Many new courses are coming out in 2023. Look out for it, don’t miss it, make sure you sign up, because there are powerful courses with wonderful teachers and it is all free.
Also don’t forget, we’re going to have our Global Leadership Conference (GLC23) in Kuching, Malaysia. Yes! After more than 3 years, we are going to gather again. It is going to be a wonderful time. So many people have already signed up. We’re going to believe God that we’re going to see 500 delegates gathered together in Kuching. So set the dates, 4-6 July (main conference), make sure you visit us, join us and have a grand time together with us.
So can I take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful, blessed Christmas and may you have a restful New Year and may you have an impactful coming year. May God bless everyone of you!