Pui Ching Ho
"The Heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19: 1).
Whenever I think of the wonder that God has created, there are endless awe, thankfulness and praise in my heart. For thirty years in the United States, my favorite activity is to learn, practice and praise God in the choir or in the chorus together with the Christians who love Christian music. Glory and praise be to our Lord forever.
Recently I read a column from the Oversea Church Home Letter: "Choir member needed, must be young and beautiful with good voice." I must admire the writer's humor. At the same time I was left with a sigh of pity. Every year I had an opportunity to take part in the United Chorus Music Worship Day. I noticed the young members on the stage are full of zealousness in eulogizing our Lord. We praise God that His grace is granted to everyone for nothing, no matter if we are young or old, beautiful or plain, clever or not. We are all His beloved children. A choir is not only a fellowship solely for the young people, but also for the elderly. God !J.ccepts us with pleasure when we dedicate our best.
"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise." (Psalm: 51:16)
As a member of the choir, one must pay close attention to improve his/her timbre, singing technique and ability in sight singing. The primary duty for the. choir members is to lead the worship, bring the congregation into worship. Singing an anthem is not a show, but it is to praise our God. Our God is the center of our singing as well as the content. The fundamentals are to understand the words by God. We should study the Bible more as "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."(Psalm 119: 105)
Our God plants the music seed in our hearts. Let us sing praise to God and dedicate our best to our God wholeheartedly.
Serving in His Blessings
Linda Wai-Sim Chan
I committed myself to Christ in a summer retreat 30 years ago. Then I was baptized a year later in an American Presbyterian church in Manhattan. I was quite ashamed of my spiritual state in those days. The church was close by. However, I was always late for
Sunday worship. I used to hide myself in the last row and left quietly as soon as the worship was over. Nobody paid attention to me among the large congregation. It is not surprising that my personal devotion was zero. At home I never touched my Bible and did not pray. It was a complete waste in the first four years of being a Christian.
In 1978 we moved to Queens and had to look for a church nearby. God led me to this church. The first Sunday after the service, Rev.
Eson Tse and several church members asked me to help teach Sunday schoo!. I was a little flattered. Because of my spiritual immaturity and curiosity, I accepted their assignment immediately. In fact, it is all part of God's plan. He wanted to lift up my spiritual life in such an "odd" way.
Twenty-five years have passed since the day I ignorantly accepted the challenge as a Sunday school teacher.
In the beginning, I urged myself very hard to memorize the teaching materials. I barely got myself ready for each class. I doubt if the children did get anything from my teaching. I really feel sorry for them.
God is very patient with me. His spirit set me afire and I have the thirst for His word. Soon I walked in His truth and my faith was strengthened. Because of teaching Sunday school, I seldom get a chance to attend worship and listen to the sermon. However I need spiritual nurturing. Thus, I often take part in revival meetings, summer retreats, bibfe workshops and fellowship. In addition, a number of brothers and sisters in Christ are my mentors. They spend time with me in bible study. I was like a baby being looked after with love and care. Gradually my spiritual life have grown and matured.
In the past twenty-five years, I see students growing up both physically and spiritually. The first generation of children is now in their adulthood. Many of them have their own families and children. They are attending other churches. ThoughI too am getting old, in my heart I still feel like a child because of being surrounded by these lovely children and teenagers. I am inspired by their curiosity and creativity which gives me a new insight to deal with problems. Their sincerity and trust remind me of what Jesus said, "Whoever does not' receive the
kingdom of God like a little child shall not enter it." (Mark 10: 15)
I have gained more than I have given in serving our Lord for the past 25 years. Had God not given me this opportunity, I might have lived my life in vain and used up the soil. I offer my heart-felt thanksgiving to Him. In spite of my weakness and inadequacy, God has shaped me to be one of His vessels. In serving Him, I experience His mercy and faithfulness, and receive His abundant blessings.