By Rev. Daniel Yaw
 
Introduction
This month of October, we celebrate 14 years of God’s goodness towards us as a church.  Recalling those many years, grace and goodness emerged clearly in my head.  I know that my God is faithful and will always be.

Reading from the book of Nehemiah when he answered God’s call to rebuild the city, he gathered the people of God and gave the choice to the people to return to rebuild it.  It was an act of offering as we read in verse 2:

"And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem."

Just looking at these two verses, we see two groups of people selected to live in the city of Jerusalem.  It was important then because the city has been without for more than 140 years and it had become vulnerable.  Now having built the wall already, people still needed to restore the city, the temple, and many other things.  There may still be fear for many and coming back to the city was a sacrifice they have to make to serve the Lord.

The Leaders set the pace
The first group of people was the leaders.  They were probably those who came to rebuild the walls and still were burdened for the work of the Lord in Jerusalem.  They continue to shoulder the work of God in that city.  They were the pioneers of restoration work. 

In the service of God, there are the leaders who would make that sacrifice and serve because of this burden.  They were the ones who would take the long haul.  I thank God for the many leaders of FCC who had laboured and are still labouring today because of what God has placed in their hearts.  It is natural to see that because they saw the vision and they embrace the burden and they set the pace to make it all a reality.  Yes, it would have to take many years before the wall was completed and the city was restored. 

The leaders are still setting the pace all the time with new ministries.  Leaders who labour, not just physically, but mentally.  Our leaders have proven through all these years that giving up is not even an option. 

May we be thankful for what God has given us in FCC through their lives.

The Tithing of people 
Interestingly, one-tenth of the people was chosen to live there too.  We talked a lot about tithing our money and resources, but there is also a tithing of people to serve the Lord.  Again, I am thankful that we have a group of people in different ministries and CGs who have given their lives to serve the Lord despite their busy schedules.  There may be a tenth of the people of Israel and we have more than a tenth in the church today.  May this culture prevail in this church with years ahead of us.  More so with all the prospect of moving into the new place.  

The Willingness of heart
Above those, is the willingness that God is looking for.  It is not just capability or talent.  It is the willing heart.  We have heard this statement that God does not call the qualified, He qualifies those He called.  It is true.  It says here that the people blessed all the men who were willingly offering to live in Jerusalem.  

In our service of the Lord, we shall be blessed - both by the people and most importantly by the Lord.

Conclusion
As we celebrate our 14th anniversary, may we do so with a grateful heart and a heart of service.  May God continue to bless us and His church for the future.