BPCIS Update: Call To Prayer and Action
To keep us informed and in prayer for BPCIS (Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore), we give an update whenever there is a fifth Sunday. Last August our update was titled “ Staying True to Our Mission” followed by another in November, “The Past, the Present and the Future”. In January we issued a “Pastoral Word on National Vaccination”. Here is an update as we approach mid-2021.
As countries around the world face the second and third waves of COVID-19 Pandemic with deadly and devastating consequences, we call on all to pray for God’s mercy. Let us like Ezekiel “stand in the gap” (Ezekiel 22.30) and intercede for nations and peoples that they may turn to God, our Creator and Judge. Pray also for godly wisdom to be given to Singapore’s multi-ministry task force as they make vital decisions on managing the current situation.
Meanwhile, let us not forget to give thanks to God for a return to onsite in-person services, even with singing allowed, for a short while. As the number of worshippers is capped again at 50, and many of us going back to live-streamed services, let us stay faithful in worshipping the Lord, listening to His Word and keeping in touch with His people.
We thank the Lord for our annual combined Good Friday Service on 2 April. Held at four locations, it brought together our 8 churches with 550 physically attending and 1,500 watching on live stream. Dr Edwin Tay preached from Revelation 5, asking “Is He Worthy?” The answer must be a resounding “Yes!” as we witnessed the Ordination of Vernon Quek (Zion Bishan) and the Validation of Peter Warren (Mount Horeb) that weekend. Offering to BPCIS via QR code came to $46,000. Indeed, Christ is worthy of our worship, our service and our offering!
Our BPCIS Website (bpcis.org.sg) was launched last month, as “a platform to connect and edify our BP community and beyond”. Please check it out for definitive notes on who we are and what we seek to do. You will also find new stories released regularly to inspire us to walk with the Lord and share our faith.
The government is seeking feedback on a proposal for No-Fault Divorce. BPCIS has commissioned BGST (Biblical Graduate School of Theology) to study the issue from the biblical, legal and pastoral perspectives. We understand the desire to make divorce less painful and traumatic for all, especially for the children. But we are concerned that it will weaken the desire to work on difficulties in a marriage which for Christians is a lifelong commitment. Finally, we look forward to our annual Pastors and Leaders Retreat on 5 July, Monday, 9am to 5pm. Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon will speak on “The Generosity of the Gospel”. Such generosity is being demonstrated among our churches as we rally behind Mount Hermon’s purchase of a freehold industrial unit at Henderson, Zion Bishan’s lease renewal, and Mount Carmel’s church plant. May the Lord continue to help us fulfil the “DBS” agenda of Developing Leaders, Building Relationships and Sharing Resources—all for His Kingdom and His Glory.
Ps David Wong
General Secretary, BPCIS
