Today marks the significant occasion of GCMC’s twentieth anniversary. With hearts full of gratitude and joy, the congregation gathered in Sunday worship to count together the blessings and guidance God has provided over these twenty years. In addition to our own members, a number of pastors and brothers and sisters from the New Zealand Chinese Methodist Church joined us today, coming together to witness the wonderful work God has done in our midst.
The service opened with the large choir singing the beloved hymn How Great Thou Art. The majestic and powerful anthem led the congregation in unified worship before God, reminding us that as we look back over the past, we can see His greatness and faithfulness. Through twenty years — in seasons of blessing and seasons of challenge alike — the Lord has continued to lead this church forward.
Today’s message was delivered by Reverend Li Liang Chen, drawn from Joshua 4:1–24, on the theme of “Spiritual Markers.” When the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to take twelve stones from the riverbed and set them up as a memorial, so that future generations would remember His mighty acts. Rev. Chen highlighted three significant purposes behind these spiritual markers. First, they serve to commemorate the mighty works of God. The church’s journey of twenty years is itself a marker of God’s grace, reminding us that everything has come through His leading and keeping. Second, they serve to proclaim the mighty works of God. When future generations ask about these markers, we are given the opportunity to tell of how God has moved among us, drawing more people to know the Lord. Third, they serve to foster a continuing reverence for God. As the passage declares: “So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, and so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” Amen!
The twentieth anniversary is not only a moment to look back, but a new point of departure. May God continue to lead GCMC — that the brothers and sisters would be united in heart, take up the cross to follow the Lord, faithfully proclaim the Gospel, and be salt and light to this generation. In the days ahead, may the church continue to bear witness to God’s grace, so that more people may receive new life through the Gospel.
May all honour, glory, and praise be unto our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
