GIVING THANKS FOR GOD’S FAITHFUL PROVISION

As we look back on 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude to God. For several years our church faced financial deficits, and we prayed earnestly that the Lord would provide for His people and His ministry. This past year, by God’s grace, we witnessed a remarkable change, our deficit became a surplus.

This is not merely a financial update. It is a spiritual testimony.

Early last year, we shared openly with the congregation about our financial status and the meaning of tithing. Tithing is not simply about meeting a budget. It is an act of worship and trust.

I am deeply thankful that the Holy Spirit spoke to many of you through these sharings. Many responded with faith and generosity. Through your faithful giving, God has provided for the needs of the church.

Yet the real victory is not in the figures. The true victory is in what God is doing in our hearts. Financial surplus is not our goal; spiritual transformation is. If the Lord has blessed us with abundance, it is not so that we may become comfortable, but so that we may continue to discern His will and follow His leading together.

Scripture reminds us that the church does not belong to us, it belongs to Christ. Sing this: “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16, NIV)

Christ is the head of the church, and we are His body. Our task is not to decide what we want to do simply because resources are available. Rather, we seek to discern what Christ is calling us to do as His people. This is especially important in times of surplus. In times of deficit, we naturally depend on God. But in times of abundance, we must be careful not to depend on ourselves. The story of Israel reminds us of this spiritual danger. When God brought His people into a land of abundance, He warned them: “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:17–18, NIV)

Our surplus is not the result of human effort. It is the gracious provision of God through His faithful people. Therefore, our prayer is simple: “Lord, you are our head, you lead us.”

We want to keep our eyes on Christ, not only when resources are scarce, but also when they are abundant. We want to follow Him faithfully as a church, seeking His will for how we are to live, serve, and reach out.

Our calling remains the same: to grow as His missional community, learning together what it means to depend on Christ in our daily lives.

May our giving always be an expression of worship. May our resources always serve God’s mission. And may our lives continually be transformed as we walk together in faith. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

To God be all the glory for His faithful provision and loving guidance.

Building His Missional Community,

Pastor Forest