Welcome Back! ... Though you have never left my heart.

"Wherever you are it is your own friends who make your world." (William James)

Shhhhh... come closer.  Let me tell you a secret. I am most selfish pastor that I know of. Selfish because I would fight anyone tooth 'n nail if they were to take over my pastorate. That's because I don't know of any other pastorate where God sends you a continuous stream of young people who are keen on learning Scripture, full of life and hope, inspired to discover and develop their spiritual gifts, and are unleashed into the world to become impact players for Christ.
We have recently been inviting back alumni from various years to share about how God has taken and transform their lives from their university days to where they are today - to tell of how God has used them and challenged them.  It has been a rich and fulfilling blessing to be part of their journey. And I selfishly am proud to know each of these former students.
Though we cannot possibly invite everyone back to share their testimony (if we ever did, it would make CCF sharing night like a sketch in comparison and this would be more like a Russian novel), I would love to hear from any one of you who have passed through our doors. With communication means at everyone's fingertips, it would not take much effort for anyone to send me an update as to what God has done in your life. I look forward to hearing from you.
In exchange, I will be posting more frequently and keeping everyone abreast of what is happening personally and corporately here in this small corner of the world.

In His service,
PT

Another Year is Dawning

As I grow older I cannot help but reflect back on the past. (This is one of the signs that you are getting older because you keep on talking about the "good ole' days")  Of the many constants at New Year's (including Mrs. Kaan's chicken congee, a church prayer vigil and prayer meeting, and very cold weather) was the singing of one of the few and great hymns of consecration. Written by Frances Ridley Havergal, (1836–1879) in 1874, "Another Year is Dawning" is one of the finest New Year's hymns ever written (actually it is the only New Year's hymn that I know of). A reminder of what lies ahead and what I should expect of this coming new year.  May you find the same reflective meaning as I do in the words. The lyrics are as follows:

1. Another year is dawning;
Dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee;
Another year of progress,
Another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.

2. Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness
In the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting,
Of quiet, happy rest.

3. Another year of service,
Of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training
For holier work above.
Another year is dawning:
Dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in heaven,
Another year for Thee.