I've been pretty dormant for a while - so I thought I might post this short message:
A Message to commemorate the 25th Church Anniversary of the Christian Alliance Church of Victoria
(by Pastor Nelson Koh)
I feel honoured to be able to pen a few lines in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the church. As you would be aware, I’ve only served as pastor of the English Congregation for about 11/2 years, up to August 2012. During this time, I have learned to appreciate most of all, the love and faithfulness of the people toward God. Hence, it is most appropriate that we should choose “Thanking God for his love and faithfulness”, as the theme of this anniversary celebration.
I have shared before of the impression that I got of the C.A.C.V. as “A City on a Hill” as far back as 12-13 years ago when I was first invited to preach at this church. The immediate message then and still is, is that “a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl…” as in Mt 5: 14,15. Then in v16 we have “…let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven…”
My immediate prayer then and now is that the C.A.C.V. will not just be a literal “City on a Hill”, perched on a hill overlooking Deakin University, Burwood, but she will be a spiritual power-house radiating God’s love and gospel light to the neighbourhood and beyond, even to the nations.
I’m glad that since then, several measures have taken place which has inadvertently pointed towards the fulfilment of the vision of a “City on a Hill”.
Firstly, the name change to “Christian Alliance Church of Victoria” has been a major step in giving the church a new profile reflecting the church’s expressed desire to be a more modern, multi-cultural and inter-generational church. However, as mentioned before, changing a name alone may not be sufficient in reaching out to people from all walks of life, which is the purpose of the name change in the first place. One has to actively live out the new name in thought, word and deed and this requires a new resolve, a mindset change and a new character, if we ever hope to see the fulfilment of the vision.
Secondly, it has been heart-warming to see concrete moves to reach out to the community, including the 917 Evangelistic Night, Christmas Carols by Candlelight held outside the church, Christmas carolling at nursing homes and the start of the International Students’ Ministry, all held towards the close of 2011. It is hoped that this will not just remain as ‘events’ to be held only in passing but a ‘normal way of life’ of the church, in meeting the call to truly make a difference in the life of the church and in reaching out to the immediate community and beyond, to a dying world.
May God in His grace continue to bless C.A.C.V. abundantly for the next 25 years and into the future. Finally, I would end with Hag 1:9, “The glory of this present house be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. And in this place I will grant peace, declares the Lord Almighty.” Amen
