On 13 February, the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, more than 150 brothers, sisters and friends had a joyful gathering at our church. Many wore traditional Chinese costumes, especially the babies. During New Year time, people give and receive red packets. Our dear sisters of the Program Team also delivered some special red packets in which there are special-designed Scripture card and two pieces of chocolates. This was really a special Lunar New Year Sunday Service because we celebrated both the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day at the same time.

After a joyful and powerful praise and worship, Brother Hugo shared his testimony with us. He testified how he has been changed by God through ministry and how God has provided him with a future partner. Like many other bachelors, Brother Hugo used to worry that he might not have a girlfriend but God knows his need and has granted him a faithful sister to be his life partner.

In the preaching, Sister Arlene shared about the Beatitudes from the Book of Matthew, Chapter 5, that is, the eight kinds of people who can receive God’s blessings. They are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted because of righteousness. How many of these characters do we have? Let us learn from the Bible and be prepared to receive more and more of God’s blessings.

Our Service did not end with the sermon; there was an interactive skit about the Ma’s family. The Ma’s family consisted of Mr. & Mrs. Ma, Mark and Mary. Mark was the only Christian in the family. He had just graduated and was looking for a job. His family teased him of having no job and no girlfriend. The next day would be Valentine’s Day and Mark was wondering the kind of future partner that God would prepare for him. Brothers and sisters of different groups came out to present the criteria of a God-chosen wife. G1 presented that God would prepare a Christian to be his wife; G2 demonstrated the character of a gentle and affectionate wife; G3 presented a wife that can cook well and presentable; G4 illustrated a submissive wife; some sisters from G5 used their talents to show that the wife God would choose for Mark was one who loves praise and worship while some parents from G6 came out together with their children to present a wife that will give birth to many children. Praise God for the interesting ideas of all brothers and sisters and there was one new believer from the youth group.

Our father in heaven is more than willing to pour out His blessings on us, but the Bible says,”But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)