Easter Celebration

April 12, 2009

It is the time of the year to celebrate the victory of Jesus over death! On Easter Sunday, over 400 brothers and sisters and friends gathered together for this special event at Hope Centre in Tsuen Wan. It was a combined service with HK, Youth, Filipino, and Thai Group. In light of the worldwide financial crisis, the service was themed ‘A Blessed Return’ it was a surely blessed one.

We were welcomed into Hope Centre and we all received a copy of the ‘Blessed Return’ publication a collection of more than 70 powerful testimonies of our brothers and sisters who have experienced God’s wonderful blessings in different ways. Thank god for all the hard work of our brothers and sisters, and most importantly our Lord.

After the pre-service prayer meeting, the service began. Brother Allen then led us into a joyful and powerful session of Praise and Worship. The Spirit filled the church as the congregation sang their hearts out with love in praises for Christ who laid down His life for us two thousand years ago.

After partaking communion, we enjoyed a short drama,it portrayed a television show which analysed the effects of the worldwide financial crisis, illustrating how it affected the lives of many, no matter whether one has invested in the market. The skit brought much laughter among the congregation. Praise God! Towards the end of the drama, the ‘host’ poses the congregation a question how can we invest in order to get a good ‘return’?

Then, brother Raymond,the chairperson,led us to watch the video testimonies from three faithful brothers and sisters. Firstly, Brother Chun from the Youth Group shared that when he put his trust in Him, God not only blessed him to have interest in his studies, but also led him to have better relationship with his family. He even helped pioneer a new Care Group in his school! Then Sister Julie from the Filipino Group shared how God has blessed the rest of her life with a man of God. Although she had prayed for marrying a Western man and doing God’s work in other countries except the Philippines she never imagined after persistent prayers and confirmation from God, that he would be a Filipino and that she would be returning to the Philippines to serve together with him. Praise God for His great plan! Everyone was so happy to see the sweet smile on her face. Lastly, Sister Rachel, one of our praise and worship leaders shared with us how God has blessed her with a great job after the company for which she worked for many years had laid her off. She showed us that even during this financial crisis, when we remain faithful to God and put our trust in Him, He would surely bless us in return! Praise God!

With an idea of where a ‘good return’ can come from, Pastor Gavin then gave his sermon ‘A Blessed Return’, telling how we should invest, explaining what were unwise investments, as opposed wise ones. In the world today we will always be facing all kinds of ‘attractive’ investment opportunities and other things of the world. But Pastor Gavin warned us to watch out for greed, as it would bring danger and inevitably disappointment. In fact, the wisest investment is to be a giver and a follower of Christ! Jesus has laid down his life for us. Why can’t we give a small effort to bless others? God has promised us a great return that we will receive full blessings, confidence, power, providence, prosperity, love, hope, peace, joy and reward in heaven. Amen! Praise the Lord!

At the alter call, 9 new souls were touched by the Lord on this special occasion to receive Christ! Praise the Lord!