Overnight Prayer

My church just had an overnight prayer!

We started at 10pm yesterday night and ended a whopping 5.30am this morning. I guess everyone who were there must have felt pretty tired after the whole thingy. Nonetheless, I still wanna thank God for His faithfulness and His willingness to answer all of our prayers.

This overall theme for the prayer centres upon these 2 words, Rebuild and Restore. I guess for many of us the words are somewhat pretty simple. However, to the people here in AMKMC, they hold a very significant meaning. As you see, the church will be going through a major redevelopment plan. The current existing building will soon be torn down in 2010 and rebuilding works will ensue. The main redevelopment team is targeting for 2012 completion.

Thank God for this!

The blueprints for the new building shows a great improvement over what we have now. For one, we are probably going to have a much larger sanctuary. On top of that, more rooms will be available for the various ministries and cell group meetings. However, nothing really excites me more than the fact that we are probably going to have a roof-top BBQ pit, and there will be a lift to get us there! Whoa! The new church building is definitely one to look forward to.

Sounds great so far?

Well, there is a slight problem and it lies in the cost of the project. As of today, we understand that the building could cost close to S$18million. This is by no means a small amount to the church. We are maybe 1500 strong in numbers, and to raise the necessary sum would require an average contribution of S$12K per person. To some of the members, this could be their whole year gross income! Good thing we will only need to pay four years later, giving allowance for saving up. Nevertheless, this is a still great challenge to many of us.

However, I would like to ask you this question, "Why do you think the cost is so great?"

Logically, one can easily deduce the fact that construction costs have risen over the years and the amount seems to be in line with current economic climate.

However, can I propose that we see this from another angle? I believe the amount is there for a particular reason, and that is to show the glory of God at work in our church! This amount can NEVER be raised unless His mighty hands are upon it. Reminds me of the verse in 2Cor 12:7-10 "...for when I am weak, then I am strong."

Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers labour in vain!!!

I really hope and pray that the church will humble ourselves and know that the glory belongs to the Lord!