From the President

FROM THE PRESIDENT, Alban Matohiti

Brothers and Sisters in Sydney, as Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simeon, called Peter, and Andrew. Jesus extended them the invitation to follow Him, promising that He would make them fishers of men. Peter and Andrew had one choice to make: to go or not go. They decided to go.

Often in our journey of faith Jesus extends us a similar invitation. He wants us to make a decision to join Him in the direction He sets for us. Like Peter and Andrew, the challenge for us will be to go or not. It is important to notice that faith will not grow unless we say yes to God. Often the only way to experience the blessing that God has set in our lives is to say “Yes” and “I will go” to Him.

In Joshua, chapter 3, the Bible tells us that only when the feet of the priests who were carrying the ark touched the water of the flood-level Jordan River did it stop flowing. Often, as we contemplate whether to go or not go for God, it seems that only when we take first step in faith and put our feet in the water that the blessing of God takes place. We need to take the first step in faith. It is part of God’s way of dealing with His people.

Further, as we are challenged to go for the Lord, often the main thing we need to confront is what is holding us back. This is a time when the Holy Spirit affects our minds and hearts as we self-reflect on the order of priorities in our lives. God wants us to be aware of what is important in light of the gospel. Don’t let things hold you back—be ready to say yes.

The conference recently held its regular ministerial meeting, and as a team of pastors we decided on a cycle of evangelism for our churches here in Sydney over the next few years. We believe that we can be effective in the work of the gospel through the different gifts God has blessed us with as individuals. We will share more on this as we come together in our session time.

As we journey together through 2022, God is constantly inviting each one of us to say yes to His invitation of grace to make a difference for His kingdom in Sydney. I hope and pray that you will say yes to God and be involved in His work. Often that is the only way to experience His biggest blessings.

May God’s love and mercy continue to be with you.

Alban Matohiti