Pastor Raymond - Answering the Divine Call
Pastor Raymond, co-founder of Life Harvest Assembly Church, embarked on a journey of faith in response to a divine call to reach out to lost souls. His journey began in 1984 when he experienced a life-transforming encounter with God. Initially part of a small church, internal conflicts led Raymond and May, another believer he met in that church, to leave in 1987. They started a fellowship in Pastor May’s father’s house, later affiliating with another church in 1999.
The decision to establish LHA in 2003 arose from the departure of the affiliated group, leaving Raymond and May to register their own church. In the early years, LHA faced challenges with only two pastors managing the congregation. The church’s growth took a significant turn in 2005 when it acquired a property in Taman Mihaja. This property became a haven for refugees from Myanmar, fleeing civil war and persecution.
Raymond’s commitment to bilingual services was driven by practical considerations, including the lack of sufficient musicians and the diverse language backgrounds of the congregation. Despite the challenges, Raymond’s vision for LHA is unwavering. He envisions the church continuing to reach different communities, sharing the gospel, and helping believers grow in their faith.
Raymond’s dedication to the vision is evident in LHA’s outreach to refugees, leading to the establishment of MMC and MLRC. The challenges faced in ministry, such as financial constraints and limited manpower, are viewed as hurdles to overcome in fulfilling the divine call. Raymond’s message to the current and future members of LHA is one of perseverance, staying true to the call of God, and continuing the work of reaching out to souls in need.
Pastor Daphne - Nurturing Discipleship in a Bilingual Community
Pastor Daphne, a pivotal figure in the leadership of Life Harvest Assembly Church, provides insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a bilingual community. The church, initially Chinese-speaking, transitioned to a bilingual approach, reflecting the diversity of its congregation. Pastor Daphne’s journey into Christianity started in 1985 when she attended Sunday school, later joining a cell group led by Pastors Raymond and May.
Navigating the bilingual landscape posed challenges, particularly in translating materials like bulletins and songs. The struggle for Pastor Daphne lies in discipleship, as some members find it challenging to mature in their faith. The obstacles include a lack of persistence in prayer, resistance to change among older generations, and a decline in passion for Christ, especially during periods of prosperity.
Pastor Daphne’s advice for current members emphasizes vigilance, prayer, and responsiveness to global events. For the younger generation, she encourages them to embody an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, drawing from First Timothy 4:12. The challenges in discipleship, according to her, stem from a loss of passion and an unwillingness to change, underscoring the importance of continuous spiritual growth.
Pastor May - A Journey of Faith and Ministry
Pastor May, co-founder of Life Harvest Assembly Church, shares her personal journey of faith and the creation of LHA. Accepting the Lord in 1985, she joined a church where Pastor Raymond was already a member. In 1986, Pastor May pioneered a church with some members who followed her, marking the beginnings of what would become LHA.
Pastor May’s collaboration with Pastor Raymond is seen as a blessing, with learning opportunities across various areas. Her deep commitment to children’s ministry, evident in a four-year course in FGA, highlights her passion for teaching. Pastor May’s encounter with Jesus came after a heartbreak, leading her to a church where she felt the real presence of God. This transformative experience ignited her love for the Bible and a commitment to serving in ministry.
Challenges in the ministry, such as difficulty in recruiting workers and helpers, are met with resilience fueled by a sense of calling. The establishment of LHA’s Myanmar Mission Church and Refugee Learning Centre attests to Pastor May’s dedication to providing a haven for those in need. Her words for current members emphasize the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God, while for the younger generation, she encourages them to embrace their role as instruments of God’s love and outreach.
In conclusion, Pastor May’s journey is a testament to the power of faith and resilience in ministry, reflecting the core values of Life Harvest Assembly Church.