Flushing, New York - Five years ago, they started with the vision "to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying the saints”, and five years later, Great Commission Bible Church (GCBC) celebrated its 5th year anniversary last week. From Mar 3 through Mar 5, 2005, all of the church members gathered to commemorate the steps that they have taken through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to listen to Rev. Isaiah Tingson lecture on the theme, “Purpose Driven Life.”
On Mar 5, the celebration went to a climax. Rev. Isaiah Tingson, senior pastor of Oversea Chinese Mission (OCM), shared in his message that the spiritual age is different from physical age, "five years old can be mature enough to run towards the goal". Therefore, he encouraged all members of GCBC to take "partnership in the gospel", "to the glory and praise of God". These verses were taken from Philippians 1:5, 11. "There is still a long way for you to go," he said. "However, through prayers, everything can be accomplished. From the first day till the 50th anniversary, I hope you can hold on to the verse in Philippians 1:5, and pray in partnership to receive help from God."
Following the sermon, the history of CGBC was shown on video tape. In the past five years at a rented chapel, GCBC started Sunday school for children and adults, student center, brothers' ministry, English service, and many other ministries as well.
Today, even though their new chapel located in Flushing can hold 200 people, it is still too small for many more souls longing for God. Rev. Dean DeCastro, senior pastor of GCBC, shared the new vision of the five-years-old CGBC: "To glorify God by changing people's lives through leading, encouraging, inspiring and teaching one person, one family, one city, and one nation to obey diligently all of God's Words one choice at a time".
"May CGBC be a church that is filled with graceful testimonies. May it serve as a beacon of light that enlightens this dark world and warms the icy hearts of people," Rev. DeCastro shared in their anniversary publication. "Let's run with boldness and courage, forgetting the stains of the past and striving to advance forward in fulfilling both the visions and mission that God has placed before us. Let us work together in unity of hearts and minds to break all the odds and obstacles that may hinder our successful voyage to God's appointed destination. Amen!"
