The tiny woman shuffled to the microphone in front of the large congregation gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Queenstown Lutheran Church in Singapore in 2006. In a somewhat unclear way she began to sing the words of that familiar song…’It only takes a spark to get a fire going’ – joyfully rounding off […]

The tiny woman shuffled to the microphone in front of the large congregation gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Queenstown Lutheran Church in Singapore in 2006. In a somewhat unclear way she began to sing the words of that familiar song…’It only takes a spark to get a fire going’ – joyfully rounding off each verse with the chorus… ‘That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it, you spread his love to everyone, you want to pass it on.’

Struggling to pronounce the words of the song because of the effects of mouth cancer, this woman still couldn’t contain her joy in knowing Jesus.

Speaking with others after the service that day, some of this frail woman’s inspiring story emerged. I learnt that when the church was first built she was employed as the cleaner. Over time as she saw and experienced the love of Jesus lived out by the staff and members of the congregation, and as they shared the Gospel message with her, she left behind her Buddhist way of life to follow the living Jesus Christ.

The one thing that strikes me most as I visit and talk with fellow-followers of Jesus in our partner churches in South East Asia, is their deep love of Jesus Christ and their passion and urgency for others to know him. When I’ve asked “how did you come to know Jesus?” so many have responded with “a friend told me,” “a friend invited me to the youth group,” “a friend brought me to this church.” These similar answers are echoed over and over again, together with the words, “now I am praying for my family or my friends to come to know Jesus.”

I want that kind of passion for knowing Jesus and making him known to others! Will you join me in praying the words… “Lord renew your Church, begin with me”?

This story was also published in the July 2008 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner church in Singapore at http://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/singapore/