Brother Jeff Jiao 2025-03
Since the launch of the Bethel Hall project, God has revealed His desire for victory in our inner lives and in building us up inwardly, particularly in areas like unity, prayer, overcoming mammon, wisdom, and spiritual inheritance. Through the building of Bethel Hall, God wants to make SVCA a church better suited for His use and a witness for generations to come. This project is not only about walking in God’s way but also provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. There is no shortcut to spiritual maturity, only through challenges and sacrifices can we experience breakthroughs. May God build vessels who closely follow Him and lay the foundation for growth in the decades to come.
We are halfway through the project, facing known and unknown challenges. We need to pray for God’s intervention. One significant challenge was the original design exceeding the budget by 30%. After two months of redesigning with focus on cost-saving, we brought it within budget. Delays in city approval also hindered progress. In the face of resistance and weariness, we must stay alert and pray for God to remove obstacles and continue His work. It is through His grace that this project moves forward.
Bethel Hall is in God’s will, and the need for it has become urgent. Our congregation has grown by 15-20% annually and is expected to reach over 800 people by 2026. The current assembly hall can no longer support this growth. We are committed to spreading the gospel, with over 100 gospel friends being served right now. Are we willing to obey God, be faithful to His calling, and share His grace with all?
God has been working in our hearts. Four teamsfocused on prayer, fundraising, promotion and literature, and project managementare moving forward, learning and growing. Prayer has improved significantly, with weekly intercessory letters, special prayer groups, and prayer meetings at Bethel Hall. We must all become prayer warriors, inspiring future generations.
Our giving has also progressed, though it shows areas where we need to grow. In 2024, we completed 72% of our fundraising goal. More members have become regular donors and embraced tithing. However, giving must become a lifestyle, not driven by occasional impulses but by faithful stewardship. We must offer willingly and wholeheartedly, trusting God to fulfill His will.
Promotion team efforts, including newsletters, videos, and testimonies, are producing visible results, but the greatest value lies in the spiritual growth of our co-workers. Team leader Sister Guixiang, though non-technical, offers spiritual guidance and helps teammates to view each step from God’s perspective.
The project management team works tirelessly behind the scenes, balancing their responsibilities with family time. We must support them with prayer, asking for wisdom and strength.
Pastor Yu reminds us to view the Bethel Hall project from God’s perspective. Over the past months, the project has already influenced our growth in the gospel, caring, and next-generation ministries. Many young members are maturing spiritually in service, reflecting the inner growth God desires.
The Bethel Hall project is a blessing and a testimony of unity. Co-workers serve wholeheartedly, and the whole church is united in prayer and giving. As we follow God, let none of us be left behind. This journey is one of grace and glory. “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:30, ESV). With a year and a half remaining, let us press on, offering ourselves fully, and together experience: “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former.” (Haggai 2:9, ESV).