If your Presence does not go with us…

We have been sharing quite a bit about the shape of this year, our

preparations for our 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2026 and looking ahead

towards a 10-year vision.

These need to be “waited” in prayer and worship. Indeed, they that wait upon

the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).

We do have a road ahead this year that is filled with hope. It carries our

aspiration to be a fruitful and growing church. One where we take discipleship

seriously, i.e. what it means to follow Jesus. It will have ramifications for the

future of MPCC.

We can imagine what the future could look like as many of our youths take up

the mantle of leadership by 2036. By then, a new building will probably sit on

100, Tembeling Road, brimming with new and better facilities to house a

vibrant parish. Imagine MPCC as a centre for local community outreaches and

overseas mission work. We can only imagine the future fruits of the MPCC

community as we; today; seed and work towards her future.

But like Moses, we pray, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us

up from here (Exodus 33:15).” In other words, if God’s presence will not go

with them, Moses preferred to remain in Mt Sinai. For there are many

challenges in the road ahead to the Promised Land. “Don’t send us Lord,

unless you go with us”, Moses pleaded.

Indeed, we dare not embark on this journey unless His presence accompany

us. We have heard his promise in the Great Commission: Go and I will be with

You.” Such promises cannot be assumed. It remains something promised long

ago, inscribed on the pages of Scriptures, locked in ink and parchment. But it

only come alive if we take hold of it through waiting upon Him and seeking

His face. We need His Spirit to breathe His life into His church.

Every quarterly prayer gathering is about helping us to keep this posture of

dependence. On other occasions i.e. in our Sunday services, cell meetings and

personal devotions, we will continue to maintain this same posture:

“We dare not go from here Lord, unless your Presence go with us.”