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These days some Christian leaders from Korea visited the mission. They also presented Rev Stegen with the Korean flag. More details about their visit is available here.

Sunday 12 January 2003 - "Reach towards the goal"

(Summary of sermon by Erlo Stegen)

Phil 3:13

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

The Romans had a hand-sculpted god named Janus. It had two faces, with the one looking forward and the other backwards.

Paul, however, was different. He had his goal always in front of him and he never lost sight of it. He counted all as dung compared to the greatness of knowing Christ. Christ was his goal. Let Him be your goal too, and never lose sight of Him, else you will be like the foolish virgins one day.

Some Christians do not go forward, because they look back at their failures, or hold a grudge for what someone did or said to them long ago. No, whatever went wrong in the past you need to confess and forsake. Do not dwell on sins that have been forgiven.

When king David was on his deathbed, he called for Solomon and warned him against certain people that gave him trouble in his lifetime. This shows that not everything of the past must be forgotten, because some of it might help us on our way forward, just as those instructions of David to Solomon helped Solomon to make the right decisions.

Paul also did not deny his past, but reminded himself whence he came, lest he should be lifted up with pride. If pride wants to fill your heart, just look and see from whence you were saved by Christ, and keep your eyes on Christ lest you should fall again. Remind yourself of God's promises and calling for your life and test yourself if you were faithful to keep it.

May it be that when death knocks at your door, you might long to see your Lord Jesus with rejoicing and not with fear and regret.