Our church challenges our members to actively participate in our church building faith pledge. I want to support my church, and I made a pledge.  In April, there will be is another mission faith pledge.  I also know we need to support this.  Yet my income is not large, and I need to support my elderly parents, as well as my regular church offering.  I feel a lot of constraints.  Should I make a faith pledge for mission?

A Faith pledge, whether towards Missions or Building, is an indication of our passion for that ministry.  Our passion guides our commitment.  This commitment starts with giving ourselves to God, as Paul said, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Romans 12:1).  It involves planning with your mind.  I Corinthians 16:2 says: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”  It requires a prayerful consideration that is proportionate to our financial situation.  Thirdly, a faith promise offering involves giving with a cheerful heart.  Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  Giving should neither be made under compulsion, nor should giving be an impulsive decision.

Go into the World, Start from my Backyard

Rev. Vincent Lee
English pastor of Milliken Chinese Community

I remember the time when my daughter was learning how to walk. She started her journey in our living room. My wife and I took turn holding her hands and led her in taking baby steps. As she got better, we would let her walk by herself. She would fall often, although her falls would be cushioned by the soft carpet that covered the floor. Months passed, then came the big event, when she was dressed up and led to our backyard to have her first try walking outside. She was exuberant. She played with the flowers and leaves, exploring a whole new environment that previously she could only watch from inside the house. Soon thereafter, she “graduated” from walking in our backyard to places beyond.