Generations Arise to Follow God

Last month, my 70th birthday happened to be on Sunday and during the second worship service, my young disciples, together with their disciples and cell members who were youngsters, surprised me with a heartfelt gift: they presented on stage a song they had written themselves. The joy and gratitude in my heart were beyond words; I was truly happy!

I was moved deeply seeing them singing on stage, and hearing their lyrics was even more touching. From each of their faces, their smiles, and their love for me, as well as how they followed our church and God, I could see God at work in them. I felt a great sense of hope and joy because I knew that not only was I serving, along with my generation, but that the next generation was also rising up to serve.

Their lyrics incorporated what I often say: “God is real,” “With God, fear not,” and so on. This made me feel comforted, knowing that the messages I continually preach have reached them and entered their lives. While they were singing, the Holy Spirit prompted me to dance to offer my praise to God. So, I invited them to encore and I danced along freely. In this way, I dedicated the morning of my first day being 70 to God. I could feel God’s presence in our midst, delighting in what we offered and was glad to be with us. In that moment of singing and dancing, my generation, the next generation, and all the brothers and sisters came together as a big Tree of Life family to worship God, giving glory to Him. What a beautiful picture this was!

As we were dancing and celebrating in joy, our focus was actually on God. While I received the love and goodwill of the youngsters as they celebrated my birthday, we were also giving glory to God together, as my life was given by God and everything I have is from Him. What moved me even more was the young people not only actively engaged themselves but also led the whole congregation to sing and dance. It showed me that our church is witnessing generation after generation of young people rising up as Levites to serve God together. I am not worried that at my generation, if I am no longer here, what will happen to the next generation, as I see that God is preparing the young people for us, and He will surely help us.

We truly have hope and a beautiful future because everything is in God’s hand. Let us continue to worship and serve God from generation to generation until the Lord returns!■【2024.11.17】