The pandemic of the century is officially over. The year 2023, which has been faltering amid the widening gap between rich and poor, geopolitical tensions, uneven resource distribution, shadow of wars, and economical difficulties, has finally come to an end! As we enter into a new year, in preparation for the Lunar New Year celebration, what will the world be like in 2024?
As described in the famous British magazine, “The Economist,” 2024 will be the biggest election year in history. Starting with the presidential election in Taiwan on January 13 to the presidential election in the United States on November 5, about 40 countries all around the world will hold general elections this year. For many countries, a new generation of leaders will emerge to lead their nations.
Will the global inflation continues after all the elections? What will happen to the year-long battle between Russia and Ukraine? What about the fierce Israeli-Palestinian conflicts? How will the volatile global economy and commerce impact the way of life onward? What will happen to the church’s worship methods, organization structure, equipping and training, pastoral methods, mission strategies, issues of losing members, decrease in offering, and the cultivation of the next generation? Honestly no one knows.
As we face an uncertain and chaotic world, we are reminded of Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians who were facing their share of challenges as Paul said, “It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9) The more difficult the circumstances, the more crucial it is to be the light in the darkness pressing forward.
For our EFC churches, 2024 is the “Year of Equipping,” we sincerely hope that all the brothers and sisters, regardless of our years in the Lord or our past experiences, will set a resolution this year. As 1 Thessalonians 1:6 states, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” May we continue to receive the Word with a humble and proactive attitude, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of our Lord, to live out the likeness of Christ in our lives.
With this theme in mind, we will first look to partner with both Logos Seminary in the United States and Taiwan, to provide more systematic training for our pastors and church leaders, to equip the saints and to build up the body of Christ. Secondly, through modern technology, we look forward to developing deeper relationship with the local churches, to see much breakthrough in church development. Thirdly, the GA office will prepare useful resources and ministry toolbox, and will be made available online for churches to use. We will also partner with regional assemblies proactively to provide training courses on a regular basis.
Just as Paul says in Philippians 4:8-9, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” In all these areas, we pray that EFC churches can bear much fruit through the grace of the Lord despite this difficult environment, so that churches can be built up and the Lord’s name be glorified!
We look forward to having you join us in this exciting journey this year!
Rev. Allen Hu
Secretary General
