WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.339 Morning. The scripture reading today comes from 2 Peter and the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17. 00:00:09.259 --> 00:00:11.220 Please follow along in your bulletins. 00:00:13.740 --> 00:00:21.960 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient towards you, 00:00:22.420 --> 00:00:27.100 not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 00:00:27.100 --> 00:00:35.420 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, 00:00:35.679 --> 00:00:43.100 and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 00:00:44.260 --> 00:00:49.880 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them, 00:00:49.980 --> 00:00:54.620 The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed. 00:00:54.619 --> 00:00:59.280 Nor will they say, Look, here it is, or there. 00:01:00.099 --> 00:01:03.799 For behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. 00:01:04.979 --> 00:01:06.500 And he said to the disciples, 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:14.039 The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 00:01:14.879 --> 00:01:18.000 They will say to you, Look there, look here. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:22.040 Do not go away, and do not run after them. 00:01:22.920 --> 00:01:29.480 For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, 00:01:29.939 --> 00:01:32.920 so will the Son of Man be in his day. 00:01:33.920 --> 00:01:39.500 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 00:01:39.500 --> 00:01:47.159 And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man. 00:01:47.900 --> 00:01:54.379 They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given to each other in marriage, 00:01:54.780 --> 00:02:00.260 until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 00:02:00.260 --> 00:02:04.740 It was the same as happened in the days of Lot. 00:02:05.320 --> 00:02:11.319 They were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. 00:02:12.180 --> 00:02:20.480 But on the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 00:02:22.140 --> 00:02:26.240 It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:35.840 On that day, the one who is on the housetop, and whose goods are in the house, must not go down to take them out. 00:02:36.860 --> 00:02:40.580 And likewise, the one who is in the field must not turn back. 00:02:41.280 --> 00:02:42.480 Remember Lot's wife? 00:02:43.960 --> 00:02:50.680 Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. 00:02:51.580 --> 00:02:55.719 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed. 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:59.340 One will be taken, and the other will be left. 00:03:00.640 --> 00:03:03.520 There will be two women grinding at the same place. 00:03:04.100 --> 00:03:07.020 One will be taken, and the other will be left. 00:03:08.159 --> 00:03:09.740 Two men will be in the field. 00:03:10.560 --> 00:03:13.140 One will be taken, and the other will be left. 00:03:14.480 --> 00:03:17.439 And answering, they said to him, 00:03:17.700 --> 00:03:18.640 Where, Lord? 00:03:18.639 --> 00:03:20.139 And he said to them, 00:03:20.359 --> 00:03:24.659 Where the body is, there also the vultures will be gathered. 00:03:25.439 --> 00:03:26.619 This is God's word. 00:03:29.739 --> 00:03:30.759 How you guys doing? 00:03:31.979 --> 00:03:32.919 Oh, come on. 00:03:34.419 --> 00:03:35.219 That's pitiful. 00:03:36.839 --> 00:03:37.539 How you doing? 00:03:37.539 --> 00:03:37.579 Good. 00:03:38.659 --> 00:03:39.479 I don't know about you. 00:03:39.519 --> 00:03:41.539 Every time I see that video, it's like, whoa. 00:03:42.299 --> 00:03:48.919 You just realize, as in most of life, that we are all just kind of little ants 00:03:48.919 --> 00:03:51.719 standing on the shoulders of people who've gone before us, 00:03:51.739 --> 00:03:54.159 who were faithful and trusted the Lord. 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:57.639 And it's just amazing to be here where we are right now. 00:03:58.039 --> 00:04:00.419 This is our second compass meeting. 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:06.179 That means that we as a church have existed for two and a half years, 00:04:06.179 --> 00:04:11.079 which I think is amazing, as we dreamed about this many, many years ago. 00:04:11.459 --> 00:04:16.979 So we developed and designed this meeting to be kind of like a dinner table at our house, 00:04:17.839 --> 00:04:20.979 which is crazy, chaotic, active. 00:04:21.279 --> 00:04:22.680 It's going to be running forward. 00:04:22.899 --> 00:04:25.659 There's not going to be any food during this time, but there will be food after this time. 00:04:25.660 --> 00:04:33.260 But our hope is that you will see what people do in their ministries as laypeople, as staff, 00:04:33.360 --> 00:04:35.140 and see where God is leading us. 00:04:35.520 --> 00:04:43.860 The goal this time is to look at where we've been, John Bechtel, his dad, 1940s, 1930s, four people. 00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:52.500 Where we are now, you sitting here in this sanctuary, which is an IT center during the week, 00:04:53.340 --> 00:04:54.540 and where we hope to go. 00:04:55.660 --> 00:04:58.760 I don't know how you feel like when you think of where we hope to go. 00:04:58.860 --> 00:05:02.140 Sometimes, to me, that's a scary thing. 00:05:02.260 --> 00:05:07.040 And it seems like people are talking a lot about the future and where we hope to go, 00:05:07.120 --> 00:05:07.900 where we hope to be. 00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:08.720 You look at Korea. 00:05:08.840 --> 00:05:10.180 You look at all the things going economically. 00:05:10.660 --> 00:05:11.520 You look at the world. 00:05:11.840 --> 00:05:16.660 And if you are a Christ follower, often you talk about when Christ will come back again. 00:05:17.640 --> 00:05:20.420 The Bible looks at time this way, just so you know. 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:24.540 There was eternity past, and in that, God existed. 00:05:25.400 --> 00:05:27.920 Not a ball of gas that exploded, but God. 00:05:28.740 --> 00:05:30.860 And God spoke, and we have creation. 00:05:31.600 --> 00:05:33.200 God's word, he created everything. 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:35.640 And at the end of each one of those things, he said it was good. 00:05:36.759 --> 00:05:40.139 Except for man, where he created a partner, community, relationships. 00:05:40.139 --> 00:05:41.919 Then we have the fall. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:49.159 Sometime amongst that creation, man chose to become God instead of follow God. 00:05:50.039 --> 00:05:51.180 And everything was broken. 00:05:51.339 --> 00:05:55.500 All the relationships that God meant to be healthy and strong were fractured. 00:05:55.579 --> 00:05:57.000 Our relationship with God was fractured. 00:05:57.060 --> 00:05:59.519 Our relationship with ourself was fractured. 00:05:59.599 --> 00:06:04.060 We became schizophrenic because we can't really know who we are unless we know who God is. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:07.319 Our relationship with people around us became broken. 00:06:07.579 --> 00:06:10.660 Our relationship with nature became crushed. 00:06:12.360 --> 00:06:16.259 And then one day, 2,000 years ago, God sends his son. 00:06:16.899 --> 00:06:18.840 And in that, there's this period of redemption. 00:06:19.759 --> 00:06:20.959 So we have creation. 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:21.959 We have fall. 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:22.840 We have redemption. 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:25.180 And Christ comes, and he redeems everything. 00:06:25.300 --> 00:06:26.720 He makes all things new. 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:28.540 He binds relationships. 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:32.100 His spirit is like this seed that's planted in the ground, and it grows. 00:06:32.100 --> 00:06:34.060 And you see amazing things happen. 00:06:34.200 --> 00:06:37.620 And it's not always a boom, but it's slow, and it's steady growth. 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:38.840 And he's redeeming. 00:06:38.939 --> 00:06:39.720 He's buying back. 00:06:39.820 --> 00:06:40.600 He's fixing things. 00:06:40.700 --> 00:06:41.540 He's healing things. 00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:42.840 He's making things new. 00:06:43.160 --> 00:06:47.420 And then one day, when he comes back again, there'll be what we call restoration. 00:06:48.460 --> 00:06:49.700 That he'll restore all things. 00:06:49.800 --> 00:06:54.040 The Bible at the end of the last book, Revelations, talks about there'll be a new heaven and a new earth. 00:06:54.680 --> 00:06:56.040 So we have creation. 00:06:56.200 --> 00:06:56.760 We have fall. 00:06:57.040 --> 00:06:57.720 We have redemption. 00:06:57.879 --> 00:06:58.700 And we have restoration. 00:06:58.699 --> 00:07:05.560 And we, as God's people, are in this middle of this redemption and this restoration time. 00:07:06.599 --> 00:07:07.759 Sometimes it's a weird time. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:08.920 Sometimes it's a strange time. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:11.360 It's a now time, but it's a not yet time. 00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:12.680 We see God moving. 00:07:12.759 --> 00:07:13.680 We see the Holy Spirit moving. 00:07:13.740 --> 00:07:16.419 But we don't necessarily see the full manifestation of that. 00:07:16.459 --> 00:07:18.779 We don't see families totally fixed. 00:07:18.839 --> 00:07:21.079 We don't see people totally free from sin. 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:22.259 We still see brokenness. 00:07:22.319 --> 00:07:23.599 We still see problem. 00:07:23.600 --> 00:07:26.400 Because it's a now time, but it's not a not yet time. 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:31.300 In the not yet time, when Christ comes again, everything is made new and everything is fixed. 00:07:31.840 --> 00:07:33.080 And everything is healed. 00:07:34.040 --> 00:07:35.340 And we have this passage today. 00:07:35.439 --> 00:07:37.720 And Jesus is talking to two groups of people. 00:07:37.780 --> 00:07:39.900 The first two sentences, and that's all we're going to look at today. 00:07:40.240 --> 00:07:41.520 He's talking to the Pharisees. 00:07:41.939 --> 00:07:45.220 In the last 12 sentences, he's talking to his disciples. 00:07:45.820 --> 00:07:47.420 And again, he's talking about the future. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:54.140 And Jesus talked about the kingdom of God and the kingdom of God coming more than any other thing in the Bible. 00:07:54.700 --> 00:07:56.100 He's always talked about the kingdom of God. 00:07:56.580 --> 00:07:57.340 The kingdom of God is coming. 00:07:57.420 --> 00:07:59.800 Up until this point in Luke, we've been going through it for a year and a half, 00:08:00.080 --> 00:08:02.040 he's talked about the kingdom of God 27 times. 00:08:03.160 --> 00:08:04.320 Okay, and we're only in chapter 17. 00:08:05.500 --> 00:08:06.740 So he just talks about it over and over. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:11.760 And so the Pharisees ask the question, which is a fair question, being that that's what Jesus is about. 00:08:13.020 --> 00:08:14.520 When will this come? 00:08:15.500 --> 00:08:16.300 They want to know. 00:08:16.360 --> 00:08:17.040 They want to know the signs. 00:08:17.120 --> 00:08:18.040 They want to know when it's happening. 00:08:18.420 --> 00:08:23.780 And so they're in there, and they don't understand that when Christ came, he started this redemption period. 00:08:24.360 --> 00:08:29.040 They're still looking back, and they're looking towards the future when Christ comes again in power and strength, 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:30.520 and he restores the kingdom. 00:08:30.640 --> 00:08:31.340 He restores everything. 00:08:31.700 --> 00:08:35.800 They don't see that Christ started that process when he came. 00:08:36.480 --> 00:08:40.080 They have a different expectation of how God should work, and they want him to work a certain way, 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:41.759 and he's not working that certain way. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:44.500 I don't know if you do that, but I do that all the time. 00:08:44.500 --> 00:08:47.399 I want God to work certain ways, and he doesn't work that way, and I get disappointed, 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:49.639 and I wonder if he's still there, and what's he doing? 00:08:50.080 --> 00:08:51.860 And this is what the Pharisees said. 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:54.080 And so they said, when is it going to come? 00:08:54.100 --> 00:08:55.720 And Jesus never answers the question. 00:08:55.820 --> 00:08:56.259 It's interesting. 00:08:56.360 --> 00:09:00.360 He always gives another question, or he always answers a different question, 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:02.000 the question probably that we should have asked. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:06.840 And he says to them in verse 21, it's not going to be something that you see. 00:09:06.940 --> 00:09:13.320 It's not going to be observed this first time, but it's going to be something that's quiet and hidden 00:09:13.320 --> 00:09:16.600 and working like a seed under the ground. 00:09:17.460 --> 00:09:21.860 And then he says in verse 21, which is the words that I just want to end with and we talk about. 00:09:21.860 --> 00:09:27.200 He says, therefore, for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:31.360 Now, in the Greek, that word is a very specific word. 00:09:31.440 --> 00:09:32.320 It means it's among you. 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:34.019 It's around you. 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:34.879 It's in your presence. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:39.399 But it's just not a word that says this is what's happening or this is what's true. 00:09:40.399 --> 00:09:42.240 It's a word that demands action. 00:09:43.560 --> 00:09:47.180 It's like you saying, hey, there's a million dollars on that ground right in front of you. 00:09:47.479 --> 00:09:50.079 You wouldn't just look at that and go, well, that's cool, and walk away. 00:09:51.639 --> 00:09:52.819 Hopefully you would grab it. 00:09:52.899 --> 00:09:57.339 Maybe you would ask to see if someone has it or try to be honest with it or something like that. 00:09:57.500 --> 00:10:00.120 But you couldn't just look at it and just observe it and then walk away. 00:10:00.539 --> 00:10:03.159 And he's saying that to the Pharisees right here. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:05.099 He's saying God's kingdom is everywhere. 00:10:06.579 --> 00:10:07.359 It's in me. 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:09.419 It's moving. 00:10:10.199 --> 00:10:11.240 It's like a seed. 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:13.240 But that's just not enough. 00:10:13.319 --> 00:10:15.439 The question is, what are you going to do with that truth? 00:10:15.440 --> 00:10:21.380 Are you going to accept that truth and allow God's spirit to come in you and heal you and change you and fix you and redeem you? 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:31.580 And as you do that, are you going to allow yourself to be used by God to go out and redeem and fix and heal and choose and help others around you? 00:10:33.200 --> 00:10:38.140 So the Pharisees wanted power and they wanted God to come back and destroy the Romans. 00:10:38.300 --> 00:10:41.200 They wanted to be elevated and they wanted the end times. 00:10:41.320 --> 00:10:43.380 They wanted the restoration time. 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:45.759 But Jesus says, no, we're in this redeeming time. 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:48.080 And so the Pharisees didn't get Jesus. 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:54.580 But if we're honest, sometimes we don't get him coming a second time. 00:10:56.259 --> 00:11:05.460 And if we're honest, most of us want the fun, the compassionate, the loving, the gentle, the gracious, the kind, the suffering servant, the guy who washes people's feet. 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:07.680 That's the Jesus we want, right? 00:11:08.500 --> 00:11:09.820 But the Pharisees couldn't handle that. 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:10.560 They wanted power. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:11.259 They wanted strength. 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:12.139 They wanted a king. 00:11:12.300 --> 00:11:13.560 They wanted a king for their kingdom. 00:11:13.960 --> 00:11:18.420 But we today, we have a hard time with that, don't we? 00:11:19.700 --> 00:11:21.940 I mean, to think that we're accountable to God. 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:27.460 To think that there's going to be a king who's going to come and he's going to ask us how he used our stuff he gave us. 00:11:27.460 --> 00:11:35.080 To think that there's going to be a king who's going to come and it's his kingdom that we're living for and it's not my kingdom that I'm living for. 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:42.139 And so in one way, we both miss the meaning of the passage. 00:11:43.480 --> 00:11:47.900 The Pharisees missed it because Jesus was there and he was doing these things and he was healing these things and it was taken forth. 00:11:47.899 --> 00:11:52.959 And we miss it sometimes because we don't ever think about him coming again. 00:11:53.959 --> 00:11:56.279 We don't ever think about his kingdom, what it's going to look like. 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:58.559 We don't ever think about what he's going to ask of us. 00:11:59.079 --> 00:12:03.459 That's scary to be accountable for everything he's given us. 00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:12.539 But the passage is looking towards the future and the question again is the kingdom of God is amongst you. 00:12:15.659 --> 00:12:17.000 What are you going to do with that? 00:12:17.899 --> 00:12:25.759 We're going to pray right now and we want to bring up some of the staff and the volunteers. 00:12:26.919 --> 00:12:30.779 And they're going to share with you what we've been trusting the Lord for and what we think God is doing. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:34.199 Because this church is not responsible for bringing God's kingdom. 00:12:34.399 --> 00:12:36.299 God is responsible for bringing God's kingdom. 00:12:36.699 --> 00:12:38.220 God is the one that changes people's lives. 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:39.480 God is the one that heals people. 00:12:39.879 --> 00:12:41.220 God is the one that fixes marriages. 00:12:42.299 --> 00:12:44.759 The church is just here to be used by God. 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:46.500 Amongst all that. 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:47.500 God is the one that changes people's lives. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:51.659 And so we want to share with you what God has used us with as his body this last year. 00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:58.299 And then we want to share with you some prayers that we're hoping that he will continue to do as we think he's moving us as a congregation. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:00.539 Father, we just thank you for this day. 00:13:00.620 --> 00:13:02.460 We thank you for your goodness and for your mercy. 00:13:03.159 --> 00:13:05.440 We thank you for your message and for your word. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:11.580 We thank you that the message isn't something that is just looking towards the future when you come in power and strength. 00:13:11.580 --> 00:13:17.280 But it's a message that looks towards the now and what we will do with your gospel and how we will use it. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:24.700 And so as a church, Lord, we don't presume to know for sure this is what you've called all of us to do. 00:13:25.340 --> 00:13:27.940 We walk in faith and we trust you. 00:13:27.940 --> 00:13:31.920 And we walk in faith. 00:13:32.920 --> 00:13:38.060 The question for us, Lord, is help us to be found faithful with all these things. 00:13:38.680 --> 00:13:42.740 Help us to be found faithful with the stewardship that you've given us. 00:13:43.280 --> 00:13:49.400 And help us to have a vision of a big God who's moving and changing and cannot be bound. 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:56.179 And so we lift up this time to you and we pray that you be well pleased and honored as we serve you. 00:13:57.699 --> 00:13:58.100 Amen. 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:02.259 Good morning, church family. 00:14:02.399 --> 00:14:03.319 Can I hear a good morning? 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:05.879 Awesome. 00:14:06.079 --> 00:14:07.139 Good to hear you have some energy. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:12.240 My name is Natalie Mann and I'm the director of children's ministry here at Watermark. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:16.519 I'm Sherman M, the children's ministry coordinator. 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:19.779 And we're so excited that you guys are here. 00:14:22.899 --> 00:14:24.100 I'm no one special. 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:26.419 He's talking later. 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:31.199 Graham, you're just our support team. 00:14:31.539 --> 00:14:33.159 Okay, so we are excited. 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:34.159 This is Graham. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:35.679 He'll be talking later. 00:14:35.899 --> 00:14:37.840 But we're excited to have you here today. 00:14:37.840 --> 00:14:46.600 And we want to share a little bit about where Watermark Kids is today and where we want to see Watermark Kids grow. 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:51.300 It's been exciting to see the hearts of our kids change in the past two years. 00:14:51.680 --> 00:14:56.240 We've had phenomenal growth in our kids' lives and in our families' lives here at Watermark. 00:14:56.700 --> 00:15:00.420 And without further ado, I want to introduce Graham Smith. 00:15:00.420 --> 00:15:00.860 Woo! 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:06.320 All right, I feel like somebody again. 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:16.320 All right, I think we must be the only church in the world where our Sunday schools are named by such names as Ocean, River, and Surf. 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:23.400 And when I heard the name Surf, I had in my mind this picture of sunshine, waves, beach. 00:15:23.760 --> 00:15:24.340 It was beautiful. 00:15:24.800 --> 00:15:31.800 And my first day in the classroom felt like I was surfing in a typhoon rather than sort of a sunny day on the beach. 00:15:32.540 --> 00:15:41.520 And I really thought that what I was going to do was walk into the classroom and be teaching the kids about God and about stories from the Bible. 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:48.079 But what I found was that I was actually learning from them, and these kids were incredibly good at teaching me a few things. 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:52.819 For example, one day we actually had to bring the kids back halfway through the service. 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:58.139 So they're getting ready to come in, and I said to them, all right, when we go in, we need to be quiet. 00:15:58.419 --> 00:16:00.120 And there was a little bit of grunting and groaning. 00:16:00.220 --> 00:16:04.079 And I said, do you know why we need to be quiet when we go back into the service? 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:09.060 And with that, a certain little boy put up his hand and said, yes, because some people will be sleeping. 00:16:09.780 --> 00:16:12.040 So you can't argue with that. 00:16:12.600 --> 00:16:15.540 And can't argue with that, right? 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:20.920 And then their biblical knowledge also totally astounds me. 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:23.580 We were doing a little bit of a warm-up activity. 00:16:24.400 --> 00:16:31.900 And I said to them, what is small, cute, and has two big ears? 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:37.699 And one little girl put up her hand and said, I know the answer is Jesus, but I think it's a rabbit. 00:16:38.879 --> 00:16:46.600 But anyway, when I did start, I really did think that I would be going into the classroom and sort of teaching these kids. 00:16:46.860 --> 00:16:50.220 And I really thought more of it as sort of a knowledge about God. 00:16:50.319 --> 00:16:54.559 But what I found was that God was taking it much deeper, and it was about relationships. 00:16:54.559 --> 00:17:02.399 Relationships about me with them as their teacher, them with each other, because we called into a community. 00:17:02.899 --> 00:17:05.319 And above all, their relationship with Jesus Christ. 00:17:06.019 --> 00:17:11.119 And it's been amazing to see that that's something that's growing and changing in the kids. 00:17:11.179 --> 00:17:13.059 And it challenges me every week. 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:19.119 And one thing I did think about when I volunteered, right? 00:17:19.179 --> 00:17:24.700 The word volunteer, I always think it's me giving up my time to serve others. 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:26.759 And yes, that is part of it, right? 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:29.980 But it's much more about an investment. 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:33.619 An investment in the lives of these kids. 00:17:34.059 --> 00:17:36.559 And I don't see them as the way we're moving forward. 00:17:36.639 --> 00:17:37.480 I don't see them as children. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:41.759 I see them as these are the future husbands and wives of a community. 00:17:41.759 --> 00:17:44.680 These are the future leaders in our churches. 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:46.960 And these are the future leaders in our communities. 00:17:47.920 --> 00:17:54.960 And just as we see these kids growing, and I think about the privilege it is to be able to invest in their lives, 00:17:55.420 --> 00:17:58.180 I see it as an investment, not volunteering. 00:17:58.440 --> 00:18:03.059 But also, as we see these kids growing, an investment in my walk with God. 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:09.359 Because I've seen Him say and do things in the lives of these kids, but also in my personal life. 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:16.979 So, if any of you are thinking about volunteering, I can promise you it's not always going to be a great surf. 00:18:17.119 --> 00:18:18.399 It's not always going to be sunshine. 00:18:18.619 --> 00:18:20.519 But it is going to be an awesome ride. 00:18:20.799 --> 00:18:24.179 And not only with these kids, but also with your walk with God. 00:18:24.679 --> 00:18:25.500 So, thank you. 00:18:25.719 --> 00:18:27.159 Thank you. 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:33.680 Hi, I'm Eric Scott. 00:18:33.779 --> 00:18:34.980 I'm the youth guy here at Watermark. 00:18:35.300 --> 00:18:36.700 And this is Dave McConnell. 00:18:37.040 --> 00:18:41.240 He wanted to sit down so that he could have a better view of you guys, I guess. 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:44.300 This isn't going to be David and Goliath. 00:18:44.580 --> 00:18:45.640 He's a good Goliath. 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:54.140 So, I just wanted to have Dave share a little bit about his experience serving with the youth. 00:18:54.580 --> 00:18:57.340 And so, first, why did you start serving with the youth? 00:18:58.180 --> 00:19:02.480 I had no thought of serving with the youth until Tobin asked me. 00:19:03.120 --> 00:19:07.680 And I'd served collectively in our community group. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:11.060 And I'd counted money, which I wasn't very good at, in the offering. 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:14.379 And so, Tobin asked me to meet you. 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:16.720 And you seemed quite normal. 00:19:17.839 --> 00:19:18.720 Surprising, I know. 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:21.099 So, I met Eric. 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:25.159 And he said, come once on a Friday or a Sunday. 00:19:25.419 --> 00:19:27.359 And if you can't take it, you're out of there. 00:19:27.619 --> 00:19:29.799 And he was very generous that way. 00:19:30.179 --> 00:19:33.339 And so, I said to Eric, I'd give it a try. 00:19:34.619 --> 00:19:37.799 And what are some things that you've learned during your time serving with the youth? 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:50.079 I think the first thing, serving with youth, was, you know, sometimes we are reluctant to leave the congregation because we think we are going to miss a sermon and a message. 00:19:50.299 --> 00:19:57.019 And what I really enjoyed with youth was that, you know, there was a sermon which you prepared and a lesson. 00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.440 And it was an interactive one. 00:19:58.639 --> 00:20:00.960 And actually, the kids sharpened my mind. 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:07.019 So, that was the one thing I enjoyed is I never really felt like I was stepping out of the service. 00:20:07.400 --> 00:20:11.519 And the second thing I learned is that the kids get along really well. 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:13.640 I thought I was going to have to be like your backup. 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:18.380 And, you know, there would be plates and mobile phones flying. 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:20.039 And it wasn't that case at all. 00:20:20.100 --> 00:20:21.120 There was a mutual respect. 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:28.899 And the kids really, it's kind of what Graham said, you know, you kind of, it's mutual respect. 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:31.459 The more you put in, you reap what you sow. 00:20:31.719 --> 00:20:33.399 And the kids will share. 00:20:33.599 --> 00:20:35.119 And I found that fantastic. 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.679 And their hearts are open to the gospel. 00:20:36.879 --> 00:20:41.179 And sometimes we have to be reminded we need to have a little bit of fun, too. 00:20:41.759 --> 00:20:43.739 And church can't be such a serious thing. 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:49.240 So, if you can grasp that, I think serving in youth is really great. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:51.400 It'll keep you from sleeping in service, too. 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:59.180 But anyways, the youth group has been growing this year, both as a community and in numbers. 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:02.160 And it looks like it's going to keep growing. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:05.220 There's a huge group of kids moving up from surf to youth next year. 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:10.720 But as a ministry, we've been doing some really cool stuff, trying to reach out to the community around us. 00:21:10.720 --> 00:21:17.460 We've been visiting four different international schools every week this semester, trying to interact with kids there, running alpha programs and clubs. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:27.539 We started a new outreach this week with kids from our local community opening up the community center and offering to help practice speaking English with them on Wednesdays at lunchtime. 00:21:27.620 --> 00:21:30.900 And we had over 25 kids come out for our first time of doing that. 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:36.420 So, as we move forward, we're looking for new ways that we can reach out to the kids in our community. 00:21:36.420 --> 00:21:42.920 There's a group coming to Hong Kong, starting work here in the fall called Young Life that does a lot of work focusing on the unchurched. 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:50.500 And we have already started talking with them about how we can partner with them, what we can do together with them to help unchurched kids hear about Jesus. 00:21:51.080 --> 00:22:00.039 And with the kids in our own group, we've been working with them as well, trying to focus on how we can help them grow as a community, how we can get them connected to the church. 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:13.460 We've started a new big brother, big sister program where we've connected each of the kids in the youth with an adult from the church to try and get them in a discipling relationship and get them plugged into the church at large as a body. 00:22:14.139 --> 00:22:18.159 And obviously, with all this stuff going on, it's not stuff that I can do by myself. 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:19.700 And so we need help. 00:22:20.200 --> 00:22:25.180 If you guys feel that this is something that God's calling you to do, please talk to me after the service. 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:26.519 Is there anything else you wanted to add? 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:34.339 I just thought really the youth are part of our church family, and it gives you a different level to communicate to the youth. 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:43.500 And one other thing is I don't know about anybody else, but I've been collecting watermark pens in my house. 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:48.240 And this is the lowest number I think I've had, which is pretty embarrassing. 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:55.700 But I want to give these back to you because, you know, whoever designed that pen, that is the greatest pen. 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:57.000 It lasts forever. 00:22:57.440 --> 00:23:01.140 So I want to give my pens back to watermark. 00:23:01.259 --> 00:23:06.220 But I think collectively we've been all taking away something from watermark. 00:23:06.519 --> 00:23:13.120 And, you know, whether it be friendship or fellowship and our spiritual growth. 00:23:13.420 --> 00:23:17.100 And Kip, don't be giving me a hard time after about this, taking pens. 00:23:17.200 --> 00:23:18.740 And don't take any yourself there. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:23.740 But I think, as I say, we've all been taking away something from watermark. 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:28.240 And our hearts are growing stronger and are more open. 00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:33.599 And it's just nice to think, wow, maybe pens looks a little simple. 00:23:33.799 --> 00:23:40.359 But maybe it would be nice if we give a few things back to watermark, too, given what we've been collecting and benefiting from. 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:42.099 That's my last message. 00:23:42.099 --> 00:24:12.079 Thank you. 00:24:12.099 --> 00:24:18.059 A tremendous amount of brokenness, loneliness, people struggling with just figuring out life. 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:22.079 And they are right in the heart of our community. 00:24:23.179 --> 00:24:29.279 And so from the beginning when we started Watermark, just seeing, getting to know their stories and meeting the students, 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:33.899 it's just been obvious that this is something that is too big for anyone to do. 00:24:34.299 --> 00:24:35.819 It's too much for a staff member to do. 00:24:35.959 --> 00:24:38.899 It's too much to do for the volunteers, for a whole church. 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:40.540 There are 28,000 students. 00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:45.340 And so I just want to share two developments that I've seen over this past year. 00:24:45.339 --> 00:24:48.039 The first one is student ownership. 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:55.940 So we have really seen a lot of students not just being on the receiving end but actually stepping up and to see that they need to reach out. 00:24:56.180 --> 00:25:03.099 And in the lecture theaters, in the dorm rooms, on the lunch tables, to reach out to their fellow students to share the love of Christ, 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:07.420 to be the hands and feet to their roommates struggling and figuring out life. 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:16.420 And the other part is just church involvement and church integration and people within the church stepping up to getting to know the students that walk through the doors 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:20.180 and using their time and their energy to reach out to the students. 00:25:20.300 --> 00:25:27.060 And Jason is representative for many of you who have been using their gifts over this past year to reach the students. 00:25:27.279 --> 00:25:32.600 And I just wanted to Jason to share a little bit about their community group adopting the students and what they have been doing. 00:25:32.599 --> 00:25:42.339 First of all, I'd like to ask my CG members and those who have been involved in the university ministry work to stand up so that people can recognize you. 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:44.179 They can come to you with questions. 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:46.259 Later on, they also feel called. 00:25:46.379 --> 00:25:48.500 Can I have my CG members to stand up? 00:25:51.599 --> 00:25:52.319 Only two. 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:52.359 Thank you. 00:25:52.359 --> 00:26:02.919 It's really an honor to work alongside with Mike and Katie. 00:26:03.339 --> 00:26:05.519 I think they've been doing a fantastic job. 00:26:05.799 --> 00:26:12.339 If you have noticed, many of the people who got baptized in our church are from their ministry. 00:26:12.339 --> 00:26:20.819 So they've been doing a fantastic job shepherding, reaching out, and helping the university kids. 00:26:20.959 --> 00:26:21.899 I like to call them kids. 00:26:22.359 --> 00:26:32.019 We as a CG felt called to work with Mike and Katie because many of us were once away from home for school. 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:35.500 And many of us have our own children. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:48.000 And we think it's very important to help the younger generation during the time in the university because this world has become even more confusing than we were younger. 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:56.240 Our CG has been involved with the university ministry in several ways. 00:26:57.240 --> 00:26:59.299 We hosted dinner events. 00:26:59.299 --> 00:27:07.779 We were involved in Encounter Cafe, the career forum, and the career panels. 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:21.759 Like all other volunteers, we all feel blessed tremendously when we serve because older people like to talk about ourselves. 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:26.539 So we like to share with us kids our failures and some of the stories. 00:27:26.539 --> 00:27:34.599 And when we share, very often we recall how God picked us up when we fell and how we were lost. 00:27:34.599 --> 00:27:39.680 And Jesus showed the way and bring people into the doors to help us. 00:27:39.680 --> 00:27:42.400 So I would encourage all of you. 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:48.480 It doesn't take a lot of time to contact Mike and Katie to work alongside with them. 00:27:49.019 --> 00:27:52.940 And strategically, our church is located very close to Hong Kong. 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:54.240 There must be a reason. 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:59.480 So if you're willing and you are able, please contact them. 00:28:00.859 --> 00:28:03.960 And the kids are very lovely. 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:09.900 The questions that they ask are very profound. 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:19.299 And then you'll be surprised that we actually get a lot of enlightenment and help from those kids as well. 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:28.859 Yeah, so just to close, as we look in the future, Tobin shared about the redemption journey and just seeing how things are broken in this world. 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:31.099 But God is restoring things. 00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:32.500 He's in Christ to restore things. 00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.859 And that's, I think, our hope. 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:42.740 And that will be our hope until Christ comes back, that we will see lives redeemed and students that don't know him getting to know him and students that know him being restored in their lives. 00:28:42.740 --> 00:28:50.220 And wherever you feel you want to be a part of that, you're welcome to join us and talk to Jason and his community group and learn more about that. 00:28:54.140 --> 00:28:55.380 My name is Chris. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:57.500 I help oversee community groups. 00:28:58.220 --> 00:29:00.819 And this is Oscar, who is a community group leader. 00:29:01.799 --> 00:29:07.420 Community groups in Watermark are really at the heart of life here, of the church. 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:25.440 And in a place like Hong Kong, where so many people are living isolated lives, lives just focused around themselves and their work, we want our community groups to be real families where people can walk alongside each other, where we can grow together to be like Jesus better. 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:32.160 And over the last year, we've seen groups just developing a greater sense of community together. 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:36.120 We've seen people sending out WhatsApp groups where they pray for each other. 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:37.320 They encourage each other daily. 00:29:37.319 --> 00:29:44.179 We've seen people doing hikes together, people walking through the challenges of life together. 00:29:44.939 --> 00:29:46.519 And not just that. 00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:50.480 The community group is not just also about meeting our own spiritual needs. 00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:52.139 It's also about reaching out. 00:29:52.399 --> 00:29:58.899 And that's also something we've seen just increasingly over the last year. 00:29:58.899 --> 00:30:06.639 We've seen one group spearheading an outreach to some homeless and elderly. 00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:10.720 We've seen others going into old people's homes, giving bread. 00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:17.839 We've seen other groups which have been holding barbecues or junk boat trips, wine and cheese parties. 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:26.500 All of these with a view for actually encouraging people in a non-threatening environment to see the kind of community that God is creating. 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:36.079 Just this week, one lady who's only here for a week said, you know, I've been spending time around your community group. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:40.460 And this has been the best week of my life. 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:44.259 She said, I've never been so loved in all my life. 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:47.839 And she actually accepted Christ this week. 00:30:48.319 --> 00:30:51.039 And that's really the heart of what community is all about. 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:55.619 So I'm going to hand over just to Oscar just to tell us a bit about his community group. 00:30:55.859 --> 00:30:55.940 Sure. 00:30:57.059 --> 00:30:59.500 Yeah, as Chris mentioned, my name is Oscar. 00:30:59.819 --> 00:31:01.680 And by the way, Graham, I'm no one special either. 00:31:01.680 --> 00:31:06.779 I help lead a community group here, Meets on Friday Nights. 00:31:07.360 --> 00:31:11.299 I would characterize our group as being pretty diverse, I would say. 00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:19.920 We hail from many different countries, U.S., Canada, here in Hong Kong, and Pastor Tobin, even Australia. 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:22.680 We've invited one of them as well. 00:31:22.680 --> 00:31:34.660 But even though we sort of come from very diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives, we still face many esteemed challenges of living life in Hong Kong, 00:31:34.920 --> 00:31:42.340 whether it's with long hours at work or dealing with relationships or trying to figure out what our ministry calling is. 00:31:43.120 --> 00:31:45.220 We all face many different challenges. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:53.579 And it's great to have Christians to walk alongside for both godly support and accountability as well as we live life in Hong Kong. 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:59.319 For us, dinner is a very important part of our community group. 00:31:59.940 --> 00:32:06.720 We believe that sharing a meal is an expression of community and fellowship. 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:11.140 And we're very fortunate to have many talented chefs and bakers in our group. 00:32:11.600 --> 00:32:12.480 Not me, of course. 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:17.440 But oftentimes Friday night is one of the best meals of the week for me. 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:20.460 So thank you guys for that. 00:32:21.860 --> 00:32:25.079 As Chris mentioned, outreach is something which is very important. 00:32:25.539 --> 00:32:28.079 And we're trying to make it a culture in our group. 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:36.680 In the past, we've done musical gigs where some of our members have performed, like Jeremy and Celeste. 00:32:36.940 --> 00:32:40.360 And we've invited our non-Christian friends or colleagues to these events. 00:32:40.359 --> 00:32:46.919 And it's been a great way just to sort of hang out in a social environment where there's no pressure. 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:48.899 But this is a Christian event. 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:58.119 But at the same time, non-believers can still see that people that believe in God and the Bible are actually quite normal and fun, believe it or not. 00:32:58.119 --> 00:33:01.239 And so those are the things that we like to do. 00:33:02.679 --> 00:33:07.099 Today, I think a couple of our members are visiting an elderly home. 00:33:07.879 --> 00:33:09.979 I think Ed's mom is even going to sing there as well. 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:10.759 So that's great. 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:17.140 So, yeah, I hope this gives you guys a good flavor of our community group. 00:33:17.480 --> 00:33:21.200 And if you haven't joined a community group yet, I encourage you to sign up. 00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:22.640 Thank you. 00:33:22.640 --> 00:33:36.340 So just where we're heading next is we would love to see over the next year new groups started on the Kowloon side, on South Hong Kong, Hong Kong Island side, even Discovery Bay, Park Island. 00:33:36.660 --> 00:33:42.759 We're all the time looking to see how we can enter into new areas which can impact the neighborhood around. 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:50.119 To do this, we also want to be raising up new leaders and training new leaders to be able to take on these groups. 00:33:50.680 --> 00:34:00.059 We also would love to see present leaders equipped more and groups developing an even greater sense of a culture of discipleship even more. 00:34:00.619 --> 00:34:10.079 And finally, we would love to see community groups even working together using their gifts, their talents, their passions to reach out to those around them. 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:19.460 So that as we work together, people can see the love we have for each other and they can be infected with that so that they want to know the love of Jesus. 00:34:23.759 --> 00:34:24.699 Hi, guys. 00:34:24.860 --> 00:34:25.900 My name is Aldrin. 00:34:26.440 --> 00:34:29.940 I'm part of the staff and I'm in charge of the Filipino ministry. 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:32.139 I am Arnel. 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:35.279 I'm also part of the Filipino ministry. 00:34:35.980 --> 00:34:36.259 All right. 00:34:36.260 --> 00:34:41.920 Just to share a bit of a background, I think this is my sixth month here in Hong Kong. 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:49.240 And during my earlier months, God just opened my eyes to see the challenges of my fellow Filipinos. 00:34:49.980 --> 00:34:59.040 And I saw challenges like broken families, loneliness or homesickness. 00:34:59.180 --> 00:35:01.100 Some are into drug addiction. 00:35:01.099 --> 00:35:08.019 But I also see this hope that God could save them and heal all their brokenness. 00:35:08.839 --> 00:35:15.480 And God could use them to reach out to more people, to more families, because most of them are helpers. 00:35:15.860 --> 00:35:20.539 And they have access to places or to homes which we couldn't access. 00:35:21.360 --> 00:35:24.539 So right now we have two groups. 00:35:24.539 --> 00:35:31.300 We have a group meeting in Syingpun that's in the community center after the service at 2 p.m. 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:33.800 Consisting mostly of helpers. 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:38.599 But we also have another group that meets every Wednesday. 00:35:39.400 --> 00:35:44.199 And it's in Puyo, which is an island in Lantau, which is a part of Lantau Island, 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:49.239 where many Filipino musicians reside. 00:35:49.779 --> 00:35:51.519 And Arnel is from Puyo. 00:35:51.960 --> 00:35:53.679 So do you want to share to us? 00:35:54.379 --> 00:35:57.059 Yeah, I just transferred there last year. 00:35:57.859 --> 00:36:03.699 Yeah, and like Aldrin said, there's a lot of Filipino living there. 00:36:03.699 --> 00:36:11.539 And also a lot of expats moving in Puyo and actually in different parts of Lantau. 00:36:12.439 --> 00:36:16.579 We meet during Wednesday, during lunchtime. 00:36:17.599 --> 00:36:23.859 Yeah, and currently we're ministering to three families already. 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:30.099 The difference with our ministry here in the city is that in Puyo, 00:36:30.099 --> 00:36:36.619 we're ministering to Filipino families wherein they've been living here for many years already. 00:36:36.839 --> 00:36:39.339 Their kids are born here in Hong Kong. 00:36:40.159 --> 00:36:48.400 Yeah, and we just started last year, and God is good. 00:36:49.279 --> 00:36:56.940 And we see a lot of opportunity in ministering to these families, especially the kids. 00:36:56.940 --> 00:37:02.039 I live just in front of the school, and kids running around after school. 00:37:02.300 --> 00:37:05.079 And there's a big opportunity in ministering with these kids. 00:37:06.579 --> 00:37:12.579 We are praying for more wisdom in how to bring them the gospel. 00:37:13.179 --> 00:37:22.019 And you can help us by praying that God give us more energy and wisdom. 00:37:22.980 --> 00:37:23.820 I think that's great. 00:37:23.820 --> 00:37:28.500 Right now we are in the process of reaching out to more Filipinos. 00:37:29.240 --> 00:37:35.440 We've done outreach just last month, and we also have done a retreat last week. 00:37:35.800 --> 00:37:40.880 And we're also emphasizing on training up leaders and discipling more. 00:37:40.880 --> 00:37:47.559 And I think there's just a huge potential for this kind of ministry because, as I've mentioned, 00:37:48.180 --> 00:37:50.160 most of Filipinos are helpers. 00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:54.340 And in Western District alone, there are 13,000 Filipinos. 00:37:55.059 --> 00:37:55.920 That's big. 00:37:56.440 --> 00:37:57.500 13,000 of them. 00:37:57.780 --> 00:37:58.980 Many of them are helpers. 00:37:59.200 --> 00:38:02.480 And they have access to homes, to families. 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:10.300 And the good thing is you can take part in this ministry by praying for more opportunities in Puyo. 00:38:10.719 --> 00:38:14.460 And also by help us to build network. 00:38:15.300 --> 00:38:18.920 By inviting your helpers to join our community. 00:38:18.920 --> 00:38:29.059 Because maybe your helpers, each of them have like five to ten friends who are also helpers. 00:38:29.720 --> 00:38:32.240 And maybe they don't know Jesus yet. 00:38:32.320 --> 00:38:37.400 We just want to welcome them in this community and just share them the love of God. 00:38:37.400 --> 00:38:47.579 And through them, the hope is they will also share the love of God in homes, in households, where Jesus is not known. 00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:49.200 Right? 00:38:49.460 --> 00:38:50.880 So 13,000 of them. 00:38:51.420 --> 00:38:54.680 So yeah, just pray for God's wisdom. 00:38:56.079 --> 00:38:58.180 Invite your helpers to join our community. 00:38:58.400 --> 00:39:02.680 We meet every Sunday at the community center at 2 p.m. 00:39:02.679 --> 00:39:04.519 And yeah. 00:39:05.159 --> 00:39:08.379 And we're excited for what God has in store. 00:39:08.440 --> 00:39:15.059 We hope that this year we'll be able to double our numbers and just really, you know, just welcome them in our community. 00:39:15.739 --> 00:39:16.440 Thank you, guys. 00:39:18.819 --> 00:39:19.980 My name is Jeremy. 00:39:20.819 --> 00:39:21.539 I'm Millen. 00:39:21.739 --> 00:39:22.159 Hi. 00:39:22.339 --> 00:39:24.460 And we're going to talk a little bit about worship arts. 00:39:24.679 --> 00:39:31.719 I just want to clear up and make clear, you know, worship arts is really about using all of the arts in our worship of God. 00:39:31.719 --> 00:39:32.739 You know, not just music. 00:39:32.919 --> 00:39:38.899 And, you know, today in the church, we often kind of equate worship with music and singing. 00:39:39.159 --> 00:39:42.639 And, you know, because I'm leading the singing, I'm often called the worship leader. 00:39:43.159 --> 00:39:47.500 But, you know, although worship and music, you know, they do have a lot of similarities in Watermark. 00:39:47.679 --> 00:39:49.459 It really isn't the only aspect. 00:39:49.959 --> 00:39:52.000 You know, we try a lot of things with multimedia. 00:39:52.859 --> 00:39:55.179 We try things with drama and sketches. 00:39:55.500 --> 00:39:58.419 Charles has done some amazing stuff before as well as other people. 00:39:58.420 --> 00:40:01.740 And so there's different things to that. 00:40:01.820 --> 00:40:04.139 And there's also the whole kind of background aspect to it. 00:40:04.720 --> 00:40:06.440 Production, audiovisual. 00:40:06.599 --> 00:40:15.800 Like in a church of our size, none of the music and the worship arts would really be possible without this foundation that's kind of beneath everything. 00:40:15.800 --> 00:40:22.100 And, you know, I kind of, just to share briefly, I remember when I was younger, you know, and starting to lead in my college ministry. 00:40:22.200 --> 00:40:32.240 You know, one of the things I still remember as being most memorable about our worship services in terms of serving was, you know, wasn't speaking to my group or playing in the band. 00:40:32.239 --> 00:40:40.099 But I remember for some reason, 10 years later, you know, it was setting up chairs before service because, I don't know, it was just so simple. 00:40:40.779 --> 00:40:44.419 And, you know, I was just setting up chairs there and I knew I was doing it for God. 00:40:45.059 --> 00:40:46.459 You know, I was doing it for my dad. 00:40:46.759 --> 00:40:52.839 And I knew that he was happy because I was worshiping him through setting up these chairs. 00:40:52.840 --> 00:41:01.579 So, I guess all this to say, what you see on stage here, that really is just one perspective of worship and worship arts. 00:41:02.019 --> 00:41:10.900 And I'm reminded that everything that goes into facilitating this place, all the sound, all the preparation, all of that is part of leading worship. 00:41:10.900 --> 00:41:21.160 The person who sets up, packs up, rolls cables, all of that is part of setting this beautiful table and banquet table for us to experience fellowship with God. 00:41:21.159 --> 00:41:26.739 So, what I want to do is I want to highlight the production aspect of worship arts right now. 00:41:27.059 --> 00:41:35.319 Not only because it's an important need in our church, but because there's actually so much potential that we see for community, for serving together, 00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:43.239 for actually, you know, experiencing worship leading and serving through production and setting up. 00:41:43.819 --> 00:41:48.359 Millen here is a worship leader through production and all things visual and audio. 00:41:48.360 --> 00:41:52.260 So, I'm just going to hand this over to him and ask him to share a little bit. 00:41:52.559 --> 00:41:52.920 Thanks, Millen. 00:41:53.440 --> 00:41:54.599 Thank you, Jeremy. 00:41:55.380 --> 00:41:56.300 My name is Millen. 00:41:56.840 --> 00:42:02.120 And this is more scary to me than being at the back there handling all the knobs. 00:42:03.880 --> 00:42:05.900 I'm the sound tech guy here at Watermark. 00:42:06.280 --> 00:42:10.140 And everything I do right now is as a volunteer. 00:42:12.140 --> 00:42:16.519 It's crazy, intense, but it is so fulfilling each and every week. 00:42:16.519 --> 00:42:21.519 I am not a sound tech guy by profession. 00:42:23.219 --> 00:42:30.579 The day Tobin asked me to come to Watermark three years ago was actually when I actually started learning about professional audio. 00:42:31.380 --> 00:42:40.360 And there's been a lot of times when batteries would be dead and, you know, have to go up on stage and change it in the middle of the sermon. 00:42:40.360 --> 00:42:43.960 But, you know, that's what part of learning has always been about. 00:42:44.720 --> 00:42:47.700 We have a lot of really, really awesome musicians here at Watermark. 00:42:48.860 --> 00:42:53.980 And the job of the sound tech people at the back is to help everybody worship together. 00:42:54.519 --> 00:42:58.780 It can seem stressful and overwhelming at times, but it does get easier. 00:42:58.780 --> 00:43:06.140 And once you understand how everything fits together, you know, there is that sense of accomplishment that you have with it. 00:43:08.040 --> 00:43:12.500 Parents, I completely understand the fascination kids have with the equipment. 00:43:13.160 --> 00:43:17.740 And we are very open to telling your kids help out. 00:43:17.739 --> 00:43:19.579 It's also a great way for your kids to get involved. 00:43:20.539 --> 00:43:24.319 When I was a kid, I used to take apart stereo systems all the time, you know. 00:43:24.459 --> 00:43:30.039 And my bed, underneath my bed would be littered with components and stuff like that. 00:43:30.159 --> 00:43:31.679 And, you know, that's how we get started. 00:43:33.159 --> 00:43:34.399 We need more volunteers. 00:43:35.159 --> 00:43:39.679 We need people who understand sound and can work under a stressful situation. 00:43:39.679 --> 00:43:50.559 If you're not tone deaf and can commit to helping at least once or twice a month, you know, starting at 7.30 in the morning, please come and talk to Jeremy or I. 00:43:51.279 --> 00:43:56.239 If you're unsure whether you are competent enough, please try at least once. 00:43:56.899 --> 00:43:57.859 You never know. 00:43:58.099 --> 00:44:00.359 This may be God's gifting to you. 00:44:01.039 --> 00:44:06.440 We currently have two teams, but we do want to have up to four teams, 00:44:06.440 --> 00:44:12.720 which includes setting up in the morning, manning the soundboard, and also putting the lyrics up on the screen. 00:44:13.760 --> 00:44:22.659 Including the sound engineer, we need at least five people each week to help with setting up so that we can be done within an hour. 00:44:23.260 --> 00:44:25.840 Because rehearsals usually start around 8.30 in the morning. 00:44:27.780 --> 00:44:32.179 If you have previous experience and want to get involved, please come and talk to us. 00:44:32.179 --> 00:44:41.379 Wives, husbands, if your other half knows the stuff but isn't stepping forward, please help me give them a gentle but firm kick in the butt. 00:44:43.239 --> 00:44:43.799 Thanks, Milan. 00:44:43.980 --> 00:44:45.699 And just as Mel said, you know, there's the setup. 00:44:46.000 --> 00:44:47.699 There's actually the lyrics that you see. 00:44:47.799 --> 00:44:48.960 They don't come up automatically. 00:44:49.559 --> 00:44:50.379 Jackie's back there. 00:44:50.799 --> 00:44:52.440 And the sound actually mixing. 00:44:52.679 --> 00:44:55.379 So there's actually different roles for different levels of skill. 00:44:55.380 --> 00:45:00.980 And I really want to just paint this picture of, you know, it would be so cool just to have, like, you know, you know how we have, like, bands? 00:45:01.140 --> 00:45:02.300 Like, I actually have, like, tech bands. 00:45:02.740 --> 00:45:04.079 You know, we spend time together. 00:45:04.220 --> 00:45:05.380 We practice together. 00:45:06.240 --> 00:45:07.880 We'll give morning calls to each other. 00:45:08.039 --> 00:45:09.480 We'll kind of keep each other accountable. 00:45:10.200 --> 00:45:12.019 We'll buy each other coffee and all that. 00:45:12.079 --> 00:45:15.880 And I just think it would be an amazing thing not just to grow as, oh, I'm just here rolling cables. 00:45:15.880 --> 00:45:19.820 But I'm actually, you know, working alongside Milan and whoever else. 00:45:20.019 --> 00:45:24.019 I'm actually, you know, we're actually doing this together and grinding through this together. 00:45:24.019 --> 00:45:25.800 So please pray about that. 00:45:26.259 --> 00:45:28.059 And, yeah, thank you for listening. 00:45:30.800 --> 00:45:31.960 Good morning, Watermark. 00:45:33.579 --> 00:45:35.800 The world is very good at celebrating. 00:45:36.139 --> 00:45:44.559 I believe that as God's people, we have even bigger reason to celebrate what God's been doing in our church, Watermark, over the past year. 00:45:44.780 --> 00:45:48.820 And we are going to do just that by, believe it or not, talking about finances. 00:45:51.960 --> 00:45:53.259 Now, this is Franklin. 00:45:54.019 --> 00:45:56.519 He's very important, actually. 00:45:59.119 --> 00:46:01.119 He's one of our elders at Watermark. 00:46:01.380 --> 00:46:02.759 And you can kind of tell with the suit. 00:46:04.440 --> 00:46:05.400 My name is Kelvin. 00:46:06.199 --> 00:46:07.159 I'm Cindy's husband. 00:46:07.759 --> 00:46:15.559 And for those of you who don't know Cindy, if you, you know, if you still need a donation receipt, that's the person you go after. 00:46:15.559 --> 00:46:23.619 Now, 17th of June 2012 was a very, very happy day at Watermark. 00:46:23.619 --> 00:46:36.199 Instead of being passed around a little bag, if you can call that a bag, to put money into, we were actually given money by our pastor. 00:46:36.199 --> 00:46:38.919 You can see up there. 00:46:39.699 --> 00:46:42.619 I still keep mine because, anyway. 00:46:42.619 --> 00:46:57.900 Yeah, without going into the legality of defacing the U.S. $1 bill or the sermon, which I highly recommend you to go back to, 17th of June 2012. 00:46:57.900 --> 00:47:02.039 I had a big takeaway on that week. 00:47:02.039 --> 00:47:02.840 Okay. 00:47:02.840 --> 00:47:02.900 Okay. 00:47:04.059 --> 00:47:18.440 Then the takeaway was, if I were just looking at all the belongings and all the money God has given me, and have a big smile on my face, and say to myself, 00:47:18.440 --> 00:47:33.820 Kelvin, eat, drink, take it easy, and be merry, then I am worshipping myself and the money, and not worshipping God who gave me the money. 00:47:33.820 --> 00:47:52.940 So, on this slide, you see that, I am very glad actually to report that, the giving in Watermark has increased by 19% over the past year. 00:47:54.180 --> 00:48:00.280 Very so often, you hear Tobin saying up here that money is a huge idol in a lot of our lives. 00:48:00.280 --> 00:48:04.580 It is an indication of our spiritual health. 00:48:04.660 --> 00:48:05.540 It is a strong indication. 00:48:06.680 --> 00:48:14.140 And also, it is a reflection of how we respond to the way God is changing our lives and what God is doing in our lives. 00:48:15.440 --> 00:48:25.740 And looking at these numbers, without going into too much detail into the breakdown, you know, I believe that as a church, that spiritually we are growing. 00:48:25.739 --> 00:48:30.199 Of course, there are many factors that can contribute to a 19% increase. 00:48:30.359 --> 00:48:37.039 It could be numbers, number of people, it could be many things, but I believe that God is really changing lives in Watermark. 00:48:37.039 --> 00:49:00.179 So, on the next slide, you see the breakdown of the expenses over the past year. 00:49:00.179 --> 00:49:14.419 And you notice that the top three areas is personnel cost, Sunday worship and service and worship, and facilities, community center. 00:49:16.199 --> 00:49:22.659 Now, some of you might ask, you know, why are we spending such a big portion of our expenses on personnel? 00:49:22.659 --> 00:49:33.019 Well, I think the answer to that could be, it depends on whether we believe a church is a building with a pointy roof and a bell going up the top, 00:49:33.440 --> 00:49:39.859 or is it a people who believe in God and wants to become part of the mission? 00:49:39.860 --> 00:49:47.700 If you were here last year at this Compass meeting, you would have seen me putting up four pictures there, three pictures or four pictures, 00:49:48.140 --> 00:49:51.720 of the staff team when we first started the church two and a half years ago. 00:49:53.360 --> 00:49:58.960 Today, not in any particular order, you see our staff team growing into about 15 people. 00:49:58.960 --> 00:50:13.039 I feel that when I was looking at the video earlier today about how a little church was starting in Mayfue, 00:50:14.420 --> 00:50:17.300 and what we are doing right now, I had tears coming to my eyes. 00:50:19.300 --> 00:50:26.760 It's because of my unfaithfulness, because I believe, because I never really believed how big our God is, 00:50:26.760 --> 00:50:29.540 how big our God is. 00:50:37.020 --> 00:50:42.000 So if you look at the mission statement in our booklet today, you all have a booklet on your chair. 00:50:42.920 --> 00:50:54.280 Part of it is talking about, if you come here to Watermark, what you will experience is taking and joining us 00:50:54.280 --> 00:51:01.540 in taking the next step in becoming fully functioning followers of Christ. 00:51:02.680 --> 00:51:08.920 Over the last year, these are some of the things which I've personally benefited and experienced 00:51:08.920 --> 00:51:10.700 in making that step. 00:51:11.680 --> 00:51:13.820 Baby steps, but making a step. 00:51:13.820 --> 00:51:21.380 I'm not going to go through the details of what happened with Michael Ramston teaching us about how to share our faith. 00:51:22.300 --> 00:51:26.780 Dr. Hannah giving leadership training to many of the church leaders here 00:51:26.780 --> 00:51:30.220 in what they focus on in terms of church planting and so on. 00:51:31.460 --> 00:51:37.260 Mark Teder helping us understand, get a better understanding of what worship arts and worshipping, 00:51:37.260 --> 00:51:45.100 and how to set the table with worshipping God, either in a service or even on a day-to-day basis. 00:51:46.260 --> 00:51:49.740 But the biggest thing that changed, that I benefited from, was the marriage course, 00:51:49.840 --> 00:51:52.760 which Tobin and Christina led last year. 00:51:53.540 --> 00:51:58.680 I think by now, over 30 couples in the church, so times two is 60 people, 00:51:59.600 --> 00:52:02.700 would have actually benefited from that. 00:52:02.699 --> 00:52:09.199 And for me personally, it completely changed the way I do marriage, 00:52:09.699 --> 00:52:11.779 how we handle conflicts at home, 00:52:12.579 --> 00:52:15.819 and also, it just really, when I look back, 00:52:15.960 --> 00:52:17.960 it was a turning point in our struggling marriage, 00:52:18.219 --> 00:52:20.079 which was a very dark place last year. 00:52:20.079 --> 00:52:28.639 So you see this is a very busy slide. 00:52:30.759 --> 00:52:31.440 Very busy. 00:52:32.000 --> 00:52:35.420 We've been outreaching, and as a church, as a whole, 00:52:35.659 --> 00:52:37.420 we've been giving to different organisations. 00:52:38.420 --> 00:52:40.239 You see a bunch of logos in the middle, 00:52:41.400 --> 00:52:42.420 Redeemer City to City, 00:52:43.500 --> 00:52:45.239 Global Mosaic, First Vision, 00:52:45.519 --> 00:52:47.219 Ganga, Friends of Hong Kong, 00:52:47.340 --> 00:52:48.099 Charities in the middle, 00:52:48.099 --> 00:52:49.339 and a pair of hands. 00:52:49.440 --> 00:52:50.779 Anyone know that pair of hands? 00:52:53.119 --> 00:52:53.559 No? 00:52:53.799 --> 00:52:56.279 It's actually a Facebook icon for Worship Planet, 00:52:56.440 --> 00:52:58.339 which is the Mark Teter organisation. 00:52:58.559 --> 00:53:00.699 It specialises in teaching worship. 00:53:01.839 --> 00:53:03.099 On the right, you see, 00:53:04.059 --> 00:53:04.839 very busy, right? 00:53:05.059 --> 00:53:06.319 We had Easter Outreach, 00:53:06.400 --> 00:53:08.119 we had Christmas Outreach at the Community Centre, 00:53:08.299 --> 00:53:09.279 we had Christmas Outreach, 00:53:09.699 --> 00:53:10.199 Funland, 00:53:11.900 --> 00:53:13.299 at Cyberport, 00:53:13.839 --> 00:53:14.799 just a few months ago. 00:53:14.800 --> 00:53:18.100 And it really breaks my heart, 00:53:18.539 --> 00:53:18.860 okay, 00:53:18.980 --> 00:53:20.019 during that outreach, 00:53:20.500 --> 00:53:23.440 to see that there were a thousand families 00:53:23.440 --> 00:53:25.180 who came to the table, 00:53:25.860 --> 00:53:26.660 our booth, 00:53:27.740 --> 00:53:29.220 who didn't know that Christmas 00:53:29.220 --> 00:53:33.580 was really to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. 00:53:33.579 --> 00:53:37.739 And we're so thankful that, 00:53:38.019 --> 00:53:39.019 through that experience, 00:53:39.159 --> 00:53:40.139 through that exercise, 00:53:41.079 --> 00:53:44.199 that Jesus' name was uplifted. 00:53:44.639 --> 00:53:46.460 And then the kids and the father and mother said, 00:53:46.519 --> 00:53:46.880 oh, really? 00:53:47.039 --> 00:53:47.940 Okay, Jesus Christ, 00:53:48.019 --> 00:53:48.480 all right, yeah. 00:53:49.420 --> 00:53:49.599 Okay. 00:53:50.039 --> 00:53:51.139 Sunday school is over here. 00:53:51.960 --> 00:53:52.119 Yeah. 00:53:52.380 --> 00:53:52.679 It's, 00:53:52.759 --> 00:53:53.920 yeah, 00:53:53.980 --> 00:53:54.799 it was really, 00:53:54.800 --> 00:53:57.240 I feel that it was, 00:53:57.340 --> 00:53:58.560 the impact was absolutely huge. 00:53:59.460 --> 00:54:00.500 And on the left-hand side, 00:54:00.620 --> 00:54:01.320 you see that 00:54:01.320 --> 00:54:03.880 there was St. Barnabas Outreach, 00:54:03.940 --> 00:54:04.720 up the top left. 00:54:05.300 --> 00:54:06.460 We had Stand for Freedom, 00:54:06.640 --> 00:54:08.840 going on at the university, 00:54:08.980 --> 00:54:09.660 just a few months ago. 00:54:10.100 --> 00:54:11.360 That absolutely killed my Facebook, 00:54:11.480 --> 00:54:11.800 by the way. 00:54:12.500 --> 00:54:13.100 You guys just, 00:54:13.280 --> 00:54:14.019 all the videos. 00:54:15.019 --> 00:54:16.140 And down at the bottom, 00:54:16.400 --> 00:54:16.920 it was 00:54:16.920 --> 00:54:19.940 our university mission, 00:54:19.940 --> 00:54:21.280 and team, 00:54:21.480 --> 00:54:22.440 going out to the Philippines, 00:54:23.360 --> 00:54:25.659 to reach out and to help with church planning. 00:54:26.880 --> 00:54:27.039 So, 00:54:27.659 --> 00:54:28.220 all this, 00:54:28.619 --> 00:54:29.800 sometimes we feel like, 00:54:29.980 --> 00:54:30.079 hey, 00:54:30.139 --> 00:54:31.860 should we pat ourselves on the back? 00:54:33.840 --> 00:54:34.420 But no, 00:54:34.539 --> 00:54:36.360 it's really God is doing all these things. 00:54:36.900 --> 00:54:38.000 And my hope and prayer is, 00:54:38.240 --> 00:54:38.840 by next time, 00:54:39.079 --> 00:54:39.099 this, 00:54:39.300 --> 00:54:40.179 by this year, 00:54:40.420 --> 00:54:41.000 sorry, 00:54:41.139 --> 00:54:41.720 by next year, 00:54:41.800 --> 00:54:42.220 this time, 00:54:43.480 --> 00:54:46.720 these pages will be filled with even more opportunities 00:54:46.720 --> 00:54:49.159 as God do amazing work in Hong Kong, 00:54:49.420 --> 00:54:49.920 using us. 00:54:49.940 --> 00:54:54.960 Thank you, 00:54:55.039 --> 00:54:55.300 Kelvin. 00:54:58.119 --> 00:55:00.700 The Lord has really blessed Watermark tremendously 00:55:00.700 --> 00:55:02.179 over the past two years, 00:55:02.820 --> 00:55:03.780 not only financially, 00:55:04.599 --> 00:55:06.940 but with many dedicated individuals 00:55:06.940 --> 00:55:09.740 who were able to carry out the ministries 00:55:09.740 --> 00:55:11.019 with limited resources. 00:55:12.139 --> 00:55:14.179 We have witnessed the growth of the church 00:55:14.179 --> 00:55:14.900 in attendance, 00:55:15.440 --> 00:55:15.780 children, 00:55:16.220 --> 00:55:16.579 youth, 00:55:17.039 --> 00:55:17.720 and Hong Kong youth, 00:55:17.900 --> 00:55:18.920 and community groups. 00:55:18.920 --> 00:55:22.139 As we look ahead in 2013, 00:55:23.440 --> 00:55:26.980 there will be a 22% increase in the ministry budget. 00:55:28.180 --> 00:55:31.340 The increase is really into all areas, 00:55:31.460 --> 00:55:32.940 which is in your booklet there. 00:55:33.500 --> 00:55:34.180 All areas, 00:55:34.260 --> 00:55:35.320 we're projecting growth, 00:55:35.440 --> 00:55:37.579 as you have heard from the presentations before me. 00:55:37.579 --> 00:55:40.759 The biggest increase is in the rent for Cyberport. 00:55:41.380 --> 00:55:42.279 As you all know, 00:55:42.400 --> 00:55:43.500 this area is maturing. 00:55:44.059 --> 00:55:45.559 The rent is always a challenge, 00:55:46.059 --> 00:55:47.139 but we are thankful, 00:55:47.840 --> 00:55:51.500 and we do not have to switch between three places anymore this year. 00:55:52.539 --> 00:55:57.519 As Cyberport committed to give us either a third floor or ninth floor on Sundays, 00:55:57.519 --> 00:55:59.659 which is a big blessing for us. 00:56:01.280 --> 00:56:02.179 As you all know, 00:56:02.360 --> 00:56:02.480 we, 00:56:02.679 --> 00:56:02.880 you know, 00:56:02.920 --> 00:56:03.719 Calvin just mentioned, 00:56:03.840 --> 00:56:06.860 we don't pass an offering back like many other churches does, 00:56:07.259 --> 00:56:11.239 but we have witnessed your generosity by giving in faith. 00:56:11.239 --> 00:56:13.759 You have shown us that you have not, 00:56:13.919 --> 00:56:15.919 you have given not out of obligations, 00:56:16.319 --> 00:56:18.639 but truly out of your love for Jesus Christ, 00:56:19.500 --> 00:56:20.019 the gospel, 00:56:20.639 --> 00:56:21.879 and our growing church family. 00:56:22.219 --> 00:56:22.719 For that, 00:56:22.939 --> 00:56:23.879 we're very, 00:56:23.959 --> 00:56:24.519 very thankful. 00:56:25.379 --> 00:56:28.139 As I'm preparing for this presentation, 00:56:28.799 --> 00:56:30.839 a verse that came to my mind in Luke 12, 00:56:30.919 --> 00:56:31.359 48, 00:56:31.759 --> 00:56:32.119 it says, 00:56:32.119 --> 00:56:34.599 from everyone who has given much, 00:56:35.179 --> 00:56:36.339 much will be demanded, 00:56:36.819 --> 00:56:39.599 and from the one who has been entrusted with much, 00:56:40.099 --> 00:56:41.239 much will be asked. 00:56:45.079 --> 00:56:47.339 So this is the details of the expenses. 00:56:54.239 --> 00:56:55.960 There's a little simple chart here 00:56:55.960 --> 00:56:59.299 to show that our God is not resting after two years. 00:56:59.300 --> 00:57:01.400 And since last year, 00:57:01.480 --> 00:57:05.100 we've been amazed at how the Lord continued to move people's hearts, 00:57:05.680 --> 00:57:09.480 committing in joining Watermark to plant another church, 00:57:10.360 --> 00:57:11.640 not only with great faith, 00:57:12.160 --> 00:57:15.380 but with action in giving to the Destinated Offering Fund, 00:57:15.860 --> 00:57:17.180 earmarked for church planting. 00:57:18.080 --> 00:57:21.180 The fund has reached 1.9 million this year. 00:57:22.860 --> 00:57:26.060 Planting a church is not something that a few of us can do. 00:57:26.420 --> 00:57:29.080 So we're presenting this challenge and vision 00:57:29.079 --> 00:57:29.960 to all of you. 00:57:30.900 --> 00:57:33.019 God has already provided us with the seed money, 00:57:33.380 --> 00:57:34.259 the 1.9 million. 00:57:34.599 --> 00:57:35.719 As you see the diagram, 00:57:36.279 --> 00:57:38.259 Watermark itself grow a little bit, 00:57:38.779 --> 00:57:41.579 but we're looking at the green, 00:57:41.900 --> 00:57:43.039 which is the new church. 00:57:44.860 --> 00:57:47.000 He has also brought people along 00:57:47.000 --> 00:57:51.279 with many more training planned for the rest of the year. 00:57:52.699 --> 00:57:55.519 We'd like to ask all of you to pray together, 00:57:55.739 --> 00:57:58.299 asking the Lord to make it clear to the leadership team 00:57:58.300 --> 00:58:02.360 as to when and where He will want us to plant the next church. 00:58:03.180 --> 00:58:07.160 We continue to see how God has blessed us with godly brothers 00:58:07.160 --> 00:58:11.519 who will be equipped and ready to go whenever the Lord says yes. 00:58:11.519 --> 00:58:12.900 항상 ready to go through, 00:58:12.900 --> 00:58:16.440 Thank you to God for Mark江. 00:58:16.440 --> 00:58:16.780 Thank you to Paul здесь. 00:58:17.480 --> 00:58:17.820 Thank you to all of our friends. 00:58:17.820 --> 00:58:19.159 Okay, so you saw a little bit 00:58:19.159 --> 00:58:20.500 of what God has been doing, 00:58:20.759 --> 00:58:24.559 and it's amazing as a pastor to see here 00:58:24.559 --> 00:58:25.800 and look at what He's doing 00:58:25.800 --> 00:58:27.900 and realize that more often than not 00:58:27.900 --> 00:58:30.099 it has nothing to do with how skilled I am 00:58:30.099 --> 00:58:31.059 or our staff is, 00:58:31.259 --> 00:58:32.599 but it's just what God is doing. 00:58:32.599 --> 00:58:34.659 and so I want to close here 00:58:34.659 --> 00:58:36.659 with just sharing a couple points 00:58:36.659 --> 00:58:39.099 and then give you some action points 00:58:39.099 --> 00:58:40.559 because we have a meal 00:58:40.559 --> 00:58:41.839 so you don't have to worry about catching the meal 00:58:41.839 --> 00:58:43.659 you will run out that door 00:58:43.659 --> 00:58:44.619 that door is going to be locked 00:58:44.619 --> 00:58:45.400 you can't go out there 00:58:45.400 --> 00:58:46.079 it's electrified 00:58:46.079 --> 00:58:48.339 you have to go out to the food door 00:58:48.339 --> 00:58:50.739 but I want to share a couple points 00:58:50.739 --> 00:58:52.719 because we've heard a lot of things 00:58:52.719 --> 00:58:53.299 in your booklet 00:58:53.299 --> 00:58:54.259 there's a lot of things 00:58:54.259 --> 00:58:55.559 at the meal time 00:58:55.559 --> 00:58:56.559 you'll have the freedom to ask 00:58:56.559 --> 00:58:57.759 people who are up here 00:58:57.759 --> 00:58:59.380 if you have questions about the booklet 00:58:59.380 --> 00:59:00.199 you can look at the elders 00:59:00.199 --> 00:59:01.579 and talk to them about those things 00:59:01.579 --> 00:59:03.259 and so it's just neat to see 00:59:03.259 --> 00:59:04.000 what God is doing 00:59:04.000 --> 00:59:06.119 when we started to pray about the church 00:59:06.119 --> 00:59:07.819 we started thinking about God's kingdom 00:59:07.819 --> 00:59:08.539 and we started asking 00:59:08.539 --> 00:59:10.039 what kind of church did God want 00:59:10.039 --> 00:59:11.139 for us to plant here 00:59:11.139 --> 00:59:12.059 that would help his kingdom 00:59:12.059 --> 00:59:13.840 and we realized really quickly 00:59:13.840 --> 00:59:15.779 that in some of us 00:59:15.779 --> 00:59:17.219 we've never seen that type of church 00:59:17.219 --> 00:59:18.819 it was an act of faith 00:59:18.819 --> 00:59:20.079 one of the things we kept saying 00:59:20.079 --> 00:59:20.920 was that we wanted 00:59:20.920 --> 00:59:22.460 felt like God was calling us 00:59:22.460 --> 00:59:23.420 to plant a church 00:59:23.420 --> 00:59:24.420 that was for his glory 00:59:24.420 --> 00:59:25.460 and for the people 00:59:25.460 --> 00:59:27.880 who are not in church this Sunday 00:59:27.880 --> 00:59:29.400 we start thinking about 00:59:29.400 --> 00:59:30.099 what would it look like 00:59:30.099 --> 00:59:30.779 to have a church 00:59:30.780 --> 00:59:32.500 it was for the unchurched 00:59:32.500 --> 00:59:34.040 the de-churched 00:59:34.040 --> 00:59:34.860 and for the church 00:59:34.860 --> 00:59:36.080 and what would that look like 00:59:36.080 --> 00:59:36.920 as we connect people 00:59:36.920 --> 00:59:37.740 and bring them together 00:59:37.740 --> 00:59:39.400 one of the big values always 00:59:39.400 --> 00:59:40.460 was to have the kids 00:59:40.460 --> 00:59:41.620 in here with us 00:59:41.620 --> 00:59:42.760 statistically 00:59:42.760 --> 00:59:44.720 whatever you think 00:59:44.720 --> 00:59:46.260 about great Sunday school programs 00:59:46.260 --> 00:59:47.040 I think we have a great 00:59:47.040 --> 00:59:48.220 Sunday school program 00:59:48.220 --> 00:59:49.380 but that doesn't guarantee 00:59:49.380 --> 00:59:50.100 your kids walking 00:59:50.100 --> 00:59:50.960 a lifetime with God 00:59:50.960 --> 00:59:52.320 actually that probably 00:59:52.320 --> 00:59:53.260 is against that 00:59:53.260 --> 00:59:54.260 what we've seen 00:59:54.260 --> 00:59:55.240 and what everyone has said 00:59:55.240 --> 00:59:55.660 and I can give you 00:59:55.660 --> 00:59:57.040 10,000 pages of information 00:59:57.040 --> 00:59:59.560 that what enables our kids 00:59:59.559 --> 01:00:00.639 to walk with God 01:00:00.639 --> 01:00:01.159 and to understand 01:00:01.159 --> 01:00:01.820 that is to have them 01:00:01.820 --> 01:00:02.820 sitting with us 01:00:02.820 --> 01:00:04.019 seeing their parents 01:00:04.019 --> 01:00:05.159 do communion 01:00:05.159 --> 01:00:06.019 serve 01:00:06.019 --> 01:00:07.059 ask questions 01:00:07.059 --> 01:00:08.179 experience it 01:00:08.179 --> 01:00:09.179 so that when they go off 01:00:09.179 --> 01:00:09.759 to the university 01:00:09.759 --> 01:00:11.259 they understand the faith 01:00:11.259 --> 01:00:11.880 of their parents 01:00:11.880 --> 01:00:12.920 they see their parents 01:00:12.920 --> 01:00:13.820 have integrity 01:00:13.820 --> 01:00:14.619 they see their parents 01:00:14.619 --> 01:00:15.320 live consistently 01:00:15.320 --> 01:00:16.299 they aren't just 01:00:16.299 --> 01:00:16.820 shuttled off 01:00:16.820 --> 01:00:17.599 to another classroom 01:00:17.599 --> 01:00:18.039 where they don't see 01:00:18.039 --> 01:00:18.820 the parents worship 01:00:18.820 --> 01:00:20.039 but they experience 01:00:20.039 --> 01:00:20.820 all these things 01:00:20.820 --> 01:00:22.019 and over and over 01:00:22.019 --> 01:00:22.340 and over 01:00:22.340 --> 01:00:23.059 what we've seen 01:00:23.059 --> 01:00:24.239 is that that is how 01:00:24.239 --> 01:00:25.539 people walk 01:00:25.539 --> 01:00:26.659 consistently with the Lord 01:00:26.659 --> 01:00:27.619 that's why we have 01:00:27.619 --> 01:00:28.359 our kids in here 01:00:28.359 --> 01:00:28.739 with us 01:00:28.739 --> 01:00:29.500 I know that it's 01:00:29.500 --> 01:00:30.459 inconvenient for many 01:00:30.459 --> 01:00:31.459 of you until the kids 01:00:31.459 --> 01:00:31.859 leave 01:00:31.859 --> 01:00:32.699 there's usually about 01:00:32.699 --> 01:00:34.159 25 people standing up 01:00:34.159 --> 01:00:35.519 until the kids leave 01:00:35.519 --> 01:00:36.459 so you can go sit down 01:00:36.459 --> 01:00:37.459 but our commitment 01:00:37.459 --> 01:00:38.399 is that we would do 01:00:38.399 --> 01:00:39.139 things holistically 01:00:39.139 --> 01:00:39.939 as a family 01:00:39.939 --> 01:00:41.399 and that all age groups 01:00:41.399 --> 01:00:42.979 could work and serve 01:00:42.979 --> 01:00:44.519 and be a part 01:00:44.519 --> 01:00:45.399 to me the most 01:00:45.399 --> 01:00:46.159 exciting thing was 01:00:46.159 --> 01:00:47.239 two Sundays ago 01:00:47.239 --> 01:00:47.979 when the youth band 01:00:47.979 --> 01:00:48.879 was up here serving 01:00:48.879 --> 01:00:50.039 and when I come in 01:00:50.039 --> 01:00:50.859 and I see the kids 01:00:50.859 --> 01:00:52.079 pulling cables 01:00:52.079 --> 01:00:53.400 and serving in that sense 01:00:53.400 --> 01:00:55.599 to me that is amazing 01:00:55.599 --> 01:00:56.779 one of the things 01:00:56.779 --> 01:00:57.500 we prayed about 01:00:57.500 --> 01:00:58.079 as we thought about 01:00:58.079 --> 01:00:59.000 God's kingdom coming 01:00:59.000 --> 01:00:59.739 is we wanted to be 01:00:59.739 --> 01:01:01.019 a church where people 01:01:01.019 --> 01:01:02.539 even if they weren't 01:01:02.539 --> 01:01:03.059 in church 01:01:03.059 --> 01:01:03.799 but they had friends 01:01:03.799 --> 01:01:04.860 who wanted to hear 01:01:04.860 --> 01:01:05.440 about church 01:01:05.440 --> 01:01:06.159 or learn about 01:01:06.159 --> 01:01:06.880 spiritual things 01:01:06.880 --> 01:01:07.779 that watermark 01:01:07.779 --> 01:01:08.920 would come to their mind 01:01:08.920 --> 01:01:09.340 and they would say 01:01:09.340 --> 01:01:10.239 you know I don't go to church 01:01:10.239 --> 01:01:11.719 but I do know a church 01:01:11.719 --> 01:01:12.940 it's over there 01:01:12.940 --> 01:01:13.519 why don't you go 01:01:13.519 --> 01:01:14.099 check it out 01:01:14.099 --> 01:01:15.440 and that happens 01:01:15.440 --> 01:01:16.420 over and over 01:01:16.420 --> 01:01:17.039 and over again 01:01:17.039 --> 01:01:17.880 and to me that is 01:01:17.880 --> 01:01:18.799 pretty amazing 01:01:18.799 --> 01:01:20.179 how God is using people 01:01:20.179 --> 01:01:21.079 who aren't in church 01:01:21.079 --> 01:01:22.840 to bring people 01:01:22.840 --> 01:01:23.940 to church here 01:01:23.940 --> 01:01:25.059 in that sense 01:01:25.059 --> 01:01:26.299 we continue to pray 01:01:26.299 --> 01:01:27.019 about a church 01:01:27.019 --> 01:01:27.579 that we can be 01:01:27.579 --> 01:01:28.639 theologically sound 01:01:28.639 --> 01:01:29.639 that people can come 01:01:29.639 --> 01:01:30.299 from different stages 01:01:30.299 --> 01:01:30.739 of life 01:01:30.739 --> 01:01:31.319 we have people 01:01:31.319 --> 01:01:32.579 who come from 01:01:32.579 --> 01:01:33.619 all different denominations 01:01:33.619 --> 01:01:33.940 here 01:01:33.940 --> 01:01:35.380 but we preach the gospel 01:01:35.380 --> 01:01:37.679 we are orthodox 01:01:37.679 --> 01:01:38.380 in our theology 01:01:38.380 --> 01:01:39.539 but that we're also 01:01:39.539 --> 01:01:40.799 a place like after sermons 01:01:40.799 --> 01:01:41.619 where people can ask 01:01:41.619 --> 01:01:42.099 questions 01:01:42.099 --> 01:01:44.000 and we want people 01:01:44.000 --> 01:01:44.519 to understand 01:01:44.519 --> 01:01:45.599 that even if they 01:01:45.599 --> 01:01:47.480 don't agree everything 01:01:47.480 --> 01:01:48.259 with what we say 01:01:48.259 --> 01:01:49.019 or they have a struggle 01:01:49.019 --> 01:01:49.360 with that 01:01:49.360 --> 01:01:49.960 that there's a freedom 01:01:49.960 --> 01:01:51.019 to talk about that 01:01:51.019 --> 01:01:52.139 to dialogue about that 01:01:52.139 --> 01:01:53.099 and our prayers 01:01:53.099 --> 01:01:54.340 that people would walk away 01:01:54.340 --> 01:01:55.220 and they would think 01:01:55.220 --> 01:01:55.820 wow I don't know 01:01:55.820 --> 01:01:56.659 if I agree with everything 01:01:56.659 --> 01:01:58.400 but I love the spirit 01:01:58.400 --> 01:01:59.059 of those people 01:01:59.059 --> 01:01:59.820 and I love what God 01:01:59.820 --> 01:02:00.659 is doing in their midst 01:02:00.659 --> 01:02:01.679 and that is something 01:02:01.679 --> 01:02:02.539 that I hear over 01:02:02.539 --> 01:02:03.900 and over and over again 01:02:03.900 --> 01:02:05.240 and that is so humbling 01:02:05.240 --> 01:02:05.679 to me 01:02:05.679 --> 01:02:06.980 to hear people talk 01:02:06.980 --> 01:02:07.679 about you 01:02:07.679 --> 01:02:09.099 as a church 01:02:09.099 --> 01:02:10.659 we realize that people 01:02:10.659 --> 01:02:11.360 are not going to see 01:02:11.360 --> 01:02:12.820 Christ in you 01:02:12.820 --> 01:02:13.940 until they see the church 01:02:13.940 --> 01:02:15.400 loving each other 01:02:15.400 --> 01:02:16.360 and caring for each other 01:02:16.360 --> 01:02:17.579 the Bible says 01:02:17.579 --> 01:02:18.260 over and over again 01:02:18.260 --> 01:02:18.800 that we're called 01:02:18.800 --> 01:02:19.940 to do the one another's 01:02:19.940 --> 01:02:20.560 for each other 01:02:20.560 --> 01:02:21.660 we're called to love 01:02:21.660 --> 01:02:22.060 one another 01:02:22.060 --> 01:02:22.800 we're called to care 01:02:22.800 --> 01:02:23.280 for one another 01:02:23.280 --> 01:02:24.080 we're called to forgive 01:02:24.080 --> 01:02:24.540 one another 01:02:24.540 --> 01:02:25.560 we're called to serve 01:02:25.560 --> 01:02:26.040 one another 01:02:26.040 --> 01:02:27.440 we're called to be 01:02:27.440 --> 01:02:29.240 exhorting one another 01:02:29.240 --> 01:02:30.400 and if we don't do 01:02:30.400 --> 01:02:31.020 those things 01:02:31.020 --> 01:02:32.580 as we talk about 01:02:32.580 --> 01:02:33.780 our faith with people 01:02:33.780 --> 01:02:35.200 our faith is meaningless 01:02:35.200 --> 01:02:36.880 and so it's amazing 01:02:36.880 --> 01:02:37.940 that God is continuing 01:02:37.940 --> 01:02:39.280 to develop a community 01:02:39.280 --> 01:02:40.400 of faith 01:02:40.400 --> 01:02:41.080 which you're sitting 01:02:41.080 --> 01:02:41.980 in here right now 01:02:41.980 --> 01:02:43.900 in changing people's lives 01:02:43.900 --> 01:02:44.880 and he's using that 01:02:44.880 --> 01:02:46.220 to reach out to people 01:02:46.219 --> 01:02:47.239 and bring them into 01:02:47.239 --> 01:02:48.980 the church 01:02:48.980 --> 01:02:50.539 you know we prayed 01:02:50.539 --> 01:02:51.199 and in your booklet 01:02:51.199 --> 01:02:51.879 we pray a lot 01:02:51.879 --> 01:02:53.000 about planning churches 01:02:53.000 --> 01:02:54.439 we pray a lot 01:02:54.439 --> 01:02:56.279 about leadership development 01:02:56.279 --> 01:02:58.000 this next year 01:02:58.000 --> 01:02:59.099 we have the opportunity 01:02:59.099 --> 01:03:00.099 whether you know or not 01:03:00.099 --> 01:03:01.179 to develop 01:03:01.179 --> 01:03:02.919 over 2,000 leaders 01:03:02.919 --> 01:03:04.059 in Asia 01:03:04.059 --> 01:03:04.819 they're going to be 01:03:04.819 --> 01:03:05.539 in a community center 01:03:05.539 --> 01:03:05.779 they're going to be 01:03:05.779 --> 01:03:06.539 having these big events 01:03:06.539 --> 01:03:06.939 happening 01:03:06.939 --> 01:03:07.959 and all of these 01:03:07.959 --> 01:03:08.519 are just because 01:03:08.519 --> 01:03:09.519 of what God is doing 01:03:09.519 --> 01:03:10.199 in the church 01:03:10.199 --> 01:03:10.899 because we feel like 01:03:10.899 --> 01:03:11.899 God has called us 01:03:11.899 --> 01:03:12.959 to raise up leaders 01:03:12.959 --> 01:03:13.579 we reach out 01:03:13.579 --> 01:03:14.239 at Hong Kong U 01:03:14.239 --> 01:03:15.559 do Hong Kong students 01:03:15.559 --> 01:03:16.399 at university 01:03:16.399 --> 01:03:17.879 do a lot of tithe 01:03:17.879 --> 01:03:18.839 no they don't 01:03:18.839 --> 01:03:21.519 but they are very strategic 01:03:21.519 --> 01:03:22.199 because they are going 01:03:22.199 --> 01:03:22.859 to be the leaders 01:03:22.859 --> 01:03:23.639 and as they learn 01:03:23.639 --> 01:03:24.179 and they grow 01:03:24.179 --> 01:03:24.879 and they fall in love 01:03:24.879 --> 01:03:25.399 with Christ 01:03:25.399 --> 01:03:27.119 all those things 01:03:27.119 --> 01:03:28.359 will happen 01:03:28.359 --> 01:03:30.239 what do we need 01:03:30.239 --> 01:03:31.659 from you as a family 01:03:31.659 --> 01:03:33.219 what do we ask us 01:03:33.219 --> 01:03:34.000 as a church family 01:03:34.000 --> 01:03:34.839 as we live in between 01:03:34.839 --> 01:03:36.339 this time of redemption 01:03:36.339 --> 01:03:37.119 and restoration 01:03:37.119 --> 01:03:39.079 what is God calling us to do 01:03:39.079 --> 01:03:40.159 and I want to share 01:03:40.159 --> 01:03:41.000 with you four things 01:03:41.000 --> 01:03:41.519 and then we're going 01:03:41.519 --> 01:03:41.879 to go eat 01:03:41.879 --> 01:03:42.799 and the first thing 01:03:42.799 --> 01:03:43.859 I think that we are called 01:03:43.860 --> 01:03:45.140 to do as God's people 01:03:45.140 --> 01:03:46.400 amidst this time 01:03:46.400 --> 01:03:47.900 this C.S. Lewis 01:03:47.900 --> 01:03:49.240 called it a shadow time 01:03:49.240 --> 01:03:50.519 we see God 01:03:50.519 --> 01:03:51.720 but we experience pain 01:03:51.720 --> 01:03:52.280 and suffering 01:03:52.280 --> 01:03:53.539 and we know that one day 01:03:53.539 --> 01:03:54.300 he's going to come 01:03:54.300 --> 01:03:55.200 and all things 01:03:55.200 --> 01:03:55.760 are going to be new 01:03:55.760 --> 01:03:56.660 what are we called 01:03:56.660 --> 01:03:57.220 to do here 01:03:57.220 --> 01:03:58.059 as God's people 01:03:58.059 --> 01:04:00.280 first thing is 01:04:00.280 --> 01:04:01.059 we're called to pray 01:04:01.059 --> 01:04:02.700 God has called us people 01:04:02.700 --> 01:04:03.079 to pray 01:04:03.079 --> 01:04:03.680 because the work 01:04:03.680 --> 01:04:04.500 is his work 01:04:04.500 --> 01:04:05.900 we're called to pray 01:04:05.900 --> 01:04:06.780 and all these things 01:04:06.780 --> 01:04:07.300 that you've heard 01:04:07.300 --> 01:04:07.840 all the things 01:04:07.840 --> 01:04:08.620 you've read in the book 01:04:08.620 --> 01:04:09.920 those are not things 01:04:09.920 --> 01:04:10.880 humanly possible 01:04:10.880 --> 01:04:12.019 the only way 01:04:12.019 --> 01:04:12.360 those things 01:04:12.360 --> 01:04:12.840 are going to happen 01:04:12.840 --> 01:04:14.039 is if God touches 01:04:14.039 --> 01:04:14.780 people's hearts 01:04:14.780 --> 01:04:16.059 and shows them 01:04:16.059 --> 01:04:16.600 that this is what 01:04:16.600 --> 01:04:17.640 we've called you to do 01:04:17.640 --> 01:04:19.180 so we ask you to pray 01:04:19.180 --> 01:04:20.120 pray for the leaders 01:04:20.120 --> 01:04:21.019 pray for the elders 01:04:21.019 --> 01:04:22.100 pray for the ministries 01:04:22.100 --> 01:04:23.100 pray for your community groups 01:04:23.100 --> 01:04:24.180 pray for your neighborhoods 01:04:24.180 --> 01:04:25.680 pray for my wife 01:04:25.680 --> 01:04:26.860 she has to put up with me 01:04:26.860 --> 01:04:27.960 and if you know me 01:04:27.960 --> 01:04:29.100 that's really hard for her 01:04:29.100 --> 01:04:30.200 so you need to pray 01:04:30.200 --> 01:04:31.240 for all of these things 01:04:31.240 --> 01:04:31.860 going on 01:04:31.860 --> 01:04:32.680 that's a joke 01:04:32.680 --> 01:04:33.320 you can laugh 01:04:33.320 --> 01:04:33.660 okay 01:04:33.660 --> 01:04:36.079 but it's true 01:04:36.079 --> 01:04:37.280 but you need to be praying 01:04:37.280 --> 01:04:37.880 we need to be praying 01:04:37.880 --> 01:04:38.340 as a church 01:04:38.340 --> 01:04:39.420 that God's hand would move 01:04:39.420 --> 01:04:40.340 the second thing 01:04:40.340 --> 01:04:41.240 that we feel like 01:04:41.240 --> 01:04:42.200 we are called to do 01:04:42.200 --> 01:04:42.659 as a church 01:04:42.659 --> 01:04:43.559 in this middle time 01:04:43.559 --> 01:04:44.659 is that we're called 01:04:44.659 --> 01:04:45.500 to invest 01:04:45.500 --> 01:04:46.639 and what I mean by that 01:04:46.639 --> 01:04:47.079 is we're called 01:04:47.079 --> 01:04:48.039 to invest our time 01:04:48.039 --> 01:04:48.659 and our life 01:04:48.659 --> 01:04:49.780 and the people around us 01:04:49.780 --> 01:04:51.340 we don't have a lot 01:04:51.340 --> 01:04:52.380 of programs going on here 01:04:52.380 --> 01:04:53.320 we want you to have 01:04:53.320 --> 01:04:53.840 free time 01:04:53.840 --> 01:04:54.740 in this busy world 01:04:54.740 --> 01:04:55.840 because we believe 01:04:55.840 --> 01:04:56.960 that you are called 01:04:56.960 --> 01:04:57.599 to reach out 01:04:57.599 --> 01:04:58.039 to the people 01:04:58.039 --> 01:04:58.539 in your neighborhood 01:04:58.539 --> 01:04:59.780 who aren't in church 01:04:59.780 --> 01:05:01.440 yeah we could do 01:05:01.440 --> 01:05:02.079 50 things 01:05:02.079 --> 01:05:03.079 we could have 5 things 01:05:03.079 --> 01:05:03.740 going every night 01:05:03.740 --> 01:05:04.900 but if that happens 01:05:04.900 --> 01:05:05.400 as a church 01:05:05.400 --> 01:05:06.340 chances are 01:05:06.340 --> 01:05:07.039 you're not going to be 01:05:07.039 --> 01:05:07.740 out reaching out 01:05:07.739 --> 01:05:08.259 to your friends 01:05:08.259 --> 01:05:09.059 who aren't in church 01:05:09.059 --> 01:05:09.839 because you're going 01:05:09.839 --> 01:05:10.379 to be so busy 01:05:10.379 --> 01:05:11.099 hanging out with people 01:05:11.099 --> 01:05:12.319 who are already in church 01:05:12.319 --> 01:05:13.719 which is good 01:05:13.719 --> 01:05:14.899 but it's not why 01:05:14.899 --> 01:05:16.000 God has called us here 01:05:16.000 --> 01:05:17.099 God has called us here 01:05:17.099 --> 01:05:17.579 as his people 01:05:17.579 --> 01:05:18.339 to reach out to people 01:05:18.339 --> 01:05:19.239 who don't know him 01:05:19.239 --> 01:05:20.500 and so we want you 01:05:20.500 --> 01:05:20.899 to pray 01:05:20.899 --> 01:05:21.939 we want you to invest 01:05:21.939 --> 01:05:23.159 we want you to volunteer 01:05:23.159 --> 01:05:24.739 we want you as 01:05:24.739 --> 01:05:25.859 I think as Graham said 01:05:25.859 --> 01:05:26.939 we want you to invest 01:05:26.939 --> 01:05:27.699 in the kids 01:05:27.699 --> 01:05:28.719 in the ministries here 01:05:28.719 --> 01:05:30.699 we believe with all our heart 01:05:30.699 --> 01:05:32.500 that if you're not serving 01:05:32.500 --> 01:05:34.000 you're not experiencing 01:05:34.000 --> 01:05:36.559 God's blessing 01:05:36.559 --> 01:05:37.980 in your life 01:05:37.980 --> 01:05:39.519 I know that's hard to hear 01:05:39.519 --> 01:05:41.400 but God has made us 01:05:41.400 --> 01:05:42.159 to serve 01:05:42.159 --> 01:05:43.679 and he's given 01:05:43.679 --> 01:05:44.239 each one of you 01:05:44.239 --> 01:05:45.260 talents and gifts 01:05:45.260 --> 01:05:46.579 that we desperately need 01:05:46.579 --> 01:05:47.699 there are a lot of things 01:05:47.699 --> 01:05:48.280 in that book 01:05:48.280 --> 01:05:49.239 that aren't in that book 01:05:49.239 --> 01:05:50.260 because you're not serving 01:05:50.260 --> 01:05:51.739 and we haven't heard 01:05:51.739 --> 01:05:52.659 God speak to you 01:05:52.659 --> 01:05:53.579 and you haven't been able 01:05:53.579 --> 01:05:54.300 to come and tell us 01:05:54.300 --> 01:05:55.059 you know God 01:05:55.059 --> 01:05:56.179 has been working in my heart 01:05:56.179 --> 01:05:56.760 and I think we need 01:05:56.760 --> 01:05:57.380 to do this 01:05:57.380 --> 01:05:59.920 we need you 01:05:59.920 --> 01:06:00.760 to serve 01:06:00.760 --> 01:06:01.639 our prayers 01:06:01.639 --> 01:06:02.320 that everybody 01:06:02.320 --> 01:06:03.139 and it's amazing 01:06:03.139 --> 01:06:04.339 we have incredible 01:06:04.339 --> 01:06:06.000 incredible servants 01:06:06.000 --> 01:06:06.579 and volunteers 01:06:06.579 --> 01:06:07.159 in our church 01:06:07.159 --> 01:06:08.039 I would say 01:06:08.039 --> 01:06:08.960 probably statistically 01:06:08.960 --> 01:06:10.219 we have probably 01:06:10.219 --> 01:06:11.119 more volunteers 01:06:11.119 --> 01:06:11.639 per capita 01:06:11.639 --> 01:06:12.599 than most churches 01:06:12.599 --> 01:06:13.500 I've ever heard of 01:06:13.500 --> 01:06:14.500 and I think that's why 01:06:14.500 --> 01:06:15.319 we're so healthy 01:06:15.319 --> 01:06:16.279 but I think that we 01:06:16.279 --> 01:06:17.359 can't stop there 01:06:17.359 --> 01:06:18.359 because we want 01:06:18.359 --> 01:06:19.259 to remain healthy 01:06:19.259 --> 01:06:19.900 and we want you 01:06:19.900 --> 01:06:20.440 to be healthy 01:06:20.440 --> 01:06:21.539 and so our prayer 01:06:21.539 --> 01:06:22.259 is that everybody 01:06:22.259 --> 01:06:23.940 in Watermark 01:06:23.940 --> 01:06:24.599 would serve 01:06:24.599 --> 01:06:25.559 at least once a month 01:06:25.559 --> 01:06:26.500 in some capacity 01:06:26.500 --> 01:06:27.259 within the community 01:06:27.259 --> 01:06:28.940 so we need you to pray 01:06:28.940 --> 01:06:29.719 we need you to invest 01:06:29.719 --> 01:06:30.279 in your friends 01:06:30.279 --> 01:06:31.359 we need to serve 01:06:31.359 --> 01:06:31.900 and volunteer 01:06:31.900 --> 01:06:32.960 and the fourth one 01:06:32.960 --> 01:06:34.000 is we need you 01:06:34.000 --> 01:06:34.720 to give financially 01:06:34.720 --> 01:06:36.380 we don't talk about 01:06:36.380 --> 01:06:37.079 we don't pass money 01:06:37.079 --> 01:06:37.960 but we talk about money 01:06:37.960 --> 01:06:38.260 a lot 01:06:38.260 --> 01:06:39.119 because it's 01:06:39.119 --> 01:06:39.720 it's an idol 01:06:39.720 --> 01:06:40.460 in our life 01:06:40.460 --> 01:06:41.720 but the things 01:06:41.720 --> 01:06:42.480 that we talked about 01:06:42.480 --> 01:06:43.199 the things that we shared 01:06:43.199 --> 01:06:44.059 the things in those books 01:06:44.059 --> 01:06:45.440 those are going to cost 01:06:45.440 --> 01:06:46.099 a lot of money 01:06:46.099 --> 01:06:47.840 and planning churches 01:06:47.840 --> 01:06:48.840 reaching out 01:06:48.840 --> 01:06:49.639 to community centers 01:06:49.639 --> 01:06:50.720 helping people 01:06:50.720 --> 01:06:51.579 in nursing homes 01:06:51.579 --> 01:06:53.159 seeing God renew 01:06:53.159 --> 01:06:54.679 this part of Hong Kong Island 01:06:54.679 --> 01:06:55.720 doing ministry 01:06:55.720 --> 01:06:56.380 doing missions 01:06:56.380 --> 01:06:57.760 that costs money 01:06:57.760 --> 01:06:58.900 and so we 01:06:58.900 --> 01:07:00.599 so hear my heart here 01:07:00.599 --> 01:07:02.360 I don't want you 01:07:02.360 --> 01:07:02.799 to give 01:07:02.799 --> 01:07:03.920 because you think 01:07:03.920 --> 01:07:04.579 the church needs 01:07:04.579 --> 01:07:04.940 your money 01:07:04.940 --> 01:07:06.799 please do not do that 01:07:06.799 --> 01:07:08.539 okay 01:07:08.539 --> 01:07:09.420 my elders will kill me 01:07:09.420 --> 01:07:10.239 or someone in finance 01:07:10.239 --> 01:07:10.559 will kill me 01:07:10.559 --> 01:07:11.719 don't do that 01:07:11.719 --> 01:07:14.500 give because you love God 01:07:14.500 --> 01:07:16.619 and you know that God 01:07:16.619 --> 01:07:17.599 wants you to do that 01:07:17.599 --> 01:07:18.360 because it's an act 01:07:18.360 --> 01:07:18.799 of worship 01:07:18.799 --> 01:07:20.639 did you hear me there 01:07:20.639 --> 01:07:21.980 don't give 01:07:21.980 --> 01:07:22.460 because you think 01:07:22.460 --> 01:07:23.279 the church needs your money 01:07:23.279 --> 01:07:24.039 because we're in deficit 01:07:24.039 --> 01:07:24.599 we're not 01:07:24.599 --> 01:07:25.400 it's amazing God 01:07:25.400 --> 01:07:26.139 continue 01:07:26.139 --> 01:07:27.059 you are faithful 01:07:27.059 --> 01:07:27.599 and you give 01:07:27.599 --> 01:07:29.039 give because it's an act 01:07:29.039 --> 01:07:29.420 of worship 01:07:29.420 --> 01:07:30.279 you love God 01:07:30.279 --> 01:07:31.279 and God has called you 01:07:31.279 --> 01:07:31.819 to do that 01:07:31.819 --> 01:07:33.739 that's how this church 01:07:33.739 --> 01:07:34.400 is going to continue 01:07:34.400 --> 01:07:34.940 that's how God 01:07:34.940 --> 01:07:35.699 is going to use it 01:07:35.699 --> 01:07:37.219 and that's how you're 01:07:37.219 --> 01:07:38.000 going to be a part of it 01:07:38.000 --> 01:07:39.980 so we need you to pray 01:07:39.980 --> 01:07:40.920 we need you to invest 01:07:40.920 --> 01:07:41.759 we need you to volunteer 01:07:41.759 --> 01:07:43.239 or to invest in the people 01:07:43.239 --> 01:07:45.019 and we need you to give 01:07:45.019 --> 01:07:45.440 of the money 01:07:45.440 --> 01:07:46.519 that God has given to you 01:07:46.519 --> 01:07:47.859 you're right 01:07:47.859 --> 01:07:48.639 you might look at us 01:07:48.639 --> 01:07:48.799 and say 01:07:48.799 --> 01:07:49.359 well they don't really 01:07:49.359 --> 01:07:49.799 need the money 01:07:49.799 --> 01:07:50.279 because it's already 01:07:50.279 --> 01:07:51.179 1.9 saved up 01:07:51.179 --> 01:07:52.339 and you're right 01:07:52.339 --> 01:07:53.299 we probably 01:07:53.299 --> 01:07:54.119 don't need your money 01:07:54.119 --> 01:07:56.159 God will bring money in 01:07:56.159 --> 01:07:56.980 through other people 01:07:56.980 --> 01:07:57.719 and through other things 01:07:57.719 --> 01:07:59.039 but the moment you say that 01:07:59.039 --> 01:08:01.380 you've lost the heart 01:08:01.380 --> 01:08:02.940 of what God's doing 01:08:02.940 --> 01:08:03.539 in the church 01:08:03.539 --> 01:08:05.819 you've lost the vision 01:08:05.819 --> 01:08:06.559 for reaching out 01:08:06.559 --> 01:08:07.440 to people who aren't 01:08:07.440 --> 01:08:08.239 in church today 01:08:08.239 --> 01:08:10.039 and so we'd ask you 01:08:10.039 --> 01:08:10.420 to pray 01:08:10.420 --> 01:08:12.199 we'd ask you to invest 01:08:12.199 --> 01:08:13.359 we'd ask you to serve 01:08:13.359 --> 01:08:14.480 or invest in the people 01:08:14.480 --> 01:08:15.940 and we'd ask you to give 01:08:15.940 --> 01:08:17.319 okay 01:08:17.319 --> 01:08:18.939 so that's where we're at 01:08:18.939 --> 01:08:19.659 we're on this journey 01:08:19.659 --> 01:08:20.539 to me 01:08:20.539 --> 01:08:21.859 every day I walk 01:08:21.859 --> 01:08:22.399 into the office 01:08:22.399 --> 01:08:23.059 it's not day like 01:08:23.059 --> 01:08:23.619 ugh 01:08:23.619 --> 01:08:24.479 I mean 01:08:24.479 --> 01:08:25.500 this week 01:08:25.500 --> 01:08:27.559 this week 01:08:27.559 --> 01:08:29.239 I know of five people 01:08:29.239 --> 01:08:31.699 in our church family 01:08:31.699 --> 01:08:32.659 who came to Christ 01:08:32.659 --> 01:08:35.099 five people 01:08:35.099 --> 01:08:36.399 who are here 01:08:36.399 --> 01:08:37.079 they came in 01:08:37.079 --> 01:08:38.199 as not Christ followers 01:08:38.199 --> 01:08:39.239 they're asking questions 01:08:39.239 --> 01:08:40.099 they're in a community group 01:08:40.099 --> 01:08:40.960 they're having people 01:08:40.960 --> 01:08:41.399 love them 01:08:41.399 --> 01:08:41.840 they're having people 01:08:41.840 --> 01:08:42.279 care for them 01:08:42.279 --> 01:08:43.119 one lady said 01:08:43.119 --> 01:08:44.199 I had no choice 01:08:44.199 --> 01:08:44.659 but to do that 01:08:44.659 --> 01:08:45.220 because that group 01:08:45.220 --> 01:08:46.159 they're like bulldogs 01:08:46.159 --> 01:08:47.439 they just clamped on to me 01:08:47.439 --> 01:08:48.920 and they kept loving me 01:08:48.920 --> 01:08:50.059 and they kept caring for me 01:08:50.059 --> 01:08:50.800 and I was like 01:08:50.800 --> 01:08:52.640 wow 01:08:52.640 --> 01:08:54.660 that's what I want 01:08:54.660 --> 01:08:54.900 right 01:08:54.900 --> 01:08:55.660 that's what we want 01:08:55.660 --> 01:08:56.160 we want to be 01:08:56.160 --> 01:08:57.260 we want to be bulldogs 01:08:57.260 --> 01:08:59.280 and so I'm going to 01:08:59.280 --> 01:09:00.300 what I want to do 01:09:00.300 --> 01:09:01.520 is as we grow 01:09:01.520 --> 01:09:02.860 we pray for a lot of things 01:09:02.860 --> 01:09:03.720 and the biggest thing 01:09:03.720 --> 01:09:04.200 we pray for 01:09:04.200 --> 01:09:04.820 is just leaders 01:09:04.820 --> 01:09:06.760 and so I'm going to ask 01:09:06.760 --> 01:09:08.100 two men to come up 01:09:08.100 --> 01:09:10.560 who we have put before you 01:09:10.560 --> 01:09:11.440 two weeks ago 01:09:11.440 --> 01:09:12.980 Andrew McPherson 01:09:12.980 --> 01:09:14.180 and his wife Nicole 01:09:14.180 --> 01:09:16.000 and Graham Smith 01:09:16.000 --> 01:09:17.400 and Irina 01:09:17.400 --> 01:09:18.560 we want you to come up here 01:09:18.560 --> 01:09:19.039 and I'm going to ask 01:09:19.039 --> 01:09:20.400 Christina to come up 01:09:20.400 --> 01:09:21.100 and I'm going to ask 01:09:21.100 --> 01:09:21.860 the other elders 01:09:21.860 --> 01:09:22.980 Charles and Franklin 01:09:22.980 --> 01:09:24.300 as we pray 01:09:24.300 --> 01:09:25.320 as we think about 01:09:25.320 --> 01:09:26.220 planting churches 01:09:26.220 --> 01:09:27.500 it's going to mean 01:09:27.500 --> 01:09:28.240 we need people 01:09:28.240 --> 01:09:29.460 who have a heart for that 01:09:29.460 --> 01:09:30.660 they're men and leaders 01:09:30.660 --> 01:09:32.980 and so we brought up 01:09:32.980 --> 01:09:34.080 Andrew and Nicole 01:09:34.080 --> 01:09:35.420 and Graham and Irina 01:09:35.420 --> 01:09:36.820 they have been a part 01:09:36.820 --> 01:09:37.420 of the church 01:09:37.420 --> 01:09:38.800 for two years 01:09:38.800 --> 01:09:39.600 I remember my first time 01:09:39.600 --> 01:09:40.920 I met Nicole 01:09:40.920 --> 01:09:42.140 was at our beach outreach 01:09:42.140 --> 01:09:44.360 and they have been serving 01:09:44.360 --> 01:09:45.360 you've seen them serve 01:09:45.360 --> 01:09:46.720 you've seen them give 01:09:46.720 --> 01:09:48.699 and just to be frank 01:09:48.699 --> 01:09:49.320 we're talking about 01:09:49.320 --> 01:09:50.079 we're here to reach 01:09:50.079 --> 01:09:50.860 lost people 01:09:50.860 --> 01:09:54.760 and what more lost places 01:09:54.760 --> 01:09:55.520 are than Australia 01:09:55.520 --> 01:09:55.940 right 01:09:55.940 --> 01:09:57.159 so we figured 01:09:57.159 --> 01:09:58.500 we need Australian elders 01:09:58.500 --> 01:09:59.260 to come in there 01:09:59.260 --> 01:09:59.980 and help with that 01:09:59.980 --> 01:10:00.280 right 01:10:00.280 --> 01:10:01.579 so I'm teasing 01:10:01.579 --> 01:10:02.000 okay 01:10:02.000 --> 01:10:02.900 I love Australia 01:10:02.900 --> 01:10:04.020 they're some of my best friends 01:10:04.020 --> 01:10:08.320 but I can't tease New Zealanders 01:10:08.320 --> 01:10:09.460 because Kiwis are too sensitive 01:10:09.460 --> 01:10:10.320 but I 01:10:10.320 --> 01:10:12.000 right Bernard 01:10:12.000 --> 01:10:14.600 but I can tease 01:10:14.600 --> 01:10:15.100 Australians 01:10:15.100 --> 01:10:15.600 right 01:10:15.600 --> 01:10:17.160 anyway 01:10:17.160 --> 01:10:17.600 so 01:10:17.600 --> 01:10:19.579 they have gone through 01:10:19.579 --> 01:10:20.480 we've met with them 01:10:20.480 --> 01:10:21.260 for over a year 01:10:21.260 --> 01:10:22.380 they've been in elder training 01:10:22.380 --> 01:10:23.980 we believe they have 01:10:23.980 --> 01:10:25.140 the DNA of the church 01:10:25.140 --> 01:10:26.320 and the heart of the church 01:10:26.320 --> 01:10:27.900 and they are the people 01:10:27.900 --> 01:10:28.860 that we believe 01:10:28.860 --> 01:10:29.539 that God has brought 01:10:29.539 --> 01:10:31.220 before our family 01:10:31.220 --> 01:10:32.380 to shepherd you 01:10:32.380 --> 01:10:33.200 to pray for you 01:10:33.200 --> 01:10:34.160 to care for you 01:10:34.160 --> 01:10:35.400 to be the leader 01:10:35.400 --> 01:10:36.160 to be the father 01:10:36.160 --> 01:10:37.539 an elder is a father 01:10:37.539 --> 01:10:38.680 a shepherd in the church 01:10:38.680 --> 01:10:39.860 when you think of elders 01:10:39.860 --> 01:10:40.420 you think of 01:10:40.420 --> 01:10:41.660 what would every family 01:10:41.660 --> 01:10:42.620 be like in a church 01:10:42.620 --> 01:10:43.980 if they copied their elders 01:10:43.979 --> 01:10:45.239 or their leaders 01:10:45.239 --> 01:10:46.579 and that is the goal 01:10:46.579 --> 01:10:47.019 to have men 01:10:47.019 --> 01:10:48.379 who are not perfect 01:10:48.379 --> 01:10:49.199 they're sinful 01:10:49.199 --> 01:10:50.039 we're all broken 01:10:50.039 --> 01:10:51.739 but they're walking 01:10:51.739 --> 01:10:52.459 with the Lord 01:10:52.459 --> 01:10:54.099 and that is our desire 01:10:54.099 --> 01:10:54.759 and so 01:10:54.759 --> 01:10:56.379 what we did 01:10:56.379 --> 01:10:57.299 is we put together 01:10:57.299 --> 01:10:58.799 a plaque for them 01:10:58.799 --> 01:11:00.019 you got this one 01:11:00.019 --> 01:11:01.579 and so 01:11:01.579 --> 01:11:02.819 I'm going to present this 01:11:02.819 --> 01:11:03.139 to them 01:11:03.139 --> 01:11:03.719 and we're going to pray 01:11:03.719 --> 01:11:04.139 for them 01:11:04.139 --> 01:11:04.500 okay 01:11:04.500 --> 01:11:05.800 so this is 01:11:05.800 --> 01:11:06.800 elder certificate 01:11:06.800 --> 01:11:07.920 Andrew McPherson 01:11:07.920 --> 01:11:09.420 and Nicole 01:11:09.420 --> 01:11:10.420 you are the huge part 01:11:10.420 --> 01:11:10.699 of that 01:11:10.699 --> 01:11:11.500 because behind 01:11:11.500 --> 01:11:13.840 every man 01:11:13.840 --> 01:11:14.439 there's a woman 01:11:14.439 --> 01:11:15.199 ten times better 01:11:15.199 --> 01:11:15.939 than he is 01:11:15.939 --> 01:11:18.140 Andrew McPherson 01:11:18.140 --> 01:11:18.899 is having passed 01:11:18.899 --> 01:11:20.199 all the biblical requirements 01:11:20.199 --> 01:11:22.260 and qualifying distinctives 01:11:22.260 --> 01:11:23.420 of Watermark Community Church 01:11:23.420 --> 01:11:23.939 for the office 01:11:23.939 --> 01:11:24.579 of church elder 01:11:24.579 --> 01:11:26.100 your desire 01:11:26.100 --> 01:11:26.659 to serve 01:11:26.659 --> 01:11:27.399 your faithfulness 01:11:27.399 --> 01:11:27.779 commitment 01:11:27.779 --> 01:11:28.439 and sacrifice 01:11:28.439 --> 01:11:29.619 has resulted 01:11:29.619 --> 01:11:30.439 in countless people 01:11:30.439 --> 01:11:31.340 being influenced 01:11:31.340 --> 01:11:32.159 for your savior 01:11:32.159 --> 01:11:33.279 we love you 01:11:33.279 --> 01:11:34.180 the Watermark family 01:11:34.180 --> 01:11:36.260 so we want to give you that 01:11:36.260 --> 01:11:37.159 and just thank you 01:11:37.159 --> 01:11:37.940 for yeah yeah 01:11:37.940 --> 01:11:42.280 and then we have 01:11:42.280 --> 01:11:42.740 a same 01:11:42.740 --> 01:11:43.880 for Graham 01:11:43.880 --> 01:11:44.420 Graham is 01:11:44.420 --> 01:11:46.260 he's from South Africa 01:11:46.260 --> 01:11:46.880 so he's 01:11:46.880 --> 01:11:48.240 he's helping in that area 01:11:48.240 --> 01:11:49.240 but in the same way 01:11:49.240 --> 01:11:50.460 your desire 01:11:50.460 --> 01:11:51.100 your service 01:11:51.100 --> 01:11:51.800 your faithfulness 01:11:51.800 --> 01:11:52.480 your commitment 01:11:52.480 --> 01:11:53.159 and sacrifice 01:11:53.159 --> 01:11:53.680 have resulted 01:11:53.680 --> 01:11:54.579 in countless people 01:11:54.579 --> 01:11:55.680 being influenced 01:11:55.680 --> 01:11:56.260 for our savior 01:11:56.260 --> 01:11:57.180 despite what you say 01:11:57.180 --> 01:11:58.100 about people sleeping 01:11:58.100 --> 01:11:59.320 in church 01:11:59.320 --> 01:12:00.480 when the kids come in 01:12:00.480 --> 01:12:02.579 but we are so thankful 01:12:02.579 --> 01:12:03.920 for both of you guys 01:12:03.920 --> 01:12:04.539 as families 01:12:04.539 --> 01:12:06.000 and for Charles 01:12:06.000 --> 01:12:06.800 and for Franklin 01:12:06.800 --> 01:12:08.159 because I don't want 01:12:08.159 --> 01:12:08.600 to be a leader 01:12:08.600 --> 01:12:09.199 by myself 01:12:09.199 --> 01:12:10.440 and that is very unhealthy 01:12:10.440 --> 01:12:11.640 but God has brought 01:12:11.640 --> 01:12:13.020 these families to us 01:12:13.020 --> 01:12:14.279 and so we would ask 01:12:14.279 --> 01:12:15.699 that you pray for them 01:12:15.699 --> 01:12:16.739 encourage them 01:12:16.739 --> 01:12:18.699 and ask them questions 01:12:18.699 --> 01:12:20.659 and they are the ones 01:12:20.659 --> 01:12:21.560 God has put over 01:12:21.560 --> 01:12:22.960 the Watermark family 01:12:22.960 --> 01:12:23.779 for vision 01:12:23.779 --> 01:12:24.399 direction 01:12:24.399 --> 01:12:25.600 and accountability 01:12:25.600 --> 01:12:26.319 for future 01:12:26.319 --> 01:12:27.800 so what I would like to do 01:12:27.800 --> 01:12:28.800 is I'd like to pray 01:12:28.800 --> 01:12:29.539 with you guys 01:12:29.539 --> 01:12:30.039 is that good 01:12:30.039 --> 01:12:30.880 you want to come with me 01:12:30.880 --> 01:12:32.600 so let's just hold hands 01:12:32.600 --> 01:12:33.260 and would you guys 01:12:33.260 --> 01:12:33.819 bow with us 01:12:33.819 --> 01:12:34.400 and let's pray 01:12:34.400 --> 01:12:36.319 Father we just thank you 01:12:36.319 --> 01:12:37.440 for these couples 01:12:37.440 --> 01:12:38.500 who have been serving 01:12:38.500 --> 01:12:39.600 for two years 01:12:39.600 --> 01:12:40.739 they've gone through 01:12:40.739 --> 01:12:41.340 the process 01:12:41.340 --> 01:12:42.520 and we've already seen 01:12:42.520 --> 01:12:43.480 that they're already 01:12:43.480 --> 01:12:44.600 doing the works of elders 01:12:44.600 --> 01:12:45.880 we pray for them 01:12:45.880 --> 01:12:47.159 we pray for Andrew 01:12:47.159 --> 01:12:47.659 and Nicole 01:12:47.659 --> 01:12:48.699 and their three kiddos 01:12:48.699 --> 01:12:50.260 we pray for Graham 01:12:50.260 --> 01:12:50.760 and Irina 01:12:50.760 --> 01:12:51.619 and their one kiddo 01:12:51.619 --> 01:12:52.480 and one on the way 01:12:52.480 --> 01:12:54.180 we pray just for your mercy 01:12:54.180 --> 01:12:55.460 we pray for grace 01:12:55.460 --> 01:12:55.960 we pray 01:12:55.960 --> 01:12:57.279 we pray that we pray 01:12:57.279 --> 01:12:57.939 for our leaders 01:12:57.939 --> 01:12:58.619 and know that you 01:12:58.619 --> 01:12:59.439 have anointed them 01:12:59.439 --> 01:13:00.680 to be a part of this church 01:13:00.680 --> 01:13:01.840 and to encourage them 01:13:01.840 --> 01:13:03.340 as they walk with you 01:13:03.340 --> 01:13:04.560 help them to be holy 01:13:04.560 --> 01:13:06.000 we know the spiritual battle 01:13:06.000 --> 01:13:07.100 is real and true 01:13:07.100 --> 01:13:08.520 and so we just thank you 01:13:08.520 --> 01:13:09.220 for them 01:13:09.220 --> 01:13:10.880 help us to be a church 01:13:10.880 --> 01:13:12.119 lifts up our leaders 01:13:12.119 --> 01:13:12.960 and prays for them 01:13:12.960 --> 01:13:14.920 and exhorts them 01:13:14.920 --> 01:13:15.939 and encourages them 01:13:15.939 --> 01:13:17.319 in all these things 01:13:17.319 --> 01:13:17.960 and so we thank you 01:13:17.960 --> 01:13:18.840 for these four 01:13:18.840 --> 01:13:20.319 amazing families 01:13:20.319 --> 01:13:21.560 and we just thank you 01:13:21.560 --> 01:13:22.600 for your blessing 01:13:22.600 --> 01:13:23.399 upon them 01:13:23.399 --> 01:13:24.100 we pray these things 01:13:24.100 --> 01:13:25.060 in your son Jesus name 01:13:25.060 --> 01:13:25.579 Amen 01:13:25.579 --> 01:13:25.819 Amen 01:13:25.819 --> 01:13:27.439 yeah so I think that's 01:13:27.439 --> 01:13:31.199 okay 01:13:31.199 --> 01:13:33.519 as we grow 01:13:33.519 --> 01:13:34.199 there's a thing 01:13:34.199 --> 01:13:35.500 the staff is growing 01:13:35.500 --> 01:13:37.100 we have three types 01:13:37.100 --> 01:13:38.559 of staff 01:13:38.559 --> 01:13:39.340 we have staff 01:13:39.340 --> 01:13:40.420 we have interns 01:13:40.420 --> 01:13:41.439 who raise support 01:13:41.439 --> 01:13:42.539 to be working for the church 01:13:42.539 --> 01:13:43.880 and we have church planners 01:13:43.880 --> 01:13:45.800 and so in this last six months 01:13:45.800 --> 01:13:47.220 we've had several staff 01:13:47.220 --> 01:13:48.000 come 01:13:48.000 --> 01:13:49.159 yesterday we had 01:13:49.159 --> 01:13:50.420 one staff join us 01:13:50.420 --> 01:13:51.180 for the first time 01:13:51.180 --> 01:13:52.300 so Alistair 01:13:52.300 --> 01:13:53.220 you want to come on up 01:13:53.220 --> 01:13:55.119 Aldrin 01:13:55.119 --> 01:13:56.239 why don't you come on up 01:13:56.239 --> 01:13:59.399 Alfie come on up 01:13:59.399 --> 01:14:02.340 yep yep 01:14:02.340 --> 01:14:04.099 Henrika come on up 01:14:04.099 --> 01:14:05.579 and so I want to present 01:14:05.579 --> 01:14:05.859 these 01:14:05.859 --> 01:14:06.760 these are people 01:14:06.760 --> 01:14:07.619 that God has brought 01:14:07.619 --> 01:14:08.840 to Watermark 01:14:08.840 --> 01:14:09.479 to serve 01:14:09.479 --> 01:14:10.300 and be a part of this 01:14:10.300 --> 01:14:11.500 so Alistair 01:14:11.500 --> 01:14:13.199 Alistair and I 01:14:13.199 --> 01:14:13.500 have been 01:14:13.500 --> 01:14:14.939 fighting 01:14:14.939 --> 01:14:15.500 Skyping 01:14:15.500 --> 01:14:16.399 for two years 01:14:16.399 --> 01:14:18.059 Alistair's a pastor 01:14:18.059 --> 01:14:20.140 in Australia 01:14:20.140 --> 01:14:21.760 Australians need 01:14:21.760 --> 01:14:22.020 the help 01:14:22.020 --> 01:14:22.820 we brought him here 01:14:22.820 --> 01:14:25.560 and he's in Sydney 01:14:25.560 --> 01:14:27.000 with the Anglican Church 01:14:27.000 --> 01:14:28.100 and he 01:14:28.100 --> 01:14:29.079 when he heard about 01:14:29.079 --> 01:14:29.720 what God was doing 01:14:29.720 --> 01:14:30.280 in our church 01:14:30.280 --> 01:14:30.800 and the desire 01:14:30.800 --> 01:14:31.600 to plant churches 01:14:31.600 --> 01:14:32.820 and to be a part 01:14:32.820 --> 01:14:33.240 of what God 01:14:33.240 --> 01:14:33.800 is going on 01:14:33.800 --> 01:14:35.520 he has graciously 01:14:35.520 --> 01:14:37.860 joined us 01:14:37.860 --> 01:14:39.000 and so this is 01:14:39.000 --> 01:14:39.800 his first day 01:14:39.800 --> 01:14:40.980 as our new pastor 01:14:40.980 --> 01:14:42.420 at Watermark 01:14:42.420 --> 01:14:43.680 and so you can pray 01:14:43.680 --> 01:14:44.340 for him 01:14:44.340 --> 01:14:45.520 it's 01:14:45.520 --> 01:14:46.480 it's 01:14:46.480 --> 01:14:47.579 yeah we're so thankful 01:14:47.579 --> 01:14:48.100 you're here 01:14:48.100 --> 01:14:49.039 and you'll get a chance 01:14:49.039 --> 01:14:49.779 to hear her talk 01:14:49.779 --> 01:14:50.500 and listen to his funny 01:14:50.500 --> 01:14:51.479 accent later on 01:14:51.479 --> 01:14:53.619 Aldrin has come back 01:14:53.619 --> 01:14:54.619 Aldrin did an internship 01:14:54.619 --> 01:14:55.420 and he's come back 01:14:55.420 --> 01:14:56.100 as full time 01:14:56.100 --> 01:14:57.300 a Filipino pastor 01:14:57.300 --> 01:14:57.859 so now we have 01:14:57.859 --> 01:14:59.500 two other pastors here 01:14:59.500 --> 01:15:00.140 that are serving 01:15:00.140 --> 01:15:01.140 and praying through 01:15:01.140 --> 01:15:01.739 what does it look like 01:15:01.739 --> 01:15:02.800 for them to plant a church 01:15:02.800 --> 01:15:04.119 within those congregations 01:15:04.119 --> 01:15:05.519 and so that is amazing 01:15:05.519 --> 01:15:07.220 Henrika was a college student 01:15:07.220 --> 01:15:08.100 you heard her testimony 01:15:08.100 --> 01:15:09.720 she's actually raising 01:15:09.720 --> 01:15:10.380 support 01:15:10.380 --> 01:15:11.460 right now 01:15:11.460 --> 01:15:12.500 so that she can come 01:15:12.500 --> 01:15:13.019 to Watermark 01:15:13.019 --> 01:15:13.619 as an intern 01:15:13.619 --> 01:15:14.760 and serve the church 01:15:14.760 --> 01:15:15.739 and so she's 01:15:15.739 --> 01:15:17.199 she's raising her own support 01:15:17.199 --> 01:15:17.960 so she can come 01:15:17.960 --> 01:15:19.159 and serve the church 01:15:19.159 --> 01:15:20.380 that's pretty amazing 01:15:20.380 --> 01:15:20.800 isn't it 01:15:20.800 --> 01:15:21.579 and so she's going 01:15:21.579 --> 01:15:22.079 to be involved 01:15:22.079 --> 01:15:23.300 in the university ministry 01:15:23.300 --> 01:15:24.319 and serving that 01:15:24.319 --> 01:15:24.960 so we can pray for her 01:15:24.960 --> 01:15:26.359 and Alfie has been here 01:15:26.359 --> 01:15:28.699 for six months 01:15:28.699 --> 01:15:30.880 Alfie is an intern 01:15:30.880 --> 01:15:31.679 he's like a jack 01:15:31.679 --> 01:15:32.199 of all trade 01:15:32.199 --> 01:15:33.039 he has a heart 01:15:33.039 --> 01:15:33.960 for planting churches 01:15:33.960 --> 01:15:34.920 he's involved 01:15:34.920 --> 01:15:35.899 in the university ministry 01:15:35.899 --> 01:15:36.439 he's involved 01:15:36.439 --> 01:15:37.279 in the youth ministry 01:15:37.279 --> 01:15:38.199 and 01:15:38.199 --> 01:15:39.880 what else 01:15:39.880 --> 01:15:40.639 are you involved in 01:15:40.639 --> 01:15:43.019 yeah set up 01:15:43.019 --> 01:15:43.279 yeah 01:15:43.279 --> 01:15:44.639 training and teaching 01:15:44.639 --> 01:15:45.659 with Chris Thornton 01:15:45.659 --> 01:15:47.359 and he has been doing 01:15:47.359 --> 01:15:48.819 an amazing job 01:15:48.819 --> 01:15:50.220 and so he is actually 01:15:50.220 --> 01:15:51.599 here as an intern too 01:15:51.599 --> 01:15:52.639 making 01:15:52.639 --> 01:15:54.279 not a lot of money 01:15:54.279 --> 01:15:55.439 doing a lot of stuff 01:15:55.439 --> 01:15:56.019 to serve 01:15:56.019 --> 01:15:57.159 the Watermark family 01:15:57.159 --> 01:15:58.000 and so I 01:15:58.000 --> 01:15:58.519 what I want to do 01:15:58.519 --> 01:15:59.000 is I want to pray 01:15:59.000 --> 01:16:00.099 for them 01:16:00.099 --> 01:16:01.180 and then I'll pray 01:16:01.180 --> 01:16:01.800 for our meal 01:16:01.800 --> 01:16:02.899 and then you are free 01:16:02.899 --> 01:16:03.300 to eat 01:16:03.300 --> 01:16:04.659 please grab some time 01:16:04.659 --> 01:16:05.019 with these people 01:16:05.019 --> 01:16:05.539 meet them 01:16:05.539 --> 01:16:06.199 talk to them 01:16:06.199 --> 01:16:07.399 ask me any questions 01:16:07.399 --> 01:16:08.319 look at the booklets 01:16:08.319 --> 01:16:10.019 they're just a snapshot 01:16:10.019 --> 01:16:10.760 of what's going on 01:16:10.760 --> 01:16:11.399 this last year 01:16:11.399 --> 01:16:12.180 but hopefully 01:16:12.180 --> 01:16:13.500 it's encouraging to you 01:16:13.500 --> 01:16:15.579 and it just gives you 01:16:15.579 --> 01:16:16.359 something to pray for 01:16:16.359 --> 01:16:17.220 let's pray 01:16:17.220 --> 01:16:17.779 by the way 01:16:17.779 --> 01:16:18.439 thank you for 01:16:18.439 --> 01:16:19.939 these servants 01:16:19.939 --> 01:16:20.979 who've come to serve 01:16:20.979 --> 01:16:22.619 your church here 01:16:22.619 --> 01:16:23.939 and for future churches 01:16:23.939 --> 01:16:25.119 as we think about 01:16:25.119 --> 01:16:25.859 planting churches 01:16:25.859 --> 01:16:26.819 and moving forward 01:16:26.819 --> 01:16:28.399 and just the right people 01:16:28.399 --> 01:16:29.260 and I know there are people 01:16:29.260 --> 01:16:29.880 in this congregation 01:16:29.880 --> 01:16:31.100 who will be a part of that 01:16:31.100 --> 01:16:31.800 as they step out 01:16:31.800 --> 01:16:32.920 in faith 01:16:32.920 --> 01:16:34.340 and go to different areas 01:16:34.340 --> 01:16:34.920 of Hong Kong 01:16:34.920 --> 01:16:36.000 on the south side 01:16:36.000 --> 01:16:37.159 and TST 01:16:37.159 --> 01:16:38.399 and other places 01:16:38.399 --> 01:16:38.960 we've been dreaming 01:16:38.960 --> 01:16:39.859 about planting churches 01:16:39.859 --> 01:16:40.539 to reach people 01:16:40.539 --> 01:16:41.300 who aren't in church 01:16:41.300 --> 01:16:42.479 this Sunday 01:16:42.479 --> 01:16:43.639 we pray for them 01:16:43.639 --> 01:16:43.799 Father 01:16:43.799 --> 01:16:44.199 we thank you 01:16:44.199 --> 01:16:45.179 that you brought them here 01:16:45.179 --> 01:16:46.459 some in amazingly 01:16:46.459 --> 01:16:48.459 different and diverse ways 01:16:48.459 --> 01:16:49.539 we could never have planned 01:16:49.539 --> 01:16:50.799 but it's so clear 01:16:50.799 --> 01:16:51.599 that you are moving 01:16:51.599 --> 01:16:52.500 and you're changing 01:16:52.500 --> 01:16:53.819 your kingdom 01:16:53.819 --> 01:16:55.239 help us to be a church 01:16:55.239 --> 01:16:56.419 that is about your kingdom 01:16:56.419 --> 01:16:57.339 and not our kingdom 01:16:57.339 --> 01:16:58.500 help us to be a church 01:16:58.500 --> 01:16:59.519 that is about lost people 01:16:59.519 --> 01:17:00.579 help us to be a church 01:17:00.579 --> 01:17:02.000 that lives well 01:17:02.000 --> 01:17:03.339 between the here and now 01:17:03.339 --> 01:17:04.039 and not yet 01:17:04.039 --> 01:17:05.579 and that we look forward 01:17:05.579 --> 01:17:06.739 to when you come again 01:17:06.739 --> 01:17:08.519 and you make all things new 01:17:08.519 --> 01:17:09.359 so I thank you 01:17:09.359 --> 01:17:10.759 for my brothers and sisters here 01:17:10.759 --> 01:17:11.439 and the leadership 01:17:11.439 --> 01:17:12.739 and for all those 01:17:12.739 --> 01:17:13.239 who serve 01:17:13.239 --> 01:17:14.339 and are part of this church 01:17:14.339 --> 01:17:15.500 everyone in this family 01:17:15.500 --> 01:17:16.319 we're all family 01:17:16.319 --> 01:17:17.719 pray for us Lord 01:17:17.719 --> 01:17:18.899 we pray that we would love you 01:17:18.899 --> 01:17:20.159 we would love each other 01:17:20.159 --> 01:17:21.639 and we love our neighbors 01:17:21.639 --> 01:17:22.419 and we pray these things 01:17:22.419 --> 01:17:23.359 in your son Jesus name 01:17:23.359 --> 01:17:23.919 amen 01:17:23.920 --> 01:17:27.319 and we pray that we would love you 01:17:27.319 --> 01:17:28.140 and we pray that we would love you