by Elder Mike Chon

I couldn’t imagine almost twelve years ago when I began attending the home bible studies that our church would be what it is today. God has definitely been faithful to shape and mold our church through all the blessings and trials that we have experienced over the years. It has been a blessing to witness God’s faithfulness in using trials to help our church grow to be more like Christ (James 1:2-4) and how many of you have endured through trials to God’s glory. As I reflected on our church, I cannot help but to give thanks to God for you all (1 Thess. 1:2-3).

There is no other place I would rather be than at Lighthouse Bible Church (San Diego or San Jose).Today so many people move around so many times because of so many reasons that it is difficult to find people and families that stay in one area for more than five years. Likewise some people may think that it doesn’t matter if you change churches multiple times as long as the sermons are good and the people are nice. The problem of this type of thinking is that the church never becomes anything more than a place where you seek to get your needs met and to grow individually (which is not a biblical concept). In addition to that, the church never becomes a family where we relate to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why I am so thankful for Lighthouse Bible Church which has become a true family over the years. We have rejoiced with those that have been blessed and grieved with those that suffer (1 Cor. 12:26). I have never experienced a church that truly cares for their brothers and sisters as our church does. We have had church members go through very difficult times and have various needs, and immediately you have come to give support and meet the needs of your fellow brother or sister. Even in my own life and the life of my family, many of you have come to help when we needed assistance and support. When you say that you will help in any way that we need, I know and trust that those words are not mere words. Our church is what it is today because of the people that have been so faithful and committed to the Word of God and to Christ’s bride, the church. I am so thankful for you and my heart rejoices and is overwhelmed by your example of love and care for one another.

I want to say thank you especially to those that have taken steps to gently confront the leaders because of your love for the church. We are definitely not above being kept accountable. Thank you for your desire to see God glorified in our lives and the church and your willingness to approach us with your concerns regarding issues in our lives as well as the ministry. I am thankful that you came with humble and gentle hearts to correct us as well as support us in the process. Those that have been faithful to carry out the peacemaker pledge with us as well as others in the church have brought great joy to our hearts since it reveals to us that your desire is first and foremost for God’s glory. It is truly a joy to serve along you as a fellow slave of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Even in a church full of sinners I can honestly say that there is no other place I would rather be than at Lighthouse Bible Church. I want to thank you for being a church that loves Christ and His church. Let us continue to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). Thank you!