Entering the age of thirty is considered a stage of maturity for people today; there is a certain positioning regarding the direction of one’s life. The growth in the past has shaped who we are today. Positive pursuits of learning continuously contribute to our growth in knowledge and the practical application of love. Even facing setbacks, injuries, or unfortunate grievances, we can view them as life experiences, another facet of learning. Through struggle in adversity, we develop life qualities that we may not have actively pursued.
MAC was established in 1994, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the church’s celebration. Like a person, MAC has gone through different stages, starting with a small group of eight pioneers and gradually establishing different core ministries and organisational structure. It has grown into a church of over a hundred or two hundred people, experiencing vibrant periods where the church was wholeheartedly dedicated to spreading the gospel and nurturing believers’ growth. However, there were also ups and downs, days filled with a melancholic atmosphere. Looking back, the grace received over the years and the trials permitted by God have given MAC a certain foundation and maturity to respond to the spiritual needs of people in this rapidly changing generation.
For those who have been part of MAC for a longer time, the 30th anniversary is an opportunity for reflection on their own life journey. The church is a place where many believers have experienced God’s grace. Some have come to faith here, met their life partners, and established families. Others actively participate in church life, witnessing the results of fervent service.
For those who joined MAC in recent years due to immigration, the 30th anniversary may not evoke deep feelings, but it is an opportunity to understand the church’s development process, appreciating the culture and traditions present at MAC today. Additionally, for many believers, the church life has been a significant part of their life changes during the immigration process. Some have considered settling down in a particular place because of their involvement in church life. Therefore, the church anniversary allows them to reflect on how God has led their lives in recent years. Then by offering gratitude, we share with other believers and give glory to God.
Individual experiences of brothers and sisters, when placed in the church setting, contribute to the collective experience of the faith community. We are all witnesses, witnessing God’s work in us and simultaneously witnessing the transformation of the church. Regardless of the era in which individuals came to MAC, everyone participates in different degrees of testimony, whether it be God’s provision at a particular moment or His faithful care over a period.
The 30th-anniversary celebration activities at MAC are not limited to a single day; they start in January and will continue throughout the year with various events, including a logo design competition, a revival meeting in April, a joint worship service in May, and the publication of an anniversary book. May the Lord guide us to participate wholeheartedly, count His blessings, and propel us to continue shining for Him.
Rev Wai Chor Chiu