“Family” is one of the most broadly defined terms in societies, because it means differently from one person to another. While one may define family as blood related members, another may consider family to include extended relatives residing near and far. Still, someone else may view their circle of friends or their pets as family. Families are vastly different, but they all function under one single premise: shared “Love and Commitment”.

The idea of commitment and love in the New Testament where Jesus tells His disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love for Jesus means we are committed to Him above all else, and this commitment is manifest in a life of obedience to Him and service to others. Biblical love for others is not primarily an emotion; rather, it’s a choice to commit ourselves to our brothers and sisters and to seek God’s best in their lives. As Christians, God wants us to walk with Him and enjoy His love and blessings. Our obedience is motivated by His love for us, so we can love our brothers and sisters as He commanded in the Bible.

In seeking His vision for our church in coming years, the pastoral team and the Board of Directors conducted a one-day retreat, and several followed-up gatherings. In conclusion, we are all in agreement that our Lord guides us to focus on “FECDB family that is rooted in Love, growing in Love and action in Love”.

With this “Family Love” vision in mind not just a slogan, our ministerial team needs to uproot some of the old, and to plant the new; abandon the usual routine, and to acquire the divergent thinking; remove the linear cultural bondage, and to build a crossed and diversified culture ministry among our leaders, brothers, and sisters. This also requires extraordinary efforts from our brothers and sisters to nurture this new normal culture and commitment. Our pastoral team has been diligently implementing a series of whole church gatherings, preaching and teaching in emphasis of this vision. Our brothers and sisters are now knowing each other more, expressing more family love to each other, and slowly but surely breaking down the culture walls between them.

There is no doubt that our ACC family is also growing not only in numbers but also in Love. To demonstrate their love and commitment to FECDB family, their members are continuing in support of our youth ministry. We still conduct our yearly scheduled gatherings to better our commitment to each other.

This new vision is going to carry on for years in our FECDB family. Perhaps a restructuring of our cross-cultural ministerial  approach in serving at church and/or our community is called for. Our pastoral team and our leaders will need to work side by side humbly and focus on His provision and grace. So we can strive to fulfill His plan and will for our FECDB family.