Yesterday, I was inducted as the Pastor of Hertford Street Baptist Church (Upper Mt Gravatt, Brisbane).

For those who do know me, this is part of a long journey that God has taken me on. I remember being at CMS Summer School in 2006, considering my university offers and asking God what to do with my life. Since then, God has been shaping me, growing me, maturing me and moving me toward full time pastoral ministry. Through the journey, God has humbled me to my knees to grasp what it means to have my hope built in Christ’s work on the cross alone. He has given me glimpses of His saving work, as I have had the privilege of seeing people come to Christ, grow in Christ and live for Christ. God has equiped me and given me the weighty responsibility to teach and preach His word, and to proclaim the Gospel to a world that needs Jesus. I have met many godly brothers and sisters on the way. I have benefitted from the generous support of God’s people. Wow. What a ride. Praise be to God for the journey thus far.

For those who I continue the journey with, it’s a new beginning in many ways. I’m about to get my hands dirty in full time pastoral ministry. I am about 2 months away from married life and all the joys and struggles that brings. I have already crossed paths with new brothers and sisters, and I’m sure there will be more who will join the ride. One thing I’ve learnt to hold onto is the goodness of God. God is good. He works for our good and His glory. He’s already worked in the most definite way by sending His son to pay the penalty of our sins. He will direct our paths as we motor ahead to an exciting yet unknown future.

Thank you to everyone who has been there for me (and Angela) over the past years. Thank you for the encouragers, the rebukers, the ones who picked me up when I was down, who taught me, trained me, spoke (sometimes hard) truths to me, who challenged me, who prayed for me, who chilled out with me, who served with me, on and on. Before this blog goes whichever way (food posts or thoughtful theological bites), I just want to honour and praise God for the fellowship, partnership and unity we have in Christ Jesus.

Soli Deo Gloria.