My connection with EFC of Central Auckland spans nearly twenty years. When I think of EFCCA, many wonderful memories come to mind.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Elder John Wu and his wife. Their home is known for its cherry blossoms. During many visits to EFC churches in New Zealand, they welcomed us warmly, and we stayed in a guest room overlooking the fields. Those visits left us with many beautiful memories.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Elder Alice Zheng and the welcoming place of rest that her family operated. The comfortable accommodation and delicious meals provided precious support whenever Logos courses were held. Many important plans and meetings were completed there.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Elder Jim Chen and Elder Qinmiao Ren and their wives. For the vision and mission of the Evangelical Formosan Church and for the church-planting movement, we travelled together to Christchurch in the South Island, longing with one heart for the work of the gospel to cross the sea and take root there.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of the other EFC churches in Auckland. There were once five, and later there were eight. Each year we looked forward to the pastors’ retreat, when pastoral families lived together in harmony and people of all ages shared life together. What a good and beautiful fellowship it was.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Pastor Chao-Huei Lee, Pastor Michael Chen and Pastor Yongjun Dong, together with their wives, all beloved by God. One generation handed the baton to the next. At different stages and amid different needs, each responded to God’s call and received His commission.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Elder Jane Liang, Elder Stephen Yeh and his wife, Minister Susan Sue and Elder Yat-Chen Lin, Elder John Wu and his wife. In pioneering and church planting, they cleared the way through difficulty and led from the front. They are remarkable examples—people willing to move for the sake of planting churches.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Minister Nancy(Fumei) and Brother Chin-Shiang, and Minister Grace(Jingrong) and Brother Zhengpei, as well as the EFCCA church building itself. They took the lead in giving toward the cost of providing facilities for theological training, and they strongly encouraged students to receive that essential training.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of Pastor Yongjun Dong, the elders, deacons, co-workers and the whole congregation. Their forward-looking vision and selfless support enabled theological education of eternal value to take root here, find a permanent home and prepare kingdom workers for the Lord.
When I think of EFCCA, I think of the many students of Logos Taiwan who have studied here. Through Pastor Dong’s welcome and encouragement and Sister Liping’s administrative partnership, student numbers have grown steadily for ten years. Saints have been equipped, brothers and sisters have been built up, and many surrounding churches have been blessed.
When I think of EFCCA, I remember the many gatherings held here: pastors’ retreats, co-worker training events, expanded General Council meetings, graduation ceremonies, Sunday services and theological courses. Most of all, I remember the faces of the brothers and sisters at every gathering—the warmth and closeness of family.
When I speak of EFCCA, each memory feels like a treasured part of the family story.
How quickly time has passed. Though these are only fragments, it amazes me that I have walked alongside EFCCA for nearly twenty of its thirty years.
I am now over seventy, and I often remind myself that every part of the journey is real, precious and important. Every road we travel leaves its mark. We must keep making the most of the present, live faithfully today, take each day seriously and treasure the people and circumstances God places before us.
Dear brothers and sisters of EFC of Central Auckland: we have walked together. The past is prologue. You will continue along the path laid by those who went before and sail into a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Psalm 133 gives us a picture for the voyage ahead.
Perhaps it will be another thirty years, or perhaps much longer. As we continue forward, my heartfelt prayer is that we will be:
- Pilgrims who accompany one another on the heavenly journey (v. 1)
- Pilgrims who cherish one another on the heavenly journey (v. 2)
- Pilgrims who help one another on the heavenly journey (v. 3a)
- Pilgrims who promise to meet one another in eternity (v. 3b)
A servant of the Lord
Pastor Peter Chen
and Mrs. Ting-Hua Chen
