Family Dedication (Jan 2023)
We had our first family dedication of 2023 on 29 January with three families. We had the Yins, (Stanley and Yiling with baby Noah), the De Jonges (Adriaan and Christine with Naomi and baby Nathanael) and the Lowes (Joshua and Tiffany with Theophilus and baby Tabitha).
At GBC, we continue to give praise and thank God for the gift of families and children. Through these familial relationships, we have the wonderful privilege of reflecting the love of our Heavenly Father and telling of His wondrous works to the next generation.
(L to R) The De Jonges, the Yins and the Lowes.
These family dedications are an opportunity for not just the parents of the children but also the rest of the church to commit to discipling the children whom God has entrusted to us. In the family dedication, our parents are committing themselves first to the Lord, then to instruct their children in His ways. All of life, including parenthood, is lived for Jesus, by His grace.
Together as a church too, we are committing to encourage these families in Christ as the family of God. In our covenant with one another as fellow members of this local church, we have pledged to “endeavor to raise the children and youth under our care in the training and instruction of the Lord”.
On Sunday, the families had a chance to introduce themselves. In particular, the De Jonges shared that they are planning to move back to the Netherlands in April. We are sad to see them leave, but we continue to pray for them, that they will also be able to find a church to settle, grow and serve in.
We can continue to keep these families, and other families in prayer as they endeavour to raise their children and to model the love of God to our children. There are also practical ways we can love and be the family of God for one another. Our Children’s Ministry is always in need of more teachers and helpers in both Sunday School and the Nursery. Helping out in this way also allows our parents to hear God’s word and find their rest in Him. If you’d like to serve or are keen to find out more, feel free to contact Siew Ting (siewting@gracebaptistchurch.sg).
There are also other informal ways of serving and loving our families. One way is to just get to know them after service in the Fellowship Hall. Seek out other ways to grab meals or run errands together in the week. Ask the parents and even the children how we can pray for them. Another way to do so regularly is to join a care group. This allows us to meet with a few people in church regularly and to deepen the relationship over time.
Pastor Eugene also reminded us that these family dedications may also be hard for those among us who struggle with various things. Indeed, as a church we are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn. The topic of family can be difficult for some in our midst. Some desire marriage and/or children, but find that in God’s timing, their prayers are unanswered. Others may find that their family relationships are broken. Let us take comfort in God’s word in 1 John 3:1, which calls us to see the love the Father has given to us to be called children of God. Regardless of our experience with our earthly families and relationships, we have a lasting and more secure love in Christ, who loves us and enables us to love others.