First Chinese Baptist has been blessed many times over. When our first church home was only 18 years old, it was rocked by the infamous 1906 SF Earthquake and Fire. But with Baptist faithfuls, churches across the country, and the Home Missionary Society contributing funds to reconstruct the “Chinese Baptist Mission,” our present church was rebuilt from the ashes in 1908.

Ringing true to Baptist freedoms, new Baptist congregations were born out of our fellowship to express their Christian witness in different ways. But in each of these situations, First Chinese Baptist was once again blessed with new members dedicating themselves in continuing God’s mission in Chinatown. Today we are a strong church with programs and ministries for both community residents as well as our own church members led by trained and committed church leaders and teachers. After the successful completion of the building retrofit and renovation in 2000, we have seen an outpouring of financial support and the adding of new members who share in our enduring mission.

Like First Chinese Baptist, the church that Timothy served was also blessed with more than adequate resources. But Paul’s advice for them and for us is to avoid desiring for the things of this world; instead, desire the gifts of the future life by showing your good deeds today. Instead of storing our wealth in the transient goods of this world, store “the treasures of a good foundation for the future.” (1Timothy 6:19) When we choose to do good, be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, we discover what life really is all about.

On the theme, “Good Foundation for the Future,” the 2004 Stewardship Canvass will enable you to see that our church, richly blessed will be building a good foundation for the future. Started earlier this year, the new contract position, Young Adult Ministry Coordinator” will continue in the leadership of Mr. Ken Tom. Ken is strengthening the connections that young adults may have with our church. We will once again maintain the “Community Outreach Worker” in Ms Jane Lam who contacts and ministers to students who come to Friday Night School as well as others in our neighborhood. These specifically focused positions augment the pastoral staff’s ability to reaching all people to know Christ. We are investing in a good foundation for the future.

As our church grows, the management of financial records has now necessitated us to create a new hourly position of a “Bookkeeper.” Paying bills, acknowledging contributions, paying staff, creating year-to-date reports, compiling year-end reports, along with the need to maintain consistency in record-keeping means that these functions cannot solely rely on the work of volunteers but an employed bookkeeper. As you believe in this ministry, we promise that our record-keeping meets and surpasses all standards and your expectations.

Plans are underway to rectify the noise problem of hearing in the back of the sanctuary by first completing an acoustical study and scheduled construction in 2004. And finally, modest but new funds are needed to support the new work of the Long-Range Planning Committee and the 125^th Anniversary Committee that will perform their tasks in 2004 and 2005.

For over 123 years, the First Chinese Baptist Church remains unwavering in its mission to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world. With your fervent prayers, especially active participation, and support, we will continue to be able to build a strong future. When you receive the 2004 Stewardship Canvass materials, we invite you to become a vital part of building a good foundation for the future. Pledge Sunday is October 26^th when we will have All-Church Worship, 10:30 AM at Four Seas.

The Bay Area Chinese churches joint prayer meeting ‘Pleading for Revival at the Mercy Seat’ was held on September 14 at the San Francisco Presidio Middle School. Over three hundred people attended. More than ten pastors from different churches led the congregation to worship and pray for the revival of the nation, communities, churches, mission, families, and spiritual lives in the school’s auditorium. May this spark of spiritual revival continue to spread among the churches.

The first Sunday of October is our church’s Founders Day. This year is on 10/5. October is also the month of the World Mission Offering. The two have a very meaningful relationship because our church was founded 123 years ago by faithful missionaries. Therefore, as members of this church we are supposed to be mission-minded. The Chinese speaking adult Sunday school summer series helped us to learn about the Biblical, historical, and current trends of world mission. This course is part of our discipleship curriculum ‘Spiritual Growth Path’ which was adopted two years ago. In the past, we have provided training in evangelism, new believers’ follow up, and Bible study method. We’ll provide ‘Spiritual Gifts & Servanthood’ training in October. We’ll start with the Koinonia fellowship and extend to other fellowships later. We hope these would help all who come to our church to become more mature disciples of Christ. We have seen God’s blessings and some results in the past two years. Through our evangelism and follow-up with new believers, we have over 10 people attending the baptismal & membership class this time. Other brothers and sisters are growing in their spiritual lives. In August, Sandy Chu was called to be equipped at Dallas Theological Seminary. Couple of others are considering seminary training too. It is our joy to see people in our church responding to God’s calling for full-time ministry.

In September, we saw the children Sunday school promotion and the community youth of the FLY fellowship graduate from high school and promoted to Zion. These are all God’s work. Our job is to plant the seed and water it, but God made it grow (1Cor.3:6). May God help us to be faithful to continue the legacy which He entrusted to us 123 years ago.

We give thanks to God for the musical gifts of our brothers Charles Yong and Jackie Hui. Their Psalms Music Ministry will release their second CD soon. We are glad to hold a dedication for this new CD at the 10/12 service. May God continue to use their ministry to bless Chinese churches.

Due to the SARS epidemic at the beginning of the year, the visitation by the China Swatow Christian church delegates was re-scheduled to October. Three delegates will come to visit the Bay Area churches and seminaries on 10/16-20. Rev. S.C. Lee will be our speaker on 10/19. We hope this would enhance the communication and fellowship in Christ with the churches in China.

“As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.”  He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:27-28

        In this passage, Jesus is not insulting his mother or the woman who called out but instead he is teaching that obedience to the word of God brings blessing beyond that of family ties. Although I am so thankful for the families that have been brought up in the church, our faith must be based on discipleship to Christ and obedience to his word.  Faith is not inherited but in our families faith can be nurtured and encouraged!  Spend some time this month as a family, praying and reading scripture together and encourage each other to keep on growing and learning – Sunday school is not just for children and youth!

        This month I’d like to highlight our Chinese speaking junior high ministry.  It is headed up by Alvina Tai and her team (Deborah Mok, Kenneth Kwan and Billy Chow).  This ministry began because Alvina and Charlene Fong noticed that a good number of 6^th graders were not transitioning well into the English speaking Junior High program at the CEC.  It wasn’t a matter of language but more of culture.  Alvina saw the need and began meeting with a small group of them.  Last I heard there were over 20 kids in the class!  I’m thankful for people like Alvina and Charlene who see needs and then seek to meet them!  If you see any needs and would be interested in helping to meet them please let me know!

        Upcoming CE Events: …Joyfest, Senior High Event at Great America, October 4^th…Senior Luncheon, October 12^th…Youth Gathering, October 17^th, 7:00pm Nursery…3on3 basketball tournament, October 19^th…College Bible Study every Friday night at Pastor Chris O.’s (contact her for more information)…

      American Baptist mission ministries need our support to work on our behalf in areas beyond our doors. Beginning in 2004, the Deacons are proposing to designate our United Mission Basics to specific mission ministries. These are all American Baptist ministries located both in our region as well as nationally. These designations will be for three years (2004-2006) at which time we would review our decision for the future. From the ABC/USA United Mission Basic of $26,000, we are recommending the following support:

1. National, Educational, International,

and General Ministries (Valley Forge) 3                      7.5%                $9750

2. Redwood Glen Baptist Camp                                 15.6                   4062

3. Southeast Asian Friendship Ministries

(Work in Laos/Office in Fresno)                                 12.5                   3250

4. ABC of the West (3.2)

    ABC of the West—Urban Initiative (6.2)                  9.4                   2437

5. Today’s Youth Matter (Bay Area)                            9.4                   2437

6. Rainbow Acres (Arizona)                                         6.2                   1625

7. Seafarer’s Ministry of the Golden Gate                  

(Oakland)                                                                    6.2                   1625

8. American Baptist Historical Society                       

(Valley Forge)                                                              3.2                     813

Total                                                                          100%            $26,000

By personalizing missions, we serve as partners in the ongoing Baptist work at home and in other countries. Materials on these ministries are available in the church office. Throughout the year, we will invite missionaries of these ministries to share their work with us. Join us in the excitement of giving and supporting the ministries that are making a difference in the lives of people in the world.

Balancing our faith with what we see around us is difficult today. A glance at the news can cause us a sense of dismay, and may even challenge our faith and hope in the redeeming work of God. In our own country, we see violence, corporate scandals, and unemployment; beyond American borders, the bad news continues. People live in overwhelming poverty, without access to basic healthcare. Many cope with the effects of civil war, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters. Children lack school supplies and decent housing. The world cries out for justice, healing, and hope.

The good news is that God offers true hope in Jesus Christ. And today Christians all over the world are energetically engaged in cross-cultural mission, praising God for His goodness in their lives and sharing Jesus with others. The vision and vibrancy of the world church is an inspiration to all of us.

Our church receives the World Mission Offering every October to support American Baptist missions overseas. To reach our goal of $4200, we need your prayerful gift. You may make your gift either by placing it in the Sunday worship offering plate or send it to the church. The offering provides basic support for all of your American Baptist missionaries and for mission projects undertaken by your global mission partners.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, Rev. Dr. Jeff Sharp, ABC International Ministries National Staff and formerly missionary to Hong Kong and senior pastor at FCBC will share during the morning worship services and on Sunday, Nov. 9, Rev. Ben Chan, BIM Area Director for East Asia and India will share also share his work with American Baptist missions. Come to learn more about how our support of the World Mission Offering extends our ministries around the world.

As a church that was started as a mission to Chinese over 120 years ago, we can understand the importance of continuing sharing Jesus in the whole world!

God loves you. As you ponder how in the huge universe of creation, God still takes time to love each of us, you begin to believe that life is more meaningful and fulfilled when we respond to God’s love. Pastors Mak, Chris, and Don will once again offer Basics and Inquirers Classes this fall as we prepare for the Service of Baptism and receiving into Church Membership on December 14. If you feel God is calling you to respond to his gracious love and mercy, contact the pastors to join one of the classes.

 Get out the rags and Fantastik! Our bi-annual Fall Clean-Up Day is on Saturday, October 18, beginning at 8:30 AM with coffee and donuts, work begins at 9:00 and we end our work with lunch at noon. The Trustees would like to get our church home sparkling clean in time for the upcoming holiday season. The goal is to have at least two representatives from each of our 20 fellowship groups. If you can bring more people, we would love that! Fellowship chairpersons, please contact the church office of your attendance. Thanks!