Easter Retreats Conclude in United States, Asia Pacific
The 2017 New York Easter Retreat gathering in New York was held from April 14-16. Reverend Francis Helguero, the President of OA USA, delivered the sermon for the opening service of the Easter retreat with John 13.
Rev. Helguero focused on the way of life as a Christian. "We must allow ourselves to serve no matter what form it takes. We should attempt to minister to those around us of the truth that the lord is giving. We should be a true messenger to show the love of the father with those around us, sharing the serving around us."
Rev. David Jang delivered the service on Easter Sunday on Luke 24 the Path of Emmaus. He exhorted the attendants to discover the meaning of the cross, "Our faith, simply speaking, is based on faith in the resurrection. Faith is gained when we believe in the heart. The truth is not there even if you go up into heaven or descend to the deep as written in Deuteronomy."
"The work of the Holy Spirit reminds us of the truth that is expressed through Jesus and enable us to stand upon this grace. Receiving Holy Spirit means that we are born newly through Christ shares in both His death and resurrection. The power of love creates a new being born through this love, and from this foundation of Easter is how a church begins," said Rev. Jang.
A very diverse group was present during the testimonies on the last day including a pastor from Germany, an Olivet Teen Mission intern from India, several members from Montreal, Canada.
In Los Angeles, Rev. Andrew T. Lin delivered a message from John 20: 10-18 and Galatians 2:20 to meditate the meaning of the Easter and Resurrection with all the congregation gathered Sunday.
Rev. Lin shared, "As the years go by, what I realized is that Jesus is being formed inside of me. Not only the glory, also the suffering, just like Paul said, there are good things and bad things, glory and dishonor. The more I taste all aspects life of Jesus, as he tried to live for the kingdom of God, the worry and the pain, the danger, that I taste, I come to know Jesus more and to see Jesus clearly. It's not just concept but really the Lord resurrected inside of our hearts."
The resurrected Lord is not a concept, He ascended to heaven, He resurrected inside of our hearts. Rev. Lin gave the encouragement to all the members, "My hope for all of us today, our faith has no longer fear to hardship even death. Go beyond of these, we can really live boldly for our faith."
On the other side of the world, Easter retreat for Asia Pacific was held in Korea and concluded within abundant grace of God as offering Easter Service.
Rev. Simon Jang preached sermon with the text Mark 16:1-7, "This service is not the end, but new beginning and turning point of our life. We should go to Galilee, succeeding works of Jesus at the there."
Rev. Jang continued, "Until all nations united as one body of Jesus, and all churches to be one, let's preach this gospel at our life, throughout our city and whole nations. This is only our goal."
Right after the retreat, OLI convened a new leadership training session at APOC titled as 'Sanctification and the Kingdom of God'. The training hosts a number of leaders from around Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia with hope that the work of the gospel can expand further in the region through these prospective ministers and missionaries.
