APR 10

1 Corinthians 3:7
Memorise John 4:36
“but God gave the increase…”

WHAT IS THE FOURTH ROOT?

The fourth root is a German root. In a remote village called Iam Tsau (meaning “Salt Pans” in Teochew), 25 miles from Swatow, a German by the name of Dr. Rudolph Lechler came to preach the gospel. He belonged to the Basel Missionary Society, Switzerland. Despite many difficulties, Dr. Lechler persevered, and managed to plant a church at Iam Tsau (1848- 1852). He was able to baptize 13 believers in this church he established. The Tow and the Lim clans descended directly from this remote Teochew village church so our BP Church also has this little German root.

Years later, Rev. Tan Khai Lin, the maternal great grandfather of Rev. Timothy Tow, became the superintendent pastor of Iam Tsau alongside three other churches. What Lechler planted, William Burns and Tan Khai Lin watered, but God gave the increase. Rev. Tow, in his autobiography “Son of a Mother’s Vow” puts it this way, “The sowing in tears by the German missionary, a decade before the English, now brought many cheers so that “both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together” (John 4: 36).

All of us must remember that when we sow or plant, we are merely instruments that God uses. All our gifts are from God; all that we are able to do is by the grace of God. When a soul is effectually and gloriously saved, we must not think we have converted him. It is God who gives us the opportunities and abilities, and works in the hearts of hearers to convict and to convert. Therefore, all glory rightfully belongs to God.

Dear teen, do not be too disappointed if your efforts to reach out to your friends have been unsuccessful. It is God who gives the increase. As you sow and water, let the Spirit of God work in the hearts of those whom you have witnessed to. Whether they accept or reject, your part is faithfully carried out. You will not lose your reward. The blessing that you hope to bestow upon your friend, will in God’s mysterious ways, return to you. Therefore, never be weary in well-doing.

Thought: Our wise and just God knows how to reward fairly.
Prayer: Father in heaven, may I be faithful in sowing and watering while I look to Thee for fruit and increase.