Editorial

Two years ago, during our annual planning retreat held on October 22, a significant conversation took place—one that would shape the future of our church. The idea of purchasing our own property was tabled, and to our joy, it received unanimous support from all who were present. This prompted the Session to bring the matter before the congregation during the Annual Congregational Meeting (ACM).



At that ACM on April 23, nearly 90% of our members voted in favor of acquiring a property. With this clear affirmation, the Session began preparations to move forward. Yet, we knew from the start that the path ahead would not be easy.

FACING IMPOSSIBLE ODDS

The first challenge was financial. After two decades, our church development fund held only about S$100,000—barely sufficient for the 5% downpayment on a B1 industrial unit. If we were to commit to a property at that time, the remaining 95% would need to be paid within three months, an amount far beyond our reach. Faced with this daunting reality, we did the only thing we could: we turned to the Lord in prayer. With faith, God led us to form three teams: one to search for a property, one to support the process in prayer, and another to oversee fundraising. But another pressing concern weighed on our hearts. 

A BURDEN FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

At that time, our youth were disengaged and reluctant to serve. This raised a sobering question: even if we acquired a property, would the next generation be willing and able to sustain it?

Again, we turned to God in prayer, asking Him to renew the hearts of our young people and breathe new life into our church. Just two months later, at our church camp in June 2023, we witnessed an extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit. The Lord began to transform mindsets and rekindle hearts.

Many of our youths were deeply stirred during the camp. So profound was the transformation that, at the following ACM, five of our youths accepted the call to serve and were elected into the Session as deacons. Each shared how they had personally experienced God’s call to serve. Since then, our youths have continued to serve with fervor and faith. Praise be to God for this revival. 

MOVED TO GIVE

With renewed spiritual strength, we turned once again to the Lord to meet our financial needs. The congregation was encouraged to give and loan as they were led. At the same time, we reached out to more than ten churches for prayer and support.

What followed was nothing short of a miracle. Members gave generously, and churches responded with love and support. The Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore (BPCIS) and several other congregations gave sacrificially- even those facing their own financial challenges. One especially moving example came from a

church member who offered an interest-free loan, requesting only that part of it be used for her funeral, and the remainder offered unto the Lord.

In just six months, God provided through the unity and generosity of His people- enabling us to raise sufficient funds to begin our property search in earnest. After viewing multiple units, we settled upon a unit that was spacious, reasonably priced, and well suited for our needs. Following negotiations, we purchased unit #05-06—the very space we now worship in. The Lord’s timing was perfect once again.

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

Previously, Mount Gerizim held services at Choa Chu Kang Bible Centre (CCKBC). But in September 2023, we were informed that the venue would undergo major renovations by June 2024. We needed to vacate by the end of May 2024.

As we searched for a temporary place of worship, the Lord answered our prayers. Evangel BP Church graciously opened their doors to us, offering us the use of their premises on the 8th floor of this very building. For nine months, we held our services there. It was a season of smooth transition and preparation, as God allowed us to acclimatize to our new environment before settling into our own premises. To our amazement, the entire congregation made the significant move from Choa Chu Kang to Woodlands together—not a single lamb was lost. Praise be to our Lord for his perfect provision!

GOD'S TIMELY PROVISION

Following the purchase of the property, we were immediately confronted with another significant challenge: there were no remaining funds for renovation. Many of our members had stretched themselves to give or loan, and we found ourselves in a difficult position- holding the keys to a new property, yet lacking the resources to make it usable for ministry. Not knowing how long it would take to raise the necessary amount, we were brought into a season of waiting and trusting on the Lord’s timing.

Then, on Good Friday 2024, at noon, an unexpected call came. our pastor, Daniel Ho, was informed that the Lord had moved a church to extend a generous loan to us. To our astonishment, the amount offered was exactly what was needed to fund the entire renovation. What seemed completely uncertain before was resolved in a single day.

Truly, God had once again demonstrated His perfect provision. In His time and in His way, He supplied all that we lacked—reminding us that His work, done in His will, would never lack His provision.

EQUIPPED FROM WITHIN

Despite the financial constraints that followed the property purchase, the Lord, in His gracious provision, had already prepared a team from within our congregation—members uniquely equipped with the skills needed for the renovation. Among them were individuals with prior experience in interior design, product design, procurement, IT, and acoustics.

At the time, none of them could have anticipated that God had been preparing them for such a task. Yet, just as He raised Bezalel and Oholiab to construct the tabernacle in the wilderness, the Lord had quietly and faithfully equipped this team years in advance to undertake the building of His sanctuary.



More than skill, the Lord stirred their hearts to serve. United by a shared purpose and burden, they formed the renovation team and committed themselves to overseeing the entire process. This not only brought significant cost savings, but also ensured that every decision was thoughtfully tailored to suit the actual operational needs of the church.

Their familiarity with the day-to-day workings of our ministry enabled them to make practical and efficient design choices. And in areas they lacked, the Lord provided wisdom- guiding them to learn independently or consult relevant professionals to overcome each challenge.

It was only in hindsight that we recognized how God’s provision is never limited by time. His planning had long preceded our need; He had gone ahead of us, placing the right people in the right roles at the right time. We give thanks to God for His abundant and timely provision, and for building His house through the willing hands of His people.

WAITING IN FAITH

With renovations complete, the final hurdle was to obtain a worship permit from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). The application process was long and uncertain. But God was teaching us to wait, to trust, and to persevere in prayer.

After four months, URA granted the permit in February 2025. In March, we began worshipping in our new sanctuary. And in April, we shifted our worship services to the morning.

A JOURNEY OF MIRACLES

As we look back, from the ACM vote two years ago to the revival of our youths, the miraculous fundraising, the property purchase, renovation, and the worship permit- we have witnessed the unmistakable hand of God in every detail. Every need was met. Every challenge became a testimony. Though we still have loans to repay, we trust that the Lord who began this good work will surely bring it to completion.

We wish to thank every member and supporter who gave, prayed, loaned, served, and believed. Thank you for being part of this work, which has brought glory to our God.

As Psalm 127:1 reminds us: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Indeed, this sanctuary stands as a testimony- not to our strength, but to God’s grace. The story of Mount Gerizim’s sanctuary is a story of answered prayers, of unity, and of divine provision. It is nothing short of a miracle.

To God be the glory, forever and ever. Amen.