Celebrating 20th Anniversary 慶祝二十週年

I’ve never known life without church and the people in it. There’s people there who visited me in the hospital when I was first born, and I’ve seen babies go from infants, to toddlers, to children. The people at FECA are so inexplicably loving, and have an empathy and understanding of each other that can only come from God. I’ve done a lot over the past 16 years with this church, but the most special moments to me are the little things. Getting to play games with the little kids, teach them, comfort them. Singing and laughing together with my friends. I’m so incredibly grateful that this church was started 20 years ago, and I pray everyday that we will continue to grow and flourish! :))))

I am grateful for the church community. Because of the Youth, I was brought closer to God and know I am certainly loved. I learned how to love others as God loved us first. They taught me how to foster lasting friendships. I can now call the church as my other family as brothers and sisters in Christ. While we feel like we are alone in this pandemic, remember that we aren’t alone: God is always by our side and our family (while not physically present) is with us spiritually because of the Holy Spirit that unites us together.

We joined the Mandarin Congregation from FEC, Glendale when Arcadia Church was planted in 2001. We are very grateful to the Lord for so much grace and blessings for the past 20 years. Both our daughters, Anita and Serena, were baptized in the church when they were in the youth group. Chit-Sang’s mother was also baptized in the church. We have had opportunities to serve God and people in many capacities. We are grateful to learn and receive supports from the brothers and sisters around us. Their prayers are essential for our lives in joy and peace.

我們從2001年建堂開始就從母會轉到國語堂。我們為過去20年神的恩典和祝福獻上感恩。我們兩個女兒Anita and Serena在青少年時在教會受洗。哲生的媽媽也在粵語堂受洗。神给了我們許多事奉的機會。我們很感謝在我們周圍的弟兄姊妹身上得到幫助和學習，他們的代禱是我們得到喜樂和平安生活的重要原因。

It was God’s guidance that I found FEC Arcadia Church 4 years ago. I was a student in a Christian Middle School in Hong Kong > half a century ago, before immigrating to US. But I never felt the urge to follow God.

My aunt/ uncle who are devoted Catholics came to visit us from San Jose and stayed for few days. I looked for Catholic Church so that we could bring them for their daily worship. Then the thought of looking for a Christian Church came up. That’s when I started joining and Thank God I did. Also Thanks to my dear husband Frankie who fully supported me and joined me after his retirement 3 years ago. I was baptized in July 2019.

I came to FEC Arcadia in 2007 while we were still meeting at the middle school in Arcadia, and became a member in 2008. I have grown with the church through many ups and downs in the past 15 years. The BIG moment for me is when I met my wife May here in 2007 and we became the 1st Arcadia church couple to get married in our new church building in Monrovia in Feb, 2009. What an honor! I thank God everyday for the beautiful bride that He gave me, as well as this wonderful family that we are forever a part of.

Bob and Macy Zeng first came to FEC Arcadia’s English Congregation in 2002. During then, we worshiped at First Avenue Middle School’s auditorium. On 2003 and 2004, both our children, Shyanne and Clinston, had their baby dedication ceremonies respectively with Pastor Mongens and Pastor Donald.

Back then, we joined the best fellowship group! It mainly consisted of families with young children. (Can you recognize each of these kids?) In 2014 & 2015 Christmas season, I had a blast organizing the children and youth for the nativity scene with string orchestra presentation. On December 20, 2015, my daughter who turned 13 was baptized by Pastor Nick.

From 2016 till now, we have joined the Mandarin Congregation. We were truly blessed by Pastor Phillip who embraced our family and recruited us to lead worship. Our family has been enriched by the FEC brothers and sisters, pastoral staffs, AWANA program, Sunday schools, retreats and many festive events. May God continue to bless FEC Arcadia!

When I was invited to teach Children Sunday School 10 years ago, I was nervous and felt that I was incapable. But God had abundant providence and a plan to give me training. After God’s leadership and a period of service time, my confidence to serve in children ministry had grown. I feel that God had inspired me to become His instrument to nurture the children spiritually. It is my honor and pleasure to serve in His name. Thank God for giving me a ministry position to continue to sow the seeds of the gospel and glorify Him. When I saw some of the pre-school children in my class before had been baptized, entered university, or came back to help teaching children Sunday school, I could not stop praising God’s grace and blessings to our next generation.

10年前當我被邀請教兒童主日學的時候，是帶着戰戰兢兢的心情，覺得自己沒有能力。但神有豐富預備和計劃做就我的事奉工作，經過神的帶領和一段時間，我的信心已增長，覺得是神先教導我，讓我成為流通的管子去教導小朋友，自己才是最大的屬靈得益者。感恩神賜給我一個事奉崗位繼續去撒放福音種籽和榮耀祂。當我見到當年的一些學前兒童現在已經受浸和進入大學，或者回來協助教兒童主日學，我心中便不斷讚美神對我們下一代的恩典和祝福。