Building Our Legacy

Dear Hermon Family,

Blessed 38th Anniversary!

As I reflect on God's goodness to Mt Hermon Bible-Presbyterian Church, one word fills my heart above all else — thanksgiving.

Thirty-eight years ago, the Lord established this congregation officially. Since then, He has faithfully gathered His people, saved sinners through the gospel of Jesus Christ, nurtured believers in His Word, raised up leaders, strengthened families, and sustained this church through many seasons of joy and trial. Looking back, we can truly echo Samuel's confession that the Lord has been our Ebenezer, for “till now the LORD has helped us."

Anniversaries, however, are not only about remembering the past. They are also about renewing our confidence for the future.

This year, our church focus is "Building Our Legacy." At our Communications Day earlier this year, we shared four areas we believe deserve our prayerful attention: building a discipleship legacy, a family legacy, a spiritual legacy, and a structural legacy. These are not merely ministry initiatives. They reflect our desire to faithfully carry out our mission — to glorify God by being and making disciples of Christ Jesus — and to leave behind a church that treasures Christ even more deeply than our own generation does.

Over the past months, the Lord has been speaking to us through the books of Hosea and James. Looking back now, I cannot help but see how timely these two books have been for Hermon.

Hosea reminds us of God's covenant love that never lets go of His people. Again and again Israel wandered, yet again and again God called them to return. The final verse of the book leaves us with this challenge:

"For the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them" (Hosea 14:9).

James complements that message by reminding us that mature faith is not merely hearing God's Word but living it. We are called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only."

Together, Hosea and James remind us that building a godly legacy begins with hearts that continually return to the Lord and lives that humbly obey His Word.

I recognise that this has not been an easy season for some within our church family.

Over the past year, some whom we have worshipped with, served and prayed alongside are now part of other church families. While we sincerely thank God that Christ's kingdom is far bigger than Hermon, we would be less than honest if we said their departure has not been painful. We miss them, and many friendships have been affected.

There are also relationships within our own congregation that are still in the process of healing. Misunderstandings, disappointments, unresolved conflicts and hurts have brought grief to some. Healing rarely happens overnight, but I thank God that many continue to pursue reconciliation with humility and prayer. I pray we will all continue to do so, remembering that the unity Christ purchased at the cross is worth protecting with patience, grace and love.

Yet, dear church family, these difficulties do not have the final word. The final word belongs to our faithful covenant God.

Hosea teaches us that God restores wandering people. James teaches us that God matures His people through trials. The gospel assures us that Jesus Christ continues to build His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Therefore, our confidence has never rested upon having a trouble-free church. Our confidence rests upon having a faithful Saviour.

As I look around Hermon today, I have every reason to thank God. I see faithful seniors quietly praying for the next generation. I see parents intentionally bringing their children to know Christ.

I see young adults stepping forward to serve. I see members opening their homes for fellowship and CGs. I see volunteers who serve week after week with little recognition because they love Christ and His people. I see brothers and sisters caring for one another through illnesses, bereavements, struggles, and joys.

These may not make headlines, but they are beautiful evidence of God's grace among us.

I also thank God for the opportunities He is giving us. Our combined church camp with Horeb has reminded us that God's kingdom is larger than ourselves. We continue praying for stronger discipleship through our EDM Triple Seven journey, for warmer intergenerational fellowship, for faithful biblical teaching across every ministry, for the development of future leaders, and for God's provision as we consider future ministry opportunities. Each of these is another opportunity to build a legacy that points people to Christ.

As we celebrate thirty-eight years, my prayer is that Hermon will become a larger church. Larger in the sense that we treasure God's Word more deeply. Love one another more sincerely. Welcome the next generation more joyfully. Extend grace more sacrificially. Serve with greater humility and proclaim Christ with increasing boldness. 

One day, another generation will gather to celebrate Hermon's anniversary. Many of us may no longer be here. The question is not whether they will remember our names. The question is whether they will inherit a church that still faithfully proclaims Jesus Christ.

That is the legacy worth building.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your pastor. Thank you for your prayers, your partnership in the gospel, your patience, your encouragement, and your faithful service. It is a joy to labour together with you.

As we celebrate God's faithfulness over these thirty-eight years, let us walk into the future with humble confidence. The same God who called this church into existence has not finished His work among us. His purposes for Hermon remain good, His promises remain sure, and His grace remains sufficient.

May we continue to walk in the ways of the Lord together, trusting that He who has been faithful in the past will be faithful still.

Blessed Anniversary, Hermon. To God alone be all the glory.

  One Hermon @ Henderson,

Pastor Daniel Tan