IA Newsletter

Lemuel Leong

Introduction

At the conclusion of the Synoptic Gospels, each records the scene in which the Lord Jesus, prior to His ascension, proclaimed the Great Commission to His disciples. Although the three authors recount the same event, each places emphasis on different aspects, revealing from distinct perspectives the Lord’s intent concerning the Church’s missionary mandate. When the accounts of Mark, Matthew, and Luke are examined together, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mission entrusted by the Lord and the precious promises that accompany it.

I. The Mission and the Promise of Signs in the Gospel of Mark (Mk 16:15–20)

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the universality and urgency of the gospel mission. The Lord sends His disciples into all the world to proclaim the gospel to “all creation,” clearly declaring that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. This proclamation affirms that the gospel is the only way of salvation for humanity and underscores the indispensable necessity of evangelistic ministry.

At the same time, Mark records the Lord’s promise that signs and wonders will accompany those who believe, bearing witness to the word that is preached. This is not an exaltation of human workers, but a manifestation of the Lord Jesus’ willingness to work personally with the Church through signs (20), granting power and authority to the gospel ministry. As the apostle Paul states, “we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Cor 3:9). God is always the principal actor, while workers remain instruments. Therefore, the Church should neither presume to go ahead of God nor be burdened by excessive concern over success or failure.

The Lord Jesus came bringing both truth and grace (Jn 1:17). Signs have not become obsolete, nor has God’s arm grown short. Truth and signs do not replace one another; rather, they complement each other. Throughout history, churches that have been zealous in proclaiming the gospel have also abounded in signs and testimonies. If signs appear to fade, the Church ought to examine whether its zeal for the gospel mission remains fervent and whether there is genuine unity in advancing the gospel.

II. The Mission and the discipleship in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 28:18–20)

In Matthew’s account, the Lord Jesus commissions His disciples on the basis of His authority over heaven and earth, sending them to all nations to make disciples and to teach them to observe all that He has commanded. The emphasis here is not merely on leading people to believe, but on nurturing disciples through obedience to all the Lord’s teachings, thereby preserving and passing on the fullness of the truth.

It is noteworthy that the Lord does not merely speak of believers, but calls for disciples. Believers, through faith and baptism, receive forgiveness of sins and new life; disciples, however, are those who daily take up their cross (Mt 10:38; Lk 9:23), walk in obedience to the Lord’s word, grow in deeper understanding of the truth through practice, and are sent out as witnesses for Christ. When the Church places importance on the preaching of truth, believers are able to mature into disciples who respond to the mission, and the Lord promises to be with His Church forever.

III. The Mission and the Power of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of Luke (Lk 24:47–49)

Luke highlights the key to the fulfillment of the mission—the power from on high. Before His ascension, the Lord Jesus instructed the disciples to remain in the city and wait until they received the Holy Spirit promised by the Father, and only then to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. This corresponds with the account in the Acts of the Apostles and makes clear that the fullness of the Holy Spirit is the driving force behind evangelistic ministry (Acts 1:8).

The Lord Jesus foretold the coming of the comforter, whose purpose is to dwell with the disciples forever (Jn 14:16–17). Without the power of the Holy Spirit, evangelism loses its divine vitality; with the Spirit’s guidance, the gospel can advance from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Conclusion

Taken together, the Synoptic Gospels reveal that when the Church remains faithful to the Great Commission entrusted by God, the Lord Jesus promises to be with His Church through signs, truth, and the Holy Spirit. These three elements are essential characteristics of the true Church of God and constitute the foundation for the effective and powerful proclamation of the gospel.

From childhood, the author frequently heard ministers in the Church proclaim that the Holy Spirit, truth, and signs and wonders are the three essential characteristics of the true Church. This prompted reflection on who established these criteria and who first articulated this standard. Were they revelations directly received by early workers? Only through diligent study of Scripture did it become clear that these are promises spoken by the Lord Jesus Himself and repeatedly recorded throughout the New Testament. For example, Paul boldly testified that Christ worked through him in word and deed (truth), by the power of signs and wonders and by the power of the Holy Spirit, bringing the Gentiles to obedience, and enabling him to proclaim the gospel fully from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum (Rom 15:18–20).  The author of Hebrews likewise bears witness, stating that this salvation was first spoken by the Lord, then confirmed to us by those who heard Him (truth), while God also bore witness by signs and wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His will (Heb 2:3–4).

For 109 years, the True Jesus Church has experienced abundant grace across the generations. Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and signs, our predecessors have carried the true gospel into seventy-four countries, confirming that the Lord Jesus’ promises are faithful and true. Yet among approximately 205 nations in the world—including 193 UN member states—the Church has reached only about 36 percent. Many unconquered lands and unknown challenges still lie ahead. Nevertheless, trusting in the promises of the Lord Jesus, we firmly believe that as churches in every nation take root locally while setting their vision on the world, and as they go forth with a love for souls to boldly proclaim the full gospel, the Holy Spirit who abides forever will surely lead, signs and wonders will accompany, and the truth proclaimed will be confirmed—until the end of the age.

Singapore Coordination Board

Thank God for His abundant grace and mercy on the church in Myanmar! We truly experienced the almighty hands of our God guiding and protecting us in the midst of severe hardship. Indeed, God’s steadfast love never ceases.

In 2025, the country of Myanmar continues to be under severe hardship. The people in Myanmar were faced with ongoing political conflicts, dysfunctional civil services and systems, escalating food and goods prices, job uncertainties, natural and man-made disasters, and stress and fear arising from ever-changing laws, rules, and exertions by those in power. Through all these challenges and crises, our members experienced the presence of God walking with them and guiding them through their lives.

The church work in Myanmar in Year 2025 was marked by a few episodes of God’s marvellous act. We will like to give all thanks and glory to God for His love! 

(1) Protection from Devastating Earthquake

On 28 Mar 2025, a massive earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Ritcher Scale hit near the town of Sagaing, about 19km outside of the city of Mandalay. The quake struck at a very shallow depth of 10km causing mass devastation. Based on official statistics, at least 3,600 persons were killed by the earthquake, another 5100 persons were injured. We also know that the earthquake resulted in 95 deaths in Bangkok as a result of a collapsed building in Bangkok. In Myanmar, the earthquake destroyed more than 50,000 houses and buildings.

By the grace of God, our members in Myanmar were unaffected by the great earthquake. Our church in Kalay, Northwestern Myanmar is about 200km from the epicentre. Many areas that are within 250km radius of the epicentre were flattened and destroyed by the earthquake. However, our members in Kalay did not feel the earthquake at all. This is truly amazing considering the magnitude, the close proximity of the earthquake and Bangkok being 1,300km away from the epicentre felt heavy shaking from the earthquake.

Not only were our members from Kalay protected miraculously by God. Our members in Yangon (about 650km south of the epicentre) felt the shakes from the earthquake, but were unscathed. This is amazing considering that the town of Bago about 70km north from Yangon also suffered heavy damage to their buildings.

(2) Protection from Bombings

Since the civil war started about 4 years ago, the area of Kalay and the surrounding areas have experienced many rounds of intense fighting and wars between the military and the people defense forces. Hence very often, the road out of Kalay will be blocked or with heavy spot checks.

Outside of Kalay town, about 70km away, we have a church in the village of Sawbuayesin. Over the past 4 years, the church has mainly been isolated from our other churches in Kalay area due to the civil war. Our preacher in Myanmar has only been able to go into the village on a few occasions, and he would have to keep his trip to 2 to 3 days.

By the grace of God, on 14th Mar, our Preacher was able to make a trip to Sawbuayesin after months of road closures. But on the way to Sawbuayesin by public transport, they saw fighter jet and helicopter flying overhead, this caused them to take shelter in a forested area for 3 hours, before they could resume their trip.

On that occasion, a Spiritual Meeting was held in Sawbuayesin from 14th Mar to 16th Mar and 6 persons were baptized. Just 2 days after baptism, we received news that the area where we held our baptism was bombed. This area is just about 30 to 50metres away from our church. A fighter jet flew in and bombed the area as there was a training camp of the People Defence Forces nearby.

(3) God prepared a Spiritual Feast in the midst of the War

On 15 October 2025, our members in Sawbuayesin were asked by the village committee to evacuate due to military attacks on villages in the region. By the grace of God, the seniors, sisters, and children from Sawbuayesin Church were safely evacuated to Taungzalat Church in Kalay Town, while the brothers remained behind to safeguard their possessions from possible robbers and looters.

By the grace of the Lord, although many villages around Sawbuayesin were burnt and destroyed by the military, the advance stopped about 5km away from Sawbuayesin. Those who were evacuated experienced a spiritual feast prepared by God. The preachers and workers were able to spend time encouraging and praying with them through daily morning and evening prayers. Doctrinal classes, RE teachers’ training, and pre-baptism classes were also conducted during their stay at Taungzalat Church.

The year-end Spiritual Meeting was brought forward, and on that occasion, three souls were added to the fold, and God poured out His Spirit upon twelve of our brethren.

(4) God presence in the life and faith of our members

Over the last 5 years, due to the COVID pandemic, closure of the border, civil war, the Myanmar Mission Committee have not been able to make mission trips into Myanmar. In 2024, we had an opportunity to make a short trip to Yangon. By the grace of God, through the earthquake and the opening up of the country to foreign help, we were able to make 4 trips into Myanmar in 2025.

Over the years, there had been a period after the military takeover that there was very intense fighting in and around the neighbourhoods where our members stayed, so much that their daily lives have been disrupted and church services had to be cancelled due to the dangers of leaving home. There have been periods of job instabilities, and economic uncertainties due to the civil unrest that led to members prioritizing their daily needs over that of their faith.

During our trips to Myanmar this year, our members have testified that over the years, they have felt the guidance of God in their lives. Although life is tough, they were able to continue to lead their lives in the midst of adversity. They shared that they experienced God presence, guidance and help in their lives. As a result, we witnessed the eagerness and joy of our members in attending church services. They were attentive in listening to the sermons and many of them were taking down notes. They were earnest and serious in their prayers and even the young children were focused in their prayers. We saw members dressed up their best, making long journeys of up to 2 hours, but arriving early at the church. Senior members quietly taking the broom to sweep the front pouch and dining areas of the church on their own accord.

The church in Myanmar continues to be facing the various hardship, the Myanmar Mission Committee continues to face with accessibility issues to our churches in Northwest Myanmar. The road ahead will continue to be uncertain and challenging. However, we have a God who holds tomorrow, we know that God’s grace will be sufficient for us!

We will also like to thank our churches and members worldwide for your intercessory prayers. Your prayers have been a pillar of strength for us. We will also humbly request for your continuous prayer. May God continue to strengthen the faith of our members in Myanmar!

Lastly, we will like to give all praises and thanks to our God! He is the Almighty, faithful and loving God! Amen!

Malaysia GA

Vietnam

In 2024, three mission trips were conducted to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Dalat. Weekly Friday Sabbath worship and Saturday evening RE classes continued to be held consistently via Zoom.

During the year, two members from Dalat migrated to Canada, in addition to four family members who relocated in 2023. The local Vietnamese membership currently stands at five. Ms. Annie, was scheduled for baptism in 2024; however, she requested a postponement following the birth of her second child. She is currently residing in Hai Phong, approximately a two-hour drive from Hanoi.

Contact was also established with a Christian group in the remote village of Binh Son, about 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, through a Taiwanese brother residing nearby. Unfortunately, communication has ceased due to a misunderstanding involving the family at the core of the group. Additionally, one to two other contacts made by Preacher Hosea Hoo became unresponsive due to extended intervals between in-person visits.

Several Taiwanese members working in Vietnam returned to Taiwan or relocated within the country. As Taiwanese and Malaysian members are now widely dispersed, providing consistent pastoral care has become increasingly challenging due to significant geographical distances.

Pioneering Work in Northeast India

1)   Kolkata in West Bengal

Evangelistic outreach to the local Chinese community in Chinatown in Tangra and among Bengalis began in 2009 with two visits each year. Methods include street evangelism, house-to-house visits, home doctrinal and Bible study sessions, and the distribution of tracts. On November 14, 2023, two youths —Sister Mary Liu and Brother Augustine—were baptized. Follow-up is ongoing through shared YouTube sermons and livestream links. Although evangelism has been slow, Sis. Mary Liu has begun sharing her faith with her own family and relatives.

2)    Imphal in Manipur

Pastor Alexander Khongbantabam contacted our church in Tamil Nadu in 2009. Doctrinal discussions were held with him over the phone on several occasions, and tracts were sent to him. From 2010 onward, evangelical visits were made twice a year and doctrinal seminars were conducted. In 2018, four members of his family received baptism. However, the work slowed significantly and was eventually halted during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022) and due to the sectarian conflict between the tribal Kuki and non-tribal Meitei communities (2023- 2025).

3)    Thrizino in Arunachal Pradesh

Evangelical work in Thrizino began in 2024, following an invitation from Pastor Serto John, who had attended our doctrinal seminars in Manipur many years earlier and later moved to Thrizino due to the sectarian conflict in Manipur. In addition to annual visits involving doctrinal studies and fellowship with local Christians and churches, we send him monthly PowerPoint presentations on our doctrines.

Pioneering work in Sri Lanka

The pioneering work involved two separate groups. The first was by a Tamil speaking couple, Sylvester and Sriyani who was baptized on 7 September 2019 in Kajang Utama Tamilian church in Malaysia. Following their conversion, they began preaching online to family members in Sri Lanka. After returning to Sri Lanka in May 2021, they were joined from 2022 onward by workers from the India Mission Committee (IMC) Malaysia.

The second group was through Selvaraj Subramaniam, who was contacted by Pr. Nathanael of India Coordination Board (ICB) on January 6, 2023. From January through March, they conducted doctrinal discussions via WhatsApp video calls.

Presently we have 17 baptized believers spread across three locations: Kotagala (7), Poonagala (6), and Bandarawela (4). 10 has the Holy Spirit.

To coordinate the work, the Sri Lanka Committee within IMC and a Sri Lanka Working Committee in Sri Lanka were established. One floor of a shop-lot unit was rented as a center and base for IMC and ICB workers, as well as a place of worship. Pastoral care is provided weekly through livestreamed services from the Kajang Utama Church. Evangelical work is actively carried out by local members. 

Pioneering Work in Bangladesh

In 2016, Manik Biswas Balaam, a Christian, contacted us after searching for the truth on IA's website. EHDWM began visiting Bangladesh in September 2018. Since then, they started observing the Sabbath, translated our 10 Gospel Series and Essential Doctrines into Bangla, attended online services and doctrinal studies and actively evangelizing in new locations, despite facing resistance from religious extremists.

On September 23, 2022, 6 people were baptized in Jessore, followed by 11 more in Kaliganj on September 24. 6 has the Holy Spirit.

Following, we registered our church under trust as "TJC Trust Bangladesh" and created a WhatsApp group for communication. In 2024, the Bangladesh Mission Fund was established. Subsequently, in November 2025, the Malaysia GA accepted EHDWM's proposal to form a Bangladesh Mission Committee.

Pioneering Work in Nepal

The first study trip was from 9–12 November 2025. Our main contact is Atam Tamang, a Christian who, ten years ago, worked for three years at the Glory Beach Resort near our TJC Olive Garden Training Centre in Port Dickson and attended our Tuesday night services and truth seeker classes. He was accompanied by his Christian friend, Charitra.

We conducted doctrinal classes. Both were enthusiastic to learn, took notes and asked questions. They expressed willingness to accept our doctrines and to share them with fellow believers. They have invited us to visit their church in Kutal.

As follow-up, PowerPoint presentations on our doctrines will be sent to them and maintain communication through Facebook.

(*Member & Friends in Evangelistic Meeting in Sri Lanka)

Liqiang Song

Thanks be to God, despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the church's various ministries have not only continued as usual but have even increased. Under these special circumstances, workers from mainland China and the UK arrived in Moscow in early May and mid-to-late August respectively to assist in the works.

January 4-5: New Year's Spiritual Convocation, theme: Purchusing Growth, led online by Pr. Fook-Fah Chong from the UK and Dn. Stephen Sek. Moscow church members and truth-seekers attended in the church. January 6-7: Youth Spiritual Convocation, theme: Faithful Service, led online by Pr. Daniel Liew from the UK and Dn. Nathanael Ko from Germany. The youth and other age groups from the Moscow church attended in the church.

May 3-4: Spring Spiritual Convocation, theme: The Way of Life, speaker: Pr. H. S. Huang from mainland China. Attended 54 people, the largest number of participants for the Spiritual Convocation in recent years. A youth workshop was held on May 9-10, themed "Growth and Mission, " with Pr H.S. Huang from mainland China as the speaker. It had 32 attendees, the largest number of participants in the history of the youth gathering. During the spiritual convocation and workshop, five truth-seekers received the Holy Spirit, two of whom were baptized this summer (one in mainland China and one in Moscow).

On August 23, a young Russian lady named Valeria (Chinese name Zheng Wanqian) was baptized. She is the second Russian member of the True Church to be baptized in Moscow.

A student spiritual convocation was held on August 25-29.  The themed is Family and Me, with Dn. Zephaniah Hsu and Bro. Liqiang Song as speakers.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Moscow Church. Despite experiencing internal and external trials and tribulations over the past 30 years, the Moscow Church has always maintained a group of believers with stable faith, a pursuit of progress, and fervent service. They have attended Sabbath services without fail, and their ministry of preaching, pastoral care, and other holy work has never ceased. Furthermore, they have purchased a church, have a Russian congregation, and second-generation believers born in Moscow are now serving in roles such as pulpit interpreters, religious education teachers, and youth fellowship committee members.

On October 4th, the Moscow Church held a special 30th anniversary missionary meeting themed "Walking on the Lord's Path." With deep gratitude, we reviewed our past experiences, focused on the present, and looked forward to a bright future. This is done to better recognize our responsibilities, obey the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, and strive to uphold and proclaim the complete gospel of the true church (2 Timothy 1:13-14, Colossians 1:25-28). At the same time, it is also to share God's virtues, power, and wondrous works with the new members of the church and with our descendants (Psalm 78:4).

To coincide with the 30th anniversary special service, the Moscow church building constructed a new dining room and renovated the foyer and kitchen.

May the Lord have mercy and help us so that all our thoughts, intentions, words, and actions may please Him, glorify God, and edify others!

(*Water Baptism on August 23, 2025)