Church Update 2026
Leicester Spiritual Convocation
Thank God, Leicester Church held her annual spiritual convocation from 2 to 4 May. We received much encouragement and edification from Pr Steven Shek and Pr Daniel Liew on the theme, “Arise! Walk Through the Land” (Gen 13:17). They shared how Abram made a life-changing choice to leave Mesopotamia—a country of idol worshippers—to follow the one true God. Lifting his eyes, Abram trusted in God’s word and His promise. This teaches believers to view God’s promise and will through the lens of faith. With spiritual eyesight, we will focus on God and the things that are eternal.
We should learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and make the correct choices in life to please God. The Lord is calling each and every one of us to walk on the path of holiness and to build an altar where we can continue to call upon God’s name.
Isaac also inherited the faith and the promise from his father. If we manifest our faith through obedience to God in our everyday life, then the next generation can build up their faith by imitating our good examples. Abraham and Isaac “walking together” teaches us the importance of worshipping God with our children, and establishing a family altar to strengthen the faith of the whole family.
Visit By Indigenous Taiwanese Brethren
Thanks be to God’s arrangement that Leicester Church had the opportunity to receive a group of Taiwanese members on 14 May. We spent a beautiful and joyous evening of praises and fellowship with Dn Lin and wife, Dn Lee and wife, and Bro Hu and wife from Taiwan, accompanied by Bro Shek and wife from Sunderland.
The visitors’ joy of being Christians and their love for God could clearly be heard through their uplifting and heartfelt singing, declaring the wondrous works of God. Thank God, although we may speak different languages, we can truly experience the spiritual bond of true fellowship because “In Lord Jesus, we are one family”.
Dn Lee also shared a wonderful testimony of God’s love. For thirty-three years he worked as a firefighter in Taiwan and retired in 2025. This was a dangerous occupation where three times he nearly lost his life—twice during a fire and once during a water rescue operation. He recognised that God preserved his life, and he decided to retire three years early and forego a compensation package. Although his occupation was to save lives, he now chooses to save souls in response to Jesus’ question to Peter: “Do you love Me?”
Visiting Preacher Chia-Chi Yao from Taiwan
Thank God, Preacher Yao made a pastoral visit from 29 May to 3 June, which included visiting members in Nottingham and a truth-seeker in Leicester. After the Sabbath services on 30 May, the preacher led an RE teachers’ cultivation session based on 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”. We were encouraged to take up the work, even if we feel we are not very talented, as God can grant us the necessary gifts to carry out the work.
On the Sunday, Preacher Yao held a cultivation seminar for the members on the theme, “Arise! Walk through the land” (Gen 13:17), covering two topics. The first topic, “To Obtain the Promised Land”, encouraged us to have unwavering faith like Caleb and Joshua who trusted in God’s word and saw that the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey. If God delights in us and abides with us, He will fight for us and bring us into this land, no matter how mighty the inhabitants or how weak we are in comparison. It is important not just to lift our eyes and look but to also obey God’s command to walk the land: take action and we will be victorious!
The second topic, “To Expand God’s Tabernacle”, exhorted us to repair the walls and rebuild the temple, without fear of opposition or obstacles. We should mend the breaches in our faith through mutual reminders and meditation of God’s word.
As we repair the spiritual breaches internally, we must preach the gospel externally. Just like in the time of Joshua, there remains much land yet to be possessed. As Isaiah encourages us:
Enlarge the place of your tent,
And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings;
Do not spare;
Lengthen your cords,
And strengthen your stakes.
For you shall expand to the right and to the left,
And your descendants will inherit the nations,
And make the desolate cities inhabited. (Isa 54:2–3)
里斯特靈恩佈道會
感謝神，里斯特教會於5月2日至4日舉辦一年一度的靈恩佈道會。此次聚會以「你起來，縱橫走遍這地」（創十三17）為主題，石文彬傳道及劉啟明傳道藉著神的話語勉勵信徒，使眾人同得造就。
聚會中，兩位傳道以亞伯蘭蒙召離開美索不達米亞的事蹟為例，說明他如何憑著信心離開充滿偶像崇拜的環境，跟隨獨一的真神。亞伯蘭舉目仰望，深信神的話語和應許。藉此勉勵信徒當以信心的眼光看待神的旨意和應許，專心仰望神，追求那永恆的事。
此外，我們也從以色列民的失敗中汲取教訓，在人生的道路上作出合神心意的選擇，以討神喜悅。主不斷呼召祂的子民行走聖潔之路，建立屬靈的祭壇，時常求告主名，親近神並倚靠祂而行。
傳道亦提到，以撒承受了父親亞伯拉罕的信心與神的應許。若我們在日常生活中藉著順服神活出信心，下一代也能從我們的榜樣中建立穩固的信仰。亞伯拉罕與以撒一起同行的事蹟，更提醒我們重視家庭信仰生活，與兒女一同敬拜神，建立家庭祭壇，使全家人的信心同得造就與堅固。
台灣原住民弟兄姊妹來訪交流
感謝神的安排，里斯特教會於5月14日有機會接待來自台灣的林執事夫婦、李執事夫婦及胡弟兄夫婦，並與來自山打崙教會的石弟兄夫婦一同聚會，彼此團契。
當晚，眾人在詩頌與團契交通中共度美好而喜樂的時光。來訪弟兄姊妹以真摯動人的詩歌頌讚神，歌聲中流露出身為基督徒的喜樂及對神的愛，並述說神奇妙的作為。感謝神，雖然彼此來自不同地區，語言各異，但在主耶穌裡同為一家人，因此能夠享受真實而美好的屬靈團契，體會主內合一的寶貴。
聚會中，李執事亦分享了一段神愛的見證。他在台灣擔任消防員長達三十三年，並於2025年退休。消防工作充滿危險，在職期間曾三次險些喪命，兩次發生於救火現場，一次則是在執行水上救援任務時。回顧過往經歷，他深深體會到神對他的保守，因此決定提前三年退休，並放棄相關退休補償。雖然過去的工作是拯救生命，但因著回應主耶穌對彼得所說：「你愛我嗎？」如今他選擇投入救靈魂的工作。
台灣姚傳道來訪
感謝神，姚傳道於5月29日至6月3日期間蒞臨里斯特教會牧養信徒，其間亦探訪了諾丁漢的信徒及里斯特的慕道者。5月30日安息日聚會後，姚傳道帶領宗教教育教員培訓聚會，並以彼前四10勉勵教員們善用神所賜的恩賜，彼此服事，作神百般恩賜的好管家。傳道鼓勵大家勇於承擔聖工，即使自覺能力有限，只要願意順服神，神必賜下所需的恩賜，幫助我們完成聖工。
翌日，姚傳道以「你起來，縱橫走遍這地」（創十三17）為主題，舉辦信徒講習會，內容分為兩個部分。第一部分「得著應許之地」，藉著迦勒和約書亞的榜樣勉勵信徒堅守信仰。他們相信神的話語和應許，看見那地確實是流奶與蜜之地。只要神喜悅我們，與我們同在，祂必為我們爭戰，帶領我們進入應許之地，不論仇敵如何強大，也不論我們如何軟弱。因此，我們不僅要舉目觀看，更要順服神的吩咐，起來行走這地，當我們付諸行動，便能得著勝利。
第二部分「擴張神的帳幕」，勉勵信徒修補城牆、重建聖殿，不因反對或困難而退縮。我們當藉著彼此提醒及默想神的話語，修補信仰中的破口。
在修補信仰中的破口之餘，也要積極傳揚福音。正如約書亞時代仍有許多未得之地，今日神的福音工作仍有廣大的發展空間。正如先知以賽亞所勉勵的
要擴張你帳幕之地，張大你居所的幔子，不要限止；要放長你的繩子，堅固你的橛子。因為你要向左向右開展；你的後裔必得多國為業，又使荒涼的城邑有人居住。（賽五十四2-3）
Church Update 2025
Br Kristian Ho and Sis Enrika Khaw’s Wedding
The marriage of Br Kristian and Sis Enrika took place on 13 July 2025. The wedding was witnessed by family, friends and colleagues from around the UK and overseas, including Enrika’s family from Penang, Malaysia. The wedding was officiated by Pr Johnny Liu, with the benediction given by Dn Luke Chan. The Leicester English Choir presented a medley of hymns, while TJC Air Itam members sent over a touching choir presentation video by youths from around Malaysia, filmed for this special occasion. We wish the new couple health and happiness in the Lord.
National Student Spiritual Convocation (NSSC)
From 27 to 31 July, Leicester hosted the Intermediate Youth Class of the NSSC. The theme was “The Shoes of Preparation of the Gospel of Peace”.
Thank God for the camaraderie of Pr Johnny Liu, Pr Nissi Chin, the team leaders and helpers, working together in unity (Ps 133:1). With seventy-five students in attendance, praise God, four students received the Holy Spirit during the event.
The students were encouraged to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10b). Training in God’s word makes us stronger; not physically but spiritually. May the students continue to be built up and equipped, so that they are able to put on the whole armour of God and stand firm in the evil days.
Pr Chih Chieh Huang’s Visit
Pr Huang from Taiwan was in Leicester from 28 September to 6 October for a pastoral visit. He led the Preachers’ Spiritual Cultivation Retreat during the week, church services at the weekend, and a one-day seminar for local members on Sunday.
A key topic was “We are servants of God”. Pr Huang encouraged everyone to willingly take on the burden of God’s work, as there are few full-time workers and a number of UK preachers approaching the age of retirement.
As part of God’s household, no one should decline to serve: although we have rights as citizens of heaven, we also have responsibilities. We must take up our cross and deny ourselves (Lk 9:23). Since God created us with free will, He will not compel us.
The preacher shared testimonies to illustrate the importance of making God-centred life choices, including leaving our comfortable lives, and even going through suffering like Nehemiah. When we bear God’s burden, He will help us and take care of our needs.
Winter Youth Fellowship
Leicester held its second Winter Youth Fellowship on 19 to 21 December. Thank God, the church welcomed fifty-six youths, aged between 10 to 18, including those from Birmingham and Leeds. For some of these youths, it was their first time staying over at a church and meeting brethren from other places of worship. The theme “Children of Light” was used to reaffirm the student’s identity as children of God, to learn how to cultivate the light within them, and to preserve and sanctify themselves in God’s light. Thank God for a joyful and edifying fellowship, for the support of parents and workers, and for the children’s heart to pursue God and unity. We pray that the youths will feel prepared and excited to attend NSSC in the summer.
何俊賢 ( Kristian Ho ) 與 許懷蒨 ( Enrika Khaw ) 的婚禮
何俊賢(Kristian) 弟兄與許懷蒨(Enrika)姊妹於7月13日星期日在里斯特會堂舉行結婚典禮，來自英國各地及海外的家人、朋友及同事，包括來自馬來西亞檳城的家人一起見證此難忘時刻。婚禮由廖觀煌傳道主持證婚，並由陳路加執事祝福。里斯特英語詩班献上了聖詩祝婚組曲，TJC Air Itam 寄來了一段由馬來西亞各地青年為此特別場合拍攝的感人詩班演出影片。我們祝福新婚夫婦在主裡健康快樂。
全國學生靈恩會
7月27日至31日，里斯特教會接辦全國學生靈恩會青年中級班的課堂，共有七十五名學生參加。本次靈恩會的主題為：「用平安的福音，當作預備走路的鞋」。感謝神的帶領與祝福，廖觀煌傳道、陳尼西傳道，以及各位輔導與協助員齊心合力，同工合作（詩篇 133：1）。聚會期間，共有四名學生領受聖靈。
在開學典禮中，學生們被勉勵要「倚賴他的大能大力，作剛強的人」（以弗所書 6：10b）。透過神話語的訓練，我們不僅在身體上，更在屬靈上得以剛強。願學生們繼續被建立、裝備齊全，穿上神的全副軍裝，在邪惡的日子裡站立得穩。
黃志傑傳道的訪問
黃傳道於9月28日至10月6日在里斯特協助聖工，週間主持傳道人屬靈退修營，週末主持教會聚會，週日為當地同靈舉辦了一天的講習會。
在全職工人缺乏、且英國多位傳道人即將退休的情況下，黃傳道以「我們是神的僕人」為主題，勉勵眾人要願意承擔神工作的重擔。
作為神家中的一分子，沒有人可以拒絕服事；我們身為天國的公民，不僅有權利，也有責任。我們必須背起十字架，捨己跟從主（路加福音 9：23）。
神賜給我們自由意志，並不強迫人服事。黃傳道分享多個見證，說明以神為中心作出人生抉擇的重要性。這或許意味著離開舒適圈，甚至如尼希米般承受艱難；然而，當我們願意承擔神的重擔，祂必親自幫助我們，並看顧我們一切所需。
冬季青年團契
十二月十九日至廿一日，里斯特教會舉行了第二次冬季青年團契。感謝神，教會歡迎了 五十六名年齡介乎十至十八歲的青年，其中包括來自 伯明翰及利茲聚會點 的青年。部分青年為首次在教會住宿，並有機會與來自其他地區的同靈相聚。
團契以「光明子女」為主題，重申青年作為神子女的身份，學習如何在靈修中培養內在的光，並保守自己行在神的光中，以致成聖。感謝神賜下充滿喜樂與造就的團契時光。
在此亦感謝父母及工人的支持，鼓勵子女追求神，並培養合一的心志。祈求主引導學生們作好準備，並以期待與喜樂的心情，參加即將舉行的夏季學生靈恩會。
Church Update 2024
Building Up the Pillars of the Church
From 5 to 25 August, we co-hosted the Youth Theological Training Course (YTTC), which was themed “Do the Works of Light”. Over the three weeks, we welcomed sixty-eight students (years 1, 3 and 4), five preachers, and sixteen team leaders in total. Thank God, the members always feel the joy and privilege of hosting such events to nurture and train the future pillars and workers of the church.
On 18 August, we were glad to witness another aspect of God raising workers for His ministry—the ordination of Dn Amos (Yuk Kong) Tang. We praise God for anointing another worker who is willing to sanctify himself for God’s purpose, as there is work to be done in Leicester, Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
Restoring the Church Building
From June to December, Leicester TJC underwent a major roof restoration and solar panel installation project, at a cost of £400,000. We praise God that the work was finished on budget, within a reasonable timescale, and for providing good contractors who patiently worked with the church to deal with any unexpected developments. We are also grateful for the generous financial support and prayers of the congregation, and the commitment and unity of the church board during what could have been a stressful time. We truly saw God’s grace at every step.
Abounding in the Work of the Lord
In October, Pr Sz-Hai Chao from Taiwan was in Leicester to facilitate the National Marriage Coordinator Training (19 to 20 October), attended by ten UK marriage coordinators (MCs) in person, with online participants from across the UK and Europe. Pr Chao shared on the topics of transnational/cross-cultural marriage introductions and showing concern to widows and widowers. We also had fellowship together to progress the MC work in the UK, and learn from the abundant experience and proactive approach of Pr Chao’s wife, Michelle [曾琡惠], who is an MC in Taiwan.
Pr Chao also led a seminar for Leicester and Cambridge workers on the theme “Abound in the Work of the Lord” (21 October). Through testimonies and teachings from God’s word, the preacher reminded us to be faithful in the truth and grasp hold of opportunities while it is still day—to serve often and offer more in terms of time, effort, money and strength—for our labour is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58; Jn 9:4).
Strengthening the Youths: Winter Youth Fellowship
The Leicester Youth Coordination Committee continued to review the work of developing the heart of service in the youths, and extending our support to the Birmingham Place of Worship. The first Winter Youth Fellowship sleepover (20–22 December) was held for Leicester and Birmingham youths aged 10–18 years old, on the theme, “Who am I?”. Together, the youths reflected on the identities and roles they have in society, their family and the church, ultimately discovering their most precious identity is being a child of God, brethren in Christ and member of the True Jesus Church.
建立教會的柱石
從 8 月 5 日至 25 日，里斯特教會有幸参與舉辦了以「做光的工作」為主題的青年神學培訓課程 (YTTC)。在這三周的時間裡，我們總共迎來了 68 名學生（一、三、四年級）、5 名傳道人和 16 名輔導員。感謝真神，本地信徒們都能感受到舉辦此類活動之喜悅和榮幸，以滋養、培訓教會未來的支柱和工人。
8 月 18 日，我們很高興見證了神為祂的事工興起工人的另一項工作——鄧阿摩司執事（育光） 的按立。我們讚美神膏立了另一位願意為神的旨意分別為聖的工人，因為在里斯特為數不多的執事年紀漸老，而且里斯特、伯明翰和周邊地區還有很多工作須需要完成。
修繕教堂建築
在整個 6 月至 12 月期間，里斯特教會進行了一項重大的屋頂修復和太陽能電池板安裝專案，耗資 400,000 英鎊——這個數目比我們 13 年前購買當前建築時的翻新價格還要高。我們讚美真神，因為這項工作可以在預算和合理的時間範圍內完成，並提供了優秀的承包商，他們耐心地與教會合作，並應對任何意想不到的發展。太陽能電池板目前產生的電力足以供應—間小屋日常的用電量，即使在這個冬季也是如此。我們也感謝會眾慷慨的財政支持和代禱，以及教會負責人會在這段充滿壓力的時期所展現的團結、投入和團隊合作。我們真正在每一步都看到了真神的恩典。
多作主工
10 月時，來自臺灣的趙四海傳道在里斯特為全國婚姻介紹委員培訓班（10 月 19 日至 20 日）提供協助，有 10 名英國人員親自參加，還有更多來自英國和歐洲的在線參與者。趙傳道分享了跨國/跨文化婚姻介紹的話題，並表達了對寡婦和鰥夫的關注。我們還一起進行了團契，以推進英國的婚介工作，並從傳道娘曾琡惠的豐富經驗和積極主動的方法得以學習，她是臺灣的婚介委員。
感謝真神的安排，趙傳道還為里斯特和劍橋的工人主持了一個主題為「多作主工」的講習會（10月21日）。透過見證和神的話語的教導，傳道人提醒我們要忠於真理，趁着白日抓住機會——常常服事，在時間、精力、金錢、力量方面付出更多——因為我們的勞力是不會枉然的（哥林多前書 十五58；約翰福音九4）。
堅固青少年：2024 年冬季青年團契
2024 年，里斯特青年聯絡中心 (YCC) 繼續審查我們在青年中培養服事心志的工作，並將我們的支援擴展到伯明翰祈禱所中越來越多的青年。有鑒於此，我們為里斯特和伯明翰 10-18 歲的青少年舉辦了第一次冬季青年團契過夜活動（12 月 20 日至 22 日），主題是「我是誰？」這些年輕人一起反思了他們在社會、家庭和教會中的身份和角色，最終發現他們最寶貴的身份是作為真神的孩子、基督裡的弟兄和真耶穌教會的成員。透過分享、討論、實體活動，青少年有機會從聖經和彼此之間學習，同時建立彼此的關係。我們為這次活動感謝真神，並以同樣的心思，在共同的信心裡期待著繼續這種喜樂的團契。