Over the past two and a half years, we have had to face an unprecedented confluence of existential threats – a global pandemic, worldwide economic and financial disruption, inflation, a resurgence of mass hunger and poverty, the war in Europe, intensifying geopolitical tensions, and extreme weather events and disasters. The world’s strongest and most revered systems and institutions have proven fragile in the onslaught. We learnt that the external and material structures that were anchors of our security could not hold. The best laid plans of the greatest minds for peace, progress and prosperity came to nought.
In times of great uncertainty, we return to God’s Word and promises as “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19). We would do well to remember that “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:10). So we do not look to our circumstance or the world’s markers and sign-posts as our guides. We look only to Him who is Creator, who holds and sustains the universe in the palm of His hands.
God has called Covenant EFC to build an Intentional Disciplemaking Church and Movement in Singapore and beyond. We have been obedient and have weathered many storms through our 44-year journey. Bukit Panjang Centre (BPJ) was built during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-1998. Woodlands Centre (WDL) was built during the Global Financial crisis of 2007-2008. We established ACK Centre in 2015 in complete compliance with government guidelines, despite initial concerns of being located in a B1 property. In obedience to the Lord, we planted Covenant East in 2016 which grew to almost 1,000 regular worshippers. The Lord has blessed and Covenant EFC has gone from strength to strength with each step of divine guidance and active obedience.
In 2018, the Lord led us to launch the Seed Fund to raise $40 million, primarily to build a permanent home for Covenant East. As we did in BPJ and WDL, building an East Centre will anchor us deep in the community so that we can love, bless, serve and reach them in the name of Christ! Despite the pandemic and suspension of fundraising efforts over the past two years, the Lord has blessed us with almost half of the Seed Fund to date. This is a testament to God’s goodness, and the faithfulness and generosity of Covenanters.
Since February 2022, Covenant’s Board and leadership have felt led by the Lord to resume the Seed Fund Faith Journey so that we will be ready should the opportunity arise to secure a permanent home for Covenant East. Through months of prayer, deliberation and seeking, we feel assured that it is now time to move courageously forward to “possess the land” (Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 10:11). Like the people of Israel, we are to enter the promised land according to the Lord’s leading and timing, regardless of the circumstances. We trust the Lord knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10) and will help us complete this faith journey.
