History of the True Jesus Church in Bayan Baru, Penang | Audio
There is a saying, “Wherever you go, there your footsteps will remain”. Likewise, in our journey of faith, we need to remember the perpetual footsteps God has left behind. Our Lord Jesus once said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). Whenever we remember the words of God and are submissive to His power, we will experience His glory.
In 1996, during one of the CMC meetings in Air Itam church, there was a proposal to institute another area of worship that is more centralized to our believers’ residences with these three reasons:
- The membership in Air Itam church was increasing and the chapel was running out of space.
- For the convenience of members attending church services, as there were constant traffic jams around the Air Itam church.
- To establish a new site to propagate the gospel and to kick-start pioneering works.
Bayan Baru is a satellite city and a free-trade zone in Penang. The population in this area is growing denser; therefore, it is a fertile land suitable for preaching the gospel. Thank God for His guidance, we managed to locate a double storey shop lot in Bayan Baru in 2000. We eventually purchased the shop lot from the developer at a price of RM 39,000 and this was approved during the AGM. Later, a committee consisting of six members, was set up to oversee the renovation matters. Thank God for His guidance, the renovation was completed in November 2001 and members officially started attending services on the 7th December 2001.
We thank God for His grace. The Bayan Baru TJC was dedicated to the Lord on 25th August 2002 to glorify His name. Thank the Lord; besides fulfilling the needs of our members, the branching of the church also serves as another milestone in preaching the gospel. Brethren and co-workers from two districts can continue to strive hard for the gospel in one accord and with the spirit of one body, allowing our divine works to prosper further.
Since most of our believers in Bayan Baru are young couples, therefore this church has one unique characteristic of having many little children. Religious Education (RE) classes began in year 2000 with 10 students. As the number of our students increased over the years, the number of classrooms also increased, starting from two, then to five classes. By year 2009, we already have a total of 26 students and were encountering shortage of space and classrooms. Our ministers and coworkers were very concern over this issue. Hence, everyone prayed in one accord, beseeching God to guide us in locating an appropriate area for worship.
One day, our deacon received a copy of the developer’s AGM agenda with an address and phone number in it. So, we called to inquire whether the two shop lots next to our present church were available for sale. The person-in-charge then responded that these two shops lots were ready to be placed on the market as both tenants had taken similar actions of moving out without prior discussion. After negotiation, the person-in-charge expressed that since it was for church building, the negotiator was willing to provide a rebate and sold us this unit with the market price of a decade ago, which was RM 40,000. We thank God for this wonderful and exciting arrangement! Truly, it is “Jehovah Yireh” – the Lord will provide. Our God is worthy of all praises as what He has prepared and provided is perfect.
The proposal of purchasing the shop lot next to the current church was adopted in one accord during the EGM held on 1st August 2009. The down payment for the new unit was RM40,000 and the legal fee was RM 20,000. However, our treasury had only RM 100,000, after settling previous loans. Immediately, the Air Itam church offered a helping hand by providing a loan of RM10,000 to address this urgency and God also moved many brethren to contribute generously. Eventually, the bank approved our loan of RM 32,000 and we were free from financial burdens.
During the AGM held on 13th March 2010, the CMC received the approval of RM 20,000 for renovation purposes. Therefore, a committee was set up to oversee renovation matters. In order to minimize our expenditure, our members still continued worshiping services and have RE classes in the same unit but at different floors. To have a clean environment for services, our brothers and sisters would arrive earlier to clear up the debris and dust from the ongoing renovation work. Although this renovation has brought many inconveniences, nonetheless our brethren and truth-seeking friends never ceased in their attendance.
First of January 2010 marked the beginning of a new year and it was also an unforgettable day for all brothers and sisters as we could attend service in this new chapel. Undeniably, it is alike to what king Saul has described, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Thank God, after a decade, we still can expand our church. Although we experienced many difficulties and challenges, yet, we could once again experience the beautiful will and power of God and how He has personally guided us in completing this project.
Bayan Baru church once again held a dedication service on 11th July 2011 and dedicated this new chapel to the Lord Jesus. It is the will of the Lord that the church will grow like how He has instructed through prophet Elijah: “Enlarge the place of your tent and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2-3). These marks of grace make us reminisce on God’s guidance. Let us continue to love God with a zealous heart be exceptionally diligent and serve Him reverently in faith, love, conduct, knowledge, self-control, and patience. Through these, strength and grace will be added to our heavenly journey and our faith. “For in this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 1:11).
All glory to our Lord God, Amen!
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