Dear Church, 
Let us celebrate this Christmas with our Community 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" - Matthew 5:16 

We are near to the blessed season of Christmas, our hearts return to the humble stable in Bethlehem, where the greatest gift the world has ever known was laid in a manger. Christmas is not only a celebration of Christ’s birth but also a reminder of God’s desire for us to live in loving, supportive community.   

The birth of Jesus Christ shows us that God enters our world not through grand displays but through shared moments: through family, fellowship, and everyday acts of kindness. The first Christmas was a gathering of unexpected guests: shepherds, travellers, and angels, all united by the good news that a Saviour had been born. In that moment, God formed a new kind of community, one bound not by status or background, but by the shared hope found in Christ. 

Today, we are called to reflect that same spirit of togetherness. Christmas invites us to open our hearts and our doors, to reach out to those who may be lonely, struggling, or far from home. Whether it is through a simple phone call, a warm meal, or a helping hand, we become living reminders of God’s love when we care for one another. 

As a church family, this season gives us a special opportunity to strengthen our bonds. When we worship together, serve together, and celebrate together, we shine Christ’s light more brightly in our neighbourhood and beyond. Community is not just something we belong to, it is something we build through love, compassion, generosity, and shared faith. 

May this Christmas renew in us a deep sense of connection to God and to each other. May Christ’s peace fills our gatherings, His joy uplifts our spirits, and His love guide us in bringing hope to our community. 

Wishing you a blessed and meaningful Christmas! 

​God Bless, 
Amutha

​Dear Church,

Praise God when things are not going well! 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of                       
God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thess. 5:18. 

Difficult seasons in life can make us feel as though everything is going wrong. It is easy to fall into thoughts such as: 
• If God loves me so much, why does He allow this in my life? 
• Why me, when everyone else seems to be living such a happy and easy life? 
• What is wrong with me?  

When we focus only on our troubles, our vision narrows. We lose sight of how the Lord might be using our difficulties for growth and sanctification. Even when we know this truth, our hearts are not always ready to accept it. 

Too often, we let our emotions draw us away from our Saviour instead of closer to Him. Yet God invites us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). He does not tell us to sort everything out before we come, or to dry our eyes first, or to align ourselves perfectly with His Word. No, He simply says, “Come.” Come with your failures and struggles. Come just as you are.

Trials and tribulations are inevitable, but God’s Word shows us how to respond to them. It tells us to give thanks in all circumstances.  Notice that Scripture does not say to give thanks for the circumstances. God is not asking us to thank Him for the painful things we endure. Rather, He calls us to give thanks while we are in the storm. When we do this and when we focus on God’s unchanging character and thank Him for who He is, something beautiful happens within us.  
​
He fills us with His perfect peace, even when our circumstances have not changed. Let us bring our burdens to God and exchange them for His peace. May we learn to give thanks and praise Him, even when things are not going well. 

God Bless, 
Amutha 

​Dear Church, 

We mark 96 Years of God’s Faithfulness! 

This October, we joyfully celebrate the 96th Anniversary of Ashurst Drive Baptist Church, a significant event in which we give thanks for our history, rejoice in our growth, and look ahead with hope to the future. In just four more years, we will reach an even greater milestone: our centenary celebration. As we witness the continued growth of the church, we are also embracing the vision of expanding our sanctuary, creating more space to welcome worshippers and uplifting the front of our building so that it becomes a welcoming place for our community to step in. 

While we think about architectural renovations and physical expansion, we are also called to examine our internal perspective: does our church truly serve its purpose? Are we embracing our community through the ministries and activities we engage in? The vision must always be for our church to be a community church. This was the pattern of the early church—serving its community and, through service, sharing the gospel of Christ. 

Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-14: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Salt dissolves and light burns, both are consumed in the process of bringing flavour, preservation, and illumination. In the same way, Jesus calls His followers to be willing to give of themselves so that the world around them may be blessed. He expects us not to be like ornamental candles admired from outwardly, but to shine for His glory in real and practical ways. 

Let us, therefore, have the desire to shine His light into places of darkness and bring His preserving grace into everyday life. The call to be salt and light is a call to selfless love in supporting families, engaging in local initiatives, attending to needs, and offering hope to the vulnerable. This is how the love of Jesus is made visible. Christ’s love can be shared only when we step into the community. It is by engaging with people and their needs that we discover opportunities to reflect His compassion and proclaim His truth. A true community church, established on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, fulfils its purpose by reaching outward in love while remaining rooted in God’s Word. 

God Bless, 
Amutha 

Dear Church, 

Are we "Bearing One Another's Burdens"? 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2 

The Church of believers, instituted by Christ, is a reminder that none of us are left to walk alone. God intentionally connects His people to strengthen and encourage one another. When a member of the body struggles under the weight of their burdens, a loving hand should be extended to help carry them. 

Even Jesus, after being whipped and beaten, had His cross carried by Simon of Cyrene.  At some point in life, each of us will feel overwhelmed by the burdens of living. In those moments, we long for someone to come alongside us. How grateful we are when a helping hand is extended! The Church has the responsibility to ensure that no one suffers in isolation. Paul wrote to the Gentile believers in Galatia, reminding them that in bearing one another’s burdens, they fulfil the law of Christ. 

The Galatian church was facing pressure from Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile believers adopt Jewish laws and traditions before coming to Christ. Paul reminded them of the gospel they had received and the freedom it brought. The law of Christ is summed up in two commands: Love God and love your neighbour as yourself. Christ’s love, overflowing in our lives, compels us to see others’ burdens as our own and to share in lifting them. This love recognizes how difficult it is for anyone to carry life’s weight alone. 

The church at Antioch gives us a powerful example of this truth. In Acts 11:27–30, the believers heard of a coming famine in Judea. Though they did not personally know those who would be affected, they took up a collection and sent aid through the apostles. The Antioch church did not assume responsibility for providing everything, but their generosity lightened the load for those who would be suffering. 

In the same way, we are each responsible before God for the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us. As we share with one another, we demonstrate the love of Christ and fulfil His law. May we, as a church family, be known for carrying one another’s burdens with compassion and grace. As we do, may the love of Christ shine brightly in us and through us, bringing hope and strength to all who are in need.  

​God Bless, 
Amutha

Dear Church,

Angels are sent to serve us!

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” Heb.1.14

Angels are spiritual beings sent from God on a mission to minister believers (His children). The Greek word for “ministering” refers to “being in service” to others, much like someone waiting on tables. Angels are given that position, divine attendants, readily available to carry out God’s will on our behalf. This special privilege is extended only to those who inherit salvation.

As “ministering spirits,” angels serve believers in several ways. At times, angels are sent to guide His children. In Acts 10, we read about a man named Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing centurion who gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day, an angel appeared to him and called him by name: Cornelius!’

This shows us that angels are aware of our circumstances and even our names. The angel guided Cornelius regarding his future steps, to send men to bring back Peter, which ultimately led him and his entire household (the first gentiles) to come into salvation. 
Another way that angels are ministering spirits is that they are sometimes sent to encourage believers. Angels encouraged and attended the Lord Jesus at least twice: after He was tempted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights and in the Garden of Gethsemane. The apostle Paul was also encouraged by an angel during a violent storm at sea (Acts 27:23–24).

Angels sometimes are sent to provide protection. An army of angels surrounded the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 6), protecting him from the Arameans. In Daniel 6:22, an angel shut the mouths of the lions, protecting Daniel in the den. 

Even though angels minister to us in powerful ways, we must always remember that it is God who sends them. Angels do not act on their own; they are not omniscient or omnipresent. They obey God’s commands and serve according to His will. All praise and glory belong to God alone - for His guidance, encouragement, and protection. 
Let us be grateful and give God the praise for His care for us. Let us also be careful not to worship angels. In Revelation 22:9, when the apostle John fell at the feet of an angel, the angel corrected him saying, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”.

God Bless,
Amutha

Dear Church,
 
Our attitudes that matter most to God  
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”   
(Matt. 5:3) 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus began by speaking about attitudes, moved on to actions, then issued alarms, and finally spoke of awards, the eternal rewards in the life to come. At the heart of His message lies this profound truth: what matters most to God is not our “altitude” (i.e., worldly success), but our attitude. 

The world often considers the rich, independent, dynamic, intelligent, clever, ambitious, and highly successful as "blessed." But Jesus taught something radically different: the truly blessed person is the one who feels utterly impoverished in spirit. 

To be "poor in spirit" is to have a deep awareness of our neediness recognising that we have nothing, are nothing, and can do nothing apart from God. It is total dependence on Him for every need. Such a person knows that, without God, they are morally, physically, and spiritually bankrupt. King David expressed this clearly when he cried out to God, “I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2). 

When a person’s pride is broken, it becomes easier to seek help - not just from others, but from God. Pride says, “I can do it myself.” False humility says, “I did nothing; only God did it.” But true humility confesses, “With God’s help, I did it.” Heaven supports those who think less of themselves and more of God. God gives grace only to the humble. 

This kind of humility is not weakness, rather it is the strongest position a believer can take. It opens the door to grace, invites the presence of God, and allows His power to work through us. The blessing of being "poor in spirit" is not just a future reward, but a present reality. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). That means we begin to live under God's rule and care even now. 

So let us not be discouraged by our limitations or failures. Instead, let them drive us to deeper dependence on God. The more we recognise our need for Him, the more space we make for His strength, wisdom, and love to flow through our lives. 

God Bless, 
Amutha 

Dear Church,

Let the Spirit invade us!

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues
as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4).
 
We approach Pentecost, a significant church festival in the Christian calendar that falls on the
50th day after the Resurrection Sunday. Three major events that took place on that special day: firstly, God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell among the believers, just as Christ had promised before His ascension; secondly, the power of the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to boldly proclaim the good news; and thirdly, through the sharing of the gospel, the Church of Christ was born in this world.

The same Holy Spirit who breathed life into the church nearly 2,000 years ago is still alive and at work in us today. Ephesians 1:13 reminds us, “When you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” He is the Spirit of the Living God. When God saved us, the Spirit transformed our old selves into a new creation. Now, God’s presence is always with us, and we are His children!

The Holy Spirit’s purpose is not only to dwell within us but also to empower us to do greater things for the Lord. On the day of Pentecost, there were many ethnic backgrounds, speaking different languages were gathered together. This diversity recalls the scattering at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Who could unify one Church under one Gospel with such a diverse group of people? God, through His Holy Spirit, communicated the Gospel to them all in their own languages - an incredible reversal of Babel! In that power, Peter preached a sermon, and “that day about three thousand people were added to them.” The early Church was birthed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Let us welcome the Holy Spirit to invade our hearts and lives. As recipients of God’s Spirit, we are not called to simply receive and remain idle. The Spirit kindles us and equips us to share the Gospel with those who are lost and searching. Like the early disciples, may we declare the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues and in our own communities.

Now is the time, the ground has been ploughed and is ready. Let us rise together and engage in missional work right where we are. Let us eagerly seek opportunities to share the Gospel using the unique gifts the Spirit has poured into each of us. May we bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. 

I pray that you recognize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life - especially this coming Pentecost Sunday!

​God Bless,
Amutha

Dear Church, 

God qualifies the called! 

“Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace.” – Judges 6:24

Pastor Mark Batterson once said, “God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called.” In the book of Judges, we meet Gideon, a man who saw himself as "the least." Yet God saw in him what many overlook in themselves: a mighty warrior, chosen to deliver Israel from oppression. 

During Gideon’s time, the Midianites were relentless in their attacks. They ravaged the land, destroyed the crops, and left no suste nance, neither sheep nor oxen. So severe was the oppression that Gideon resorted to threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding his action in fear of the Midianites. While hiding and working in fear, the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and addressed him as a “mighty man of valor.” Though timid and uncertain, Gideon was being called into something greater. When Gideon realized he had encountered the Lord, everything changed. His first response was not to gather an army or strategize for battle, but to worship. He built an altar to the Lord and called it “The Lord is Peace” (Yahweh Shalom). In a time of national chaos and personal fear, this act of worship was profound. The name did not signify the absence of trouble, but rather the presence of God. It was a declaration of faith amid fear.

After this act of worshipful obedience, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, equipping him to lead Israel to a miraculous victory. Gideon’s story speaks powerfully to us today. In our own seasons of fear or uncertainty, are we making space for God’s voice and presence? In the busyness of life, do we still ourselves to hear His call? Are we ready to respond, “Here I am, Lord”? We may not feel qualified by the world’s standards for the calling God has placed on us, but He is not looking for credentials. He is looking for hearts willing to say yes. Like Gideon, we may feel weak or unprepared, but God still calls! He still equips! He still empowers! 

Let us build altars of worship in our own lives, places where we recognize His presence and respond with faith.

God Bless,
Amutha

Dear Church,

Let us journey through the Holy Week!

Holy Week invites us to walk with Jesus through the final days of His life. As we reflect on His suffering, death, and resurrection, we are reminded of the great love He has for us and the incredible price He paid for our salvation. 

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, a celebration of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The joyous shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9) stirs congregation’s connection in greeting the King. Jesus came not to overthrow earthly rulers but to offer salvation to all through His sacrifice. On Palm Sunday, we reflect on the nature of Christ’s kingship, which is not about power and domination but about humility, love, and service.

On Maundy Thursday, we remember the night when Jesus shared His last meal with His disciples in the upper room. This meal, known as the Last Supper, is where Jesus instituted the sacrament of Communion, offering His body and blood as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. As He broke the bread and shared the cup, He said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Lk. 22:19). It is also on this night that Jesus washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating servant leadership and teaching them the importance of humility and love.

On Good Friday, we solemnly remember the crucifixion of Jesus. This is the day Jesus endured immense suffering and died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Through His sacrifice, He paid the penalty for our wrongdoing, offering us the gift of eternal life. As Jesus hung on the cross, He uttered the words, “It is finished” (Jn.19:30), declaring that the work of salvation was complete.

Resurrection Sunday is the climax of Holy Week - the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is the day that changed the course of history, offering hope to all who believe in Him. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him. On Easter Sunday, we joyously proclaim, “He is risen!” (Matt. 28:6). The resurrection is the ultimate victory, not just for Jesus, but for all who believe in Him. It is a day to remember that just as Jesus was raised to life, we too can experience new life in Him - today and for eternity. 

May this Holy Week be a time of renewal, reflection, and rejoice as we journey together toward the empty tomb and the victory of Easter.
Amen!

God Bless,
Amutha

Dear Church,

The Season of Lent calls us for self-reflection!

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” – Matt. 7:12 A Finnish soldier in the three-month winter war with Russia, lay wounded on the battlefield. A Russian soldier approached, pointing his rifle. The Finn was certain his end had come. However, the Russian handed him a medical kit, then kept moving. Remarkably, later on, the roles reversed. The Finn found himself in a similar situation—only this time, a Russian soldier lay wounded and helpless. The Finn, remembering the grace extended to him, handed over medical supplies and walked
on.

This is the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12) that Jesus taught us to live by. Imagine how different our world would be if we all practiced this simple yet a significant principle! Its simplicity doesn’t lessen its significance, though it is often overlooked. We live in a world of excess, indulgence, and greed, where few stop to consider the needs and feelings of others. Society is driven by social status, and many are willing to do anything to get ahead, often at the expense of others. But our Lord was clear and precise in His command. The Golden Rule lies at the heart of humanity—it speaks of the love and care that should be present in all people. 

This significant principle cannot be separated from obedience to God. If we are to be what the Lord desires us to be, if we are to represent our Lord in a way that pleases Him, we must be willing to live according to this principle. When the “Golden Rule” is lived out in our lives, we show the love of God to others. We cannot truly please our Savior if we are unwilling to love our neighbours. Consider the treatment of Jesus prior to the crucifixion. He had every right to have destroyed His accusers. They were not worthy of His love and sacrifice. Yet, He did not repay them with what they deserved. He offered grace instead of wrath, and gave them what they needed, not what they deserved.

During this Lenten season, Jesus invites us to reflect on this golden principle, which is
simple, but significant.

God Bless,

Amutha