Dear Brothers,
To be a leader we are to be like the ‘Master’ who sent us. The first step is our transformation to holiness. This is the character of our Lord. As we continue to allow Him to transform us by being submissive and obedient to the Word, we are changed into His likeness day by day. Others will see the evidence not there before. We are more patient, kind and there is more self control; some of the things that were not evident before. With change, we are also empowered by the Lord to do more and will draw the attention of the people around us. They will, in time to come, want to follow us because of what they see, hear and believe.

A leader is not ‘grown’ overnight. It takes time to develop. In the FGBMF there is effective expansion over the years; now it is time to develop leaders among the members to lead effectively. It is necessary to have an effective cutting edge to be the ‘salt and light’. Only then are we the ‘head’ and not the ‘tail’.

To do so, we must endure and press on; “... let us have grace by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear.” Heb.12:28. The prize for us is at the end of the race. For encouragement, let us follow Jesus as the example, He “endured the cross” and also “despised the shame”. He is now enthroned on the right hand of the Father. Again, lest you be fainthearted and discouraged, continue to look to Jesus who patiently “endured such hostility from sinners”. Now we have not yet suffered anywhere like Him. Remember that He carries us through during all difficult times.

As we progress, there are times when our Master chastens us. Do not resent but yield willingly; because of His love for us, we are chastened as sons. This happens for our benefit, that “we may be partakers of His holiness”. So stay out of quarrels and live in holiness “without which no one will see the Lord”. Soon God will shake the heavens and the earth and “only the things which cannot be shaken will remain”. So let us humble ourselves and continue diligently to pursue the things of God with the “measure of faith” given to us and always come into His presence with the right attitude and a good conscience. When one runs a race he is expected to finish it. The following will help you:

•	run with endurance to finish the race of faith.
•	restore spiritual strength to “strengthen the hands which hang down and the feeble knees”.
•	fellowship constantly with the Lord.
•	work in unity – this pleases God.
•	do all things with due diligence.
•	count the cost and be willing to pay the price.
•	finish with the same passion as when you started.

If you first “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” then you will be able to “love your neighbour as yourself”. The Lord be with you as you build His Kingdom in the marketplace.

God Bless and In His Service,

LEE GEE KOON
NATIONAL PRESIDENT