We Are Immanuel!
“1 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
On this Pentecost Sunday, we remember the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which transformed the early Church into a multicultural body of believers united by one Spirit. At Immanuel Church, this vision is lived out through our diversity of language, color, and culture. Today also marks my final Sunday as a pastor here, and I give thanks for how this church embodies the Spirit’s calling—to be a place where all people, no matter their background, can worship and grow together. We welcome the next season, not with sorrow but with praise for what God has done and will continue to do.
As a first-generation immigrant, my journey at Immanuel began with cultural and linguistic challenges. I could barely understand English sermons, yet I knew God had called me here. I learned early that heart fluency—the desire to hear God's voice—is more important than language fluency. My discomfort became a tool of God’s grace, and the Immanuel community walked with me, enduring my accent and limited language skill. In this, we fulfilled Romans 5: “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Together, we endured and hoped.
Multicultural ministry is about building bridges—across generations, languages, and cultures. As we heard from Jessica and Molly, their testimonies reflect what God is doing among us: forming a preview of heaven where every tribe and tongue worship together. Our different lenses—cultural, emotional, linguistic—help us see the Gospel in deeper, fuller ways. Whether it’s the reverence of the Asian heart or the bold clarity of the American expression, we learn from each other and enrich one another’s faith. In this way, we embody the unity and beauty of Christ’s Church.
As I transition to a new calling in Reading, MA, I carry with me 14 years of transformation, friendship, and sacred memory. From my children’s baptisms to my parents’ faith decisions, from sermons corrected by friends to worship shared across cultures, Immanuel has shaped my life. Thank you for believing in me, for being patient, and for letting me serve. If I’ve ever failed or hurt you, I humbly ask your forgiveness. I leave singing “My Tribute,” giving glory to God for it all. May we continue to build bridges and trust the Spirit’s guidance wherever He leads. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)