The Church stands as the central institution in history. It alone remains permanent amid the crumbling kingdoms of this world. Christ promised that the gates of Hell would not prevail against it (Mt. 16:18). The Church exists preeminently for the magnifying of the divine majesty in the public worship of the Triune God. To that end, the Lord provides a place for his people to assemble.
The opening of the new building in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka took place on Monday, June 10, 2019. Over 130 people gathered for this special occasion, which far exceeded the number anticipated. An array of visitors came from the local community, as well as those from the work in Mulateevu and other friends from as far away as Jaffna (2.5 hours drive).
The evening began with greetings and a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Immediately following, the crowd gathered inside the new building for the public worship of God. Mr. Beniel Jeyolashington led the congregation in the singing of Psalms, prayer and the reading of Scripture, all in the Tamil tongue. Rev. McCurley preached the sermon from Colossians 1, and Mr. Peter Gnanaranjan served as translator. The service was concluded with the pronouncement of the divine blessing.
On behalf of the Vavuniya congregation, Mr. Pirtheepan, home mission worker in Mulateevu. expressed thanks for a long list of people who helped in various aspects of the building project over the last many months. Following the service, the ladies served refreshments and many stayed for a time of extended fellowship.
The sacrificial giving of God’s people and many months of arduous labor have culminated in a meeting house that surpassed the expectations of many. It is spacious, well-designed and very attractive. Rev. Partheepan devoted a tremendous amount of skill and energy to this project, with the hope and prayer that God would use the building for his own glory in the years ahead.
The congregation serves as a beacon in a sea of darkness. Idolatry, superstition and false religion engulf the nation of Sri Lanka, while false doctrine and corruption cripple the limited testimony of Christianity. But the Lord has raised a torch in Vavuniya where the whole counsel of God and the glory of the Redeemer is being proclaimed. Let us continue to pray for the Lord’s richest blessing on this gospel testimony. May God gather glory to himself through the advance of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in Sri Lanka.
