December 2006

Dear friends

If there is one thing we can be sure of as we approach the end of this year, it is that Jesus-Christ’s second coming has come nearer to us, even though we know neither the time nor the hour of it.  This situation is not without parallel with that of believers in the Old Testament: some of them, like Simeon and Anna, had the privilege to see and embrace the Messiah, counting themselves blessed to have lived so many years to see this moment happening and to witness in such a special way God’s covenantal faithfulness.  As for us, we are privileged to read their testimony recorded in Luke chapter two, for through their inspired testimony, we are made partakers of the same redemptive event.  It also encourages us to persevere through the passing years, since time passing by is not a mere cycle - however much appearances may induce us to think - nor a mere point of no return towards our own physical death.  Above these discouraging perceptions there is God’s redemptive plan at work, heading towards its fulfillment, i.e. the inescapable coming of a new heaven and a new earth, when the King of kings will come to judge the living and the dead.

 God’s redemptive plan has in mind the gathering of a people which is spread out not only geographically, throughout the nations, but also chronologically, throughout the ages.  The preaching of His Word by servants called to this mission is the tool He uses to gather in one body His people spread out geographically as well as chronologically.  And certainly, as the end of the year approaches and with it the celebration of Jesus-Christ’s Incarnation, we can say that the Incarnate Word has come nearer to many people spread throughout the French speaking world, thanks to the regular broadcasting of Reformed Fiath and Life’s programmes.  In July this year we started being on the air in Kigali, capital of the tiny East African country Rwanda.  Just recently, I heard the good news that RFL could at last come on the air in Quebec City, among the autochtone Indian community.  Exploratory work in French speaking Niger is progressing.  Several local stations in important cities of Madagascar have expressed interest in broadcasting RFL on a regular basis.  God willing I might go and visit them next year to establish a permanent collaboration.  Our faithful partners in the mission, TransWorldRadio and FEBA Radio, keep airing RFL on Short Waves: TransWorldRadio is looking forward to start a Medium Wave broadcast from Benin next year, thus covering the region of the Gulf of Guinea.  RFL certainly hopes to be part of this new range of broadcasts. 

Whereas we are reminded of God’s faithfulness in his promises, we are also being put before our own responsibility in supporting and promoting the proclamation of his eternal Word. Let us be quite frank: RFL has gone through a difficult financial year.  By the Grace of God we were eventually able to keep our financial commitments.  Thereby, no doubt, God is testing the faithfulness of his children to rely on him alone; He is also testing his Church’s motivation and genuine enthusiasm to proclaim his Word to the ends of the earth.

From my side, let me conclude the year and celebrate Christmas in fellowship with all supporters of RFL’s ministry by remembering  the words of Psalm 119:89-91, which bind God’s eternal Word to the passing generations throughout the ages: “Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.  Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.”

In His name  

Rev. Eric Kayayan