Each year at CBS, a new vision is set by the coordinators. This vision is determined over time with the coordinators praying, seeking the Lord’s will, searching the Word, and discerning the needs within the fellowship. Once a vision is established, it acts as a source of focus, direction, and encouragement for the fellowship.
Through the years, CBS has proclaimed itself to be a fellowship that seeks “to know Christ and to make Him known”, and this year’s vision speaks directly to that motto. Our vision for this academic year comes from Psalm 42:11 —
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11
We live in a world where we are subject to darkness and discouraging circumstances. Oftentimes, it is the heaviness of our own sin, temptation, and self-imposed pressure that weighs us down. Yet, that is not all there is in living. In living, we can have hope where this “Hope in God” is deliverance. We are rescued from the bondages of sin because Jesus, the Son of God, took the punishment for our iniquities on himself (Isaiah 53:11). We will experience pain and despair but through hoping in God, we are given the strength to face challenges head-on. God has and will continue to lift us up through our trials: He “set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure” (Psalm 40:2). We know that our God hears our cries and responds faithfully. For that reason, we may not only hope, but also rejoice in Him (Habakkuk 3:17).
But how do we anchor our souls to hope in God even when we can’t seem to catch any sunshine in our lives? Brothers and sisters, this is truly no easy endeavor. Hope is more than optimism — it is knowing, and trusting, in God’s character and promises. But let us move through this process one step at a time. First, let us receive the free gift of salvation that God has given us, by putting our trust in Jesus and receiving Him as our Lord and Savior. Let us bow our heads in prayer, continually giving thanks to God for each grace He has given to us, big or small. Let us meditate on His Word, reminding ourselves of the steadfast love He has poured out on generation after generation (Psalm 136:26). Let us be mindful of the Spirit’s presence in every area of our lives, for He is always by our side. Although we may still endure seasons of discouragement and loss, let us hold firm to “what is good and true” (Philippians 4:8) — that Jesus died for our sins, and triumphed over death so that we may enjoy a close and genuine relationship with our God.
Our Heavenly Father who is full of wisdom — thank You for knowing exactly what we are experiencing and how we are feeling. You are the Hope of our life and our salvation. We are mere humans who can only sin and hurt You over and over again; yet, You take care of every aspect of our lives and cherish us so deeply. So may we hunger for You and center our lives in You. May we seek to see and carry out Your Will with Your guidance. We are nothing without You but we are everything wonderful with You.
In the Name of Our Good Shepherd, Amen.
Jade Lo (’25) and Jemima Yoon (’25)
Chinese Bible Study 