Anniversary

On behalf of my dear wife, the elders and entire membership of the Reading Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church, greetings to you our distinguished guests, family, and well-wishers for joining us today—11th July 2026—to mark our 20th anniversary as a church family. May the peace of God rest upon you all in the name of Jesus. It was Sabbath, the 8th of July 2006, and the venue: the Maiden Erlegh School here in Reading, and 67 men and women answered the call to constitute the foundation members of this church.

That was 20 years ago

Today, our records show some 340 members, a vibrant congregation on fire for the Lord, with our own place of worship: The Grace Centre, (10 Cremyll Road, RG1 8NQ) here in Reading. It has not been a bed of roses. There have been challenges—sometimes even finding a place for worship. But over the years, God has been faithful. He has been with us through every trial, every tear and every triumph.

And so, as we celebrate this 20th anniversary today, the 11th of July 2026, we pause to bless His name for what He has done. We also pause to salute Pr. George Dadey for catching the dream, and the tremendous leadership he provided over many years. We also salute all the other pastors and elders who have served the church over the years. In a very special way, we salute the entire membership of the church for their support and sacrifices over the years.

Together we say: “Thus far by Grace”!

As we mark this special occasion, 3 things:

1.      We rejoice in the grace of God thus far: – the answers to prayer, marriages contracted, babies born to us, efforts to reach the Community for Jesus, divine protection and provision. And though we lost two members, we rejoice in the hope of resurrection we have in Jesus.

2.      We recommit ourselves to Him. In Psalm 116:12, David asks a question: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits? In Rom 12:1, Paul answers that question: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [NIV: “In view of God’s mercy”], that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

3.      We re-double our efforts for His cause. In Mark 5, Jesus healed a demoniac on the shores of the Gadarenes. When He was leaving, the demoniac asked to accompany Him. Jesus said to him: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…” (v. 19) As we mark this occasion, we pledge by the grace of God to re-double our efforts for His cause by telling others what He has done for us.

Thus far by Grace!

But “Thus far” is not our destination! The journey continues. It will not be an easy journey (2 Tim 3:1-5, Rev 13, Dan 12:1) But we rejoice in the goodness of God our father!

Ellen G White says:

“In reviewing our past history…We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” (Life Sketches, (1915), 196)

May we never forget the way the Lord has led in our past. And as we recall His leading, may we be inspired to accomplish even greater things for His glory and our blessing.

Thus far by grace!

And in the days to come—Also By Grace!