The year 2009 has ushered in a new set of leaders in the BCBP who are raring to go forth and serve the BCBP community and bring it to new heights of service to God. New beginnings. Wonderful opportunities. A great three-years of service to look forward to. Service to God is a large grid of possibilities. A host of programs to formulate and implement by the different national directorates, area managing/regional council directors, chapter heads, unit and action group leaders, and heads of various ministries, all working together to serve God and the community. There are many roads to take. Different doors to open and explore. Exciting directions and actions that promise fulfillment. All aimed at the same single purpose – to glorify God in everything that we do as a people of God, as businessmen and professionals placed in the marketplace and unified in our goal of keeping true to the community’s vision and mission. As St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans: “The gifts and call of God are irrevocable”. We as a people of God must embrace the call to grow in our service to God. The New Year is always a time for introspection and discernment as to the ways we as a community can “Bring Christ to the Marketplace and Win the Marketplace for Christ.”

However, it is so easy to get lost amidst the noise and distractions of everyday activities. Newspaper headlines scream of corruption and dishonesty that have become prevalent and almost the culture and way of life in our beloved country. And now the country faces the uncertainties of an economic turbulence wrought by greed and a relentless and unbridled pursuit of money that has led to a financial meltdown that seemingly will not spare anybody. Against such worries and fears, march on we must. Romans 8 reminds us that “ in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through Him who loved us.” If Christ is with us, there is nothing to fear. We therefore look forward to the year 2009 and beyond with great hope and unwavering trust in God. He is good and He will always see us through. As leaders, we commit to be singleminded in serving God and the community. We therefore encourage all members to join us and come together as one family and strive to achieve greater commitment to following the Lord’s leadings in the years to come. Yes, the past years have certainly been good but the best is yet to come. It is my wish that all of us in the BCBP grow in our relationship and remain focused in Christ. In this way, the aroma of being a true member of BCBP may rise up in 2009, a fragrant scent pleasing to the Lord. May God bless us all.