Shalom, Shalom, beloved brethren!
To our elders, ministers, deacons, families, young people, visitors, and all the beloved brethren gathered here at COGMERS Headquarters—and to everyone joining us from across Kenya, Africa, and the diaspora—Shalom and greetings in the name of Elohim and our Messiah Yahshua.
Today, as we come to the conclusion of this wonderful Feast of Sukkot, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving.
We have worshipped together. We have prayed together. We have learned together. We have eaten together. We have encouraged one another, and above all, we have experienced the goodness and faithfulness of Elohim.
The Scripture says:
“O give thanks unto Adonai; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
— Psalm 118:1
Brethren, indeed, His mercy has carried us.
REMEMBERING THE PURPOSE OF THE FEAST
Sukkot reminds us that we are pilgrims and strangers in this present world.
Leviticus 23:42–43 tells us that the children of Israel were to dwell in booths so that generations would remember how Elohim brought them out of Egypt.
The temporary dwelling reminds us that this world is not our permanent home.
Hebrews 11:13 says that the faithful “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
Therefore, as we leave this Feast, let us not leave its message behind.
Let us carry Sukkot in our hearts, in our homes, in our congregations, and in our communities.
We have gathered here, but now we must go.
We have been fed spiritually, but now we must feed others.
We have been encouraged, but now we must encourage others.
We have received the Word, and now we must become doers of the Word.
James 1:22 tells us:
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
That is our challenge today.
A CHARGE TO GO AND PREACH
Beloved brethren, the Feast is coming to an end—but the mission continues.
Yahshua gave His disciples a clear commission in Matthew 28:19–20:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
This command is not only for ministers.
It is a calling that should inspire every believer.
Wherever Elohim has placed you, you have an opportunity to be a witness.
You may be a teacher.
You may be a farmer.
You may be a businessperson.
You may be a parent.
You may be a young person.
You may be a media worker.
You may be a student.
You may be living in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Europe, America, Australia, Israel, the Gulf, or somewhere else in the diaspora.
Wherever you are—be a light.
Do not wait until you stand behind a pulpit before you preach.
Sometimes your greatest sermon will be the way you treat your neighbour.
Your greatest testimony may be the way you forgive.
Your greatest message may be your honesty.
Your greatest evangelism may be your compassion toward someone who is struggling.
Yahshua said in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Therefore, brethren, go and make disciples.
Go and teach.
Go and encourage.
Go and serve.
Go and demonstrate the love of Elohim.
LIVING THE MESSIANIC VALUES
As we return home, let us exercise the values that Yahshua demonstrated.
Let us practice love.
Yahshua said in John 13:35:
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Let there be love among our families.
Let there be love among our congregations.
Let there be love among our leaders.
Let there be love between the generations.
Let us practice humility.
Philippians 2:5 encourages us to have the mind that was also in Messiah Yahshua.
Leadership is not about being above others.
Leadership is about serving others.
Let us practice forgiveness.
If there are misunderstandings among us, let us not carry them from one Feast to another.
Matthew 6:14 reminds us of the importance of forgiving others.
Let us practice mercy and compassion.
When we see someone struggling, let us not simply say, “May Elohim bless you.”
Where we can help, let us help.
Where we can encourage, let us encourage.
Where we can give, let us give.
Let us practice truth and integrity.
Our words must be trustworthy.
Our business dealings must be honest.
Our families must see consistency between what we preach in the congregation and how we live at home.
Let us practice holiness.
1 Peter 1:15–16 calls us to be holy in our conduct because Elohim is holy.
And finally, let us practice service.
Yahshua demonstrated that true greatness is connected with serving others.
TO OUR FAMILIES AND CONGREGATIONS
Brethren, when you return home, take the Feast with you.
Fathers, strengthen your families.
Mothers, encourage your households.
Young people, remain faithful and do not be ashamed of the truth.
Our elders and ministers, continue to shepherd Elohim's people with patience and wisdom.
And to every congregation represented here: remain united.
Do not allow disagreements to destroy brotherhood.
Do not allow rumours to destroy trust.
Do not allow personal differences to become barriers to the work of Elohim.
Ephesians 4:3 says that we should endeavour “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Our strength is not simply in numbers.
Our strength is also in unity, faithfulness, love, truth, and obedience.
APPRECIATION TO KENYA, AFRICA AND THE DIASPORA
At this moment, allow me to express our sincere appreciation.
To the brethren here in Kenya, thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, hospitality, and commitment to the work.
To our brothers and sisters throughout Africa, from different nations, cultures, languages, and communities—thank you for standing together in faith.
And to our beloved brethren in the diaspora, thank you for remaining connected with the work and with one another, even when distance separates us.
We may live in different countries, but we are one family in Messiah.
From the villages and towns of Africa to the cities of Europe, America, Australia, the Gulf, Israel, and beyond, we send you our love and greetings.
Wherever you celebrated Sukkot, you were part of this fellowship.
May Elohim continue to strengthen the worldwide COGMERS family.
DO NOT LOSE THE FIRE
Brethren, there is one danger after every Feast.
We can experience a powerful spiritual moment and then return home and slowly lose the fire.
Let that not happen to us.
Do not allow the Feast to become merely a memory.
Take the lessons home.
Take the prayers home.
Take the love home.
Take the commitment home.
Take the Word home.
And most importantly, take the mission home.
Romans 12:11 says:
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
Let us remain fervent.
Let us continue studying.
Let us continue praying.
Let us continue teaching our children.
Let us continue reaching our communities.
Let us continue proclaiming the Good News.
And let us continue preparing ourselves for the coming Kingdom of Elohim.
LOOKING TOWARD PASSOVER
As we close this Feast, our eyes now turn forward.
We look toward the next appointed time—the Feast of Passover.
Between now and then, there will be many days.
There will be challenges.
There will be opportunities.
There will be moments when our faith is tested.
But let us remain faithful.
Galatians 6:9 says:
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
So, brethren, do not faint.
Keep walking.
Keep praying.
Keep serving.
Keep preaching.
Keep loving.
Keep obeying.
Keep looking toward Yahshua.
And when we gather again for Passover, may we come with testimonies of what Elohim has done through us and in us.
FINAL BLESSING
As we now prepare to depart from this Feast, I charge every one of you:
Go in peace.
Go and be a witness.
Go and preach the Good News.
Go and make disciples.
Go and demonstrate the values of Messiah.
Go and strengthen your families.
Go and serve your communities.
Go and let your light shine.
And wherever you go, remember that you carry the name and testimony of the people of Elohim.
May Elohim bless Kenya.
May He bless Africa.
May He bless our brethren in the diaspora.
May He strengthen our congregations, our families, our ministers, our young people, and every person who has participated in this Feast.
And as we depart, may the words of Numbers 6:24–26 remain with us:
“Adonai bless thee, and keep thee:
Adonai make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Adonai lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Brethren, the Feast is ending—but the work continues.
The gathering is ending—but the mission continues.
The temporary dwelling is coming down—but our hope remains alive.
Until we meet again at the next appointed Feast, may Elohim guide you, protect you, strengthen you, and keep you faithful.
From COGMERS Headquarters, to Kenya, to Africa, and to the entire diaspora—Shalom, Shalom!
May Elohim bless you all, and may we meet again at Passover.
Shalom!
Back to all articles