Chairman’s Message for September 2026

Beloved in Christ,

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Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome to the month of September, a month in which we continue to experience God's goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. As we progress through this year under the theme of "Reaping in Joy", we are reminded that true joy is not merely the absence of problems but the presence of God's peace in our hearts. One of the greatest pathways to experiencing lasting joy is through the practice of forgiveness.

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Our theme for this month is "Reaping in Joy Through Forgiveness," drawn from Genesis 50:15-21. In this passage, Joseph demonstrated one of the most remarkable acts of forgiveness recorded in Scripture. After enduring betrayal, rejection, slavery, and imprisonment because of the actions of his brothers, Joseph chose forgiveness over revenge. Instead of repaying evil for evil, he extended grace, comforted his brothers, and acknowledged God's sovereign hand in his life's journey. His words remain a powerful testimony: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

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Joseph's example teaches us that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of spiritual maturity and trust in God's justice. Forgiveness releases us from the prison of bitterness and allows God to bring healing, restoration, and joy into our lives.

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However, many believers struggle with forgiveness for various reasons.

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First, some find it difficult to forgive because the wounds they have experienced are deep and painful. Betrayal by a trusted friend, disappointment from a family member, unfair treatment, or words spoken in anger can leave lasting scars. Human nature often desires revenge or justification. Yet God's Word calls us to forgive just as He has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing, nor does it deny the reality of pain. Rather, it is a decision to release the offender into God's hands and trust Him to deal justly with every situation.

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Second, some believers fail to realize that unforgiveness hurts the person holding it more than the person who caused the offense. Bitterness, resentment, and anger can rob us of peace, hinder our prayers, damage relationships, and impede spiritual growth. Jesus taught that forgiveness is essential to our walk with God (Matthew 6:14-15). When we refuse to forgive, we carry emotional burdens that God never intended us to bear. But when we choose forgiveness, we experience freedom, healing, and renewed joy.

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Forgiveness is at the very heart of the Gospel. God demonstrated His love toward us by forgiving our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Although we were undeserving, He extended mercy and grace to us. As recipients of such great forgiveness, we are called to extend the same grace to others.

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This month, I encourage you to examine your heart before the Lord. Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a relationship that needs reconciliation? Is there a burden of resentment that you have been carrying for too long? Ask God for the strength to forgive and the grace to release every hurt into His hands. Forgiveness may not change the past, but it can transform your future.

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As you walk in forgiveness, you will discover new dimensions of peace, freedom, and joy. The burden of bitterness will be lifted, and the healing power of God will begin to work in your heart. Just as Joseph's forgiveness positioned him to fulfill God's purpose, your willingness to forgive can open the door to greater blessings and divine favor.

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I pray that this month will be a season of healing, restoration, and reconciliation.  The Lord will give you the grace to forgive as He has forgiven you. I also pray that every root of bitterness be uprooted from your heart, and may the peace of God rule in your life. May broken relationships be restored, wounded hearts be healed, and testimonies of God's transforming grace abound among us.

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As you choose the path of forgiveness, the Lord will fill your heart with His joy, strengthen your faith, and cause you to reap abundantly in every area of your life.  His mercy will surround you, His peace will sustain you, and His favor will rest upon you throughout this month and beyond.

Happy New Month and abundant blessings to you and your family.

In His Service,

Pastor (Dr.) Emmanuel Falaye
Chairman, TACGV, USA