Dear Brothers and sisters,
I’m sending you my warmest greetings. I do trust this message finds you all in high spirits!
My wife and I really enjoyed attending Hope West Australia’s annual camp in Perth. The theme of camp was ‘A Signs and Wonders Church’.
We were so impressed with while we were speaking there. One reason was seeing the participants, who came from a variety of cultural backgrounds (Asian, Australian, and African) and from all age groups (children, students, adults and senior people) excitedly attend the conference with an expectation to experience God’s miraculous power. Also, they were responsive to the teaching; even the youth paid serious attention to the lessons, often saying ‘Amen!’ to respond to the Word of God.
Faith in God for signs and Wonders
At the camp, we could see God’s hand moving over the congregation. During the prayer session, some people who came with faith and expectation in the power of His blood received healing, while some was delivered from bondages. Experiencing God’s power, we noticed that people’s personal faith increased as they reflected through their exciting testimonies.
I would like to encourage you, brothers and sisters, to be courageous in performing signs and wonders in His Name. Actually, signs and wonders are another approach God always uses to open people’s minds.
Looking at history, we can see that those who experienced His power often opened their hearts to receive Him and eventually accept salvation. For our ministry in Thailand, wherever signs and wonders were performed, we could see many more people coming to Jesus and the church growing quickly and steadily. Even in western Churches, where few expect signs and wonders in their ministries, we could see that the churches who strongly believed in God’s power grew at an astounding rate.
God’s power is superior to all
I remarked that some people living in a Western culture come from broken families; some of them turning to witchcraft instead of the Living God who has true healing power to mend their wounded soul. It would be wonderful if we could have them experience His power and personally come to know Him – the true answer for the questions in their lives.
Church growth through signs and wonders
In Mark 16: 17-19, Jesus promised us that these signs will accompany those who believe.
Signs and Wonders don’t just accompany those who are leaders, but ANY BELIEVER who believes in Him. Whether they know it or not, people in this sinking world really need God to save them.
Let us claim His promise in this area, having faith and courage to perform signs and wonders in our ministry, and we will see that God can really use us as His instrument in such a different and powerful way.
Consequently, His church will become much more fruitful and truly bring Him glory.
May God bless you!
Pastor PN Srithawong
HGI President
Hope Perth Camp testimony
This year’s annual camp was amazing! The total attendance for the camp was over 110 people - the biggest WA Camp ever. In an atmosphere of expectation to learn more about signs and wonders, Hope Perth Christian Church together with Hope Busselton Christian Church and Hope Katanning Centre united to attend the annual camp. Pastor PN, along with his wife Ps Sunee Srithawong, was invited as our honourable speaker. They really blessed and encouraged us during the camp.
Imparting vision to young people
We had a Youth Camp to kick off the exciting program with young graduates and students from High School and University having a day of fellowship, encouragement and challenging one another. Pastor Stephen shared his heart to the young people to have strong vision in their personal lives rather than just day dreaming.
Hope Games United
The next day, “A Signs and Wonders Church” camp followed the youth camp. The program started with “Hope Games United” so that we could foster team unity and support for one another in a competitive but fun atmosphere. People from all ages: kids, youth and senior, all jumped into the big field and joined in all the fun.
Worship Concert
In the evening, the great time took place! “Worship Concert” was a night that none of us will ever forget. The seniors came to the front together and they all danced, jumped around and made joyous music to the Lord. All of us experienced what it feels like to be a “true worshiper” where God could minister to the church and individuals. We could say that the Worship Concert succeeded in its goal to lift the church to an atmosphere of praise and worship.
Australian Bush Dance
The Wittwer family, like last year, led us in the Bush Dance – a popular local Australian dance. It was such a success that we look forward to having it every year. No one could leave the floor which was filled with happiness and joyfulness. Even Pastor PN and Ps Sunee and the seniors join the dancing with us!
Powerful teaching at the camp
Apart from the fun and games, all the campers also focussed their hearts towards the powerful teaching and preaching held at every session. No one wanted to miss any of them:
- Why do we have Signs and Wonders?
- Discerning whether Signs and Wonders are from God?
- Signs and Wonders and Quantitative Church Growth
- Factors enhancing Signs and Wonders
- How Signs and Wonders happen and How Churches should respond.
Lives impacted by the power of God
As well we had a special hour between sessions called “Experiencing God’s Power” where attendees received ministering into their personal lives. Some received baptism in the Holy Spirit, some were delivered from their pasts, and some saw their faith increased while others received God’s direction for their lives. Praise the Lord!
The most important thing is that we have great testimonies of people's lives being touched by God and also seeing a lot of new believers come to know God more and experience His power in their lives.
It was truly a memorable camp for all and we hope that this camp will make the WA vision for the Great Commission even stronger.
Pastor Stephen & Hannah Pitavanik
Hope Perth, Australia (Website)
