A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR PN

Apostolic Fellowship International Conference

In September, I had the privilege to be the guest speaker at two major events. The first was when I attended the Apostolic Fellowship International Conference in Naples, Italy with Pastor PK from Hope London, UK. It was a meeting of pastors to discuss church planting around the world.

We were encouraged to hear reports of the great things that God has been and is doing in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe.

Celebrating Hope Singapore 16th Anniversary

Then I went to Singapore with the Hope Bangkok Worship team to celebrate Hope Church Singapore's 16th Anniversary. It was wonderful to witness the amazing things God has achieved in Hope Church Singapore over the last 16 years.

I congratulated and encouraged the Hope Church Singapore continue keeping their vision and being passionate in fulfilling the Great Commission. Hope Church Singapore was established in February 1991, starting with 5 people. Within a year, the number increased to a hundred. The church since then has been growing in quantity and quality continually. Currently, people from different cultural and professional backgrounds join in the thousands.

Hope Church Singapore has a Salt and Light ministry for the society. Through this ministry, the church has become a genuine blessing to the community by providing social welfare to the less fortunate. The church is located next to Orchard Road in downtown Singapore, the world-known business district with many huge malls.

Our brothers and sisters in Hope Church Singapore have a strong global mission focus that brings God's grace and love to people in Africa, South America, and many other countries.

The Faith of Abraham

I want to share an experience while I was there. On Saturday, the day I arrived at Singapore, it had been heavily raining since 11 o'clock in the morning. This was a problem since there were 2 worship services planned that day. I was afraid the rain would affect the worship service program.

So I prayed to God, asking Him to stop the rain and move the rain clouds to other places. Happily, God answered the prayer of a little person with strong faith. The rain stopped at noon and it was a beautiful day.

I preached two sermons relating to the righteous faith that brings abundant blessings. I raised the example of Abraham from the book of Romans 4:18-23 that says:

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone,”

The blessings of Abraham

The Lord, in the Bible, encourages us to have a faith which is unwavering, unshakeable and does not weaken. It requires Christians to believe in the power of God.

Those who have this kind of faith will receive their inheritance according to God's promise, just as God promised to Abraham. A righteous life and faith brings us to the righteousness of God, which will then bring us blessings like what God brought to Abraham.

The power of God through faith

I would like to encourage brothers and sisters to step forward to the right kind of faith, not an seasonal faith which changes like the wind. Some people may misunderstand or receive incorrect teaching in the sense that if we have faith, then we should do nothing.

Rather, those who have genuine faith will think positively and they will take action because they know that all things are possible through God. Therefore, those who have faith will be able to do their own part. For example, when they are sick, they will have faith in God yet at the same time, they can go to see a doctor and take medication. Therefore, faith in God is in line with medical technology and progress.

We can do our own part fully if we know that we have limits giving God an opportunity to manifest His might and power.

And for the part that is beyond our abilities, we have to extend our faith and rely on God's might and power as God is unlimited. Then, we will know that God can do all things.

May God bless your life and ministry as your faith grows with God.

Pastor PN Srithawong
HGI President

HOPE SINGAPORE TURNS 16

It did not seem very long ago when Dinah, myself and three friends first gathered to worship in that Telok Kurau condo on Sunday, 17th February 1991. I believed Singapore was a unique nexus for church planting to reach the farthest corners of the world.

I dreamt that Changi International Airport would be ‘our airport’ that on any given day we would find tent makers coming or going for church planting. Today we are one of the externally-focused churches in Singapore. Today we have churches planted around the globe and members in every continent.

September 15th, 2007 was the day to remember God’s goodness over the past 16 years. This year's celebration was quite special. This was Priscilla’s brain child. Here is our thanksgiving, focusing on the celebrations itself. The 16th anniversary logo was eye-catching, bright and contemporary. Our celebration this year was held at the d'Marquee @ Downtown East. It was the first time here for many of us.

Those involved arrived on Saturday morning for the final rehearsals. We were approached for makeovers almost immediately. The Image team did a good job on us.

This anniversary was the first one to feature a guest speaker and a guest worship team. Both came from Hope Bangkok. The passage Romans 4:18-25 chosen by Pastor PN was so appropriate for the event. The sermon was titled “Faith That Makes the Maximum Impact”. It inspired us to move to the next level. The Hope Bangkok team of 14 persons lifted the worship atmosphere several notches.

The two young hosts almost stole the show with their welcome lines. The mime item was a good intro. Then the remix of our own composition "Psalm 78" song was so good. We loved the short video testimonies and Snapshots of Hope that were incorporated. It was a challenge to have our worship team lead and then transit to Hope Bangkok team but it went well. The special tango item sure got a rapturous welcome.

This year was special also because Dinah, the twins and I served as a family. The twins hosted the opening segment of the service. Then Dinah and I did a short dance routine as part of hosting. It was our first time ever doing the tango.

I am told we had close to 3,300 people celebrating in 2 identical services. We will all remember the rousing finale. The Bangkok leaders enjoyed themselves in God too. It was a wonderful close to 16 years of wonderful ministry. The celebrations continued with our JUMP worship conference and concert on Sunday and Monday with the Hope Bangkok worship team.

Thank God for 16 years of doing church.

Happy Anniversary!

Pastor Ben KC Lee
www.hopesingapore.org.sg