More than 1,700 Hope delegates converged onto the city of Kuching for the 12th Malaysian National Convention (MNC). Delegates from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia added a multinational flavour to the convention.
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“Outstanding Speakers!” “Great Content!” “What a Fun Crowd!” These were some of the comments heard at the 12th MNC. It was a fact that the delegates appreciated the high-level and entertaining presentations by high profile speakers Pastor Simon Eng, Pastor Denis Lu and Pastor Jeffrey Chong.
The convention began on the afternoon of Thursday, the 6th of December 07, with a Hope Carnival. Various interesting social and interactive events helped the delegates get to know one another, from the very young to the very old. That evening the delegates were enriched with a wealth of inspiring workshops while Hope kids were treated to a night at the movies at the Riverside Cineplex.
The next morning, as delegates made their way to the convention hall, they were joyously overwhelmed by the colourful banners and thrilled by the enthusiastic welcoming teams!
The convention’s Opening Ceremony by Hope Kuching contained a sequence of MNC themes from the past three years: the hardworking ANTS of “MY LIFE, YOUR CALLING”; the teamwork of the GEESE “YOUR CALLING, MY PURPOSE”; and finally the persevering PENGUINS “MY PURPOSE, OUR DESTINY”.
The hall was jam-packed: people were squashed in and everyone’s faith level reached exciting highs during praise and worship; they were all hungering for the presence of God. Not even a power failure could stop them!! The Six Teaching Sessions imparted intense, exhilarating and brilliant principles and values from the Word of God!
Pastor Simon Eng’s first session challenged everyone towards “The Ultimate Destination” and stressed the need to move together in the same vision, spirit and heart, manifesting the seven characteristics of Hope family. The values involved:
Capturing the VISION of God;
- Being strong expositors of THE WORD OF GOD;
- Being persistent in PRAYER & WORSHIP;
- TRAINING & EQUIPPING people to be effective for God;
- Constantly renewing our LOVE for God and one another;
- Being dependent on the HOLY SPIRIT; and
- Continually preaching the GOSPEL to non-Christians.
Pastor Denis Lu, in the second session, reminded everyone that to reach our Ultimate Destination, there is no such thing as an overnight success or any easy shortcuts.
He spoke authoritatively and convincingly that to perform to the fullest potential, we have to go through different stages of preparation in our lives. Such preparation involves the spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, social and financial dimensions. Pastor Dennis cited David as an example as a man who had to learn to care and protect his sheep from the lions and the bears; these events was God preparing him for his victorious encounter over Goliath. Ps Jeffrey Chong was incredibly humorous while talking about an equally serious subject: “Taking Others Along with Me”.
It was definitely a teaching that a lot of people won’t forget. Ps Jeffrey stressed that the key thing is to make disciples. We need to train and mentor the people who we want to bring along to fulfil the vision.
Continuing the next teaching session on “Making Progress Together in the Journey”, Pastor Simon cautioned the delegation that we have to be mindful of what we do along our journey with God as it will determine whether or not we will successfully arrive at the destination. We need to constantly engage God’s words into the lives of people we progress alongside with; preserving and imparting our core values.
Ps Jeffrey taught next on the top five hindrances to our spiritual journey: Fear, Lack of Faith, Physical and Mental Tiredness, Unresolved Sins and Offences, and Temptations. He then shared his experiences with these hindrances and gave advice on overcoming these them.
Ps Simon summed up the teaching sessions with the spotlight of the Journey, “See you at the Destination”. Developing an enduring spirit, walking close with the Lord and living a godly life will see you finish strong at the end of the finishing line.
Two terrific and inspiring preaching sessions by Ps Simon and Ps Jeffrey, “Finishing Successfully” and “Reasons for Successful Ministry” respectively, were sandwiched between the teaching lessons.
Throughout history, God looked to create testimonies from His people: at the Red Sea, he created a testimony through Moses. In Kuching, he created a testimony through Brother Owen Than. Brother Owen shared how God showed his faithfulness by touching his heart, which allowed him to return back to the church. Another testimony, by sister Susan and the team in Kuala Trengganu, revealed the facet of God as JEHOVAH JIREH. Susan, who headed the mission team, shared her phenomenal experiences and there wasn’t a person in the room who wasn’t in awe of this courageous young lady.
The most interesting thing about Saturday was the commitment to enter the Mission field, which was bubbling under the surface, by all the delegates at the convention. It came out in full force with many responding the call to enter into missions.
For the closing ceremony that Sunday, Hope KL City Centre dramatised the commissioning of Peter to finish the task of planting the Kingdom all over Malaysia. Amidst temptation & challenges, he fulfilled his calling and purpose to the very end of his life by impacting, inspiring and influencing others to carry on the race in Malaysia and internationally.
The 12th MNC ended with the KL Centre answering the call to host the next MNC with the baton being officially passed onto Senior Pastor Simon Eng.
Perhaps the painful part of the Convention was when it was over and it was time to go home. In a few short days, many delegates had become close friends, while at some point everyone was a mentor to someone. It hurts to have to leave but it’s always good to get home, refreshed, renewed and recharged.
While a lot of credit goes to the hosts, Hope Kuching, for putting everything together, an equal amount of credit and appreciation goes to each and every delegate who attended and made the convention so great. Without you it would not have happened. In summary, it was a GREAT convention. So mark your calendar for next year’s convention on the first week of December, 2008, in Kuala Lumpur.
