HOPE FAMILY NEWS

FEATURE ON HOPE IRVINE MEMBERS

Pastor Albert, his wife Doreen and four kids (Sarah, Rachel, Paul, Rebecca) from Hope Kota Kinabalu in Sabah went to Irvine, Southern California in Orange County for church planting in 2002. Before that they pioneered churches in Hope Kota Kinabalu & Hope Kuching (BM) in Malaysia.

Hope Irvine Website

[Family photo: Ps Albert Ngu & wife Doreen & children: Sarah, Rachel, Paul, Rebecca]

[Below: Celebrating Christmas]

Below is a special interview on 2 members from Hope Irvine, South California

Angela Stewart

Graduated from University of California-Irvine with a major in Drama Studies. She is currently working part-time while seeking a career in the field of Theatre.

How long have you been with Hope Irvine?
Angela: About 4 years.

How did you find out about the church?
A flyer passed out advertising Sunday service.

What do you enjoy most about Hope Irvine?
The close community and accountability within our care group.

What keeps you in a small church?
The sincerity and zealous spirit of all the members. Everyone is growing to become leaders; no one falls through the cracks in this church. We are all passionate because our leadership is passionate. The opportunity to serve and be involved in all areas of the church. With that privilege come responsibilities. In a small church, every member counts. One has to be committed and willing to make some personal sacrifices because your every action or inaction has a huge impact.

Please convey a message for those who might be thinking of coming to North America.

Be open to change and to be apart of our culture, not to judge it as an outsider, but to come to empathise and understand the issues and sensitivities of our lives. Americans have a growing distrust of organised religion and for good reason. So be patient in building up our trust before bringing the Gospel message. We all "know" who Jesus is but we don't all understand how he is relevant for us anymore or if we can trust him with our whole life.

Wendy Chin

A Singaporean, has resided in the US for 6 years. She is working in Hospitality Design industry.

How long have you been with Hope Irvine?
About 4 months. Yeah, still an infant.

How did you find out about the church?
After 3 months of attending different churches in Irvine and LA, I goggled once more for churches within 5 miles proximity of my apartment, and Hope Church came 2nd in line! I liked their simple and fresh looking website and visited the church. Since then, I am hooked!

What do you enjoy most about Hope Irvine?
Because it is a small church, it has a more intimate atmosphere with members knowing and caring for one another like being in a family. I definitely enjoy the family fuss being alone here in the USA.

What keeps you in a small church?
The opportunity to serve and be involved in all areas of the church. With that privilege come responsibilities. In a small church, every member counts. One has to be committed and willing to make some personal sacrifices because your every action or inaction has a huge impact.

Please convey a message for those who might be thinking of coming to North America.
If you are financially able and have the desire to live life outside your home ground, come! I can guarantee you that it will be well worth your time and a 'mind-opening' experience. I would not have traded anything (umm. almost) for my time in America.