HOPE FAMILY NEWS
Hope Bangalore’s First Anniversary
On the 30th of September, at 10.30pm, a Malaysian Airline Airbus A330 carrying Ps Kwong Lie, 11 brothers and sisters from Hope JB and two sisters from Hope Batu Pahat flew across the Indian Ocean and landed in India’s Silicon Valley: Bangalore; marking the beginning of an amazing week. “This is the first time we are seeing so many Chinese people on a plane headed for India“. “What is your purpose for going there?” the air stewardess asked. She could not have imagined that it was God’s vision that paved the way for this miracle.
The four-day camp: “A World Mission Church” attracted 10 local brothers and sisters. God’s love and vision brought together strangers on the first day and transformed them into an inseparable family on the last day; his love truly transcends boundaries, regardless of skin colour!
View Mission Trip Video
It was a simple camp with a simple opening ceremony accompanied with numerous power trips (which are common, occurring up to five or six times a day). However the activities: teaching, praise and worship, the workshop, games and talent show, left an indelible mark in every heart. The only non-Christian at the camp accepted Christ; despite the risks (Hindus who become Christians expose themselves to great persecution).
One brother who initially planned to return to his hometown after his graduation decided to stay back to help build Hope Bangalore. Another sister who initially opposed her younger sister joining Hope Bangalore not only eventually relented, but also decided to join the church! To sum it up, all the participants have been captured by God’s vision and agreed that India needs strong and biblical churches. Everyone responded to God, making a decision to commit themselves to planting strong and biblical churches in Bangalore, India and all over the world.
On the 5th of October, the congregation and a few visitors celebrated the first anniversary of Hope Bangalore at the same venue. Four brothers shared how their lives have been changed over the past year. Indeed, God works in wonderful ways!
This is further evidence of what we believe: “The key is the man”. When a vessel willingly responds to God’s word and offers up himself/herself to be changed, moulded and used, God will indeed use him/her to gather His army to accomplish “mission impossible”.
We can testify that Pastor Joshua and his family’s simple obedience towards the vision allowed God to use them, gathering many in Bangalore and others who also desire to be used by God. We can testify that God’s vision is true and that He requires the right vessels: those who will not compromise His principles and to gather these soldiers to come together to accomplish His Great Commission. Therefore, let us deny ourselves, offer up ourselves completely and allow Him to mould and change us. When we become the right vessels, God can use us to make a difference, regardless of countries and cultures to accomplish the impossible!
Reported by: Elijah Lai, Hope JB
Hope Nepal 1st Annual Camp in Pokhara (CAN)
On the 24th of October, 2008, Avin and Angie went to Nepal for an expedition trip to visit, support, encourage and strengthen our church planters and members in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Both Avin and Angie had the privilege of preaching at Hope Kathmandu during their Saturday service on October 25 and November 1. On Sunday, October 26, we took a mini-van to Pokhara, which is about five hours from Kathmandu. We stayed at the New Hotel Castle which is run by Christians.
The camp which went for four days and three nights was packed with exciting programs, starting with a heart-warming welcoming session by Bro Bumi and also video greetings from Pastor Simon, Sis Lai Eng, Ps. Willie, our brothers and sisters from Hope PJ and also our Hope PJ Nepalese congregation.
19 delegates from Kathmandu, Pokhara and some from the outstation attended the camp. Most of the brothers who attended this camp were leaders who have been trained at Hope KL and have now returned to their homelands to plant churches.
It’s exciting to see the fruits from Mission at the Doorstep (MAD) flourishing after years of labour. The theme of the camp was “My Life, Your Calling”. The speakers, Avin and Angie, delivered powerful teachings and inspired delegates to fulfil God’s calling in their lives. Sis Lalitha from Hope Kathmandu also shared practical steps on evangelising during the workshop session. Touching testimonies by different brothers who shared how they stood firm and served God despite hardships and difficulties really inspired and challenged our faith. We also had team-building activities and game sessions. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully during the camp and many were strengthened in the presence of God.
During our free time, we relaxed in a boat-ride at millpond calm’s Phewa Lake. We also visited Sarangkot to witness the beautiful sunrise and the snow-capped mountains buffeted by icy Himalayan winds. On the last day, everyone shared what they had learned from the camp. It’s encouraging to hear that everyone had been blessed in this camp.
The delegates desire to bring the vision back to Kathmandu, Pokhara and their villages to plant churches and pioneer care groups. Another fruit of the camp was one new convert.
Avin stayed on for two more days in Pokhara to help and plan with our leaders in finding jobs in the hope of spotting small business opportunities in the cities. Throughout the final two days, Avin spent time with the leaders and core teams of Hope Kathmandu to evaluate and plan further with them. Both of us were really inspired and challenged by the sacrificial spirit of the leaders and members in Hope Nepal. This is truly a life-transforming trip for us. Thank God for His protection, leading and guidance throughout the trip.
Reported by: Avin Ng and Angie Ng, Hope PJ
* Nepal is a Creative Access Nation - please do not circulate this information
Hope Europe News: Germany, Lithuania & France
This was another exciting month for me, as I made three European mission trips during this time alone. The first was to Dresden, the capital city of the German state of Saxony. My main purpose was to attend the Hope German leadership meeting.
I was so impressed when I learned that a family had moved out of their flat to allow us to use their place for lodging and meetings. The 3-day meeting was intense but full of inspiration, friendship and joy.
First visit to Lithuania
After returning to London for 2 days, I proceeded for a first time visit to the country of Lithuania.
Lithuania is a Baltic country that borders Poland, Latvia, Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast. This small country is home to 3.4 million people. Though small today, in the 14th century Lithuania was the biggest European country covering the present-day Belarus, Ukraine and parts of Poland and Russia. Its capital and largest city is Vilnius.
My pre-visit impression about this country was that, since it was a part of Soviet Union, it must have been significantly influenced by Russia. But I was wrong. In fact, Lithuania is quite a nationalistic country; it was actually the first Soviet state to declare independence in 1990.
Although it was part of the USSR for almost half a century after World War II, Lithuanians kept their culture intact. They speak Lithuanian, which is a unique language not related to any Germanic, Slavonic, or Romanic language which are the three main families of European languages. It is quite common for young Lithuanians to speak English as a second language. To my amazement, even in Kaunas, which is not a capital city, I found many public signs in English alongside Lithuanian. I am glad to know that language should no longer be a big problem if we as foreigners desire to preach the gospel in this country.
However, one big challenge for Christian ministry is people’s perception of Christianity. Since Lithuania has long been grounded in Catholicism, the only church that the majority recognise is the Catholic Church. When Deividas, our Lithuanian brother conducting the Bible study group, invited his friend to a meeting in his second-floor flat, his friend commented that the group couldn’t be a church, simply because a church never meets on the second floor. Let’s pray that God may open their eyes so they can see the truth clearly and come to know Him.
Attending Bible study group in Kaunas
During my visit, mostly in Kaunas, the second largest city, I got to know many people in Deividas’ Bible study group, most of which were Indian medical students.
It was surprising to learn that there are many Indian students studying at this corner of the world. Some of them are Christians. We spent time together fellowshipping and exchanging our experience with God and our ministry. I also shared with some of them about the Hope church and our philosophy of ministry.
On Sunday I was sharing the Word of God with them. I was so encouraged by the love they have for God, expressed through their worship and their responsiveness to His Word.
I had a chance to join a birthday party for an Indian brother at his dormitory. Many Indian friends of his were invited.
It was interesting to learn about Indian culture in this remote country. After we enjoyed Indian bread and curry, a sister performed a vivacious Indian dance. To my surprise, another main course was served. This was followed by some more dancing. Guess what — before we headed back, they served us dessert! My stomach could hardly contain all the food. I left Lithuania with a heart full of joy and hope that one day I will visit them again.
A wonderful fellowship in Paris
My last trip this month brought me back to Paris, France. Since Aaron and I started a Bible study group there in June this year, God has graciously added more people to it. Led by Aaron from Hope London, the group is made of up Thai people who work and reside in Paris, and gathers once a month. Though young in faith, these believers passionately seek God and hunger for His Word.
I was so touched when a Thai sister whom I have known for many years in Hope Bangkok and is currently studying in the Southwest of France travelled for many hours across the country to join our meeting on Sunday. Although it was her first visit to Hope Paris, to her this group is a part of her spiritual family. Not only did we have a great time fellowshipping with the Lord, we also had a great time fellowshipping with one another through lunch. To me the group reflected what the early church did when everyone joyfully brought food from their homes and shared with one another. I believe that when we love one another, people will know that Jesus is alive and will be drawn to Him.
I love this family of Hope. God bless.
Prakich
Hope Europe Website
Hope Brisbane’s 15th Anniversary: Glory to Glory
Hope Brisbane Christian Church celebrated its 15th Anniversary on Saturday, October 4, 2008. Members and visitors from Morning, Afternoon and Ablaze Service all converged at Garden City Christian Church to celebrate this wonderful milestone.
The event began with video interviews from Pastor Lai Ling and Pastor Wenan describing how God has moved in Hope Brisbane and the blessings that have come upon this church. There was a photo slideshow from the Hope Brisbane vault, showing photos about the changing face (and fashion styles) of the church over the past 15 years.
Special Opening performance video
A rousing performance by the choir was next, followed by an enthusiastic and well choreographed performance by the Shekinah dance team.
The crowd roared in its appreciation throughout the performance which showcased various dance styles. Praise and Worship as always was a loud and passionate affair led by the various worship leaders of the three services.
The past was revisited as key players in the history of the church were interviewed onstage and all talked about their experiences and involvement in the growth of Hope Brisbane.
Next came Pastor Wilson’s message and in light of this year’s theme of ‘Moving from Glory to Glory’, he preached on Ephesians 5:25-27 about how:
- Christ loves his church
- Christ is transforming his church
- Christ will present his church as glorious
After the sermon, May Cheung and Pastor Lance from Hope Gold Coast took the stage on behalf of Hope Brisbane to thank Pastor Wilson and Lai Ling for their amazing contribution and sacrifice to the church.
The night ended with another praise and worship session as the congregation celebrated 15 years, and preparing to make the next 15 even better.
Reported by Trung Tang, Hope Brisbane
Hope Hong Kong: Water Baptism
On November 2, 2008, 18 brothers and sisters took the step of faith to dedicate their lives to God through water baptism. There were more than 100 brothers and sisters gathered at Repulse Bay to witness and support this precious occasion.
According to the Bible, every Christian has to be baptised as it is one of Jesus' commandments. Water baptism is a dedication to follow the Lord and to be His disciple. It also symbolises our death, burial and resurrection in Christ.
After a short prayer by the chairman Brother Jack (the translator was Brother Jay), Brother Philip led the congregation to sing praises to our Lord. Pastor Gavin asked our brothers and sisters three questions: first, whether they had accepted Jesus as their only Lord and saviour; second, whether they had repented from their sins; and third was whether they had decided to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives by regularly praying and reading the Bible, being committed to the church and serving God with brothers and sisters in Christ faithfully.
After receiving the affirmative answers, Pastor Gavin asked the person to share what they wanted to give thanks to God.
Most of them were thankful for the love, joy, peace and blessings they received from God and from the brothers and sisters in church; a new hope in life; being forgiven from sin and being born again to have new life etc.
The proceedings were followed by a prayer and presentation of the certificates to the 18 new lives. Then they were accompanied by their shepherds as they went into the water to be baptised by Pastor Gavin, Brother Allen, and Brother Yong.
Everyone stayed until the end of the ceremony before making their way home from this special occasion. Praise God for the lives being committed to him. May the Lord continue to equip each of us to be the Salt and Light for His kingdom. Hallelujah!
Pastor Gavin & Pastor Arlene Toh
Hope Hong Kong (Website)
