HOPE EUROPE CHURCHES
Hope Europe: Mission Trip to St Petersburg
St Petersburg is the second most populous city of Russia and the third largest (by city limit) of Europe after Moscow and London. Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter I the Great who implemented a policy of Europeanising Russia, St Petersburg served as the country’s capital city for more than two centuries.
Similar to Moscow where I visited in March, the cost of living in St Petersburg is exceedingly high, especially food and housing. I always wonder how the locals can survive on such low incomes. Though its buildings look more European than in Moscow, its people are typical Russians. Since most people don’t speak English, it is quite challenging for a foreigner to get by without knowing the Russian language. Since most of the Russian alphabet is based on the Greek alphabet and I know how to read Greek, it is not too hard for me to figure out Russian names like metro stations. At least I knew how to travel around by metro as all the signs are purely in Russian.
The main purpose of this trip was to visit Chris Klein, a German brother and friend of Hope Germany who is studying there. Chris is a young man who would like to live his life to the full for Jesus. Though we got to know each other for only five days, we have become very good friends.
When I visit a new country, one thing I always like to do is visit Christian churches or their activities to get new insights. Chris and I dropped in to a movie night run by a local man who was working for Campus Crusade for Christ. Eleven participants, most of whom were students, watched short movies and discussed what they had learned from them. In fact, there are lessons we can learn from life situations. A learned person doesn’t learn only in class but from every moment of their lives, good or bad. Unfortunately, sometimes we are happy or upset about them, but learn nothing from them.
On Sunday I visited Calvary Chapel Central Church where Chris normally attends. I got to know many people including some from Central Asia.
I really enjoyed learning new things about the countries and people, which were scarcely known to me. However, what struck me most was the worship. Though it was simple and I had no idea what they were singing in Russian, I sensed a strong divine presence in the congregation.
This reminds me of the sheer importance of the Holy Spirit in our meetings. If God’s presence is so tangible, people will know He is there.
Pastor Prakich
Hope Europe (Website)
Hope Stuttgart, Germany: Winter Camp 
Since 2005 Hope Stuttgart church has held a winter camp every year after Christmas called scampen. This year the semi-seminar retreat was held in Sonthofen, a small, charming Bavarian town surrounded by the beautiful snowy Alps in the far South of Germany. 
Recognising the significant role of the Holy Spirit in building the church, the theme was “A Moving in the Holy Spirit Church”. Not only did we have a great time during the teaching sessions, we also spent time practising moving in the Spirit and praying for one another.
Stephen Cornehl
Hope Stuttgart, Germany (Website)
Hope London: Valentine Service 
Our Valentine Service was held on Sunday 15th February, a day after St. Valentine's Day. Church members spent Saturday decorating the hall. A photo booth was also set up for taking pictures before and after the Service - a very popular part of our annual Valentine Service.
On St. Valentine's Day itself, I surprised Kim by taking her to Harrow Civic Centre where we had our wedding 32 years ago (pic.1). I was working in London at the time and Kim was still in Northern England (Bradford). We did not have a church wedding because we were not believers then. We also visited the hotel where Kim spent the night before the wedding (pic. 2).
It has grown a lot in 32 years, including banqueting facilities and many hotel rooms.The resturant was nicely decorated for St. Valentine's Day dinner and we ended up having a very nice lunch there. We had the whole resturant to ourselves and it was a perfect Valentine celebration (pic.3). God's plan is amazing!
My sermon was titled "Love as though you have never been hurt". I used the above as an introduction to my sermon - the romantic side of Valentine. Then we showed a short video produced by our multi-media team, portraying unfaithfulness and forgiveness in a marriage. A few church members put together a very professional acting performance.
I used the following poem as the basis of my main message, supported by illustrations and scriptures:
What is love
- It's silence when words would hurt.
- It's patience when other’s curt.
- It's deafness when the scandal flows.
- It's thoughtfulness for another's woes.
- It's courage when misfortune falls.
- It's promptness when duty calls.
People stayed around to chat, take pictures and enjoy a chocolade fountain that was part of the refreshments. The atmosphere was warm, joyful and friendly. It was a blessed day!
I drove home that evening with gratefulness in my heart and a smile on my face. God's love is amazing!
Pastor PK & Kim
Hope London (Website)
Hope Prague, Czech Republic: New Year's Camp
Everybody celebrates New Year's in the Czech Republic. Almost no one stays at home on that night.
Hope Prague has always used this opportunity to offer an alternative celebration for the New Year which is alcohol, cigarette and marijuana free.
This year we used our new church facility in the centre of Prague, which boasts a new theatre room and a café and organised a two day retreat.
We prepared a big party for New Year's Camp and even though many preferred to go to other parties, some came to our party. We took the opportunity to rekindle some friendships from summer English camp with some people making their first visit in three months.
God bless you!
Dr Ondřej & Dr Jana - Children (Jonas & Stepan)
Hope Prague, Czech Republic (Website)
Hope Follo, Norway: Youth Ministry - Jesus People
During the last six months, the club JP has increased their numbers from 15 to 50! The minibus, sporting activities, sound system, disco, lasers and the kiosk are popular. JP now has so many participants that we are unable to count them. After Christmas, we have been averaging 30 to 50 people every Friday.
If everyone came at once, we believe that we could have 80 participants. A lot of these people do not know Jesus; testimonies and short ‘chit chats’ are used for the rest. 25 of these participated on the ‘Trysiltur’ from January 29-31.
[Youth Ministry Leaders: Thomas & Helen & Bent]
We experienced a miracle there: ‘The Boss’ (Jesus) started the minibus with the engine frozen solid at 15oC and didn’t start. But in the name of Jesus and a solid kick in the bumper, it started!
For more information about Youth Ministry (Jesus People) write to
Tonje K Marken
Hope Follo, Norway
tonje.k.marken@hopenorge.no
