GOING TO THE AMERICA (S)
Hope Church (Singapore) is now 18. Our first worship service was on Sunday, 17th February 1991. The first ones were Seh Cha, Andrew, Dinah and I, together with one guest. Soo Feng joined a little later. We were all so glad to be a part of this pioneering church. We joined Hope because we desired to fulfill the Great Commission (Genesis 28:18-20), to make disciples and to plant strong Biblical churches.
Passion to reach the world
In 1995, Dinah and I were asked by our leaders to relocate to Perth for missions. We agreed but this decision was later reversed. So we have stayed in Singapore since. Barely a year later in 1996, we assumed the leadership of Hope Church (S) and in that same year, our twins arrived!
In 1998, we were asked to extend our care for our churches in Europe and Africa. More traveling ensued in 2002 when we began looking after our South America churches as our Singapore teams arrived.
[Photos: Ministry in Hope Singapore]
I (Ben) have shared numerous times at Discovering Membership that I am a one-church man and a one-woman man. My prayer was to serve one church all my life. It seems that God has other plans.
Full time ministry in the Americas
We were first asked to look after our North America churches in 2005. Then in November 2006, the elders of our movement asked Dinah and I to consider a full-time role over the Americas and to be based in Los Angeles.
[Photos: Ministry in North America churches]
We were quite shocked initially. The Americas are so far away. LA is 14,134 km away. Our family and our loved ones are all here. Besides, life is simply great in Singapore. Everything, so to speak is established here: a staff team, church facility, devoloped church systems and practices are in place and you could say we were all set for a good life of active serving and living in this first-class city!
So for close to two years, Dinah and I embarked on our faith journey - beginning with much soul searching and conversations with God. At the same time, we have also been in close discussions with Pastor Simon Eng as well as our local leaders in Singapore.
But deep inside our hearts, we know better to respond to this challenge of extending God’s Kingdom where Hope churches are yet to be developed in many countries in this continent of the Americas. As our Hope adage says: We will serve God where we can maximise the extension of God’s Kingdom.
Our movement has origins in Asia and is rather developed in this side of the world but the Great Commission is to impact all continents and countries of the world.
The vast harvest field in the Americas
There are over 907 million people in 35 countries (and over 20 territories). Spanish is spoken by 320 million people, English by 300M, Portuguese by 185M, French by 12M, Quechua by 12M, Haitian Creole by 6M and Guarani by 6M. Indeed we have an exciting challenge ahead of us. We are trusting God to generate a greater impact in the Americas with our move. We truly believe that without a doubt, we are all serving in the end times. These are also times of opportunity when people are more open to the Gospel.
As we reflect, for more than 18 years, Dinah and I have been serving in Hope Singapore. It has been a joy to pour all that we have into this church family over all these years and these have also been the most rewarding years in our lives.
[Photos: Ministry in South America churches]
We would like to thank everyone at Hope Singapore - the staff team, leaders and members for all of your love and support.
Our twins who are now teenagers have literally grown up with the staff team around them and the church office, has been like their second home. You are our beloved family and we will miss you all very much.
Obeying the Great Commission
The twins and us are going through this big life transition. There have been many conversations over this cross-culture, faith venture. We are thankful for family and friends who have been coming alongside to support, encourage and pray for us. We hope to relocate in August when the visa is approved.
[1. Hope Quito, Ecuador - Sunday service. 2 Hope Santiago, Chile - Water baptism]
Our heart-felt prayer is that we will obey the Great Commission, claim the Great Promise (Genesis 12:1-3) and believe God for the Great Multitude (Revelations 7:9).
Pastors Ben and Dinah
Regional Director, Hope Americas
Hope North America website
Hope South America website
Email: dinahhgphua@hopesingapore.org.sg
Hope North America website
Hope South America website
Email: dinahhgphua@hopesingapore.org.sg
HOPE IN MINNEAPOLIS: CHURCH PLANTING
Minneapolis is the largest city in the U. S. state of Minnesota. The city is recognized nationally for its highly educated and experienced workforce. It has a strong, diversified business community built on companies in the financial, professional and technical services, healthcare, education, rail and trucking services. The universities here offer a wide variety of undergraduate as well as graduate programs in coping with the city’s diversity.
They are Metropolitan State University, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis College of and Design, North Central University, Ausburg University, College of St. Catherine and University of St. Thomas. There are also good community colleges here.
A care group started in Minneapolis in early 2008 by Mrs Grace McFeely. Grace originated from Hope Surat Thani church in Thailand. Her husband Bob is an American with an Assembly of God church background.
Bob and Grace have 2 children. The group that started in their home has seen people coming to Christ. The group meets on Saturdays with a regular attendance of 6-8 adults. The group is international currently made up of Thai, Cambodian and one American.
Hope Chicago church works closely with this pioneering care group. This summer the group members will join TRANSFORMERS, the Hope North American Camp in Seattle in July 2-5, 2009.
The greatest need of the group is to build a leadership team. We would love to have leaders from Hope to be part of the team!
- For more info, contact Grace at +1-952-895-7322 or Email: poopaegrace173@hotmail.com.
STORY OF TWO COUPLES MOVING TO TORONTO,CANADA
David & Alice Kong recently shared how they came about making one of the biggest decisions in their lives. They are the parents of twins Martin & Mervin both aged 6 and Moses aged 4.
1. What motivated/inspired you to join the pioneering work in Toronto?
It is to obey God’s greatest command. Firstly, it was a hands-on-the-ground with the se ed church in Toronto via a mission trip, interacting with the existing members, and also getting a feel of the culture and the needs of the residents. There are many people who struggle with daily living even in the developed city like Toronto. Christians are to be the light of the world, and my family would want to be a lamp that God uses in this city. Everyone needs hope and only through Jesus can true everlasting hope be found.
2. What is your greatest challenge in relocating to North America?
It is to make a living. It is acclimatizing our three kids, my wife and my self to a new culture, different lifestyle, and other changes required in the new place. It is understanding local culture, expectations and working within their system which is much different from that in Singapore.
3. How are you preparing yourself for missions?
While waiting for Permanent Residence Status, we are getting updates on Canadian political, job market, cultural changes from websites. We are keeping our financial commitments low while in Singapore. We meet regularly with the other two couples (Richard/Yuet Mei & David/Sharon) in Singapore who are going to Toronto. Also we are seeking through contacts in Toronto and seeking God for wisdom in the area of starting a business.
4. What do you look forward most in going for missions?
It is to meet the needs of people. It is to see God work his miracles victoriously through the lives of believers. It is also the challenge of being a hands-on tentmaker in the mission field.
David and Sharon Guanawan. They are parents to Theophilus aged 3 and they just had their second child in December.1. What motivated/inspired you to join the pioneering work in Toronto?
We are willing to go to any developed country as we think that our giftings together are able to serve the needs of the people. Since Toronto is a country that is open for exploration under Hope Singapore, we signed on! David has a burden to reach out to people through apologetics. Sharon loves the arts and meeting people from all walks of life.
2. What is your greatest challenge in relocating to North America?
Relocating to anywhere requires change of mindset, adaptation to the culture, norms and even unknowns. Although at this point, we are unable to pinpoint specific challenges. However, some of what we think might require adjustments are financial planning as well as management of family with young kids without a helper. Of course, being away from family members would also require some getting used to as well.
3. How are you preparing yourself for missions?
There are many facets to missions that we need to learn about, particularly about the country, culture, people group and needs area. Both David & I are avid learners and we believe in continuously upgrading ourselves wherever we are. As our heart is willing, the Lord leads. Sharon is looking forward to complete her keyboard training in worship while David is currently into his final years of Master of Ministerial Study.
We are still looking out for opportunities where we can learn cross-cultural mission, team dynamics and other aspects of doing missions.
Learning never stops, serving God is a mission. We look for opportunities to serve where we are, be it now or in the future; making a difference as a Stay-at-home-mom (SAHM), in the marketplace, helping out in our neighbourhood, or to fill a need in the church. We are willing for God to mould us and strengthen our faith.
4. What do you look forward most in going for missions?
It will be a place of unfamiliarity where even the most mundane things in life will be different. It will be a humbling experience to start. Yet, our hearts are pounding for the adventure that God is opening up for us. We have waited several years for this. Finally, getting connected with the people we are reaching out to and seeing people grow and church mature will be the high point.(www.iwannagotoronto.blogspot.com)
HOPE LIMA, PERU MINISTRIES REPORT
MY FULL TIME WORKING EXPERIENCE IN HOPE LIMA, PERU
By Oscar Collantes Véliz
Hello! My name is Oscar. I come from a very Catholic country, Peru. In Peru, it’s not common to hear: “I have a relationship with God”. I never knew what a relationship with Jesus could mean in my life until I met the people from Hope Lima church, 3 years ago.
When I met them, I was impacted to find people like them who as foreigners are willing to postpone their own lives to generously help children and youths and spreading the good news of Jesus. Even more, I was amazed at their humility, their patience, their kindness, their hospitality, their friendship, their orderliness and diligence to teach and care for my fellow countrymen and to live as a real spiritual family.
Today, I feel very happy not only to have a relationship with God and to fellowship in Hope Lima family, but also to work alongside the leaders as a team to build the church.
This is my first year working in Hope Lima. I enjoy being a project specialist and a teacher in a community service program called “Kids ALIVE!”. The program gives value-centered and English education to the kids from broken and underprivileged families. I believe this program is significant for 2 reasons. Firstly, it allows us to share the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) with people who never heard about the message of Jesus. I dream that one day, our kids will impact our society positively and testify that Jesus impacted their lives. Secondly, the project also allows us to involve some members of our church, mainly our youths, to serve people in need, as the Bible encourages us to serve to honor God. (Proverbs 14:31).
Besides, I experience the joy of leading a care group. We study and know more about God’s word and pray together. Once a month, we also organise a special evangelistic event to share Peruvian music, dance, food and of course the wonderful message of Jesus among friends. I hope to see that my brothers and sisters will grow spiritually and they feel confident to approach God in prayer because Peruvians are used to praying to God personally. I hope to inspire them to form new care groups to take care of all our family members.
Finally, as the leader of Hospitality ministry in the church, I hope to see that every visitor will be impacted the joy of Christian fellowship. I want to inspire the family to grow in being more hospitable to our visitors. I feel that our church is already showing great servanthood spirit through serving food to one another after service. Yet I believe hospitality is more than that. I want to encourage the church to look out for others’ need and connect with the visitors. Our church will then be a hospitable community.
PIONEERING ADULTS MINISTRY IN HOPE LIMA, PERU
By Lidia Pascual A.
My name is Lidia Pascual A. I have been a member of the Hope Lima, Peru since 5 years ago, during which I shared not only friendship and fellowship with a team of church planters, but also learned from their life of true commitment to God and to His people. Ps. Julian, Serene, Terry and Aili helped me to grow in the vision of a strong church of Jesus in my country. I really thank and admire them because they have worked without getting any applause they deserve. They are really a special church planting team to me.
A year ago, our Pastor Julian charged us to start a care group in our house to care for our families and friends. We took the challenge with great expectation that we will see great future in the church through caregroup, at the same time we will learn the privilege of serving others. We set apart every Thursday night for caregroup. I remember we planned our first gathering. We prayed, we invited friends, we used all possible resources to start our caregroup. Finally with food prepared, we started our first care group with even some visitors! We really had a good time of sharing and caring for one another.The Lord has been faithful to us. He indeed has brought many visitors who are willing to share the circumstances in their lives, and who allow us to pray for them and to show them the way of the Lord. In the past, we did not have a praise and worship session. Today, the Lord is good to provide us with a guitarist and cajonero (cajon player) in our care group. We now enjoy even better prayer and worship time in the presence of God.
Today our care group is stronger with more members. Each meeting is a fulfilling time where the presence of God is working, changing and transforming our ways of thinking, bringing messages of hope for the families and visitors. Our members and visitors feel more and more that the church is place to belong and a spiritual family to serve one another. Praise the Lord!
To the brothers and sisters who are starting care group ministry, just as the Lord has fulfilled His purpose in my life, know that, “The Lord will fulfil His purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” May the Lord bless you and your ministry.
LEADING YOUTH MINISTRY IN HOPE LIMA, PERU
By Laura Palomino
My name is Laura Palomino and I’m 20 years old. I’m now a university student majoring Education in Foreign Languages, and currently serving as a Youth Leader in a group of youths called CREW (Called to Reach the Entire World). I joined Hope Lima church when I was 17 and from that time until now I can say that God has blessed my life tremendously.
My initial motivation of joining Hope Lima was to look for a job and improve my English language through the church social work with an NGO. God was never in my plans. But in His plan, Jesus touched my heart through His word and my family in Christ, in my most difficult times. I know very well now that He is real. When I began to join the church as a member, my way of thinking to start to change and I grew to desire to fulfill the Great Commission through my life.
The brothers and sisters in Hope Lima shared with me the vision of the church many times. Even though I got fear in my heart, I decided to start serving Jesus. I felt fearful because it was something totally new for me and at the same time my personality did not really help me. As a teenager I was very insecure and shy. However, as I mentioned, my family in Christ helped me a lot and also God worked in my life tremendously to overcome my fears.Many times when I wanted to give up, God helped me reflect that actually a life without Him is so boring. Every year I see more challenges in my life and many times that I feel tired but then Jesus reminds me that actually He is with me and that He feels very happy when I honor Him. I’ve also realised that since Jesus is in my life, I’m a better person with more joy, peace, confidence and love.
And this is what I want to help the Peruvian youths to realise, i.e. that a life with Jesus is so exciting and wonderful. Many youths do not know what to do with their lives, they are lost.
Sadly, many of them fall into the traps of this world, making their lives really miserable. In my CREW ministry, this is exactly why and what we want to win them over. I have this vision to share Christ to possibly all the non-believing Peruvian youths, to care for them and to help them worship God with their lives and serve Him in all possible ways. We have about 10 regular youths now. My goal is by the end of this year, we will have at least 30 youths and will start a youth service.
I’m so happy to see that God is using me to bring His children back to Him and not only that but I’m also happy when the youths decide to serve Jesus. I will walk with God until the day that I see Him face to face and He tells me, “My good and faithful servant, come and be with me.” My spiritual family has taught me to persevere. In my culture, we are actually not so persevering people, but with God nothing is impossible.
I feel so inspired by my leaders who gave up everything to follow and obey Jesus with wholehearted passion. This is something I want in my life and in my youths’ lives.And that one day a big group of youths will continue the Great Commission bringing even more youths to Him and build more churches.
Thank Jesus for being so real in my life. Not only I enjoy the gift of a relationship with Him, through the Hope Lima family, we (me and the youths) can do great things for God. I believe in His hands, we have a great future. (www.hopesouthamerica.org)
FAMILY MINISTRY IN HOPE LIMA, PERU
By David & Edith
My name is Jeremias David Tejeda Leon. I am 40 years old.
Since young I have heard the Word of God from my evangelical parents. I attended various churches but I did not understand fully the messages they taught there. Once Laura, the daughter of my Godfather, today the translator of the pastor, invited us and I went with my family. We were received very warmly by Pastor Julian Lee and the team, we listened to the service, after that we chatted and shared over lunch.
My life used to be normal and tranquil but when I had problems, I exploded and shouted, solved problems by imposing on people with all the strength needed. With the passage of time, I learned many biblical topics and began to practise it little by little. I learned the significance of prayer and to ask many things in prayer.
I learned to bear the tests that He put me through and later began to have faith that God loves me and my family.
Today I understand why my name is biblical and that the Lord has a purpose for my life and I know that all I have achieved at work and in my family and in health I owe to Him. All the teachings that the pastor preached have caused me to have a harmonious life in my family, work and society and above all we already have a place in the Glory of the Lord our God.
With the passage of time, I have grown to identify more with the Hope of God church and I am sharing to other people as well. I like car racing and in all the races that I have participated, I carry our Hope of God logo and name.
We are working to grow the church, inviting more people to join our Hope of God family.
My name is Edith Martha Aguilar Zanabria. I am married and I have 3 boys aged 20, 9 and 3. More than one year ago, my family and I visited Hope of God church for the first time. I was invited by my Godfather Gonzalo, father of the young translator. I remember that day we were received warmly by Pastor Julian’s wife and also by the rest of the members of the church.
At that moment, I felt that we had been friends for years. From the first Sunday that I heard the message of the pastor it was comforting and reflective for my daily life. Before I came to Hope of God, I attended other christian churches but I did not feel satisfied, I felt that something was missing in my life. Here I feel God in my heart, and in the month of December 2008, I receive the water baptism.
I am learning to understand the content of the Bible, with the teaching of our pastors. I understand all that God has written for His children to live in joy and peace. I got to know so many marvelous Bible passages for our daily life and also for our children. God loves us so much and sometimes we don’t know how to understand His love.
The concern that the church shows to our children and youths is comforting, educative and productive and the church guides them to agree with the Word of God through workshops according to their age and above all with topics that are related to the Word of God and our real life.
I think and feel that I have earned a big family, I would like and I am working so that more people integrate with our church Hope of God.
Short-Term Mission Trip to Mexico (Central America)
Information about Mexico
Bordering the US, Mexico’s culture is noticeably different from its neighbour. Mexico is home to nearly 100M people, 22M of which live in the capital - Mexico City. The virtual melting pot that is the US doesn’t effect Mexico’s culture, its slow pace and its various Indigenous populations - including the Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatan, Maya and Aztec, whose customs and beliefs have greatly shaped the unique culture, art and tradition that is alive and well.
Despite its culture, the disparity between rich and poor is unmistakable in Mexico. Traveling off of the resort one will see much evidence of the poor living in very meager conditions. In terms of culture, whether rich or poor, family and friends are greatly celebrated by the Mexican people. Its cultural festivals, religious holidays and traditional social gatherings focus and celebrate family. Spanish colonial influences were responsible for introducing the culture to many of its strong Roman Catholic traditions and religious icons.
Trip Objectives:
1. Discover Mexico City and get to know its people in a cross-continental culture
2. Explore the possibilities of entry vehicles and job opportunities
3. Nurture passion for missions
- Trip Date: 12 – 21 Sep 09 (across Hari Raya Puasa in S’pore)
- Approx. Budget: SG$4K+ ($3K++ is for the air ticket)
