HIM FAMILY NEWS
Hope New York Church-Spring Retreat March 2010
Hope New York Church had come of age now in a sense. Though we are currently under twenty people in our one-year plus existence, we successfully held our first-ever retreat in the spring time of March at a beautiful camp ground of Warwick, NY.
Students from Columbia University, New York University, professionals and two from high school and one from middle school packed into van, bus and we all arrived in this up state New York beautiful camp ground!
It was an awesome time as I prayed hard for a God-encountering time. There were seventeen of us and the theme was “A Covenant Church”. We arrived in this beautiful camp ground on Friday evening. We had to pay for thirty people as our guaranteed minimum, but it was worth the investment as this is ground breaking for Hope NY.
It was memorable time as we enjoyed worship sessions, fellowship and the teaching and preaching of God’s word. We had a great camp fire and I taught the word of God on God’s covenant names. I had to use a flash light to see my notes. It was an amazing experience. The camp fire was lots of fun and we played games by the camp fire. The weather was fabulous running into the 60’s F in the 2.5 days were there in the day time which is amazing for March in NY.
I believe many was touched by God’s Spirit and in the last day’s session on Covenant Community-Church, we saw every one responded for altar calls to be part of the army of God, including first-timers. It was thrilling to see God moving in their hearts.
The majority of the folks were university students. Full of potential for God, young dynamic and the word of God continue to shape their lives. We look forward to carrying on the momentum from the retreat into the next few weeks. We believe it’s our timing for God’s favor.
Let’s go Hope NY !
Albert & Doreen Ngu
Hope United Kingdom Festival 
For this year’s Hope Fest (Easter Camp), we have chosen “The Saints” as the theme. It was based on A Sanctified Church. The topic happened to be the first International Conference I attended after I joined Hope in October 1993. Although I did not recall the original teachings, I found them very good, although we had to contextualize them a bit for our people in West Europe.
The Fest started on Good Friday afternoon with ice-breaking games as usual. The Fest was formally opened after dinner. The year, over 280 delegates took part. It was, in my view, the best Hope Fest so far!
We had altogether 8 teachings, shared by 8 teachers, including our guest speaker Marcus of Hope Germany. I thank God for the succession of pastors and leaders we now have in Hope West Europe. All 4 churches (Hope London Central, Hope London West, Hope Hatfield, Hope Leeds) have a pastor and a strong leadership team. We also have good leaders in the 3 pioneering centres (Hope Paris, Hope Birmingham, Hope Southampton).
The students did an excellent opening and closing presentation. All worship sessions were shared among the 4 churches that came up with brilliant worship teams. Each evening, we also have 5 beautiful sisters who came up with a different dance routine to welcome the congregation at the entrance, a great introduction to the 3 evening sessions.
God had also been very kind with the weather, granting us bright weather for the outdoor programs. The sun even came out for the water baptism on Sunday afternoon. Over a dozen new believers were baptized.
Before I prayed at the close of the camp, I shared from my heart my joy and pride of seeing the pastors and leaders stepping up to run and grow the churches. All churches were also growing in number. I left the camp site with tremendous peace in my heart and a big smile on my face. I give all the glory to God!
Warm regards,
Pastor PK
Hope Manila’s Camp at Mount Peniel
The hills of Mount Peniel, a Christian campsite in Tarlac, about two hours from Manila, witnessed three glorious days as Hope Manila held its annual summer camp from April 1 – 3 with the theme “Spiritual Covering”.
More than a camp fellowship, Hope Manila’s 2010 camp was a bridge to a greater understanding of God’s spiritual covering, as Pastor James Loke, the Head of Education of Hope International Ministries, and Pastor Soradej Meesaengtham, Senior Pastor of Hope Manila, addressed the crowd of about 220 faithful, including some Muslim friends from Bangladesh, gleefully shouting AMEN to the Word of God.
Hope Manila Camp Video
It was such an enriching event. Hope Manila, together with daughter churches Hope Calamba, Hope San Pedro and Hope Davao, were one in spirit, singing praises and glorifying God in worship. Everyone basked under the spiritual covering of God as one church, that of Hope International Ministries. From dawn to dusk, the Jerusalem Hall of Mount Peniel became the field of harvest as eager hearts and repentant souls gathered together to encounter God face to face. Truly, it was a divine experience especially for those brothers and sisters who yielded to the call of God to become shepherds of His flock.
Hope Manila Camp 2010 served as a spiritual reinforcement to a well-rounded Christian living. Ten workshops were facilitated by very able people from Hope Manila, covering topics on effective bible study, happiness, being a contagious Christian, effective prayer, emotional spiritual health, mission work, spiritual gifts, effective time management, shared vision, teamwork and how to excel in studies.
The afternoons saw the excitement of participating in various games as Pink Spread Over, Yellow Overlay, Blue Extend and Green Protect competed for the honor of being crowned the “Best of the Best” in basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, darts, billiards, chess, word factory and obstacle relay. Likewise, the cheering competition proved to be an impressive production of chants and dance routines.
On the last day of the event, everyone came donned in floral power as the Family Day set the spirit of fellowship – meeting new pals, being grateful for flourishing friendships, shepherds and sheep all embracing one another. New members were also welcomed into the Hope Family, as the leadership and the members renewed their commitment to God and to Hope.
After all the fun, learning and spiritual renewal of this summer camp, everyone clamors for more! We are now waiting for Hope Manila Camp 2011…. and the countdown begins!
Pastor Soradej & Eunice
Hope Manila, the Philippines
Hope Kuching Easter Sunday Service
“Worthy is the Lamb”! was the theme of Hope Kuching’s Easter Sunday Service this year as God’s people flocked into the church building on a bright morning, 4th April 2010. Out of the 703 people across all congregations, we were excited to welcome 57 first time visitors to our Hope family; praise the Lord!
The service kicked off with a wonderful skit by the Praise Kids Club. The message of Jesus’ unconditional love and the power of His blood that cleansed us of our sins rang clear throughout the whole presentation. After that, Sister Pauline Peter and the worship team led the congregation into praise and worship. It was truly an amazing time exalting the name of the Lord – for He is indeed worthy!
The Youth of Hope Kuching proudly presented a dance item with the song “Worthy is the Lamb”. It was a very meaningful performance as we reflected on His willingness to die for us, so that we might be saved. Indeed, our talents can be utilized to bring glory to God and to bless His people!
Pastor Denis Lu shared a heartfelt message entitled “Worthy is the Lamb”. Jesus, the precious Lamb of God, is worthy because He was slain for you and me, and by His blood we are purchased for God (Revelations 5:9, 12-14). The truth is that love came down and love died for all of us! It was truly wonderful to see so many different ones responding to God during the altar call. Praise the Lord for the 13 people who came back to the Father and accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord!
After the service ended, we had a fruitful fellowship with one another during lunch. Above all, it is not about the event, but the hearts that are changed forever by God’s love. The world nowadays treats Easter as merely a yearly religious event. However, for us who know God personally, Easter bears a special significance as we remember God’s love demonstrated by the cross and celebrate Jesus’ triumphant resurrection.
Pastor Denis and Hai Eng
Hope Kuching, Malaysia
Easter Service Hope Penang 2010
On Easter morning, April 4, 2010, Hope Penang was in full gear. Church members and visitors were greeted with breakfast down at the Elim Hall. Meanwhile in the sanctuary, the worship team were practicing key songs and intercessors were praying for God’s leading. The crowd finished breakfast earlier than planned; everyone was eager to begin the service.
The service kicked off with a series of Easter videos, echoed in by the worship team leading the church in full praise. It was an awesome celebration! Many hearts were touched as they worship God with “Nothing but the Blood”, reminding the crowd “What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus”.
Following worship, the Easter drama depicted how worldly values confuses and draws us away from God, but Jesus came, carried our burdens, and shielded us from our enemies. Jesus won our battles for us when He died on the cross. It was an intense drama, hearts were touched and there were many teary eyes.
Pastor Zechariah spoke the power of Resurrection. When Jesus died and rose again, He promised a new life for us. Our shame, guilt, sin and failures are washed away, and we are a new creation. The most important moment of the day came during the altar call. Praise God we had two salvations! A brother and sister decided to receive Jesus into their lives.
Easter Day 2010 was really not about the size of the crowd, but it was indeed a reflection of the church’s love for Jesus Christ. Everyone was prepared and ready to give their best. Praise God for such a wonderful morning indeed! All glory and honour belongs to God.
Zechariah & Phoebe Hiew
Hope Penang, Malaysia
HIM Hatyai City Church, Thailand
Greetings! My dear brothers and sisters, this evening was special because God performed great miracles. I witnessed people sincerely seeking God and being healed by his power.
Healing testimonies
- A man who had difficulty walking as a result of a stroke, but tonight, he put his stick aside and walked with tears in his eyes as he felt God's love.
- One person who came this evening was totally blind, but after prayer, she was able to see light.
Healings took place. Aches and pains disappeared. This is not the power of man, but the power of God. Brothers and sisters, I believe God is alive in our church today, and God is alive in our lives too. I want to encourage you by saying that miracles don’t need to just happen occasionally, but they can happen every day if we believe.
I am confident that our church will move forward as God confirms his presence with us. With faith and authority, we can do everything for God's glory. May we remember God's blessings this evening.
God bless you all.
Pastor Ao
HIM Hatyai City Church, Thailand
