CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD (PART 2)
Hope Singapore Christmas: What’s Your Love Storey?
6 people trying to get to the different floors of a building, 1 experience which brought them together – being stuck in the lift. This was the musical ‘Love Storey’ presented at Hope Singapore’s Christmas service on 24 December 2010.
Each of them was going up and down the various storeys to find love or reject it. A jammed elevator providing a temporary interruption to their plans, all 6 characters had to pause in their lives. The group consisted of a commitment-phobic boyfriend and his commitment-ready girlfriend, an overly anxious mother who wanted a perfect life, a lovelorn young man continued to win the girl of his dreams for the 5th time, an over-aged student unwillingly applied for his N-level examinations yet again and finally, a bright law undergrad whose life was interrupted by a soon-to-be-born child.
With this as a backdrop, Pastor Jeff Chong, Senior Pastor of Hope Singapore, shared the Christmas message to over 6,500 who also took a ‘pause’ in their schedules to come for the service. After two hours, a love story with God began in many hearts that night: 184 made the decision to follow Jesus!
My ‘pause’ came on time, albeit the next day. Rain disrupted my errands but provided a few minutes where God and I remembered our journey together. I smiled in the heavy downpour. God probably did too. What is your love story and how will it unfold in the New Year? Perhaps it’s your time for a pause.
Written By Kristen Koh, Adult Service Programming Team, Hope Singapore
Hope Kuala Lumpur Mandarin Christmas Musical 
It began as a dream to see our loved ones saved and a passion to share the message of hope to our community. These desires led to Hope KL: Mandarin Service to put together its first ever Christmas musical this year.
God honored our dedication and blessed us with an awesome night. It was a night of prayers being answered. With a membership of only 107 people, God blessed us with a 200% increase for our December 18 event. A total of 310 people attended the Christmas outreach musical; 50% were non-Christian.
During the night, God’s presence was with us throughout the whole musical presentation. The Holy Spirit touched many hearts. Many of us wept as the songs unfolded the loving kindness of our Lord. Titled “The Path of Grace”, the musical shared about how God leads us through our life journey. Following a young child’s great dream for the future to a young adult trying to come to terms with the challenges in life, the musical highlighted the fact God will see us through all the stages of our lives. It is by His grace that we can triumph in life.
To put together this musical, the whole church was mobilized to give their best for Jesus during this festive season. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The choir was a testimony of this commitment. From the youngest member (4) to the oldest (75), all of them sang and danced to glorify God. One of the brothers from the choir is handicapped and requires a wheelchair. Despite this, he sang and shared his testimony on that night. His life story touched many hearts. Many hearts turned to God and accepted Jesus in their lives. The professional videographer engaged for that night was moved to tears and said the Sinner’s Prayer while recording the show!
The musical ended with a sumptuous array of cocktails, and refreshments included turkey, roast lamb, chocolate dip and other Christmas goodies. All the guests were surprised to see the five-star food presentation, which was prepared by the church refreshment team. All of us were so blessed by the generous giving of the brothers and sisters in Mandarin church.
Thank God for his faithfulness. The four months spent together to turn this musical into a reality was a journey to discover God’s grace for all of us as well. We learned of God’s provision and learned that prayer moves the hand of God. Praise God, for he answers the prayers we brought before him during all our practices. To God be the glory.
Hope Kuching Christmas Service 
Christmas was celebrated with much joy at HIM Kuching on Saturday morning, December 25 2010. The atmosphere was warm as the sanctuary was filled with new visitors as well as church members. Smiles could be found everywhere on people’s faces as they gave and received nicely wrapped Christmas gifts.
Our Christmas choir, Voices of Hope (VOP), led the people into a jubilant praise and worship session with the singing of Christmas songs. Throughout December, VOP had touched the local community in Kuching with their voices. Next, equipped with a guitar, Alex Bong gave a solo presentation of a Christmas song he composed and Biju Issac choreographed a heart-touching skit to add further colour to the event.
Concerning Jesus, Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). In his sermon, Pastor Denis Lu reminded believers and non-believers alike of the significance of Jesus Christ’s birth. Jesus is the sign too important to be ignored by anyone. Jesus is the sign of God’s unconditional love and eternal plan of salvation for us. Jesus is the sign of our ultimate victory and Satan’s defeat.
In the end, Jesus is the sign of complete redemption for those who accept him; but eternal judgment for those who refuse him. The Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and told Herod, “We saw his star…” and they followed it. Now we behold not just a star, but the Bright Morning Star Himself, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Are we following Him?
Merry Christmas 2010 and Blessed New Year 2011!
Written by Yakub Sebastian for HIM Kuching.
Hope Manila Christmas Service
December 19 was the Grand CHRISTmas Celebration! Hope Manila was packed with close to 400 members and guests in attendance to hear God’s message during this joyous occasion. The Special Service started with songs from Hope Manila’s very own choir, the Voice of Hope, followed by a special dance presentation from the Performing Arts Ministry.
Dr. Eunice Tan-Meesaengtham delivered God’s message entitled “The Greatest Gift” which highlighted JESUS as the Greatest Gift – WHO has great value and WHO must be received. There were so many guests responding to altar call to receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour! After the Special Service, all 400 members and guests were treated to lunch by their respective care groups.
December 24 was our Vesper Service with our speaker Ps. Soradej. He shared about what is the true meaning of Christmas and encouraged our members to share Jesus to everyone this season. There were around 130 people who attended this event. There were presentations by the Performing Arts Ministry and activities led by our hosts. In addition to this, light snacks were served after the service.
On December 26, the Sunday Celebration was about thankfulness. Ps. Soradej taught us to be thankful for everything that God has done in 2010 and for what He will do in 2011
