HIM FAMILY NEWS JULY
Hope Ecuador Church, South America - Ps Jeff's visitation
Pastor Jeff's visit to Ecuador was short but fruitful. On the first night, he met up with our leadership team for dinner and tried some of the local cuisine. Over dinner, Pastor Jeff updated us about the happenings of Hope Singapore. He also had the chance to get to know our local leaders. It was a great time of fellowship and encouragement.
On the second night, we held combined care group and Pastor Jeff taught us about the importance of discipleship, outreach and care. Our church members were inspired to serve God more in these areas. Many of them shared that they were touched by God's presence and Pastor Jeff’s teaching. There was also a Q&A session at the end where members asked him many questions. Pastor Jeff challenged us to reach 50 people by end of this year and we were all motivated to work hard towards the goal.
The church members got to interact with Pastor Jeff more after the teaching and Q&A session. His sacrificial and joyful spirit rubbed off many of us as he talked to us. The fact that he flew 30+ hours to visit the church was an encouragement to all of us. We really appreciate his love and presence with us. Thank God for his life!
Both our pastors shared from the Word of God with great passion, zeal and fire on how to build a strong community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to impact our schools, families, workplace and society for Jesus. The prayer as well as praise and worship sessions brought the church deeper into the presence of God. He ministered and spoke to His people through visions and prophetic words throughout the camp. Many people received His word and have been encouraged, strengthened and refreshed during the camp. Most importantly, Pastor Simon and Pastor Moses reminded us about the church vision and mission to fulfill the Great Commission and that we must desire to receive the ‘warrior’ anointing from God to be able to carry out His work of bringing the gospel to the world.
On the second day of the church camp, there was a water baptism conducted by Ps Moses and brother Sow Fong. It indeed was a joyous moment to see our brothers and sisters affirming their loyalty to Jesus Christ. The camp participants also managed to get to know one another better through paintball and the water park activities held on the same day.
On the last day, Pastor Simon reminded us again about the church vision and how we ought to be part of God’s mission by first bringing blessings to our society, then building relationships with people, praying for their needs before finally sharing the gospel with them. The organizing committee is to be commended for their significant efforts to ensure everything run smoothly. In conclusion, all participants have shown a true family spirit and love for one another during camp. Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us really uphold the church camp’s theme of stepping up together as true disciples of Jesus so that we can really go out into the world to shine for Him.
In the month of January 2011, the CATALYSE was birthed to spur the strategic development of the Hope International Ministries (HIM). Priorities and initiatives for 2011-2015 were launched in Chiang Mai by the Strategic Planing Team (SPT).
In conjunction with the launching, the recording of the launch was shown to the members in Hope Kota Kinabalu church. CATALYSE posters have also been put up on our church notice board to create the sense of awareness. In the month of June 2011, we invited Pastor Ben to speak and explain further on the CATALYSE Initiatives on why there is a need for CATALYSE.
The mini-concert depicted how the Israelites overcame the obstacles of crossing the Jordan River and the Wall of Jericho through God’s powerful hands. It was the same message that ‘Oasis’ wanted to testify to the crowd; God has indeed been faithful to us for the whole year.
During the first few months, the church faced challenging situations: urgent acquisitions needed to be made despite depleting funds and other challenges. But through all these, God saved and saw her through.
The concert participants were set ‘not to offer anything that cost them nothing’. From acquiring costumes personally, the extended practice nights, and many other challenges; maintaining a right heart and reaction was the most precious lesson learned. Together, everyone discovered church and ministry life. It was a night of powerful performances declaring God’s salvation. His presence was strongly felt as each participant was set not merely to perform, but to worship God through the event.
Pastor Jeff's visit to Ecuador was short but fruitful. On the first night, he met up with our leadership team for dinner and tried some of the local cuisine. Over dinner, Pastor Jeff updated us about the happenings of Hope Singapore. He also had the chance to get to know our local leaders. It was a great time of fellowship and encouragement.
On the second night, we held combined care group and Pastor Jeff taught us about the importance of discipleship, outreach and care. Our church members were inspired to serve God more in these areas. Many of them shared that they were touched by God's presence and Pastor Jeff’s teaching. There was also a Q&A session at the end where members asked him many questions. Pastor Jeff challenged us to reach 50 people by end of this year and we were all motivated to work hard towards the goal.
The church members got to interact with Pastor Jeff more after the teaching and Q&A session. His sacrificial and joyful spirit rubbed off many of us as he talked to us. The fact that he flew 30+ hours to visit the church was an encouragement to all of us. We really appreciate his love and presence with us. Thank God for his life!
Written by Timothy Ho Shen Teng
Hope Peru Church, South America - Ps Jeff's visitation
During the third week of June, Hope Peru was abuzz with activities: preparation for feasts and rehearsals for musical and dance presentations. We were excitedly awaiting the visit of Pastor Jeff from Singapore, who would arrive on 25 June and leave on the 28th, and we wanted to give him a warm Hope Peru welcome. Our church members, whose native language is Spanish, began practicing English words and phrases like "My name is Jose" and "Welcome to Lima".
Pastor Jeff’s visit was short. He travelled for over 30 hours and was received by Andrew and his wife Ruth at the airport on Saturday evening. The next morning, not overcome by the jetlag and the long flight, he shared an early breakfast with members of the worship and media team. He had a great time with them, and in learning the names of local Peruvian food. The worship team was encouraged by his presence and his sharing about the growth in Hope Singapore. Also we laughed, without fail, the jokes he usually makes.
Pastor Jeff’s visit was short. He travelled for over 30 hours and was received by Andrew and his wife Ruth at the airport on Saturday evening. The next morning, not overcome by the jetlag and the long flight, he shared an early breakfast with members of the worship and media team. He had a great time with them, and in learning the names of local Peruvian food. The worship team was encouraged by his presence and his sharing about the growth in Hope Singapore. Also we laughed, without fail, the jokes he usually makes.
Pastor Jeff then preached at the Sunday service about unity in the Body of Christ. The title of his sermon was "All for one and one for all", focusing on 1 Corinthians 12:14-20. He taught that each one of us is unique and important, created for and by God for His purpose. He shared his experience with us: how he started serving God by carrying speakers around in church when he was a young believer, and how he grew in serving for God’s purpose. He challenged Hope Peru to serve God fully, to reach more families for Christ, and to grow to a hundred members by the end of 2011. At the close of his message, many members responded to serve the church in reaching the goal for this year. Pastor Jeff prayed for the leaders of the church to receive God's power and anointing, and then the leaders of the church prayed for the members. The whole church was greatly empowered by the message and touched by the spirit of God.
After the service, the members of the church served a local highland food called “Pacamanca” and put up a Peruvian music and dance performance to Pastor Jeff. In the spirit of fun, they invited Pastor Jeff to dance and the whole church roared was roaring in cheers. In appreciation for his visit and in honor of his pastoring work, the members bid him farewell with gifts and many warm hugs. He was, in his own words, bowled over by the hospitality of the Peruvian members. He shared that as Hope Peru has built a loving family atmosphere in the church, it should continue to make the God of this love known to more people in Lima and in Peru.
After the service, the members of the church served a local highland food called “Pacamanca” and put up a Peruvian music and dance performance to Pastor Jeff. In the spirit of fun, they invited Pastor Jeff to dance and the whole church roared was roaring in cheers. In appreciation for his visit and in honor of his pastoring work, the members bid him farewell with gifts and many warm hugs. He was, in his own words, bowled over by the hospitality of the Peruvian members. He shared that as Hope Peru has built a loving family atmosphere in the church, it should continue to make the God of this love known to more people in Lima and in Peru.
On Monday, Pastor Jeff sat down to eat once again with the leaders of the church, and we had a great time together. We ended with prayer and a time of prophecy, during which Pastor Jeff laid hands on each leader and prophesied over them. The Spirit moved so powerfully that everyone went away with God’s word of prophecy for us.
We in Hope Peru have been greatly blessed by Pastor Jeff's visit to Hope Peru and the encouragement he brought us. We look forward eagerly to reaching 100 members by the end of this year and we hope that Pastor Jeff will come back to celebrate the victory with us.
We in Hope Peru have been greatly blessed by Pastor Jeff's visit to Hope Peru and the encouragement he brought us. We look forward eagerly to reaching 100 members by the end of this year and we hope that Pastor Jeff will come back to celebrate the victory with us.
Written by Andrew Teoh
Hope KL Camp – Stepping Up Together
From June 10-12, 2011, Hope Kuala Lumpur held its 2011 Church Camp at Bukit Gambang Resort City in Kuantan, Pahang with the theme ‘Stepping Up Together’. Our brothers and sisters from Hope churches in Mentakab, Ipoh, Teluk Intan and Kuantan also came to join us in fellowshipping and learning from the teachings of Pastor Simon and Pastor Moses.
Both our pastors shared from the Word of God with great passion, zeal and fire on how to build a strong community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to impact our schools, families, workplace and society for Jesus. The prayer as well as praise and worship sessions brought the church deeper into the presence of God. He ministered and spoke to His people through visions and prophetic words throughout the camp. Many people received His word and have been encouraged, strengthened and refreshed during the camp. Most importantly, Pastor Simon and Pastor Moses reminded us about the church vision and mission to fulfill the Great Commission and that we must desire to receive the ‘warrior’ anointing from God to be able to carry out His work of bringing the gospel to the world.
On the second day of the church camp, there was a water baptism conducted by Ps Moses and brother Sow Fong. It indeed was a joyous moment to see our brothers and sisters affirming their loyalty to Jesus Christ. The camp participants also managed to get to know one another better through paintball and the water park activities held on the same day.
On the last day, Pastor Simon reminded us again about the church vision and how we ought to be part of God’s mission by first bringing blessings to our society, then building relationships with people, praying for their needs before finally sharing the gospel with them. The organizing committee is to be commended for their significant efforts to ensure everything run smoothly. In conclusion, all participants have shown a true family spirit and love for one another during camp. Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us really uphold the church camp’s theme of stepping up together as true disciples of Jesus so that we can really go out into the world to shine for Him.
Fan Flaming CATALYSE - Hope Kota Kinabalu
In conjunction with the launching, the recording of the launch was shown to the members in Hope Kota Kinabalu church. CATALYSE posters have also been put up on our church notice board to create the sense of awareness. In the month of June 2011, we invited Pastor Ben to speak and explain further on the CATALYSE Initiatives on why there is a need for CATALYSE.
He managed to explain a few of the Initiatives. In addition, Pastor Ben shared with us the concept of being connectional and congregational, organisation and organism, as well as the five-fold ministry. During the question and answer session, questions which were raised have helped many to have a better understanding about the master plan, on how local churches can participate, and much more.
Believing CATALYSE to bring positive results in the future, Pastor Ben encouraged us as a church to continue supporting CATALYSE as much as possible throughout prayer meetings and in individual life-groups.
Leaders of various levels need to take initiative to pray not only for the CATALYSE but also to
encourage members to grow in their respective areas of giftings especially the apostolic, prophetic as well as evangelistic gifting.
In short, through Pastor Ben, Hope Kota Kinabalu church has been blessed for such a simple session on CATALYSE. We will keep on being a part of this CATALYSE with a clear direction to move and expand further.
Nicolas Wong & Anthony Ng
Oasis of Bangkok Church-International’s (OBCI) First Anniversary
OBCI held their first-year anniversary at A-One Hotel after their recent camp and water baptism at Rayong, Thailand. The mini-concert entitled ‘Yahweh is Our Salvation’ saw 180 in attendance, just short of our 200 people target. The majority of the attendees were non-believers. Pastor James Loke from HIM shared a powerful message called "God is Our Salvation"
The mini-concert depicted how the Israelites overcame the obstacles of crossing the Jordan River and the Wall of Jericho through God’s powerful hands. It was the same message that ‘Oasis’ wanted to testify to the crowd; God has indeed been faithful to us for the whole year.
During the first few months, the church faced challenging situations: urgent acquisitions needed to be made despite depleting funds and other challenges. But through all these, God saved and saw her through.
The concert participants were set ‘not to offer anything that cost them nothing’. From acquiring costumes personally, the extended practice nights, and many other challenges; maintaining a right heart and reaction was the most precious lesson learned. Together, everyone discovered church and ministry life. It was a night of powerful performances declaring God’s salvation. His presence was strongly felt as each participant was set not merely to perform, but to worship God through the event.
