HOPE MANILA'S 22ND ANNIVERSARY
Marking Hope Manila’s 22nd Anniversary on October 27, 2019, was the presence of the man God used to plant the seed and give birth to Hope Church here in the Philippines. His life was filled with much obedience, perseverance and devotion. Pastor Surawat Smuthkochorn spoke about “Steadfast Rest” and amazingly, his life resonates so much of his trust towards the Father’s heart.
The same heart was passed on to Alvin Poon, then to Winnie Domingo and then to a Malaysian couple, KC and April Lee in entering and dwelling in steadfast rest as they continue to carry on the baton in 1999. With a heart to serve the Filipino people, Sister Eunice, discipled by the Malaysian couple, brings her heart to change the world with the power of the gospel starting with the first life group in Ortigas. In 2002, the church now at Mandaluyong, grew and Arjan (Pastor Paul) flew to be Hope Manila’s resident pastor. The year after, as they both allowed themselves in service of their Lord, Christ bore through their lives and those who have partnered with them, 20 care groups and an attendance of more than 150! Hope San Pedro, the first daughter church, was born as well! In 2004, God answered their prayers and the church found a home in Balong Bato,San Juan! From then on, more and more followed in their footsteps, as 8 more centers and daughter churches are planted over the years.
Every act of obedience that has stemmed out of such steadfast rest, led us where the church is today. What seemed like a personal response to God’s love has become pivotal in the movement of the Spirit to touch more lives and draw all men to Christ Himself. Remembering how God has been so faithful through all these years, we celebrate more lives breaking through such as that of the anniversary’s presentation and testimony by Charmin Cadampog. Charm’s shepherd seemingly personal decision to follow Christ led souls to Christ until it reached to her! Just like how Pastor Surawat, Pastor Soradej and Achie Eunice have exemplified with their lives what it meant to trust God and respond to Him each time, the same seed and Spirit are being planted in the lives of each person!
Written by Kathleen Co, Hope Philippines Church
