The 11th Hope Ipoh Anniversary!

 11^th Oct 2009 marked one of the most anticipated celebrations in Hope Ipoh for the year- Hope Ipoh 11^th Anniversary.

Reached church at around 8.45am and the first thing I saw when I open the church door was Alexis’ bright smile saying ‘Yellow! Good morning~’ Then saw Verny’s smile also… haha! It felt good, it was, indeed a good morning People slowly started to pour in. Behind the scene, the Praise and Worship team was praying, the ushers busy pinning the sweet pink ribbon on their shirt and preparing the door gifts, some just bustling around trying to help out here and there…what a scene~

Started with heart preparation, then welcomed heartily by the most amusing chairing partners, Teck Kiong and Vern. Kinda funny I have to say, the both of them… a lot of confusion~ xD In fact, there was one point someone asked me (Jessie I think), ‘isn’t Teck Kiong supposed to be the one translating for Vern? Why is it the other way round now?’ I was like, ‘LOL’ Nonetheless, it created all the fun and uplifting spirit that we needed for the celebration, so well done! Haha you both were just awesome!

Then there was Praise and Worship, though a lil technical glitch at the beginning but it’s ok! Cuz all we knew then, was to praise and worship the Lord, thank you for the music! It definitely set our hearts further prepared to see what God has set for us for the day~ J After that, of course, testimony time, a very nervous brother SK aka Jack aka Sze Kiat, who spoke like a bullet train shared about his Holy Spirit baptism during Bible Conference xD and then another testimony from sis Joanne who testified how God actually miraculously healed her eyes. Very faith-lifting! All glory to God!

Following was a preaching by Pastor Willie from Hope KL, translated by Bro Yun Kiat, on the topic of Tearing Down the Walls from John 4:4-26.

Just wanna highlight the theme of the Anniversary for this year, which was Tearing Down the Walls. I think all of us can identify with it huh… whether you admit or not, such barriers exist. They are holding us back in progressing in our faith and stopping us from receiving a full and abundant life. Anger, jealousy, pride, sorrow…like what Pastor shared, walls build up to protect ourselves, there’s wall of isolation, wall of prejudice… but how to break it? Finding the origin is crucial, and then come with a humble heart before God to acknowledge your problem. I find it real to my heart. Thank God really, for inspiring us with this theme, God’s Spirit indeed moved amidst of us yesterday. The time of prayer of confession and determination to break down the walls is just so Spirit-filled. Then of course, the most exciting part of actually tearing the walls physically, haha really gave some serious satisfaction, it’s like saying ‘hey you devil, get behind me! really sick of you..’ ah. When vern and bro chee lim carry the colours out, everyone just cant stop making their mark and painting their decision and determination to break the walls on the new found HOPE. Good fun! In fact, well done HOPE IPOH! Haha!

Last but not least, the very interesting part was none other than the video our brothers and sisters actually made for Tearing Down the Walls. The sentence ‘WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK?’ was just held me…speechless… Besides a good laugh on how our brothers and sisters actually acted out the scenes, it actually brought tears cuz it is all just so real, the emotions and walls… What matters most is the greater message behind all those scenes- the One calling for us to ditch our old sinful self, work to step over the barriers and to start giving to God’s Kingdom and to experience God’s blessings. Just. Overwhelming.

Of course, credits to the most talented and super duper hardworking Kooky who has been working behind the scene, preparing, directing, recording, editing! You name it, she did it *GIVES HUGE APPLAUSES~ Not forgetting the awesome casts and crews also haha, BRAVO! Haaa Hope Ipoh ppl all very gifted mar~~ And ooh, almost forgotten the very nice lunch prepared by (dunno who.. xD ahaha) at the end of the service…it was real nice! Thanks!!! One more thing, a brother accepted Christ too! (sorry i’m not sure what is his name hehe ><) But Praise God! One more soul saved and added to His Kingdom! Hallelujah~

Wow, looking back, Hope Ipoh has already been through so many years! Good ones, bad ones, you name them… in fact, two days ago was in ministry house and happen to came across some very old photos of the core team leaders like Ernest, Pik Wan and how Hope Ipoh and the student group used to be years ago before I (we) came to join this small yet pleasant church, and I cant help but feel amazed with what God has done to protect and nurture this church to be who she is today. What a family~

Brothers and sisters, let us not forget the promise we made to God on 11th oct 2009, to break down the barriers in our life and to progress in faith. Cuz we know we’ll always have God and our brothers and sisters supporting us in everything. Let us live by the Spirit, Amen?

 Galatians 5:19-25 “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”