Hope Brisbane Church Conference 2017 : Encounter

On 23–25 June 2017, Hope Church Brisbane held their annual Church Conference themed “Encounter”, at Unidus Community Centre. This year’s speakers were our very own Pastor Wilson Lim, Pastor Lai Ling, Pastor Joshua, Pastor Torch, and sister May. The focus was on teaching the truth about God and the different aspects of God’s relationship with us, to reveal God’s heart to us, and thus providing delegates the opportunity to encounter God personally and experience breakthrough spiritually through God’s word, worship, baptism of the Holy Spirit, inner healing and deliverance.

 

The conference kick-started with a vibrant praise and worship session, followed by Pastor Lai Ling sharing about “Encountering the Father’s Love” and reminding us about who our Heavenly Father is to us – He is the Healer, the Restorer, the Provider, the Lover, and the Relational Father. She encouraged us to come to God and open our hearts to Him to encounter His love as His children. The next night, Pastor Lai Ling preached her heart on “Inner Healing”, where she reminded us that God is the Restorer of lives: He loves us and seeks to break our bondages, treat our wounds and heal us, and see us living a life of freedom and purpose. Many hearts responded to God on both nights and many divine exchanges happened at the altar. Many ones experienced the love of God and His healing so tangibly.

Pastor Wilson shared rich insight on “Delighting in God who Delights in us” about how God loves to delight in us. He encouraged us to in turn also learn to delight in God, and that includes even when we are walking through the darkest valleys and tough times. It is really in that most difficult time, that as we delight in God, we will truly encounter Him. Pastor Wilson also shared in his sermon on “Finding our Purpose in Life” about our purpose in life: to worship God, to be a part of God’s family, to become like Christ through discipleship, to serve God through ministry, and to be involved in evangelism and missions.

Pastor Joshua preached on “The Grace of God – our special relationship with Him”, where he brought insight to delegates on how ‘grace’ and ‘faith’ goes hand-in-hand. In essence faith is grace in action – it is the grace of God that enables us to have faith in God. Sister May shared on “The Glad Heart of God”, where she shared with the delegates that God really likes us and takes delight in us, and when catch God’s heart for us, we will begin to enjoy God as well, and eventually others are drawn to God through us. Pastor Torch shared about “God’s Leadership over our lives” – how the enemy is constantly trying to get us to accuse God, yet no matter what we go through and even in the hardest times, God’s leadership is still perfect over our lives, just as how Jesus had completely surrendered Himself to His Father’s leadership when He said “…Yet not as I will, but as You will”.

Throughout the conference, there were many powerful praise and worship sessions, allowing people to soak in worship. The presence of God could be felt so tangibly. It was truly a divine exchange as willing hearts sought to encounter God and truly felt His love through worship. There was also creative live skit presentations setting the path connecting to the subsequent sermons. Delegates also broke out into their respective breakout sessions, all focusing on encountering God through various ways: encounter the presence of God, encounter the power of the Holy Spirit, encounter God’s deliverance, and encounter God in His vision for success.

The children were not left out either! Happening concurrently was the fun-filled and inspirational Kids Conference “Quest” which provided children the opportunity to learn about God and encounter Him even from a very young age, participate in engaging praise and worship sessions, various team-building activities, games, making arts and crafts, and a very exciting Campfire set up with a Tent at night where the children had a good time singing songs and roasting marshmallows over the fire. It was heart-warming to see the children bonding so well with each other, and so eager to learn about God throughout the conference.

The “Encounter” Conference was truly a blessing to all who were present. Many encountered an incredible wave of God’s presence, love, and healing. Many hearts were inspired, and many lives impacted and transformed! The conference concluded with another energetic heart-pumping praise session, with delegates praising the Lord with their whole hearts for what He has done and accomplished in us, and will continue to do!

Grace Ngu, Hope Church Brisbane

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Ps Brendan Kirby

Brendan and Helen Kirby are the founding pastors of Hope Church in Adelaide. Brendan became a Christian in 1984, and joined Hope Melbourne in 1991. In the 80’s Brendan trained in physics at The University Of Melbourne, and graduated with a PhD in 1989. Since then he has worked as a post doctoral fellow and research scientist for about 23 years in various government research organizations. He married Helen in 1994, and in early 1998 they moved to Adelaide plant the Hope Church together while they both were working. He resigned his job as a research scientist for the Australian Defence in 2012 to work full time as a pastor.  Brendan is passionate about building and planting churches, and oversees churches in Perth, West Africa, Central Africa and India.

Ps Lance Wolter

Ps Lance & Belle were married in 2006 while pioneering Hope Church Gold Coast. As time went on they began to also become more and more involved helping with other churches in Australia and missional work (especially in Africa). In late 2018, they both took a leap of faith and relocated to Southern Africa to help churches in that region to become more fruitful in discipleship and the multiplication of churches. They are currently serving over 180 churches in Southern and Eastern Africa as well as churches in Gold Coast, New South Wales and ACT (Australia). Lance and Belle are passionate about pioneering community empowerment and social justice projects for the poorest of the poor. The family is also blessed with two beautiful children, Michael and Hadessah.

Ps Chaiyapruck Pewruangnont

Pastor Chaiyapruck Pewruangnont came to know Jesus Christ in 1988 at Hope of Bangkok church when he was a high school student. After he graduated with a Bachelor Degree of Architechure from KMITL Bangkok, he was trained and sent out to be the pastor of Hope of Hatyai church in 1996. He then moved to be a regional pastor at Hope Nakornrachasima and oversaw the North East region of Thailand. In 2000, he moved to Hope Bangkok church to join the pastoral team and oversaw the North region of Bangkok. In 2002, he moved back to Hatyai again and oversaw the Southern and North East of Thailand. He is currently the Vice President of HIM Thailand. Pastor Chaiyapruck is married to Pastor Patcharee. They have 2 daughters.

Ps Chuchat Chaisombat

Pastor Chuchat Chaisombat grew up in Payao, Northern Thailand.  After graduating in Economics, he started to serve God as a full-time pastoral staff.  He now lives with his wife Siriphorn in Chiangmai. He graduated in Master of Ministry from Bangkok Bible Seminary (BBS). He is currently the President of HIM Thailand, and leads the HIM churches in Thailand. Chuchat enjoys pioneering churches and discipleship.  He has a deep desire to inspire and help Christ-followers to be passionate for God and to serve Him until their last breath.

Ps James Loke

James Loke graduated in economics and worked in the central bank in Singapore. He then received a sovereign call to serve God in the mission field whence he travelled widely to preach and teach the Word of God. He is based in Singapore, where he serves God with his wife Christine. He oversees HIM churches in Thailand and the Philippines.  James believes that God wants His people to know Him well and to have a close relationship with Him and with fellow believers.  James desires Christ-followers to be passionate for God, mature in Christ and live pragmatic lives honouring Him.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Ps Prakich Treetasayuth

Pastor Prakich Treetasayuth received a Bachelor’s Degree of Science, majoring in Biochemistry, from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He was awarded a Master’s Degree of Philosophy in Theology from the Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society. After receiving Christ in Hope of Bangkok Church in 1988, he was committed to the church and its ministry in many areas including biblical studies. In 1995, he became a regional pastor and the Head of Publication, in charge of the church’s teaching materials. He was appointed as the Pastor over Student Ministry in 1999 until he relocated to Europe in 2004 in his new role as the Regional Pastor over Hope Europe. God called him back to Thailand in 2021 for an additional role as the General Secretary for Thailand Bible Society. Pastor Prakich is gifted in leadership, word of encouragement and as a shepherd and a teacher.

Ps Kwong Lie Ong

Pastor Ong Kwong Lie pioneered Hope Johor Bahru (in Malaysia) in the year 1993. With a humble beginning of 1 person, today the church consists of more than 200 members and is still growing. Besides pastoring Hope Johor Bahru, he also oversees daughter churches in the state of Johor and Malacca. God has also entrusted him to oversee churches in Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and India. Pastor Kwong Lie graduated from Harvest Bible College in Melbourne with Diploma in Christian Ministry in 1991. He is married to Pastor Swee Min and they have 2 sons. Pastor Swee Min supports him in his pastoral role locally and internationally.

Ps Denis Lu

Pastor Denis Lu was one of the pioneering members of Hope Kuching with Pastor Simon, in 1992. He is currently the Senior Pastor of Hope Kuching. He oversees HIM churches in Malaysia. Denis graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1991 from University Newcastle, Australia in 1991. He returned to Kuching, lectured at Stamford College and later became the College’s principal in 1995. He moved on to be an education counselor for Taylor’s College before entering full-time ministry in September 2001. Denis is married to Pastor Chong Hai Eng, who is also the Senior Manager in the HIM Elders’ Office. They have a son.

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Ps Simon Eng

Pastor Simon Eng is a Civil Engineer by training. He has been ministering for over 30 years. His experiences include pioneering Hope Kuching, mentoring leaders and pastors, and ministering in cross-cultural Regional Conferences. Pastor Simon is married to Pastor Lai Eng and they have 3 wonderful children, who are active in their faith as well. Pastor Simon is currently serving as the Senior Pastor of Hope Kuala Lumpur and an Elder in Hope International Ministries. He loves to build God’s people and travels extensively to minister and care for God’s churches.

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Ps Wilson Lim

Wilson and Lai Ling are founding pastors of Hope Church, a thriving multi-site church with its headquarters in Brisbane. Wilson is currently serving as President of HIM and oversees Hope churches in Oceania and North America.  Wilson is known for his lively, engaging expositional preaching, theological and leadership insights as well as apostolic father’s heart.  His passion is teaching, equipping leaders and building the church.  Wilson holds a PhD in Civil Engineering (Monash University) and a MTh (The University of Manchester). He was a research scientist with CSIRO. He also formerly served as a Bible College director and is currently the chairman of Australian Care & Trauma Services.  Lai Ling complements him in ministry with her passion in the areas of prophetic, intercession, pastoral care and counselling.  Together, they minister widely around the world today and founded a ministry equipping website wilsonlailing.com.  They have three adult children and 1 daughter-in-law.