From a Non-Believer to a Life Group Leader

Written by Roxanne Su

I came to know Jesus during my studies at Australian National University (ANU) in November 2016. 

I remember the day as if it were yesterday when I was just coming out of the Library when I met Grace and Rhys, who were from Hope Brisbane mission team visiting Canberra. It was not their appearance that struck me but the way they spoke and what they spoke, it carried light and conviction. Prior to meeting Rhys and Grace, I had a lot of thoughts in my mind about the meaning of life and questioned my purpose on earth. Here I was, having been awarded a scholarship when I graduated from China, I had my parent’s honor and blessing, I should have been complete right? But deep down, I felt as though I was like a dried fish, with only one drop of water and in the middle of a desert. Speaking to Grace and Rhys, I felt the light they carried, and I wanted to dig deeper. I wanted to know what was behind their conviction. When they extended the invitation for me to join what they called “Life Group”, I did not fully understand what it was, but I was curious and said yes. 

My first life group experience was one that I will never forget. God touched my heart during the praise and worship session in that first life group I attended. Peace was what I felt, when my mind was filled with so many negative thoughts such as those that questioned the lyrics being sung. It was the first time when I felt as though I did not need to live in suffering. The experience captivated me and I heard the Gospel message that God loves me and people, the message of hope. I felt hope and knowing that there is eternity, my heart felt as though it was resurrected to life. I needed help; I needed a saviour.

After 2 months, I accepted Christ into my life as my Lord and Saviour and shortly after that, I was baptised. It was no longer I who lived, but Christ who lives in me. 

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

God has been incredibly good to me. His faithfulness and commitment in provision and love to me has never failed but has grown in abundance. From my university days until now as a working adult, all I can say is “Praise God I am who I am because of who He is”. 

Out of that love, I began my service in church ministry in Hope Canberra by serving as a mentor to a couple of the young girls in church, prophetic dance and student ministry. Each ministry taught me a lot. It was not easy, having had my first mentee left the church after a big fall out, it left me discouraged. It was also very challenging for me, having to work alongside leaders who operated differently from me or dealing with people when their perspective clashed with my own. But after taking time to seek help from God and my leaders, it helped me to see past the pain and let go of my way and let God’s will and way be done.

I have four mentees now. By the grace of God, my first mentee came back this year and our relationship is reconciled. Even right now, I am still trying to digest the fact of recently becoming a Life group leader. I am still learning to serve with a simple heart and pure passion for Jesus. Because our God is a God of new things, He is creative and makes all things new! All that I do is because He loves me, and I want to love Him back. I want to follow His commands and obey His words. 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

God freed me, He hears my prayers, He leads me, He delivered me in all the different situations, He empowers me and grows me. In the journey, I have learnt to let go, learnt to trust, learnt to forgive, learnt to persevere. HE is too good to not to believe in. I am attracted by Him to run the race, and I want to finish the race well.

Serving in my Father’s house is about seeing people’s needs and serving them, is about caring for His people, listening to HIS voice and getting closer to HIS heart. Love others like how God has loved me.

The third time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. If you love me, feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

It’s all about faithfully standing upon, trusting and obeying HIS words. This is a story that God is writing together with me, and my life is a worship song to Him. Let His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

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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.