Strong and Vibrant

It started 30 years ago. A seed planted, a yielding heart, a humble spirit. It was a mission trip from afar that turned God’s heartbeat for the lost into faith-in-action through the establishment of Hope Church in Kuala Lumpur. On August 5, 2023, Hope Kuala Lumpur came together at Malaysia Bible Seminary (MBS), Rawang for their 30th Anniversary celebration— celebrating God for His faithfulness, celebrating people for their perseverance, and cheering on for greater milestones to come. 

Even in the weeks leading up to this day, a walk down memory lane covering stories of how Hope Kuala Lumpur came about back in 1993 and special memories of serving in Hope Church were shared. Appreciation was also extended to those who had stood by the church for more than 20 years. Everyone was in high spirits for a wonderful celebration.

Upon arrival, church family members were immediately greeted by warm smiles from a line of ushers and leaders, accompanied by light-hearted native Sarawakian music and dance led by the Bahasa church brothers and sisters. Nestled amongst the incoming people were colorful photo collage boards that rekindled beautiful memories of togetherness from each Hope Church centre in Selangor. As young and old dribbled into the large hall, a recap of past videos and testimony stories played on the big screen. Emotions stir at remembering all the new and past relationships built. Through it all, God remains the same. After a round of delightful welcome by Ps Kit Siang, the 30th Anniversary Celebration Service kicked off with high praise and worship, joined by group singers from all languages of the congregation. It was truly a sight to behold as more than 800 people raise their voices and lift their hands to bring adoration to our God.

The theme and logo of Hope Kuala Lumpur 30th Anniversary celebration is ‘Strong and Vibrant’- a proclamation that the church will be courageous to advance like the Lion; multiply like dandelions, as is the HIM Vision 2030 of Transforming Lives Everywhere; and be protected fully by the Lord, as what a shield would do. 

Ps Simon and Ps Moses jointly delivered an empowering message on Investing into the Future, encouraging the church to be passionate for God’s vision, to prepare for God to move by being faithful, and to catch the spirit of pioneering. Like King David, the church’s desire and devotion should align with God’s vision. We also witnessed powerful testimonies from sister Clara and Mamang who responded to God’s call to start and lead Life Groups despite their tender age. It is evident that no matter the background, age nor ability, God can and will use everyone to expand His Kingdom and fulfil His purpose.

At the sound of shofar blowing, Hope Kuala Lumpur launched Project 300 with the goal to have 300 life groups come year 2030, believing that strong and vibrant life groups will be vessels to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by bringing church to where people are. The coming seven years will be a new season of harvests for the church and a divine timing to evangelise and disciple. Prayers were made over the leaders who willingly surrender their lives to this calling, that God will add unto them anointing, courage, and resources to do His work. Hope Kuala Lumpur will be a church that says, “Here I am, send me!”

The 30th Anniversary celebration continued into the night with sumptuous dinner and a line-up of events. Led by banners that proclaim the Names of the Lord and His unwavering characters, the entire church leadership team made grand entrance into the hall, showered with roaring cheers and claps.

After blowing off candles on a mountain of celebratory cakes, Ps Simon, Ps Moses, and Ps Kit Siang proposed toasts that declare blessings upon the church, one that marches forward from the past into the future as a strong and vibrant church. The night also sees all Key Leaders and Pastors from Hope Kuala Lumpur being appreciated alongside Coordinators, Mission Leaders and Pioneers from Hope Puchong, Klang, Serdang, Penang, Teluk Intan, Kampar, Ipoh, Kuantan, Seremban and Senawang. By partnering with God, these godly men and women have gone above and beyond in building God’s church wherever they are. It was a wonderful moment of thanksgiving and testimony of God’s faithfulness over the years.

As the eventful day draws to a close, there is really only one thing left to do— straining towards what is ahead and pressing on towards the goal for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. The humble beginning of Hope Kuala Lumpur 30 years ago is surely to lead to greater things to come in this city, this nation and beyond. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, let us pray for Hope Kuala Lumpur to be bold and courageous to advance as the Lion of Judah, to spread like the dandelions, multiply, and transform lives everywhere to fulfil God’s Great Commission.

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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.