After years of limited in-person gatherings, Hope Family Day 2025 marked a joyful and long-awaited return to fellowship for the Hope Kuching community. Held at MBKS Stadium on 11 May 2025, the event was a celebration of unity, spiritual family, and shared purpose. With over 1,000 participants, the stadium was filled with energy, laughter, and connection across all age groups.
This year’s Family Day was designed to encourage and celebrate the Hope family spirit, while also honouring Mother’s Day. The theme “Connect” was chosen to reflect the heart behind the event: to bring together the different centres of Hope Kuching—English, Mandarin, Youth (YYA), Spero, Semariang, and KS—to grow in relationship and unity in Christ. It was also a significant moment in the church’s journey, as it was the first all combined Family Day since the pandemic, making it a meaningful milestone for many who hadn’t gathered together in such a large setting for some time.
The event began at 8:00 AM, with registration booths welcoming attendees as they arrived. From the start, there was a tangible sense of excitement and anticipation. A wide range of activities ran throughout the morning, catering to every age group and interest. These included tele match games that got everyone moving and laughing together, a friendly basketball tournament that drew a lively crowd. high-energy Zumba that had people dancing and smiling, creative and interactive station games, a peaceful glamping corner to relax and connect and a bustling food fair offering a variety of local and homemade favourites!
To make the day even more special, a game dedicated to mothers was included as part of the Mother’s Day celebration, adding warmth and appreciation to the event. Every mother was also presented with a gift in appreciation and celebration of their dedication and sacrifice for their respective families.
Although registrations trickled in gradually in the beginning, more and more people began signing up as the event drew nearer – eventually even exceeding the committee’s expectations. Each participant contributed RM5 during registration, which was returned in the form of RM10 worth of food vouchers to be used at the food fair. The food stalls were a highlight, offering a vibrant variety of meals, snacks, and drinks. Participants were also welcome to bring their own food and enjoy it picnic-style with family and friends.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came after the tele match, when 27 individuals from across the different congregations publicly declared their faith through water baptism. Three inflatable pools were set up at the venue, and the baptism was held openly for everyone to witness. Many were deeply moved as they watched friends, family members, and fellow believers make this life-changing decision to follow Jesus. It touched hearts deeply and served as a beautiful reminder that beyond the fun and fellowship, lives are still being transformed by Jesus.
Hope Family Day 2025 was made possible by a committed team of 17 volunteers from every congregation, who worked together with the BEAM Event Management team. The planning and execution reflected a strong spirit of unity and joyful service, with each person bringing their strengths to the table and contributing to the success of the event. The committee was intentional in collaborating across language groups and generations, ensuring that everyone felt included and valued. Their willingness to serve joyfully and selflessly embodied the very theme of the event—connection through shared purpose.
Though the various congregations may not meet often under one roof, the event showed clearly that Hope Kuching is still one family in God’s kingdom. The day created space for members to reconnect, build new friendships, and celebrate the bigger picture of what it means to be part of the Hope family. It was also a fruitful outreach opportunity, with approximately 30% of participants being newcomers or visitors. Many experienced firsthand the warmth and vibrancy of the Hope community and left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of God’s family. Photos and a recap video have been posted on Hope Kuching’s social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook), capturing the heart and energy of the day. From games and laughter to shared meals and quiet moments of connection, every memory reflected the unity and joy that marked the event.
While no announcement has been made about future editions, the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are already looking forward to the next Hope Family Day, eager to gather once again in celebration and fellowship. Until then, the impact of Connect 2025 continues to echo in the hearts of all who attended—reminding us that no matter where we gather, we are one family, united in Christ.
