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.
