Year-End Prayer Meeting and Countdown

December 31, 2004

Although it was the coldest new-year eve in the past 43 years, more than 100 brothers and sisters gathered at Hope Centre for the count down prayer meeting. A powerful praise and worship was led by Brother Allen to refresh our spirit.

Before the prayer, Pastor Gavin encouraged us to pledge for the love offering for the South Asia tsunamis. This fund will be sent to Hope International to help the victims of this disaster. Many brothers and sisters were keen to support the offering.

The prayer started with thanksgiving to God for a fruitful 2004, with 257 brothers and sisters having accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior and 70 brothers and sisters being water baptized. We also thanked Him for the success in our Bible Conference, 12^th Anniversary & Celebration Banquet, Church Camp and Year-end Celebration Sunday Service. We must not forget His blessing on the 17 mission trips to Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul, and a successful mission fund to cover these trips. Our quarterly mission newsletters and bi-annual salt and light newsletter would not be launched without His inspiration. Pastor Gavin encouraged brothers and sisters to pray for the potential land (Nepal and Macau) and more Hope members being able to join the mission trips in 2005.

After taking communion, brothers and sisters continued to pray for personal needs such as good health, job and study, church vision including mission and disciples training. During the prayer, Pastor announced that one of the guests has accepted Jesus in the meeting. Praise the Lord! By the end of the prayer meeting, Pastor Gavin reminded us the three mains directions of our church in 2005 are the planting of new churches, serving the society and growing disciples.

Before midnight, we sang our praises to welcome 2005. The whole church was overwhelmed by love and warmth in the beginning of the new year.