Bible Conference
July 23, 2005
We are very honored to co-organize this year’s International Bible Conference with Hope of God International. Around 100 overseas brothers and sisters came from more than 15 countries joined together with a 100 local congregation gathered to learn the words of God. During the two-and-a-half day conference, we experienced tremendously blessings from the teachings, workshops, testimonies, preaching and fellowship.
A wonderful Praise and Worship session paved way to the opening of the conference, up-lifted our spirits and ready everyone for the powerful teaching of God, titled, “A Holistic Church”. President of Hope of God International, Pastor PN opened the teaching, and together with the elders, Pastor Simon and Pastor James shared with us enthusiastically and light-heartedly. The eight lessons illustrated the significance and characteristics of a holistic community, means of meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the members as well as the advantages, and obstacles to being a holistic community. In conclusion, ways of a balanced implementation of holistic ministry.
Ps. Denis, Ps. Prapop, Ps. Yongyuth, Ps. Prakith, Brother Lance and Sister Sunee conducted six workshops sharing their experience to help us overcome the problems encountered in DMM, church start-up and growth, number of member barrier, annual planning and family ministry. From these workshops we have learned practical means to widen His kingdom.
Pastor Jirote of Seattle testified that his home was burnt down on one cold winter morning, and God had turned it into a blessing and brought revival to the church. The news of a burnt down church was published on a local newspaper, initially people in the neighborhood came out of curiosity, but in time, they came in search of God.
Pastor Prapop shared the challenge they received from the elders in learning a new language to broaden God’s kingdom, and how they had submitted to God’s calling and eventually overcoming the language barrier. He sang a song (in English) reminding us the importance of unity in fulfilling His Great Commission.
Pastor Supoj testified that the impossible became possible when we place our faith in God. He recalled how he exercised his step of faith and inserted his own office key into the locked doorknob of another Pastor’s office, miraculously the door was unlocked.
Pastor Denis’ sermon on Luke 12: 13-21, titled “Life’s More Than That”. Life is far beyond transitory, tangible and material comforts. Everyone born to this world is for an eternal purpose, and our vision, our life achievement, is to fulfill God’s great commission in spreading the gospel to the ends of the world.We should, therefore think and plan beyond earthbound goals and to utilize our blessings to help others and to achieve The Great Commission of God.
Pastor Somthob preached “The Five Good Things God Give Us” – they are Spiritual Gifting, Heart, Ability, Personality, and Experience. These five elements help us to build more faith, more trust and more love in the Lord and enable us to serve Him more and more.
Thank God that we have the opportunity to learn and fellowship with the Pastors, and brothers and sisters from all over the world. We were greatly encouraged by each other life in Christ shared during meals and free times.
God’s blessings shall continue to shower upon those who practice His principles, ‘My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Praise God that we were all touched and reinforced by the spirit of the Hopefamily.
