DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO MISSION REPORT

I would like to share with you about my trip with Ps Brendan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in September 2016 last year. Firstly, we flew off to Kigali in Rwanda. It was a 30-hour flight to get there. When we reached Kigali, we had to take a taxi for another 6.5 hours of driving through the roads to get to Bukavu on the eastern side of DRC. We arrived at the border at about midnight and stayed overnight at the Rwandan border. Early the next morning, we crossed the border to DRC. We met with our head pastor there, Pastor Mapya. He shared with us some of the things that were happening in the country at that time. The country was in a period of significant unrest, because the president was holding onto power when he should have passed it on. Pastor Mapya told us that in fact just that week alone, 2 pastors were killed. They were killed by the soldiers. The soldiers wanted to take their money and mobile phones, but the pastors refused, so they just shot them dead. That was the kind of the situation and environment that we were in at that time. Hence, when we got through the border, we were all very careful about what we were doing, how we travel, and how we interacted with the police and the army, because unfortunately there was a lot of corruption happening in the nation.

On the first day of arriving in Rwanda in the morning, we were involved in a training for pastors. We ran a training for 3 days for pastors. There were more than 40 pastors and several other leaders attending the training. It was a fantastic time! It was just amazing to see their heart and their passion to learn. Some of these pastors came from very far – many had to walk all the way, some of them walked 2 days. There were even some who slept on the side of the road just to make it for the conference and training. During that time, we taught them many different things – about leadership, about planting churches, and how to help their people. As part of the conference, Pastor Brendan did some training to teach them how to pray for people. It was just an amazing time as he was doing that. Some of the pastors themselves were healed by the power of God. It was really exciting and to see what was happening! The pastors were so encouraged, inspired, and better equipped after the training.

The nation of DRC is very poor. They are one of the poorest nations in the world – in terms of their per capita income, it is most likely the lowest 5 nations in the world. Therefore, the environment that we were in was also very challenging. Most of the time, we held conferences in one of our churches – which was a little building built mostly by hand. There are no carpets, the concrete is very basic, the floor is cracking, the windows often have no panes nor glass in them and the building is falling apart. The church itself is situated right in the middle of a slum area. There is no road to get to the church itself. We had to walk on the mud and on little paths, and we walked through drains and all kinds of different settings to get there.

As we talked to the pastors, we had an interpreter who was faithfully interpreting for us throughout the whole time. Once, we were having a very simple lunch that had been cooked by the local people during the conference. As we were eating, I asked this interpreter, “So what do you normally have for breakfast?”, and he responded saying that he normally doesn't eat breakfast. I was curious, so I asked him again, “Is it because you are on a diet, or because you just don't like breakfast?”, and he replied saying that actually he doesn't have breakfast most times because he simply cannot afford to have breakfast. Wow…just amazing. When we were talking to the pastors, we asked questions like, “How do you keep in touch with one another?” (because of the distances and almost none of them own any cars), “Do you call one another? Do you e-mail?”. We found that most of the pastors do not even have access to the internet. In fact, a significant proportion of those pastors do not even own a mobile phone! So, this is the kind of situation that they are in – they are working in very difficult situations and in significant lack. But what is amazing – is their passion, dedication, and willingness to make so much sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom!

Besides the training, we also had the opportunity to preach and teach in a number of their churches. They brought us to their Central Church in Bukavu, where we shared and ministered in one of their large prayer meetings. In this little hall that they had, the prayer meeting went on until sunset. They tried to save money by not switching on the light – so there was no light in the whole meeting! When the sun went down, it was so dark that we couldn't even read our Bibles. I brought my tablet along so I was able to read, but it was very difficult for even my interpreter to read.

We also went to visit the first church building that they ever had – the one which Pastor Mapya started himself. There is another pastor who is in charge of that church now. We went to the church and again I shared a message and we ministered there. It was just a wonderful time. We then went to this pastor’s house which was nearby. He had rented a little house and it is actually located in the slum area too. It only has very basic corrugated walls and roof, and single storey. When we went inside, there was no electricity so we had to switch on our mobile phones for light or bring a torch light. It really shocked me to see that the ceiling of that house was made of recycled cardboard! That is the kind of environment that they live in, in many places in DRC.

One day, they also brought me to a hillside church. We had to climb and trek up the hill – it was quite a trek on just dirt paths. I was like “oh wow”, it really wasn't easy climbing up. We finally made it there just before the evening, and the sun began to set. Again, there was no electricity – the church itself was just a wooden structure made out of trimmings from the trees and branches which they used to make the whole structure. Right in the middle of my preaching, I felt the whole ground shook and I was wondering what was happening – this hill is not very stable. It shook for about 10 seconds but I continued preaching, and we ministered and prayed for people. God moved and touched many people's lives that time! After that, we went back in the dark. We had to use torch lights and trekked our way down the hill. The next day, I discovered that there was actually a major earthquake that happened in that area, which had also affected a number of nations. I did not realize it at all. So there I was – preaching right in the middle of an earthquake –what an experience!

We also preached in a wedding. It was quite interesting to see how they conduct their weddings. It was in another church in the countryside situated on a hill. It was a church with a small building which could probably sit 80-90 people, but they managed to squeeze 200 people in there for the wedding! It was just interesting – a wonderful cultural experience for us to participate in the wedding, to share a message, and to pray for the young couple. Finally, on Sunday we went to one of their largest churches in the country. Yet again, it was still a very basic church building, even though it was large enough to sit 300-400 people. The doors and windows are nothing more than just the openings. There was no actual doors or window panes.

Those are some of the challenges in that nation but they are believing God, they continue to serve the Lord! Can I encourage us to pray for them? There is so much need, so much poverty, and yet the Gospel is so desperately needed in that nation. So many people are lost, and there is so much suffering and corruption and all kinds of challenges in the nation, but God is doing amazing things! During last year alone, our pastors had planted 15 new churches! This is the highest number of churches that they have ever planted in the entire history of their church planting. God is definitely doing amazing things, but we need to continue to pray for these leaders, the pastors, and for their people, and really believe for God's hand and God's grace to be upon them! It has been a tremendous journey for Pastor Brendan and myself. We have been so inspired, so challenged, and at the same time so stretched as well during that time. It is always tremendous when we go forth, when we step out in faith, and we serve God, and just to see what God can do when we trust Him! God bless you. 

Pastor Wilson Lim

SOUTHERN AFRICA MISSIONS UPDATE

Hope Church is directly overseeing missions works in the following nations through Lance and Belle Wolter’s regular trips to build and edify the churches we are working closely with in these Southern African Nations:

Zimbabwe: 10 Churches, Centres and new plants 
Zambia: 30 Churches, Centres and new plants
Malawi: 7 Churches and 1 new plant

Botswana: 1 new Church Plant
Mozambique: 1 new Church Plant

We would like to share of God’s goodness in these missions initiatives. The donations from HIM churches have helped greatly in expanding the work of God in these countries.



Zimbabwe 

So far this year, we have held 2 training conferences to help build pastors and their core leaders. These conferences are usually tied to public events where the gospel is preached and the sick are healed in Jesus’ name.

Over the Easter weekend, we held our very first “Hope Zimbabwe National Conference” where all our church members from all over Zimbabwe gathered to fellowship with each other. Together, we learnt what it means to build a “Covenantal Family of Churches”. It was also a wonderful opportunity for churches from across Zimbabwe to meet each other (some for the first time) and commit to building a united, strong and biblical family who are committed to completing the Great Commission with all of our hearts, minds and strength!

At the end of August, we held our second training event in Zimbabwe at Warren Park, Harare. Many people were saved and healed during the public events. During the private pastors and leaders meetings, we studied the “Hope International Ministries Core Values” and “Vision & Philosophy”.

Zambia 

As we build momentum in Zambia, we can now start working more closely with individual churches that have clear vision and ability to reach their local communities and target groups. One of the churches we are working with in Lusaka runs a medical clinic for HIV/AIDS victims.

We are planning to partner with our other Hope group which reaches out to medical students so that they can synergise their efforts and opportunities to demonstrate the love, mercy and grace of the gospel.

Sharing the gospel and healing the sick under the trees in “Hope Nchelenge” (in Zambia’s North West next to DRC border). This is also where a very basic school teaches children who are too young to walk the long distance to the nearest school.

Our largest church in Zambia (over 350 every Sunday) reaches out to people of all economic statuses from within a very poor community area.

Malawi 

Our 8 churches in Malawi stretch from the Northern region to the Southern Region. A national “State of Emergency” was declared by Malawi’s President earlier this year due to devastating drought that has affected the whole nation’s food supply. In May this year, we were able to distribute enough food to feed all of the families in our 8 churches with over $6,000 worth of maize (about 10 tonnes!)

Thanks to all your generous donations, you have literally saved the lives of over 300 Hope Church families in Malawi from starvation!

We have now been offered 2 farms in Malawi to grow our own maize and nutritious vegetables. This enables us to secure nutritional food security for all our Hope Malawi members into the future.

In amongst our Northern Region’s church in Nkata Bay District, we have a church reaching out to tea workers inside a gigantic tea estate (owned by an Indian company). The nearest school is too far for little children to walk and mothers often return to work as soon as possible after their babies are born. This means that many children do not start any formal education until they are at least 10 years old and therefore, they are seriously disadvantaged developmentally. We have now started a school inside the church building with 2 classes for toddlers and grade1.

By Pastor Lance Wolter

PASTORS TRAINING IN BANGALORE, INDIA

Pastor Wilson, Pastor Brendan and Pastor Ravi went as a team to Bangalore for ministry from 8th to 12th Feb, 2016. The purpose of the mission trip was to visit Pastor Jackson's new church building in Bangalore and to conduct leadership and pastors training. 

 New church building in Bangalore 



Pastor Jackson's new church building in Bangalore is a large 5-storey building. Its large auditorium can seat over 2000 people (Indian style). They could buy this building at a good price and with attractive conditions on payment because it stood vacant for about 3 years. Every attempt to lease or purchase the building fell apart. When the leaders visited the building they were confronted by a demon-possessed woman who declared that the demon owned the site and no one would ever use it. But they cast out the demon and negotiated a deal with the developer. God is amazing. By faith, they are trusting God that the full price can be paid off within a few years. This building is much bigger compared with their current building (light blue colour facade), which is located in a little street. 


Susai Pastors Training 



Pastor Brendan preached on "Faith" in Susai (North side of Bangalore) for Pastors Training. Pastor Brendan emphasised the importance of faith in order to accomplish the mission that God has for us – to preach the gospel all over India, to train leaders, and to plant new churches! Ps Wilson preached on overcoming our Glass Ceiling. Ps Ravi preached on being fruitful. Pastor Brendan had a word of knowledge regarding heart problem and blood pressure. Two people came forward for prayer with heart problems and they received prayer for healing.

Evening service at KMPC

Pastor Brendan preached on "Faith overcoming problems". We will have problems in this life. Therefore, there is no point asking God for us not to have problems. But it is more pertinent to ask God for strength and faith to help us persevere through the problems. The key statement is “Your problem is NOT your problem! Your faith is your problem – focus on building your faith and you will soar above the storms as an eagle. Amen!” Pastor Wilson preached on John 5, about the paralytic receiving his healing. When God speaks we need to be present. We need to obey to receive the miracle.

Healing Testimonies 



1. Lady with Knee problem
2. Lady with bad eyesight and stomach and leg problems.
3. Lady with lung disease - was in hospital for 8 days. Came out of hospital to come to church for prayer. All fully healed.
4. Lady's daughter testified that her headaches (which she had for years) were healed last year and hasn't returned since.



Pastors Training in Mysoor 



Pastor Brendan preached on GC and apostolic vision and need to overcome by faith. Pastor Wilson preached on building team leadership. What we do with the people we have is more important than their ability. How we train and raise them up is the focus. Pastor Ravi preached on Core Values and benefit of being in HIM.


Madurai Pastors Training in Tamilnadu 



On Thursday morning, Pastor Brendan went with Pastor Jackson for pastors training to Madurai in Tamilnadu. Madurai a “small” city of about 3M people! There was an 11am Madurai Ministers Fellowship (see photo). There were 321 pastors meeting today for their monthly meeting Pastor Brendan preached on "Faith" being the most important thing in your life! The pastors were very responsive to the word of God. Ps Jackson preached on the "Qualities of a Pastor" Pastor Brendan prayed for lady with gastric problem - all the pain left. See photo of lady in pink sari. A lady with diabetes (photo on right). All the pain left. Ps Jackson being driven for over 13 hours to preach for one hour to a group of pastors.

Pastors Training: Bengaluru: Munisvara Nagar 



Pastor Wilson shared at Local Pastors Fellowship with around 50 pastors. Ps Wilson preached on "How To Train Leaders". Pastor Jackson and Pastor Brendan went to the birthday party of a one year old little boy. He had been given up to die by doctors in ICU. But Ps Jackson came in and laid hands on him, prayed, and said he will lived and he lived!

HOPE BRISBANE MEDICAL TEAM TO VIETNAM

Hope Brisbane sent a team to Vietnam for medical mission from 14th September 2013 to 21st September 2013. The team consisted of 2 General Practitioners, 1 Orthopaedic Surgeon, 1 Pharmacist, 1 Physiotherapist and 2 Registered Nurses. 

This is the second team from Brisbane to be sent to Vietnam. Dr Luke Soong’s team who went last year helped prepare the way and assisted us with our preparations. May Cheung (Missions Coordinator) and Chen Chee Foo (Team Leader) got us ready to beat with one heart beat. As a result, our team worked tremendously well together as we cared for each other and our patients. Great company all round!



Fundraising for medicine

The team raised over AUD10,000 from friends, family, colleagues, medical businesses, professional networks and patients. This was mainly through direct giving and our “Spring Roll Drive” which sold 1170 spring rolls.

The medications bought include: Paracetamol, multivitamins (both adults and children), vitamin C, band-aids, antibiotics, deworming tablets, and many others. Some generic items were put into the gift packs for the villagers. A total of 1300 gift packs were given away. Each gift pack had 9 band-aids, a sheet of 10 Paracetamol, a sheet of Multivitamins, and Vitamins C for both adults and children. Milk was also given to the children with the children's gift pack.

A total of 1011 patients in 4 days medical clinic 

Places in which the Medical Clinics were held over the four days included:-

1. Phước Mỹ Trung, Mỏ Cày Bắc in Bến Tre, total number of patients seen were 245.
2. Châu Thành District in Bến Tre Province - 242 patients were treated.
3. Gò Công Đông (Tiền Giang Province) - 217 patients were seen.
4. Cù Lao Đất Island, An Hiệp, Bến Tre, total of 307 patients were seen.

In total 1011 people were treated, with the majority of them being adults. Over the 4 days, 385 tests for blood glucose were done. Some new cases of diabetes were diagnosed, some less than optimal control of glucose levels were detected. 1 pregnancy test was done, and a suspected pregnancy was confirmed. A few Urinary Tract Infections were confirmed by the urinalysis strips.

The medical team received 4 appreciation awards

The Team received 4 appreciation awards from different locations, appeared on the local TV news, and newspaper. At the last location, the Regional Pastor, Pastor Dung, was asked to address the crowd at the opening ceremony of the clinic, with the presence of the government officers. This had not happened before. The team was told that they were wanted back in the future!

Our team of seven people were supported by eight local Vietnamese people who provided logistic support, networking, security, interpreter services, and hard manual labour as we loaded and unloaded patient gift packs and medications. Best of all, they knew where to find delicious Vietnamese food! Great friendships were developed as we served the Lord together.

"The trip exceeded our expectations as God answered prayers every day, from the small stuff like the weather to the huge stuff like Pastor Dung being allowed to welcome the patients on Day Four. It was completely exhausting emotionally, spiritually and physically. We had feasting as well as famine. We had scary toilets. We had green urine. We had a severe drenching on the ferry. We had complex medical needs where we felt totally inadequate. We had sweet elderly patients thanking us. What an adventure!!! We hope that God continues to stir in our hearts and your hearts this desire to reach out and share the love of God in this practical way'.  Testimony by Dr Linh Cheung 

Report by Bin Sim Law (Register Nurse)