May/2013
HOPE HAPPENINGS!
AN INTERVIEW  WITH HARDY & MAHIMA THOMAS


   1. What prompted you to come out to one of our services?

 

We were looking for bible based church in Wilton after having moved here. We saw the church when we came to check out Rachel's school.  


  2. What is your favorite Hope moment?

 

When Hope families reached out after our second daughter Christina was born. We were blessed with love, friendship and food during our most difficult times.


3. What is your favorite verse?

 

Jeremiah 29 :11  

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". 

  

4.  One hobby you both like to do outside the church?

 

Going for nature walks. We feel Gods presence clearly in nature.

5. What do both of you do to serve at church?  

 

Teach Sunday School. We are just blessed to be instrumental as God is molding those tiny hearts.  Hardy also helps the team that prepare the service slides. He is a behind the scenes kind of person.

 

6.   If you were going tell someone about Hope Church what would you tell them?

 

Hope church is a place where you can grow to be 'the church'. You could be as less involved or as deeply involved as you can, but never judged.  

 

7. Is your faith stronger or weaker since coming to Hope?

 

 Our faith has definitely grown stronger since coming to Hope. Its a journey. And we glad that Hope is our support system.

Something new at Easter!
  
For the first time at Hope Church we did Cardboard Testimonies.  This was a very moving part of our service.  Over 20 people participated in this event.
These testimonies were very moving!  So many on the platform and in the congregation were brought to tears.  If you were away on Easter and didn't get to see this.  Please click the the link to view the video! Cardboard Testimonies  
Or Go To   http://www.hopechurchct.org/podcast.html   
David Platt on Prayer
David Platt on Prayer
This is a challenging Video on Prayer!  The
question asked; "Is Prayer Necessary?"
Every Wednesday at Hope we pray at 7:30pm!   
                                    We believe Prayer is Necessary!  Consider joining us!                                          
 
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Thank You Very Much 
By Lori Duncan 

     In April I was in Nairobi, Kenya teaching at a women's conference.   It was an eye opening experience in many ways.The one thing I won't forget is how many times    someone from Nairobi had said thank you to me. I heard the word thank you being said my week in Nairobi more than I heard it being said in my entire life. And I'm not  exaggerating.

After I spoke or did anything the women said "Asante Sana" which mean's "thank you very much" in Swahili. Sometimes they would say just "Asante" which means "Thank you". If I handed a women something they said "Asante". If they were worshiping the Lord they would say "Asante" to the Lord. They were just so appreciative.

I'm wondering how many times we hear or say the words thank you or thank you very much. I confess until last week I said it rarely. I learned a hard lesson last week. I learned I needed to say thank you more.

Being in Africa has changed me in many ways but the one thing I learned is to show appreciation. I learned to say Thank You!
I learned to say it often. I learned to say "Asante Sana

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The Church Is Reading the Radical Together, don't forget to buy your copy at the welcome desk!  $10

Issue: 5 
In This Issue
An Interview With...
Something new at Easter
David Platt on Prayer
Missionary Of The Month
Missionary Of The Month

Lani Borgman Shade
Serving with InterFACE Ministries in Philadelphia

 
1.  Share one thing God is doing in your Ministry?
Sometimes, in ministry with international students, we see God work in big ways as in the case of our friend from China who was in Philly last year. Other times, the work of God in students lives is not as visible but we know He is busy working. We had another Chinese students come and live with us back in May. For the first 5 months, she participated in our family life but showed no spiritual interest. Then, back in October, she started coming to Bible study on Monday nights and another group that was exploring Christianity on Tuesdays. While she hasn't made any commitments to Christ yet, it was evident that being in Christian community was what was creating interest and drawing her closer to Jesus.
2.  What is God doing in your personal life? God has shown me specifically this Advent season that the reason he came to us as a baby (as opposed to a grown man) was to show us what it was like to become completely vulnerable, completely dependent, and completely humble - the way He wants us to come to Him and the way He wants us to relate to Him. I had to confess my attitude of self sufficiency and pride and my utter need of and desire for Him.
3. How are you being encouraged? Scripture is my greatest encouragement. I have been reminded of how much I need to make time daily to reflect and be renewed. I have also found attending worship services feeds the hunger within and encourages me to live the rest of the week in His Word and in the Spirit.
4. Prayer requests and final thoughts? Perhaps the most challenging thing for me in ministry is balancing all the demands that are put on me (or that I put on myself). With the time constraints of seven, 24 hour days, how do I get everything done that needs to get done? How can I remain faithful in all the different spheres of my life? This is something I would covet prayer for. Of course, our other ongoing request is that while we interact with students, that they would see Jesus and be drawn to Him!
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Upcoming Events

May 17 - Relay for Life - Wilton High School 

 

June Hope Talent Adventure -Raising money for Bibles and motorcycles for Kenyan Pastors and church planters, and sending inner city teen moms to Young Lives Camp (Contact Pastor Dave)

 

June 1st  Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction @ Hope (Youth Mission Trip Fundraiser)

 

June 15th - Kayak Day 

 

July 8-12 Hope Kids Camp - Come volunteer as we reach out to 150-200 kids from our community and help them come to know Jesus. (Contact Kim Karus)

 

 

July 21 Sandwiches for needy kids in Norwalk-making 1000 sandwiches after church.  Sandwich makers and donations needed. (Contact Ria Black)

 

July 20-28 Missions Trip to Hurley,
VA to    work on homes for needy families (Contact Paul Karus)

 

August 8-12 HOE Ethiopia Missions Trip - Put on a Kids Camp for Hanna's Orphan's Ministry

 

September 8 Church in the Park - Invite a Friend

 

 

 



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Hope Church, Wilton, CT
www.hopechurchct.org