Word of Hope Christian Family Church
OUR LOCATION
We are located at 1103 EDSA, Project 7, Quezon City, a good stone's throw from the main terminal of the Metro Rail Transit, and between two of the largest shopping malls in the country: SM City North EDSA, and Trinoma-Ayala Malls.
HOW WE STARTED
Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, or EDSA - a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila -- played a pivotal role in the birth of WORD OF HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
In February 1986, along that busy highway right in the middle of the country's two major military camps, a bloody revolution could have taken place had not the Lord intervened. Today, that event is recorded in the annals of modern-day Philippine History as the EDSA People Power. A newsmaker around the world.
Ten thousand miles away in their suburban home in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., Dr. Dave A. Sobrepeña and his wife, Nellie, watched with bated breath the telecast of that revolt in living color. Seeing the vast sea of humanity that massed along the entire stretch of the highway from Mandaluyong to Cubao to seek the ouster of a dictatorial regime, Dave felt deep compassion for his countrymen. A slumbering cord started stirring gently in his heart. As the epic drama unfolded, the evangelist in him saw the potential for spiritual breakthrough in the land of his birth. A divine call began to tug at his heart. It was a call he just couldn't shake off.
He could have opted to remain in the U.S where he held a high-paying job, but he was convinced that no one who loves his Lord would turn his back on God's call. Over the years, he had made periodic trips to the Philippines but the trip that is now forming in his mind would be different. For 10,000 miles away, a ministry is waiting to be born. A decision has to be made. Soon!
After consulting with family and relatives, he and his wife sold their properties. Soon after, the couple, and oldest son Dexter flew back home. Once settled, he gathered some of his trusted friends and associates to organize a core group that would assist him in mapping out plans and logistics for the launching of a Christian fellowship. It was a tedious task, but nevertheless, it seemed like there was an invisible hand orchestrating all their actions. Together, they scout for a place of worship and were led to Paramount Theatre on the corner of West Avenue and EDSA in Quezon City. Tough negotiations followed. It was a bold venture into the unknown with neither cash nor properties to offer as collaterals to the theatre owner. But he stood firmly on a strong faith that it was God who called him to this lofty purpose.
Dave's persistent prayer and obedience to the "divine call" paid off. His knowledge in real estate and finances came in handy in the series of negotiations that ensued. The blueprint for Word of Hope was put in place. The contract for lease of Paramount was signed.
For three weeks in a row, the Pastor's voice was heard over radio stations DZAS, DZFE, and DZME inviting listeners to their opening rally scheduled on the last Sunday of August 1988. Flyers announcing the event were circulated in key places in Metro Manila. But special attention was given to SM City, reputed at that time to be Asia's largest mall, sprawling on a vast tract of land just across EDSA in front of Paramount.
On August 21, 1988, the core group of 17 people organized an inconspicuous prayer meeting at the Paramount Theatre. They marched around the theatre auditorium as if impelled by a common vision of "Jericho."
The week after that eventful prayer meeting, or August 28, 1988 to be exact, WORD OF HOPE turned into "flesh" and officially opened its door to the public. Some 150 people came to attend our first worship service.