Word of Hope Christian Family Church
FASTEST GROWING CONGREGATION
Word of Hope held the distinction as the fastest growing born-again Christian church in the country as the Lord of the Harvest kept adding to our number. In March 1989, the Church stepped out boldly and opened three other services on Sundays. Bible seminars have since become regular part of Word of Hope's weekly schedule which also included a midweek service. From the core group, a leadership coming from the congregation was formed to facilitate the ministries of the Fellowship in the days ahead.
In two years' time W O H has recorded an average attendance of 8,000 from its Sunday services which have been increased to five services.
Back then, our ultimate dream was for Word of Hope Fellowship to exercise the option to purchase the 1,850 square meter property to accommodate the fast growing congregation. However, negotiations to purchase the building proved futile.
We knew then that God had another plan for His Church. And His plan was far greater than ours. Like the obedient children that we are, we submitted to His will to accomplish His purpose for the Church. At about this time, the president and owner of Cityland—a real estate developer – got wind of our frenzied effort at finding a new place for our Fellowship, as our lease contract with Paramount was about to end. He called up and offered a lot which turned out to be just across SM Annex, and only a stone's throw from Paramount Theatre. It was a very strategic place for a growing Ministry.
WALKING ON WATERS IF we believe, God can make us walk on water. We did! It meant taking steps of faith when there were no visible and solid means of support.
With only P100, 000.00 savings in the bank, we started our "faith walk" and bought the 1,400 square meter property. The Contract of Sale stipulated that we have to give P500, 000.00 down payment, and on top of that, we were required to issue 48 post dated checks amounting to P500, 000.00 each month.
Pastor Dave signed the 48 post dated checks trusting that God, the great architect and owner of the vast universe, is able to supply our needs. Indeed, the Lord whom we serve is a promise- keeping God. From that time on, Word of Hope has been a recipient of countless miracles of His mighty provisions.
It was on a glorious, sunny day of April 17, 1992 – a Good Friday--- when we held the groundbreaking rites signaling the start of our building construction.
The months ahead were fraught with difficulties. We were confronted with trials, oppositions, obstacles, and hardships. Above all, we faced great financial challenges. But God's people did not give up! We were encouraged by the enormous, positive response of the brethren who gave sacrificially for the project. We were amazed at how even total strangers – businessmen and building contractors alike--- who have heard of our building project, were moved by God to lend their assistance. One contractor, for instance, donated truckloads of cement, gravel and sand with a promise that he would continue to do so until we saw the completion of the building. A businessman sent steel bars to complement our construction requirements.
There were still many other kind-hearted people who faithfully, generously and sacrificially supported our Ministry. To this day, these Good Samaritans have opted to remain anonymous.
On January 31, 1993, we transferred to the half-finished building occupying the mezzanine level even if construction of the main auditorium was still on-going
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