🌱 From a Single Seed: The Inspiring Journey of Hope Christian Church
In the heart of Myanmar, a nation of ancient traditions and deep-rooted culture, a modern story of faith, resilience, and divine purpose continues to unfold. This is the story of Hope Christian Church, a community born not from grand designs or abundant resources, but from a simple, powerful vision given to one man and nurtured by unwavering faith in God alone. It is a testament to the truth that from the smallest of seeds, a great and fruitful tree can grow.
The journey began on a specific day, January 11th, 2015. It was on this day that Rev. Tun Lin, responding to a clear vision from God, held the very first meeting of what would become Hope Christian Church. There was no large congregation, no ornate building—only Rev. Tun's own family, gathered together in a rented house, united by a shared faith and a compelling call to be the light of Christ in Myanmar and beyond.
✨ God's Faithfulness: A Story of Growth and Expansion
From that first intimate gathering, the church began its journey. The growth was not instantaneous, but slow, steady, and organic. One by one, dedicated believers who shared the vision were drawn to the fellowship. The spirit of unity and purpose created a foundation upon which God could build. As the group expanded, so did its reach, gradually spreading to different parts of the vibrant city of Yangon.
A Growing Family 👨👩👧👦
Today, God's faithfulness is evident in the church's remarkable expansion. Hope Christian Church has not only grown its central congregation but has successfully planted two daughter churches within the Yangon Region. Furthermore, its influence extends across the country through vital partnerships with five other churches. This network of faith is a living embodiment of the Great Commission in action. The church is officially affiliated with the Myanmar Evangelical Christian Alliance {Reg. 200/4-22 (1334) R, M-215}, grounding its ministry in accountability and fellowship with the wider body of Christ in Myanmar.
📖 The Bedrock of Belief: What We Hold True
The strength and direction of Hope Christian Church are anchored in a firm foundation of core biblical doctrines. These beliefs are not mere articles of faith to be recited, but are the living truths that shape every aspect of the church's worship, ministry, and outreach. They provide the 'why' behind everything the church does.
1. The Bible: Our Ultimate Authority
We believe the Bible is the divinely inspired, infallible Word of God. It is the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. It is not just a historical document but a living book, God's revelation to humanity, providing the ultimate guide for life. (2 Timothy 3:16)
2. God: The Eternal Triune Creator
We believe in one eternal, true, and living God, who exists in three distinct but co-equal Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all that exists, worthy of all praise and glory. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 1:1, 3)
3. Jesus Christ: Our Lord and Savior †
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who is both fully God and fully man. We affirm His virgin birth, His perfectly sinless life, and His substitutionary death on the cross as the vicarious atonement for the sins of the world. We believe in His bodily resurrection from the dead and His ascension into heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father. (Matthew 1:18-25; John 20:11-21; Acts 1:9)
4. The Holy Spirit: Our Helper and Guide
We believe the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Triune Godhead. He is a divine Person who convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers, and indwells them at the moment of salvation. He empowers, guides, and equips believers for a life of holiness, service, and effective witness for the propagation of the Gospel. (John 14:16-18)
5. Man: Created, Fallen, and in Need of Redemption
We believe man was created in the image of God, intended for fellowship with Him. However, through the sin of Adam, all humanity fell, inheriting a sinful nature and becoming alienated from God. Therefore, every person is lost and in desperate need of a Savior. (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 6:23)
6. Salvation: A Gift of Grace Through Faith ❤️
We believe that salvation is a free gift from God, received not by human works or merit, but by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. We believe that Jesus is the only Savior for all who call upon Him as Lord, and His sacrifice provides the complete and final payment for our sins. (Ephesians 2:8; John 3:16)
7. The Church: The Body and Bride of Christ
We believe the Church is a spiritual organism, the Body of Christ, composed of all true born-again believers. Christ is the sole Head of the Church, His Bride. We believe in the vital Mission of the Church, in obedience to the Great Commission, to go into all the world to preach the Gospel, make disciples of all nations, and teach them to obey all that Christ has commanded. (Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 1:22-23)
8. The Last Thing: The Blessed Hope
We believe in the 'Blessed Hope'—the personal, visible, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the rapture of the church and His subsequent return to earth to establish His millennial kingdom, where He will reign as King and all nations will acknowledge His Lordship. (Matthew 16:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
9. The Ordinances: Symbols of Our Faith
We believe in and practice two ordinances for the local church as commanded by Christ: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, symbolizing their death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. The Lord's Supper is a symbolic act of obedience where believers partake of bread and the fruit of the vine to memorialize the Redeemer's death and anticipate His second coming. (Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
🌍 Living the Great Commission: Our Mission and Purpose
Beliefs must translate into action. At Hope Christian Church, our doctrines fuel our passion for a clear and focused mission. Our purpose is two-fold: looking upward to glorify God and looking outward to reach the world.
“To glorify God by preaching His Word; to bring new believers into the fold of Christ and to teach and encourage them with sound, biblical instruction thus building fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
This mission is carried out through a clear, strategic purpose:
- Reach, Disciple, Release: We exist to reach people for Christ, to disciple them into mature followers, and to release them to live out their unique, God-given purpose.
- Build and Unify: We strive to build believers in unity, creating strong local churches grounded in sound, biblical doctrine throughout our region.
- Send and Plant: We are committed to sending out equipped Christian workers to plant new churches across Myanmar, spreading the hope of the Gospel to every corner of our nation.
🎯 Vision and Objectives: Faith in Action
Our vision extends beyond the walls of the church. We aim to be a source of blessing and value to the communities we serve. This is achieved by actively engaging in the training, equipping, and empowering of local people to serve the wider community. Through dedicated training, mentorship, and personal development programs, we seek to raise up the current and next generation of church leaders, ensuring a legacy of faith for years to come.
This grand vision is accomplished through simple, consistent objectives:
- 1To worship God with sincere hearts.
- 2To share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
- 3To connect with other believers in meaningful relationships.
- 4To seek the growth of the church across Myanmar.
A Continuing Story of Hope 🙏
The story of Hope Christian Church is far from over. It is a living, breathing narrative of God's grace and faithfulness. The prayer of the church remains simple: to continue to be faithful to Him and to grow in faith as they serve Him. From a rented house to a multi-church movement, it stands as a shining beacon of hope, a testament to what God can do with those who dare to believe in His vision.