Les graines d'espoir Montréal

Important information

2010-01-05T11:51:00.003-05:00

Hi all,

Just incase you didn't realise but we have moved our blog to Wordpress. So please follow us there instead:

http://seedsofhopemontreal.wordpress.com/

Have a blessed day,

Mel

The search for the right Milo

2009-11-22T15:14:00.002-05:00

After drinking all other sorts of MILO in this world: Swiss MILO, Columbian MILO, Singaporean MILO, Indonesian MILO and Malaysian MILO alike, I have come into the conclusion that Australian MILO far exceeds all the rest in terms off texture, taste, smell, and overall satisfaction level. I absolutely cannot live without it, and am thanking all my Brisbane friends for sending me a big tin of MILO to Montréal.

Proud to be Australians

2009-11-22T15:04:00.003-05:00

After living my life in 3 Indonesian cities, 1 Australian and 1 Canadian, and traveling all over the 4 continents of the world, I have to say, while loving all of the experiences in many different ways, I do love to be called an Australian and I do call Australia home.

I've been to cities that never close down

From New York to Rio and old London town

But no matter how far or how wide I roam

I still call Australia home

I'm always traveling, I love being free

And so I keep leaving the sun and the sea

But my heart lies waiting over the foam

I still call Australia home

And someday we'll all be together once more

When all of the ships come back to the shore

I'll realize something I've always known

I still call Australia home

Canada ranks fourth on quality of life

2009-10-10T12:27:00.002-04:00

06 October 2009 05:13

The UN’s verdict is in: Canadians have the fourth-best quality of life in the world, behind top-rated Norway, Australia and Iceland.

And Canada again surpasses the wealthier United States, which has slid from 12th to 13th place between 2006 and 2007, the last year for which international data was tabulated. Canada’s position is unchanged since 2006.

The figures are tallied by the United Nations Development Program’s annual Human Development Index, which analyses the statistics of 182 countries.

At the bottom of the scale is destitute Niger. Only a cut above is Afghanistan, in spite of billions of dollars of development money.

Journal entry: Roller coaster ride, 18th September 2009

2009-09-18T18:32:00.019-04:00

After a roller-coaster ride of being stressed out and tired, emotionally and phisically, which led to being sick also, I finally can say, 'Praise you in the storms, Lord. And praise you for taking me out of it too'.

This short and intense journey started when my first boss in Montreal, which is the manager of the Language school I had been studying in (6 months) and working for (10 weeks), told me they had no budget to rehire me.

On the Friday, the 28th August, I had my last French lesson and my last day at work. That same afternoon, while hunting for new jobs, at 17:30, I received a job interview offer. The coming monday, I went for the interview, had the second interview the day after, and got the job.

I started work on Thursday the 3rd of September. It was a full time job, in which I worked as a sales associate for a company, that organizes National executive forums, in the health and legal sector.

Though I was very grateful for it, I found that the nature of the job is not really suitable for me, and therefore causing me unnecessary stress and pressure. So at the end of Friday the 11th of September, I decided that I would quit the first thing Monday morning. At this stage I was feeling rather defeated, very stress, literally feeling sick in my stomach. Not to mention, feeling guilty for 'letting go of the job that many have prayed for me'.

I decided that I had to do at least something that very weekend before telling my boss about my intentions. On Saturday, prepared with my CV, I went around the Montréal city to ask if people are hiring...

Beyond my faintest expectation, all the stores that I approached were hiring, I mean, EVERYBODY! I spoke to all the managers and received good feedback about employment opportunities.

To summarize and describe this week fairly to all of you, let me show you my schedule this past week:

Sat 12 Sept :Dropped CVs

Sun 13 Sept :Worship God in church as usual

Received an interview offer from American Eagle

Mon 14 Sept :Quit my job

Tue 15 Sept :Rest at home and try to recover from flu

Received an interview offer from BCBG

(Bon Chic, Bon Genre-high end fashion boutique)

Received a job offer from Evangel Church

(which i did not apply for)

Wed 16 Sept :Interview with American Eagle

Received job offer from American Eagle

Received possible opportunity to work for FOSSIL

Fri 17 Sept :Interview with BCBG

Accepted Job offer from American Eagle

Received interview offer from GUESS

(half hour after I accepted my job)

Yeap, so in short, at the end I have decided to work for American Eagle full time, the company that was the first to offer me a job, as a sales associate. The beauty about this company is that they reminded me so much about Australian culture, very relaxed and casual, but at the same time organized. I can wear anything I want to work, includes jeans, T-shirt and even flip flops. It doesn't feel like I'm about to work, it feels like going out to meet with my friends :O)

I am also trying to work part time for Evangel church. Hopefully it could work out with my timetables they will give me next week. I see this as an opportunity to learn from a Montréal church and having first hand access to the way they do church here.

This past one week has been so amazing, and it thought me a lot about my God too. It proves to me that God does care about my well-being. I could just living with a 'barely' surviving mentality, but deep down inside I don't think that I glorify Him much by living this way, barely surviving, gasping for air, and longing to escape. In my case, He did pull through at the end of the day. I can sincerely say that I feel very happy and contented with how everything has turned out. I do feel looked after at all times. He made me feel secure like no one else or nothing else could. This scripture really strengthened me and gave me the courage to differentiate between the good and the better, between what I think is sufficient and what God CAN offer me.

I was young and now I am old,

yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken

or their children begging bread.

Psalm 37:25

Well, it seems that I will be working for American Eagle for the time being, while trying to complete my Interior Design Diploma.

I am also continuing my self study in French now, Je parle Français maintenant, mais pas trés bien. J'ai vraiment besoin beaucoup de practiquer. In english: I can speak French now, not very well yet because I really need lotsa practice... I think this job will help better my conversational skills. Fingers Crossed!!!

Also, if I haven't told you that the winter here is terribly cold, try to imagine how -40 deg will feel, and you would naturally sympathize with me. BUT and it is a big BUT too... since 4 weeks ago, God had provided us with an apartment that is only about 70 steps (I counted) from the Metro station, or about 35m. It is incredibly, unbelievably close by.

Talking about winter, the best thing about working for American Eagle is that, I would only have to endure that 70 steps of outdoor living, during winter, because my shop is located in the underground shopping centre. YUP, no need to surface at all... Woohoo... What a relief, or in French, Je suis soulagée!!!

I would like to thank my friends and my prayer partners who have been a great support during this interesting period of our stay here. All of you who prayed for us, keeping in touch, we really appreciate it. Thanking my personal support team, Doyin Bademosi, Thea Magdalena (my sister), Karen Gaffney. Thanks for my girlfriends, Melissa Ke, May Cheung, and many many of you who read this. I love you all and God bless you...

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Thank you for sticking to me closer than my own family. I sincerely couldn't have done it without you. I hope I will have the pleasure of your friendship for a very long time to come :O)

Love,

Mel

The Church – the greatest force on Earth

2009-09-12T10:47:00.001-04:00

by Rick Warren

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Church is everywhere in the world.
There are villages that have little else,
but they do have a church.
Rick Warren
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Church is the most magnificent concept ever created. It has survived persistent abuse, horrifying persecution, and widespread neglect. Yet despite its faults (due to our sinfulness), it is still God’s chosen instrument of blessing and has been for 2,000 years.

The Church will last for eternity, and because it is God’s instrument for ministry here on Earth, it is truly the greatest force on the face of the Earth. That’s why I believe tackling the world’s biggest problems – the giants of spiritual lostness, egocentric leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance – can only be done through the Church.

The Church has eight distinct advantages over the efforts of business and government:

1. The Church provides for the largest participation.
Most people have no idea how many Christians there are in the world: More than 2 billion people claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. That’s one third of the world’s population! The Church has about a billion more people than the entire nation of China.

For example, about 100 million people in the United States went to church this past weekend. That’s more people than will attend sporting events in the United States throughout this year. The Church is the largest force for good in the world. Nothing else even comes close.

2. The Church provides for the widest distribution.
The Church is everywhere in the world. There are villages that have little else, but they do have a church. You could visit millions of villages around the world that don’t have a school, a clinic, a hospital, a fire department, or a post office. They don’t have any businesses. But they do have a church. The Church is more widely spread – more widely distributed – than any business franchise in the world.

Consider this: The Red Cross noted that 90 percent of the meals they served to victims of Hurricane Katrina were actually cooked by Southern Baptist churches. Many churches were able to jump into action faster than the government agencies or the Red Cross. Why? The Church is literally everywhere, and Christians who could provide help to the Gulf Coast communicated with Christians in need of help so relief could be sent immediately.

3. The Church provides the longest continuation.
The Church has been around for 2,000 years. We’re not a fly-by-night operation. The Church has a track record that spans centuries: Malicious leaders have tried to destroy it, hostile groups have persecuted it, and skeptics have scoffed at it. Nevertheless, God’s Church is bigger now than ever before in history.

Why? Because it’s the Church that Jesus established, and it is indestructible. The Bible calls the Church an unshakable kingdom. In Matthew 16, Jesus says, “I will build my Church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” All the powers of hell – in other words, no hurricane, no earthquake, no tsunami, no famine, no pandemic, no army will ever conquer the Church established by Jesus Christ.

4. The Church provides the fastest expansion.
Did you know that every day 60,000 new people come to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? By the end of today, thousands of new churches will be started throughout the world, and that will happen tomorrow and the next day and the next.

In one country that is closed to traditional Christian missions, more than 60,000 house churches have been started in one province by the work of lay people, no different from the people who fill your church sanctuary every weekend.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’ve got a problem that’s growing at
a rapid rate, then you need a solution
that will grow even more rapidly. For
instance, HIV/AIDS is growing at an
incredibly fast rate in the world. Yet
thank God, the Church is outgrowing
the disease,so more and more believers
can help minister to those with HIV/AIDS.
Rick Warren
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is fast expansion important? If you’ve got a problem that’s growing at a rapid rate, then you need a solution that will grow even more rapidly. For instance, HIV/AIDS is growing at an incredibly fast rate in the world. Yet thank God the Church is outgrowing the disease, so more and more believers can help minister to those with HIV/AIDS.

If we’re going to tackle global giants like poverty, disease, or illiteracy, then we must be part of something that’s growing faster than the problem. The Church is doing just that!

5. The Church provides the highest motivation.
Why do any of us do what we do in ministry? It’s not to make money, not to make a name for ourselves and not for duty to our nation. We do it out of love. Jesus stated it as the Great Commandment: “Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.” We wouldn’t do the hard work required to tackle these global giants for money, for fame, or for anything else. It just wouldn’t be worth it; we’d quit before the end.

We’re motivated to keep at the hard work of ministry because we love God, and our love for God compels us to love other people. It is love that never gives up; it is love that keeps moving forward despite the appearance of impossible odds; and it is love that outlasts any problem.

6. The Church provides the strongest authorization.
God authorized the Church to take on global giants, such as spiritual lostness, egocentric leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance. With God’s authorization, the outcome is guaranteed to be successful.

When you know that God has authorized you to do something, you don’t worry about failure because God doesn’t sponsor flops. If God says we’re going to do it, it’s going to happen. It is inevitable. In fact, the Bible teaches that God will give us his power to complete the task. This is God’s way - ordinary people empowered by his Spirit.

7. The Church provides the simplest administration.
The Church is organized in such a way that we can network faster and with less bureaucracy than most governmental agencies or even well-meaning charities. For instance, the organizational structure at Saddleback, which is based on the New Testament model, holds that every member is a minister. Each person in our church family is encouraged to use his or her own S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) to do what God has called him or her to do. There is no bureaucracy or hierarchy. There isn’t a single committee, and the process doesn’t require a long list of approvals.

The old wineskin of command and control won’t work well in the 21st century. The organization of the future is the “network.” And there’s no better worldwide network than the Church, where every member is a minister and empowered to do what God wants done.

Consider it this way – tens of millions of Christians in millions of small groups that are part of churches around the world can take on the global giants with no other authority than that given from Jesus Christ. In other words, we have God’s permission and we have God’s command to do it. There is no need to seek permission from anyone else.

8. The Church provides for God’s conclusion.
Since we believe the Bible is God’s Word, we already know the end of history. Jesus said in Matthew 24: “The good news about God’s Kingdom will be preached in all the world to every nation, and then the end will come.” It is inevitable and unavoidable.

When you consider these eight advantages, think about the exponential explosion of ministry when millions upon millions of small groups in millions upon millions of churches organize in such a way that each person can do their part in attacking the five global giants.

What do you think could happen if God’s people prayed against these global giants, prepared for action against these giants, and then moved through faith to tackle these giants?

We may look at these problems and think, “These are too big! How could we possibly solve them?”

But with God, nothing is impossible – and if we all work together as his Church, we’ll see these giants falls just as Goliath fell when faced with David’s obedience to God.

A little reflection on the 2nd Week of September 2009

2009-09-11T11:14:00.004-04:00

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with you above the storm

Father you are King over the flood

I will be still and know you are God

I was feeling miserable all morning, after a thorough self-diagnosis (from previous illnesses), I believe that I'm having a combination of a stomach bug (with the symptom of food poisoning): nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and a throat infection (sore throat, very itchy throat at times, and a cough).

My boss gave me some time off in the morning (unpaid of course, welcome to North America!), so I decided to take the whole morning off and come to work after company's lunch time is over. While lying helpless on my bed feeling sorry for myself, I had the most brilliant idea of listening to worship music on U tube and singing along to my favorites like Casting Crowns: Who am I, Praise you in the storm; Chris Tomlin: Amazing Grace: Hillsong: Healer, Still, There is none but you, and Sing to the Lord O my soul.

The word of God is absolutely true and it brings forth healing, I do feel better afterwards, especially deep down inside. While listening to healer, I am reminded of Mike Guglielmuchi who, just over one year ago, on the 20th of August 2008, was stripped from all his Pastoral duties, due to his faked terminal illness...

While listening to this song, as always (the last one probably about 6 months ago in Brissie), I feel absolutely ministered too... By the presence of God, by the worship of the people of God and by the words, which are true. I totally agree with a saying that no matter how flawed men are, God is still God. Yesterday, today and tomorrow the same, forever and forever...

I also believe despite what we do or don't do, the word of God, the works of God will continue on until it has accomplished it's purposes, it will not return empty:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways.

As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

This 'holy' moment, which is so precious to me, takes me straight into intercession. How wonderful... These are the moments I spend with my maker that I will remember for a long long time (I'm forgetful, so this is a huge thing for me). Tears shed, prayers said, a heart rejoiced and is glad because of the gift. A gift of coming to the altar of the holy one freely, 'with all access pass', to utter requests and admiration to the only one who deserves it...

It is true, he's turned my mourning into dancing, my sorrow to joy, my sickness (in every literal sense possible :O) into gladness. Amen

A small note to remember the family and friends of Mike in prayer, and focus and refocus on Christ, in good times, in bad times, in the pastures and in the storms.

Love you all,

Mel

Pei goes to Montreal Prison

2009-08-14T11:50:00.002-04:00

After four years, I’m going back to the prison. Unlike the previous experience of entering the prison as a part of my work and treating the inmates as clients, this time I went in as God’s ambassador and representative in bringing God’s love to them. Prison ministry is not something that I expected when I first planned in coming to Montreal. I did not search for it but it has found me. Years ago when I first stepped into prisons, I told myself how wonderful it would be if I can go in freely to share of God though I had no idea what it would be like. I still remember once I was sharing the gospel on the streets and met a guy who just came out of prison whom I managed to share a bit about Christ to. However, when I went to visit him with the contact details he left with me, I could not locate him. Funny how all these things came back to me in this foreign land.

Canadian prison is not that different from the Australian prisons. Located at the outskirts of the city with a vast land, wired fence, secured doors and guards are all what I am familiar with. A new realization for me is the prison chapel which is a wonderful place where the inmates gathered with God’s servants. A place where as we sat there before God, there is no such thing as ‘us’ and ‘them’ and together we praised God, together we worshipped God and together we read the bible. Like any of the small gathering, people are free to ask questions and share of their thoughts, experiences and of what God has impressed upon their hearts on the bible passage we read. My first prison ministry experience is like the discovery of a new land revealing the part of society that not many people would see or experience. Each of the inmates presents potentially a person who could be greatly used by God as His servant wherever they are. Thank God for the experience and opportunity to serve Him.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not- to mollify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Visiting the largest Church in Quebec - Eglise Nouvelle Vie

2009-07-09T12:20:00.002-04:00

The article below isn't written by me, but it gives a good explanation about what this church is all about. We had an amazing time last week to finally visit them. The service was conducted 100% in French (Quebecois French), and we understood only about 20% or less of the preaching. But it didn't feel boring at all, the message was still very engaging.

The worship band was very good, they are blessed with great musicians and singers. They used many Hillsong's songs translated in French, so we had no problem singing them (My redeemer lives, At the Cross, Thank you for the cross, and another song was in house production). The time of Praise and worship was very uplifting (uplifting the name of Jesus it is, but as usual when we lift up His name, we are lifted up also).

At the huge garage sale organized by the church. We had some yummy hot dogs!!!

A CHURCH YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Église Nouvelle Vie, Longueuil, Quebec
By Debra Fieguth

Suburban Montreal church focuses on community needs

There is no particular emphasis on evangelism. But in 13 years, Église Nouvelle Vie (New Life Church) on the south shore of Montreal has grown from 40 adults to about 3,000 regular Sunday attenders, 70 percent of whom accepted Christ at the church.

“We don’t have any formula,” says Pastor Claude Houde. He attributes the rapid growth and solid community presence to two things: prayer and meeting people’s needs. In a part of the city once considered “a pastor’s cemetery,” Nouvelle Vie is the product of “faithful intercessors” who prayed for the community for many years before the church was finally established. “We’re reaping what others have sown,” says Houde, 44.

Why Neighbours Know About This Church
Since 1993 when Houde preached his first sermon based on the Isaiah 58 passage about true fasting, the church has concentrated on practical needs. During the ice storm of 1998, 500 people lived in the church for three weeks. A mercy ministry, Action Nouvelle Vie, reaches 8,000 people. And each August just before school starts, the church hosts a “back to school” fun day in the parking lot for 300 of the community’s most disadvantaged children, with hot dogs, fire fighters, a clown and free or inexpensive school supplies and new clothing.

“I think it’s important to put the Word into action,” says Suzanne Fournier, Action Nouvelle Vie’s general director. In Quebec where the evangelical Christian population is low and suspicion high, the best way to reach people is to provide for their physical needs. “We don’t evangelize here. If we were to do that in Quebec we would have to close our doors,” Fournier says.

The Breadth and Depth of an Outreach Mindset
While bringing the message of Jesus’ love to the secular, cynical people of Montreal is the goal, it is never overt. Rather, “it is an amazing natural and supernatural outgrowth” of practical ministry, says Houde. For example, a pro-life program concentrates on loving pregnant women and girls. Women from the church accompany girls in the delivery room if their boyfriends have abandoned them and promise to be with the young mothers for the first two years if they decide to keep their babies.

Action Nouvelle Vie is in a separate building beside the church. When people are helped with their physical needs, they often begin to think about the spiritual as well. “The barriers towards the church are falling down, and it’s not viewed as something weird,” Fournier says.

None of this would happen without committed staff and many volunteers. “We really depend on volunteers,” says Houde, who estimates there are “easily more than 1,000 volunteers” who put in 10 to 15 hours a week doing everything from leading small groups to operating the food bank.

An emphasis on women’s ministry is also important. Three years ago, Stephanie Reader, with a doctorate in biochemistry and a well-paying job at a pharmaceutical company, gave up her high salary to become pastor for women and director of women’s ministry at Église Nouvelle Vie because she had a burden for women. Women’s ministry ranges from dealing with depression, addictions and sexual abuse to cooking meals for the parents of sick children and holding women-only worship and prayer times. “A lot of women when they arrive at the church are broken,” says Reader. She often sees transformation take place: broken women are restored, and then they are able to give to others.

Collaboration with Other Churches
The average church in Quebec has fewer than 70 people and many don’t have musicians. “We have been blessed with an abundance of singers and artists,” says Houde. Teams of musicians minister at other churches in the area each weekend.

Every year the church distributes thousands of Christmas baskets to people in need. Now other churches are coming to Nouvelle Vie for baskets. “And we teach them how to develop” a distribution program of their own, Houde explains. The church also hosts a mercy ministry seminar once a year to equip churches to start their own ministries. “I would say probably 30 percent of my time is spent with pastors of smaller churches,” says Houde.

Formerly affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Église Nouvelle Vie stepped out on its own last year. With a congregation reflecting a range of denominational backgrounds and partnering with many different groups, “it had become important for us to be identified as an interdenominational church,” Houde says.

Future Challenges
A “pandemic” of youth gangs is growing in Montreal, especially in the ethnic communities. Young Haitian, Asian, African and Latino men often feel disenfranchised and as a result turn to violence. “A lot were born here but they don’t feel they’re Quebecers,” comments Houde. How best to reach them is a challenge.

The other challenge is how to minister most effectively to the elderly. Quebec has one of the lowest birth rates in Canada. The population is growing older. Every week church volunteers go into the homes of the poorest elderly people in the neighbourhood. “They don’t sing or preach. They just clean up,” provide other practical help or visit with the people. But future ministry to the elderly will have to go beyond that, Houde expects. “It should be normal for us to have homes where they can be taken care of,” he says.

For a church that has already done so much and reached so many on the South Shore, caring for the elderly will be a natural next step.

The best 3 Montreal Cuisines

2009-07-09T11:57:00.002-04:00

1. Smoked meat sandwiches (Schwartz's)

Smoke meat sandwich has been popular in Montreal since the 19th century, and has taken such strong root in the city that many Montrealers, and even many non-Montrealers, identify it as emblematic of the city's cuisine.

2. Poutine (La Banquise)

Poutine is a dish consisting of French fries topped with fresh cheese curds, covered with brown gravy and sometimes additional ingredients (my personal favorite is Bacon). The dish originated in rural Quebec in the late 1950s.

3. Montreal Bagel (St.Viateur Bagel)

According to native Montrealers, their bagels are the best in the world! In contrast to the New York style bagel, it is smaller. sweeter and denser, and is always baked in a wood-fired oven.

My first 40 days in Montréal, Quebec

2009-04-28T21:04:00.003-04:00

27th April 2009

After 'surviving' the 37 hour trip (my longest travel to date) from Brisbane to Montréal, it took almost a week for my body clock to adjust to the time zone here. Took another 2 weeks to find my way around the downtown area where we live, finding the best places to shop for food and some basic stuff for our small but cosy studio apartment. Along the way, i've also learned some survival skills and tips to 'prepare' for the next Arctic winter season. Crazy as it may sound, i'm kinda looking forward to it. Just missed the snowfall..sigh! Spring started about a week after we landed. Weather has been pretty chilly for the past few weeks and just started to get warmer. The leaves on the trees have just begun to sprout. The sun only starts going down around 8pm over here. Luurve it!! I sooo enjoy the extended daylight in Montreal. My language school is only 20 mins away from our current downtown apartment. One of my favorite moments that i look forward to each day in Montréal is walking to GEOS language school. Breathing in the cool air, observing different unique individuals walking down the street and taking snapshots in my mind of the picturesque European landscapes helps me to 'wake up' en-route to my language school.

Besides the obvious stereotypes of being a huge country with a freezing cold climate and hockey mad people, there are some interesting facts to know.

Despite being larger in size than the USA (Canada is the planet's 2nd largest country), there are only 34 million people living here (approximately 10 times less). 75 % of the population live within a 100 mile radius of the US border. It is a constitutional monarchy where the Monarch of England is the head of state (Queen Elizabeth II). There is no president, only a prime minister who is the de-facto leader of the country (currently Stephen Harper).

There are two official languages, English and French. There are 10 provinces and 3 territories (the territories being in the virtually unpopulated North of the country). All provinces except Quebec and New Brunswick are English speaking. Quebec is officially French and New Brunswick is officially bi-lingual.

The TV, the telephone and the electric light bulb were invented in Canada. Canada was the country of Barack Obama's first international visit after taking office. Canada and the USA are each others largest trading partners.

Interesting facts so far? Well, last word on hockey :) The Montréal Canadiens hockey team are the most successful NHL team having won 24 Stanley Cups, the last one in 1993. Unfortunately, this year in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Boston Bruins sweep(means we lost 4 games straight) the Montréal Canadians in game four. Too bad. Oh, let's not forget Poutine, which is a local speciality made of French Fries covered in gravy and cheese, c'est tres delicioux!

Enjoying a fresh bagel with fromage a la creme, window shopping in Rue St Catherine, sitting on a mountain, relaxing by the port, history, museums, mouth watering Schwartz's Smoked Meat sandwiches, Little Italy, food from just about every country on the planet, exploring the underground city networks, taking a trip to Quebec City, ..... there is always something to do in Montréal. Je suis amoureux de la vie à Montréal.

Montréal sure feels like home now :)

bENG

Quick update on What's up with Pei, Beng and Mel

2009-04-08T22:25:00.004-04:00

Hi all,

Bonjour!!! Sava bien? Nous somme tres bien...

How are you all? The three of us are very well...

Thank you so much for remembering us in your prayers. Your wishes, FB messages, emails, and all other way you show support has really blessed each one of us.

Just letting you know what's up with us: Beng and myself are still studying French and having a great time. I can't believe how enjoyable it is learning this language. Must be God's grace!!!

Pei is working hard on her 'Masters' work and I found out that she can cook mean Taiwanese dishes. C'est delicioux!

We're loving this city, loving life, loving God and all the things that has come our way so far. We feel very aware of who our God is and what He is capable of doing, and knowing that, to be a part of His great plan is such a great privilege that we do not want to take it for granted each passing day... We're so so grateful...

This weekend is a long one here and we are going to (along with 3 other friends from class) travel to Quebec City. Our friend own a 6-seater truck and we'll be driving there. How cool is that?

Oh, by the way thank you for praying at touching heaven for me to get a job, I found one already at a nearby coffee shop and have started training. Now I really know what goes on behind the counter when you buy coffee... Hmm interesting!!!

Anyways, check out our blog, Pei recently posted her first journal; some thoughts about her life here so far..

Well... Ciao for now people... Keep in touch... We hope to hear from you one way or another...

Love much,

Mel

A journal by Pei Hsu

2009-03-30T22:19:00.009-04:00

Thank God for a smooth settling down in this beautiful city on Eastern Canada! It is my first time trying to settle into a new place without having my family around and it hasn’t been all that easy. I’m sure though God has made it a lot easier for us than we could have ever imagined! Finding a place to live, trying to figure out where to shop and how to get around in the city are all part of the great adventure. Many prayers have been poured out for this to happen and I am grateful for every single prayer that has been said and cried out before God.

In my one hour’s walk around Montreal, getting a feel of what the city is like, it is a city full of young people but I am yet to see young people with great vibrancy for God. As I walked from the west to the east of the town, I see lives that are free and happy on the outside but lacking in joy and peace on the inside. Do people know what they truly need in their lives to experience what they can experience? Much of God’s work is yet to be done in this place! The work God has started in Montreal, He will bring it to completion!

Two celebrations in a day

2009-03-22T20:14:00.001-04:00

Today is the 22nd March 2009 and Montrealers celebrate its 185th St. Patrick's day by holding a huge parade across the main street of the downtown, known as St. Catherine street. In this two hour-long parade the whole street was be covered in green: green clothing and apparel, face paint, green cars, people drinking green beer, etc.

The parade itself showcased everything Irish in Montreal; Irish institutions and foundations, war veterans, Irish dances, Irish marching bands, Irish businesses, also there are many non-Irish businesses that used this marketing opportunity to create awareness about themselves to the people here.

It has been a great day of celebrating and the Montrealers celebrated all right!!! Plenty of alcohol and cigarette smoke covered the whole street, this is the first day that I actually miss Brisbane city so much-of how clean Brisbane's air really is :O) I thought if I had stayed in one spot long enough during the parade, I would have increased my chances of getting lung cancer by 100% (just joking)... I really do pity the small kiddies that were inhaling poisonous air while being held in the freezing cold -3C weather. Oh, suddenly the striking heat of Australian sun doesn't feel too bad at all...

Well, for us three, this parade is the second celebration we had today. In the morning we attended church for the very first time in this trip. We are so blessed to have stumbled upon a really great multicultural church, one of the biggest english speaking church in Montreal. We managed to take a photo with the senior pastor and his wife (see below). Of course, this event celebrates the most important person in our lives, our Lord Jesus Christ. I was trying to hold back my tears today (I can totally sob away if I want to, and end up embarrassing Beng and Pei). The presence of God was so real in that place during praise and worship. Jesus you rock!!! Whether it be in Australia or Canada it's just the same thing (Isn't it amazing) We so serve the most awesome God ever!!!

Anyway, needless to say without much thought I could say after the celebration in church with all God's people, I came out filled with joy and felt so overwhelmingly loved by God... very very happy. After the other celebration, my throat hurt, eyes watery, face frozen and I felt quite annoyed because intoxicated people kept shouting around my ears and trying to get their way through pushing others around about them, including me.

Well at the end of the day, I can always have a reason to rejoice and be glad, because the next St. Patrick's celebration parade is not until next year (I don't mean it the way it sounded, I know it is unfair to compare the two, I did quite enjoy this one too) but i can always carry the loving presence of God even at my own home at any time, and I'll meet great Godly people and worship Him together again next week and every single week of the year (big sigh of relief).

Montreal Team Commissioning Multimedia

2009-03-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

Created by Peter Truong

For Hope Oceania Churches Convention 2009

Note: Sorry for the resolution, this is uploaded from Google Video

Montreal Team Profile (Pei)

2009-02-27T02:52:00.001-05:00

Pei-Sheng Hsu:

Education and work:
B.Bus (Man)(HON) & Law, Grad Dip in Law, Admitted Solicitor

Graduated from University of Queensland with double degree (Business Management and Law), Pei has been working at the Australian Taxation Office for the past 4 years, from a graduate to a graduate trainer.

Personal and ministry:
Originally from Taiwan, Pei migrated to Australia at 10 and has been in Australia ever since.

From 1999, Pei has been serving in the international students’ ministry at Hope Brisbane. Having a passion for church planting, she decided to join the Montreal team and has been preparing to go since 2006. Together with Beng and Mel, they went on a short mission trip to North America and Montreal late 2007.

Pei loves involving in the ministries of teaching principles from the bible and discipleship. Through this mission trip, she desires to step out in faith to gain experience in church planting and to learn to trust God more.

During her spare time, Pei loves to read books especially those related to history. She cannot get enough of fine chocolates and wishes that one day she would be able to visit every single country on earth and try all the chocolates in the world!

Montreal Team Profile (Mel)

2009-02-27T02:49:00.000-05:00

Mellyana Widjaja

Education and work:
B. Eng (Mech Eng)(HON IIB), Dip Interior Design

Despite her degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been working as Décor Consultant for Victory Curtains and Blinds, and currently doing a diploma in Interior Design.

Personal and Ministry:
Mel loves coaching and helping people to fulfil the potential that God has given them, this usually involves teaching, spending quality time and a great friendship. Since coming back to God in 1999, she has been involved in International Student ministry and was exposed to people from at least 20 different nationalities.

In late 2007, she was exposed more in the area of Worship ministry and found music and creative arts to be the love of her life… next to God and Beng of course.

Through this next exciting phase of her life, she hopes to learn to trust in God more, taking some time to learn about living in a different country and getting to know new friends. Her lifelong goal is to be a good influence to people around about her, to help people to love and enjoy God, life and others.

Her other passions in life are crime TV series, cooking, shopping, doing coffees with friends, Japanese comics (reading and drawing), being involved in music and arts, I Pod Touch, cool gadgets, nice cars, project management, healthy eating, low impact exercises and everything exciting and fun.

Montreal Team Profile (Beng)

2009-02-27T02:41:00.000-05:00

Beng Cheah:

Education and work:
B.App Sci (Medical Radiation Technology), Adv Dip (Maj in Pastoral Ministry), Assoc Dip (Elec Eng), Adv Cert (Elec Eng).

Born with an avid fascination with life, food and adventure, Beng ventured into the workforce since he was 15 years old. He has been exposed to an array of industries such as medical, hospitality, Internet marketing, movie making, food & beverages and imaging technology. He has worked as radiological technologist in Brisbane in both public and private health care industries for the past ten years.

Personal and Ministry:
In 1993 Beng moved from Penang, Malaysia to pursue his studies in Perth and then to Brisbane in 1995. He has called Brisbane his home for the past 14 years and became an Australian citizen in 2008. Through a series of fortunate or rather divinely inspired events, Beng became a part of Hope Brisbane in 1995. A seed was planted in this young lad that gradually grew & renewed his heart for God and for His church. Beng has served as a pastoral leader, church board committee, university Christian club president, service program coordinator and overseen several church wide projects in his time with Hope Brisbane.

In May 31st 2003, Beng married his best friend Mel. They lovingly spur each other to fulfill God’s call in one another's lives and tremendously enjoy empowering others fulfill their God-given potential and purpose.

Beng’s hobbies include tennis, Aikido, bushwalking, motorcycles, travelling, learning from other cultures and venturing on new God-led adventures with Mel.

From Brisbane Autumn to Montreal Spring

2009-02-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

It will be the beginning of spring 2009 in Montreal! And we can’t wait to be a part of it for the very first time…

Over the past two years our team has been preparing to go to Montreal for church planting. We finally have the chance to do another (bigger) exploratory trip for about 1-year. The purpose of this trip is to help us understand the culture better. We aim to immerse ourselves in the bi-lingual culture of this beautiful city, while some of us are still waiting for our Canadian PR.

By the grace of God we have arrived to a time where we’ve confirmed our plane tickets and travel itineraries, ready to fly and embark on our newest adventure. Montreal, here we come!!!

We’ll be leaving on the 15th March. Please pray for us. We greatly need your support and prayers. For more information on how you could play a part or would like to support our team, feel free to contact us.

Until next time we see you again…

Love and God bless,

Beng, Mel and Pei

A can of PEPSI MAX is what it takes...

2009-02-10T03:43:00.000-05:00

Uh oh I have finally done the 'dreaded calculation' trying to work out how long it will ACTUALLY take us to travel from Brisbane Airport to Montreal Airport, not including customs, luggage and all that jazz...

I've been trying to avoid this cause I know it's not going to be one of those short journeys that you can just switch your mind off and voila you're there... Well indeed, it will take us 35 hours and 45 minutes wooo hooo!!! (my initial response was booo hooo... sobbing)

I guess the only think I can do right now is to prepare as much entertainment and fun as much as possible... (You've got to always bring joy into every situation... right!)

So a can of PEPSI MAX later:

We're going to delegate as follows:

Beng's role is to check what inflight movies will we get during the journey...

My role is to make sure all I Pods (I Pod touch included) will have all the necessary music, videos, podcasts, games, etc (You can never be too prepared), also bring playing cards, comics, magazines and possibly books as well (I got bible in my I-Touch already)

And Pei... well, she just has to make sure we take the right plane and at the right time LOL (Someone has to do this)

Now that the travel is all sorted... let me start to think about packing and visas LOL

Praying and Thinking hard,

Mel

Montreal - One of the most beautiful cities on earth

2009-02-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

We tried very hard in finding a gadget that only shows one video at a time. Well guess for the time being we have got to accept that BLOGGER doesn't have that facility just yet (unfortunately), the one that they've got, doesn't work properly. We will try again soon. If you have any suggestion please feel free to let us know.

So anyway, it will not stop us from showing you the beauty of Montreal city.

Just type in these key words in the Youtube search on this page, and it should then take you directly to the correct video:

Montreal in two minutes
Montreal minute
Tourisme Montreal Leisure

Enjoy!

One step at a time

2008-11-21T05:24:00.000-05:00

Something exciting is in the air!!! In the coming new year, Beng and Mel are going to finally make that first big move to Montreal (Mid March 2009). Here is a tiny bit of information about the Language school we HAVE already enrolled ourselves into...

http://www.geosmontreal.com/files/PDF/brochure_GEOSMontreal_2009.pdf

Watch out Canada, here we come...

MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS UPDATE

2008-10-05T08:49:00.000-04:00

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Anticipation is building as the Hope Montreal team prepares for take-off! , there are currently seven in the team – Beng and Mellyana Cheah from the morning service, Pei Hsu from the afternoon service, Lee King and Sarah from Hope Penang, and Jabez Loh from Hope Singapore. The team has been undergoing training in their respective churches to prepare for the launch.

The Hope Montreal pioneers have been exploring different entry vehicles. Some plan to enter the country via student visas, while others are applying for working or permanent residency visas. At present, Beng, Mel, Sarah and Lee King have already applied for Canadian permanent residency. However, they might have to wait as long as two years to obtain approval. The team is believing God for a miracle of early approval, as they plan to land in Montreal at the end of 2008!

GET IN TOUCH WITH HOPE MONTREAL!

For any enquiries, prayer points, and updates, please contact Beng and Mel at:

Email/facebook/Friendster: mellyana@tpg.com.au, beng_cheah@tpg.com.au
Blog: http://www.seedsofhopemontreal.blogspot.com/
Facebook group: Hope Montreal pioneering work

The Montreal team would really love to hear from you! If you have any contacts or relatives in Montreal, please let the team know as they would greatly appreciate any assistance they can get from locals.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE TEAM:

1. Divine wisdom and favour from God and men
2. Approval of their visa applications ASAP
3. Key people who can speak fluent French and can flow with the Vision & Philosophy of the Hope movement to join the team
4. God’s guidance upon all the team members to land in Montreal in His right timing
5. Strength from God, a sense of His purpose, right motives, and conviction from God for all team members

THE URBAN CHALLENGE

2008-09-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

Taken from an article, COVERING THE GLOBE by Patrick Johnstone

The great cities of the world are the key challenge for mission in the twenty-first century. We ignore the cities to our peril. The great cities of our world are the source of most of our wealth and misery, wisdom and depravity, innovation and sin. The engine for societal change is in the cities, but, if used wisely, it could be the dynamo for the growth of the Kingdom.

The twenty-first century will be an urban world, just as the previous 20 centuries of Christianity have been a rural world. The end of the second millennium is also the end of the rural majority with just over 50% of the world's population urbanised.

Two centuries ago the world was rural, with an urbanisation of 4% and only one megacity in existence- Beijing with 1,100,000. By 1900 these had increased to 14%, 18 megacities and 2 supercities- London and New York. By 2000 these will have reached 51% urbanised, about 20 supergiants (only one of which is in Europe or North America), 79 supercities and 433 megacities. That trend will continue so that by 2100 the number of rural inhabitants may be only 10% of the world's population. The cities are even more vital for mission strategy than they were in Paul's day.

Pioneer missions in the twentieth century have been characterised by the need to reach unreached peoples; a process within sight of conclusion. The twenty-first century will be characterised by the need for pioneer missions in the great cities of the world- a much more complex and multi-layered kaleidoscope of needs. Mission frontiers in the twentieth century were perceived as rural, but we must switch our thinking to the urban challenge as the frontier of the future.

We have been winning the countryside and losing the cities, and all the time our rural constituency has been draining away to the cities. The glamour and romanticism associated with the jungles, mountains, deserts and remote islands seem like 'real' mission work to the home constituency, but living in ta concrete jungle, or squalid slum is far less attractive, and undesirable as a place of ministry.
.
.
.

Our desolate cities are an immense challenge, but I believe a new day for urban ministry is dawning. The Lord promises us that these cities will be populated with His people.

Montreal Goes Wireless

2008-09-20T06:40:00.000-04:00

Montreal, the second-largest city in Canada and the largest city in the province of Quebec, is going wireless. Two Montreal companies plan to blanket the city with wireless Internet service by 2009, making a big chunk of the island one huge wireless hotspot, reports the Montreal Gazette.

Internet service provider Radioactif and network installer Nomade Telecom will launch the first WiFi network and possibly WiMax in September on the Mount-Royal Plate. By 2009, they expect to cover nearly 90% of Montreal residents, over an area of 300 square kilometres.

Who's who in Montreal City

2008-08-31T02:48:00.001-04:00

Well I might not know so much about the city and the people yet, but over a short period of time (one week) in October 07, I have come to know some cool people from Montreal that I still keep in contact with. Thought I might write this down cos I feel so grateful of this friendships and hopeful that the seed of friendship we planted last year will continue to grow in the future:

- I met Jenny on the plane (Seattle-Montreal) where due to a lack of customer service and organisation by a very prominent American airline; Pei, Beng and myself was sitting separately while travelling to Montreal (after being stranded in Chicago Airport for half a day). Anyway, she and I struck up a conversation and exchanged details, emails, texts, postcards, etc (We girls are so good in doing this). Can't wait to see her the next time we get to Montreal again.

- Tanya met Pei and myself at the bus stop while we were roaming around the city looking for a future place to stay. She is one of the friendliest face I've met and very eager to help... We still text each other until now.

- Nino is a family man we met at an awesome Italian AOG church (We sat at their bible study class). He gave us pretty interesting facts about living in Montreal that only locals would know (like the need to change of tyres according to season, the best Steak House in town, etc)

- Meeting Natalie is different. She and I met at Hillsong Colour your world conference (It's a women's conference by the way), in Sydney. She is a Canadian from near Toronto and was interested in studying in Montreal. Nat and Channy (another Canadian friend) came up to Brissie for a visit and stayed with us. It was an amazing story how we both met, and as I wrote this post, she is about to start her Uni also at McGill Uni, Montreal. Hope you two can be friends, Harry and Nat...

Well if any of my friends above are reading this, I am so glad we met, and look forward to getting to know you all even more when we're finally there.

Mellyana Widjaja

FAQ and Hope Oceania 2008

2008-03-24T08:18:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Happy Easter everyone... may God increase your love and passion for Him... Amen!!

News feed. I'm trying to do like a FAQ in 'Hope Montreal pioneering work group in Facebook' and have some answers to update each other about the progress we're making in getting into Montreal... I hope to give you all as much info as possible. Also when people keep asking you the same questions 10,000 times you can just tell them to go into Facebook and check it out for themselves ha ha ha

We just had a great Oceania Convention 2008 here in Brisbane and Oh boy we had a blast... So much fun and I believe as a region of Oceania we have hit a breakthrough mark in helping people be aware and inspire them about the possibility of becoming involved in church planting work. Actually when the altar call was given about 4/5 of the whole room (of about 900 people) rushed to the front wanting to be a part of church planting work (as a sender, goer and mobiliser) WOW!!! It was a powerful powerful holy moment when God's people committed their lives to fulfilling God's commands in their lives...

I am going to get organised and put up some of the lesson I learnt from 'Contextualised church' OC2008 up in our blog because it is going to be very beneficial to prepare ourselves to be contextualised into Montreal culture. So that we will not be setting up a church with our own culture and therefore only attract Malaysian, Indonesian, Singaporean, Taiwanese or Asian only people when we are in Montreal... Amen!!!

Love,

Mel

"If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?" -- David Livingstone

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr One Year Old Gabriel-24th Nov 2007

2007-11-23T19:35:00.000-05:00

On va a Montreal!" :)
Thanks for the 'car plat' guys! :)

BTW, little Gabriel will be celebrating his 1year old birthday tomorrow.
God bless! Leeking

Raising the Bar

2007-11-23T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

How are you doing?

Just thought I might drop in to say hello to all of you and maybe share one thing or two about what I sense that God is doing in the midst of our preparation to go. Most of the things is probably something personal that God is challenging myself but for some reason I believe it will somehow relate to all of us...

Lately while praying and seeking God I really felt the impression that God is asking me to raise the bar to a new level. Just that word RAISING THE BAR keeps coming back. Well actually I kind of got some kind of shock not because I think I'm good already but I really felt the urgency to rise up.

I'm quite a straight forward person (most times ;op) and I think God is challenging me to raise the bar in some areas in my life: intimacy with Him and my relationship with Him, ministry skills in many ways: worship, speaking skills, language, knowledge about the world and the things around about me, knowledge about other churches there is in the body of Christ, health etc. So I'm currently trying to intentionally improve in some areas... It will take a while, I'm a very slow learner but hopefully I'm going in the right direction.

Another thing that I think all of us should really pray regarding Montreal is for PURPOSE. Yes we all know the general purpose and what we all need to do but I'm talking about special specific purpose that God Himself can lay in our hearts. This can only come through seeking Him and His will for our lives... So I hope and pray that each one of us are prepared to seek God individually to receive this purpose with conviction, Amen...

Your sister in Christ,
Mel

Sarah Ching's Prayer Points

2007-11-23T19:22:00.000-05:00

My prayer points for 24th Oct 2007:

(1)Spiritual life remain strong and growing for
everyone of us.
(2)Spiritual covering in all areas, physically,
financially, emotionally, ....
(3)Keep our hearts and mind right and live righteous
lives before God and man.
(4)God to provide ways to enter in Montreal.(jobs, PR)
(5)God to prepare hearts of the people in Montreal to
receive spiritual revival.
(6)None of us will give up or change our minds due to
whatever circumstances if we are sure this is God's
calling for us.

Micah 6:8
"What does the Lord require of you but to do justly,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

sister in Christ:
Sarah

London's Hope Church Planters

2007-10-20T05:55:00.000-04:00

Dear Montreal Team,

Both Mel and i had the honor to meet up with Ps PK and Kim Tse during our previous trip in the US at the North American Annual Camp (NAAC) in Seattle. Back in 1998, i was in Bangkok Thailand for the 2nd time attending what was then called- International Pastors Conference (IPC). During one of the sessions, we were asked to pray for this man who was to be sent out to start a church in London. I looked up and saw an elderly man being prayed for. Some guy called PK. My first thoughts were...hmm...he's kinda looks old enuf to be my dad- that's impressive!! My second thought; interesting name- PK; like the name of the chewing gum we have in Australian :) Ps PK and his wife Kim Tse left their secure and comfortable environment in Hong Kong to pioneer a church in the United Kingdom.

website: http://www.hopelondon.org/about_us.htm

That was almost 9 years ago and the seed that was planted in his heart and sister Kim Tse back in 1998 has flourished and blossomed. Watch and listen in London. Hope London has since given 'birth' to 2 daughter churches- Hope Leeds (2002) & Hope Ealing (2005). We applaud them and are deeply inspired by their commitment and example.

To hear and watch Ps PK and Kim Tse's inspiring story and their growing churches , go to http://petruong.blogspot.com/; scroll down and click on Sightseeing in London(UK)- Hope United KIngdom. It is such a blessing and privilege to be in partnership with God and His faithful servants who are committed to His vision in our Hope Family.

(Mat 13:31-32 NIV) He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. (Mat 13:32 NIV) Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Be prepared my fellow seed church planters :) Montreal city, we are coming!! Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and God bless!

warmest regards,
bENG

Voyage d'Exploration de Montréal 2007 (Montreal Exploration Trip 2007)

2007-10-08T21:12:00.000-04:00

Montréal Diaries.
Our first and final exploration trip

It was a warm humid day when Pei Shu, Mellyana and I finally landed in Montréal via Chicago. The date was August 20th 2007 approximately 1300hrs Eastern Daylight Time. To our dismay after delays and traveling for almost 10 hours from Seattle, we found out that our luggages were still in Chicago. Trying to claim our baggages back as we discovered, was a very complicated process. We felt utterly helpless at times in this new and foreign French speaking city. It became clear to us that God was reminding us that He is in control, even when things don’t go as planned. From day1, God wanted us to look to Him and depend fully on Him. In the mean time, we improvised and stayed focused on our mission here. Armed with some local knowledge of the city, we embarked on our exploration of this city with downtown Montréal. Our luggages finally arrived in Montréal’s Dorval airport after 3 days of aggravating wait which was pleasantly softened by God given peace. Hallelujah!!

One of the oldest cities in North America, with a population of close to 3.5 million, Montréal is Canada's second largest English-speaking urban centre and the largest French-speaking city of the world after Paris.The downtown area is very well connected by metro and bus system. Montréal is culturally diverse, hip, easy-going, affordable, well informed and very much liberal in their lifestyle and worldview.

During our trip to Montréal, we
1. Surveyed potential suburbs in starting the church and our accomodation
2. Gathered information to confirm our entry vehicles for study and work conditions
3. Visited the local churches and met with Christians in Montréal
4. Initiated friendships with key local Montréalers
5. Studied the local community – culture, lifestyle, living standards, language, migrants, universities, gay friendly environment, spiritual atmosphere, etc.

The two most frequently asked questions to both mel and myself are, ‘Why Montréal?’ & ‘When are you planning to go?’ The answer to the first question is simply because we want to be obedient to God’s vision (Acts 26:19). It is also a strategic move for our Hope movement both in the natural and in the spirit. At present, we have 6 adults and 2 children confirmed as team#1 for Montréal. Our current target month and year to land in Montréal is by August 2008. If you are interested to learn more about our plans or would like to be included in our mailing list-‘Friends of Montréal’, please email me at montreal2008@gmail.com.

In His Service,
bENG CHEAH

Weekly group prayer chain (chaîne de prière) is established

2007-10-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited for this that now from Monday the 8th of October we finally start on our Weekly group prayer chain (chaîne de prière). It does sound so much better in French...

Beng came up with this idea which I though was brilliant. And since we have 6 adults (and 2 children of course) and we can have a rather continuous prayer happening almost everyday of the week. But Praise God who provides a complete part of the Prayer chain. Truly when God provides, he doesn't just give us with left overs or second best. He always gives His own children with the best, especially when we are obedient children and desires to do His will... Amen.

God brought Doyin along. She is gifted in the area pf prayer, intercession, and prophecy among a few other giftings and in Hope Brisbane she has established herself as a sister with a strong ability not just to get into the presence of God in Prayer and Worship but also to lead others into God's presence in Prayer.

So here we are. The whole complete team of 7 people praying for 7 days consecutively:
Monday :Beng
Tuesday :Sara
Wednesday :Pei
Thursday :Mel
Friday :Jabez
Saturday : Doyin
Sunday Lee King

I would like to thank everyone for availing yourselves to pray. Your presence and prayer and heart for the Kingdom of God matters... Every bit of thoughts, sweat, tears, efforts that you put into this vision will totally pay off in due time!!! Amen... The things you do will be like seeds that is small in nature and insignificant by itself but when many many many seeds are gathered and planted and watered and grown by God Himself, it is powerful force to be reckoned with...

My heart is filled with joy whenever God reveals to me what can happen in the future of Hope Montreal. Do not fix our eyes just to the things surrounding us right now (with circumstances and situations, problems, preparations) but upon the Lord and let Him take you to dream of the things that can become when He takes us... ordinary vessels into something useful for His Kingdom.

First group prayer of October 2007

2007-10-08T04:27:00.000-04:00

Praise God for the opportunity for praying together at our house in Brisbane.

We organised group prayer dedicated for Montreal once every two weeks and I was in charge for this particular week. We decided after looking at everyone's schedule to have the prayer meeting on saturday nights. It's very hard to find a time that suits everybody because Pei is in the afternoon service and it's hard to find a good time when everyone is available. So I was quite excited when finally we decided on this day and time.

Pei discovered that she double booked herself and had a very important appointment so she couldn't make it. Since it was just three of us left: Beng, Doyin and myself I seriously considered of cancelling the meeting. I should have learnt from past experience that no matter what happens (especially) before a prayer meeting, it shouldn't deter us from going to God in prayer because God is still waiting, availing Himself for that appointment. Thank God for Beng who decided to keep the meeting on. Please someone remind me in the future when this happens again (when something comes up before a prayer meeting) that we should try our best to go ahead anyway...

We had about 50 mins prayer; This was the actual program we did:
1. Worship: Jesus we enthrone you
2. Free worship and prayer, interceding for Montreal and for the effort for church planting there. Asking God to reveal points to pray and scripture for the team
3. Sharing
4. Prayer over the points that God reveal to us
5. Closing

Prayer points/ things revealed by God
- Eph 3:10
(Eph 3:10 NIV) His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

This gave us assurance of God's perfect/ideal/only plan for this world through the church. This really affirms us of our mission in God. That this is God's vision and mission for us, not of our own.
We might be just ordinary people and inadequate in many ways but God is able and He will enable us to fulfill the task ahead. It is not by my might or power but by the spirit of the Lord.

- Eph 3:20
(Eph 3:20 NIV) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

This gave us confirmation/link from the above scripture. That we can do more than what we imagine. We shouldn't be afraid to dream...

- If we do things God's way we will succeed and if we do things our way we will fail
- We need to pray for FAITH to claim for the things God wants to give to us
- Pray for COURAGE and PERSISTENCE. That we'll be people of promise not of circumstances. This is later confirmed by word of prophecy that we are children of promise not of circumstances or our own work. Just like Abraham and Sara waited for Isaac, the child of promise, we shouldn't get distracted with the things that we need to do by ourselves doubting the fulfillment of God's promise (Resulting in the birth of Ishmael)
- Pray for God to reveal to us the BLUE PRINT for the Montreal church
- Pray and ask God for the KEY to the city of Montreal
- Pray against the spirit of FEAR. to guard our hearts against it, because sometimes fear creep in silently and brings darkness to our heart. Rebuke this in Jesus name...
- There will be opposition working actively against us, so the team must INTENTIONALLY put on THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD
(2 Cor 10:5 NIV) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

On the last note, I just want to extend my welcome again to Doyin that has committed for her heart, time, support and friendship towards the fulfilment of the plans of God for us as a team and for Hope Montreal.