Living Hope Raleigh

What a joy it was to celebrate our Thanksgiving baptism service this past Sunday, November 23rd, as we witnessed five beloved members publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ! We rejoiced as Abigail, Janet, Dylan, Chuck, and Sam each took this meaningful step of obedience, being baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person's journey is unique and beautiful—some coming to this decision after prayerful consideration about serving in ministry leadership, and all declaring their commitment to walk in newness of life with Christ. Watching them rise from the water was a powerful reminder of the wonderful picture baptism provides: our spiritual burial with Christ and our resurrection to new life in Him. As a church family, we don't just celebrate this moment and move on—we're committed to coming alongside these five precious souls as they continue their journey of faith. Family and friends gathered to share in the joy, and our hearts are full of gratitude for God's amazing grace at work in each of their lives. We're so blessed to witness how the Lord is moving in our church community. Let’s continue to keep nurturing and supporting one another in our walk with Christ.

Our Cambodia mission team of seven dedicated members has been preparing their hearts through studying the book of Acts, embracing the call to be witnesses in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to be of one heart. This isn’t just a volunteer trip – our team is going to proclaim the gospel and see God’s transformative power at work in Cambodia. They will be ministering through VBS programs, youth nights, church retreats, and home visitations to unbelievers, all while praying for the Holy Spirit to be poured out upon the land. We’re asking for your fervent prayers in several key areas: for the local Church and its leadership, for the gospel to heal broken families and bring transformation to corrupt education and societal systems, for the younger generation to experience spiritual renewal and rebuilding, and for our team’s ministry effectiveness, unity, health, safety, and favorable weather conditions. Your prayers are the lifeline our team needs as they serve in various ministries. Please join us in lifting up our Cambodia mission team as they go forth to witness God’s love and power in action.

This week, August 28th-31st, our church is sending a dedicated medical and dental mission team to Sky Village in Cancun, Mexico! Our seven-member team from both KM and EM will be serving the local community by providing essential healthcare services while sharing God’s love through meaningful ministry. This mission represents more than just medical care – it’s an opportunity for our team members to experience God’s heart for the nations firsthand and to expand the gospel’s influence throughout the Sky Village community. We’re asking for your prayers in three specific areas: that our medical and dental work will truly meet the needs of the people, that our team members will have a deep encounter with God’s love for those they serve, and that the gospel’s influence will continue to grow in Sky Village long after our team returns. Your prayers are a vital source of strength for this mission. Please join us in lifting up this important outreach as we serve our neighbors in Mexico with Christ’s love.

Our Mexico Mission Team is heading to Chiapas for a life-changing week of ministry! They'll be bringing hope through VBS, house visits, medical ministry and visiting hospital and homebound patients alongside local pastors in one of Mexico's poorest regions. As they serve this community struggling with poverty and hopelessness, we need your prayers for: smooth travel logistics and schedules for all 27 team members, unity across this multi-generational team as they work together, strong partnership and teamwork with the local mission center staff and translators, and most importantly, that through every VBS program, medical visit, house call, and patient encounter, the gospel would be clearly shared and received. Pray that the children and families in Esperanza village would not just enjoy the activities but truly encounter Jesus and find eternal hope in Him, and that the love of Christ would shine through every interaction our team has in this hurting community.

Our Japan Mission Team will be in Tokyo this week (July 15-23), where they'll spend time sharing the gospel through VBS with second-generation Japanese youth, supporting homeless ministry, and joining street evangelism efforts. As they minister in a culture where young people are struggling with hopelessness about their future and where sharing Christ faces deep cultural barriers, we as a congregation will be covering them in prayer just as Pastor Soo prayed for them this past Sunday: that God would protect and strengthen each team member, teaching them to pray daily and put on the full armor of God. Join us in praying that through the team's unity with local church leaders and missionaries, the love of Christ would shine through every interaction, bringing hope to a generation that desperately needs to know Jesus.

Please pray for:
The Gospel to be delivered as hope in the midst of despair:
That the hope of Jesus may reach the Japanese people who are struggling with mental anguish and social issues

The mission team may serve in unity:
Team members may be united in the Holy Spirit, sharing the Gospel with humility and wisdom

The hearts of the next generation in Japan may open to the Gospel via VBS:
Although many children have never experienced church, may their open hearts to change also open to the Gospel

Local churches may be strengthened and leaders raised up:
Small churches may not lose heart, but continue to share the Gospel, and that young leaders may be established

Spiritual barriers may be broken and the work of salvation may take place:
The walls hindering the Gospel, such as ancestor worship and idol culture, may fall, and that many may encounter Jesus

The Missions Bazaar is today, Apr 12, 8am-12pm! Korean street food, giant yard sale, car wash, professional haircuts. Come eat Korean fried chicken, hoduk, donuts, kimchi, kimbap, it’s all here!

Quick reminder - our Mission Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday (Apr 12) from 8am to 12 noon. Korean street food and desserts, yard sale, hair cuts, car wash. Be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about the event. All proceeds from the event will directly go towards supporting missions. See you all there!