We wanna know. What’s happenin’? What is going on in your church that excites you? What makes you say, “Thank you, Jesus, I needed that!” or “I’m glad I’m not missing this”?
Maybe it’s the message – that something you just needed to hear. Maybe it’s the worship – authenticity straight from the heart to God. Or maybe it’s simply the relationship you have with the one-time strangers who are now family to you.
Do you look forward to an English service? Is it the laid-back atmosphere of a Saturday service that helps connect you with God? Or maybe it’s something altogether different.
Tell us – what’s happenin’?
This isnt I guess whats happening in my church per say because I am in a search for a true church that really resembles God’s love. I am sad to say that a almost 100 percent of the churches that are a part of the HYPF does not really reflect God’s love because no where in the bible does it say God’s love and favor rest’s on one group of people. If a non malu believer comes and tries to join one of the churches more likely than not what will happen is they get a seat in the back row and as long as they keep quiet and dont disturb the process and the status quo everything is ok
By: A searching believer on June 18, 2009
at 3:57 pm
I’d agree that our HYPF churches are not the most welcoming when it comes to people who are non-Malayalee/non-Pentecostal and I can understand how it can be frustrating to members who want to bring friends (who don’t meet those requirements) to church.
However, I don’t think any of our churches actually believe they are the one, chosen group to receive God’s love and favor. As a group of immigrants in a new country, there was the need to have Christian fellowship with those they had a relationship with. I think that sentiment has endured, nothing more (in most cases).
I don’t think there’s a premeditated decision to be exclusive; I think there was just a notion to meet the needs of this particular group which, in effect, naturally excludes other groups (and by that, I mean language barriers and cultural barriers that make it difficult for outsiders to join in).
It’s been my experience when visitors come to church that they are welcomed warmly. The problem is that they have a difficult time grasping much of the service due to the language and style, and themselves decide not to return. I wish it wasn’t the case but I can’t blame them. And I can’t necessarily blame the church either. They’re doing the best they can to meet the needs of the group and with the majority of the members being from India, conducting part of the service in Malayalam is often non-negotiable.
I know it doesn’t really solve anything but that’s how I sorta view the situation at the moment.
-josh
By: jpt on June 22, 2009
at 11:46 pm
I agr33.
By: Another Searching Believer on June 22, 2009
at 1:18 am
I suggest the word fellowship be removed because this is not a true fellowship described in the bible it should be replaced with the word club instead
By: A searching believer on June 29, 2009
at 12:32 am
To A Searching Believer,
I really can’t agree with you. Recently my church decided to hold 2 different services at the same time. One of the services is the English Service that is clearly ran by the English speaking members of our church. We’ve had all races attend our service and all of them have felt right at home. They also sit in the front and middle of the church. There’s a system designed that each member whether, indian, black, white, etc.. are to be greeted, made comfortable and try to get information for the future.
For you to say 100% churches, I would have to strongly disagree.
If you’re interested, feel free to come by and check out the church.
Thanks,
By: Church Member on July 13, 2009
at 12:43 pm
hmmmmmmmm an intersting thought church member I never said 100 percent I saild ALMOST 100 PERCENT. Please read carefully before quoting. Im curious though in your church can these non malu’s become a member can they serve as a secretary, treasure, or board member?
In the days of the bible everyone was given a part in leadership of the church. Wouldnt it be a great idea if a malu can serve as a board member in american church and vice versa? I know it happens in american churches where a malu is a church board member but ive yet to see it in a malu church.
Thanks for your thoughts Church Memeber. Just curious does your invite include lunch? ha ha
By: A searching believer on July 15, 2009
at 2:29 pm
I would have to agree 99.9% with “A Searching Believer.” .01% i don’t agree with is the attitude..lol. Nah im playin.. i totally feel you. Its real frustrating when talking about these ideas and when no one understands or listens. Even more when you feel like you are the only one. Its real refreshing and actually good to hear that someone understands these concepts.
That’s actually the hope, goal, and direction of HYPF now.. more primarily the past 2 years in making our churches go more in the right direction cuz like you said almost 100% of them are not. The idea that we are not able to tell a friend or classmate who is another race let alone someone who doesn’t fit the pentecostal mold (big mustache, no jewelry..lol) without them feeling welcome is sad. And we are not trying to make ways to change that either cuz honestly the people don’t want to.
HYPF is not a church though so our main goal is to work with what we are.. a body made up of 11 different churches and go from there. The hope is for these churches to go the right way .. and we’re here to hopefully usher in that idea.
A lot of these ideas are mentioned in our bible studies.. u can listen through the podcasts.. I can speak from the one’s I’ve led..notably “Uncles or Pharisees”.. “Toilet Church” also the first message of the series but I believe the portion talking about this stuff didn’t get recorded.
I can go on and on but seriously man.. keep going forward with your ideas. It may not be popular but it is right. We started an English service at our church too as well.. fought for it with these ideals in mind.. it went forward but the problem is the heart is still not there. People don’t understand these ideals but look at it more of a youth service. It’s not for keeping youth..its for reaching the common man. It’s frustrating but I keep seeing more and more.. as u lean on God and the right ideals and for His timing to pave the way.. things change.
God Bless man.
gestinpedd
By: gestinpedd on July 21, 2009
at 9:36 pm
well all i can say gestinpedd is that ill bet your english service is just a temporary gift from the uncles and pastor who run the church in about a year or two or maybe 3 it may just disappear so that they can expand the malu service and culture. I am learning to avoid their church and services and going into areas where I can freely worship with like minded believers and truly get a new testament church experience of souls coming to christ, the sick being healed, with believers actually fighting the devil and taking back what he has stolen instead of each other, where I go to a service and can truly experience God to the point I dont want to go home.
By: A searching believer on July 22, 2009
at 9:02 am
yeah no doubt.. that’s exactly what I said. And actually knew that coming in but just using this as a means to get to that point.. it’ll still go forward. It’s God’s real church vision.. just have to ride on his coat tail and direction. It’s just the meantime that is frustrating..
you should come out to an hypf meeting or bible study. it just be cool just to spend time and pray together. im antihype so don’t really talk too much about how God has been moving but He’s been really touching and speaking to a lot of us.
By: gestinpedd on July 22, 2009
at 10:18 am
actually though why would I come to a meeting sponsored by an organization that supports the culture of the uncles and pastors who do not want a true revival but rather buildings and maintaining the “pentacostal malu culture” HYPF is not an independant organization but rather a umbrella of HPF which basically means no changes and stiffled growth
By: A searching believer on July 22, 2009
at 10:22 am
When HYPF people get really hungry for God and the revival breaks out I’ll come otherwise the HYPF meeting ill be bypassing especially since ill be bringing a non malu person
By: A searching believer on July 22, 2009
at 10:29 am
Ok, its obvious you haven’t been to a meeting or anything in awhile and I just told you we are not a part of those ideals. But whatever, it was just an open invitation. Really don’t care if you come or not. You left a comment on the hypf blog so thought you were interested in seeing and understanding what was really goin on instead of speculating.
Justin Varghese
By: gestinpedd on July 22, 2009
at 11:41 am
wow interesting response there………all I gotta say is when God moves in your meetings and a true revival starts there I’ll come in the meantime I’ll be working on improving my own life and making myself right before God so he can use me wherever I end up becoming a part of a fellowship or church You say your not part of the ideals however just the simple fact that your organization is not a independant one rather it is based upon the parent churches says something else to me dont worry I’ll be attending your meeting one day whether you care or not I never asked you to care
By: A searching believer on July 22, 2009
at 11:46 am
What I meant is.. I don’t care because its your choice. Just thought we have the same ideals and it be cool to pray and worship together to strengthen each other up. Our meetings are geared more in that direction. And if you have to go to another English church go ahead. I’m not the type of person to say u have to stick it out at ur malu church. You go where God leads you to.
Also, a lot of your info about the basics of the organization and what’s been going on is wrong .. especially independent stuff..and you keep going on and on without really knowing much about the ministry. No need to clutter the blog comments.. you can email whenever you want at president@hypf.com. Hope all the best.
Justin Varghese
By: gestinpedd on July 22, 2009
at 12:54 pm
Thanks for the clarification there if you would like to correct me on what the ministry status is feel free to respond on here. I think these blogs have almost no users on them anyways and for the public record you could just state what I am wrong about and just correct the statement.
By: A searching believer on July 22, 2009
at 12:57 pm
Yeah, basically we have been a registered, separate organization with the state about 2 years after HYPF was started (I want to say 1998?). It’s a lot different structurally from a lot of other cities and how they are connected to the respected adult group. There are a whole lot more details that go with that but like I said, you are more than welcomed to email me .. and if you’d like to be anonymous .. I guess make up a new email address and email me. If not, maybe we can talk at an event coming up. Hopefully I see you soon. Keeping you in prayer man. Great talking with you.
Justin Varghese
By: gestinpedd on July 22, 2009
at 3:16 pm
It was great to have a discussion with you as well Justin and who knows I’ll show up to the HYPF event one day Stay Blessed and Have a great day!
By: A searching believer on July 23, 2009
at 1:27 pm
I wonder sometimes what is the point? Everyone talks of God and His love, but where is it in life? People are quick to judge yet do not see their own flaws. Sad. No wonder people turn away after seeing all this. No wonder atheist are better off.
By: a lost soul on July 23, 2009
at 6:12 pm
Oh lost soul please remember we as christians are made of the same material you are……..we make mistakes……….I never claim I am the perfect christian far from it……..as the bible says we have to work out our salvation…………yes we as believers should not judge we should be accountable for our bad habits and mistakes and as we work toward becoming what God wants us to be His love will naturally flow……..Trust me atheism is not the route you want to go especially if we serve a God that will be closer to you then a brother
By: A searching believer on July 27, 2009
at 10:54 pm
hey justin just curious you said you registered with the state? what does that mean i know it doesnt mean tax exemption cause i cant find hypf on the irs website
By: A searching believer on July 29, 2009
at 8:19 pm
email me
By: gestinpedd on July 29, 2009
at 8:58 pm
Hmmmmmmm why cant we talk here and lets openly discuss again no one uses the board and i frankly see this as a good open discussion
By: A searching believer on July 30, 2009
at 7:59 pm
Hey, thanks for responding here on the blog! It really is appreciated.
However, it’s hard to encourage others to comment on posts when comments veer off into unrelated conversations.
By: hypf on July 30, 2009
at 11:17 pm
Dear HYPF,
I totally disagree with your comments that the posts are veering off unrelated conversation because the fact still remains HYPF is a sub organization of HPF and thus supports the culture of malu oriented leadership “old style thinking” is what I like to call it. Nevertheless I’ll stop posting on here per your request. Thanks
By: A searching believer on July 31, 2009
at 8:28 pm