Written by: Sophia Roman
In a world filled with hopelessness and despair, there is still hope to be found. If we look long and hard enough, we will find a glimpse of hope.
A vision for hope
Siblings Cleo and Lisa Solomons, known as “PKs” (pastor’s kids), hail from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, they decided to make a difference by using their creative skills and gifts to connect people with the Lord Jesus.
Hope carriers
They started what is now known as Hope City South Africa, a movement for this generation. They began by inviting people from all walks of life to an overnight worship, prayer, and praise event in Port Elizabeth harbour on the Logos Hope Ship. As co-founders, they created a worship ministry for evangelism. Cleo, 30, is a Bible School graduate. She also works as a freelance graphic designer and serves in a local church, pastored by their parents, Philip and Sharon Solomons. Lisa, 22, felt called during the pandemic to share encouraging words and testimonies on social media. As people began reaching out, thanking them and requesting prayer, they saw healings and witnessed those seeking a fresh start in life.
Called to this generation
Hope City began with three musicians and three singers, attracting about 50 attendees. Today, they have a membership of 60 young people, forming a multi-denominational group of dancers, artists, singers, and musicians. Hundreds of young people now gather to worship at their events. “We really want to awaken this generation and equip them to live fully in their God-given purpose, influencing the world for His Kingdom. And a generation is not just the youth, but all people living in this time,” said Cleo.
Reaching out
During the summer months, Hope City meets at various beach sites, taking their praise and worship into these spaces. They reach out to beachgoers relaxing at sunset, often attracting people who are very comfortable with their beach chairs and blankets, and even those using cigarettes and alcohol. Additionally, they use large churches to host city gatherings, inviting people to an open altar after including worship, drama, dance, spoken word, prayer, and a short Gospel message. Hope City’s social media platforms now include people from different nations, expanding their reach.
Awakening a hunger for God
Over the years, Hope City has made a tremendous impact, bursting with creativity and passion to reach hungry and lost souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Immerse: a monthly gathering
Hope City now hosts “Immerse”, a smaller monthly gathering at different churches, specifically reaching out to youth. The word is spreading, and they are eternally grateful for the opportunity to influence their generation, adding great fun to each gathering. More and more people return to thank them for answered prayers. They live and plan, determined to awaken a generation hungry for God, with evangelism as their goal. Hope City is not a church but an outreach ministry using creative arts to reach people. They have seen how they have touched the lives of those who may not easily enter a church building, reaching people on the beach fronts and beyond.
SOPHIA ROMAN – pioneer, visionary, and life transformation coach. Sophia and her husband, Theo, pastor the West Reach AOG Church in Mitchells Plain.
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Date published: 13/09/2024
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