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| June
1970.....the Hong Kong Peak is
issued by missionaries of the ABFMS.
SPECIAL EDITION ..... This issue of the Hong Kong PEAK endeavors to give more than a quick glance - - rather, a long and wide look at the work in which American Baptists are involved in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a British crown colony, with a total area of 400 square miles. Local residents speak of living either in Hong Kong, or in Kowloon, or in the New Territories. By Hong Kong is meant the island; the densely populated area on its northern shore, in the tourist books, is called Victoria. Across the milewide harbor is the Kowloon peninsula. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon were ceded to Britain over a century ago. Stretching beyond urban Kowloon is the area called the New Territories, leased by Great Britain from China for a period of 99 years ending in 1997. Included in the New Territories are 234 islands, many of them tiny. Aside from the two densely populated areas facing each other across the harbor, several prosperous towns have grown up: e.g. Aberdeen and Shaukiwan on Hong Kong Island, Tsun Wan, Sha Tin, Kwun Tong, Tai Po, Yuen Long and others in the New Territories. There are many small villages also and, although it is a surprise to visitors, some fairly open country. The largest of the islands is Lan Tau to whose three-thousand foot peak many a weary missionary has climbed for the cool air, the quiet, and the beauty of its vast view. The little island of Chu Lap Kok lies just to the north of it. Hay Ling Chan lies to the southeast. Cheung Chau, on which Dr. William Dean started a church, is not far from it. Hong Kong's population has grown from 600,000 in 1945 to more than 4 million at the present time. Although the number of refugees has diminished in recent years, over 100,000 entered Hong Kong each year for over ten years. Thus the government has faced tremendous problems with regard to water supply, transport, sewage disposal, education, medical care, roads, police and fire services etc. It is not surprising that there is no free schooling plan as yet. When people came into the colony they found refuge with friends or relatives. Small shacks appeared on hillsides, on roof-tops, and even on the side-walks. A disastrous fire in 1953 which made 60,000 people homeless started the government on a resettlement program. A resettlement "block" in the beginning was a 7-story building in the shape of an "H", with individual rooms opening on the narrow balconies. One block may house between 3,000 and 5,000 persons. More recently 17-story buildings have gone up, which provide more space for a family. The entire estate, consisting of a number of blocks, houses enough people to make a good-sized town. Some estates are almost self-contained, as the ground floors are used by shops. The roofs of the blocks are flat, and on them one or two rooms are closed in. It is here that the roof-top schools, chapels, and social welfare programs have developed. Permission to use a roof-top is gained by application to a government agency. Here and there a block is built to house small factories. Now about one-fourth of Hong Kong's population is housed in resettlement estates. Hong Kong has gained fame by cutting down mountains, and literally removing them into the sea. Small bays are filled in, and great buildings appear not only on what was once the sea, but also on the sheared-off hilltops. It is very difficult to obtain land in Hong Kong. Of the Swatow Baptist churches and chapels, only four stand as separate buildings. The others have bought store space, or apartment space, sometimes on the ground floor, but more often on the floor above, and arranged it to meet their needs. The witness of the Baptists of the United States to the Chinese did not start on the mainland of China, nor even in Hong Kong. It started in Bangkok, Thailand. The year was 1835, several years before China reluctantly opened her doors to foreigners. The hope was that converts won to Christ from among the Chinese outside of China, might carry the gospel into China where Americans were not allowed to enter. The first church was organized in 1837 in Bangkok, and carries on today as the Maitritchit Church. Dr. William Dean, the first pastor, was one of the first Westerners to learn the Swatow dialect. Missionaries came to Hong Kong in the first years of the following decade. Dr. and Mrs. William Dean and the Rev. and Mrs. J.L. Shuck came in 1842. The former worked among the Swatow-speaking Chinese and the latter with the Cantonese. The Rev. and Mrs. Josiah Goddard arrived in 1845. At about the same time, in 1843, the port of Ningpo in Chekiang Province, was opened, and Dr. and Mrs. Goddard were among the first Baptist missionaries to enter, establishing the East China Mission. By 1860 the port of Swatow was opened, and the work started in Hong Kong was transferred to that city. The few Christians in the Hong Kong program became assimilated into the Cantonese speaking Christian group. Later a third mission was opened in China - the West China Mission. And for a few years there was also a Central China Mission. But let us return to South China, and Hong Kong. The work of American Baptists in the area around the port city of Swatow prospered. Churches were established and in time they organized two conventions. One was the Ling Tong Convention, established in 1925, which consisted of the Swatow-speaking (often called the Teochiu dialect) congregations. For a time this convention assumed responsibility for the work in Thailand. The other convention served the Hakka people, whose language and customs were different from those of their near neighbors. The Japanese war started in China in July 1937. Even before that time conditions in China were unsettled, and the migration to the more secure Hong Kong started. Among those who moved to Hong Kong were Christians laymen who brought with them the gospel in much the same way it had been hoped, a hundred years earlier, that the gospel would spread into China. In 1938 a small group of Christians met for prayer in a small frame house near the present airport. That was the beginning of the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church. The Japanese war ended in 1945. Missionaries returned to China and together with the Chinese leaders began rebuilding the work. The future for the church looked hopeful. However, the communist revolution quickly spread over the whole of China. The work of the church was greatly restricted and the missionaries were forced to leave. The whole world knows the story of the flow of refugees into British held Hong Kong. From Swatow, 150 miles up the coast, people poured over the border. At present it is estimated that 800,000 people from the Swatow area reside in Hong Kong. In 1948 a group from the Kowloon City Church formed the Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Church which met on the island. In 1952 the Shumshuipo Church was organized. There were no missionaries 'working with these churches. There were, in fact, no missionaries of any denomination working with Swatow-speaking people. Not only had the churches been started by Chinese Christians, but by Christian laymen. And laymen have held strong positions in the leadership ever since. These church leaders sent a request to the A.B.F.M.S. for missionaries to come to work with them. Those they had in mind were naturally the ones who had formerly been in the South China area, who spoke their dialect. In 1954 the first missionaries assigned by the Foreign Mission Society to Hong Kong arrived: Loren and Ruth Noren, and Edna Smith. One hundred and twelve years had passed since the first American Baptist had entered Hong Kong. How They Grew. The growth of the Christian churches in Hong Kong over the past 15 years has been phenomenal. Over a period of 7 years (1955 - 1962) there was an increase in church membership of 11.3% each year over the preceding year. This exceptional annual rate of increase has not, of course, been maintained, and the percentage of increase now is approximately 4% per year. This still is rapid growth and is about the same as the annual population increase. The Swatow Baptist churches have experienced a similar rapid development. The following table shows the number of places of worship together with the total church membership.
As would be expected, the percentage of increase each year shows a decline as the total membership went up: 1955 - 1958 23% increase per year for 3 years 1958 - 1962 14% increase per year for 4 years 1962 - 1965 6% increase per year for 3 years 1965 - 1969 3.4% increase per year for 4 years Over the past 14 years there has been an average increase of 11% in church membership every year. Many of the churches and chapels have strong Sunday Schools, youth groups, women's societies, and some have Junior Church and men's fellowships. Only five ministers are ordained; several chapels are served by parttime church workers. Trained leadership is in short supply but lay leadership has played a strong role in the establishment and development of the churches. A large portion of the membership is still struggling with the problems of living in a highly urbanized, industrialized society, and the churches have only begun to recognize some of the effects of the drastic changes in their lives. Some younger members are asking themselves serious, searching questions about the role of the church - not so much in rejection, but in loyalty and conviction that the churches must and can adapt to the new situation. The following is a list of the churches and chapels as of June 1970. A chapel differs from a church in that it is not yet an independent organization. The chapels are listed under the church which established and sponsors them. I. Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church
Rev. C. T. Lee
II. Hong Kong Swatow Baptist Church Rev. John Chen III. Shumshuipo Swatow Baptist Church Rev. John Wong
IV. Mongkok Swatow Baptist Church Mr. Lim Chiu-Ming V. Homantin Swatow Baptist Church Mr. Chan Hop-Sang
VI. Shaukiwan Swatow Baptist Church Rev. Choi 'Yuk-Man VII. Castle Peak Road Swatow Baptist Church Mrs. P. B. Tang, Mr. Yuen Shui-Bo One more chapel, on the island of Chu Lap Kok, is the responsibility not of any one church, but of the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee of Swatow Baptist Churches. Organized in 1954, the Joint Committee has been the meeting place for the Swatow Baptist churches. In the Committee they have given expression to their common heritage and tried mutually to strengthen their witness and service in Hong Kong. The churches send representatives, and each chapel sends an observer to the monthly meetings. Various committees plan and carry out programs meeting common needs, such as adult literacy programs, training for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teachers, youth work, training in music, relief, college and seminary scholarships etc. A recent outreach is the support of a women's worker for a Baptist Church in Penang, Malaysia. The Joint Committee is a member of the Junk Bay Medical Relief Council, the Chung Chi College Theological Division Advisory Council, and the Baptist Council on Cooperation in World Mission. The Rev. C. T. Lee, able pastor of the Kowloon City Swatow Baptist Church, has represented the Swatow Baptist churches in this latter body. He and the Rev. John Chen share the duties of Honorary Executive Secretaries of the Joint Committee. The present chairman of the committee is Mr. Yiu Chun-Yin, a son of the first chairman. Hong Kong Baptist Association. Individual Swatow Baptist Churches also belong to the Hong Kong Baptist Association which brings together all Baptists from the Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Swatow-speaking churches. The Association carries out a wide and varied program. Youth Work in the Churches. Swatow Baptist young people face tremendous problems as they live in this overcrowded city on the edge of Communist China. Leaders puzzle how to make the gospel relevant to their needs. In January 1969 a Youth Committee was set up by the Joint Committee of Swatow Baptist Churches. It aims to assist with program planning and materials, to provide training for youth that they may be better able to serve Christ, and to provide opportunities for fellowship among Swatow Baptist young people. A retreat for officers, and a youth work seminar in 1969, helped the young people to think about their place in the church and in the community. In the youth fellowship meetings the usual pattern of program is almost a duplication of a church service, with the young people passively listening to a speaker. Efforts are being made to arouse more participation by members of the group. To do this materials are being prepared, showing the leaders specifically how to work out a variety of activities and techniques. International Youth Conferences. The often-ingrown youth groups have been, stirred in the past ten years by participation in international youth conferences. In 1961, 4 young men went to the Second Asian Baptist Youth Conference in Japan. In December of 1964, the East Asia Christian Conference sponsored an Asian Christian Youth Assembly in the Philippines, to which 7 delegates went. In 1966, also in the Philippines, the Third Asian Baptist Youth Conference was held. Fifty went from Hong Kong, representing both the Swatow and Cantonese churches. Finally, in 1968 the Seventh Baptist World Youth Conference met in Berne, Switzerland. David Wong and Miss June Sutton attended. Music Conferences. Three music conferences have been conducted, in 1965, 1966, and 1968, under the able leadership of Mr. Gabriel Chi. The results are two-fold: first, improved music performance in choirs and group singing; and second, increased fellowship and cooperation among the young people of the Swatow churches and chapels. Attendance was limited to 80. Chung Chi College was the site chosen in each case. The young people learned to read music, and to sing correctly. They also learned the rudiments of conducting, music theory, the playing of accompaniments, and appreciation of finer Christian music. After each conference the students gave a concert. The Chu Lap Kok Camp. David Wong, one of the 1968 graduates of the Chung Chi College Theological Seminary, works with John Reed on the camping program which is a project of the Joint Committee. With accommodations for 80 people, the camp has been used two summers by youth groups. During its first year, there was a total of 1,500 overnight campers. The hope is that classes of school children may also use the camp. The Education Department of the government has expressed interest in the possibilities. As a place for retreats and conferences it is excellent, although still a bit difficult to reach. The buildings, except for the kitchen, are quonset huts formerly used by the Kowloon Traffic Police Department. They were purchased, dismantled, moved to the island, and re-erected. A beautiful beach fronts the camp, ready for swimming and boating. And ten minutes walk away is the chapel built for the families resettled on the island. Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools. Sunday Schools for children are a commonly accepted part of the local church program. Classes are usually taught by young people, often of high school age, who feel that is one way of serving Christ. Many have little preparation and no training for the task. They likewise have little time to get ready to teach, week by week. In 1968 a Sunday School Committee was formed by the Joint Committee. A one-day retreat was held for prospective Vacation Bible School teachers, who usually are Sunday School teachers as well. To many the methods suggested were new because they had never been taught in those ways themselves. Needless to say, what was taught has not immediately reformed the teaching of children, but there has been a beginning. Some congregations have emphasized the importance of the teaching program in the life of the church by holding services of dedication for the Sunday School teachers. Several of the churches are developing a Junior Church program, usually held during the Sunday worship service. The children are taught to take leadership, and a wide variety of activities is introduced. June Sutton is leading this work. Leadership training on behalf of all the churches in Hong Kong is carried on by the Christian Education Committee of the Hong Kong Christian Council. One of a variety of methods used has been to send teams of two to a local church at their request, to help consider the problems they face. Women’s Societies and Christian Family Life. Retreats for members of the Women's Societies and training opportunities for the officers have been accepted programs for several years. In 1956 the Societies formed an association which annually prepares a handbook and program guide. Estelle Schock now serves as advisor to this organization. The Asian Baptist Women’s Union met in the Philippines in 1963. From Hong Kong went Mrs. Catherine Ho, Mrs. Ruth Noren, and Miss Edna Smith, representing the Swatow Baptist churches. Five years later the Union met in Hong Kong. Months of planning by many women in a number of committees, broadened the thinking of the women and challenged them to attempt new things. In 1963 the Women's Association organized a committee on Christian Family Life. A Christian Family Institute was conducted and 200 attended. A consultation on the Christian View of Sex and Marriage was planned by the Hong Kong Christian Council. Six went from the Swatow churches and later shared the findings during a training retreat for officers. In cooperation with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, a workshop on Family Nutrition was held. Again the ideas learned have been passed on to those attending the Women's Societies. Ruth Noren has led in this Family Life emphasis. Roof-Top Schools. Known around the world is the creative way in which voluntary agencies, in cooperation with the Hong Kong government, have used the roof-tops of resettlement buildings. The buildings are constructed with a room at each end of the long, flat roof, and strong wiring to keep children from falling from the open play area. Schools, and community service programs have flourished on many roofs. With Hugh Smith as missionary advisor, Swatow Baptists and the American Baptist Mission have conducted programs on a total of 10 roof-tops. As many as 4,000 children have been served at one time. Now with the development of more adequate school facilities the programs on the roof-tops are gradually changing. There is still a need for kindergartens and thought is being given to other programs. Two of the roof-tops which were no longer needed have been turned back to the government. Student Tuition and Expense Program - STEP. Hong Kong does not have a free public school system. Even though fees are low, many families need help in paying for tuition, school uniforms, and supplies. For several years interested persons abroad have sent gifts of money to help a child in school. We call this project STEP. Some donors sponsor a particular child; others donate to the project and their gifts are applied as needed. In 1965, 70 children were helped; in 1969 the number had risen to 140. Most of these are in primary school, but 20 are special cases, most of them in high school The government is planning to provide primary schooling for every child. When that is actually accomplished, there will still be need to help high school students. The STEP Committee intends broadening its program to help young people to develop leadership skills. For example, the churches need pianists, but piano lessons are fairly costly. Also, a wide variety of evening courses are available, and young people who work by day are encouraged to enroll. Schoolmate Kits. "New towels, washcloths, pencils, crayons, scissors, soap, tablets - these are wonderful to, receive! And if these useful supplies are sent by unknown American friends just because they love God and all His children - then how happy we are!" Over a period of 6 or 7 years thousands of these kits have come from groups or individuals in American Baptist churches, and the children who receive them react with expressions of gratitude. One Christmas alone, 2,000 kits were given to eager students. English Classes. To study English in school, and to use it easily in informal groups are two different things. There are continual requests for English classes, and several of the mission group have responded. Among them are Elaine Olley, Joyce Knight, Harold and Estelle Schock, Ruth Noren, and Kathie Reed. Chuk Yuen -- Bamboo Garden. The story goes back to 1953. A large number of Swatow church members lost their homes in a fire, and the government resettled them in the Chuk Yuen area. It seemed too far for them to go to even the nearest church of their choice, so lay leaders began holding services under a tarpaulin on the hillside. With the help of Church World Service, a fine stone structure with two adjacent playgrounds was completed in 1959; the American Baptist Mission and the Swatow Baptist churches accepted the responsibility for the program there. "To serve the people of Chuk Yuen in the love of Christ" is the stated purpose of the building. Through the years there have been program changes in Clink Yuen. For example, at one time a tuberculosis clinic used the lower floor, giving 15,000 injections in a year. That service is now provided elsewhere, freeing space for other activities. At present the building is used for a kindergarten, with 175 children enrolled. Boy Scouts meet there. Sewing and typing class attract fine groups.' Some come to study English, or to practice on the piano. A room is open for supervised study five evenings a week. Harold Schock serves as director both here and in Moon Lok. The worship services started so long ago on the rocky hillside continue, and with them an active Sunday School and youth fellowship program. The Rev. Yiu Jing-Kwok is the pastor, serving under appointment of the Kowloon City Church. Moon Lok. Tsun Wan is an industrial town several miles west of Kowloon. In the past few years several large housing estates have been built there. In the center of one of these a compact two-story building was placed. Applications were called for from organizations wanting to set up a kindergarten program. We applied, our application was accepted, and in June 1965 we took control of the building. More than 800 children expressed their desire to enter the kindergarten. We took 320 in two sessions, morning and afternoon. The name Moon Lok, or "Full of Happiness" is a descriptive one, as the children come day by day for classes. At other times the building is used for other activities, similar to those noted in the Chuk Yuen program. Sunday School classes and worship services have been held regularly since November 1966, with financial help and leadership coming from the Kowloon City Church. Mr. David Chi and his family have been the key persons in this situation. OUR COOPERATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND STUDENT WORK The thousands of refugees who entered Hong Kong
from China Chung Chi College opened its doors in 1951,using borrowed buildings on Hong Kong island. Later the present site near Shatin was secured. It is hilly and beautiful; a breath-taking view of Tolo Harbor and the hills beyond is seen from the chapel. Indicative of the college's forebears, in the chancel of the chapel are the seals, carved in wood, of the 13 Christian colleges which were in China. A Chinese Christian Colleges Alumni Association has been formed, and uses the campus on occasion for fellowship as well as for worship. American Baptist involvement in Chung Chi has always been deep. Miss Sara Downer, formerly on the faculty of West China Union University, established the physics department, and headed it until her retirement in 1962. Loren Noren, an active Board member through the years, has served as comptroller and as chaplain. John and Ruth Espy gave five years to the college and will return in 1970. William Hackett and John Olley are now on the faculty and live on the campus. Chung Chi is one of three colleges forming the Chinese University of Hong Kong which officially came into being in 1963. The other two colleges are New Asia and United. Of the three, Chung Chi is the only church-related school. Its name, which means "Worship Christ", makes its Christian stand known. A unique feature of its curriculum is the Philosophy of Life course which is required of all students for four years. Recently the name of the course was changed to Integrative Basic Studies. In September 1969, the total enrolment in the three schools was 2,104, divided between the faculty of arts, commerce and social science, and science. Masters' degrees may be earned in any of the three departments. The university also offers extra-mural courses; 387 courses in 1968-9, with a total enrolment of 9,760 students. Theological Training. In 1962 a program of training for the Christian ministry was established in relation to Chung Chi College. What was then called the Chung Chi Theological Seminary has now become the Theology Division of Chung Chi College, a part of the faculty of Arts. Students will receive a B.A. degree with a major in theology, at the end of four years. Then they will spend two years on courses more specifically suited to their future work. The Division is also able to admit non-matriculated students, who will receive a diploma but not a degree. The Theology Division is controlled by a council of church representatives. The Rev. C. T. Lee and Loren Noren represent the Swatow Baptist churches. Its program is fully dependent on the churches for financial support, receiving no funds from the government as the rest of the college program does. American Baptists donated U. S. $33,700 to the new theology building which was opened in October 1969. Baptist graduates are: Harry Wu, David Wong, Chan Hop-Sang, and his brother Chan Wan-Shan. Hong Kong Baptist College. Operated by the Hong Kong Baptist Association with substantial assistance from Southern Baptists in personnel and finance, this college was founded in 1956. Although our mission has been associated primarily with Chung Chi College, we have also assisted in the program of Baptist College. Mrs. Helen Wigginton has served as assistant to, the president and the vice-president for two years, 1968 - 1970. Ruth Noren and Sharon Parks have both taught in the college, and there have been many other occasional contacts. Many of the young people of our churches attend the college, whose enrolment in 1970 is more than 2,000. The college is making a significant contribution to higher education as a non-residential, city college. Student Christian Centre. The Student Christian Centre program started in 1957 to implement the concerns of the Church for college students. Authority lies in a Board of Directors to which American Baptists appoint a member. From 1967 to 1970 John and Kathie Reed have served on the staff. The Rev. Chiang Pao-Lin from our Hakka work in South China has also been a member of the staff. In the early years students needed material assistance, scholarship aid, a place to study. These needs were met along with Christian teaching and counselling. In more recent years the emphasis has been on interest groups, functioning within the building. The student forum, and a monthly periodical gave the students means of expression. At the present the situation is changing again. In addition to students coming to the Centre for activities, staff persons are going to the campuses. There is a growing effort to co-ordinate activities of student organizations related to different schools. Summer student exchange programs, with Japan and the Philippines, have proved successful. College Student Work Projects. In the years just after 1949 many young people were in need. Many were separated from their families; many families had lost their means of support. Education, and especially higher education, was for many a financial impossibility. The C.S.W.P. was organized in 1953 and since then has assisted well over 4,000 students. Each student is assigned to work a specified number of hours per week. In 1969, 250 students were assigned to 110 voluntary agencies. The monthly stipend is now H.K.$140.00 per month. This project is under the auspices of Hong Kong Christian Service, and its work directed by a Board to which American Baptists appoint a member. OUR COOPERATION IN MEDICAL PROGRAMS Although American Baptists have not maintained medical personnel on the mission staff, they have cooperated with other groups in maintaining health services. The Haven of Hope. The Haven of Hope is only one of the projects directed by the Junk Bay Medical Relief Council. Another is the Rennie's Mill Church Clinic, which had a total attendance of over 18,000 last year. The third is the Sunnyside Children's Preventorium which cares for a maximum of 57 children threatened with tuberculosis, or well along the way to good health again. The Haven of Hope Tuberculosis Sanatorium opened in 1955. It started, literally, with a table set out in the open, a few pills,'and two dedicated nurses. One of the nurses, Miss Annie Skau (now Mrs. Bemtsen) has since been honored by the government of Norway for her work. The sanatorium now occupies a beautiful site overlooking Junk Bay; a lovely chapel stands on the highest promontory above the bay. In 1968-9 the admissions totalled 505. American Baptists in the early years gave the equivalent of a ward of seven beds. Regular contributions have been made since. In cooperation with the Swatow Baptist churches, the reasonable fees have been paid for needy church members who have been treated there. Hay Ling Chan. The name of this island very appropriately means, "The Isle of Happy Healing." It is the site of the Leprosy Mission. From the island a steady stream of the cured return to society - over 1,600 since the work was started in 1951. The big problem of the Leprosy Mission is not to cure, but to help the cured be rehabilitated, because of the false fear of the disease on the part of the family and employers. American Baptists have been represented on the Board of Directors for many years. At present the leprosarium has 269 patients; the highest population was in 1960 when it held 542. The patients who are well enough do a variety of work, which is partly therapy, partly an opportunity to learn a new trade, and partly a means of helping the mission meet its expenses. A church called "The Lord is Willing" is served by a full-time pastor. During the past year 9 persons were baptized. The United Christian Hospital. Hong Kong does not have enough hospital beds. The planned United Christian Hospital will help to meet the need, and to express Christian concern for community health. Mr. Richard Blakney, a trained hospital administrator, arrived in 1965 to head up the project. The 350-bed hospital will be built in Kwun Tong, on a 5.5 acre plot close to huge resettlement developments. The plan is to make it a community hospital, not only curing, but preventing disease, and searching out ways of building better health conditions. Money for this project has come from various sources: North American and British Mission Societies, the Women's Christian Medical College Board, German churches, and the Hong Kong government. A large amount is still to be raised locally. Volunteer Hospital Visiting Program. Under the auspices of Hong Kong Christian Service three series of training sessions for hospital visitors have been carried out. Professionally taught and supervised 9 the volunteer visitors in cooperation with hospital staff, have worked in the Nethersole Hospital and the Maryknoll Hospital. So, successful has the program been that it came to the attention of the Tung Wah group of hospitals, who requested that visitors come to them also. OUR COOPERATION IN WELFARE AND RELIEF PROGRAMS Hong Kong Christian Service. In 1967, Church World Service, and the Hong Kong Christian Welfare and Relief Council, which had been formed in 1955, united to form Hong Kong Christian Service. In the early years it was necessary to, give direct relief. Milk stations were set up, clothing was given out in large quantities, tuberculosis clinics were operated; the mobile dental van went where it was needed.
Other activities of the H.K.C.S. which are described elsewhere are the Volunteer Hospital Visiting Program, the Chu Lap Kok resettlement project, and the College Student Work Projects. In addition:
The emphasis of H.K.C.S. is shifting from direct aid to experimental projects, and co-ordination of programs of other agencies. Chu Lap Kok - Resettled Families. Named after a fish whose shape it resembles, Chu Lap Kok has been a barren island, with a very limited water supply. It seemed an unlikely spot to settle a community of farmers. A total of 16 families who had been, farmers on the mainland of China and who found urban life difficult, were glad to start a new life there. Small stone cottages were built for them, and a community hall. A living allowance for 18 months, plus a few chickens and pigs helped them get started. In addition to their small farms the men, under the direction of the Forestry Department of the government, planted 50,000 trees. In 1968 a fire destroyed about 8,000 of them, but the others continue to grow well. Problems have been many. Following a long drought several families moved back to the city; others have taken part-time work in the city in order- to have ready cash and a steady income. Early in 1970, however, new settlers joined the community. Now, with Bill Hackett helping to plan, a tractor has been purchased, the water supply has been improved, and a good strain of chickens has been introduced. We hope the farmers will provide food for the campers. This project is the responsibility of Hong Kong Christian Service. Because the families are Swatow-speaking, American Baptists have taken a strong lead. A service of worship is held every Sunday in the community hall, which is also used by the camp as a place of worship. For several years Mr. Ho Ming Fong directed the Christian program and helped the settlers in many ways. OUR COOPERATION IN COMMUNICATION AND LITERATURE American Baptists have at times provided leadership for this type of program; through appropriations and representation on boards and committees they have made useful contributions to the work. C.C.L.C. The Chinese Christian Literature Council is the successor to the Council on Christian Literature for Overseas Chinese which, in a very real sense, was the successor of the Christian Literature Society formerly in China. The production and distribution of Christian literature in Chinese is the work done. In addition the council encourages potential writers, and stimulates individuals and groups to use more and better literature. Periodicals such as the Happy Home, translations such as the Theological Education Series (done in cooperation with the Nanking Seminary Fund), translations of many other fine books, hymnals, school materials such as the Happy Childhood Bible Series, the Sunday School lessons of the South East Asia Series - these are all to be found on their shelves. Dr. Heyward Wong has been the publisher, and Mr. Moses Hsu the general editor, since 1967. South East Asia Curriculum. The South East Asia Editorial Board was set up in 1960 to produce Sunday School lessons for Chinese-speaking congregations all over South East Asia. The editorial office was established in Hong Kong, and Mildred Proctor invited to be one of the full-time editors. Lessons have been prepared for Kindergarten, Primary, Junior, and Intermediate departments, with half-yearly books for teachers, and also for pupils. The lessons are written in Chinese by Chinese people, from outlines prepared by a Chinese group; there is no translation from English materials. At present materials are in process of production for use in Sunday School classes or youth fellowships, for the Senior high school, and older youth groups. As complementary materials, the Editorial Board is producing a song-book for small children, sets of teaching pictures, and some booklets to help teachers be better teachers. Audio-Visual Evangelism Committee. A.V.E.C. was started in 1954 to promote the use of audio-visual resources in presenting the Christian message. In this direction a library has grown including films, filmstrips, and flat pictures. Projectors may be rented; protectionists are available, and they also service equipment belonging to others. Workshops train people in the use of audio-visual methods. Production of films is limited because of finance and staff, although the dubbing of sound tracks into Chinese goes on continuously. Early in the 1960's the Committee added broadcasting to its activities, and has since been involved in the religious programs of Radio Hong Kong. At the beginning of the 1970's, plans are being worked out in cooperation with TACAVA in Taiwan and SEARV (South East Asia Radio Voice), to beam programs into China. The work of A.V.E.C. is financed largely by RAVEMCCO, an arm of the National Council of Churches of the U.S.A. American Baptists are represented on the local Board of Directors by two members. The Bible Society in Hong Kong. The Bible Society aims to put the Scriptures into every man's hand in a language he can understand, and at a price he can afford to pay. Their work includes not only printing and distribution, but translation, and encouraging the use of the scriptures. More than 2 million copies, many of which were portions or selected passages, were produced in Hong Kong last year, in 15 languages of South East Asia. American Baptists are represented on the Board at present by Marion Hackett, herself an able Bible translator. OUR COOPERATION IN SOME GENERAL PROGRAMS Hong Kong Christian Council. The Hong Kong Christian Council is a cooperative effort promoting activities which no one church organization could accomplish as effectively alone. It develops fellowship among various church bodies. From time to time it serves as the voice for its member groups, as for example in speaking on some issue to government. Membership in the Council is by denominations and church organizations. There are 22 members; 75% of the Protestant church membership in Hong Kong. In 1968-9 the Protestant members of the Council numbered - - 128,700 Protestants who are not members of the Council - 42,900 Roman Catholics in Hong Kong - - - - - 235,937 Total Christian population - - - - - - - 407,537
The Council promoted the scheme of housing various Christian organizations in the same building. Now the Metropole Building (57 Peking Road, Kowloon) is often referred to as the Christian Center. In the 15-story building floors 2 to 7 inclusive are used by Christian organizations. Mr. Calvin Ngai is the general secretary of the Council. He returned from study at Andover Newton in 1961, and became the first full-time secretary. Before his study abroad he was pastor of the Shumshuipo Swatow Baptist Church. Industrial Committee and Concerns. Is the Church where the people are? Put more inelegantly, do we scratch where it itches? Almost half of the population of Hong Kong is employed in cotton mills, weaving factories, garment-making firms, plastic enterprises, radio and other electronic factories, food and beverage businesses. The problems are many and real. For some years the Industrial Committee of the Hong Kong Christian Council functioned without adequate leadership. In 1967 Miss Margaret Kane came from England and set up a program which is now carried forward by Mr. Raymond Fung. The program involves seminars, and less formal contacts with workers, managers, Christian ministers, with students, teachers, and social workers. John Espy has looked at this situation from a different angle. He sees the students, especially in Chung Chi College, and asks how best they may be prepared to provide technological and managerial leadership for the industries. The question is often the other way around: how can the firms be persuaded that hiring the trained young people will improve their technical and managerial level? The economic well-being of 4 million people is at stake. Servicemen's Guides. More than 2 million American servicemen have passed through the doors of Servicemen's Guides since 1955, sometimes at an average of 10 or 15 thousand a month. A new building at Fenwick Pier, completed in 1970, will allow for even better ministry in the future. Among the facilities offered are a place to change money, to buy snacks and photographic supplies, and to get information of all kinds. Opportunities for wholesome recreation are arranged, and occasionally a work project of service to some Christian agency. And of course the chaplains are always available for counselling. Frank Knight has served as Protestant Chaplain, 1966-1970. He has been responsible to the local Protestant Committee for Work among Servicemen, which in turn is related to the Committee on Ministry to Service Personnel in the Far East, a committee of the National Council of Churches of the U.S.A. Christian Study Centre on Chinese Religion and Culture. The purpose of this Centre is set forth in its name. Buddhism, Confucianism, and other expressions of the religious life of the Chinese people are studied in depth. Christians are helped to understand and talk with those whose background is not Christian. The program of the Centre consists of research and study, conferences and public lectures, and the publication of two magazines, one in English and one in Chinese. In 1969, the Rev. Fred Brandauer of the Centre staff cooperated with Dr. Morris 1. Berkowitz of the Chung Chi College faculty (1967-1969), and John Reed in a study which resulted in the book, "Folk Religion in an Urban Setting: a Study of Hakka Villagers in Transition." The Centre is located on the top of Tao Fong Shan with its lovely view of the Shatin Valley. The buildings belong to the Christian Mission to Buddhists whose program also centers there. MISSIONARY DIRECTORY
Back Row: Olley, Hackett, Smith, Schock, Noren Front Row: Proctor, Olley, Reed, Smith, Schock, Noren, Wigginton, Sutton Absent: John Reed, Marion Hackett Miss Edna dewitt Smith who is now Mrs. B. W. Armstrong, served in South China for many years. She came to Hong Kong in 1954, and left in 1964. Miss Sara B. Downer was a missionary in the West China Mission for many years. She came to Hong Kong in 1955, and left for retirement in 1962. Rev. and Mrs. Alvin D. Koons (Barbara) came to Hong Kong in 1962, and left in 1967. Their children are Kathie, David, and Melissa. Rev. and Mrs. Frark H. Knight, Jr. (Joyce) and their two girls, Krista and Marla, were in Hong Kong from December 1965 to April 1970. Miss Sharon Parks arrived in Hong Kong in August 1968. She left in the summer of 1969. Rev. and Mrs. Hugh W. Smith (Ann) came to Hong Kong in 1958. Rev. and Mrs. Loren E. Noren (Ruth) went to South China in 1946. Ruth left in 1950, and Loren in 1952. They came to Hong Kong in 1954. Dr. and Mrs. William D. Hackett (Marion) after many years in Burma, came to Hong Kong in 1967. Rev. and Mrs. Harold D. Schock (Estelle) arrived in 1967, following eleven years in Burma. Miss Mildred Proctor served first in East China, and then in the Philippine Mission before coming to Hong Kong in 1960. Miss June M. Sutton came in 1965, as our first Australian staff member. Dr. and Mrs. John W. Olley (Elaine) came from Australia in 1968. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Reed (Kathie) are here for a 3-year assigmnent, 1967-,1970. Mrs. Helen Wigginton is here fox a 2-year assignment, 1968.1970. Dr. and Mrs. John L. Espy (Ruth) were in Hong Kong 1962-1967. They will return in 1970. They had previous experience in Turkey.
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included many young people who hoped to find freedom to grow
intellectually. They included also faculty members and graduates of the colleges which had flourished in
China. The University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911, and teaching largely
in the English language, was not able to accommodate the influx.
